Seven family-friendly destinations in Africa

BY CHIOMA IWUNZE-IBIAM

Summer holiday season is here. Most holidaymakers prefer journeying to Africa with their families. No surprise. Africa is blessed with so much beauty and warmth.

‘Africa, my Africa,’ sang renowned poet, David Diop. “Africa of whom my grandmother sings on the bank of the distant rivers.”

For some others, Africa reminds them of safaris, paradise, oceans, tropics, fruits, exotic animals, peaceful sleep. For the cynic, Africa is poverty and abject lack of water, medical treatment and education. A travel analyst described the African continent as heart-breakingly beautiful but very misunderstood. While planning a holiday, it is important to do proper research into the place you intend to visit. Read guidebooks, visit African travel blogs, and other sources of travelogues.

For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on the most welcoming and friendly African destinations to visit this holiday. The following seven destinations are the top of my list.

 The Seychelles

This is a well-known tropical paradise. Thankfully, it isn’t yet over-saturated with tourists. Seychelles is the dream destination for everyone who loves crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches, moderate sun, breathtaking sunsets and/or sunrises, as well as tropical ocean fauna. Here are other holiday ideas:

• Swim along with dolphins
• Become friendly with turtles (your kids might be interested)
• Sleep under gorgeous star-studded skies
• Shower in a waterfall
• Eat tropical fruits
• Eat local seafood
• Snorkel in the crystal water with fishes and other underwater inhabitants
• Ride a bike

What makes the aforementioned paradise a must-visit tourist destination is its safety and harmony. You and your family are guaranteed the safety and happiness holidaymakers often desire. Not only will your children enjoy living in the paradise, they will learn about different types of life forms, tropical climes, and the culture. What’s more? Everyone will get a chance to expand their worldview.

ZAMBIA

Whenever anyone mentions tourism in Zambia, he or she are referring to a visit to the Victoria Falls. It is a 127-meter high waterfall. Its sheer power and force are just as amazing as its beauty. The place is definitely worth visiting. Words alone cannot explain the exhilarating feel of beholding firsthand, torrents of water, especially when it pours continuously. I like the rushing sounds of the sparkling water.

On the way to the Victoria Falls, you could chance upon some wildlife lounging or running around the national parks. There are many conservation parks are all around the Falls. It’s a great opportunity to have your children immerse themselves in nature and to learn about the ecosystem.

For adrenaline seekers, there is an irresistible option to get a dose of the Zambezi Eco Adventures. You can learn to fly. If you have a fear of heights, the adventures can help you overcome your fears.

TANZANIA

This is the only place in Africa where you can find snow. The place is for mountain climbing and hiking lovers. A trip to Tanzania is not for the faint-hearted. There is little or no room for relaxation. In Tanzanian safaris, tourists seek to observe and learn the rules of the wild. There is no room for absent-mindedness. Wild animals are locals there. If you and your family are an adventure-seeking lot, then a safari holiday in Tanzania will definitely give you the thrill and excitement of a lifetime. Ensure that you hire a skilled group of safari tour guides to lead you.

After a hard climbing day, you can retreat to the warm and welcomingUnguja or Zanzibar Island. There, you can stretch on the sandy white ocean shore, sip your fresh coconut cocktail and play with a turtle (if you want).

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

This fascinating continent is full of national parks. South Africa is one of those places where you can meet more animals than people. Your kids will absolutely love the rides.

Imagine sighting giraffes, elephants, all types of big cats, crocodiles, monkeys, zebras, and plenty of birds firsthand. It is quite different from watching them on the Discovery channel.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to bond with all exotic animals. It’s one of those experiences that change you forever.

KENYA

Right after an adventure trip in Tanzania, you can continue on to Kenya and continue exploring theAmboseli National Park. Most safari tourists make the journey to Kenya because they want to explore the safari wild lifestyle in a different way. If along the line, you and your family suddenly have a desire to go back to civilization, then Watamu is definitely your perfect destination. There are many five-star hotels of all kinds.

Another good idea is to have a dinner of fresh seafood and fruits. You can also discuss the experience gained during the day. Ask your family about the thoughts, emotions, and feelings they experience and compare it to yours. This is a family time. Sharing experiences is a good way to bond.

MOZAMBIQUE

I love Mozambique for its gorgeous sunsets. This paradise invites tourists to dive into its crystal azure water, explore ocean life, participate in yoga and lay on its vast beaches.

If you are a yoga enthusiast, find a local yoga trainer and get involved. This brand of yoga is completely different from those that are taught in fitness centers. It is better done together as a family. It will be nice to have a shared experience you can relive together.

NAMIBIA

Namibia provides an excellent opportunity to explore the various shades of the desert. Depending on your personality, you might spend hours being in awe of the place.

If you want to gain new travelling experience, Namibia is the place for you. Its environment and culture will transform you in unimaginable ways. Some tourists claim the environment gave them insights they couldn’t have acquired in any other conditions.