Whether you are a gap year student looking to expand your horizons or someone keen to explore the world and all it has to offer, you should definitely be considering Africa as your next destination.
Africa is a huge continent, varied in its climate, landscapes, and cultures. Within its boundaries, you can find beaches, savanna lands, as well as pyramids, deserts, and modern and lively cities. There is so much to see and do in Africa that one trip cannot be enough. But just in case you are struggling to narrow it down, here are some suggestions of things you should definitely not miss.
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A Safari On the Masai Mara
One of the most famous sites of the African continent are the plains of Masai Mara. Here you will find the famous Masai warrior tribe and plenty of wild animals. This makes it the perfect spot for a safari allowing you to spot hippos, giraffes, and other exotic creatures in their natural habitat.
Spreading over Tanzania and Kenya, the Masai Mara National Park is the location most explorers head to for their visit. There, you can spend time with local Masai guides and learn about their culture and traditions, as well as how they have survived for so long in this hard environment.
Table Mountain, Cape Town
Another experience you won’t want to miss when visiting Africa is a trip to Cape Town to stand on the summit of Table Mountain.
Standing 1,085 m tall, this peak is accessible on a hike or by riding the cable car to the top. There, you will be greeted by the most amazing view of the city, extending all the way across the bay. This is well worth a visit if you come near this location on your African trip.
Volunteering in Ghana
Another wonderful experience to have while in Africa is to help on a volunteer program. These run all over the continent, although many people choose to volunteer in Ghana, as there is particularly good infrastructure for it there.
You can use your specialist skills, e.g. by teaching English or medicine, or you can muck in with the building and conservation work that needs doing.
Through this, not only will you get the experience of working in another country and meeting lots of people from another culture, but you also get to leave knowing that you have contributed something significant to people’s lives, which makes it that much more meaningful.
The Great Pyramids of Giza
People often forget that Egypt is geographically located in Africa, as it is more associated with the Middle East. But if you find yourself in this region, there are lots of wonderful experiences to be had.
There are the fabulous and luxurious beach resorts to visit on the coast. Or, if you are looking for something a little more cultural, take a guided tour of the great pyramids of Giza, which are a stunning marvel of construction and still stand as a testament to the power of the Pharaohs today.
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