Sub Saharan Africa Political Map
Introduction
Sub Saharan Africa is a region that encompasses 46 countries with diverse cultures, languages, and landscapes. It is home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife, stunning natural wonders, and vibrant cities. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a history buff, a foodie, or a nature lover, Sub Saharan Africa has something for everyone. In this travel guide, we will explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports in Sub Saharan Africa.
Top Attractions
Sub Saharan Africa is home to some of the world’s most iconic attractions, including the Victoria Falls, Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Kruger National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro. The Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers breathtaking views of the Zambezi River. Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park are famous for their wildlife, including lions, elephants, and giraffes. Kruger National Park is the largest national park in South Africa and home to the Big Five game animals. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and attracts thousands of hikers every year.
Hidden Gems
Sub Saharan Africa has many hidden gems that are off the beaten path and offer a unique experience to travelers. Some of these hidden gems include the Chobe National Park in Botswana, the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique, the Omo Valley in Ethiopia, and the Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique. Chobe National Park is home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa. The Bazaruto Archipelago is a group of islands with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. The Omo Valley is a cultural hotspot where you can interact with local tribes and learn about their customs and traditions. The Quirimbas Archipelago is a remote paradise with unspoiled beaches and coral reefs.
Food Scene
Sub Saharan Africa has a diverse food scene that is influenced by the region’s history, geography, and culture. Some of the must-try dishes include jollof rice from West Africa, injera from Ethiopia, bunny chow from South Africa, and nyama choma from Kenya. Jollof rice is a spicy rice dish that is popular in Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. Injera is a sourdough flatbread that is eaten with stews and curries in Ethiopia. Bunny chow is a bread bowl filled with curry that is popular in Durban, South Africa. Nyama choma is grilled meat that is a staple food in Kenya.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Sub Saharan Africa is a budget-friendly destination if you plan your trip wisely. Some of the tips to save money include traveling during the low season, staying in budget accommodations, eating at local restaurants, and using public transportation. The low season in Sub Saharan Africa is from April to June and from October to November, and you can find good deals on flights and accommodations during this time. Budget accommodations include hostels, guesthouses, and campsites. Local restaurants offer affordable and delicious food, and public transportation is a cheap way to get around.
Outdoor Adventures
Sub Saharan Africa is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts with its diverse landscapes and wildlife. Some of the outdoor adventures include hiking, safari, snorkeling, scuba diving, and rafting. Hiking opportunities are plentiful in Sub Saharan Africa, and you can hike the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa, the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia, and the Mount Kenya in Kenya. Safari is a must-do activity if you want to see the Big Five game animals, and you can go on a safari in Kruger National Park in South Africa or Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities in the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique and Zanzibar in Tanzania. Rafting on the Zambezi River is an adrenaline-pumping activity that you can do in Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Historical Landmarks
Sub Saharan Africa has a rich history that is reflected in its historical landmarks. Some of the must-visit historical landmarks include the Robben Island in South Africa, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins in Zimbabwe, the Lalibela Churches in Ethiopia, and the Goree Island in Senegal. Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site that was used as a prison during the apartheid era in South Africa. The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are the remains of an ancient city that was built in the 11th century. The Lalibela Churches are a group of rock-cut churches that were built in the 12th century. Goree Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site that was a major center for the slave trade in West Africa.
Family-Friendly Activities
Sub Saharan Africa is a family-friendly destination with many activities that are suitable for all ages. Some of the family-friendly activities include visiting the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, going on a hot air balloon safari in Tanzania, visiting the Giraffe Centre in Kenya, and going on a boat cruise on the Zambezi River. The Cape of Good Hope is a scenic drive that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline. Hot air balloon safari is a unique way to see the wildlife in Tanzania, and you can see the Serengeti National Park from above. The Giraffe Centre in Kenya is a conservation center where you can feed and interact with giraffes. A boat cruise on the Zambezi River is a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery and wildlife.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Sub Saharan Africa has many off-the-beaten-path experiences that offer a unique perspective of the region. Some of these experiences include visiting the Dogon Country in Mali, trekking to the Gorillas in Uganda, visiting the Himba Tribe in Namibia, and exploring the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia. The Dogon Country is a cultural hotspot that is known for its mud-brick architecture and traditional way of life. Trekking to the Gorillas in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to see these endangered animals up close. The Himba Tribe in Namibia is a semi-nomadic tribe that has preserved its traditional way of life. The Danakil Depression is a geothermal area that is known for its colorful landscapes and unique flora and fauna.
Natural Wonders
Sub Saharan Africa is home to some of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. Some of these natural wonders include the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, the Fish River Canyon in Namibia, and the Table Mountain in South Africa. The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is a haven for wildlife and a popular destination for mokoro safaris. The Ngorongoro Crater is a volcanic caldera that is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinos. The Fish River Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the world and offers breathtaking views of the desert landscape. The Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain that offers stunning views of Cape Town.
Vibrant Nightlife
Sub Saharan Africa has a vibrant nightlife that is influenced by its diverse cultures and music scene. Some of the best nightlife destinations include Cape Town in South Africa, Lagos in Nigeria, Nairobi in Kenya, and Accra in Ghana. Cape Town is known for its trendy bars and restaurants, while Lagos is the hub of the Nigerian music scene. Nairobi has a thriving nightlife that offers a mix of local and international music, and Accra has a vibrant street food scene and a lively music scene.
Local Markets
Sub Saharan Africa is home to many colorful and bustling markets that offer a glimpse into the region’s culture and traditions. Some of the must-visit markets include the Maasai Market in Nairobi, the Victoria Market in Seychelles, the Souks in Marrakech, and the Maboneng Precinct in Johannesburg. The Maasai Market in Nairobi is a vibrant market that sells traditional African crafts and souvenirs. The Victoria Market in Seychelles is a popular destination for fresh seafood and spices. The Souks in Marrakech are a maze of narrow alleys that offer a variety of goods, including textiles, pottery, and jewelry. The Maboneng Precinct in Johannesburg is a trendy area that is home to many independent boutiques and galleries.
Beaches and Mountains
Sub Saharan Africa has a diverse landscape that includes pristine beaches and majestic mountains. Some of the best beaches are in Seychelles, Zanzibar, and Mozambique. Seychelles is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, including Anse Source d’Argent and Beau Vallon. Zanzibar is a tropical paradise with white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Mozambique has a long coastline with unspoiled beaches and coral reefs. The best mountains to visit are Mount Kilimanjaro, the Drakensberg Mountains, and the Atlas Mountains. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and offers stunning views of Tanzania. The Drakensberg Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers hiking opportunities and stunning views of South Africa. The