Africa's best wildlife parks

Africa’s multitude of national parks, reserves and conservation areas are some of the most beautiful places on the planet, and home to a bewildering variety of wild animals – watch lions stalk their prey, see wildebeest and zebras migrating, or track gorillas through rain forest. Wherever you go, a wildlife safari (from the Swahili meaning ‘long journey’) will undoubtedly be a major highlight of your trip. Vast distances (some parks are bigger than small nations) and the unpredictable nature of large animals usually mean you need a vehicle to visit the national parks, often a 4WD, plus a knowledgeable guide. Going solo is possible but expensive so many visitors opt to join an organized safari. There are itineraries to suit all budgets, starting from around US$100 per day for a basic all-inclusive experience.

Serengeti National Park

Masai Mara National Reserve

Kruger National Park

Africa's top ancient sites and early civilizations

Africans were developing commercial empires and complex urban societies while Europeans were still running after wildlife with clubs. Arguably the greatest of the African empires was the first: ancient Egypt. Formed through an amalgamation of already organised states in the Nile Delta around 3100 BC, Egypt achieved an amazing degree of cultural and social sophistication. Aksum, which controlled much of Sudan and southern Arabia at the height of its powers between AD 100 and 940, was the first truly African indigenous state. Before the Romans took control of North Africa there was the city state of Carthage (in modern day Tunisia), while on the West African coast the area centred on present-day Mali was home to a hugely wealthy series of empires that flourished over the course of more than 800 years. Southern Africa had the medieval city of Great Zimbabwe, construction of which began in the 11th century.

Africa's World Heritage Sites

Since Île de Gorée in Senegal was inscribed as Africa’s first World Heritage site in 1978, Unesco has recognized a further 128 sites spread across the continent. Sites range from the iconic structures such as Giza’s pyramids to the beautiful and unique flowers of the Cape Floral Region. Ethiopia is blessed with nine World Heritage locations – the most for a single country. These include the remains of the powerful early kingdom of Aksum and Simien National Park as well as the amazing rock hewn churches of Lalibela. Other nations with seven or more sites include Tanzania, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco and Tunisia. A handful of sites straddle borders, such as Victoria Falls which can be accessed from either Zambia (base yourself in Livingstone) or Zimbabwe (stay in Victoria Falls).

Africa's Music Hot Spots

Africa’s musical legacy stretches back further than that of any other continent, a history as vast and varied as its range of rhythms, melodies and overlapping sources and influences. Here, music traditional and contemporary – is as vital to communication and storytelling as the written word. It is the lifeblood of communities, the solace of the nomad, the entertainment of choice. It also can be a political tool  perceived as a threat or a campaign winner; music played a significant role in the fight against apartheid in South Africa, for example. African leaders are forever trying to cash in on popular musicians, many of whom have their own record labels and charitable foundations. In Africa music is more than a way of life. It is a force. Get ready to feel it at rhythmic destinations from Cairo to Cape Town and all of Africa.

Zanzibar Music

Cote d'Ivoire's Music

Modest Mali

Djenne (Mali), founded in 800 AD, is one of sub-Saharan Africa's oldest cities. Situated on an island in the Niger River delta, Djenne was a natural hub for traders who shuttled their goods between the Sahara desert and the forests of Guinea. Through the years Djenne also became a center of Islamic learning and its market square is still dominated by the beautiful Grand Mosque. Djenne is located a few hundred miles downstream from Timbuktu.

The market in Djenne, held every Monday, is one of the most interesting and lively markets in Africa, and well worth planning your trip around.

The best time to go is at the end of the rainy season (August/September) when Djenne turns into an island.

ZEAL Zimbabwe

After experiencing awesome Victoria Falls and its plentiful adventure activities, visitors to Zimbabwe have a wealth of safari opportunities. Take a short flight to diverse Hwange National Park, and discover its at herds of elephant and large population of endangered African wild dog. Or visit Mana Pools, the country’s second World Heritage Site, to walk and canoe in a game rich region filled with elephant, buffalo, hippo and crocodile. Head southeast to the secluded Malilangwe Reserve, a breeding sanctuary for the sable antelope and black rhino, and explore more than 100 of the ancient Bushman’s rock art sites.

Unbelievable Uganda

Once hailed by Winston Churchill as the “Pearl of Africa” for its prolific wildlife and lush beauty, Uganda has been steadily attracting travelers to view its shy mountain gorillas as an alternative to Rwanda since the early 2000’s. Trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to observe the gorillas, which are carefully habituated to humans – the gorillas are even known to come into your camp. Uganda’s other pearls include the centrally located Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls and Kibale Forest National Park, where you’ll find the most primates ever recorded in an African forest.