The end of 2018 is nigh and presents a perfect opportunity to fall in love with Mama Africa for the umpteenth time.
![Graça Machel was born in 1945 [CGTN]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'100'%20height%3D'100'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Graça Machel was born in 1945 [CGTN]")
What better way to appreciate ‘the cradle of mankind’ than to visit some of her most beautiful locations which will blow you away with beauty, charm and culture which has largely remained intact for centuries.
Here are some of Africa’s top 10 tourist destinations which you need to add on your bucket list.
Diani Beach, Kenya
If you have never been to Diani beach then you don’t know what you are missing.
The endless stretch of white sand as far as the eye can see, fresh breeze from the Indian Ocean, blowing on your face as you slowly sip your fresh coconut juice will blow you away.
It’s no wonder it was voted Africa's leading beach destination, 2018 five times in a row at the world travel awards 2018.
Seychelles
Once believed to be the original site of the Garden of Eden, Seychelles is a living museum of natural history and a sanctuary for some of the rarest species of flora & fauna on earth.
Nowhere else on earth will you find unique endemic specimens such as the fabulous Coco-de-mer, the largest seed in the world, the jellyfish tree, with only eight surviving examples, Seychelles’ paradise flycatcher and Seychelles warbler.
Seychelles is also home to two U.N.E.S.C.O World Heritage Sites: Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll and Praslin’sVallée de Mai.
Lake Turkana, Kenya
It is easy to see the allure of Lake Turkana is the northernmost lake in the country,
This single body of water is over 250 kilometres long- longer than the entire Kenyan coast is the largest alkaline lake in the world.
There is also plenty of wildlife to see in this lake including the largest population of Nile crocodiles in the country, zebras, gazelles and giraffes.
Lake Malawi, Malawi
Lake Malawi has more tropical fish than any lake in the world -- 1,300 species -- and the freshwater diving experience is out of this world.
This critical biodiversity has been recognized by UNESCO, which made Lake Malawi National Park, the world's first freshwater park, a World Heritage Site.
It's no wonder that Dr David Livingstone, who trekked there a century and a half ago describe it as "Lake of Stars"
Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills
You can never run short of fun activities to do while in the land of a thousand hills including a walk with mountain gorillas.
“Renowned for our incredible and unique Mountain Gorilla tracking experience, tourist can also enjoy a variety of water sports, cycling, hiking, bird watching to list a few of the touristic attractions available while in Rwanda,” Rwanda Development Board Chief Executive Officer, Clare Akamanzi said at the signing of a three-year deal with English club Arsenal whose new kit for season 2018/19 will have the words ‘Visit Rwanda’ printed on their Jersey sleeves.
Rwanda is one of Africa’s fastest growing economies and has a thriving tourism industry that has seen the number of visitors double in the last decade.
While in Rwanda, you can also stay at one of the most exclusive properties in Africa with most personalized service, Bisate Lodge.
Located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone, Bisate Lodge is one of the most exclusive lodges in Rwanda.
"Amazing place! Opened this year and is absolutely breathtaking! Make sure you get one of their signature massages after trekking with the gorillas. Staff and managers are second to none!" one of the reviews on their facebook page by Elizabeth Chadwick read.
Sahara Dunes, Morocco
If you have always wanted to explore Sahara desert then Morocco should be on top of your bucket list.
The most user-friendly part of the Sahara is accessible from the northern edge of Morocco. You can trek with Berbers from the town of Zagora, or camp out in Tazzarine, where runners from all over the world complete the weeklong Marathon des Sables every spring.
Zanzibar
Few places in the world can be described as beautiful, romantic, out of this world, Paradise and all a must visit in one sentence.
Zanzibar is, however, one such place, even the name alone ‘Zanzibar’ evokes dreams of romance and mystery and the reality will not disappoint you, It is the ultimate Indian Ocean experience.
Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast, and 6° south of the equator.
While in Zanzibar you can lose yourself to the countless cultural celebrations spread across all year long ranging from Mwaka Kogwa, Sauti za Busara to Stone Town Food Festival.
Ssese Archipelago, Uganda
A visit to the pearl of Africa is always nothing short of a memorable experience.
Situated in the northwest of Lake Victoria, the Ssese Islands form one of Uganda’s prime destinations for casual rambling and off-the-beaten-track exploration, as well as for game fishing, in particular, Nile perch.
Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Rivalling Niagara falls, prepared to be awed by ‘the cloud that thunders’ and be warned you will fall in love with this sight.
If you visit Victoria Falls during a full moon, the light of the moon through the waterfall spray produces a lunar rainbow or moonbow.
If that doesn’t blow you away then you can raise the bar and try what’s been called the world’s best white-water rafting.
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
It is not a secret that Egypt has always charmed travellers across the world.
Annually millions of visitors fly millions of miles to visit the Great Pyramid of Giza (also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops) to take a history lesson like no other.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex bordering what is now El Giza, Egypt. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact.
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