Africa is an incredible tourist destination that perfectly blends tradition and modernity. You can enjoy the infamously beautiful natural landscapes, then move on to enjoy the city skylines. There are many beautiful areas you could visit on the continent, and which one would make the perfect trip for you largely depends on your budget and what you want to do during your trip. If you’re still deciding what options would be best, here are some noteworthy spots that might interest you.
Mauritius
The island country of Mauritius is situated in the Indian Ocean, roughly 2,000 kilometers from the southeastern coast of East Africa. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, as well as one of the most competitive economies. It is the perfect spot to visit if you live in an area where winter is approaching and you already miss the sunlight. To make sure your friends and family back home remain well-informed about your trip, check out Holafly Mauritius, which provides seamless internet connectivity so you can send pictures of all the beautiful places you see.
Port Louis is the capital and largest city, situated primarily in the Port Louis District. You can take a stroll through the Jardin de la Compagnie and enjoy the beautiful architecture. The city’s buildings reflect its rich history, and there are several emblematic buildings you should have a look at. The Caudan Waterfront, a commercial development project, includes shops, cinemas, restaurants and a five-star hotel. The Jummah Mosque, Saint James Cathedral and the numerous Hindu temples offer unique views.
The Chinatown in Port Louis is one of the oldest in Africa, hosting a yearly festival dedicated to Chinese food and culture.
Seychelles
This archipelagic state is also located in the Indian Ocean and consists of 115 separate islands. It is the smallest country on the continent, and the least-populated, but an unmissable tourist destination nonetheless. It has the highest GDP per capita on the continent and a very high Human Development Index. Between 1976 and 2015, the gross domestic product of the Seychelles grew by 700%, while the purchasing power parity climbed by an astounding 1600%.
The culture of the Seychelles is an eclectic mix of African, Indian, Chinese, British and French. Music and dancing are essential to the country’s culture, frequently involved in the local festivities. In 2021, the Moutya, a dance that goes back to the slave trade era, was included on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage as a symbol of resistance against poverty, social injustice and hardship.
The country’s cuisine includes a lot of fish and seafood and recipes such as saffron rice, shark chutney and coconut curry. There are several beaches where you can relax in the Seychelles, including Anse Intendance, Anse Cachee and Anse Royale. There are over 100 species of birds, and marine life includes whale sharks, dolphins and pelagic fish. The Seychelles giant tortoise, which can live up to 200 years, was believed to have gone extinct by the 1840s due to overhunting by European sailors, but several members of the species continued to survive and thrive.
Cairo
Perhaps one of the most emblematic places in the world, Cairo is home to the heart and soul of Egypt. The country is famous worldwide for its ancient buildings and monuments, with the culture of Ancient Egypt being the focus of numerous historical studies. If you plan to visit the pyramids and the Valley of the Kings, look into the offers made by Holafly to get the best connectivity regardless of location.
Mulukhiyah, a soup made from jute mallow, has been enjoyed in the country since the days of Ancient Egypt. Today, it is prepared with chicken stock and served with white rice and lime. Ful medames is a popular breakfast cooked with fava beans, olive oil, parsley, onion, chili pepper, herbs and spices. Manu different vegetables can be included as well. Koshary is a staple and street food that includes lentils, rice, tomato sauce and cumin. The desserts commonly include honey, dates and almonds as the main ingredients.
You can visit several museums in the city, such as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, which houses over 120,000 different items. The Manial Palace and Museum were built in the late 19th century, blending Neo-Moorish, Iranian, Art Nouveau and Rococo architectural features. There’s also the Museum of Islamic Art, considered one of the most impressive in the world due to its extensive collection incorporating artifacts made of plaster, ceramic, crystal, textiles and woodwork.
Johannesburg vs Cape Town
Jo’burg is the most populous city in South Africa, classified as a megacity and one of the largest urban areas on the planet. If you love the hustle and bustle of big cities, there’s no way you should miss out on visiting it. Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa, is the oldest city in the country and is better known for its outdoor activities. Both contribute tremendously to the cultural richness of South Africa, and if you are a tourist in the nation, you should make time to see both.
The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg is a must-see for history lovers. There are seven pillars standing for the values protected by the South African Constitution: democracy, diversity, equality, responsibility, reconciliation, freedom and respect. There’s a racially-segregated entry point, and the exhibits visitors see are determined by which entry point you have to use based on a randomly generated ticket.
South Africa also has a vibrant nightlife, and Johannesburg is perhaps the best place to experience it. There are many places for dancing, with 7th Street being particularly notable as a place that’s lined with clubs, bars and places to eat. On the other hand, Cape Town is the perfect place for those who love the great outdoors and fresh air. You can visit Table Mountain, one of the most prominent landmarks overlooking the city.
The local flora includes indigenous forests, the endangered silver trees and the flowering king protea plants. Robben Island is the place where anti-apartheid activist and first president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, served most of his almost three decades behind bars. It is a place of incredible historical importance that can only be reached by ferry.
Africa has many unique places that a lot of tourists are unfortunately unaware of. If you want to experience the beauty and rich history of this amazing continent, this list can help you decide which place would be best to visit.