Africa is the oldest inhabited continent on Earth and is known as “the Mother Continent”. It is home to over 50 individual countries, each with its own culture, historical feats and identity. A place of wonder, myth, mystique and cultural discovery, of outstanding wildlife and bustling cities. As the author of The Jungle Book, Rudyard Kipling said “One cannot resist the lure of Africa”.
In recent years, Africa’s exquisite prolific conurbations have been some of the most popular in the world, and the significant developmental expansion in infrastructure and economic opportunities ensure that the tourism statistics continue doubling every year. Whether the visit is for an ancestral discovery or merely leisure vacation, the vast landscape of Africa has a city, town, settlement that will meet your needs, and exceed your greatest expectations.
Experience the second largest continent in the world with its immense jaw-dropping wildlife creatures, splendid geographical features, stunning beaches, and awe-inspiring cultures.
Africa is more than a visit to the ancient Egyptian monuments or a safari tour to Massai Mara.
1. Swaziland (Eswatini)
Go back in time to the days of monarchies, kingdoms and court intrigue in Eswatini. The Kingdom of Eswatini also referred to as Swaziland is a landlocked monarchy in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa to its north and Mozambique to its northeast. Among Eswatini’s notable natural wonders is its wildlife. There are several globally threatened and endemic species in Eswatini, including the critically endangered South-central black rhinoceros. You can explore all these in Hlane Royal National Park, which is the largest conservation area in the region.
The intriguing Eswatini Kingdom boasts adrenaline boosting activities such as mountain biking and rafting. Observe the lively and colorful traditions and culture with ceremonies and celebrations. The most popular is the annual Umhlanga Reed Dance, an eight-day ceremony where girls cut reeds and present to the Queen Mother and then dance. Experience the stunning flatland and mountain scenery, distinguished accommodation options and the well-renowned Eswatini’s high-quality handicrafts.
Note
Swaziland is divided into four climatic regions – the Highveld, Middleveld, Lowveld and Lubombo plateau. These seasons are the reverse of what obtains in the Northern Hemisphere. Rain, often in the form of thunderstorms, falls during the summer months and its dry season is in winter.
3. Alexandria, Egypt
Founded in 331 BC, Egypt second largest city is a legendary city quite famous in antiquity for the site of the great Pharaohs lighthouse considered among the seven wonders of the world. Its Great Library was also considered the archive of ancient knowledge. Visitors can experience and get drunk on books in the Bibliotheca Alexandrina – the magnificent modern library of Alexandria, which is located amid the once-grand seafront Corniche.
Alexandria’s commercial and industrial activities – shipping, manufacturing, banking, warehousing, production of cement and petrochemicals, food procession mark evolution in the great city. Experienced the fabled cultural locales in Egypt
- Alexandria National Museum
- Mahmoud Said Museum
- Catacombs of Kom Ash Shuqqafa
- Fort Qaitbey
- Kom Al Dikka
- Pompey’s Pillar & the Temple of Serapeum
3. Essaouira, Morocco
Formerly known as Mogador, the breezy and bright Medina of Essaouira is renowned for its coastal serenity. Known as the “Wind City of Africa”, it is a hotspot for windsurfers between April and November. Following its name which means “little picture”, Essaouira is a fairy tale locale with a vibrant white and blue inner walled city (Medina), imposing stone gates (Babs) and amazing tourist attractions.
Get the best view of the city by the ocean in Skala Du Port where you can see a small island with the remains of a historic fort. Argan trees are popular in this city, so visitors particularly enjoy the spectacular view of tree-climbing goats. Music lovers revel in the exceptional Gnaoua Festival of World Music which is regularly held in the last week of June. Named the “Moroccan Woodstock”. It lasts for four days and attracts thousands of spectators.
Experience the peculiar Portuguese architecture of Essaouira, and its streets lined with handmade textiles, colourful pottery and leather goods. Relax in the Essaouira riads, hotels, and enjoy the amazing cuisine.
Wander through the jaw-dropping palm-lined avenues and the spice-scented lanes of this fortified medina in autumn and spring, browse the many boutiques and art galleries. Or, pay a visit to the most incredible sights in Essaouira.
- Sqala du Port and Sqala de la Kasbah fortifications
- Picturesque gates: Bob Manjana with clocktower, Port de la Marine
- Tagart beach with its sand dunes
- Sidi Mogdoul lighthouse
- Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption catholic church
- Ben Youssef Mosque
- Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Museum
4. Kumasi, Ghana
The beautiful capital city of the Ashanti region, a historical and very important centre in Ghana; Kumasi is the industrial, commercial and cultural capital of Asanteman. Kumasi is unsurprisingly dubbed as “The Garden City” because of its terrific species of flora and fauna. Explore Kumasi’s four public recreational parks – Abbey’s Park, Heros’s Park, Jackson’s Park and Rattray Park.
Kumasi is well known for its wealth of culture, and it’s known to be dripping with Ashanti traditions. It remains the seat of the Asantehene (Asante King) and the site of the Golden Stool, a symbol of unity and royal authority. Kumasi also houses the Manhyia Palace Museum, the Mframabuom Cave and the Bobiri Forest Reserve.
Take a stroll to the surrounding Kumasi villages where artisans specialise in crafts such as wood carving, goldsmithing, cloth printing and weaving. Pankrono is the best place to visit for pottery, Ahwiaa for woodcarving, Bonwire for the trendy kente cloth and Ntonso for adinkra cloth.
The huge Kejetia market is the heart of Kumasi, and it throbs just like a traditional talking drum, spilling its wares into the city, so that no matter your location in Kumasi, you still feel the ambience of the marketplace.
5. Agadir, Morocco
Nestled on the coast of Morocco and at the base of the Atlas Mountains, Agadir is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Morocco. This cultural city is well known for its wide crescent beaches, golf courses, and seaside promenade lined with restaurants, cafes and bars. One of the tourist’s highlights of this city is the Timitar festival, a festival of music and Amazigh from around the globe, which is held in Agadir every summer.
Perched atop a hill in Agadir’s oldest district is the Kasbah, an array of fortifications built in 1541. You can take a hike up to it for a stunning view of Arabic architecture. Unlike the beaches in Essaouira which are battered by Atlantic winds, the famous beautiful Agadir beaches are tranquil and welcoming. Get properly pampered in the Argan Palace where people wash and socialize.
Take a walk to La Medina d’Agadir, an open-air, a life-size recreation of Agadir’s former medina which was destroyed in the earthquake. The Souss Massa located south of Agadir is a park where several exotic birds come to breed, and it is the only place in the world where the northern bald ibis can be seen.
Africa is a beautiful continent, covered with stunning landscapes, cultures, legends, and exotic wildlife.
Is your passport ready?
Roland Ogundipe
Afrikagora Magazine
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