With most of the world around us going into lockdown, never has it been so clear how truly lucky we are to have the ability to travel, something so many of us took for granted. But what if I told you there was an upside to all of this… it is not forever. When our skies open back up again for travellers, rest assured, we will not take this privilege lightly again.
But in the meantime, while we are waiting for the world to return to normal, now is the best time to start thinking about where to go in Africa in 2021 and I have created a top 10 Bucket list of Africa trips!
1. A mountain climb worth the sore muscles
If you ever wanted to experience the shortest and most joyful hour of your life, then this is how to do it: Trekking into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in either Uganda or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Who knows how long your trek will go for through the mountains? It may be 15mins, it might be 50mins, it might be 5 hours! As we are dealing with wild animals there is no way for us to send them a message and arrange a meeting spot, however, when you do find them, the time trekking disappears from memory and you spend an hour in their majestic presence.
Not sure where to start looking?
2. Have a Lion King moment
When I say almost 2 million wildebeest, zebra and antelope coming together what do you think of? Simba's stampede moment in The Lion King? No, that's not what I am referring to. It is in fact, the Great Wildebeest Migration where these species make the remarkable journey across the savannahs of Tanzania and Kenya, going through crocodile-infested water and up against the daily risk of lions and leopards thinking they would make a great meal. And then they go back and do it again, year after year, like clockwork.
3. High 5 for the Big 5
Bigger than Belgium, what Kruger lacks in chocolate it makes up in density of game. Located within South Africa, Kruger is one of Africa's largest game reserves and one of the most well known in the world. Not only does Kruger have the Big 5 (Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, Leopards, and Buffalos), but you will be able to tick off Africa's 'must-see' safari animals, like hippo, zebra, giraffe, warthog, hyenas plus so many more, oh my! And of course, we cannot forget the stunning landscapes which make up Kruger. It is not all bush, remember we are talking an area bigger than Belgium. Mountains, rivers, and forests all make up the Kruger backdrop.
Why not splurge? You're worth it.
4. Walk like an Egyptian
On many traveller's bucket lists, filled with history, culture and thousands of years of tradition, Egypt is a destination perfect for 2021. Egypt has something for every traveller. Want to relax? Great, go on a sunset cruise down the longest river in the world, the Nile. It starts in Ethiopia and ends in Egypt, flowing through 11 countries before draining into the Mediterranean Sea. Are you into history? There is the Valley of the Kings and the Giza Necropolis, the sight of the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. Looking for something with a bit more adrenaline? Why not go on a quad bike safari in Hurghada or go to one of the best dive sights in the world, Ras Mohammed National Park, a pristine underwater ecosystem.
Looking for the perfect trip? Why not check out this Ultimate Egypt itinerary.
5. Explore an untouched wilderness
Botswana is an area overlooked by many, but 2021 is the year for this jewel of Africa to shine. Filled with incredible game viewing, unspoiled wilderness, the Okavango Delta, diverse ecosystems and some of the most luxurious lodges in the continent, Botswana is a country not to be missed. How about floating down the Okavango Delta on a traditional dugout canoe known as a Mokoro or seeing Botswana's most famous national Park, Chobe? Filled with big game and known for its thousands of Elephants, which at times reach 100,000 in Chobe, an Elephant sighting is almost guaranteed. We say almost because well, they are still wild animals, so nothing is ever guaranteed. Why not experience having an 'Elephant memory', as a day in Chobe will be something you will remember for the rest of your life.
6. Warriors and wildlife
What exactly is the Masai Mara, a tribe? A national reserve? Both of the words are must-see experiences for your 2021 travel goals. We love all of Africa and when it comes to reserves, we do not like to play favourites, so let's just say that the Masai Mara reserve is something incredibly special. Not only will you experience some of the best game viewing of safari animals in all of Africa but also here you can take a bird's eye view and experience a sunrise floating over the savannah in a hot air balloon. Then, of course, there are the famed Masai warriors. Highly recognisable due to red patterned blankets they wear this tribe's lifestyle and traditions date back thousands of years.
7. Get on the Garden
Located on the Southern Coast of South Africa, The Garden Route is one of the most scenic stretches of road in the world and it can back up its reputation. With long golden stretches of beaches, mountain scenery, lush forests; clear rivers and lakes, the Garden Route can be described as a true paradise. Why not drive yourself along this natural beauty, taking it at your own pace through the diverse landscapes and charming villages, stopping for the perfect photo along the way?
Here's a carefully handcrafted Garden Route itinerary you might like.
8. I like to move it, move it, to Madagascar
One of the most overlooked countries in the world, Madagascar is home to some of the most unique flora and fauna. This island, which is about the same size as France, is most famously known for its lemurs (as they are natives only to Madagascar), soaring baobab trees, vibrant chameleons and their beautiful orchids. Now, if you are unsure what a lemur is, 2021 is the year for you to find out. In the meantime, just watch the children's movie 'Madagascar' and this will give you a comical idea.
9. Get some ‘Vitamin Sea’
Sun, surf, sand and sea breeze may not be the words you think of when we mention Africa, however some of the most pristine beaches in the world are dotted around the continent. Why not have a holiday in 2021 where every photo looks like a postcard on a palm-fringed island filled with crystal lagoons, sparkling sand and some of the clearest water in the world.
Visit one of Africa's most beautiful beaches.
10. Eat, drink, repeat
What is not to love about Cape Town and surrounds, a perfect city to explore in your 2021 travel goals. Resting between Table Mountain and the coast, Cape Town boasts a food and coffee scene that would make any foodie drop to their knees. To keep the wine aficionados entertained from Cape Town you can head to the Cape Winelands, boasting some of the best wine in the world. The stunning views from Table Mountain across the coastlines are to die for. Cape Town is more than just eating, drinking and munching, there is also a rich history of colonisation, oppression, and slavery. Visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was jailed for 18 years of his 27-year sentence and. Come and see why this eclectic city as something to offer every traveller.
