Whether you're looking for that tropical paradise resort by the beach, or magical safari experience in the animal kingdom, Africa has it all! Here are my top 5 places to visit. Chose which one suits you the most!

Seychelles

Seychelles are beautiful islands between Africa and India, about 3 hr flight from Kenya. It's a true paradise. There are 115 islands, but most of them are uninhabited. The main ones to visit are Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. You can find budget options for your stay, all the way to the glam Six Senses and pay thousands $$$ per night. There are many beautiful beaches everywhere, and many of them are empty, so you can have them to yourself. Giant tortoises are everywhere. So are those spectacular huge grey boulders that you see on postcards.

My tip: definitely visit La Digue, at least for a day. La Digue has some of the most beautiful picturesque beaches in the world. It's a very small island, and you can circle around on a bicycle in just a few hours!

Kenya

There is so much to do in Kenya! From safaris to beaches! Kenya is home to one of the most famous reserves like Maasai Mara, Tsavo National park, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and Ol Pejeta conservancy, just to name few of the main ones. If you want to get in close contact with some animals, it's definitely possible at Ol Pejeta and Reteti sanctuary on Lewa. There is also David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant sanctuary and Giraffe Centre Nairobi, where you can pet and feed the animals.

My tip: If you go between the months of late July - August, or Late October - November, you can also witness the "Great Migration" between Maasai Mara and the neighboring Serengeti of Tanzania.

Zimbabwe

Specifically Victoria Falls. For one, you get to witness one of the world's wonders - magnificent waterfalls like no other. Two, you can visit 4 countries in one trip! Victoria Falls belongs to both Zimbabwe (the view side) and Zambia (the waterfall side). To get to the border of Zambia from Vic Falls city takes only 5 minutes.
The other neighboring country, that is just 45 minutes drive, is Botswana. Here you can visit the incredible Chobe National Park, with thousands of animals roaming free, and one of the biggest populations of elephants. Book a whole day tour with a morning boat ride on the Zambezi River, followed by lunch, ending with a game drive throughout the reserve. You will have the best time of your life! While you're on the boat, one part of the river bank actually belongs to Namibia, so technically, that will be your 4th country, even tho you will only pass by.

My tip: If you go during months of mid-August to mid-January, and are a little (or a lot) adventurous, you have to visit the Devil's Pool in Zambia! It's a naturally formed pool on the edge of the 355-foot waterfall, that you will swim in! The most thrilling experience of your lifetime!

Tanzania - Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a semiautonomous island belonging to Tanzania. It has turquoise water beaches and some luxury resorts for a reasonable price, as well as budget options. I have personally stayed at Pongwe/Uroa area, but anywhere on the island is beautiful. Stone town is a nice day trip, and there are also many other cool activities that you can book through your hotel, or much cheaper, people on the beach. And don't worry, they will come to find you. A must-see is Nungwi beach all the way up north, and snorkeling by Mnemba island. A very cool place to visit is Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond in Nungwi, where you can touch and take photos with sea turtles. Best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October, also check the seaweed situation on the particular beach you're traveling to.

My tip: If you have an extra few days, you can book a small plane trip to the mainland's Serengeti, one of the most famous wildlife national parks in Africa.

South Africa

If you're kinda scared to go to Africa, but still wanna go, SA is exactly the place! There are many reserves you can experience amazing safaris at, and see all the African wildlife. Kruger National Park being the biggest and most famous, and others like Sabi Sands, Shamwari, Pilanesberg, just to name a few other ones. Many of them are private, with those amazing luxury lodges with your own pool that you can watch all the wildlife from, just like you see on social media! Just be ready to drop pretty significant $$$.
Cape Town is a must-visit, with its famous magnificent Table mountain, and popular Boulders beach, where hundreds of those cute penguins gather. There are very reasonably priced hotels around, and many things to do. If you're a wine drinker, SA also has some great wineries.

My tip: fly to Cape town and stay a few days, then fly to Johannesburg and go on your safari from there. Most of the reserves are closer to Jo-burg, and you can also spend a day there. Flights between Cape town and Jo-burg are about 3 hours long and often cost only around $80.

I hope you will enjoy Africa as much as I have

written by,

Kate Hrabcova

About Kate:

My name is Kate. I was born and raised in the Czech Republic, and are currently living in Los Angeles, California, for the past 22 years. I have been an avid traveler the last 10 years. Having worked in the medical field for 10 years gave me some great experiences, but ultimately was not a great fit allowing for my passion in life. I am now switching to working online, so I can follow my dreams and travel the world.

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Blog: https://worldcitizenz.com