Travel Diary: Exploring the Hidden Gems of Africa
By Ayomipo Akorede
One beautiful thing I love to do and always long for is to visit amazing places during vacation. I love nature, oh dear God! You guys have no idea and I don't even know if that qualifies me as a romantic. Come to think of it: the beauty of nature is such that puts one in awesome wonder and mesmerizing reality. First, you brood about the being and then you try to unravel the how for a long time. But when you're up against a brick wall, you just say, "God is great".
Africa is full of beautiful places but some are hidden gems—places that are breathtaking yet often overlooked by lots of people. So in this issue, I am taking you on a ride to some incredible, lesser-known destinations across the continent. The first on my list is:
1. Bazaruto Archipelago
This tourist place is an island in Mozambique. Unlike Zanzibar that is famous and busy, it is a quiet retreat. It's beautified with turquoise waters, untouched beaches, and vibrant marine life that make it a dream paradise for divers and nature lovers. There are lots of things you can do on this beautiful island. First, you can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and explore vibrant coral reefs. You can also relax on pristine beaches and visit local fishing villages. The icing on the cake is that with a token per night ($50), you can rest your head in a modest beach hotel for as long as you desire.
2. Ennedi Plateau
This sandstone wonderland, Ennedi Plateau or Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve as labelled by the Chadian government became a UNESCO designated site in 2016 as a World Heritage Site. It is filled with natural rock arches, hidden caves, and ancient petroglyphs. It’s a paradise for adventure seekers and history buffs. Amazingly, it's about the size of a whole country! While sightseeing, you can explore rock formations like the Aloba Arch, ancient rock art and encounter nomadic tribes in the environment.
3. Lompoul Desert
Lompoul Desert is a mini-Sahara with rolling orange dunes in Senegal. In the desert, you will experience camel treks, sandboarding, luxury tented camps, and stunning stargazing opportunities. You can also visit the nearby fishing village of Lompoul-sur-Mer for another breath of fresh air. Honestly, this is perfect for those seeking a remote, peaceful escape within a modest, like really modest budget.
4. Lake Fundudzi
Lake Fundudzi is in South Africa and is sacred to the Venda people. This mystical lake is in Limpopo. Wait, does it remind you of Kcee's contrastive "Limpopo"? Oh yes! It is surrounded by legends and untouched nature. Surprisingly, only few tourists visit this place, making it a serene and spiritual destination. When you visit here, you can explore the surrounding Thathe Vondo forest and learn about Venda traditions and myths tied to the lake.
5. Simien Mountains
Some say the Garden of Eden was in Ethiopia, how true? Well, Ethiopia is home to Simien Mountains, national park that is often overshadowed by Kilimanjaro in neighbouring Tanzania. The Simien Mountains offer dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and rare wildlife like the Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and the rare Ethiopian wolf. It’s a paradise for hikers looking for solitude and stunning views. With a $30 budget per night, you can lodge in a camp tent and get fed during tours too.
6. Ifrane
Dubbed “Little Switzerland,” this alpine-style town in Morocco surprises visitors with its European architecture, cool climate, and nearby cedar forests that is home to Barbary macaques.
7. Loango National Park
Where else can you see elephants, hippos and buffalos wandering along pristine beaches except in Loango National Park in Gabon? Loango is an untouched gem where wildlife meets the ocean. You can also take a boat trip through mangroves and spot rare birds.
8. Lake Bosumtwi
The last on my list is Lake Bosumtwi in Ghana. It's a crater lake formed by a meteor impact. This sacred body of water is surrounded by lush hills and traditional villages of Ashantis who believe only wooden canoes should be used here to keep the lake’s serene atmosphere intact.
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