Africa - a fantastic holiday destination
Chris Hogan, 9th March 2016, Travel
Many of us don't realise the sheer size of Africa - you could fit Western Europe, India, the USA and the whole of China into it and still have space to spare. So there's a multitude of different experiences on offer - not just safaris. Here's our quick guide to how and where you can enjoy yourself.
Northern coast
The most well-developed tourist areas in recent years have been on the very northern part of Africa. Egypt has long been a favourite for year-round sun, offering the Red Sea resorts and cultural tours on and around the Nile although caution is advised in certain areas now.
Half a million UK visitors go to Morocco every year and package tours are widely available from mainstream operators. There are resorts in Agadir on the Atlantic coast and around inland Marrakech, as well as city breaks to Marrakech, Casablanca or Tangier.
If you want something a little different and more tailored to your needs, try Morocco Holiday Architects who are expert in helping people enjoy the real Morocco.
Morocco Holiday Architects
Atlantic coast
Further south a number of countries have tried to build tourist economies in recent years with mixed results. Gambia is probably the best-known, has a reputation for being safe and is offered by mainstream operators - usually a sign of stability.
Another excellent option is the Cape Verde Islands, 350 miles off the coast of West Africa, which have seen tourist infrastructure investment in the last couple of decades and are free from most of the problems that mainland countries suffer from.
As well as coastal resorts there are wine tours in the highlands and ecotourism is developing fast around the Pico do Fogo volcano. Package holidays are available but for something slightly different try an island hopping tour with a specialist like The Cape Verde Experience
The Cape Verde Experience
South Africa
Second only to Egypt as the most visited country in Africa and first in terms of tourist spend, South Africa has a very well developed tourist infrastructure. Direct flights are long, at 11-12 hours, but the time zone is only a couple of hours ahead so it's not so disorientating.
South Africa has over twenty National Parks, eight World Heritage Sites and over twenty thousand of pristine coastline. The country is larger than the whole of the UK so there's a lot to do and see - far more than can be featured here.
Audley Travel has been running tours and holidays in the region (and many others worldwide) and can help you decide between wine and garden tours, big game safaris and other less well-known attractions.
Audley Travel
West Coast
Coming up the coast Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania have very well-developed safari industries.
Although tourists have returned to Zimbabwe in the last two or three years the major operators aren't there yet. With Virgin Holidays and British Airways offering Zambia it's possible to visit Victoria Falls, possibly the continent's most spectacular sight, from there rather than Zimbabwe.
Kenya and Tanzania are attracting larger tour operators and with Kenya you can choose from beach or city stays as well as safaris. Tanzania also offers more than safaris, in particular the Spice Islands - Zanzibar, just off the coast with fantastic diving, sailing or just relaxing.
Zanzibar Travel has been organising holidays of the island for UK residents for nearly twenty years and can arrange safaris on the mainland as part of a trip too.
Zanzibar Travel
Get the best advice
There's no getting away from the fact that there are parts of Africa you'd be ill-advised to visit. But that's true of Europe too - many people still enjoy holidays in Turkey without ever thinking about the areas near the Iranian and Syrian borders that are off limits.
Africa is no different - as long as you listen to up-to-date advice you'll find a wide range of experiences, both natural and cultural, friendly people and a holiday you'll remember forever.
