Travelling the world is a wonderful experience but not everyone is privileged enough to quit their day jobs and strike out on a trip around the World like Phileas Fogg and his trusty companion, Jean Passepartout.
If you’re looking for something closer to home, but still have that deep desire to cross a border into another country, look no further. Add one or all of these African destinations to you 2020 travel bucket list.
Read more: How to travel with a bike.
Four travel destinations
Malawi
At around 3 000 meters, the Mulanje Massif dwarfs the lush land that surrounds Mount Mulanj in Malawi. It’s split in two by the Fort Lister Gap, a broad pass eroded by the Phalombe and Sombani rivers.
And let’s not forget Lake Malawi, one of the largest lakes in the world. It was dubbed ‘Lake of Stars’ by Dr David Livingstone, who trekked there more than 150 years ago.
The lake has about 1 300 species of tropical fish, more than anywhere else in the world. In addition, the biodiversity has been recognised by UNESCO, which has made Lake Malawi National Park a World Heritage Site.
Last but not least, a trip to the Nyika Plateau National Park is a must. It’s the largest national park in Malawi, and one of the most unusual in Africa, and the plateau forms the wall of the Great Rift Valley.
Zambia
Victoria Falls, one of the most spectacular natural wonders on Earth. It’s known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” which translated to ‘the smoke that thunders’.
A visit to the Falls has to be the first thing on your agenda. The ‘smoke’ from the waterfalls can be seen up to 50 kilometres away, and the ‘thunder’ of the water can be heard from the surrounding areas.
You could, of course, also go for a swim in the Devil’s Pool. Guides are available for a trip to the pool, located right at the edge of the Victoria Falls. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and safety are the guides’ number one priority.
Access to the Devil’s Pool is seasonal and can only be done when the water level of the Zambezi River is low enough. But fear not! From late August to early January is the perfect time for a visit, so book those tickets now!
Seychelles
Situated about 2 300 km off the coast of Tanzania is ‘Paradise on Earth’ – the Seychelles with its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water and the lush hills. Looking for the best views in the world? Look no further.
The best time to visit the Seychelles is between April and May, and again in October and November. The island will be cool from April through to October, making it perfect for sunbathing on the beaches and scuba diving.
The International Airport is located Mahe making it your ideal starting point. If you want to move away from the beaten path, however, head out to Praslin instead. There are no rocks on Praslin’s beaches, just soft sand and blue water.
We also suggest a visit to the Le Jardine Du Roi Spice Garden. Situated on Mahe, the French Colony house sits on top of the hill. The gardens are lush and beautiful, perfect for reflecting on life, the Universe and everything in between.
Botswana
Botswana is the perfect getaway. Explore San history at the Tsodilo Hills or head over to the luxurious Jack’s Camp in the Makgadikgadi pans The camp is perched atop a marshy islet in the middle of the vast salt pan.
Let’s not forget the famed lion populations of Savuti that rule the grasslands, making it a prime area destination, or visit the Chobe Game Lodge situated at the Chobe National park.
