Africa

Africa

Africa is the second-largest continent, home to 1.4 billion people, 54 countries, and a diversity of landscapes, cultures, and ecosystems that makes most other continents look monotonous. Sahara desert in the north, tropical rainforest in the center, savannah in the east, wine country in the south, and a coastline that stretches for over 30,000 kilometers.

So far I've been to South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho. Three very different countries packed into the southern tip of the continent. But Africa is vast, and I've barely scratched the surface. The continent offers some of the world's most iconic wildlife experiences, from the Serengeti to Kruger National Park. Morocco's medinas, Ethiopia's rock-hewn churches, Namibia's dunes, Madagascar's otherworldly biodiversity. The range of experiences is staggering.

Costs vary dramatically. East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) and Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana) range from affordable to luxury-safari expensive. North Africa (Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia) is budget-friendly. West Africa is less visited by tourists and requires more planning. The continent rewards adventurous travelers who are willing to go beyond the highlight reel.