Go Off the Beaten Track in Africa - 5 Countries to Visit

Introduction:

Whether you are planning a wildlife safari or a beach holiday, you should consider Africa is an option. Why? Breathtaking landscapes, still backwaters, gushing streams and the striking gastronomic variety make Africa one of the best tourist places in the world. It is likely that climbing the volcanic Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is on your list, but it is worth considering to visit the less predictable tourist places in Africa. Most people choose to witness the glorious Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or the more popular spots in Kenya, Tanzania or Egypt, as seen below:

You can choose the offbeat path and pick from one of the following countries:

Botswana

If you like the ecological smorgasbord that Africa offers, Botswana will be a treat. If you like engaging with nature and wildlife but do not like crowds, Botswana is the best fit for you. The wildlife variety in the country is enviable and a safari in the country should definitely be on your list. Another strong recommendation is the Okavango Delta where you can experience this wildlife from a traditional canoe or mokoro. That way you can have a way closer look than any safari can provide. This experience alone makes it one of the best tourist places in the world, and perhaps one of the best tourist experiences of interacting with wildlife. Add the Chobe National Park and Central Kalahari Game Reserves to your list. Make sure you capture as much on camera as you bask in the experience of witnessing these sights in person.

Madagascar

Fancy spotting lemurs or colour-changing chameleons? Madagascar is the place to be. The movies have made the place famous but the uniqueness is still unbeatable. You have an abundance of deserts, beaches, rainforests in the fourth largest island in the world. In fact, 5% of all plant and animal species in the world reside in Madagascar alone.

If you feel adventurous and wouldn’t chicken out, you can go for rock climbing in Parc National Andringitra where more than 50 routes are offered. If you are looking for a quieter vacation, add the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ambohimanga to your itinerary and delve into the history of the place.

Namibia

Namibia is an excellent choice of country to visit if you are keen on wildlife and all your spotting dreams can come true at the Etosha National Park. There is also an option to stay in open guesthouses, which is highly recommended for deeper cultural exchange. Namibia is also a great place to shop for souvenirs. But most of all, you should experience the desert in Namibia with all the glorious sand dunes.

While you will take all the precautions, the desert may not suit everyone, especially if someone isn’t too used to the weather. Therefore, it is advised that you travel to Africa on a travel insurance plan that readily makes services available for you. This would mean that your travel insurance should reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you cancel your trip before departure, that it should cover any losses incurred due to cancellation of accommodation and change in airfare in case you need to curtail your trip and return to India before planned, among other facilities. Bajaj Allianz Travel Insurance available on Bajaj Markets provides these features at very affordable premiums.

Zambia

This country is a great alternative to Zimbabwe. It is landlocked on all sides but houses Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the whole world. You can quench your adventure thirst in the country – whether it is a dip in the Devil’s pool which is nature’s own infinity pool, or white-water rafting across the Zambezi river, the experiences are bound to leave you in goosebumps. It is a safe country to visit and you are bound to come back with postcard-style photographs from your trip.

Morocco

The country of Morocco has a personality of its own, but each individual city also has a distinct landscape. Take Chefchaouen for example. It looks like all the shades of blue descended over the city and its architecture. Located in Northern Africa, Morocco has much to offer – you can choose to visit a quaint village by the sea or you can stay in a bustling city or for that matter, enjoy the dichotomy of snowy mountains and vast expanses of deserts.

Diversity is a common thread in Morocco – you can see the influences of the European and Arabic cultures. Make sure you visit the Djemaa el Fna, Marrakesh’s main square for the theatres, street activities and food. Moroccan cuisine is known for their distinct flavour. Quick tip: do not miss out on authentic Moroccan fries.

Wherever you choose to land up in Africa, make sure you are prepared for all the possibilities of travelling to a foreign nation. Above everything, it will be crucial that you have comprehensive travel insurance like the Bajaj Allianz Travel insurance available on Bajaj Markets.

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