60 days in Africa Itinerary

Though small in area, Uganda represents one of the most populated landlocked countries in the world. You can feel this in the lakeside capital, but so much of the country remains untamed and untamable, with great lakes and towering mountains chief among the wilder sights. A recent troubled past delayed the growth of tourism in Uganda, but visitors now arrive in larger numbers, primarily drawn by the diverse wildlife that inhabits the country's mountains and forests. Notably, Uganda houses half of the world's population of mountain gorillas.

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.

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.

Sparsely populated Botswana possesses some of the most unadulterated wilderness and animal-rich areas in Africa. Largely unfenced national parks allow the world's largest population of elephants to roam freely--these protected areas also shelter varied birdlife and many endangered and rare mammal species. Tourism in Botswana largely caters to visitors seeking luxury lodges and exclusive safari experiences, but expeditions into traditional villages are also strongly recommended. The preserved cultures of these agricultural settlements show a link between man and nature formed over centuries, a relationship that many visitors to Botswana come to reconsider in their own lives.

Since gaining independence from South Africa in 1990, Namibia has sought to rival its neighbor in terms of tourist appeal. While it hasn't yet gotten up to the numbers of South Africa, Namibia tourism sector has plenty to work with. The desert and mountainous areas represent a real source of appeal, with species of classic African game animals, such as desert lions, zebras, and elephants real highlights of safaris through the national parks. Namibians are rightly proud of their country, and the myriad traditional villages, colonial German towns, and lively urban centers all deserve your attention.