Africa and Middle East
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Angola
In a world where no place seems undiscovered, Angola is just beginning to reveal its rich identity. Years of civil war closed the southwestern African country to travelers, but since fighting ended in 2002, Angola’s hidden beauty has steadily emerged. Cities and infrastructure still show battle scars, but prolonged peace has brought the pleasant population out of its shell and they openly share the country’s cultural charms—art, food, and especially music. Adventurers find both virgin wilderness and vibrant cities where past, present and future blend into a surprising array of gourmet dining, high-end shopping and thought-provoking sights, giving the exciting sense of a country on the verge.
Botswana
More than half a century ago Botswana was a Cinderella among nations. Then the Fairy Godmother visited and bestowed upon her the gift of diamonds. The resulting economic boom transformed Botswana into one of Africa's richest countries (as measured by per capita income). In 1966 the British Protectorate of Bechuanaland was granted independence and renamed Botswana, and the first democratic president, the internationally respected Sir Seretse Khama, guided his country into a peaceful future.
Where other nations' celebrations quickly turned sour, Botswana's independence brought an enduring tide of optimism. The country sidestepped the scourge of tribalism and factional fighting that cursed much of the continent and is considered one of Africa's most stable democracies. The infrastructure is excellent, and the country is extremely safe. Another big bonus is that nearly everybody speaks English—a legacy from when Botswana was a British protectorate.
Although cities such as Gaborone (pronounced "ha-bo-ronee"), the capital, have been modernized, Botswana has little in the way of urban excitement. But outside the cities it's a land of amazing variety: the Kalahari Desert lies in stark contrast to the lush beauty of the Okavango Delta, one of Botswana's most magnificent and best-known regions. Botswana is passionate about conservation, and its legendary big game goes hand-in-hand with its admirable conservation record. Once a hunting mecca for the so-called Great White Hunters (i.e., Ernest Hemingway), shooting now is with cameras, not rifles. The government effectively banned all commercial hunting on nonprivately owned land in 2014.
Botswana's policy of low-impact, high-cost tourism ensures the wilderness remains pristine and exclusive. The great rivers—the Chobe, the Linyanti, and the Kwando—are teeming with herds of elephants and packs of wild dogs, otherwise known as the elusive "painted wolves" of Africa. The Savuti Channel, which was dry for decades, is now flowing again and is a mecca for water birds. The golden grass of the Savuti plains is still home to huge prides of lions that hunt under skies pulsing with brilliant stars. Then there are the vast white pie-crust surfaces of the Makgadikgadi Pans (the nearest thing on earth to the surface of the moon), once a mega inland lake where flamingos still flock to breed and strange prehistoric islands of rock rise dramatically from the flaky, arid surface.
If you'd like to meet some of the most fascinating people, the stark and desolate Central Kalahari Game Reserve is home to the fastest disappearing indigenous population on earth, the Kalahari San Bushmen.
Egypt
To say the least, Egypt is rich with temples: soaring lotus-bud columns, enormous stone portals laced with delicate carvings, elaborate underground tombs, windswept desert monasteries, and richly decorated mosques. But as extraordinary as these sights are, they will probably not be the things that linger in your memory after you return home. It is the rhythm of life in Egypt–-from the Mediterranean feel of Alexandria to the electric pace of Cairo to the timelessness of desert villages–-that is unforgettable. In a world that seems to get smaller and more homogeneous by the day, Egypt, outside a few pockets, is still a place that exists for its residents, not its visitors. It is the real thing. As a visitor you will have to learn how to accommodate Egypt and not hope that Egypt, with 5,000 years of momentum behind it, will accommodate you.
Gambia
This little sliver of a country’s nickname is The Smiling Coast thanks to its friendly people and lovely natural areas. As Africa’s smallest country, Gambia has just 80 km (50 miles) of shoreline, but the beaches are stunning, luxurious resorts line the shore, and busy fishing villages put fresh seafood on plenty of tables. Nature reserves are wildlife wonderlands where you can get up close to all kinds of monkeys. Always expect the unexpected here, whether it’s catching wrestling matches on the beach or spotting a sacred crocodile pool where offerings are left to ensure fertility or good fortune.
Ghana
Ghana is a gateway to African travel. First-time visitors to the country will discover friendly locals willing to help tourists find their feet, and such kindness comes in very handy since Ghana is not well known for organized tours. Get out and explore: savannas, forests, springs, cave systems, mountains, estuaries, wildlife parks, and nature reserves make up the varied geography; forts, castles, and ports line the 560-km (350-mile) coast; and cities offer a hopping nightlife and one of west Africa’s largest public markets.
Israel
Within its small perimeter Israel packs in abundant riches, from cherished religious sites and well-preserved archaeological treasures to spectacular natural wonders. Holy land to Jews, Christians, and Muslims, this is where biblical place-names like Jerusalem and the Galilee come vibrantly alive. Here, too, you can party by the Mediterranean in Tel Aviv, float in the super-salty Dead Sea, and explore cool mountain waterfalls or sweeping desert landscapes. Whether you’re in a shrine or on a hiking trail, Israel is a place to renew the spirit.
Jordan
Although it's a small country—about the size of the state of Indiana—Jordan is a destination with a great deal of variety, including fascinating historical and biblical sites, vast and beautiful desert landscapes, the Dead Sea, the ancient city of Petra, and the famously warm Jordanian hospitality. It's also extremely easy to get around, which means that a trip of a week or 10 days is enough to experience many of the country's highlights. Most travelers find that renting a car gives the greatest amount of freedom. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, though if you're hiring a local guide it's a good idea to specify that you want an English-speaking one.
Jordan is a largely desert country, with rocky, dry landscapes, few natural resources, and very little water. Archeological evidence shows that the area was occupied by settlers as early as 7000 BC but the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan wasn't officially established until 1946, when British rule ended. The country is bordered on the north by Syria, on the east by Iraq and Saudi Arabia, and on the south by Saudi Arabia and the Gulf of Aqaba. In 1948, Israel was created just to the west and the flood of Palestinian refugees into Jordan doubled the population in 2 weeks. Today the population of Jordan is about 6.5 million, and about 90 percent are Muslim.
Kenya
Kenya is where "going on safari" started. A hundred years or so ago, visitors from all over the world, including Teddy Roosevelt, started traveling to Africa, lured by stories of multitudes of wild animals; there were more than 3 million large mammals roving East Africa's plains at the time. Today visitors continue to flock to this East African nation each year. Although humans have made their mark, Kenya still holds onto its pristine wilderness.
But Kenya's tourism industry, the main source of foreign revenue, is very susceptible to perceptions of tourist safety. Tourism declined in the late 1990s following a series of attacks on tourists and the terrorist bombing of the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam in 1998, but visitor numbers were on the rise again before the crisis in 2007–08. Widely televised at the time, the ethnic violence that arose after disputed election results still tarnishes Kenya's reputation, even though no tourists were in any danger. The crisis was, however, a large contributing factor to a new constitution signed into law in 2010, which is aimed at limiting presidential powers and keeping corruption in check. It’ll take years to implement, but there’s a new optimism among Kenyans and, more than ever, there seems to be little reason to consider Kenya unsafe as a tourist destination.
Kenya's human history dates back at least 6 million years. In 2001 the controversial Millennium Man was discovered near Lake Baringo in the northwest. This find and Richard and Mary Leakey's discovery of Homo habilis in the '60s fuel ongoing excavations.
Today there are more than 70 ethnic groups in Kenya that range from the Maasai, Samburu, Kikuyu, and Turkana tribes to the Arabs and Indians that settled on the coast and the descendants of the first white settlers in and around Nairobi and the Kenya highlands. In Nairobi, about 40% of the population is Kikuyu—a Bantu people numbering more than 6 million. Islam arrived along the coast in the 8th century, followed in the 15th century by Portuguese explorers and sailors who came looking for the sea route to India. During the rule of Seyyid Said of Oman in the 1830s, German, British, and American merchants established themselves on the coast, and the notorious slave routes were created.
The British created what was then known as British East Africa in the late 1800s. After a much publicized and often sensationalized struggle by native Kenyans against British rule in the 1950s, known as the Mau Mau era, Kenya finally won independence in 1963.
The perennial African life-and-death drama plays out among vast populations of prey and predators in what’s widely called one of the world’s greatest wildlife destinations. This is what most tourists flock to the country for—but don't be put off by people who say that there are far too many tourists, which sometimes makes you feel like you're in a big zoo. With massive conservancy areas opening up around the edge of many of Kenya’s reserves, wildlife viewing these days effectively knows no bounds.
Kenya isn’t just about big game. It has a gorgeous tropical coastline with white sandy beaches, coral gardens, superb fishing, and snorkeling, diving, and vibey beach resorts. Traditional triangular-sailed dhows still ply their trade providing unforgettable seafood to the surrounding restaurants. You'll discover unique islands with ancient stone Arab buildings, where a donkey is the main means of transport, and where time really does seem to stand still.
Madagascar
No wonder Madagascar inspired a Disney animated movie of the same name—no less than five percent of the world’s animal and plant species are unique to this island nirvana, populating its dry desert, its deep green rain forest, and it’s long and stunningly beautiful coastline. Offshore is equally abundant, with dozens of islands and a barrier reef providing shelter to the marine life. All this beauty has attracted many groups, giving the island a melting-pot culture; it’s easy to see why, once they visit, people don’t want to leave.
Mauritius
Beautiful lagoons, radically shaped volcanic mountains, and a cultural cocktail of Euro-Asian inhabitants make Mauritius—a small nation some 2,000 km (1,242 miles) east of the African continent—more than just a swanky resort getaway. Although you can relax on some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches, you’ll also find grand plantation mansions that evoke the island’s colonial past, Hindu shrines adorned with marigolds, national parks abundant with exotic animals and plants, and delicious cuisine that fuses Creole and French flavors.
Morocco
For centuries, Morocco has inspired travelers with its colorful energy, fascinating history, and dazzling combination of Arab, European, and African influences. From vibrant and bustling medinas to the breathtaking Sahara, and craggy mountain ranges, the country packs a remarkable punch around every bend.
From Mediterranean beaches to the highest peak in North Africa, Morocco is an incredible diverse country. In the north, sleepy beach towns come alive in summer, while inland, wild boars and Barbary macaques roam the forests of the lush Rif Mountains. Farther south, the rocky Atlas Mountains rise out of the desert, with tiny Berber villages tucked away in valleys.
Surfers catch waves along the windswept beaches of the Atlantic coast and hikers trek the scenic mountains that split the country. Crumbling kasbahs and squared minarets offer a glimpse of Morocco’s storied history across the southern desert regions and areas east of the High Atlas Mountains.
If a city adventure is more your style, Morocco offers a mix of new and old. Slip into one of the hip cafés or design riads to experience Morocco’s modern, cosmopolitan side. Walk outside the door to experience the ancient medina areas of the very same city or spend time in the “new city,” which nearly every Moroccan urban area has. Visit the countless historical sites to get a sense of traditional Morocco, while also experiencing contemporary culture.
Across the country artisans form the backbone of the culture. Handmade products are a source of immense pride. Dozens of tribes in Morocco create their own styles of wool rugs made today as they have been for generations—thread by thread on basic wooden looms. Metalworkers hammer and cut intricately designed lamps while tileworkers hand-chip colored zellige tiles to build tabletops, fountains, or decorative walls. Leather is tanned in vats that have existed for generations—it’s done today the same way it was decades ago.
Don’t forget to tuck into the culinary delights that set Morocco apart. The cuisine isn’t spicy but relies on layers of flavor to create dishes that combine sweet and savory tastes. Multi-course meals are a regular occurrence and use seasonal, fresh produce as much as possible. Sweet mint tea is served throughout the day and ideal to savor while sitting on a rooftop admiring the scenery.
As one of the most stable countries in the region, Morocco is a great choice for travelers who want to experience a different way of life without extended travel time and inconvenient connections.
Mozambique
Mozambique's extensive coastline and tiny island refuges offer gorgeous, soft white or golden sandy beaches, warm seas, unspoiled marine reserves, and remote island resorts. Inland, you'll find wildlife safaris and nature preserves along with small but lively cities. But ultimately, it's the beaches—1,500 miles (2500 km) of them—that draw visitors. Most Mozambique beaches are pristine and uncrowded, and you can safely stroll the shore for miles. Another draw is the comparative affordability of Mozambique lodgings. Some of the top-end resorts can be fairly compared with the smaller resorts of Maldives or Mexico, and although less slick and sophisticated, they are far less pricey, commercialized, or crowded.
Water sports rule, and Mozambique has brilliantly colored coral reefs with some of the best dive sites and snorkeling in Africa. Deep sea fishing is exciting and rewarding and you may even see the highly endangered dugong, the huge, elusive sea mammal reputed to be the origin of the mermaid myth. History you can see stretches back centuries with forts and churches dating back to the 1500s on remote Ibo Island and Ilha de Mozambique off the northeast coast.
Keep in mind that, generally, Mozambique is not a luxury destination—even the top-end lodges have occasional power outages. But if you approach this lovely country with a bit of pioneer spirit, you’ll discover a diverse, fascinating, and quietly relaxing destination that's still off the beaten path. But don’t wait too long! The discovery of massive natural gas reserves are quickly transforming the country’s economy and character.
Namibia
Many countries in Africa boast teeming wildlife and gorgeous scenery, but few, if any, can claim such limitless horizons; such untamed wilderness; such a pleasant climate; so few people (fewer than two per square mile); the oldest desert in the world; a wild, beautiful coastline; one of Africa's greatest game parks; plus—and this is a big bonus—a well-developed infrastructure and tourist facilities that are among the best in Africa. Welcome to Namibia.
A former German colony, South West Africa, as it was then known, was a pawn in the power games of European politics. Although the Portuguese navigators were the first Europeans to arrive, in 1485, they quickly abandoned the desolate and dangerous Atlantic shores of the "Coast of Death," as they called it. By the late 1700s British, French, and American whalers were using the deepwater ports of Lüderitz and Walvis (Whalefish) Bay, which the Dutch, now settled in the Cape, then claimed as their own. A few years later, after France invaded Holland, England seized the opportunity to claim the territory, together with the Cape Colony. Then it became Germany's turn to throw its hat into the ring. In the wake of its early missionaries and traders, Germany claimed the entire country as a colony in 1884, only to surrender it to the South African forces fighting on the Allied side during World War I. South Africa was given a League of Nations mandate to administer the territory after the war, and despite a 1978 UN resolution to revoke that mandate, South Africa held on to Namibia for 10 years. A bitter and bloody bush war with SWAPO (South West African People's Organization) freedom fighters raged until Namibia finally won its independence on March 21, 1990, after 106 years of foreign rule. Although most of the earlier colonial influences have now vanished, everywhere you go in Namibia today you'll find traces of the German past—forts and castles, place names, cuisine, and even German efficiency.
Often called the "Land God Made in Anger" because of its stark landscapes, untamed wilderness, harsh environment, and rare beauty, Namibia was carved out by the forces of nature. The same continuous geological movements produced not only spectacular beauty but also considerable mineral wealth: alluvial diamonds, uranium, gold, lead, zinc, silver, copper, tungsten, and tin—still the cornerstone of Namibia's economy. In addition it is also a significant resource of semi-precious stones (tourmaline, citrine, amethyst, topaz and aquamarine) and mineral specimens to buyers and collectors alike. Humans have lived here for thousands of years; the San (Bushmen) are the earliest known residents, although their hunting-gathering way of life is now almost extinct. Today most Namibians work in agriculture, from subsistence farms to huge cattle ranches and game farms.
Namibia prides itself on its conservation policies and vision. In many conservation areas, local communities, the wildlife, and the environment have been successfully integrated. Wilderness Damaraland Camp, for example, is an internationally acclaimed role model in linking tourism with community development projects. Hunting, a controversial issue for many people, is carefully controlled so that the impact on the environment is minimal and the revenue earned is substantial and can often be ploughed back into sustainable conservation.
Oman
Come to Oman and discover uncharted mountain villages, pristine, remote beaches, and the indomitable stretches of desert in Sharqiyah and the Empty Quarter. The ancient culture of the Arabian Gulf, from the architecture to the food to the national dress and fine arts, are still very much a part of everyday life. But perhaps the biggest surprise may be the fact that you can have these once-in-a-lifetime experiences while enjoying all the comforts of luxury accommodations, immaculate roads, full mobile connectivity, political stability and safety, and a friendly population, most of whom speak both Arabic and English. It's an ideal place for outdoorsy types, art aficionados, beach bums, shopoholics, and anyone wishing to experiencing the beauty of Arabian culture as it was before the conflicts of the last decade broke out.
Largely unfamiliar to Western tourists, the Sultanate of Oman is southeast of the steel and concrete metropolis of Dubai in the UAE and just east of the vast desert oil fields of Saudi Arabia. The country's 212,500 square km (82,047 square miles—roughly the size of the state of Kansas) are geologically diverse, as is the culture, which mirrors the ancient influences of traders from the Far East, South Asia, and East Africa, thanks to the country's prime location at the intersection of the ancient maritime trade routes.
The rich heritage of Oman has been well preserved thanks to efforts by the ruler of the country, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who took the throne in 1970 and spent the decades since modernizing and promoting the preservation of local arts, culture, and architecture. The people of Oman are incredibly friendly and eager to introduce visitors to their homeland. Despite being open to tourism (with visas available upon arrival for Americans and Europeans), little has been written about this destination, leaving much to be discovered through word-of-mouth and good old-fashioned exploration.
Reunion Island
The farthest flung border of the European Union rises from the Indian Ocean about 500 miles east of Madagascar. But you might think you've landed in Hawaii based on the lush volcanic geography that covers the 970 square-mile island. Originally uninhabited, the population includes a heady blend of African, Indian, and European cultures. The pulsing heart of the island is Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world's most active volcanoes—it erupted as recently as 2014. The collapse of other volcanoes created the island's three spectacular "cirques"—natural amphitheaters that have earned Reunion UNESCO protection. Diving and snorkeling are spectacular, with 15 km of discontinuous reef, 150 species of coral, and 500 species of fish, as well as humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Rwanda
Rwanda has made massive strides in security and national development in the two decades since the infamous 1994 genocide and is now among the safest countries in Africa. A sense of order prevails: violent crime is nearly nonexistent, and police can be spotted at most major intersections. New roads and tidy villages characterize the countryside. Citizens are required to participate in a monthly day of community service, and you'll be hard-pressed to find litter on the streets, particularly plastic bags, which are banned. You'll find new businesses, homes, and roadways under construction in every corner of the country.
It's worth noting that Rwanda offers more than just gorillas: The primeval forests of Nyungwe National Park are inhabited by more than 75 different mammals, including hundreds of chimpanzees and nearly 300 bird species. Akagera National Park in the northeast offers a savanna safari experience without the usual khaki-clad crowds.
São Tomé and Príncipe
Two archipelagos around two main islands make up this exotic and beautiful place. The atmosphere is akin to South Pacific tropical paradises. Luckily, beaches here see few visitors. São Tomé is the larger southern island, just north of the equator. Lush vegetation, the world's smallest ibis, and the world’s largest sunbird are here. Quiet beach strolling, bird watching, fishing, and boat trips are the orders of the day here. Cacao is the main crop, and plantations are open for touring.
Senegal
Part desert, part tropical forest, and most desired for its white-sand beaches, Senegal is all about swimming and sunbathing and watching flamingos. If the novelty of the beach should wear off, there are inland nature preserves for spotting giraffes and rhinos, or you can visit quaint fishing villages where fishermen offer rides on their wooden pirogues. People-watching is not bad, either. The Portuguese, British, French, and Dutch all fought for this area, with the French finally prevailing. Cities supply vibrant markets and spirited nightlife.
Seychelles
One hundred fifteen coral and granite islands rising from the Indian Ocean make up the Seychelles, a pristine hideaway of white-sand beaches, majestic granite cliffs, palm-fringed jungles, and astonishing azure waters. Trading in exclusivity, luxury, and undeveloped natural environments, the Seychelles is an ideal beach escape for those who can afford all that gorgeous privacy.
With its countless perfect beaches and secluded coves fringed by sea-sculpted granite boulders, the Seychelles is a favored backdrop for fashion shoots and once-in-a-lifetime dream vacations. It has earned its reputation as an exclusive and costly destination, but in recent years, numerous self-catering options, locally owned guesthouses and two- and three-star hotels have opened their doors, making these islands more accessible. However, if ultraluxurious pampering, breathtaking style, and total privacy on some of the world's most stunning beaches are what you seek, Seychelles has them in spades, but not on a budget.
Beyond the luxury resorts—and really the basis for their existence—the Seychelles claim some of the world's best-preserved tropical habitats. Originally a huge granite shard attached to India's west coast, some event—probably a volcanic eruption or meteor impact—caused what would become the Seychelles to break free and begin its northward drift. Over time, that single mass became a shimmering line of islands, transformed by their isolation, 1,600 km (994 miles) from mainland Africa in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
Known as the Galápagos of the Indian Ocean, most of the islands were never settled by people (though many served as notorious pirate hideouts), and thus still harbor important populations of rare plants, birds, and animals, including the heartbreakingly beautiful ferry tern, the gentle giant tortoise, and the Coco de Mer—once thought to be the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. On the islands where human-introduced predators like cats and rats have been removed, astonishing populations of seabirds thrive, allowing visitors a glimpse of what the first explorers might have seen.
Those first explorers were probably seafarers hailing from Austronesia, followed in turn by Arab traders. The first European to pass through was Portuguese Admiral Vasco da Gama in 1502, followed by the English in 1609. A transit point for trade between Africa and Asia, the islands were used by pirates until 1756, when the French took control, laying down their "Stone of Possession" (visible today at the museum in Mahé) and naming the islands after Jean Moreau de Séchelles. Britain and France fought over the islands from the late 18th to early 19th century, with Britain finally gaining control in 1814. Achieving independence from Britain in 1976, the Seychelles today is a true success story of people who claim origins from all over the world and live together with an unusual and inspiring degree of harmony in diversity.
South Africa
Everything about Africa that stirs the imagination is concentrated in its southernmost country. Lions freely roam vast game reserves such as Kruger National Park, vineyards stretch across the Cape Winelands, and mountains cascade into the sea along miles of beaches. In addition to dream safaris and romantic honeymoons, South Africa offers modern cities with thriving arts and dining scenes. South Africans are welcoming, and the country’s emergence from a turbulent past provides a dramatic history lesson and the promise of something new every time you visit.
Tanzania
Tanzania is the quintessential, definitive Africa of your dreams. And who wouldn't want to visit a place where the names of its legendary travel destinations roll off the tongue like an incantation: Zanzibar, Serengeti, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, the Rift Valley, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Olduvai Gorge, "the Cradle of Humankind."
Great plains abound with legions of game, snow-capped mountains soar above dusty valleys, rain forests teem with monkeys and birds, beaches are covered in sand as soft and white as talcum powder, and coral reefs host myriads of jewel-like tropical fish. Although Tanzania’s economy—one of the poorest in the world—depends heavily on agriculture, which accounts for almost half of its GDP, it has more land (more than 25%) devoted to national parks and game reserves than any other wildlife destination in the world. Everything from pristine coral reefs to the Crater highlands, remote game reserves, and the famous national parks are protected by government law and placed in trust for future generations.
There are two circuits you can follow in Tanzania: the conventional northern tourist circuit, which includes the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, or the lesser traveled southern tourist circuit of Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha, Mahale, and Gombe national parks among others. You'll be amply rewarded for the often lengthy traveling to these southern locations by having the places much more to yourself and usually at cheaper rates.
Serengeti is all it's cracked up to be with endless plains of golden grass (Serengeti means "endless plain" in the Maasai language), teeming game, abundant bird life, and an awe-inspiring sense of space and timelessness. Ngorongoro Crater justly deserves its reputation as one of the natural wonders of the world. The ride down onto the crater floor is memorable enough as you pass through misty primeval forest with wild orchids, swinging vines, and chattering monkeys, but once on the floor you could well be in the middle of a National Geographic TV program. You can follow in the footsteps of legendary hunters and explorers when you visit Selous Game Reserve in the south. Although it's the second-largest conservation area in the world after Greenland National Park, only 5% of the northern part is open to tourists; but don't worry, you'll see all the game and birds you could wish for with the advantage of seeing it by boat and on foot. If it's chimpanzees you're after, then Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains national parks are the places to head for. A lot of traveling (much of it by boat) is required, but the experience is well worth the effort, and you'll join only a small community of other privileged visitors who have had the unique experience of coming face-to-face with wild chimpanzees.
The animals aren't the only wonders Tanzania has to offer. There are the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia, as well as Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru, and the three great lakes of Victoria, Tanganyika, and Malawi. Wherever you go, you’re guaranteed travel experiences that you'll remember for the rest of your life.
Tunisia
The Tunisian Republic, often referred to as Tunisia, presents visitors with many faces. The most northerly country in Africa and an Islamic nation since the end of the first century AD, it became a French colony in the late 19th century. Today it is an independent republic and a fascinating mélange of its three main influences without being overwhelmed by any one of them. Tunis has a pearl of a Medina, or Old Town, at its center but it is a modern and expanding metropolis as well. The population is mostly Muslim, but Tunisia is one of the most liberal countries in the Arab world; alcohol is not banned, and western fashions are seen as often as Islamic dress on the city streets. Modern Tunis also wraps around the remains of ancient Carthage, one of the most important cities in the ancient Mediterranean world.
Uganda
Uganda has earned a tourism reputation as the "Pearl of Africa." The country has 10 national parks and a dazzling array of landscapes, which range from dry savannas to dense forests to snow-capped mountains. Visitors can observe lions prowling the grasslands one day and go white-water rafting down the Nile the next. Ugandans are also notoriously friendly, and English is widely spoken.
United Arab Emirates
The six emirates that are the United Arab Emirates could not be more different from one another; each has a magic and mystery all its own. Glittering Dubai is an action-packed, futuristic powerhouse and Abu Dhabi, with its Louvre Abu Dhabi, is certainly the capital of culture. Sharjah has a charming Old Town and sleepy Umm Al Quwain offers a peek at life in the pre-oil days. Tiny Ajman has a pretty palm-lined beach and the best swimming and diving can be had in Fujairah, just over the beautiful Hajar Mountains.
Zambia
Mosi-oa-Tunya. The smoke that thunders. Zambia’s Kololo tribe best describe what is the world’s most awe-inspiring and largest waterfall plummeting 354 feet into a mile-long, ravaged chasm. Breathtaking views of Victoria Falls take center stage in Zambia’s the spectrum of natural beauty that rises from Zambezi River basins. At the heart of Zambia’s other geological wonders are the ancient waters of Lake Tanganyika, man-made Lake Kariba, and hot springs of Kapishya in North Luangwa National Park—refuges for increasingly endangered indigenous wildlife.
Zimbabwe
Spectacular wilderness, perfect year-round climate, Zimbabwe ranks as one of the most beautiful countries in southern Africa. More than 400 species of wildlife roam the savannas of Hwange National Park. Ancestral rock paintings of ancient San Bushmen mesmerize in the Matobo Hills. Flowing from the Zambezi are the thundering waters of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. From the mighty river derives the Mana Pools National Park, a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site and stunning animal sanctuary.
