Top African destinations Australians must Visit – African wildlife safari holidays, extra ordinary African holidays
Top Africa destinations Australians must visit – Great adventure safari is your premier African safari operator in Australia we will help you arrange safaris to some of the most amazing places to visit in Africa.
We have carefully selected all the top African destinations Australians must visit for the lifetime safari.
Nyiragongo Volcano, Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
A whopping 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) wide and usually containing a lava lake, Nyiragongo Volcano is one of Africa’s most active volcanoes, with an eruption in 2002 displacing half a million people.
Nyiragongo Volcano in Democratic Republic of Congo, is the most active Strata volcano in the Virunga mountains in Virunga national park. The Volcano is at an elevation of 3470m is associated with the Albertine Rift, located about 20km North of Goma, and Lake Kivu, as well as Rwanda to the East.
Mount Nyiragongo Volcano’s main crater which currently contains the main lava lake, stretches about 2 kilometers wide and contains two distinct cooled lava benches within the crater walls, with the highest point at about 3,175m and a lower one at 2975m respectively.
The lava lake has for a number of times been known for its voluminous lava lake in the present history. Due to the varying depth of the larva lake, a maximum elevation of approximately 3,250m was recorded prior to the eruption occurrence in January, 1977 with a lake depth of 2700m. Mount Nyiragongo Volcano alongside Nyamuragira has been responsible for 40% of Africa’s volcanic eruptions.
Less is known about how long Nyiragongo has been erupting, but according to the current history, at least 34 eruptions have been recorded since 1882, including various periods where activity was continuous for years at a time, often in the form of a churning lava lake in the crater. Although the existence of the lava lake had been suspected for a certain period of time, it was not scientifically proved in 1948. Subsequent expeditions showed that the lake fluctuated in size, depth, and temperature over time. Successive expeditions showed that the lava lake fluctuated in size, depth and temperature.
The unpredictable nature of the mount Nyiragongo eruptions has led to the close monitor by a team of scientists at the Goma volcanic Observatory. And this is still the main reason and it is still monitored 24/7 365 days a year with seismic data produced every four minutes and temperature data produced every ten minutes.
Mount Nyiragongo Volcano is one of the areas of the great Virunga Massif and is attached to the great East African Rift Valley. It lies in in the Eastern part of Congo next to the border of Rwanda that is the Goma Gisenyi- border.
Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda.
Kibale’s most popular activity is the Kanyanchu Primate Walk. Thirteen species can be sought, and a good variety of diurnal monkeys invariably encountered, but the stars of this trail are the chimpanzees. Kanyanchu’s chimps have been tracked since 1993 and the chances of locating them are excellent. Guided walks start at 8am and 2pm and last an average of three hours, depending on various factors.
The perennially popular primate walk provides the chance to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Kanyanchu’s groups are accustomed to human presence – some have been observed for over 25 years – and the chance of locating them is over 90%. Walks leave Kanyanchu Visitor Centre at 08.00, 11.00 and 14.00 and last between 2-5 hours. Early arrival to allow for registration and briefing is recommended. Contact time with chimpanzees is limited to one hour; group size is limited to six visitors; participants must be aged 16 or over. Advance booking is essential.
Chimpanzee habituation experience.
The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) enables visitors to accompany researchers and habituators into the forest. The chimpanzee groups involved are less accustomed to human presence than those visited on the Primate Walk and following and viewing them is both exciting and challenging.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) is available on a full or half day basis starting and advance booking for this activity is required. Early visitors can watch chimps leaving their overnight nests between 6:00 – 6:30am before feeding, copulating, hunting, breastfeeding, resting, patrolling and displaying until it is time to build new nests around 7pm.
Various local tour operators that have been accredited by government are available to provide services including Chimpanzee Habituation Experience booking in order to ensure that you get a your slot at the appropriate time, one of top African destinations Australians must visit for the ultimate four hours with gorillas.
Nile perch fishing in Uganda.
Uganda is an ideal fishing destination. With one third of the country covered by water; there is great opportunity for sport fishing. Sport fishing is carried out on Lake Victoria and Murchison Falls National Park. Nile Perch Fishing in Lake Victoria Uganda is implausible! Over 108 kg have been trapped below the Falls in Murchison falls. Apart from Nile perch, other fish you can catch include catfish of over 50kg Tilapia, Tiger fish, Ngara (Genus alestes), ferocious fighter and barbel.
Sport Fishing at Murchison Falls National Park is presently done at the foot of the falls. The fishing is either from the rocks on the bank of the river or faintly lower downstream in the pools from a boat. Access to the fishing spots is either by boat from a point further downstream or by walking down the gorge to the river from the top of the falls. It’s a steep climb back up and hence most people tend to go fishing equipped for the day to avoid climbing up in the heat of the day, this is one of top African destinations Australians must visit.
The culture of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa, bordering Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, Eritrea and Djibouti. The country has the second biggest population in Africa, with over 50% of people being under 25 years of age. Due to the vast size of the population, it is important to recognize that descriptions of Ethiopian cultural customs can vary significantly. There are many distinct cultural practices that are specific to people’s region, ethnicity or religion. Despite this diversity, Ethiopians are generally united by their patriotism and pride in the country’s overarching cultural identity.
Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa, once ruled as a dynasty by a series of monarchs. It is distinct from most other African nations as it is one of the only countries that successfully resisted European colonisation. It also has a historical connection to Christianity, with the region adopting the religion before many Western nations were exposed to it. This legacy of the country’s independence and the Ethiopian ‘Tewahedo’ orthodox Church are very important to Ethiopians’ sense of national pride. Their sense of morality and cultural refinement are shaped by centuries of practice, and continue to inform how they see themselves in the contemporary setting. Generally speaking, Ethiopians are renowned for being welcoming, considerate, cooperative and non-confrontational people.
Ethnicity and Language
While there are certain cultural traditions that represent a national or ‘habesha’ culture, practices differ between regions, religions and ethnicities. Ethiopia contains over 80 different ethnic groups. Their ancestries vary, with some tracing back to Bantu or Nilotic tribes of sub-Saharan Africa whilst others have closer heritage to the Cushitic tribes of the Middle East. According to the 2007 census, the largest ethnic groups are the Oromo (43.4% of the population), Amhara (26.9%), Somali (6.2%), Tigray (6.1%) and Sidama (4%). Other significant ethnic populations include the Gurage, Welaita, Hadiya and Afar people. Historically, each ethnic group has been divided into tribes and sub-tribes on the basis of people’s descent from common ancestors. This is still the case for many living in rural areas, particularly among pastoralists in less developed regions. However, tribal organisational structures have been dismantled in many areas, particularly urban spaces.
6. Lowland gorillas in West Africa.
Eastern lowland gorillas
Gorilla trekking guide for Africa-The eastern lowland gorilla—also known as Grauer’s gorilla—is the largest of the four gorilla subspecies. It is distinguished from other gorillas by its stocky body, large hands and short muzzle. Despite its size, eastern lowland gorillas subsist mainly on fruit and other herbaceous materials, just like other gorilla subspecies.
Years of civil unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have taken their toll on both the eastern lowland gorilla and the mountain gorilla. The eastern lowland gorilla makes its home in lowland tropical rain forests in the eastern DRC. In the last 50 years, its range has decreased from 8,100 square miles—about the size of the state of Massachusetts— to about 4,600 square miles today. This subspecies may now occupy only 13% of its historical range. There were nearly 17,000 eastern lowland gorillas in the mid-1990s but scientists estimate that the population has declined by more than 50% since then. An accurate accounting of the animals has been impossible for many years because of violence in the region.
Throughout the unrest, the gorillas have been vulnerable to poaching, even in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, home to the largest population of protected eastern lowland gorillas. Rebels and poachers invaded the park and people set up illegal mines. But, with help from WWF and other organizations, park staff is re-establishing control over the land.
Western lowland gorillas
Gorilla trekking guide for Africa-The western lowland gorilla is the most numerous and widespread of all gorilla subspecies. Populations can be found in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Equatorial Guinea as well as in large areas in Gabon and the Republic of Congo. The exact number of western lowland gorillas is not known because they inhabit some of the most dense and remote rain forests in Africa. Significant populations still exist, including in isolated swamps and the remote swampy forests of the Republic of Congo.
Western lowland gorillas can be distinguished from other gorilla subspecies by their slightly smaller size, their brown-grey coats and auburn chests. They also have wider skulls with more pronounced brow ridges and smaller ears. Large numbers have not protected the western lowland gorilla from decline. Because of poaching and disease, the gorilla’s numbers have declined by more than 60% over the last 20 to 25 years. Even if all of the threats to western lowland gorillas were removed, scientists calculate that the population would require some 75 years recovering.
Cross river gorillas
Gorilla trekking guide for Africa- This subspecies of the western gorilla is very similar in appearance to the more numerous western lowland gorilla, but subtle differences can be found in the skull and tooth dimensions. Cross River gorillas live in a region populated by many humans who have encroached upon the gorilla’s territory—clearing forests for timber and to create fields for agriculture and livestock. Poaching occurs in the forests as well, and the loss of even a few of these gorillas has a detrimental effect on such a small population.
Efforts to protect these animals are focused on securing the forests that house them. WWF and partners have worked with the governments of Cameroon and Nigeria to create a protected area for the Cross River gorilla that spans the border of these two nations.
The great wildebeest migration, Tanzania and kenya
A photo won’t capture the thunder of hooves on dirt as more than a million wildebeest and several hundred thousand zebra make their annual migration, but still, this is one for the top of the pile.
Top African destinations Australians must visit – The migration is actually a year-round event as the animals move from Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Reserve in January, up through the Serengeti around June and hit Kenya’s Masai Mara around September, before journeying south again.
The migration occurs within an area that is known as the “Serengeti ecosystem.” The 40,000-square mile area is defined by Masai-Mara National Reserve in the north and, in the south, Ndutu, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Maswa Game Reserve in Tanzania. The central, Eastern and Western areas include Grumeti Reserve, Loliondo, the official Serengeti National Park including part of southern expanse of Kusini and other protected areas. The migration is not a singular, isolated event. Instead, the phrase describes the constant movement of over 1.5 million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of Zebras, as well as Elands and Gazelles. With other wildlife, the purpose of the movement is the search for pasture and water. When supplies of these vital resources are depleted in one area, the animals move to another area where water, grasses and other food sources are plentiful.
Table Mountain, South Africa
Table Mountain makes Cape Town, one of the world’s best beach cities, also one of the world’s most photogenic.
It is also the country’s most photographed attraction and its famous cable car took millions of people to its top.
Top African destinations Australians must visit, Table Mountain has become the single most welcoming icon to not only our people, but travellers from all over the world.
But this mountain hides many surprises that wait to be discovered.
It is much more than a scenic photograph background or a place from where you can take a breath-taking photo of Cape Town.
There are about 2,200 species of plants found on Table Mountain and 1470 floral species. Many of these plants and flowers are endemic to this mountain.
The magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are found on the eastern foot of the mountain. Founded in 1913, the garden that spans an area of 1300 acres includes a unique conservatory with plants from different parts of the world.
Besides the parks, the whole area has a biodiversity that is rare to find in other places on earth. Its many valleys and streams make it an idyllic getaway from Cape Town. The national park’s most unique feature is its fynbos vegetation that is displayed here better than anywhere in the world.
The Cape Floral region of the national park is one of the richest floral regions in the world. Over 70% of the flowers are endemic to the Table Mountain. It is no wonder that the mountain was chosen as one of the new seven world wonders.
Its fauna is no less thrilling either. Although animals such as the cape lion, mountain zebra or the leopard are no longer found here, the park is still home to caracals, rock hyraxes or chacma baboons.
At the Boulders, penguins flock all over the place, a unique sight in Africa.
The flat top peak of the mountain reaches 1,086 m above sea level, but being so close to the sea and to the city its features look more imposing.
Djemaa el Fna, Morocco
The world’s most exciting town square, Djemaa el Fna reminds you you’re in Africa. In the heart of the old city of Marrakech, snake-charmers, henna-painters, storytellers, date-sellers and orange juice vendors set up their stalls in the sleepy heat of the afternoon.
As night falls, the vendors are joined by tribal drummers, ladyboy dancers and mobile restaurateurs selling delicious grilled meats, bread and salad as the smoke rises above their stalls ’til past midnight.
Sossusvlei Dunes, Namibia
Sossusvlei means “the gathering place of water” but you’ll need to bring your own if you don’t want to dehydrate at this, Namibia’s most outstanding attraction.
The dunes have developed over millions of years, the result of material flowing from the Orange River into the Atlantic, carried north and returned again to land by the surf.
Climbing the dunes yields breath-taking views, including the Deadvlei, a ghostly expanse of dried, white clay punctuated by skeletons of ancient camel thorn trees.
Mountain gorillas, Rwanda and uganda.
A close encounter with the mountain gorillas of the Rwandan and Ugandan rainforest will stay with you for a lifetime. Various operators run tours tracking silverbacks and their troupes in the dense forest of volcanoes national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park and Bwindi impenetrable national park.
At an elevation of more than 6,000 feet, the Nyungwe National Park is an isolated region, covering more than 386 square miles across southwest Rwanda Tourists can meet a vast range of primates and also traverse East Africa’s highest canopy. These are top African destination Australians must visit for the life time experience of seeing mountain gorillas in the natural setting
Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Take a 60 second vacation to Victoria Falls – the world’s largest waterfalls and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, located in Southern Africa.
One of the world’s most majestic water spectacles, Victoria Falls (also called Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Cloud That Thunders) — were reportedly first seen by a European when Scotsman David Livingstone journeyed here in 1855.
Since then thousands have enjoyed the spray from the 108-meter high cascade, which was once recorded flowing at 12,800 cubic meters per second — double that of Niagara’s highest flow.
Spitzkoppe, Namibia
Namibia’s deserts are so fascinating that another attraction deserves mention in this list.
The Spitzkoppe is a grouping of granite peaks in Namibia’s Namib Desert, with the highest peak hitting nearly 1,800 meters (about 5,900 feet). This place is heaven for climbers, geologists, stargazers and watchers of weaver birds.
Sahara Dunes, Morocco
The most user-friendly part of the Sahara is accessible from the northern edge of Morocco. You can trek with Berbers from the town of Zagoura, or camp out in Tazzarine, where runners from all over the world complete the weeklong marathon des sables every spring.
The foot of the Merzouga Dunes is the ultimate location for gazing at stars, totally free of light pollution.
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The most famous of the structures at Giza, near Cairo, the Pyramid of King Cheops was built around 2650 BC from 2.5 million blocks of limestone. Its sides are oriented exactly to the north, south, east and west.
The Chephren pyramid, built by Cheops’ son, is similar in size and incorporates the entrances to a burial chamber that still contains the large granite sarcophagus of King Chephren.
The pyramid of Mycerinus is smaller than both and all three are surrounded by other smaller pyramids and dozens of tombs.
Nyika Plateau National Park, Malawi
Nyika, the largest national park in Malawi, is one of the most unusual in Africa, with a plateau cut by numerous rivers that reach Lake Malawi by way of waterfalls off the eastern edge of the mountains.
The eastern border of the plateau forms the wall of the Great Rift Valley. The great domes of hills have gentle slopes, making Nyika perfect for both trekking and mountain biking as well as Jeep exploration.
Antelope and zebra abound, and the park has one of the highest densities of leopard in Central Africa and is one of the top African destinations Australians must visit in 2021 – 2022
Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
It’s said you can hear your own blood flow in this vast area of dried-up salt pans in the Kalahari Desert, a forbidding landscape formed by a huge lake that dried up millennia ago.
But it can transform in an instant during winter, if rains have been good enough to make lush grass sprout, bringing a stampede of wildlife to break the silence, including zebra, wildebeest and flamingos.
Draa Valley, Morocco
Between the Atlas Mountains and the dunes of the Sahara lies one of Morocco’s most splendid and rewarding landscapes: the Draa, a mass of date plantations punctuated by kasbahs made of rammed red earth rising against the sky.
Zagora, at the southern end, makes a good base with decent hotels and restaurants. Allow five hours to reach the Draa from Marrakech via a spectacular route across the Atlas Mountains – it’s best not to self-drive.
Sphinx, Egypt
This colossal temple is on the way down to Egypt’s Valley Temple of King Chefren. The body of a lion with a human head is 70 meters long and 20 meters high — as tall as a six-story apartment block.
Although the Sphinx has been thought of as female, many scholars believe the face is that of King Chefren.
Mount Mulanje, Malawi.
At around 3,000 meters (about 9,850 feet), the Mulanje Massif dwarfs the lush land that surrounds it. It’s split in two by the Fort Lister Gap, a broad pass eroded by the Phalombe and Sombani rivers.
The mountain is distinguished by giant basins of rock and narrow gullies cut by fast-flowing streams. A strenuous trek leads to magnificent viewpoints.
En route, expect to encounter monkeys, hares, voles and a carpet of enchanting wildflowers after the rain. Large numbers of butterflies are another feature.
Horse Riding safari, Kenya
The best way to experience Kenya’s zebras? From the back of a horse. Travellers can gallop alongside the stripey beasts in the Masai Mara, covering up to 100 kilometers (62 miles) in a week.
Masai Mara National Reserve is a premier safari destination that offers an iconic wilderness experience in Africa. Known primarily for the massive herds of wildebeest and zebras that flood the plains, Masai Mara is cherished amongst those who visit. Great adventure safaris specializes in tours that provide numerous immersive experiences in the natural beauty of Kenya, and a horseback tour in the private conservancy of masai mara is sure to be amongst your most prized memories. With 16 amazing riding horses in the center of the protected ecosystem, our goal is to offer our guests access to an exceptional equestrian adventure.
The largest influx of gnus occurs starting from July through August and September. The wildebeests migrate back to Serengeti starting in October. This creates an energetic scenario that you observe from your mount. When the migration is not in the area, your horseback tour has a more tranquil feeling as you watch the resident herbivores search for tender morsels and water while the carnivores keep a careful eye out for prey. No matter the time of year you choose for your dream adventure holiday, the safari experience of horseback riding will be more than you imagined for your time in East Africa.Is the most top African destinations Australians must visit for the life time experience
Wonders of the Nile, Egypt
A cruise down the Egyptian Nile, ideally on a romantic felucca rather than a crowded tourist boat, reveals relics of one of the world’s most ancient civilizations.
The high point is the Valley of the Kings, with its monumental statues, and the magnificent Kom Ombo Temple, north of Aswan on the east bank.
Flamingos, Kenya
Lake Nakuru National Park is home to 1 million resident flamingos, providing one of Kenya’s most unforgettable sights. This lake has become famous for the greatest bird spectacle in the world, with swathes of vibrant pink filling the alkaline lake and the huge sky.
Lower Zambezi, Zambia
Canoeing safaris in the Lower Zambezi offer sightings of hippos, elephants and other animals drinking from the rivers and tributaries around camp.
People who love to fish can also be accommodated at several of the camps and lodges on the banks of the river.
Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
The 10-minute helicopter ride across the Bazaruto Archipelago to the Azura retreats lodge on Benguerra Island is worth it in its own right. The destination is the icing on the cake.
This award-winning boutique hotel set on a remote desert island is set within a Marine National Park, giving the chance to see whales, dolphins and dugong.
Nxia Pan National Park, Botswana
The Baines baobabs that sit close to the entrance of Botswana’s Nxai Pan National Park take their name from a series of water colours by Victorian explorer and artist Thomas Baines. Their fruit apparently tastes a little like sherbet.
The Nxai Pan park is great for viewing the vast, salt-rich pans that characterize the Kalahari and is also known for lion, leopard and cheetah and unusually large herds of giraffe.
Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Namibia is the travel gift that keeps on giving. Some 500 meters (1,640 feet) deep and more than 160 kilometers (100 miles) long, this great rift is second only to the United States’ Grand Canyon in size, and during the dry season is characterized by beautiful turquoise pools of seasonally flowing water stretching into the distance.
Rhinos at Solio Reserve, Kenya
Located in the valley between the dramatic slopes of Mount Kenya and the rolling peaks of the Aberdare Mountains, Solio Reserve is home to around 250 black and white rhino and considered the best place to see these increasingly rare species.
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), is Africa’s highest peak — and an item on thousands of bucket lists. It is a “Sky island,” creating a varied and dramatic natural habitat.
Rising through lush rainforests and alpine meadows, climbers finally cross a barren lunar landscape to reach the twin summit, often above the clouds.
Lake Malawi, Malawi
Lake Malawi, one of the largest lakes in the world, was dubbed “Lake of Stars” by Dr. David Livingstone, who trekked here a century and a half ago.
The lake has more tropical fish than any lake in the world — 1,300 species — and the freshwater diving is great.
The biodiversity has been recognized by UNESCO, which has made Lake Malawi National Park, the world’s first freshwater park, a World Heritage Site.is also a top African destinations Australians must visit for the lifetime experience in Africa.
African Renaissance Monument, Senegal
At 49 meters (160ft) tall, the African Renaissance Monument in Senegal — which is higher than the Statue of Liberty in New York – is the tallest statue in Africa.
Getting to the top is an exhilarating feat that’s crowned by the breath-taking view of Dakar from the top of the monument.
Lekki Conservation Centre, Nigeria
A walk far above the ground on Africa’s longest canopy walkway is a great way to explore Nigeria’s natural beauty.
The Lekki Conservation Centre offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Nzulezo, Ghana
In the 500-strong community of Nzulezo culture and tradition are very important for the future amidst modern needs.
Nzulezo gets its name from a local Ghanaian language, Nzema, meaning “surface of water.”
Its village is built entirely on stilts on Lake Tandane in western Ghana.
Nzulezo offers a glimpse into what it’s like to live entirely on water. Visitors will want to sample Akpeteshi, one of the best local gins, made from Raffia palm.Ghana has top African destinations Australians must visit for the best experience.
Cape Verde Archipelago
Located in the North Atlantic and consisting of 10 islands, the Cape Verde archipelago is a cultural blend of African, Iberian and Brazilian influences.
From water sports and hikes through volcanic landscapes to leisure times at the scenic beaches, Cape Verde offers it all.
If you make it there between February and March, the annual Cape Verde carnival in the cultural capital of São Vicente is a must-see.
Lake Retba (Lac Rose), Senegal.
Less than an hour away from the capital city of Senegal there is an unusual lake that will surely catch the unsuspecting visitor’s eye because of its unusual yet vivid pink colour.
Lake Retba (or Lac Rose as it is known by locals) is separated only by some narrow dunes from the Atlantic Ocean and, as expected its salt content is very high. Its salinity content compares to that of the Dead Sea and during the dry season it exceeds it.
Its distinct pink colour is caused by the Dunaliella salina bacteria, which is attracted by the lake’s salt content. The bacteria produces a red pigment in order to absorb the sunlight, thus giving the lake its unique colour. Its colour is especially visible during the dry season (which lasts from November to June) and less during the rainy season (July-October).
There are few pink lakes in the world and one of them is in the Cap-Vert peninsula in Senegal.
Lake Retba, also called Lac Rose by locals, is a highly saline body of water — one of the highest in the world. The lake gets its colour from safe bacteria in the water, which produce a red pigment to absorb sunlight.
The best times to see the lake at its pinkest is during Senegal’s dry season, between November and June. The above are the top African destinations Australians must visit to enjoy a life time experience.