60 days in Africa Itinerary

Though tourism in Gabon remains a fledgling industry, the benefits of exploring this untempered place of wildlife-rich rainforests and ethnic diversity are numerous. A large percentage of the country remains protected as national parkland, allowing the dolphins playing in the Atlantic and the chimps and forest elephants to breathe a sigh of relief. The population includes around 40 different ethnicities, but the country has thankfully avoided the conflict and ethnic violence common among many of its neighbors.

Most citizens of the Republic of the Congo live in the south of the country, with few residing outside the capital Brazzaville or Pointe-Noire on the coast. The capital represents a good place to start a holiday in the Republic of the Congo--it's a great jump-off point for voyages down the Congo River, the long and winding waterway that separates the country from its similarly named neighbor. Following the river to the north, the country becomes sparsely populated, with much of the area covered in lush rainforests. Two national parks, one in the far north and one in the center, represent the main focal points of the Republic of Congo itineraries, with a chance to spot lowland gorillas and forest elephants a major reason to visit for any genuine nature lover.

Democratic Republic of Congo possesses a wealth of scenic highlights, ethnic diversity, and a complex history. Inaccessible for many years due to conflict, the country once again draws adventurous and confident travelers looking for a different type of vacation. For those who can forego the usual home comforts and quickly adapt to challenging conditions, the rewards of a holiday in Democratic Republic of Congo are numerous--trekking through unspoiled forests, spotting endemic wildlife, and meeting welcoming, inspiring people.

Landlocked Zambia remains best known, a little counter intuitively perhaps, for its bodies of water. Three large rivers run through the country, with most of the big urban areas and smaller settlements sticking close to waterways and the valleys they've cut over millennia. Holidays in Zambia are adventurous affairs, with real planning required to get the most out of the country--foreign visitors find the infrastructure lacking and familiar comforts practically nonexistent. Traditional villages remain the most culturally rewarding places to visit in Zambia, while superlative natural features include animal-rich national parks and picturesque waterfalls.

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.

Tourism in Angola thrives as the country's infrastructure develops and attractions are restored following years of internal conflict. Holidays in Angola usually involve at least a little time at the beach, with the Atlantic coastline featuring long stretches of sand, wide estuaries, and small islands close to the main cities. A wealth of national parks shelter a rich array of wildlife, including African icons such as lions, elephants, and leopards, with barely a tourist in sight to disturb the natural order of things.