I often come across people asking me why I choose to live in Africa when I have such a passion for travelling. The most common statement always both irks me and saddens me at the same time: “Why not venture out of Africa and experience the life of first world countries?”
This, the second largest continent in the world, is not only renowned for its bounty of precious resources, but it also has some of the most unique experiences that can be found only in these parts.
- THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY
Thought to be the birthplace of humanity, this 35 million year old area is being split by two plates in the earth’s crust. The expansive trench stretches from Mozambique, through to Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia and all the way to Syria. Between the fault lines, the lakes and rivers are still deepening but the deepest valley lies in Kenya. Freshwater lakes are home to fish that are found nowhere else on the globe, as well as a rich diversity of birds. Several indigenous tribes, including the Masai and the Samburu, live in the region. The volcanic landscape’s lakes, geysers, and hot springs create a completely unique environment – a natural wonder with a habitat that is home to equally unique flora and fauna.
- HIKING THE OTTER TRAIL ON THE GARDEN ROUTE IN SOUTH AFRICA
The Otter Trail is considered to be one of the best hiking trails in the world and it is plain to see why. The trail takes you through the Tsitsikamma National Park which is some of the greenest and most pristine areas in the country, along the coast of powdery white beaches amalgamating the lush forest with its cascading waterfalls and crisp, harmonious sounds of the river’s waters meandering gracefully along. Only hikers are allowed on the trail and only a maximum of twelve hikers per day giving you the opportunity to bond with nature at its best. You can easily spot dolphins, otters, forest deers, monkeys and so many more animals that reside in this little piece of Eden.
- TRAVERSE THE WORLD’S HOTTEST LOCATION IN THE DANAKIL DEPRESSION IN ETHIOPIA
The Danakil Depression, also known as the Dallol Depression, is a desert area in north-eastern Ethiopia’s Afar region, north of the Great Rift Valley. It is the world’s hottest location on average year-round, as well as one of the most geologically active, but humans survive here against the odds. This magnificent environment is made up of infinite salt pans, lava lakes, and multi-colored hydrothermal fields that will make you feel as if you are on another planet. When the Earth’s tectonic plates move apart, a new crust is formed, and in the Danakil, the plates are moving apart at a pace of 1-2cm per year along three deep rifts. A truly speechless site to behold!
- OBSERVE THE GREAT MIGRATION
Said to be “The Greatest Show on Earth”, the Great Migration sees over a million wildebeest, zebra, and antelope migrate clockwise across the Serengeti/Masai Mara habitat every year, creating one of nature’s most incredible displays. Few experiences can compare to this truly amazing yet perilous journey of getting to the other side by beating the gauntlet of predators that silently await their prey in the shadows ready to pounce their next meal.
- SLEEP UNDER THE STARS IN NAMIBIA
If ever I have seen a spectacular sight, the night sky in Namibia certainly is right at the top of my list! I remember my jaw literally dropping at my first-ever glimpse of the Milky Way and my sleep-deprived body (I had a long day of travelling) immediately dismissed any and all recollection of exhaustion, to stare in awe at the breathtaking sight above me. One such place that is renowned for its stargazing is Spitzkoppe, between Usakos and Swakopmund in Namibia’s Namib Desert; this amazing assemblage of bald granite peaks (also known as inselbergs) may be found. The granite is about 120 million years old, with the highest outcrop rising 1,784 meters above sea level. The peaks stand out sharply against the flat surrounding plains, creating one of the most spectacular campsites you’ll ever see.
- WHITE WATER RAFTING IN THE ZAMBEZI
Zambia is often called the “Adventure Capital” of Africa so it only makes sense that white water rafting down the Zambezi would be the ultimate thrilling experience. In fact, the rapids are rated as being the best on the planet! As you battle your way through some of the most terrifying rapids with names such as “Gnashing Jaws of Death”, you will marvel at the stark, unadulterated beauty and peacefulness of the spectacular Batoka Gorge in addition to the adrenaline-pumping thrills of this exceptional activity.
- MARVEL AT THE BOABABS IN MADAGASCAR
Escape to Madagascar (this time without Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman for company) and discover the real true beauty of nature. A group of spectacular Baobab trees border the gravel road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina in Western Madagascar. It is one of the most breathtaking environments on the planet, attracting visitors from all over the globe. Madagascar also has one of the world’s most distinctive and diverse eco-systems, with 90 percent of all flora and animals endemic to the island including all eighty-eight species of lemurs.
- MARVEL AT THE SEVEN COLOURED EARTH IN MAURITIUS
The Seven Colored Earth of Chamarel is a remarkable geological quirk of Mother Earth and a renowned tourist spot in Mauritius. There are numerous sand dunes in the area, which are made up of sand in seven different colours: red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow. Surprisingly, the hues do not mix and despite frequent Mauritian rains, the sand does not erode. All of this adds to the attraction of the location. The Park is also home to many tortoises, some of whom are over a hundred years old.
- WHALE WATCHING IN HERMANUS, SOUTH AFRICA
The little town of Hermanus in the south-east of Cape Town is one of the best places in the world when it comes to whale watching. The time to enjoy this spectacular phenomenon is from July through to November either from the cliffs whilst sipping on a delicious drink or by boat and air for stupendous views all round. Hermanus is also known for its beautiful valley aptly called Hemel en Aarde (Heaven and Earth).
- ASCEND MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Tanzania is where you will find Africa’s highest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro. This “Gentle Giant” as it is known stands proudly, yet, ever so humble and gracious at 5, 895 meters. And I say gracious because she is so accepting and welcoming to all who endeavour to scale her. Mind you, it is by no means an easy feat to do so as the unpredictable weather could see you facing all four seasons in one day, but with perseverance and the company of all those who trek along with you on the five to nine day hike, the motivation and encouragement certainly spurs you on and there is no greater feeling than the one you will have when reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak. A truly life-changing experience!
Despite all of its shortcomings and its difficulties, for those of us living in Africa and having the good fortune to still travel and see the world, we would all agree on one thing – and that is that home is where the heart is and so my reply to anyone who questions my choice, always remains steadfast: “Not only is Africa my home, but it is in every fibre of my being, my heart and my soul.