Overwhelming, delicate, and beautiful. These words aren’t enough to describe how stunning Africa is — the second of the world’s largest continent. It is also second of the most populous continent in the entire globe.
There is so much about Africa that makes it a paradise: wildlife, ocean, islands, gulfs, major cities, bustling capital cities, and rich traditions. One thing is for sure: there’s nowhere like Africa on the planet.
We’ve sorted out the top 3 African countries to visit to help you decide for your next vacay.
1. Morocco
Bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea is the marvelous country of Morocco. The country is known for its culture, which is influenced by Berber, Arabian, and European.
Morocco is blessed with a plethora of natural beauty, picturesque scenery, captivating manmade landmarks, and more.
There are tons of places you could go to and activities you will enjoy. Make sure to stop by Jemaa el-Fnaa, the country’s renowned square and marketplace. Locals and tourists meet in this busy square. The square is famous not only because of the tangy and delicious orange juice that several stalls offer but mostly because of the entertainment being provided in the marketplace.
Snake charmers attract tourists during the day. Then comes Chleuh dancing boys, story-tellers, magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines. During the night, the square is again dominated by food stalls.
Then go straight to the majestic Bahia Palace built in the late 19th century. It was intended to be the most magnificent palace of its time.
Next is to stop over the Hassan II Mosque. The iconic ornate mosque and the towering minaret are just a few of the things that tourists go crazy over with.
If you want solitude and idyllic scenery, then you’ve got to visit Toubkal, a mountain peak in the southwestern part of the country and is in the Toubkal National Park.
Want a place of pure brilliance? Visit Erg Chebbi dunes. It is one of the stunning ergs in Morocco formed by wind-blown sand. Enjoy a stunning 360-view of the vast marigold sea of sand.
Another great place to visit in Morocco is the Medina of Marrakesh. It’s the best spot to purchase fresh and affordable produce.
You may also visit Telouet Kasbah, take photos of the ruins, and explore the history of the place.
2. Zambia
From falls to rivers, from parks to safaris, you’ll never really get short of things to love in Zambia. It is the second in our list of the best African countries to visit, and for many reasons.
Situated in southern Africa, Zambia is a landlocked country of diverse wildlife. Zambia hides several gems that shouldn’t be missed. The famed Victoria Falls, for example, is a magnificent natural beauty that magnets tourists.
Victoria Falls isn’t the highest nor the widest waterfall in the entire globe, but it is referred to as the largest, based on its combined width and height.
Did you know? Victoria Falls is twice the height of Niagra Falls and twice the width of Horseshoe Falls (both are in North America).
The Victoria Falls Bridge above the Zambezi River offers a spectacular viewpoint.
The Lower Zambezi National Park is one of the major tourist spots in the country. It lies on the north bank of the Zambezi River. The park has been listed among the world heritage sites.
The park is the best place to witness wild animals, including elephants, leopard, lion, antelope, crocodile, hippopotamus, and buffalo enjoying their lives without cages.
The Kafue National Park is yet another place to visit. It is the largest national park in the country and is home to over 55 various specifies of mammals.
Hear the waters roar in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to one half of the famous Victoria Falls.
The Kariba Dam is another famous landmark and tourist spot in the country. This massive dam is known not only for its strong and robust architecture but, more importantly, because of its notable history.
If you want to learn the history of Zambia, see archaeological finds first-hand, and explore the country’s ethnography, then a visit to the Livingstone Museum is a must.
3. Botswana
Prepare to fall in love with Botswana. This landlocked country in Southern Africa has so much to offer to wildlife and nature lovers alike.
This country is overflowing in national parks, which offers freedom and habitat to wild animals, including giraffes, hyenas, cheetahs, and wild dogs.
Ancient baobabs and salt pans make Nxai Pan National Park unique. Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is also a great nature park to experience a walk with elephants.
If hunting is your sport, you’d be glad to know that Botswana is also filled with game reserves.
You don’t want to miss Deception Valley. It is by far one of the most outstanding spots in Botswana. This valley is perfect for camping, desert, and game reserve.
Since Botswana is mostly comprised of kid-friendly and outdoor camping, then stopping by Qorokwe Camp or other parks they prefer or are nearer to them should go.
Climb the famous Kgale Hill and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view. You will love the cityscape, the fading color of the horizon, the fresh, breezy air, and the lush greenery.
If you only have a couple of days to roam around Botswana, go first to Okavango Delta, a vast inland river delta in northern Botswana. Stopover Moremi Game Reserve and Guma Lagoon.
For the second day, visit Kasane, a town (and a gateway) to Chobe National Park. The famous Chobe Crocodile Farm is just nearby.
Or, if you have four days to explore Botswana, we recommend visiting Maun and navigate Nhabe Museum and Helicopter Horizons. This would take approximately a day.
Spend your last three days in Botswana by paying Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. Walk and take photos at Mokolodi Nature Reserve.