The Afcon has finished, but for those of us with itchy feet, the virtual visits to host nation Equatorial Guinea have got us daydreaming about taking some real travel. If you’re hankering to explore more of Africa outside our borders, here are some reasons to visit the countries South Africans enjoy exploring most on the continent.
Namibia
Why you should go: Namibia’s world-famous Etosha National Park is one of the last places in the world where you can see the endangered species of black rhino. And the 30-minute drive between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund is something you’ll remember forever: sweeping desert to one side as far as the eye can see, rolling ocean on the other.
Drive Time: Cape Town to Windhoek = 19 hours. Johannesburg to Windhoek = 18 hours.
Flight Time: Cape Town to Windhoek = 2 hours. Johannesburg to Windhoek = 2 hours.
Mozambique
Why you should go: Clear, warm water off some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the chance to swim with whale sharks (the largest fish in the world)… Mozambique has thrills for everyone, whether you’re a beach-lover or you want to shake off your stresses with some late-night dancing. Throw in the region’s culinary delights (Mozambican prawns are famous for a reason!) as well as the fact the country is right on our doorstep, and it’s a proposition worth planning.
Drive Time: Cape Town to Maputo = 22 hours. Johannesburg to Maputo = 7 hours.
Flight Time: Cape Town to Maputo = 4,5 hours. Johannesburg to Maputo = 1 hour.
Zanzibar
Why you should go: If you want a quiet beach holiday with lazy days interrupted only by occasional dips in the warm sea or decisions about which book to read next, this is the destination for you. You can also swim with dolphins in the open ocean, visit the historic Stone Town (where Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Queen, was born) or take a spice tour to learn about the various spices Zanzibar produces, and the fascinating history of the country’s spice trade.
Flight Time: Cape Town to Zanzibar = 9 hours. Johannesburg to Zanzibar = 4 hours.
Morocco
Why you should go: Based on 2013 figures, South Africa was not the No 1 tourist destination in Africa – Morocco beat us with 10 million international visitors to our 9,5 million! And there are many compelling reasons to check out the country on the top of our continent. If the idea of sleeping in luxury tents in the Sahara Desert doesn’t grab you, perhaps surfing Morocco’s famous Atlantic breakers will. Or maybe snake charmers and delicious, spicy food in one of the country’s giant souks (open-air markets) are more your thing.
Flight Time: Cape Town to Marrakesh = 18 hours. Johannesburg to Marrakesh = 15 hours.
Don’t forget to pack…
1. Whether you’re scanning for giraffes in the distance or watching dolphins frolicking in the waves, a pair of binoculars are a must.
2. If you’re planning a road trip with young children, you might want to invest in a car entertainment system and let Barney and Disney take some of the pressure off Mom and Dad.
3. When you’re travelling abroad, you’ll be grateful you packed a plug adaptor to help you keep your various devices charged.
4. All the countries listed offer superb options for anyone who enjoys fishing, so why not save time and money by shopping for the perfect fishing rod before you leave home?
