Africa is the cheapest country for a holiday. Great trip to Africa

Africa is one of the largest continents, with many attractions that are definitely worth visiting. If you go on a trip to Africa, be sure to visit at least a few of the places listed below.

Africa is so exotic and diverse that every place will surprise you with something unique. If you visit at least one of the places we have listed, you can deservedly consider your trip to Africa useful and interesting. Unfortunately, these destinations are not in great demand among tourists.

Ait Benhaddou

On the edge of the high Atlas Mountains Morocco is home to the incredible city of Ait Benhaddou. It is also known as the City of Clay Bricks. This ancient defensive fortress has long been a shelter for travelers on the route between the Sahara and the city of Marrakech.

While visiting Ait Ben Haddou, you can tour traditional mud dwellings, explore an ancient hilltop granary, and even visit the Ben Haddou Mausoleum.

Isalo Park

Off the coast of Mozambique, in the waters Indian Ocean is the island of Madagascar. This one has island state there are many natural attractions that are definitely worth exploring National Park Isalo. The park is famous for its wide range of different types of landscape.


Expect to encounter huge canyons, lush oases with palm trees and even unique sandstone sculptures, as well as other attractions of Madagascar. The best way to explore Isalo National Park is hiking with a stop for overnight camping. Such a unique experience with wildlife happens only once in a lifetime.

Zanzibar

The semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania is a truly unique destination in Africa. Zanzibar offers travelers an interesting mixture of architecture, combining Arabic, Middle Eastern, Moorish and Indian styles. It has many world-class beaches, vibrant attractions and well-preserved history. Be sure to spend time in Zanzibar's capital, Stone Town, where there are some fantastic museums and an old fort from the 17th century.


Jenna

The most historically and architecturally interesting city in all of Mali is Djenné. The city was an important point on the trans-Saharan trade route for gold and other goods, and is still a regional center thanks to its impressive weekly market, drawing residents from all over the surrounding area. By far the most amazing landmark in the city is Great Mosque- the most large building made of clay bricks in the world. The Islamic Mosque dates back to the 13th century, although it was not officially completed until 1907.


Lake Malawi

One of the largest reserves fresh water in Africa are located in Lake Malawi. As its name suggests, most of the lake lies within the borders of Malawi, also covering parts of Tanzania and Mozambique. If you want to see Lake Malawi, one of the the best ways This will be done by visiting the national park of the same name, located at the southern end of the lake. The park has miles of walking paths, not to mention countless observation platforms, where you can admire the lake and take breathtaking photographs. With a depth of 706 meters, Malawi is included in the list of the deepest lakes in the world.


Etosha Park

The second largest game reserve in Namibia is Etosha National Park. It was created around the Etosha Salt Flats, where numerous animals congregate. As a result, the national park has become a spectacular place to observe African wildlife. Be sure to bring binoculars with you to get a better look at zebras, springbok antelope, lions, giraffes, elephants and other wild inhabitants of the park. Three holiday camps provide visitors with different types housing, allowing you to observe amazing animals in comfortable conditions with all amenities.


Lalibela

The city of Lalibela in Ethiopia is known as a popular pilgrimage destination. Lalibela is famous for its 11 churches carved into a monolithic rock, each of which will be of interest to travelers. Most residents are Egyptian Orthodox Christians, and most of the churches were built in the 12th and 13th centuries. If you only have time to tour one church in Lalibela, be sure to choose Beth Giyorgis. An amazing church carved into the rock in the shape of a cross.


Virunga Park

Near the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a few minutes from Uganda, lies Virunga National Park. Virunga was founded in 1925 by King Albert of Belgium, becoming Africa's very first national park. In the past, poaching was a major problem in the park, but it is now a popular tourism destination. Virunga National Park is best known for its mountain gorillas, but you can also spot the Tongo chimpanzee, or hike to the summit of Nyiragongo Volcano to see the world's largest lava lake.


Fish River Canyon

The incredible Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia is one of the largest canyons in the world. It is truly a breathtaking natural attraction in Africa and one of the continent's natural wonders. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. You can travel along the canyon on a hiking trail, or take a helicopter tour to admire the colorful rock formations against the backdrop of the rushing river.


Merzouga

The small village of Merzouga in Morocco is a popular destination for travelers. Located in the Sahara Desert, the settlement is surrounded by the huge dunes of Erg Chebbi. Most of The local population is the indigenous Berber nomads. When visiting this place, you can go on a camel safari, conquering the dunes and learning about the traditional Berber way of life. In addition, you will have the opportunity to explore the migratory birds that migrate through this region in the spring.


Praslin Island

The second largest tropical island in the Seychelles archipelago, Praslin is located in the heart of the Indian Ocean. The island is dotted with numerous luxury resorts, but Praslin's two main attractions are Anse Lazio and the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve. Magnificent Anse Lazio beach with clear sea and amazing diving opportunities will captivate you at first sight. The Vallée de Maye Nature Reserve is a protected palm forest that is home to countless reptiles and birds, including the very rare Seychelles Black Parrot. Praslin is one of the most beautiful African islands.


Okavango Delta

At the meeting point of the Okavango River and the Kalahari Basin you will find the Okavango Delta. This superb place with untouched nature is definitely worth a visit. Thanks to its water source, the Okavango's wildlife is particularly diverse. It is also a popular safari destination where you can enjoy the amazing landscapes of Africa. A fantastic and unforgettable way to explore the Okavango Delta is by air tour by plane, allowing you to see all the local beauty in detail. This natural wonder in Botswana is worth visiting at least once in your life.


While Europe has long been explored and explored, and Asia has become a common destination for exotic travel, Africa still remains a blank spot on the map of most travelers. This continent is shrouded not only in an aura of mystery, but also, importantly, in stereotypes and prejudices. But you can and should go to Africa, because it represents a whole world, new and unknown. The main thing is to get rid of illusions and properly prepare for the trip.

Why go

Why go to Africa? This is the first question you need to ask before traveling to this continent. There are not many places in Africa for the usual beach holiday. And those that exist cannot offer a sufficiently high level of service or affordable prices. There are also few architectural landmarks and cultural sites in African countries. These are the consequences of wars, internecine conflicts, colonization and, in general, the inability of Africans to preserve their cultural and historical heritage. Of course, every country on the continent has attractions, but their number and degree of preservation cannot be compared with the countries of Europe and Asia. But Africa will definitely surprise you with its national parks, where you can see wild animals in their natural habitat, beautiful and diverse nature, tribes with their unusual and exotic appearance and unique way of life.

Where to go

Geographically, Africa is divided into five regions: northern, southern, western, eastern and central. North Africa includes all countries of the continent on the coast Mediterranean Sea. South Africa includes countries in the south of the continent from South Africa to Angola and Zambia. West Africa includes countries located south of central Sahara and bordering Atlantic Ocean. East Africa is the countries in the east from Sudan to. And the countries located in the heart of the African continent (from the Central African Republic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo) make up the Central Africa region.

In each region there are countries that are more interesting, safe and easy to travel, and there are those that it is better to avoid traveling to for one reason or another. For example, in North Africa, many have already visited, Egypt and, but Algeria and Libya, for obvious reasons, are deprived of the attention of tourists. In West Africa, it is worth visiting Ghana and Mali, but avoid traveling to Nigeria.

The most popular destinations among travelers are South Africa, Kenya and. Tourism in these countries is developing rapidly, more travel opportunities are appearing, the choice of tours and routes is becoming wider, and more and more local travel companies are offering their services for organizing safaris and other trips. At the same time, these countries retain their original culture and true African exoticism and flavor.

When to go

The winter months (November to March) are considered the most suitable for visiting most African countries. During this period, most of the continent receives little rainfall, and there is no need to worry that the rainy season will interfere with travel. This is also true for South Africa, since these months are summer on the other side of the equator.

A trip to Africa can be timed to coincide with one of the most interesting events. For example, in early January, immediately after the new year, the annual festival of African music Festival Au Desert is held in West Africa. This festival is interesting because it takes place over several days under open air right in the Sahara Desert. But for wildlife and safari lovers, you can go to Kenya or Tanzania from July to October to catch The Great Wildebeest Migration.

How to get there

Flights to most African countries operate major airlines Europe (, ) and Asia (Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways). These airlines do not operate direct flights from Moscow. One way or another, travelers will have to take transit flights, the time for which will have to be included in the route and travel plan. The most convenient connections and favorable rates to a number of African countries are offered Turkish Airlines airlines and Egyptair with a transfer in Istanbul and Cairo, respectively. And here transit flights can play into your hands: both airlines offer convenient and profitable connections with short waiting times or, conversely, with the possibility of departure to your final destination within a day. In this case, the airline offers passengers hotel accommodation, breakfast, transfer and sometimes city tours (). Thus, you can choose a convenient flight and transit option and visit another city. And the absence of the need to apply for a visa to Turkey or Egypt simplifies the task even more.

Direct flights from Moscow to Kenya (Nairobi) are offered by Aeroflot. In addition to Nairobi, Aeroflot operates flights to other African capitals: Algeria, Tunisia, Casablanca and Accra (Ghana). The budget company Airberlin (closed) also flies to Nairobi and Johannesburg (South Africa) from Moscow (also in transit).

You should be prepared for the fact that a flight to any African country will be quite expensive: on average, it is 35-45 thousand rubles, depending on the destination and the airline. Whatever flight method you choose, before buying a ticket you should always pay attention to promotions ( public VK), special rates and special offers from airlines. For example, Air France organizes ticket sales to African countries that were once colonies of France: Algeria, Senegal, Mali, Cote d'Ivoire and others.

Preparation: vaccinations and paperwork

When the purpose of the trip has been determined, the country has been selected, and the air tickets have been purchased, it’s time to take care of all the necessary documents.

  1. Visa. Carefully study the migration and customs regulations of one country or another. Visas for some countries are obtained very quickly, while others will take time to obtain. For example, to obtain an Angola visa you need a standard set of documents (application form, passport, tickets, hotel reservation confirmation, etc.) and up to two weeks of time. But getting an Algerian visa is much more difficult: this country has an extremely strict visa regime for citizens of most countries in the world. Visas for Uganda, Ethiopia and a number of other countries can be issued at the border (at airports or ground checkpoints). It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the rules for obtaining a visa on arrival in advance, as in some countries entry permission is not issued at land checkpoints.
    Some states (Kenya, Senegal and others) have introduced an electronic visa system, in which all Required documents Apply via the Internet on a special portal, and the applicant receives the visa by e-mail. The received entry permit must be printed and presented at the border.
    By the way, there is Unified East African Visa, which allows stay in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda and free movement within these countries without obtaining national visas of these states. This visa is issued only at the consulates of Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda; This document is not issued at the border or online.
  2. Vaccinations. To visit most African countries, you must be vaccinated against yellow fever. Moreover, you must obtain an international vaccination certificate. This document is often asked when crossing the border, and it may also be on the list of documents required to obtain a visa. The certificate is issued on the day of vaccination at the vaccination point (in Moscow this is the Central Vaccination Point at Clinic No. 13). In addition to vaccination against yellow fever, it would be a good idea to get vaccinated against typhoid fever and hepatitis A, information about which will also be included in the certificate. But recommended vaccinations may vary by region.
  3. Permissions. Visitor permits may be required to visit some sites in some countries. For example, travel to some cities in Eritrea requires similar permits, which are issued by the country's Ministry of Tourism. It is necessary to find out in advance whether any special documents are needed for certain objects on the compiled route, as well as where and how they can be issued (in advance via the Internet or during a personal visit upon arrival in the country).
  4. Insurance. Don't neglect or skimp on. There are no special insurance requirements for visiting African countries. The main thing is to pay attention to whether the selected insurance company issues insurance to this region with the required amount of coverage.
  5. Documentation. It is worth finding out in advance whether foreigners need to register with the police station or migration service upon arrival in the country. If this is necessary, it would be a good idea to take with you the documents that may be needed for this (photo, copies of passport pages, copy of visa, etc.). These same documents will be useful when crossing state borders by land, especially if visas to these countries are issued at the border.

Safety: real dangers and stereotypes

There is a common belief that Africa is an extremely dangerous place. Of course, some of the common stereotypes have a basis, but, in fact, everything is not as scary as it looks in the eyes of the public. To ensure your own safety, it is enough to follow simple and well-known rules of conduct. As elsewhere, in African countries you need to communicate politely with local residents, ask permission to take a photo, pay more attention to the laws and norms of behavior in a particular country. This will save you from possible problems with the police or locals. Corruption is very widespread in African countries. In relation to foreigners, this may manifest itself in the imposition of fines, services, inflated tariffs for certain services, or an attempt at extortion. Therefore, you should not provoke conflicts and ambiguous situations associated with violation of order, laws, norms of behavior, rules of movement around the country and crossing borders. This will save you from lengthy proceedings and extortion of money.

As elsewhere in the world, when traveling in Africa, you need to be attentive to your own belongings, money and documents. In most countries on the continent, theft is commonplace. Foreigners, especially whites, are considered rich by default, so robbing a white becomes almost a matter of honor for Africans. Of course, this does not apply to everyone without exception. But, admittedly, in undeveloped and poor countries with high levels of unemployment and corruption, such stereotypical thinking is common. Therefore, you should not take expensive things with you: electronics and equipment, gold jewelry. You should keep money and valuables with you, do not take out large sums on the street and keep an eye on your bag or backpack.

As for health, the same rules of sanitation and personal hygiene apply here as when traveling to Asia: do not drink raw water, avoid using ice in drinks (since it is most likely made from raw water), wash your hands more often, especially before meals, and refrain from buying and eating street food. In fact, very often street food turns out to be edible, you can try it. It is only important to be careful when choosing food. For example, bread flatbreads, popular in almost all countries, are quite safe, but it is better to avoid buying fried meat (usually small pieces of meat on a skewer), since due to the hot climate and inappropriate storage and processing conditions, the meat may be spoiled.

When traveling to tropical and equatorial countries, you need to be aware of natural dangers associated with climate, insects, animals, and so on. You should avoid visiting, especially on your own, without guides, rural areas, swampy areas, jungles, and so on. You cannot walk barefoot or in open shoes on the grass and ground, or try to touch animals, even ordinary cats and dogs.

Malaria. It is no secret that malaria is very common in tropical and equatorial countries. A large percentage of infections occur on the African continent. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine for malaria. That is, formally it exists, but is still being tested. It is too early to talk about whether there will be a certified malaria vaccine available to the population in Russia. Therefore, there is always a risk of infection. To reduce it to a minimum, it is important to remember that, firstly, you can protect yourself from mosquitoes (both ordinary and malarial) with ordinary repellents or tinctures with extracts of cloves (usually sold in pharmacies) and other natural substances whose odors repel insects Secondly, for an overnight stay you need to choose a hostel (hotel) that has a mosquito net hanging above the bed. It should be lowered as low as possible and cover the bed in such a way that there are no gaps and that the mesh does not come into contact with the body. Thirdly, it is important to remember that mosquito numbers increase with high humidity. This means that the risk of encountering a malarial mosquito increases near water bodies, in swampy areas and during the rainy season (where it is present). These factors must be taken into account when planning a trip and drawing up a route.

There is a lot of information and advice on the Internet about taking anti-malaria drugs as a preventive measure (Loriam, Malaron). It is extremely undesirable to take these drugs without a doctor’s prescription, and especially for preventive purposes, because, firstly, they do not provide an absolute guarantee that infection will not occur, and secondly, these drugs have a number of contraindications and a huge number of side effects. They also put a lot of stress, and sometimes complications, on the liver, since they contain large quantities of quinine. Remember that not all mosquitoes in Africa are malarial, and there may not be any infection at all during the entire trip. However, it should be borne in mind that the incubation period for these diseases lasts from several days to several weeks, and the first symptoms may appear after returning home. Therefore, if you feel unwell, you must consult a doctor and inform him that you have returned from African countries. As for medications, they should be taken only in case of illness. You can buy them in pharmacies directly in African countries. They are much cheaper there. A rapid test for malaria is also widely sold, which you can do yourself in a matter of minutes. Upon arrival in the country, it would be a good idea to immediately go to the pharmacy, buy a test and medicine, and have them with you for the entire trip, as well as bring them home in case symptoms of the disease appear after returning.

Money: cash, bank cards, currency

In what currency should I take money with me (euro or dollar)? Depends on the region. For example, eight countries in West and Central Africa, once French territories and now members of the African Financial Community, use a single currency, the CFA franc (CFA), which is rigidly pegged to the euro. Therefore, when going to this region, it is better to take euros with you, since the exchange rate will be more favorable. In other African countries, the dollar has become more widespread, although the euro is also in circulation. But in some countries you may encounter difficulties when exchanging currency, be it the euro or the dollar. For example, in Uganda, $100 bills older than 2000 are cheaper, and exchange offices, both official and unofficial, are reluctant to accept them. And in Kenya, hundred dollar bills issued before 2006 may not be accepted for payment or exchange. When exchanging currency in banks and exchange offices you should pay attention not only to the exchange rate, but also to the commission that is often charged (for example, in South Africa).

Bank cards are not accepted everywhere. In more developed Kenya and Tanzania, cards can be used to pay in large hotels, supermarkets and safari agencies. In South Africa you can pay with a card almost everywhere. In smaller cities and less developed countries with a much lower flow of tourists, there are much fewer opportunities to pay by card or withdraw cash from an ATM. You can withdraw cash from your card at ATMs only in large cities. Sometimes withdrawing money from ATMs can result in the card being blocked, since Russian banks may perceive such transactions as suspicious (what if the card was stolen!). Therefore, you need to have cash on hand in case you cannot use your cards for some reason.

Sometimes you can pay in dollars (rarely euros) for individual services or goods. For example, in Kenya, a number of souvenir shops may accept American currency for payment. In this case, change will most likely be given in Kenyan shillings. With such a calculation system, you need to be especially careful, as they can be shortchanged. Also, dollars will be paid organized tours around the country, safaris and entrance to national parks and other similar services. It is worth preparing approximately 100-150 dollars in small bills to pay for taxis, excursions, and tips.

Price level and costs

When planning to travel around Africa, you initially need to be prepared for the fact that it is not budget direction. Prices for transport, food in cafes and restaurants, and housing are almost comparable to European prices. Price levels vary from country to country. Ethiopia can probably be called the cheapest country on the African continent. But even here it all depends on what travelers are going to see and how to spend their time. In general, for a two-week trip to Africa, you will most likely have to budget at least 1000-1500 dollars per person, not counting the air ticket. Of course, if you are planning a safari in a national park, that’s what people come here for.

Safari is the biggest expense item. And this is precisely what needs to be treated with great attention. Safaris are organized by local agencies, and their services are unlikely to be avoided. Firstly, because in most cases it is prohibited to be on the territory of a national park without a car and a guide, as it is simply dangerous due to wild animals. Secondly, a safari, as a rule, takes not one day, but from two to seven, depending on the route and the chosen national park. The cost of a safari varies and depends on the company, location, included services and number of days. On average, prices start from $130-150 per day per person. The price includes a car with a driver, a guide, overnight stays at a campsite or lounge, meals and entry fees to the reserve. Some companies also offer the services of a cook who will accompany you along the entire route, if the tour includes overnight stays in tents. Of course, the services of a cook will slightly increase the cost of the safari, but tents and other necessary equipment are included in the price. Drinks (water, juices, soda, beer) and tips for the driver, guide and cook will be paid separately. Tips are usually given in US currency at the rate of 5-10 dollars per person per day for each team member. The issue of tips should be discussed before the trip and it should be agreed what it will be - the total amount from the entire group or another form of incentive.

You can choose an agency for organizing a safari before leaving for Africa, contact it, clarify prices, information about the group being recruited and other organizational issues. In addition, very often such agencies offer their clients pleasant bonuses in the form of free transfer from the airport or free hotel accommodation for the night before departure for a safari. You can choose an individual safari for 2-4 people, or you can join a group and thereby slightly reduce the cost of the tour. By the way, you can always ask about the possibility of making a discount, and very often companies will accommodate you halfway. It is also possible to order a safari on site, at a hotel or guesthouse, of course, if the selected hotel (guesthouse, hostel) offers such services.

Transport

To travel around the continent, you can use the services of African airlines operating flights between major cities Africa. The cost of flights is quite high. For example, a flight from Dakar (Senegal) to Bamako (Mali) costs about 400 euros.

Another transport option is buses, both intercity and international, connecting the capitals and major cities of nearby countries. Here we are talking about the so-called “buses for locals,” that is, those that Africans themselves ride on. The cost of a bus ticket depends on the direction and region. For example, moving Dakar-Bamako will cost about 40 euros, but takes about 25 hours. In practice, this time increases several times. Firstly, because a stop is made at night, since the border crossing does not operate at night, and in general, buses do not run at night. Secondly, the fleet of vehicles is mostly very old, buses break down often, and repairs take a lot of time. In addition, most buses are very uncomfortable, cramped and crowded, with hard seats, which makes such long journeys very tiring. Bus departures may not coincide with the schedule: very often they depart as the cabin fills up. Therefore, when choosing buses for travel, you need to remember the inconveniences of this type of transport and add extra time to your route.

Travel within countries intercity buses not expensive. In Mali, for example, the average price of a bus ticket is 8-12 euros. In Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, there are rail connections between major cities, which makes traveling around these countries more comfortable and faster. The average cost of a train ticket can range from $30 to $60.

Trips around the city public transport available to everyone. For example, in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, matatu (analogous to our minibus) and boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) are very popular. The cost of travel on a matatu is less than on a boda-boda - about 1 and 3 dollars, respectively (depending on the country). Moreover, boda-boda are private cab drivers on their motorcycles, and bargaining with them is always appropriate, unlike matatu.

As for taxis, this is always the most convenient and fastest form of urban transport. But, as elsewhere, taxi trips are more expensive than regular buses and minibuses. For example, a taxi fare in Dakar (Senegal) costs an average of 30 euros, in Kampala (Uganda) – 25 dollars, and in Nairobi (Kenya) – from 40 dollars.

Hitchhiking, a favorite among many travelers in African countries, cannot be called popular. Firstly, giving someone a lift means providing a service, and in Africa they always ask for money for services. Especially when it comes to foreigners. Secondly, in some countries the situation with roads and, consequently, with vehicles is quite deplorable. For example, in the DRC there are very few roads as such on which cars can drive. And in Eritrea, due to the shortage and high cost of gasoline, cars are not popular. Thirdly, in African countries there are places that are either closed to foreigners or where visiting is not recommended (for example, war zones, military bases, etc.). Even the locals themselves often do not know that foreigners are not allowed to be in a particular place.

Where to live

Tourism in individual African countries is gaining momentum. At the same time, the choice of hotels and hostels for every taste and budget is growing. But still, the budget housing system has not yet been developed well enough to offer travelers accommodation that is affordable and of good quality. Prices for a double room in a guesthouse or hostel, like everything else, depend on the country, but on average it is 25-50 dollars. For example, in Kampala the average cost of a double room in a guesthouse is 25 dollars, in Nairobi - about 40, and on the island of Zanzibar - from 60. In Dakar, a double room in a hostel costs 25-30 euros, in Bamako and Mopti (Mali) - 20 euros . Of course, the average cost of housing is shown here, but it fully reflects the price level that can be expected in African countries.

What to eat

You can safely eat in cafes and restaurants, especially if there are a lot of foreigners in them. Of course, prices in such places will be much higher than in those where locals eat. By the way, locals in many ways prefer not cafes and restaurants, but street food, which not every foreigner wants to try. On the other hand, some street food is not great danger: for example, bread, cakes, pastries, fruit. You should be careful when handling meat and fish. By the way, these are the most expensive products in many African countries. Always available and popular foods in Africa are: rice, millet, beans, sweet potatoes, chicken, eggs, bread, tortillas, pasta and vegetables. Simple dishes made from these products can be bought everywhere, both on street stalls and in cafes.

What to see

Africa is famous for its natural attractions - nature reserves and national parks, where you can see pristine nature, animals and vegetable world, waterfalls, mountains, volcanoes and deep rivers. There are protected areas worth visiting for the sake of natural beauty in almost every country. The largest and most famous are the Masai Mara in Kenya, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro in Tanzania, and Kruger in South Africa. This is where thousands of travelers come to go on safari, watch wildlife, and take spectacular photos.

Those who are more interested in history and African ethnology will be interested in traveling around Ethiopia and seeing the ancient cities of Axum and Lalibela, as well as going to the Omo River valley to African tribes. And those who are interested in the history of slavery can go to Senegal and visit the island of Gorée (Île de Gorée) with its slavery museum. It was from here that Africans began to be exported to the New World.

Africa can surprise even an experienced traveler. She leaves no one indifferent. Sometimes she repels you at first sight, and then nothing can change this feeling. And sometimes travelers fall in love with it right away and can’t help but come here again and again, discovering new pieces of this still unfamiliar continent.

Tiqets.com and to avoid standing in lines for hours.
Flight delayed - take 600 euros

Acquaintance with the continent begins in the capital of South Africa. There is a lion nursery where you can play with lion cubs and the ethnographic village of Lesedi.

  • 10:00 Arrival in Johannesburg
  • 11:30 Car rental
  • 12:30 Mini safari in the lion park, communication with lion cubs
  • 14:30 Visit to the ethnographic village of Lesedi
  • 20:30 Visit to the Carnivore restaurant

  • Day 2. Swaziland

    Waking up in a noisy African metropolis, we will go towards one of dwarf states Africa - Swaziland. The country lies on the Veld plateau, which declines in ledges from west to east.

    • 8:00 Check out from the hotel
    • 8:10 Departure to Swaziland
    • 12:10 Hotel check-in
    • 13:30 Those who wish can go on a zipline tour, take a walk to Mantenga Falls or go on a tour of the ethnographic village

  • Day 3. Maputo, Mozambique

    Today we will start early to watch the morning activity of animals in the Game Reserve, and by the afternoon we will be in time for the famous surf beaches of Maputo.

    • 6:00 Check out from the hotel
    • 6:15 Transfer to Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary
    • 6:35 Visit to the reserve / self-drive
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 13:00 Transfer to Maputo
    • 16:35 Hotel check-in

  • Day 4-6. Mashishe

    On day 4 we reach the city of Machishe, famous for its freshest seafood and excellent diving. On your second day in Machiches, you can relax on its golden beaches.

    Day 4
    • 8:00 Check out from the hotel
    • *** 8:15 Transfer to Mashishe/Tofo.
    • 11:30 Stop at Praia do Bilen beach, lunch
    • 14:00 Continuation of the journey to Mashishe
    • 19:00 Hotel accommodation
    Day 5
    • 9:00 Those who wish take a water taxi to Inhamban or to Tofo Beach (scuba and free diving, ocean safari)
    Day 6

  • Day 7-8. Kruger

    Situated on an area of ​​almost 2 million hectares (no less, but the whole of Israel could easily fit here), Kruger Park is divided into 14 eco-zones, each of which boasts completely different representatives of flora and fauna.

    Day 7
    • 7:00 Check out from the hotel
    • 7:15 Transfer to Kruger Park
    • 12:30 Stop at Chokwe, lunch
    • 13:30 Continuation of the move
    • 16:30 Accommodation at Machampane wilderness camp lodges
    Day 8
    • 4:30 Check-out and departure from the lodge to the Phalaborwa gate of the Kruger Park/self-drive
    • 13:00 Transfer to Letaba rest camp
    • 14:10 Check-in at Letaba rest camp
      • *optional 16:30 evening game drive or 20:00 night game drive (departure from the campsite) or free time, independent exploration of the park

  • Day 9. Bulawayo

    Bulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe after the capital Harare. And even if the city itself is not distinguished by architectural delights, it has a lot of interesting things. For example, ruins ancient city Hami, the capital of the Kingdom of Butua, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    • 4:30-5:00 Morning safari (departure from camping) optional
    • 8:30 Check out from the hotel and explore the park on your own or Matambeni bird viewing or a trip to Masorini ruins
    • 14:00 Departure to Louis Trichardt
    • 18:00 Check-in at the hotel

  • Day 10-11. Victoria falls

    The road will lead us to one of the wonders of the world - Victoria Falls; we will have enough time to wander around the park from the Zimbabwean side.

    Day 10
    • 7:00 Check out from the hotel
    • 7:15 Transfer to Bulawayo
    • 13:00 Check-in at the hotel
    • 14:00 Those who wish visit the ruins of Hami, Mzilikazi or go to Tshabalala National Park
    Day 11
    • 6:00 Check out from the hotel
    • 6:15 Moving Hama Reno
    • 11:40 Visit to Hama Reno
    • 17:00 Accommodation at the hotel (Serov)

  • Day 12-13. Okavango Delta

    Amazing phenomenon nature - the only river in the world that does not flow anywhere. Starting its journey in Angola, it once flowed into a huge lake, which dried up many hundreds of years ago. But the river does not give up, it carries its waters to where they spill into the delta and are lost in the sands of the Kalahari.

    Day 12
    • 8:00 Check out from the hotel
    • 8:15 Transfer to Maun
    • 13:15 Hotel check-in
    • 14:00 Those who wish take a flight over the Okavango Delta
    • 16:00 Those who wish go to river walk in mokoro (4h) or bird watching
    Day 13
    • 6:30 Departure for a day cruise on the Okavango River / 1 hour walking game drive
    • 18:00 Return to the hotel

  • Day 14. Maun

    Almost in the very heart of the delta is the town of Maun. Next to the tall, modern telecommunications center building, there are characteristic African huts, the so-called “rondavels.” At this place the channels of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers meet, forming the borders of four states - Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

    • 7:30 Check out from the hotel
    • 7:45 Transfer to Victoria Falls
    • 11:30 Stop at Nata
    • 12:30 Continuation of the move
    • 17:30 Check-in at the hotel

  • Day 15. Hama Rino

    The Hama Rino Nature Reserve is home to black and white rhinoceroses, which are threatened with complete extinction, leopards, several species of zebras and antelopes, jackals, hyenas and other species of African animals.

    • Independent exploration of the park or optional activity: Hiking to Devil's Pool, skydiving, rafting

  • Day 16-17. Johannesburg

    Today we will complete our Great African Circle, returning to the starting point of the journey - Johannesburg. In the evening, we’ll celebrate in one of the rooftop bars overlooking the city at night.

    Day 16
    • Free time
    • 12:00 Check out from the hotel
    • 12:15 Departure to the airport
    • 12:30 Return of rental cars
    • 13:55 Departure to Johannesburg
    • 15:35 Arrival in Johannesburg
    • 16:30 Check-in at the hotel
    • 19:00 Visit to the roof top bar
    Day 17
    • Free time/suggested activities from the list, flight to the Russian Federation

    • The main stereotype associated with Africa: budget travel to the “Dark Continent” is possible only to Egypt. Everything else is too expensive and available only to wealthy tourists. The realities are somewhat different. If you are going to hunt rhinoceroses or lions, you will have to part with a very substantial amount. But if your goal is to visit magnificent national parks, a peaceful safari in the savannah, get acquainted with a unique culture and swim in the ocean, then your trip will not require a large investment. Of course, the costs of the flight (and in this case only the flight is possible) will be more serious compared to European ones.

    Traveling to Africa has undoubted advantages:

    • accommodation and food in most countries (receiving tourists!) is lower than in Europe;
    • the number of natural and cultural attractions is amazingly diverse;
    • ocean beaches are more luxurious than sea beaches, and the water is much cleaner;
    • African cuisine is an unforgettable adventure for every tourist;
    • exoticism at every turn - unforgettable experience guaranteed.

    There are also disadvantages to such a journey:

    • travel costs are higher than for ;
    • insurance will cost more;
    • it will not be possible to completely do without the services of travel companies - Africa is an unstable region on the planet;
    • you will have to think about vaccinations (if you are going to visit South or Central Africa);
    • For family vacation Only Egypt is suitable for children (it’s not so much about the climate, but also about insects, the peculiarities of the cuisine, the peculiarities of African “comfort”).

    Only one thing can be said with confidence: a trip to Africa will be an adventure that you can tell your grandchildren about!

    North Africa: An Arabian Tale

    The Arab North of the black continent has recently not been the most peaceful and stable place. If 10 years ago there were a huge number of travel opportunities, today you can only remain confident in your safety in Egypt and Morocco.

    Egypt, which we already know well



    El Gouna is a tourist resort in Egypt on the Red Sea coast.

    The budget tourist knows well the Land of the Pyramids and the resorts of Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh and Alexandria, which remain undiscovered only for a few. Entire cities consisting of hotels and entertainment centers, sandy beaches and coral reefs, camel rides and visits to the Pyramids, Luxor or Karnak temple complexes will surprise few people.

    The average cost of a week-long all-inclusive tour will cost no more than 300 euros per person. In this case, you are completely freed from the hassle of finding a hotel and restaurants or cafes. Use of the beach and even a few excursions are included in the price. It's boring, but stable and confident.

    Flying solo to Egyptian resorts is fraught with hassle. Most likely, you will have to fly with several transfers, which will not reduce the cost of travel. Another option to get to the Red Sea is charter flights, tickets for which are purchased by travel companies. You can contact the company with a request to sell a ticket. Often, charter planes remain half empty.

    It is also better to book a hotel yourself, without resorting to the intermediary of companies. A double room in a mid-level hotel will cost 20-25 euros/day.

    Morocco, a country not discovered by mass tourists

    Of all the countries in North Africa, only Morocco was unaffected by the revolutionary wave and painful changes. Today it is one of the most stable countries in the region. They love tourists here (no visa required!) and offer them unusual attractions and entertainment:

    • majestic mosques and numerous royal palaces, open to tourists for a nominal entrance fee;
    • ocean beaches, although not flawless, are beautiful and comfortable;
    • the ancient Jewish city of Chefchaouen, with houses the color of the sky;
    • Mount Toubkal, on the top of which you can ski in winter;
    • the dyehouses of Fez - an ancient craft of dressing and dyeing leather, which has not changed over the past 500 years;
    • Sahara Desert - a camel or mule ride accompanied by an experienced guide - the most popular entertainment in Morocco;
    • traditional baths (hammam) in Marrakech - the rejuvenating effect of these baths is known all over the world;
    • a course of thalassotherapy (sea baths, seaweed rubdowns, mud therapy) in one of the hotels in Rabat or Tangier.

    Friendly local people low prices, warm climate and exotic atmosphere - all this makes Morocco an attractive destination for budget tourists.


    Let's look at the costs:

    • road: flight from Moscow to Casablanca or Rabat, Tangier and back - about 300 euros. The cheapest tickets to Morocco are sold by Qatar, Iberia, and AirFrance. All flights with a transfer in one of the European capitals. Expensive time - about 8 hours;
    • accommodation: double room with breakfast in Marrakech, for example, can be found from 14 euros/day. In Casablanca - from 40 euros/day;
    • food: lunch in an average restaurant of three courses with drinks (in Morocco tourists can drink alcohol as much as they want!) - no more than 1.5-2 euros per person. If you eat in street cafes, you will hardly eat more than 2 euros for the whole day;
    • transport: the cheapest is the bus. There are many routes, tickets for the road from Casablanca to Marrakech are no more than 4-5 euros.

    Traveling to Morocco will be a vibrant adventure. But every tourist must take into account cultural characteristics countries:

    • The concept of hygiene among local peoples is unique. It is advisable to drink only mineral water or drinks in restaurants. The smells will not be the most pleasant;
    • Morocco is a Muslim country. You can photograph people here with caution, but you shouldn’t photograph women at all;
    • Bargaining is necessary everywhere. “Three skins” are torn from Europeans in bazaars and shops. This applies to souvenirs and carpets - the main wealth of the country.

    Central and Southern Africa: the jungle is calling!



    Kilimanjaro National Park (Tanzania).

    The most impressive exotics are hidden in the southern countries. National parks, visits to tourist villages, a visit to a sorcerer, selfies with rhinoceroses in the background - everything is possible. And it's not always expensive. But if you are going to see the real Africa, then it is better to use the services travel company. There are several reasons for this:

    • the region is unstable. Every now and then there are revolutions and coups. This does not concern tourists; they are protected from trouble. But the travel agency agrees on security and escort. This is difficult to do in person;
    • the local population of a number of countries very negatively perceive the presence of any person of European appearance, they are unfriendly, and sometimes aggressive;
    • local cuisine is not well suited to the European stomach; tourists are prepared separately and not in all hotels and restaurants;
    • the low standard of living gave rise to a huge army of adventurers and scammers who preferred to “work” with Europeans.

    A week-long tour of Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe will cost at least one and a half thousand euros per person, excluding the cost of air tickets. Not a cheap pleasure. If you are confident in yourself, speak English well or French, have good health and excellent communication skills, travel to Africa on your own. It's much cheaper.

    Zimbabwe


    Victoria is a waterfall on the Zambezi River in the Republic of Zimbabwe (Zambia).

    In this country, every European gets the impression that civilization is nothing compared to nature:

    • walks around virgin forests, safari, waterfalls;
    • unique fishing;
    • accommodation in ecological camps;
    • exotic animals at every turn.

    In addition to natural beauty, the country has many cultural monuments:

    • ruin ancient state— Great Zimbabwe (the supposed capital of the Queen of Sheba);
    • colonial sights of the capital - Harare.

    Travel expenses:

    • visa - 30 dollars (on arrival);
    • road: ticket Moscow-Harare and back - 625 euros (two transfers, about 20 hours on the road, airline ETIHAD, EMIRATES);
    • accommodation: from 63 euros for a double room, breakfast included;
    • meals: lunch in a restaurant - from 7 euros, street cafe - from 3 euros (traditional corn porridge and fruit);
    • trips around the country, excursions: 100 euros - one-day jeep trip through the national park, meeting with lions, etc. 30-35 euros - visiting cultural attractions for 5-8 hours (ruins of Zimbabwe, museums, etc.).

    South Africa

    In the homeland of Nelson Mandela, Europeans feel somewhat strange: on the one hand, there is real Africa all around, on the other hand, in this country you can quite feel at home.



    Among the main attractions:

    • Cape Good Hope- the southernmost point of Africa;
    • Cape Town - interesting city, in which a dozen cultures were mixed;
    • Durban is a comfortable resort with excellent beaches and entertainment centers;
    • Limpopo - boat trip famous river— the best cruise in Africa;
    • The Kalahari is a desert with many natural monuments and rich fauna.

    Travel expenses:

    • visa - 30 euros. Receipt is associated with a number of inconveniences and difficulties (translation of documents into English language, for example), it is better to entrust the work to professionals, paying an additional 30 euros;
    • road: Flight Moscow-Cape Town and back - 545 euros (travel time from 17 hours, 1 change, cheapest tickets - QATAR);
    • accommodation: double room in a hotel (half board) - from 30 euros/day (hostel - from 18 euros);
    • meals: breakfast in a cafe - 5-7 euros, lunch in a restaurant - 15-25 euros, dinner with wine - from 30 euros;
    • trips around the country, excursions: from 100 euros per day trip accompanied by a knowledgeable guide; tickets to museums and galleries - 3-6 euros.

    A week-long tour to South Africa with a travel company costs from 2,000 euros per person (air tickets separately).

    Africa is very diverse and exotic. A trip to the Dark Continent will be an event of a lifetime. This is an adventure, a cultural experience, and an unforgettable experience. There are countries here (Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana) designed for wealthy tourists. But most African states will welcome a tourist who is not used to spending a lot, who is willing to endure minor inconveniences in order to get to know the most colorful continent in the world.

    Initially, I planned to visit Africa a few years ago, but it so happened that instead of Africa I went to Asia for a month.

    But the thought of the dark continent haunted me.
    And so the circumstances turned out to be such that Mikhail and I bought air tickets to Mombasa, a city in Kenya on the Indian Ocean, and now a trip to Africa has become a reality. We had to go not just to Africa, but to Black Africa, which has little in common with the northern part of the continent. The states of northern Africa - Egypt, Carthage, and later the countries of the Arab Maghreb, were part of a completely different, Mediterranean civilization. Black Africa was separated from them by the Sahara Desert and developed almost in isolation until colonization. But even in our time, this region has not lost its flavor. Africa has a unique and amazing nature, and in some places it has been preserved almost in its original form. African safaris are considered the best in the world. Africa is washed by two oceans and provides great opportunities for beach holidays, aquatic species sports and entertainment. And of course, Africa is the ancestral home of humanity.
    In the region between the south of modern Ethiopia and the north of Tanzania, the first man appeared. But at the same time, Africa is the hottest spot on the planet; the most military conflicts occur here. A unique culture of violence has developed in Africa, where for several generations the violent resolution of disputes has been perceived as normal. And a boy of 8-10 years old here is already a warrior and a killer, and there are many countries where this is the order of things. Rituals of human sacrifice are still practiced here, and children are often victims of these rituals. There are tribes in which, as a gift to the bride, the groom must present the genitals of his enemy. There are still nations that have not and will not submit to any government and do not pay taxes.

    With such a wealth of knowledge we had to go on a trip to Africa. Of course, we didn’t go into the thick of it, but chose, one might say, a calm region East Africa These are four countries: Kenya - Uganda - Rwanda - the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania. The budget for our trip turned out to be about 130 thousand rubles per person, including air tickets and alcohol in duty free. When drawing up a plan for our voyage across the dark continent, we tried to make it as eventful as possible and include various types of tourism. At the same time, everything was planned so that visiting the countries would not be similar, that is, if we were on a safari in Kenya, then there is no point in going on a safari in Uganda and Rwanda, which is unlikely to compare with Kenya. Our plans came true almost completely and as a result we received:

    East Africa travel itinerary

    In Kenya - a safari through the country's National Parks, a visit to the original Maasai tribe (combined with a safari), a small cultural and historical part (examination of the old city in Mombasa) and a beach party holiday. In total, we stayed in Kenya for 12 days. Two days upon arrival in Mombasa, beach and relaxation after the flight and preparation for further travel. Five days of safari and the last five days of our trip were also spent in Mombasa and allocated for beach - party holiday. All places visited in Kenya (Mombasa - Nairobi - National Parks: (Amboseli, Baringo, Bogoria, Masai Mara, Naivasha, Nakuru)

    In Uganda, the cultural and historical part consisted of a sightseeing tour of the country's capital, Kampala. One evening was spent visiting a local Kampala nightclub. Two days were allocated for trekking to the Rwenzori Mountains, the oldest ecosystem on the planet and one of the last places almost unexplored by man. Now I think that this was not enough, it was necessary to allocate at least three days. In total, we spent 5 days in Uganda.

    In Rwanda - sightseeing tour through the capital of the country, Kigali, and a visit to the village of modernized pygmies. We spent two days in Rwanda and already in the morning of the third day we flew to Zanzibar.

    Zanzibar – Beach holidays and cultural and historical program in Stone Town. We set aside three days for a beach holiday in Zanzibar; we decided to relax a little after a busy day and simple trip. We spent one day in Stone Town, and had a sightseeing tour of “ Stone Town", with a local guide.

    And at the end of our tour, as written above, we returned to Mombasa again to spend the last five days exclusively relaxing. Photos of our trip and practical information You can see about the countries we visited in this section. In the future I plan to write a report about each of the countries visited.