60 days in Africa Itinerary

Tourism in Rwanda experienced a serious boost in the recent years largely thanks to the country's large population of mountain gorillas. One of only two nations in which the enigmatic, critically endangered gorillas can be tracked, Rwanda appeals to adventurous travelers interested in hiking the hills and equatorial jungles inhabited by the endemic species. The people of Rwanda remain positive about their future, and the political stability that has taken hold since the horrors of the 1994 genocide allows a growing number of international tourists to share in the optimism.

Though landlocked, Burundi provides plenty of chances to spend time close to the water, with the capital located on the northeastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Tourism in Burundi focuses primarily on the capital and the natural areas and traditional towns just outside it, with pristine lakeside beaches to explore, along with tribal villages protecting centuries-old traditions. Civil war affected the country's economy and devastated its population between 1993 and 2005. Political unrest and violence began again in 2015.

Tourism in Zimbabwe experienced a boost after the country's turbulent recent history seemed to settle down. Waterfalls, "Big Five" national parks, and the Eastern Highlands provide contrasting but complementary images of southern Africa, with the growing tourism infrastructure helping visitors see the best of what the country offers. Though corruption and unemployment remain everyday problems, the vast majority of Zimbabweans are a welcoming bunch, proud of the natural riches and culture of their hopeful country.

With a distinctive culture and a history of global importance, Benin offers plenty of appeal outside its renowned national parks in the north of the country. The Atlantic coast in the south boasts many of the main cultural attractions in Benin, including ruins of old kingdoms, historical sites related to the slave trade, and Voodoo markets and places of worship and ritual. The road network and burgeoning eco-tourism industry allow visitors to create Benin itineraries that include both the cultural coast and the rugged wilderness of the interior.

The coast and hinterland of Guinea hold many hidden areas of attractive scenery, largely untouched by human hand. Explorations of the inland forests top many Guinea itineraries, with forest elephants marching through the lush greenery and exotic birds up in the trees just waiting to be spotted.