Beautiful places to visit in Africa
Mozambique, why you should visit it. There are tranquil islands and historic settlements along the coastline. You may see traditional silversmithing in Ibo, embark on a safari in the Niassa Reserve, and snorkel with colorful reef species in Bazaruto.Another choice is to relax on a solitary beach in the country’s biggest city or discover the Afro-Mediterranean flavor of Maputo’s lively markets.You will surely have a terrific time in Maputo for a number of reasons, regardless of why you are visiting. Mozambique’s cuisine, music, and artwork all showcase the country’s rich cultural legacy.Another option is to explore the Afro-Mediterranean flavor of Maputo’s vibrant markets or unwind on a lonely beach in the nation’s largest city.Whatever your motivations for traveling to Maputo, you will undoubtedly have a great time there for a variety of reasons. Mozambique’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its food, music, and artwork. South Africa The Travelling Experience You’re likely to hear ten different replies if you ask ten different South Africans what, in their opinion, would make a vacation experience feel real and authentic. It could be a safari in the jungle or a gastronomic tour of different cultures, but for some it will be a chance to get back in touch with nature in a place they’ve never been before. You’re likely to hear ten different replies if you ask ten different South Africans what, in their opinion, would make a vacation experience feel real and authentic. It could be a safari in the jungle or a gastronomic tour of different cultures, but for some it will be a chance to get back in touch with nature in a place they’ve never been before. Consider excursions like white-water rafting, zip-lining, and shark cage diving—South Africa offers a plethora of experiences that are unmatched elsewhere. Some people have a preference for going to historical and cultural places, such as the Cradle of Humankind or the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town. The oldest structure still standing in South Africa, the castle was built in 1679 and has served as the hub of political, military, and civilian life in the Cape and the country ever since. The Cradle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It got its name from being the first place where evidence of our ape-like ancestors was found. These experiences are exclusive to this nation and will introduce you to fresh historical information. Tanzania offers genuinely something for every type of traveler. Mount Kilimanjaro The highest peak in Africa, Kilimanjaro, is situated in northeastern Tanzania and is visible from a great distance into Kenya. For the Chagga people of the area and everyone who has settled nearby, the mountain is a symbol of a vital life force that offers abundant clean spring waters and fertile volcanic soils for farming. Kilimanjaro is not the most remote or difficult mountain—75,000 people climb it annually—but it is nonetheless an amazing site to behold and is strongly recommended for anyone with even the slightest interest in mountaineering. The Crater of Ngorongoro The Ngorongoro Crater, the biggest intact volcanic caldera in the world and home to an amazing variety of animal species, is a jewel in Tanzania’s crown and a “must do” for any traveler to the country. When you witness the animals meander across the grasslands on the crater floor in the direction of the lake, the crater walls provide an amazing backdrop for some breathtaking photos. Kenya has more than 50 of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Wonder at the Mara The yearly migration of 1.5 million wildebeest and their escort of zebra, antelope, and predators makes the Masai Mara home to the “greatest wildlife show on earth.” Because of the exceptional quality of its game watching, the Masai Mara continues to be Kenya’s most well-known reserve. Large numbers of elephant, lion, giraffe, hippo, and plains game can be seen here in a single morning, along with incredible sightings like a lone cheetah perched on a termite mound, a leopard perched on a tree, or a family of warthogs high-tailing it across the savannah. Since walking is prohibited, you should visit one of the numerous private conservancies that encircle the reserve if you want to hike across the Greater Mara Spectral in Gedi The ruins of the thirteenth-century village of Gedi lie on the silver-blue Swahili coastline, just north of Watamu. The town’s residents are said to have abandoned it as cannibals approached. Presently, it is a charming ruin with crumbling marketplaces, palaces, mosques, and alleys all buried in the thick coastal forest, where colobus monkeys with silky cloaks preen. However, for many ages, people have warned that individuals who stay up too late are followed by a dark presence when the sun sets. Mine with the elephants Perched amidst the foggy hills of western Kenya, Mount Elgon is a soaring volcanic monolith, adorned with intricate caverns filled with bats and frequented by the renowned “troglodyte” elephants that come to extract salt. This area, which consists of untamed moors, deep woodlands, and imposing basalt cliffs, is as remote as it gets. It’s perfect for both leisurely strolls and demanding hikes. The most well-known cave, Kitum, can be explored with a guide, so be sure to email designafrique ahead of time to make arrangements.
Botswana Travel Guide
Allow your creativity to flourish. One of the greatest places on earth to experience nature, wildlife, and breathtakingly gorgeous landscapes is Botswana. This nation provides countless chances for exploration and adventure, from the stunning rivers and deltas to the well-known Kalahari Desert, which is vast and arid. Explore the immense splendor of the well-known Chobe National Park in Botswana, which is home to the largest concentration of elephants in Africa. Savor experiences like thrilling river cruises, superb game drives, outstanding birdwatching, and breathtaking photo ops. Discover Savute, a secluded and untamed area of Chobe National Park that reaches the Linyanti River and the park’s northern borders. The pristine Okavango Delta awaits you on the next leg of your journey. Known as “the river that never finds the sea,” the crystalline channels with their papyrus-fringed banks and lush floating islands crisscross the Kalahari’s thirstlands. Explore Botswana on a Bushmen Walk Joining a local San Bushman for a walk through the Kalahari landscape can give you a unique perspective on the culture and profound understanding of the land that these aboriginal people possess. Storytellers, scientists, anthropologists, and general travelers all have a great deal of admiration and curiosity for the San bushmen of the Kalahari. Because of this widespread belief, strolling with the San is an exciting opportunity to learn about some of humanity’s most inventive survival techniques. The walk is a tactile exploration that includes food tastings (such as berries and fire-roasted beetles) and hands-on activities like dancing, fire-making, hunting, and medicine-making. Safaris on the Water in the Delta One of the most tranquil experiences you will ever have is riding a mokoro. As you glide along silently, your guide will point out gorgeous lilies, small painted reed frogs, and goliath herons. Hippos need not fear—the poler gently taps the side of the mokoro to alert them to the approaching human presence! It’s the classic “vehicle” for game viewing in the Okavango Delta, bringing you closer to the creatures in “the Venice of safari.” Kala Camp, which is located in the lovely permanent wetlands of the northern Okavango, provides a traditional water safari experience all year round. Central Kalahari Game Reserve This remote spot is the second largest in the world, and it’s enormous. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve, which is made up of dunes, sparse deserts, ancient salt pans, and fossilized river valleys, never ceases to amaze tourists with its expansive terrain and the adaptability of the local wildlife. This reserve is rich in history, having been the ancestral home of the San Bushmen. If you know where to look, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is full of hidden treasures, like elephants and lions that have adapted to live in the desert.To make the most of this amazing place, it is advised that you explore this game reserve on a small group safari due to its remote location and vast land area. Experience the Greatest Views of Predators In Botswana A lot of grass indicates a lot of antelope. The largest crocodiles in Africa can be discovered where zebras, deer, and other animals come together to drink. Capable of remaining motionless for extended periods, they induce a false sense of security in their victims before swiftly striking them. Photographers take note: crocs never warn you when they’re going to move, and they have a strange way of doing something exciting right when you’re taking a sip of water or changing lenses. You’ll have to be alert around them. Go to Chobe; the luxuriant riverbanks and deep water make it ideal croc ecosystem. The impressive thing about the predators in Botswana is not just their size, but also the groups they inhabit. Among the largest in Africa are the lions of the well-known Marsh Pride in the Savuti region of Chobe. They are incredibly strong hunters who have taken down elephants thanks to years of hard hunting in dense marshland and deep water. However, lions are fascinating even when they’re not hunting, which usually occurs late at night when you’re wrapped up in bed. With regular sightings of leopards, Moremi Game Reserve is the place to be for big cat enthusiasts. Remarkably, this is the only area of the World Heritage Site Okavango Delta that is formally protected. Of course, if you’re extremely fortunate, you might even see young leopards and lions learning how to survive in the wide world. Of all the cats, lions are the most gregarious, and their playful interactions can easily engross you.
Zimbabwe Travel Guide For Tourist
Zimbabwe is a one-of-a-kind and fascinating safari site that is popular among safari “regulars.” Zimbabwe is making a resurgence as one of the finest African safari locations, offering reasonable value, uncrowded safaris, and magnificent, distant wildlife experiences. It was often ignored due to the political upheaval of the last decade. HIGHLIGHTS Victoria Falls, in Zimbabwe’s far northwestern corner, is by far the most popular tourist destination. Magnificent Victoria Falls The magnificent Victoria Falls, often known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (or “the smoke that thunders”), is a majestic curtain waterfall on the Zambezi River that separates Zimbabwe from its northern neighbor, Zambia. The falls are also accessible from the Zambian side, however the view from the Zimbabwean side is often superior. Victoria Falls is known as Africa’s adventure capital and is frequently paired with safaris in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, or even South Africa. Whitewater rafting, bridge leaping, bungee jumping, flying fox, helicopter and microlight flights are among the adrenaline-pumping sports, while sunset river cruises, fishing trips, and traditional village tours are among the more mild pursuits. Zimbabwean Safari Route The “Milk Run” safari circuit in Zimbabwe is a triangular route that connects Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and Bumi Hills or Lake Kariba. Because of their proximity to Victoria Falls, the western and northern parts of the country are the most well-known safari destinations, making them more accessible than some of the more remote parks, such as Gonarezhou in the country’s far south-eastern corner. Hwange National Park The largest and most popular park in Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is a Big 5 safari destination, known for its huge herds of elephants and buffalo which congregate at the waterholes in the dry season. At 14,600 km², it offers a variety of scenery, game (over 100 mammal species) and vegetation which ranges from the semi-desert scrub in the south to forests, granite hills and mopane woodlands to the north. Hwange is one of the easiest game reserves to get to and its safari lodges offer day and night game drives and often, walking safaris. Gonarezhou National Park The next biggest national park to Hwange, Gonarezhou National Park is remote and, therefore, the least developed and most untouched. It borders Mozambique’s Limpopo National Park and South Africa’s Kruger National Park to make up the vast Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park wilderness area. It is a Big 5 destination but the wildlife can be skittish and shy as they’re not used to humans. However, birding is excellent. You’re likely to see large elephant herds, and the less common antelopes like nyala, roan and sable, and even some wild dogs. Mana Pools National Park Over the millennia, the mighty Zambezi River has carved for itself a series of valleys, islands, channels, sandbanks and ox-bow lakes. Thanks to the mineral-rich ancient volcanic soils, the vegetation is lush and plentiful, making Mana Pools a wildlife haven – and a wealth of big game is attracted to its floodplains. The area is perfect for both canoe safaris and hiking safaris. At Mana, you’re likely to encounter big cats, large herds of buffalo and elephants and resident packs of wild dogs as well as the large antelope like kudu, eland and waterbuck. The rivers are alive with crocodiles and hippos. Birding is superb, especially in the dry season when the migrant birds return. Matobo Hills National Park Easily accessible – a thirty-minute drive from Bulawayo, Matobo Hills offers dramatic scenery with its imposing granite boulders, seemingly thrown down at odd angles by angry giants in prehistoric times. It’s an area steeped in ancient history and folklore. Superb examples of bushmen rock art can be seen, it’s a sacred site of the proud Ndebele people and it’s where you’ll find the grave of Cecil Rhodes, carved into a high rock outlook at ‘World’s View’. You may see white rhino, leopard (supposedly Africa’s most prolific concentration of leopard) and black eagles. Unfortunately, no lions or elephants remain in this reserve. Matusadona National Park When the Kariba Dam was built in the late 1950s, much of the Zambezi Valley was flooded, resulting in Lake Kariba; one of the world’s largest man-made lakes. Matusadona National Park was established on its southern shores to cater for the wildlife displaced in the process. Today, there are many excellent safari lodges and houseboats on its shores, offering game drives, bush walks and boat and canoe safaris to explore its vast expanse. Matusadona is a Big 5 national park. It has the largest concentration of lions as well as white and black rhino and many of the larger antelope. The birdlife is prolific and the African fish eagle is a common resident. Climate and when to visit Zimbabwe has a warm, subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The rainy season is in the summer, from November to April, and some lodges are closed during this time. Halfway through the rainy season, the water level of the Zambezi River starts to rise, so that its peak flow is from March to June. This affects destinations like Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba and to some extent even Mana Pools National Park. October is the hottest month of the year, and the dry season is from May to October. The peak of the dry season, from July to October, is the most popular time to be on safari and the best time to visit Zimbabwe. During this time, the days can be nice and warm but the nights can be cold. Please take a look at our detailed travel calendar showing the best time to visit Victoria Falls. Safety in Zimbabwe Zimbabweans are peace-loving and friendly people, and they receive visitors with warmth and enthusiasm. Even at the height of the political turmoil and economic instability (around 2008), tourist regions like Victoria Falls were safe to visit and largely unaffected by politics. By and large, the country’s tourist regions and national parks remain peaceful, safe and unaffected by the political challenges the country has faced. Tourist numbers are on the rise again, and once-struggling lodges and businesses are starting to flourish. We have
Why Go on a Malawi Vacation?
Lakes, Landscapes, Wildlife & Culture One of Africa’s smallest yet most beautiful countries, Malawi is a true hidden gem and possibly the continent’s most underrated travel destination. A common theme found among travellers who arrive in Malawi have left the country singing its praises. The Southern African country is famous for its smiling, friendly people, and its slow and easy approach to life, as well as its extraordinary freshwater lake and its exceptional natural scenery. Malawi’s inherent likeability has earned it the moniker, ‘Warm Heart of Africa’. It’s this magnetism that makes holidays to Malawi an unforgettable experience for first-timers to Africa and seasoned safari-goers alike. Malawi vacations have so much to offer visitors. Animal lovers can encounter the immense marine life in Lake Malawi and the diverse wildlife in the game reserves. Nature lovers will get to soak up breathtaking views of the untouched forests, pristine beaches, and tranquil water of the lake. While those with an adventurous spirit will love taking on a wide variety of activities, including sailing, snorkelling, and kayaking. And with Go2Africa’s ability to craft tailor-made Malawi tours, you can have the vacation of your dreams. The Tiny Country with the Big Heart – Malawi Despite its diminutive size in comparison to other African nations, Malawi frequently attracts travelers seeking a tranquil vacation in a stunning, untouched region of the globe. It is renowned for having kind, smiling residents. Most notably, this landlocked nation is well-known for Lake Malawi, an incredible freshwater lake. A relaxed beach vacation is ideal, thanks to the calm islands and crystal-clear waters. While bird watching, hiking, mountain biking, and game viewing are among the activities available in Malawi’s 11 national parks and wildlife reserves. Here are 3 reasons to visit Malawi. 1. Lake Malawi The southernmost lake in the East African Rift system is Lake Malawi, also known as Lake Nyasa, an African Great Lake. By volume, it is the third-biggest freshwater lake in Africa and the fifth largest in the world (after Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika). The lake has a central depression that extends to a depth of more than 700 meters. It measures about 570 kilometers in length and 75 kilometers at its widest point. (If you need more context, consider that Lake Malawi is home to about 7% of all surface freshwater on Earth.) It is located between Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique. There is ongoing dispute over the precise location of Tanzania’s international boundary, which has frequently resulted in diplomatic spats. 2. Bush and Beach The Nyika Plateau is Malawi’s largest National Park that boasts a stunning afro-montane plateau with plenty of plains game to view. Watch out for zebra, Roan antelope, eland, and bushpig. In addition, there are 400 species of birds and over 200 orchid species to look out for. This is a truly superb environment for mountain biking in the bush! 3. Birding Although several African nations declare themselves to be birdwatcher’s paradise, Malawi might take first place. The great diversity of birds is supported by its variety of habitats, which include wetlands, lakes, forests, and Afro-montane highlands. It boasts an astounding 650 species of birds, many of which are hard to view in other parts of the world. Birds of prey such as Brown-breasted Barbet, Fiery-necked and Gabon Nightjars, Brown-backed Night Heron, Rufous-bellied Heron, Long-toed Lapwing, Dickinson’s Kestrel, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Palmnut Vulture, Osprey, and Calling African Barred Owlets are among the special birds. Therefore, if you are an avid birdwatcher, Malawi is unquestionably somewhere you should put on your bucket list.
South Africa travel guide
What to do, where to stay Why you’ll love it South Africa is the type of place people visit for the first time and quickly realise they’ve allotted way too little time. While it’s most famous for Cape Town and Big Five safaris, there’s so much more. The Drakensberg mountains form the highest points of the country and are criss-crossed by hiking trails. You can also horse ride, explore sites of ancient rock art, or just enjoy the view from your hotel. In the Western Cape, there are scores of wine farms within easy reach of Cape Town — and along the coast it’s common to spot southern right whales on their migration from Antarctica from June to October. While South Africa is most famous for Cape Town and Big Five safaris, there’s so much more Over on the eastern coast, there are Indian Ocean beaches, world-class surf breaks and wildlife-rich diving spots. Johannesburg is a frenetic, diverse city that leads the way in style; Cape Town’s appeal is its staggeringly beautiful setting. For a retreat from city life, the inland Great Karoo semi-desert sprawls across roughly 40 per cent of the country with old wooden windpumps standing amid vast dusty plains and rugged rolling hills. What to do For many, Cape Town is the first port of call. It offers Table Mountain hikes, wine farm visits, fine-dining restaurants, scenic drives along coastal roads and trips to see the resident penguin colony. Visit Robben Island, the offshore prison that held anti-apartheid activists including Nelson Mandela. Rent a car in Cape Town and take a few days to drive east along the scenic Garden Route, stopping at beaches and rural guesthouses along the way. There are single or multiday hikes all over the country and well-equipped campsites throughout. Watch whales breaching, cage-dive with great white sharks and freedive in the kelp forests of the Western Cape. Over on the Indian Ocean east coast, you can dive with shoals of tropical fish or, for the adventurous, follow the annual Sardine Run and the resulting predator drama. Pick your kind of safari: self-drive through Kruger National Park, soak up the stillness of the Kalahari, fly-camp on a walking safari or stay at one of the finest luxury lodges in Africa — where you can watch elephants quench their thirst at a waterhole, sip a G&T in the bush as the sun sets, and listen to lions roaring in the night. Where to stay As a country with a well-established tourism industry — for international and domestic travellers — you won’t struggle with accommodation. In Cape Town, you’ll find the full range of offerings, from award-winning luxury hotels to vibey backpackers and great-value Airbnbs; the Cape winelands also have a slew of plush hotels, as well as characterful boutiques and comfy cottages. Johannesburg and Durban offer almost as much choice; SA’s three largest cities are destinations in their own rights as well as jumping-off points to explore the rest of the country. You’ll find the swankiest safari properties in private reserves around Kruger National Park, while Kruger itself has lots of self-catering, camping and mid-range options. Other major safari destinations have a similar set-up, though fewer properties. In and around most national parks, there are camping and cottage facilities — for wild camping, look to wilderness reserves (make sure you know where you’re going and prepare for changeable conditions). Along the Western Cape coast, there are several fancy ocean-view hotels; the accommodation gets more rustic — not necessarily a bad thing — as you continue east. In most rural tourism areas, you’ll find cute family-run guesthouses, backpackers (for all ages and types of travellers) and self-catering cottages, plus the occasional high-end lodge in its own private nature reserve. Don’t miss The Cederberg Wilderness Area is three hours north of Cape Town and often overlooked by international tourists. For outdoorsy folk, it’s a dazzling playground of craggy mountains, burnt-orange rock, single-track trails and inky-dark night skies. You can hike, trail run or mountain bike; make sure you have a map as there’s no signal up here (and that’s part of the appeal). As a wilderness area, you can wild camp in the mountains — hire companies in Cape Town can provide all the gear. There are also campsites with braai (barbecue) facilities, washrooms and electricity, and lots of guesthouses and self-catering cottages if canvas isn’t your thing. There are a couple of luxury hotels for those who want to explore in comfort, including the longstanding Bushmans Kloof, which is in its own private reserve with some well-preserved examples of rock art. The Cederberg is a hotspot for rock art by the San (sometimes known as Bushman) or Khoi, the indigenous peoples of Southern Africa; a local community-based tourism project has sought to protect this heritage and has trained a number of excellent guides. When to visit The best time to visit South Africa very much depends on what you want to do. If you’re planning a safari to Kruger, June to September is best — this is the dry winter season with low bush coverage, making it easier to spot wildlife. If the Western Cape is on your radar then aim instead for December to February. This part of the country has a Mediterranean climate, which means it’s dry during the summer months and wet during winter. Also worth making a note of is the festivals and events across the country, which you might want to time your visit for.
Most loved places in Africa? These top 5 tourist destinations surprise and delight
These five places ranked as the most-loved travel destinations in Africa for their beaches, culture, and more, per Tourism Sentiment Index. Photo from Christian Cacciamani via Unsplash The pyramids in Cairo, Egypt, are iconic, and a wildlife safari near Nairobi, Kenya, is always worth it. But are those the most loved tourist destinations in Africa? Not according to the Tourism Sentiment Index, a ranking by Think! X Innovations. The 2022 index is based on digital “word of mouth” — millions of pieces of publicly available content posted online about places around the world, according to the report’s methodology. The index analyzes whether people are posting positive, negative or neutral reviews about everything from the events to the accommodations in a particular tourist destination. These scores are totaled then ranked. The result? These places were identified as the top, most-loved spots in five African countries — and the destinations will both surprise and delight you: 5. NAMIBIA Namibia’s scenery and sights are as astonishing as they are varied. Ranging from the Namib desert, a vast and beautiful wilderness covering the country in sandy plains, dune seas, and savanna, to the dramatic Skeleton Coast, there’s endless beauty to be had. Add to that the rugged granite mountains adorned with ancient rock art, the giant cracked salt pan of Etosha National Park, and the dizzying depth of the Fish River Canyon, and you’ve got a plethora of natural wonders to admire. Adventure is always just around the corner in Namibia. Whether tackling a challenging 4×4 route in a remote area, hurtling down a dune on a sandboard, or skydiving above the desert, there are countless ways to experience the country with some adrenalin-filled fun. The network of well-maintained roads, excellent tourism infrastructure, and a wide range of lodging options means that Namibia is one of the safest and easiest countries in southern Africa for self-guided traveling and a strong contender for the world’s best road-tripping destination. 4. HERMANUS, SOUTH AFRICA On the opposite side of the continent is Hermanus, South Africa, a beloved whale-watching spot. The city is about 75 miles southeast of Cape Town and along Walker Bay. Observant visitors can spot several different species of whale frequenting the bay. Every late summer into fall, the waters are “converted into a big whale maternity room” and baby calves can be seen. Beyond the coast, the area boasts hiking and biking trails, golf courses, zip-lining and vineyards. The city itself has beautiful art galleries and thriving weekly markets. Hermanus scored 31.02 points in the Index, ranking No. 18 globally. The city’s wildlife viewing was the highlight, rankers said. 3. ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA Zanzibar is an island off the coast of mainland Tanzania in east Africa. The island’s main city, also named Zanzibar, is a blend of east African and Arabic influences where English, Swahili and Arabic are all commonly spoken. The island is known for Stone Town, an 18th century Swahili trading town and UNESCO World Heritage sight. Visitors can wander the alleyways, peruse the still-thriving market and confront historical justices and injustices at the site “where slave-trading was finally terminated.” Zanzibar is ringed by white sands and crystal blue waters, where visitors can soak up the sun or grab a snorkel and dive into the water. Zanzibar scored 32.3 points with the Tourism Sentiment Index, ranking No. 16 worldwide. The highlight? Its beaches, according to the ranking. 2. MOZAMBIQUE The beauty and allure of the coastline along the Indian Ocean are compelling reasons to visit Mozambique Africa. The coastline is characteristic of calm islands and historic settlements. You can experience a safari on Niassa Reserve, traditional silversmithing on Ibo, and snorkelling amid colourful reef fish at Bazaruto. You could also take in the Afro-Mediterranean flavour of Maputo’s bustling marketplaces; or relax on a stretch of uninhabited beach in the country’s coastal city. Whatever plans and motivation you have for travelling down to Maputo, you will surely enjoy your stay for various reasons. Mozambique’s cuisine, music, and art reflect the region’s deep cultural roots. 1. UGANDA It may not be as famous as Rwanda, Kenya or Tanzania but Uganda is undoubtedly one of Africa’s most stirring destinations. Roads are lined with mango, jackfruit and banana trees, rolling hills are home to working tea and coffee plantations, and lakes and rivers are flanked by thickets of tall elephant grass. This is Africa’s emerald Eden, where greenery is juxtaposed with red fertile soil and dense jungles are a wild sanctuary for endangered mountain gorillas – their survival dependent on our attention. Winston Churchill coined the nickname “The Pearl of Africa” in 1908, to convey the beauty, variety, and natural wealth of the land. Since then, Uganda has grown into one of Africa’s most coveted travel sojourns. It is one of only three countries in the world where it is possible to join the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat without fences, and is home to the highest number of them. With an experienced tracker, there is only bated breath between you and the wisdom reflected in the eyes of one of the world’s most majestic creatures.