Africa Political Map Blank
Introduction
Africa is a fascinating and diverse continent that offers something for everyone. From the vast deserts of the Sahara to the lush rainforests of the Congo, Africa is a land of contrasts, with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. This Political Map Blank travel guide will help you discover the best that Africa has to offer, from its top attractions to its hidden gems.
Top Attractions
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most famous national parks, home to the “big five” game animals: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos. Visitors can take a safari to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat, and witness the annual wildebeest migration.
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The pyramids of Giza are one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. These ancient structures have stood for over 4,500 years, and are a testament to the ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians. Visitors can explore the pyramids and learn about the fascinating history of this ancient civilization.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia
Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, with a width of over 1.7 kilometers. Visitors can take a boat tour to get up close to the falls, or go bungee jumping or white water rafting for an adrenaline-packed adventure.
Hidden Gems
Timkat Festival, Ethiopia
The Timkat Festival is a colorful and vibrant celebration of the Ethiopian Orthodox Epiphany, held every January. Visitors can witness the procession of priests, the sprinkling of holy water, and the traditional dancing and singing that accompanies the festival.
Spice Island, Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a beautiful island off the coast of Tanzania, known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The island is also famous for its spices, with a tour of the spice plantations offering visitors a chance to learn about the island’s history and culture.
Rock-hewn Churches, Ethiopia
The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and are regarded as one of the world’s most impressive architectural wonders. These ancient churches were carved out of solid rock, and are still used for religious services today.
Food Scene
Africa is a continent with a rich and diverse culinary heritage, with each country offering its own unique flavors and dishes. Some must-try dishes include:
Jollof Rice, West Africa
Jollof rice is a one-pot dish that is popular throughout West Africa. It is made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices, and can be served with chicken, fish, or vegetables.
Bunny Chow, South Africa
Bunny chow is a popular street food in South Africa, consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. It is a filling and delicious dish that is perfect for a quick lunch on the go.
Couscous, North Africa
Couscous is a staple dish in North Africa, made from semolina wheat and served with vegetables, meat, or fish. It is a healthy and nutritious meal that is perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Africa can be an affordable destination if you know where to look. Some tips for traveling on a budget include:
Travel in the Off-Season
Traveling in the off-season can save you money on flights and accommodation, and also means that you’ll avoid the crowds.
Eat Local Food
Eating at local restaurants and street vendors is a great way to experience the local culture and cuisine, and is often much cheaper than eating at tourist restaurants.
Take Public Transportation
Using public transportation, such as buses and trains, is usually much cheaper than taking taxis or renting a car.
Outdoor Adventures
Africa is a continent with incredible natural beauty, and there are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had. Some of the best include:
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with the summit offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is a vast wetland that is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and hippos. Visitors can take a guided safari to explore this unique ecosystem.
Sahara Desert, Morocco
The Sahara Desert is the world’s largest hot desert, and is an otherworldly landscape of sand dunes and rocky outcrops. Visitors can take a camel trek or a 4×4 tour to explore this incredible landscape.
Historical Landmarks
Africa is a continent with a rich and fascinating history, and there are many historical landmarks to explore. Some of the best include:
Robben Island, South Africa
Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site that was used as a prison for political prisoners during apartheid. Visitors can take a tour of the prison and learn about the struggle for freedom in South Africa.
Karnak Temple, Egypt
Karnak Temple is one of the world’s largest ancient religious sites, and is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the ancient Egyptians. Visitors can explore the complex and learn about the history of this ancient civilization.
Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Zimbabwe
The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are an ancient city that dates back over 1,000 years. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history and culture of the people who built them.
Family-Friendly Activities
Africa is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities that kids will love. Some family-friendly activities include:
Beach Holiday, Mauritius
Mauritius is a beautiful island nation that is perfect for a family beach holiday. With its warm waters and white sandy beaches, it’s a great destination for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in the sun.
Pilanesberg Game Reserve, South Africa
The Pilanesberg Game Reserve is a great destination for families who want to see African wildlife up close. With its guided tours and self-drive safaris, it’s a great way to get up close to lions, elephants, and other animals.
Table Mountain Cable Car, South Africa
The Table Mountain Cable Car in Cape Town is a great way to see the city from above. Kids will love the ride up the mountain in the cable car, and the views from the top are breathtaking.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a little different, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to be had in Africa. Some unique experiences include:
Chimpanzee Trekking, Uganda
Uganda is home to some of the world’s last remaining populations of wild chimpanzees. Visitors can take a trek to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat.
Hot Air Balloon Safari, Kenya
A hot air balloon safari is a unique way to see the African landscape from above. Visitors can take a balloon ride over the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, and witness the wildlife from a new perspective.
Salt Pans, Botswana
The Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana are a vast expanse of salt flats, with a unique landscape that is unlike anything else on earth. Visitors can take a quad bike tour to explore this incredible landscape.
Natural Wonders
Africa is a continent with a wealth of natural wonders, from its vast deserts to its lush rainforests. Some of the best natural wonders include:
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos.
Mount Nyiragongo, Congo
Mount Nyiragongo is an active volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and is famous for its lava lake. Visitors can take a trek to the summit to witness this incredible natural wonder.
Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
The Blyde River Canyon is one of the world’s largest canyons, and is a breathtaking natural wonder. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the canyon and witness its stunning beauty.
Vibrant Nightlife
Africa is a continent with a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars,