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Africa 
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Wildlife viewing, bird-watching, fishing and desert camping are the foremost attractions of Botswana.
Botswana, with lots of wide-open spaces—and lots of wildlife to fill them—is of the few remaining destinations in Africa where the adventuresome safari spirit still survives. Travelers on safari in Botswana get to see an arkful of animals in the wild: lazing in the waters of the Okavango Delta (Moremi Game Reserve), grazing on the grasslands of Chobe National Park and tracking the arid salt pans of the Kalahari Desert.
To protect Botswana's natural assets, government policy promotes low-volume, high-cost tourism. The country may have high travel fees, but Botswana travel rewards you with a plethora of colorful birds and large game—including lions, brown hyenas and cheetahs, ostriches and zebras, antelope and leopards. Accommodations can range from a tented riverbank campsite to a plush lodge.
Botswana can afford to discourage mass tourism because of its great mineral wealth. It is one of the world's largest producers of diamonds, and it has reserves of gold, copper and nickel.
Botswana remains a country for the intrepid, adventurous traveler who is interested in superlative wildlife reserves and arid wilderness. Exploring the largely roadless wild area, however, requires plenty of time, patience and money—this is not a destination for those on a tight budget.
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Kenya
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Kenya's chief attractions include wildlife, beaches, scuba diving, tribal culture, history, shopping, varied scenery and golf.
Everyone should visit Kenya at least once—not just for the spectacular wildlife, but also for its beautiful lakes and beaches and for the sweeping vistas of the Great Rift Valley. The landscape is just as memorable and photogenic as that lion walking, right there, beside the Land Rover or that Masai warrior stalking the plains. Kenya's people are friendly, the tourist trade is well-organized, and there's a lot to see and do, making Kenya a rewarding place to visit. That isn't to say that Kenya is a trouble-free destination. If you spend some time in its cities, you are increasingly likely to encounter petty crime. In the game parks and reserves, you're more apt to be annoyed by the presence of other tourists, who gather in droves around the animals.
The best way to see the country is by hosted or escorted tour. The idea of a safari may seem romantic, but it is mainly efficient: The tour guides know where the animals are, they have experience navigating the often vast distances, and they make the best use of a precious commodity: time. The methods for viewing animals vary. Minivans carrying six to eight passengers are most common. Unfortunately, they don't provide much ground clearance on the rough roads, nor do they have four-wheel drive—a real problem if you're visiting during wet times of year. The better companies use Land Rovers designed specifically for Africa. Private, chauffeured cars and even walking, horseback, camel and balloon safaris are options.
Choosing which parks and reserves to see is important. Kenya has more than 50 national parks and game reserves, some devoted to marine life or natural beauty as well as wildlife—each offers something the others lack. If, on our first trip, we had to limit ourselves to three, they would be Amboseli, Masai Mara and Samburu. We'd spend at least two nights in each. We also recommend that travelers consider a visit to one of the lesser-known game areas such as Mount Kenya or Tsavo National Park. Athough the wildlife might not be quite as plentiful, the atmosphere will be quieter and more ... well, wild.
Kenya also has some excellent beaches in a tropical climate, and the coast of East Africa has a long and exotic history, where the calm blue waters were once the traditional passage of the Arabian traders. There, the coral reefs are teeming with life and color, and the coast is an excellent destination for first-class diving and snorkeling. The best way to enjoy Kenya is to combine a wildlife safari to the parks with a few relaxing days on the beach around Mombasa or Malindi.
Kenya's rolling hills, grassy plains and colorful tribesmen provide a classic image of Africa. Anyone who enjoys the thrill of viewing animals in the wild will love Kenya. But travelers should be prepared to get a bit dusty bumping along unpaved roads, and some may get bored looking for the animals—no one can guarantee sightings of the more rare species. It helps if you take an interest in the spectacular birds and landscape. Beach lovers will enjoy the beauty of the coast, and there are plenty of activities such as diving and snorkeling. Anyone interested in African culture will find the rural areas of Kenya more accessible than those of most countries on the continent.
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Morocco
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Morocco's attractions include colorful markets brimming with local handicrafts, Marrakesh, Fez, antiquities, beautiful architecture and design, shopping, beaches, diverse scenery, religious shrines, great food, watersports, Atlas Mountain scenery and Tuareg culture.
Morocco's dazzling mosaic of Arab and Berber cultures—with a dash of African and European influence—is at once strange and romantic, alluring and disconcerting. It's little wonder that Morocco has regularly drawn seekers of the exotic.
The country is one of Africa's most popular travel destinations. No matter how well-seasoned a traveler you are, you'll find plenty to see and do: fine Atlantic and Mediterranean beaches, desert excursions, wondrous imperial cities, Islamic landmarks, Joujoukan and Gnaoua trance music, Roman antiquities, resort facilities, mountain villages, oases and towering sand dunes. Just be aware that the combination of heat, dust, spicy flavors and intrusive touts can be overwhelming at times.
Morocco will appeal to the somewhat adventurous and experienced traveler who wants to see an exotic culture and lie on nice beaches. Don't travel there if you're offended by aggressive local vendors and their commission men.
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Namibia
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Namibia's foremost attractions are game reserves, deserts, canyons, beaches, ostriches, flamingos, Bushman culture and ecotourism adventures.
At first glance, Namibia might seem like one of Earth's most desolate places. With its ancient deserts, parched salt pans and a windblown shoreline littered with the weathered hulls of foundered ships, there would seem little potential for life and color—and little to interest the average traveler.
But there is a startling beauty in its vistas—from the multihued dunes of the Kalahari and Namib deserts to the foggy shores of the Skeleton Coast. The deep fissures of the Fish River Canyon make for steep but exhilarating walking. And surprisingly, Namibia is home to an incredible variety of plants and animals that have adapted to the extreme climate. Its national parks and wildlife refuges are among the finest in Africa.
Perhaps most surprising are the people who have adapted to this harsh environment: San Bushmen and the Herero women with their banana-shaped headdresses and bright Victorian-style dresses patterned after those of early German missionary women. Namibia is a thinly populated country, but it's still a great place for people-watching and experiencing another way of life. The German influence can also be seen in the colonial-era towns scattered along the coast and central highlands—there is something surreal about imperial-style German architecture poking up above desert sands.
Namibia has a lot to offer those looking for an unusual place a little off the beaten track. Although its terrain is harsh and demanding, it is actually one of the safer and more stable countries in Africa. For these reasons, the country is gaining popularity among travelers who have been to the continent before, or who are looking for a less-polished African adventure.
Namibia will appeal to well-seasoned travelers who have already been to the more developed nations in eastern or southern Africa and who want to see more of what the continent has to offer.
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Seychelles
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The foremost attractions of the Seychelles are beaches, bird-watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, waterskiing, big-game fishing, tropical scenery, windsurfing, surfing and local cuisine. The romantic setting of Seychelles has made the country popular not just with honeymooners but also with couples wanting to tie the knot. Many tour operators specialize in "Weddings in Paradise."
Although travel to Seychelles might be considered a luxury, Seychelles is without question a spectacular destination. The Seychelles Islands are filled with physical beauty—distinctive granite rock formations, white-sand beaches and clear blue waters surrounding Seychelles' beaches.
The Seychelles may be the only country described exclusively in hyperbole. "Paradise," "Garden of Eden" and "spectacular" seem to be among the most common terms employed. The hyperbole is well-earned, but what impresses the most has to do with people, not scenery. One reason everyone comes back raving about the Seychelles (pronounced SAY-shells) is that, in addition to a beautiful setting, the society's attitude toward tourism is remarkably healthy.
It seems to have avoided the atmosphere of mutual exploitation that exists on many Caribbean or South Pacific islands whose economies also rely on tourism. In the Seychelles, the gap between rich and poor is not striking: Local residents are as likely to be managing well-run properties as making beds. Pride in their islands is near universal, and resentment toward visitors is, though not entirely absent, seldom expressed.
Of course, this may change as the government continues to develop the islands for increased tourism. More cruise ships are visiting and new roads cart boatloads of people to once-isolated beaches. Numerous five-star hotels and luxury resorts open every year, and older hotels are being refurbished to ever-higher standards. Residents have been turning their homes into guesthouses. Travelers who seek "paradise" may want to go sooner rather than later.
There is one factor, however, that will always limit the number of visitors: cost. It's expensive to get to the Seychelles, and food and hotel prices are also rather high.
Any beach or watersports enthusiast will love these islands. There's little else to do, however, so don't expect wild nightlife. The only other restriction is self-imposed—you may feel intimidated by the high cost of goods and services.
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South Africa
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South Africa is an exciting place to visit. Cape Town, with its vibrant nightlife, stylish young people and beautiful surroundings, has become one of the most desirable destinations in the world. And the country's natural attractions are as appealing as ever: the green vineyards and rocky coast of the Cape; the arid landscape of the Karoo; the rich farmlands of the Free State and Mpumalanga; the snowcapped peaks of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg range; and the verdant hills and wide beaches of KwaZulu-Natal. The country also has more than 300 game and nature reserves, along with some of the finest lodges on the continent. Your surroundings can be as wild or as genteel as you want—or both.
Among the foremost attractions of South Africa are game reserves, indigenous cultures, heritage sites, uncrowded beaches, surfing, narrow-gauge trains, wilderness trails, beautiful mountain scenery, shopping, gold and diamond mines, and a sunny climate year-round.
We think South Africa is a country with something for everyone.
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 Tanzania |
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Tanzania's main attractions are spectacular wildlife, Mount Kilimanjaro, scuba diving, beaches, deep-sea fishing, horseback riding and tribal culture.
Tanzania's wild places are still gloriously wild. Roads run through them, of course, and they are spotted with campgrounds and lodges. But mostly the wildlife has these places to itself: huge herds of elephants and wildebeests, flocks of flamingos, silent families of giraffes, noisy packs of wild dogs.
The wild remains wild because it is protected. Almost 25% of Tanzania is designated as national parks and game reserves—from the Serengeti in the north, which sweeps uninterrupted from neighboring Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve, to Selous in the south, with its long distances and large variety of animals. No area is more protected, by geography as well as by permit, than the Ngorongoro Crater, whose steep walls create a separate ecosystem with its own representative collection of animals. Combined, the crater, Serengeti and the Masai Mara represent one of the world's most important ecosystems, and it is estimated that some 3 million large animals inhabit this region. Many of them move around the plains of East Africa on the annual wildebeest migration, the largest movement of animals on Earth. Because these spaces are protected—and because they are so wild—the best way to see them is by guided tour, locally known as safari, which in Swahili means journey. Even the most adventurous traveler will benefit from the guides' expertise: They know where the animals are, and they can take care of entry to the parks quickly and efficiently.
Although most visitors spend their time in the wildlife areas, travelers should make time for Tanzania's other attractions as well. The country boasts Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest mountain in the world that can simply be walked up. There are white-sand beaches on the Indian Ocean along the mainland coast. Then there are the impossibly exotic, evocative islands of the Zanzibar archipelago, with their intriguing culture, architecture, watersports and wide range of beach accommodations. Tanzania's smaller, less-known parks are dedicated to not only big game but forests and mountain ranges, primates and birds, and the marine life along the coast.
The Tanzanian people are friendly and interesting, and there are more than 130 tribes. Perhaps one of the most memorable sights is seeing a lone red-robed Maasai warrior stalking the parched plains with his cattle or goats. Despite the many different cultures, Tanzania has had a peaceful history and an enviable political stability compared to some of its neighboring countries.
Tanzania has long been considered East Africa's No. 2 tourist destination, lagging behind Kenya in infrastructure and tourist amenities, and it traditionally appeals to adventurous travelers who are interested in wildlife and who are willing to put up with less-than-luxurious accommodations and transportation. That situation is changing, however, as Tanzania puts more emphasis on tourism. More direct flights are scheduled, and there are now many luxurious lodges and tented camps in the parks. Tourism has greatly benefited from road construction in the country, and in particular, the coast, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are now much more accessible thanks to new ribbons of smooth tar.
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Zambia
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Victoria Falls, spectacular game reserves, white-water rafting and African culture are the foremost attractions of Zambia.
This desperately poor country is extravagantly rich in wildlife and wild terrain. Its game parks are among the best in the world, and it shares with Zimbabwe two of the scenic highlights of southern Africa: Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. But Zambia's attractions are a bit difficult and expensive to reach, which means they're unspoiled but also a challenge for independent travelers. We think Zambia is well worth the challenge, particularly if you're interested in pursuing the raw edges of the "real" Africa, and if you're keen on seeing wild animals in a truly wild setting. We do, however, think Lusaka, the capital, is best avoided: It's dreary and can be dangerous.
Zambia will appeal to travelers who have visited Zimbabwe, Kenya or Tanzania and are ready to see wilder game parks that get fewer tourists. Accommodations and facilities are adequate, occasionally above average.
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Zimbabwe
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Zimbabwe's main attractions are Victoria Falls, excellent game reserves, the Great Zimbabwe Monument, Lake Kariba, the Eastern Highlands, sportfishing, hunting, indigenous culture and shopping for handicrafts.
Zimbabwe has a generous sampling of the Africa that many people hope to see: exotic scenery, interesting cultures and a good variety of game parks. It also has a few things you might not expect to see, including Great Zimbabwe, the most extensive ruins in sub-Saharan Africa. Without a doubt, the highlight of Zimbabwe is the dramatic Victoria Falls, which the country shares with neighboring Zambia. There, the mighty Zambezi River crashes into the Bakota Gorge and is deservedly one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.
Despite these attractions, however, since 2000 Zimbabwe has been experiencing a variety of self-inflicted political and economic problems. Backed by longtime President Robert Mugabe, the government's plan to redistribute white-owned land to black Zimbabweans has thrown the country into turmoil and led to violence. Additionally, a crackdown on any criticism of the government has resulted in the imprisonment of opposition leaders, newspaper shutdowns, elections riddled with accusations of intimidation and vote rigging, white flight (particularly of residents holding British passports) and a weakening economy. Also in recent years, the government has threatened to take over tourist resorts, although to date this has not happened. Still, some game reserves and park lodges have closed temporarily because of a drop in visitors and violence on nearby farms.
Until political stability in the country improves, we suggest combining a visit to Zimbabwe with ones to neighboring Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. These countries are just over the border from Zimbabwe's town of Victoria Falls and also offer compelling and impressive game parks with fewer dangers. You can combine Botswana's Chobe National Park, Namibia's Caprivi Strip and Zambia's colonial town of Livingstone with a quick trip across the border to Victoria Falls, which is not close to any farmland and has witnessed less trouble than other parts of Zimbabwe.
The country will appeal to adventurous travelers interested in viewing game (and/or Victoria Falls). Bear in mind that, outside of Harare and the primary tourist areas, Zimbabwe is very much a developing country, and in many areas you'll find that inconveniences and delays are the rule rather than the exception.
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Egypt
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Egypt's main attractions include the pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza, the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens near Luxor, Cairo, ancient temples, the Egyptian Antiquities Museum, Nile cruises, St. Catherine's monastery, Coptic churches, shopping, desert culture and scuba diving on the Red Sea.
Travelers have been marveling at Egypt's wondrous antiquities for thousands of years—even the ancient Greeks and Romans were awed by them. But today, a visit to Egypt is more than an immersion into past glories—mud-brick villages sprout TV antennae, stone and glass high-rises tower over ancient monuments and pop music blaring from radios counterpoints the call to prayer.
Although modern life coexists with the legacies of the past, it has also opened up possibilities for exploring a wider area of Egypt. In addition to the great monuments of the Nile Valley, an Egyptian itinerary could also include diving along the Red Sea coast, a desert trek to remote oases or a visit to the Sinai Peninsula. The hub of transportation—and most likely your first and last stop in the country—remains Cairo, a city that never fails to make a strong impression.
Nearly everyone will enjoy seeing the sights of Egypt. Travelers should be aware that there are areas of the country that are quite poor and some places where standards of sanitation aren't the highest in the world. Some visitors may be bothered by the heat (even during winter), and others may find the amount of walking necessary to see the various temples to be a physical strain. However, if a visit is properly paced for the age of the traveler, there shouldn't be problems. All things considered, Egypt's rewards far outweigh its disadvantages.
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Israel |
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Among Israel's main attractions are religious shrines, beaches, historical sites, archaeological digs, Dead Sea spas, souks (markets), nature reserves, fascinating cultures and great food.
At times, Israel can seem like a country obsessed by spirituality. In Jerusalem, you may hear the Muslim call to prayer competing with the clanging of bells from Christian churches and the prayers of Jews bobbing before the Western Wall. In other parts of the country, you'll find yourself walking in the exact places where the events of the Bible unfolded. Everywhere you turn, you'll see reminders of the three religions—Islam, Judaism and Christianity—that have shaped this part of the world.
You'll also see evidence of the conflicts that continue to plague the region, many of them at least partly based on religion. Relations between Israelis and their Palestinian neighbors have been heated and at times violent. Despite the fact that Israel has signed peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan, chances for a lasting peace with an independent Palestinian neighbor remain a pipe dream that even the most hopeful optimist can't envision for the near future.
More than half a century of conflict has not prevented Israel from developing a modern industrial society able to absorb immigrants from vastly differing cultural and economic backgrounds. Its natural beauty is complemented by a rich variety of cultural activities and sightseeing opportunities. Moreover, it remains the Middle East's sole participatory democracy with a highly opinionated population (reflecting a complete spectrum of political allegiance and outlook), an unfettered press and a totally independent judiciary.
In recent years, major terrorist attacks have taken place in Israel, and as a result, the country is very security conscious. Tourists are again flocking to Israel's inspiring and interesting sights, but they do so while keeping abreast of the latest developments in the region.
It's almost impossible not to learn a great deal—about the world and about yourself—during a visit to Israel. But don't go if you will be so preoccupied with safety that you won't be able to relax. |
