Have you been working hard day and night? Dealing with the wahala of Nigeria’s big cities and the stress of hustling for your daily bread? It’s about time you took a break and recharged your batteries. But where should you go? Well, you’re in Africa, and it has so many amazing places to visit, perfect for adventurous Nigerian travelers like yourself. Pack your bags because we’re about to take you on a tour of the top three breathtaking getaways.
Rwanda
Can you imagine a country rising from the ashes of a terrible genocide to become a beautiful and hopeful place? That’s exactly what happened in Rwanda, and when you explore its misty highlands and green valleys, you’ll see how amazing its recovery has been. The biggest highlight is getting up close and personal with the last remaining mountain gorillas on Earth.
As you hike through the thick forests of Volcanoes National Park, listening to the exotic bird calls, you’ll be in awe when these critically endangered but gentle giants appear. Spend an hour watching the gorilla families – mothers grooming their babies, big male leaders munching on bamboo, and the young ones playfully running around. It’s an experience you won’t be able to properly describe with words.
But Rwanda has more to offer than just the iconic gorillas. Everywhere you look, there’s stunning scenery, like the emerald-green terraced farms spilling down the mountainsides and the somber memorials honoring those affected by the genocide. The lively capital city of Kigali, one of the cleanest and safest in Africa, gives you a window into the country’s remarkable revival.
Ghana
Can you think of a better place that combines natural beauty, rich histories, and lively modern culture than the West African nation of Ghana? As soon as you arrive in the energetic capital Accra, you’re surrounded by a melting pot of influences from all over Africa and beyond. While you’re there, learn about the difficult past by visiting sites like the coastal forts and castles, which were once holding grounds for Africans captured and sent to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade.
From Accra, Ghana’s wonders keep unfolding. The gorgeous beaches along the Atlantic coast like Kokrobite are perfect for long walks on the pristine golden sands, collecting tiny seashells, and feasting on freshly-caught seafood. Inland, you’ll discover hand-carved homes carved into the earth at Tongo Hills and the sacred Larabanga Mosque, one of the oldest mosques made from mud on the continent.
But maybe the most remarkable part of Ghana is found in its small villages and rural areas, where living histories are preserved. In places like Kumasi, you’ll be mesmerized by the vibrant Ashanti culture, from colorful military outfits to the lightning-fast talking drums and age-old craft traditions like textiles and beadwork that are still practiced today.
South Africa
Some places just get under your skin, and if anywhere can do that, it’s the amazingly varied landscapes and plentiful wildlife watching found across South Africa. Cape Town’s dramatic backdrop of sun-soaked white beaches next to the huge sandstone cliffs of Table Mountain sets the tone for the adventures ahead.
From Cape Town, you could head east to explore the vast Kruger National Park, which is an untamed stretch of bushveld packed with elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and more. As you bump along in an open safari vehicle, camera ready for that perfect shot, the excitement builds with every new rustle of grass revealing another surprise. Maybe it’s a mother leopard slinking along a tree branch. Or a massive bull elephant kicking up clouds of red dust as he scratches against the bark. Nothing can prepare you for the thrill of seeing Africa’s majestic animals in their natural habitats.
If you crave even more dramatic scenery, South Africa has you covered with stunners like the Drakensberg mountains. Their winding hiking trails offer views of rock formations that look suspiciously like amphitheaters. You can also explore the fertile valleys that produce some of the region’s celebrated wines. And don’t miss towns like Stellenbosch near Cape Town, where you’ll see the unique blend of European and African influences.
One thing’s for sure – the diversity of settings and experiences in South Africa will leave you endlessly captivated. Always have your camera ready, because those “wow” moments showcasing nature’s untamed splendor are bound to come one after another!
So go ahead, adventurous Nigerian traveler – take your time to enjoy the histories, cultures, and scenery in these three must-visit African nations. Get ready to have your perspectives shifted and your sense of wonder ignited as you create lasting memories surrounded by the incredible sights and sounds of these amazing countries.
Something you do not want to leave to chance while going on these adventures is money money money! Traveling to a foreign country means exchanging your naira for the local currency and that can be a hassle, putting a dent in your fun. Good thing that Hizo exists to sort this out for you. Quickly go to your phone’s Play store or App store and download the Hizo app to help convert your naira to your destination’s currency. It’s quite easy. So, when are you packing your bags?
