Monkey Bay in Malawi
Africa is a vast continent that is home to over 50 diverse countries. Although certain parts of the continent are frequently in the news due to civil war, disease, poverty and strife, negative generalizations should by no means be made about Africa as a whole. Indeed, there are so many reasons to visit Africa, from unique cultures, friendly people, landmarks, historical sites, and breathtaking scenery, all of which regularly attract a variety of visitors. Notably, there have been some shifts in popular tourist locations over the last few years.
Overall Trends in Contemporary African Tourism
According to NYU Africa House, an institute devoted to the study of contemporary Africa, overall tourism in Africa went from 37 million visitors in 2003 to 63.6 million in 2012. Revenue from tourism in 2012 reached a total of $43.6 billion, and employment in tourism and travel in Africa reached 8.2 million in 2012 alone. Destinations such as Morocco, South Africa, Egypt, the Seychelles and Madagascar experienced a doubling of arrivals in 2012. Cameroon (35%), Tanzania (24%), Sierra Leone (14%) and Cape Verde (13%) also saw increased arrival rates as well.
Changes to US Travel Trends in Africa
Although overseas travel increased in 2012, American tourism to Africa has actually declined for the third straight year. Morocco and South Africa remained popular destinations for Americans from 2003 to 2012, but, overall, visitors to Africa went down slightly from 892,000 in 2011 to 884,000 in 2012. More recently, violence and unrest in the fall in Egypt also reduced the number of travelers, which is extra-problematic for tourist arrivals as winter is the region’s highest travel season. However, while numbers may have declined, the many areas of interest for Americans who plan to visit Africa still remain, making Africa a destination to remember.
Welcoming African Destinations for American Tourists
Many American tourists are beginning to see South Africa as a popular tourist location thanks to the work of the late Nelson Mandela. Before he was released from prison, the horrors of apartheid and injustice kept tourists away from the area. However, the first black president of South Africa not only helped end apartheid but also soothed Western fears about the stability of the country. This helped make the nation more attractive to visitors, who began to arrive in larger numbers in the 1990s. With his recent passing, many South African landmarks such as Robben Island, Vilakazi Street in Soweto, Liliesleaf Farm, The Apartheid Museum, Freedom Park, and the Hector Pieterson Museum will undoubtedly continue to attract American tourists. Mandela’s legacy has transformed tourism in South Africa, and arrivals to this country are likely to increase in 2014 as people arrive to pay homage to his memory.
In addition to its rich history, South Africa has become an area of interest for adventure seekers. Spelunking and various levels of rock climbing draw many tourists to The Cedarberg, Kleinmond, and the caves of Cango, Sudwala, and Sterkfontein. The Drakensberg Mountains also offer ice-climbing for the more experienced adventurer. Other adventures include taking a hot air taking a hot air balloon from KwaZulu Natal over the Drakensberg Mountains and the countryside, riding the Orange River, bungee jumping from the Floukrans River Bridge or the Orlando Tower, bridge swinging at the Vaal River, swimming with penguins at Boulders Beach. Kloofing, a sports activity in which you head downstream from the top of a mountain and that requires excellent balance and stamina, is also offered to thrill seekers. Historical landmarks and adventure seeking are offered throughout the many different regions and African countries, not just in South Africa.
Africa also offers some of the most stunning landscapes on the face of the planet. Among some of the most photographed and admired landscapes are Sossusvlei Dunes, Fish River Canyon, and Spitzkoppe peaks in Namibia; Nyika Plateau National Park, Mount Mulanje, and Lake Malawi in Malawi; Sahara Dunes in Morocco; Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe; the dried salt pans of Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan National Park in Botswana; date plantations in Draa Valley in Morocco; Lower Zambezi River in Zambia; helicopter rides across the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique; Nyiragongo Volcano and lava lake in Eastern Congo; Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Spitzkoppe in Namibia
Among these landscapes, the opportunities for tourists to observe wildlife in their natural habitat are abundant, which is why many American tourists travel to Africa on safari. Among many other places in Africa for wildlife tours and extensive safaris, tourists can witness the Great Migration year round. It begins in Tanzania in January, up through the Serengeti in June, and then routes through Kenya in September before the animals begin to journey south again. The rainforests of Rwanda are home to many mountain gorillas which can be seen on a tracking tour. While canoeing through the Lower Zambezi River in Zambia, hippos, elephants, and other animals can be seen drinking from the river. In Kenya, Lake Nakuru National Park is home to over one million flamingos, Solio Reserve offers what is considered to be the best place in the world to see the increasingly rare rhinoceros, and travelers can run alongside zebras on horseback.
Africa isn’t all safaris and savannahs, however. Many African cities add to the experience of a trip to Africa, and may be less obvious than other common destinations. Algiers, Algeria, was designed to be the “Paris of North Africa,” but adds beautiful beaches and sunshine to its cultural offerings. Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, is very safe and hospitable, and its residents are even known to invite tourists into their homes to enjoy tea. Lamu, Kenya offers relaxing afternoons of sunbathing and transportation via donkey carts as the best preserved Swahili settlement in Africa that was once a thriving port for ivory, spices, and other trade. The roads in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe were originally designed for ox-carts, and now are optimal to tour museums and other sites via bicycle. Kumasi, Ghana, is home to the Ashanti people, known as the most fun-loving and cheerful in Ghana. Grahamstown is known to be the arts capital of South Africa, hosting the National Arts Festival in July.
If urban life is more appealing, there are many modern cities throughout Africa to satisfy these tastes. Cape Town, South Africa is a coveted place to live by South Africans, offers many amenities and sophistication, and is cradled by the ocean and the mountains, thus earning Cape Town many prestigious international travel awards and recognition as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Accra, Ghana, also offers a sophisticated urban area with many restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and an increasing number of shopping malls and high-rise buildings. Johannesburg, South Africa, is considered to be Africa’s economic capital and a concrete jungle, but is known to be lush and green, including holding the title for one of the largest man-made forests in the world. Gaborone, Botswana, is considered to be peaceful, safe, and offers a diverse mix of people and place to see even though it is considered to be a relatively smaller city. Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is thought to be the most beautiful in Africa, with traditional German architecture and modern architecture in the city’s center; some people say that although Windhoek appears laid-back, it is also said to be the most festive capital on the continent, hosting the Windhoek Festival in March and Oktoberfest, and is well known for its beer. The growing city of Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania is home to many exclusive resorts and enjoys tropical conditions for most of the year.
Seven Health Tips for Travel to Africa
If the highlights mentioned above have persuaded you to embark on a journey to Africa, be sure to take certain health precautions to maximize your time overseas. As with any other trip abroad, certain preparations must be made to minimize risk and ensure that your trip is enjoyed to the fullest. It is always recommended that potential travelers visit a travel health specialist at least four weeks before embarking on a trip. The specialist can provide information about the countries to be visited, and he or she can administer any needed vaccinations. Here are seven tips for staying healthy during your visit:
1. Bring Along Prophylactic Medications to Protect Against Malaria
Several African countries still face malaria outbreaks that are caused by infected mosquitoes. You may want to bring a course of anti-malarial drugs provided to you by your travel health specialist. Long pants and shirts are also recommended. You should also bring DEET-containing insect repellent and a mosquito net for your bedding.
2. Get Vaccinated
Many countries do host endemic diseases that are largely unknown in the US but can cause serious illness in travelers. Visitors to Ghana, for example, should make sure they receive vaccinations against malaria, typhoid and hepatitis A before they travel. Vaccinations against meningitis and rabies are recommended for most travelers to this country, as well as for travelers headed to Tanzania and South Africa. Travelers to Tanzania and South Africa should be vaccinated against yellow fever (CDC.gov).
3. Beware of Ticks
Ticks also present a health risk for those who are traveling in South Africa or other popular outdoor activity destinations. You should check for tick bites if you have been visiting remote regions with tall grasses. Wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts whenever possible.
4. Maintain Access to Purified Water
Access to clean water can prevent serious illness during travel. For example, cholera is still a major problem in Tanzania, meaning that drinking from local water sources could cause a visitor to become very ill. It is imperative that travelers to any African country bring along some form of water purification, whether tablets or a filtering device. Stick to bottled water if possible.
5. Be Careful Around Food
You should be extremely careful about eating any food that is undercooked or raw during your travels to developing countries as the food could contain bacteria or parasites that can cause illness. Do not eat food that you cannot peel or sterilize yourself, such as soft fruit or vegetables. Bring along anti-diarrheal medications in case you do become ill.
6. Avoid Sunburn
Many African countries have stronger sunlight than most visitors are used to experiencing. In order to prevent sunburn, tourists should be vigilant about applying sunscreen in the morning and throughout the day. Using a sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF will help to prevent serious sunburns and heatstroke. Protecting your skin during travel to these countries is very important as sunburns increase your future risk of skin cancer.
7. Be Aware of HIV/AIDS
South Africa has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the world. Travelers to the area should recognize that engaging in risky behavior during their trip can expose them to the virus. Travelers should not have unprotected sex of any kind and should not share needles with anyone they meet.
Africa – A Unique Travel Opportunity
A visit to Africa will provide travelers with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Although some tourism numbers have decreased recently, countries such as Ghana, Tanzania and South Africa are still very attractive options due to their culture and scenery. However, before embarking on an exotic journey, be sure to take steps to protect your health, and enjoy every moment of your adventure!
This article was featured in the latest issue of ATA Passport to Africa e-newsletter. Passport Health is honored to have worked as guest editor on this issue, in collaboration with ATA. Learn more about the Africa Travel Association (ATA) and read the full ATA Passport to Africa e-newsletter.
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