Top 10 Attractions In Africa

Filed Under (Articles) by jack on 06-10-2009

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1. MOUNT KILIMINJARO – TANZANIA
The highest mountain on the African continent, ‘Kili’ measures an astounding 19,340 feet at her highest point. The challenge to climb this majestic mountain has lured many to scale her heights, a demanding but worthwhile ascent by most accounts. Kili, which has five distinct ecological zones, is an extinct volcano.
2. OKAVANGO DELTA – BOTSWANA
The champagne-coloured waterways of this famous floodplain form the basis of a pristine Wetland of International Importance (RAMSAR). With some of the most fantastic birding globally and a wild dog population, the largest inland delta in the world is often called Africa’s most beautiful destination. The region can be explored by land, boat and air. Enjoy the spectacular diversity of flora and fauna species.
3. THE EGYPTIAN PYRAMIDS
Easily the most recognizable of the 7 Wonders of the World, the Egyptian Pyramids have long held fascination for thousands of people. Recent resurgence of interest Egyptology has made trips to this alluring destination more popular than ever. The majority of visitors view the pyramids at Giza. The origins of these majestic structures continue to be a source of lively debate, while the stories of ancient curses and grave robbers delight us all.
4. PONTA DO OURO – MOZAMBIQUE
With around 100 Bottlenose and Spinner dolphins making the sheltered waters of Ponta du Ouro their home, this region is definitely worth visiting. Dive the reefs to 40 metres in depth; they are teeming with a rainbow of marine life. Dolphin dives are a popular while in winter the haunting call of the humpback whale can be heard.
5. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – SOUTH AFRICA
The oldest, most established reserve in Africa, the Kruger boasts an amazing variety of game and bird life throughout its numerous habitats. The fantastic opportunities to view the Big Five draw many visitors to the park, hoping to spot lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and black rhinoceros. Game drives and guided walking trails offer great animal watching opportunities in the African bush.
6. DJEMAA el FNAA SQUARE – MARRAKESH – MOROCCO
A tapestry of colours, smells, sites and wonderful local characters make a visit to this bustling marketplace an unforgettable experience. Be entertained by fortune tellers, street performers and henna women. The Municipal Market sells local fresh produce. Take a ride in a Horse-drawn carriage and enjoy the spectacular sunset. More performers come out in the evening and entertain till midnight. Enjoy the famous local orange juice or mint tea!
7. THE SERENGETI – TANZANIA
The Serengeti National Park, covering 14,763 sq. km, is named ‘endless plains’ in Masai. Here are 35 species of mammals, including wildebeest, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant and giraffe, and over 200 species of birds.
The annual wildebeest migration is possibly the most spectacular natural event in Africa.
8. THE VICTORIA FALLS – ZIMBABWE
From either Zimbabwe or Zambia you can experience the world’s largest sheet of falling water. The spray can be seen up to 30 kilometres away – hence the local name ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – “The smoke that thunders”.
Apart from the spectacular views including permanent rainbows arcing across the face of the falls, one can experience the waters along the river at closer quarters with white water rafting.
9. LAKE MALAWI
The 3rd largest lake in Africa is a tropical paradise. The tranquil waters lap against shores lined with palm, mango, banana and avocado trees. Here you can kayak, while snorkeling offers access to the colourful kaleidoscope of endemic cichlids found at this UNESCO world heritage site.
10. TABLE MOUNTAIN – SOUTH AFRICA
This iconic landmark stands in the centre of the beautiful city of Cape Town.
Climb, or experience the wonders of the revolving cable car. Either way a visit to one of the most recognizable mountains in the world is a must for your trip around the great African continent. And while you’re there, enjoy the wonders of Cape Town -beaches, winelands, Robben Island – each one a ‘Top 10′ in its own right!

Francois Botha is the developer of Akuko, a blog covering South Africa, travel, news, Cape Town and everything interesting. To read more of his articles visit his South Africa blog.

A Typical Camping Safari Adventure in Tanzania

Filed Under (Articles) by jack on 28-09-2009

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Imagine being right in the heart of the wilderness with a camping safari in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Samantha Riechter and her boyfriend Thomas Beck, German tourists, agreed that a camping safari in Tanzania brings an unforgettable up-close and personal experience of the African bush. At the break of dawn, the two trek near the Crater’s rim while the shifting colors of the morning sun illuminate the acacia landscape. The savannah is bright red, then orange and finally settling to a golden hue as the grassland comes to life. They begin their day by taking a short walk just to awaken their spirits. Upon their return, a full English breakfast is served in the open under a morning breeze. Soon, they embark on a morning game drive, where they are treated to the rich tapestry of habitats teeming with wildlife and exotic birds. Samantha can not believe the immense wildlife especially the rarely seen black rhino.

They soon return to the campsite at midday for lunch under the shade of a Baobab tree. A tasty meal with fresh vegetable and tropical fruit is served. After, a siesta is as welcoming as a gaze over the seemingly endless plains sprawling for miles on end. Soon, it will be time for an exciting afternoon game drive. The game viewing is abundant with lions, hippos, rhinos, cheetahs, buffaloes and giraffes just beyond their wondering eyes. Under the dazzling colors of sunset, they return to the campsite holding hands intimately, where they take a warm shower and wait for another Tanzania safari adventure.

Juma, the Tanzanian safari cook anxiously awaits their arrival at the dinner table immaculately set next to a crackling campfire underneath the brilliant canopy of stars. While they dine on a five-course safari cuisine, gazelles make their way to a favorite watering hole while curious baboons sniff the aroma of the rich Tanzanian coffee in another adventurer’s cup. After dinner, an evening of stories and tails are shared by the flickering campfire as relationships cement and memories forged forever in wilderness. As night falls, Samantha and Thomas casually head to their tent for a well deserved rest.

While Samantha drifts off to sleep under the canvas tent, Thomas hears a lion’s roar and a hyena’s mating call in the distance. He’s not startled, as a ranger stands guard throughout the night. Samantha was already in slumber land after a long day’s walk. As the whispering wind blows, tenderly brushing the tents Thomas is gently lured into a deep sleep. The midnight coolness punctuated with the occasional echo ushers in the wee hours of morning. After a peaceful night, the terrain begins to slowly come to life again, as the two awaken for a new day of discovery.

Samantha and Thomas begin this new day by exploring the surrounding wilderness on foot, as they walk beyond the campsite, taking time to observe the small wonders, such as spiders, ant lions, and dung beetles. Led by a qualified ranger, the two embark on a walking safari taking them to the Ngorongoro Crater’s edge. Here, they are astounded by plentiful game drinking at a nearby lake. Like the day before, they undoubtedly witness another black rhino in distance while prides of lions that include the magnificent black-manned males roam the grasslands just before the acacia filled hills. They also observe lots of colourful flamingoes and a variety of other exotic water birds around the lake on the crater floor. Along the way, a hearty al fresco brunch is served under a shady tree, followed by a short siesta in a hammock.

There’s no better way than a camping safari in Tanzania to experience the true essence of the African wilderness. Like Samantha and Thomas, if you befit a adventurous person who respects nature and wants to experience the African bush in its unique environment, arrange a tailor-made Tanzania camping safari in the unspoiled, untouched reaches of northern Tanzania.

Adam Karume is the Public Relations Manager for Amani Tours Ltd., a unique African safari company in Tanzania. Get the latest Tanzania safari information at:http://www.amani-tours.com