Africa’s hidden gems: Countries that combine safety and beauty

Africa is the second most populous continent, with more than 1.1 billion people living here: a huge number of nationalities, languages, and cultures. Among the conflict-ridden and poor countries, there are also quite peaceful, safe, and interesting ones for tourists. Many travelers are familiar with countries such as South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt. In this article, we will tell you about where you can have a good time south of the Sahara.

10 countries that combine safety and beauty

1. Botswana

The leader in security on the African continent. Whether this is because peacefulness and tranquility are one of the main features of both the Tswana people and the Bushmen, or the fact that the Botswana people understand the economic contribution of tourists, but one way or another, there is a very low crime rate. No one, however, promises that you will not be attacked by baboons, so during the safari, it is recommended not to feed these warlike monkeys or even smile at them. In general, there are a lot of animals in Botswana; for example, the largest elephant population in the world lives here.

One of the most popular tourist attractions, along with safari trips to the Kalahari desert and visits to national parks, has been searching for ancient treasures hidden from the colonialists in the caves of Gcwihaba since the 30s of the last century. No one has found the treasure yet, but the caves themselves with amazing stalactites up to 10 meters long, are worth traveling to the north of the country for them.

2. Sierra Leone

Perhaps the most unexpected State on this list is Sierra Leone, which has recently been torn apart by a civil war for ten years. However, since 2002, Sierra Leone has undergone major changes, and today it is already among the peace-loving countries according to the Global Security Index (GPI). Sierra Leone is considered one of the most religiously tolerant countries in the world, and the life expectancy of the local population is 57 years, which is not bad by African standards. Sierra Leone has many beautiful nature reserves, such as the Gala Rain Forest or the Outamba Kilimi National Park, clean beaches on the Atlantic coast, and its capital, Freetown, is the oldest city in West Africa.

3. Ghana

In 2008, Ghana was identified by the Global Security Index as the safest country in Africa and has held the top position in this ranking ever since. Internal conflicts are rare in the country, and it has peaceful relations with its neighbors. They are very friendly to tourists here and speak to them in English, which is the official language of Ghana. Here you can visit numerous nature reserves with elephants, antelopes, monkeys, and other exotic animals, visit the ruins of the castles and fortresses of Cape Post and Elmina, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spend timne on clean, sparsely populated beaches.

4. Namibia

This country in Southwestern Africa is an oasis of stability and security on the troubled black continent. It was discovered by Europeans quite late (in 1878), quickly emerged from all internal and external conflicts, and is now one of the richest African countries. It is home to the most ancient desert on earth — the Namib, the legendary Skeleton Coast, many national parks, the site of the fall of the largest meteorite in the world, the second largest canyon after the Colorado Canyon, and much more. Namibia has good highways, and the Desert Express tourist train runs between the capital, Windhoek, and the resort town of Swakopmund, making stops in particularly notable places along the way.

5. Uganda

Uganda is considered a safe country for foreigners by both GPI and public tourist opinion. Perhaps this is because it is not customary for merchants and touts to harass people here, perhaps because the share of the urban population in the country is only 13%, and the main attractions are not in villages. Tourists in Uganda need to see a lot in time: one of the oldest Queen Elizabeth National Parks in Africa, the Entebbe Botanical Garden, where the first Tarzan film was shot, the Rwenzori mountain range, most likely, they were called the Moon Mountains by the ancient Egyptians.

Sailing on Lake Victoria and rafting on the Nile, which originates in Uganda, are practiced here.If the locals here do not cause much concern to tourists, then you need to be careful with animals, especially if you see an elephant with a baby elephant. By the way, Uganda is located on the main migration route of northern birds: eagles, cuckoos, swallows, kites, and many familiar birds winter here.

6. Cape Verde

Cape Verde or Cape Verde Islands is an archipelago off the west coast of Africa. Tranquility, tranquility, relative cleanliness, and an acceptable level of service (European companies invest in local tourism) await tourists here, in the homeland of the famous singer Cesaria Evora. There are quite picturesque landscapes on the islands: extinct volcanoes, mountain ranges where you can go trekking, and blooming meadows where you should just take a walk.

But the main feature of Cape Verde is, of course, the ocean – it is used at full capacity: Visit. A F R I N I K . C O M . For the full article. starting from beaches with black volcanic sand, continuing with dives to shipwrecks, and ending with windsurfing, which has schools on every island, but the island of Sal is especially famous for them.

7. Kenya

Kenya, the country of the Maasai tribe and the calling card of the real African nature, is very beautiful, friendly and tourist. Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain on the continent after Kilimanjaro. Schools of migrating birds can be observed all over the country, and the view of Africa’s highest mountain (Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, from Kenya’s Amboseli Park is perhaps even better than the view from the mountain itself.

8. Tanzania

The people of Tanzania are friendly and smiling, but, like everywhere else, travelers should not lose their vigilance — there are enough robbers here. But there are still a lot of tourists in Tanzania who come here safely. There’s a lot to see here, in Freddie Mercury’s homeland. Firstly, the Kilimanjaro volcano has numerous hiking trails leading to its peak. Secondly, the island of Zanzibar is a resort place where a beautiful Stone City founded by the Arabs in the 9th century is located. From here, they go on spice tours, during which you can mix cinnamon and taste unfamiliar spices.

Thirdly, the famous Serengeti National Park, which occupies a huge area and is home to more than three million large wild animals. Fourth, the Ngorongoro Biosphere Reserve, located in the colossal (21 km in diameter) crater of an extinct volcano. It is home to about 25,000 different animals and has the highest concentration of predators in all of Africa.

9. Madagascar

Madagascar is a separate continent in miniature: it is so unlike Africa or any other place on earth. There are amazing landscapes here, and 80% of the living animals and plants are found nowhere else. There are many natural parks and protected areas on the island. The largest nature reserve is Tsingy de Bemaraha, which, like many others, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The country is rich in beautiful beaches; it is traditionally believed that swimming on the west coast is safer because there are fewer sharks.

10. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa: it is here, on the border with Zambia, that the famous Victoria Falls is located. By the way, there are fewer tourists in Zambia, so those who prefer a more secluded environment are advised to admire the wonders of nature there. Zimbabwe has a very good conservation structure, and there are an unusually large number of animals here, even for Africa, so hunting is allowed in some places (it is already prohibited almost everywhere on the continent). In addition to countless national parks, there is also a unique historical site — the stone ruins of Greater Zimbabwe: a pagan temple complex built more than a thousand years ago.