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Destinations africa with iwanowski – s travel discover

Destinations africa with iwanowski - s travel discover

Destinations in Africa: An Overview

The fascination inherent in Southern Africa is reflected in the magical effect it has on its visitors. Many vacationers come again and again and extend their travels from the well-developed tourist countries such as South Africa or Namibia to lesser-known destinations such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique or Botswana. The country, with the auspicious name of Zambia, marks the transition to eastern Africa, where countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Ethiopia all come up with a no less impressive diversity.

A world apart is Madagascar, which lures far out in the Indian Ocean with its endemic fauna and flora and wonderful sandy beaches. Despite their many similarities, such as the typical African savanna landscape with its unique wildlife, but each of these countries is unique in its own way.

Travel to southern and eastern Africa

Due to the size of the continent and the different climatic zones, Africa can be visited all year round. In many areas, the dry season is the most pleasant travel time, it usually falls in the European summer months. Then the animals gather at the few remaining waterholes and thanks to the sparse leafy shrubs and trees, lions, antelopes, cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes, zebras or giraffes can be spotted more easily.

Safari in Africa

Wildlife viewing is high on the list of activities. Therefore, the idea of ​​a trip to Africa is almost inextricably linked to the term “safari”. The word, which was taken from the Kisuaheli and means nothing more than travel, initially referred to colonial big game hunts in East Africa. Today safari means watching the wildlife in its original habitat and, above all, photographing it. In the process, amateur photographers are enthusiastic about the African lighting conditions and the extraordinary motifs. No continent in the world is home to so many different species of animals in their original environment and can be observed undisturbed – this makes a trip to Africa a unique experience that often has a lasting effect.

In general, a distinction is made between a private, individual safari with a rental car or an organized tour. Both forms of travel have advantages and disadvantages and should be chosen according to personal wishes, but also with regard to the local conditions.

Africa travel for all ages and interests

In addition, southern and eastern Africa are suitable for all ages and interest groups: Active vacationers will find a wide range of possibilities, from the thrilling self-drive trip in Namibia and Botswana to white water rafting on the Zambezi (Victoria Falls) to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. For those who, despite all the adventures, do not want to miss out on comfort and luxury, special offers in Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania and Zimbabwe are highly recommended: even in the middle of the wilderness you will be spoiled “at its finest”.

And even with children, an Africa trip is feasible. Although Africa is not an outspoken family travel destination, with the right planning, parents and children are guaranteed an unforgettable holiday. The encounter with a still largely intact nature and above all with animals, which one knows otherwise only from picture books, the zoo or films, is an experience for the whole life.

Particularly suitable for a family vacation are trips to South Africa and Namibia, z. As a tour with the four-wheel drive with roof tent and appropriate outdoor equipment or a trip with stays in the typical guest farms.

Have you fancy the most beautiful and exciting countries of southern and eastern Africa? Let yourself be inspired and browse through our pages with many travel tips from real Africa experts. Order our free catalog today or send us your non-binding travel inquiry. We are happy to advise you individually on your African trip!

The countries of southern Africa

Botswana

Although Botswana is located in the interior of southern Africa, water plays a prominent role in the landscape: while the south of the country is dominated by the Kalahari, the northwest is dominated by the foothills of the Okavango, which form the largest inland delta in the world. Here, the mighty river pours into the sand of the Kalahari, branches into innumerable tributaries and canals to finally seep into it.

The Okavango Delta is an Eldorado for all kinds of African animals. Between savannah, desert and water you will find the largest wild herds of the entire continent. If you want to see and experience this wildlife lonely, wild and original, you can make your African dream come true in Botswana. From camping to luxury lodge far away from every civilization everything is offered. Since the supply is often very expensive due to the sometimes extreme inaccessibility, Botswana is a rather expensive travel destination. For self-propelled Botswana is a real adventure destination and a four-wheel drive vehicle with roof tent is recommended. Traveling by lorry from lodge to lodge is more convenient – many lodgings are often only accessible this way or by boat.

Namibia

Between the deserts of the Namib and the Kalahari are vast savanna landscapes. Here lies Namibia, a land of great grandeur. It impresses with meter-high dunes, rugged mountain areas and wild coastline. Landscape and animal experiences are in the foreground on a Namibia trip – world famous are for example the Etosha National Park or the Sossusvlei, a large, surrounded by high dunes loam.

The infrastructure for the traveler is very good: A relatively dense road network of natural and asphalt roads also opens up remote areas. For every budget you will find the right accommodation – from the superluxury lodge to the outdoor camping at easy-to-find places. Namibia-specific are the many guest farms that offer the traveler authentic accommodation with personal service and family access. Namibia is ideal for self-drive, but also friends of small group safaris find a wide range – often with German-speaking tour guide.

Zambia

Zambia is often referred to as “Real Africa” ​​and offers its visitors a diverse natural and landscape: large rivers with side arms, swamps and savannas, African bush landscape and forests and mountain ranges are home to a very diverse wildlife, depending on the region in the safari vehicle, explore on foot or on a boat safari. In addition, the country fascinates by its incomparably warm-hearted, happy and open inhabitants, its originality and in many places by its vastness and loneliness. All this makes Zambia a unique destination for both Africa newbies and connoisseurs.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a little jewel among African destinations, so completely individual and yet without any mass tourism: far from the sea, it has no coasts – but beautiful mountains, the famous Victoria Falls of the Zambezi and the mighty Karibasee. The population is very friendly and open to strangers, there are small authentic villages, the infrastructure with roads and accommodation is well maintained and therefore suitable for self-drive. The wildlife at Hwange National Park, the Mana Pools and the Karibasee is versatile. Unique are the ruins of Greater Zimbabwe with their mythical past, testimony to the ancient history of the country. In Zimbabwe, one has the feeling of diving deeper into another world within Africa.

South Africa

“A world in one country” is the slogan of South Africa. And that’s basically all said. Hardly any other country has such diversity as the largest country in southern Africa. Here you will find almost everything: deserts and subtropical landscapes, long and wide beaches, high mountains, savannas and a remarkable wildlife. But the contrast between traditional tribal life and urban culture makes the stay in South Africa always exciting. There are plenty of culinary highlights, especially in the Cape region with its vineyards or in Durban with its many Indian influences.

South Africa is an ideal country for self-drivers and campers, because no other African country offers such a good infrastructure. The roads are mostly paved, but the gravel roads in remote areas are in good condition. Accommodations range from simple to luxurious: clean, convenient campgrounds set in breathtaking scenery, quaint bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels and designer lodges are sure to appeal to every taste and budget.

The countries of eastern Africa

Ethiopia

Ethiopia is located in eastern Africa and borders Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti. It is a land of culture, nature and contrasts. Ethiopia is considered the “cradle of humanity” and at the same time one of the poorest countries in the world. In terms of tourism, Ethiopia can not be compared to countries like Botswana, South Africa or Namibia. Luxury hotels with European standard you look for in vain. The country offers an unrivaled travel experience, not least because of its cultural wealth and the exciting contrasts between the high culture of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity and the original tribal areas.

Ethiopia is not suitable for self-drive and should always be traveled with an experienced tour guide who will help you understand the culture and beauty of the country.

Kenya

Kenya is considered the birthplace of safari tourism and is one of the most versatile countries in Africa. Whether it’s a trip to the scenic Amboseli National Park, the lesser-known Meru National Park following in the footsteps of naturalists George and Joy Adamson and their lions, or rhinoceros hunting in the private protected areas of the Laikipia Plateau – Kenya leaves hardly a safari wish unfulfilled. And with the Masai Mara, scene of the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra herds, is located in the East African country one of the most fascinating reserves in the world.

But also far beyond safaris Kenya offers almost unlimited possibilities for a varied journey. Here you will find primeval forests, the lakes of the African Rift Valley and endless sandy beaches on the Indian Ocean. With more than 40 ethnic groups, Kenya is characterized by a great cultural diversity, and above all sits Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa.

The airport in the capital Nairobi is one of the most important hubs in East Africa and is attracted by almost all major airlines at attractive prices all year round. The trip typically takes place on site as an individually guided safari or in small groups.

Mozambique

Mozambique has awakened from the tourist slumber and is becoming increasingly interesting for tourists. The more than 2,500 kilometers long coast on the Indian Ocean is known for beautiful beaches, secluded islands and a fascinating underwater world. The Lugenda Reserve on the border with Tanzania is one of the least visited safari destinations in Africa and the fascinating landscape of Lake Nyasa – also known as Lake Malawi – a real insider tip. For the culturally minded traveler, Ilha de Moçambique, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the capital, Maputo, are a great place to admire impressive buildings by Gustave Eiffel.

The southern part of the country along the coast between Maputo and Vilankulo is now very well on your own with a rental car to explore. In the north of the country, the poor infrastructure makes a self-drive tour of Mozambique almost impossible, so that here almost exclusively travel by plane are offered.

Madagascar

Madagascar is not only Africa’s largest island, but also an untouched natural paradise with a variety of landscapes in a relatively small space. The island in the Indian Ocean impresses with fantastic deserts, steppes, high plains, dense rainforests, long sandy beaches and many national parks with only flora and fauna occurring here. Beautiful coves and secluded beaches on the surrounding islands Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Iranja invite you to swim, snorkel and dive in the turquoise waters and experience a magnificent underwater world. Madagascar has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Tsingy de Bemaraha Nature Reserve, the Royal Hills of Ambohimanga and the rainforests of Atsinanana. Everywhere on the island, one encounters the ancient traditions of the indigenous population, whose fadies (taboos and behavioral rules) must also be observed by visitors.

Simple accommodations and luxury hotels are (almost) always to be found. The selection of restaurants is large, in the cities you can find places with Malagasy, French, Chinese and sometimes even German cuisine and at the roadside cookshops offer Indian dishes.

Because of its size, the “Red Island” has different climate zones, so it can be visited all year round. For direct entry from Germany no vaccinations are required. We recommend a private guided tour, where this mysterious jewel in the Indian Ocean can be discovered individually.

Rwanda

Just south of the equator lies between Uganda and Tanzania the small country Rwanda. Due to the average altitude of 1,500 meters (the highest elevations reach up to 4,500 meters), the climate is warm overall, but temperate and slow, the “land of a thousand hills” opens again to tourism.

Rwanda is best known for its mountain gorillas, thanks to the work of primate researcher Dian Fossey. Therefore, the focus of a Rwanda trip are the great apes and less the otherwise so-known “Big Five” of Africa, ie elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. The Parc national des Volcans and the Virunga National Park are home to the famous mountain gorillas, which can only be visited as part of a guided tour. The permit, so the visit permit, is not very cheap and a Zwischenübernachtung when ascending and descending is usually necessary. The ascent through the jungle is very sweaty and requires a certain condition. The Nyungwe Forest National Park is ideal for chimpanzee trekking. The Kivusee is considered one of the most beautiful Central African lakes and offers many good recreational opportunities – ideal after a strenuous gorilla or chimpanzee trekking. In the Akagera National Park you will find a typical African savannah landscape in which the animal population is increasingly recovering. The eventful history of the country, especially the genocide of 1994, will not leave holidaymakers untouched, which is why a visit to the Genocide Museum in the capital Kigali should not be missed.

Tanzania

Tanzania is voted the most popular safari destination by the trade press year after year. There is hardly another country that has such a wide range of opportunities and covers almost every area of ​​interest. Safari enthusiasts will love the well-known and lesser-known areas of Serengeti, Ruaha or Tarangire, as well as divers on Lake Tanganyika or the Indian Ocean. Outdoor enthusiasts will find everything their heart desires in the Ngorongoro Highlands, the Usambara and Udzungwa mountains. Anyway, hardly anyone can escape the lure of the beautiful sandy beaches of the Swahili coast and the island world of Zanzibar. No less great is the choice of accommodation, which has something for every budget and comfort. Travel in the north of the country is usually done as an individually guided safari or as part of a small group trip. In the south and west are mainly offered because of the great distances flight safaris.

Uganda

Winston Churchill once called Uganda the “Pearl of Africa”. For some years now, the country has returned to the focus of travelers in central East Africa with its natural beauties from the White Nile and its numerous waterfalls, across the vast Lake Victoria to the Ruwenzori Mountains. And quite rightly, because Uganda has much to offer.

The National Park of Ruwenzori Mountains in western Uganda has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status and is home to Margherita Peak, 5,109 meters high. In the Queen Elizabeth National Park you can observe hippos and pelicans as well as buffalos, elephants, lions, antelopes and hundreds of species of birds. The source of the White Nile is located about eighty kilometers from the capital Kampala and offers a variety of holiday opportunities such as white water rafting. In the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park you can observe the rare mountain gorillas. The Kibale Forest and Ngamba Island are famous for their chimpanzees.

The largest protected area in Uganda is the Murchison Falls National Park. The northern part is dominated by a grass savanna, while the southern part is mainly dry forest. Here live among other things Nile crocodiles, hippos and the rare Uganda giraffe. Highly recommended is a boat trip on the Nile to the Murchison Falls.

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