Africa is the world’s second largest continent, stretching far north and south of the equator, and encompassing 54 diverse countries. There is a holiday for everyone somewhere in Africa, whether it’s soaking in the sun at a resort before taking a trip to the pyramids in Egypt, or taking a two-week safari across the Masai Mara. South Africa is also an extremely popular destination, with the hustle and bustle of cities like Johannesburg through to the breathtaking Cape of South Africa.
Weather & Climate
The only continent to stretch across the equator from the northern temperate to southern temperate zone, Africa offers weather as diverse as the cultures within. Africa is the hottest continent on earth, with the highest recorded temperature a sizzling 58 °C, although climb to the highest peaks and it can get sub-arctic! The north of Africa is mainly made up of arid lands and desert, think countries like Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt. Central and southern Africa is made up of dense rainforest, jungles, and sweeping savannahs. Perfect for trekking with gorillas in Rwanda or safari adventures in Kenya.
History & Culture
Africa is widely accepted as the birthplace of humankind, with nomadic early humans travelling from their birthplace and populating the globe. Africa is now home to over 1 billion people, and those people speak over 2,000 different languages throughout the continent. History over the last few hundred years has been less kind to the continent but in the 21st century Africa has begun to boom. Today the economies of most African countries are growing rapidly, and with tourism in Africa growing there is more to see and do for tourists than ever before.
Interesting Facts
- Believe it or not Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt. There are 223 at the last count and they are smaller and steeper than their Egyptian counter parts. Most of them were built around the period 4 BC - 3 AD.
- We all know that Africa is huge, but it really puts things into perspective when you realise the Sahara desert, the most extensive desert in the world, is a larger area than the entire continental United States.
- While Africa makes up about 16% of the world’s population, one quarter of the world’s languages are spoken only in Africa.
- While Africa is the second largest of the earth’s seven continents, it has the shortest coastline, due to very few jutting edges and bays in its landscape.
Insider Tip
There are few things more memorable than taking a safari, apart from taking a safari by hot air balloon that is. Just imagine floating up above the Serengeti, with no power lines, fences or motorways to spoil your view. Watch some of the biggest migrations of the world’s most iconic animals. Drink in the sunrise from the sky and then drink in a champagne breakfast surrounded by giraffes!