One of the most challenging decisions that you will ever make is knowing where to go to and
which destinations suit your travel needs. Deciding to travel is the first step towards discovering
the world and exposing yourself to different cultures and ideas. If you are looking to tour African
destinations in 2023, here are some of the countries that you should look out for.
South Africa
From next year, Kenyans will be able to travel freely to South Africa making it one of the
destinations that you should tour. I know the most common destination is Joburg and Cape
Town but why not push yourself further and tour other regions like the Eastern Cape where you
can skydive, explore the Indian ocean, have a game drive at Addo National Park and watch
elephants with no tusks roam, sample the nightlife and restaurants. You can also sample
Limpopo province and for the adventurous, get to zipline at Magoebaskloof Canopy tour, learn
all about gin at Zwakala brewery and get to learn about culture at the open-air museum at
Bakone Malapa Open air museum.
Uganda
There is a reason why Winston Churchill in his popular book dubbed, “My African journey”
called Uganda the pearl of Africa. It might just be our next-door neighbor, but its magnificent
scenery, diverse activities, warm people, and diverse culture will wow your heart. Apart from
experiencing the Kampala nightlife, explore its western side and have a trek tracking chimp at
the Kibale forest which is the chimp capital of the world. You can also try out gorilla trekking at
Bwindi impenetrable forest, a tough but rewarding activity. For adventure lovers, try climbing the
Ruwenzori Mountains or water rafting at the river Nile.
Rwanda
Next year, Rwanda has been chosen to host the 2023 World Travel and Tourism Council Global
Summit. What this means is that all eyes will be on Rwanda hence it will be great if you haven’t
been here to explore the country. Rwanda is renowned for its rare mountain gorillas, who roam
the rainforests of Volcanoes National Park. This “Land of a Thousand Hills” is also rich with
beautiful mountains, lakes as well as valleys, with a gleaming capital city, abundant wildlife and
how can we forget warm people and rich culture. If you love trekking, make sure you visit
Nyungwe Forest which has an extensive network of trails covering over 130km and at the
Volcanoes National Park, head for Mount Bisoke with its beautiful crater lake at the summit. You
can also try out the two-day trek of Mount Karisimbi, Rwanda’s highest peak at 4507m.
Zimbabwe
Apart from the majestic Victoria falls, there are several places that you can tour once you reach
Zimbabwe. As a destination, Zimbabwe is endowed with both natural and man-made
attractions like the great Zimbabwe monument, Matopos National Park, Hangwe National park
or even Lake Mutirikwi which is the largest inland man-made lake in Zimbabwe. I would also
urge you to explore the Eastern Highlands which is made up of three regions; the Nyanga
Highlands in the north, Nyangombe falls as well as the Mutarazi falls, highest waterfall in
Zimbabwe and the second highest in the continent.
At Nyanga National Park, which is one of Zimbabwe’s oldest national parks, has stunning
mountainous views, numerous waterfalls, varied activities and unique flora and fauna. The park
comprises of Mutarazi falls, Mount Nyangani, Nyamuziwa Falls, Pungwe falls and Gorge,
Nyangombe Falls and the Nyanga trout research centre.
Here at Mutarazi, the adventurous ones can be able to do a ziplining and a skyfall.
The mountainous terrain is home to a variety of animals including the mysterious waterbuck,
wildebeest, kudu, zebra, impala, sables, eland to mention but a few. The sparkling freshwater
rivers are an envelope of freshwater fish such as the Nyanga trout which is a delicacy to many
visitors.
Other attractions in the eastern side which can be explored include Bvumba Mountains in the
center and the Chimanimani Mountains in the south.
Namibia
Apart from its natural beauty, Namibia is famous for the highest dunes in the world at Sossusvlei
and also home to the world’s greatest conservation areas at Etosha National Park. You can also
check out the Fish River Canyon which is the largest canyon in Africa and the second in size to
America's Grand Canyon. Also take a trip to Swakopmund, Namibia's premier seaside town,
who’s street is lined with palm trees and colonial German architecture and since it borders the
Namib Desert, one can also quad-bike, have a 4×4 safaris and sand-board.
Tanzania
Known for its culture, exotic wildlife and scenic landscapes, Tanzania is another African country
to tour next year if you have never been here. In 2022, Serengeti was named as Africa’s leading
national park three times in a row while Zanzibar has been named the leading beach destination
in Africa in 2022 by the World Travel Awards beating a host of other popular places such as
Cape Town and Sham El Sheik in Egypt. It is also home to the highest mountain in Africa and if
you are a hiker, this mountain is worth climbing. There is the Ngorongoro Crater which is home
to the world’s densest population of wildlife. It is said that approximately 25,000 animals have
made this park their home and has been named as one of Africa’s seven natural wonders.
During the rainy season, the lakes are home to thousands of flamingos.
Kenya
Kenya is famous all over the world for many things, including its rich wildlife, breathtaking
landscapes, diverse safari parks with abundance of wildlife, ancient tribes, stunning mountain
ranges, impressive calderas, natural hot springs, intriguing caves, and blooming coral reefs. It is
home to Mount Kenya, the continent’s second highest peak, then you should. If you have never
been an audience during the great migration, then 2023 should be the year when you finally
watch millions of wildebeests, antelopes and zebras cross the Mara River. If you love the
nightlife, then you’ll be in for a treat in the various cities which have a thriving club scene.
