After Asia, Africa is the world’s second largest and second most populated content and with less infrastructure than many other regions, it can be a bit tricker to navigate the gigantic landmass of Africa. Yet, if you make the effort, you’ll be rewarded with all of Africa’s glory.
From safaris in Kruger National Park to soaking up the beaches of Cape Town to the nearby Stellenbosch wine region to the under-estimated wonders of Johannesburg, South Africa is often the first country many travellers visit in Africa.
I’ve also explored Zimbabwe and The Gambia, where I took an unexpectedly rewarding African safari in neighbouring Senegal.
Many visitors also add west Africa’s highlights of Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Madagascar to their lists.
And let’s not forget North Africa; Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt offering their own special kind of African magic. With the Great Pyramids of Giza being the only remaining Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it’s hard to know where to start with your Africa trip planning.
In my Africa blog posts I share with you travel itineraries and lists of what to do in Africa. And don’t miss my Africa safari packing list. A great addition to my Ultimate Packing List.
Over 100 years old, covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres and home to The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo), Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the oldest, largest and most popular safari parks in Africa. Which is why I chose Kruger for my first ever safari. As a complete newbie, … Read more
Perhaps it was because I flew to South Africa just after New Year, and my brain was still addled with sherry, but I didn’t give a great deal of thought to my packing for my safari. I just threw a handful of ‘adventure’ items into my bag and pointed myself towards Johannesburg for my month-long … Read more
Despite being surrounded by oceans and beaches, Cape Town isn’t the kind of place you go to lie down. Immediately, you’re drawn inward towards the towering vision of Table Mountain. East, the vines pull you into the thick of Stellenbosch. Even South, down towards the water, the penguins at Boulders Beach live playfully, still keeping … Read more
Johannesburg defies all logic. And, had a meteorite not struck in the region 2020 million years ago, encouraging gold up to depths that could be mined, the city probably never would have existed. At 1,700 feet above sea level and with no natural water source, Johannesburg contains none of the natural or geographical infrastructure that … Read more
“It’s dangerous.” “Especially for a woman on her own.” “You definitely shouldn’t drive the garden route by yourself.” If there was one piece of consistent advice I received when I was in South Africa it was that driving the garden route – the famous stretch of road from Cape Town up to Port Elizabeth – … Read more
“I bet Alex Haley would turn in his grave if he could see this village now,” I whispered to my friend. We were sat under the cover of concrete and the King of the village (who happened to be a woman) was presenting certificates for sale. They were simple photocopies on plain A4 paper serving … Read more
One of the main attractions of The Gambia was its prime location in the midst of Senegal and despite such a short trip to the region I was determined to cross the border to Senegal even if it was only a brief glimpse. After some research (yay – I can do it!) I concluded that … Read more
After a long cold British winter, lying on a beach was top priority for my short jaunt to West Africa perhaps with a fleeting trip to see The Gambia in between. However, somewhere between my first round-the-world trip and my subsequent travels I have lost my patience for sitting still and after a day and … Read more
If you’ve reached my site because you are searching for sex tourism in the Gambia (and my site statistics tell me that a fair number of you are), I’m afraid you have come to the wrong place. However, please read on before you click-off. Sex tourism is a complex subject and the following represents my … Read more