Are you seeking to see the Big Five on safari, learn about Africa’s history or enjoy an immersive cultural experience? African vacations have something for everyone.
Travelers seeking an immersive African experience should consider joining Lion World Travel on one of their guided safari tours. Select itineraries offer exclusive member benefits, luxurious accommodations and thrilling game drives with local experts.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls in Zambia are a must-see. This majestic waterfall forms the crown jewel of Zambezi River’s thunderous course and divides Zimbabwe and Zambia, providing visitors with an unforgettable view.
Experience Victoria Falls from a completely unique perspective by taking either a helicopter or microlight flight over the falls. This will guarantee an unforgettable and unique experience.
There are a number of ways to get close to the falls, including walking, rafting and boating tours. You can also admire its majestic waterfall from lookout points within the national park.
Though wildlife in this region isn’t as plentiful as that of neighboring Zimbabwe, you can still expect to spot elephants and hippo on a game drive. In the dry season, lions and leopard are common sights too.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia, home to over 80 million people, boasts a diverse culture and an expansive network of ethnic groups. Over the last decade, Ethiopia has experienced rapid economic growth and positive development indicators.
In 2021, Ethiopia held parliamentary and regional elections that marked a landmark in its democratic transition. Amendments to electoral laws and reform of the National Electoral Board made the process smoother for opposition parties to take part, encouraging many more to participate.
But widespread allegations of vote rigging and intimidation persist. A recent report from a non-governmental organization revealed that fraud had affected 299 out of the nation’s 624 constituencies.
The government is working to enforce a 2012 law requiring all births be registered nationwide and is working with a foreign donor on anti-trafficking training for Ethiopian peacekeepers abroad. Local NGOs estimate the number of victims, especially children exploited for sex trafficking or domestic servitude, to be higher than what has been reported by the UN due to international conflicts.
Djibouti
Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa in Africa, is a French and Arabic-speaking nation characterized by dry shrublands, volcanic formations and beaches along the Gulf of Aden. Its low-lying Lake Assal is a saltwater body featuring chimneylike mineral formations.
Djibouti’s climate varies from arid on the northeastern coastline to semi-arid throughout central, northern, western and southern parts. Rainfall is low along the eastern seaboard while in the central highlands it ranges from 5 inches (131 mm) up to 8-16 inches (200-400 mm).
The country is home to a diverse population. The majority are of Afar descent, though there are small populations of Somalis and Arabs as well.
Political life in Djibouti is generally calm and stable, although occasional protests characterized by rock throwing or tire burning have disrupted travel recently. As a member of both African Union and UN, Djibouti also enjoys close ties to France.
Djibouti’s economy is based on tourism, transport, oil and gas, food processing and manufacturing. Furthermore, the country enjoys strong trade ties with neighboring countries – particularly landlocked Ethiopia which exports over 90% of its goods through Djibouti’s ports.
South Africa
South Africa has long been seen as a champion of human rights. Yet there is evidence that the ruling African National Congress (ANC) is undermining state institutions to shield corrupt officials and maintain its power. Gender-based violence, corruption and xenophobia are also issues to consider.
Despite some improvements, human rights abuses in South Africa remain widespread. These include gender-based violence, racial discrimination and xenophobia.
Anticorruption laws are comprehensive and several agencies are charged with combatting corruption; yet many cases go undetected. The August death of Babita Deokoran – a whistleblower who alerted the Special Investigations Unit to corruption within Gauteng health department – serves as evidence that protection measures for whistleblowers are lacking.
NGO shelters received a per-person, per-night stipend from the government; however, these funds were inaccessible after business hours. Furthermore, some Direct Support to Domestic (DSD) shelters refused to accept trafficking victims due to security concerns or drug addiction issues.
