With an ancient history dating back to 3300 BC, Africa has an indefinable mystery and allure surrounding it, and each country within this large continent differs dramatically. The North African countries – Morocco, Egypt or Tunisia are closer in culture to the Arab countries, whereas South Africa is a multicultural melting pot with strong Dutch and British roots. Most of the other countries including Nigeria, Sudan and Mali retain their rich African heritage.
Traveling to Africa is an experience that even the most jaded visitor never forgets, but it’s important to plan your trip right since it is such a vast continent. If you’re interested in a trip to safari then book flights to Kenya for the most impressive wildlife and the best organized tours. Or if history is your forte, where better to revel in the past than the ancient land of the pyramids and pharaohs? Book flights to Egypt for an experience of a lifetime. But if your idea of the perfect vacation is to spend lazy days on unspoiled beaches, then the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania will leave you breathless.
Wherever you decide to travel to Africa, it's sure to be a vacation you'll never forget.
Find flights to Africa
Back to top
The weather throughout the African continent is generally the same: warm year round. But the North African countries including Egypt and Tunisia tend to be extremely hot between the months of June and September. High season is from September to April when the weather’s milder.
Back to top
The best time for game watching and safari is in mid-summer, specifically July when the rainy season is over.
South Africa enjoys its high season in December and January when hordes of tourists visit its cities, but flights and accommodations are exceptionally higher during this period. Try to avoid visiting in from September to January when the gale winds blow wildly.
Countries closer to the Indian Ocean, Tanzania and Mauritius for example, have a heavy tropical rainy season that runs anywhere from January to March or even until June in some countries. For the best weather, visit anytime between June and October but try to avoid the scorching heat from December to March.
Find flights to Africa
Back to top
Traveling within the African continent is best done by plane and most countries have their own national carriers including: Air Afrique, Air Mauritius, Air Tanzania, Ethiopian Airlines, Egypt Air, Kenya Airways and Virgin Nigeria.
When visiting countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya or Senegal the best options for getting around are buses or bush taxis, with the exception of the Northern African countries: Egypt, Tunisia and Libya where public transportation is well developed. Tunisia has a modern tram network and suburban train line (TMG) both of which are efficient and clean. Egypt also has a metro system that many visitors use instead of buses or cars since traffic can be a nightmare, especially in Cairo.
In South Africa there are plenty of ways to get around the major cities. Taxis are readily available everywhere and are a safer option when going out at night. Metro commuter trains, buses and “Riki” transports are cheaper ways to get around.
If you’re visiting one of the African islands including Zanzibar or Mauritius your best option would be to hire a moped, bicycle or motorbike to travel around easily.
Back to top
- History buffs should head to Tunisia where they’ll find ancient Roman ruins in Carthage and Roman mosaics in the UNESCO World-Heritage protected Medina. Libya is another fascinating North African country that boasts remains of Greek and Roman civilizations. And Egypt, of course, is undeniably the mecca of archaeologists and historians.
- Many travelers would pick the Caribbean when searching for a beach destination, but Africa has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, for example, has some of the best diving and fishing in the area. While the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania has been dubbed “paradise” by many visitors because of its turquoise waters.
- Zebras running in the wild, elephants brushing up against your jeep; these are the images of safari – African safari to be precise, and Kenya offers visitors an authentic safari experience in game lodges and tented camps. Less popular than South Africa, but virtually untouched, is Botswana – home to the spectacular Okavango Delta. Here, you’ll find a 5,850 sq. mile inland flood plain filled with waterways, forests, islands and stunning wildlife.
- If Lawrence of Arabia ever inspired you to ride on a horse through the endless desert, then you’ll get your wish in Mali. This West African country sits on the edge of the Sahara, the world’s largest desert, where nomads and camels ride in from the legendary city of Timbuktu.
- Safaris, beaches, nightlife and history: South Africa seamlessly combines them all. Head to Cape Town and visit the infamous Robben Island prison where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned under Apartheid. Then take the cable car up to Table Mountain and enjoy the sensational views of the city.
Find flights to Africa
Back to top
