The power of travel should never be underestimated. People have never been able to comfortably travel outside of the city, state, or province that they were born in, at least until the invention of air and sea travel and a network of hotels and guides across the world. You can have your own unforgettable traveling experience in what is becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world: Africa. Keep reading to learn more about the cultures you have to experience on your trip.
Meet Local Communities
One of the greatest perks of being in a new, relatively unexplored region is that you get to meet the locals and share in their culture. The people of Africa, whether you’re in Zimbabwe or Namibia, are all sweet and gracious hosts and love having people from all over the world in their country. If you mix in with the locals properly, you’ll find that there are no better hosts or tour guides, and they’ll tell you everything you need to know about the region, help you explore, and even make some delicious meals for you. Connecting with these communities can be a truly powerful experience.
Festivals
Festivals are one of the biggest and most exciting parts of any trip to Africa. Whichever country you go to, you can expect to find massive, vibrant festivals in which cultures are mixed and traditional and modern songs are played and danced to. You’ll be more likely to come across these festivals if you travel in the summer months because they’re associated with the yearly harvest that many farmers get. However, wherever you go, and whichever time you go, you should be sure to take part in the local festivals.
Go On A Jungle Safari
Jungle safaris are the activity that is commonly associated with trips to Africa, and for good reason. It’s been one of the most popular tourist activities there for years, thanks to the vast jungles and other habitats that are present in the continent, as well as the tens of thousands of varied species that can’t be found anywhere else. The wildlife preserved in the continent is one of a kind, and it’s easier than ever to visit them, because of companies like ROAR AFRICA that are providing custom, luxury jungle safaris to anyone who seeks them.
Visit Historical Sites
In Africa, it’s not just the wildlife that has received attention and care. The continent has been home to thousands of ancient civilizations and empires, like the Empire of Mali and Abyssinia. The biggest sites in this region include the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Robben Island, and, of course, the pyramids. Traveling to these sites will allow you to get a virtually undisturbed look both at ancient history and the vibrant culture Africa has been home to for thousands of years.
Try Delicacies
Trying delicacies may be one of the most exciting parts of traveling, and Africa is a food destination like no other. It’s popular among foodies, travel bloggers, and adventurers for a reason: the delicacies prepared here can’t be found anywhere else in the world and can taste amazing. Each region offers something unique, but the dishes you should look out for are Moroccan tagine, jollof rice, injera from Ethiopia, and South African barbeque. Trying these dishes out can give you an experience you’ve never had before.
Arts and Crafts
The artisans of Africa are famous for their skill and imagination, and this can be easily seen in their products. Crafting is an ancient tradition, and, in many cases, it’s been upheld through dozens of generations, with skills being kept in the family. However, these skills are not just for show. If you go to some of the biggest markets in the continent, like the ones found in West Africa or those organized by the Maasai, you’ll be able to get all kinds of jewelry, wooden items, paintings, fabrics, etc.
Spiritual Guidance
Africa is a spiritual place, with some of the most important and influential figures being spiritual guides and healers. Some of the most popular and ancient philosophies and religions in the world can be traced back to Africa, and these teachings are alive and well today. People who feel lost in their modern lifestyles often escape to Africa to connect with themselves and the world on a deeper level, and the countless spiritual guides in the region help them with their goals.
Conclusion
Traveling is one of the greatest joys of life. However, there are many tourist destinations that have gotten too popular and gentrified, with out-of-place tourists lining every street and restaurant. Africa, however, is one of the biggest and most beautiful areas on Earth and is seldom properly explored. If you use the information in this article, you’ll be able to craft your own travel experience in Africa like no one before you has.