10 popular African destinations you should visit in 2021
1. Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda
Go Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park, Photo credit: Bisate Lodge
There is one main reason to travel here – and that is to see gorillas. The Volcanoes National Park is the Rwandan portion of the Virunga Volcanoes Mountains (which straddles Uganda and the DRC as well) and is home to around half of the world’s mountain gorillas and often considered as Africa’s best gorilla trekking experience.
2. Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve – South Africa
Spot leopards in Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Set along the Kruger National Park’s western boundary, this private reserve offers the best Big 5 game viewing in Southern Africa as well as some of Africa’s most luxurious and groundbreaking lodges. And the best part, the Sabi Sand is easy to access and far away from tourist crowds of Kruger National Park!
3. Kafue – Zambia
Explore the Kafue National Park from above. Credit: Shumba Camp
A hidden gem of a safari destination and flying well below the radar of most safari travellers, Kafue is the largest of Zambia’s conservation areas. With only a handful of lodges, this enormous reserve is often explored with barely another vehicle in sight. Added to this the huge number of unusual plains game, such as lechwe and puku, and the usual predators they attract, Kafue is an off-the-beaten-track destination to add to your bucket list.
4. Skeleton Coast – Namibia
Skeleton Coast, where the desert meets the ocean
Named after the shipwrecks which litter the beaches of northern Namibia, the Skeleton Coast is a remote and desolate part of Africa. With great sweeping vistas of vast desert and violent ocean, you would be surprised to find the volume of fauna and flora it supports. Lions on the beach, brown hyenas, seals and oryx make this a perfect stop in a Namibian itinerary – but be warned, it sells out fast.
5. Pemba Island – Zanzibar
Welcome to your paradise in the Indian Ocean
Situated in the Indian Ocean, a short distance off the Tanzania coast – Zanzibar has a colourful history with connections to Africa, Middle East and Asia. As you would expect the culture is a big drawcard for visiting however the island life of palm-fringed beaches, cerulean waters and local dhow sailing boats make this an island paradise like no other.
6. Masai Mara – Kenya
Live your African dream in the Masai Mara
Easily one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations – there is little which needs to be said about it. A well known cog of the great migration machine, the Masai Mara is actually an incredible destination to visit year-round. One particular highlight would be to view Africa’s magic from the air in a hot-air balloon ride over the savannah.
7. Franschhoek – South Africa
Fall in love with the Cape Winelands
As the only town featured in our list, Franschhoek clearly has to be something special – and it really is. This quaint little town is very firmly part of South Africa’s famous wine route. Synonymous with its effortless French flair, it is not surprising that Franschhoek boasts a significant number of award winning restaurants and wine farms to please even the pickiest gourmand.
8. Selous – Tanzania
Dream safari, anyone?
Probably a name you have never encountered before, but trust me you need to take note. Selous National Park is actually Africa’s largest game reserve and, although difficult to imagine, it is four times the size of the Serengeti! A traditional Big 5 safari destination, with incredible numbers of buffalo and elephant as well, what really makes this place stand out is its remoteness and raw, untouched wilderness.
9. Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe
Spend a night in a hide surrounded by nature, Photo credit: The Hide
From Africa’s largest reserve, to Zimbabwe’s. Hwange (pronounced ‘Wang-gee’). Boasting huge herds of elephants (second only to Chobe National Park), as well as a very strong lion population with frequent sightings. This reserve is also an important breeding ground for the endangered African wild dog, black rhino as well as both sable and roan antelope.
10. Amboseli – Kenya
Panorama views with the Kilimanjaro in the background
I’m certain you have all seen the iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro – the world’s tallest free standing mountain. Well they are more than likely to have been taken in Amboseli. The mountain is actually situated across the border in Tanzania, but the game rich area of Amboseli, with large herds of elephants, is a great reason to enjoy this spectacular reserve.
Source: https://blog.rhinoafrica.com/2020/12/23/african-places-to-travel-to/
