There is nowhere on Earth like Africa. The continent combines wildlife, architecture, history, culture, and soul in a land filled with mystery and adventure. There is no other place in the world where you can watch the gazelles running around with the Big Five – lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceroses – from your hotel window or on a hike through a national park. Africa’s beauty must be seen in person.
Luckily for you, if you’re an American citizen, the lands of Africa are open to you. With the fourth most respected passport in the world, Americans can visit many African countries visa-free, or by obtaining a visa on arrival. Here are some of the wonders you can see with your passport.
Okavango Delta (Botswana)
This river goes through the heart of the Kalahari Desert and provides a unique inland water system home to many different animals. The Okavango Delta provides a great safari experience for visitors as you can take in the wildlife from the water, on a traditional canoe, or mokoro. As an American, all that is needed to travel to Botswana and the Okavango Delta is a passport valid for at least six months.
Mahore Island (Comoros)
Also known by its French name Mayotte, Mahore Island is one of the islands that make up Comoros. Here you can bask in the tropical weather, relax on the beach, and explore the underwater coral reefs that are home to a diverse range of marine life. All that is required from you is a return ticket and the payment of the visa fee on arrival. These fees are $60 for 45 days, $350 for a year and $500 for 10 years.
Great Pyramid of Giza (Egypt)
No African trip is complete without seeing the Great Pyramid of Giza. As the oldest Seven Wonders of the World, it is one of the largest structures ever built. The architecture and history that surrounds the pyramid is a site to see and can be accomplished with a visa-on arrival for $25 or a multiple entry visa for $35.
Kruger National Park (South Africa)
Recognised for the 16 macro eco-zones and great diversity of habitats, Kruger National Park houses many of the wildlife animals Africa is known for. You can take a classic safari jeep tour or opt for a romantic or private family option. As an American, all you need to make this trip a reality is a passport valid for 30 days with at least two blank passport pages and you can stay for a maximum of 90 days.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park (Tanzania)
Known as the home of Africa’s tallest mountain peak, the park provides a unique experience to see the wildlife against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Journey on a safari through the park and catch perfect shots of elephants or giraffes in front of the peak, and if you’re brave enough, take a trek up to the summit. This trip is made possible with an American passport that is valid for six months and has at least one blank visa page. You must also present a roundtrip ticket and show you have the necessary funds for your stay.
Victoria Falls (Zambia)
Known as one of the greatest attractions in Africa and the most spectacular waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls is a glorious site. As the only waterfall with a length of more than a kilometre and a height of over 100 metres, you will be encompassed by its beauty. It is called Mosi-o-Tunya by the locals, or “The Smoke that Thunders” because of its magnificent sounds that can be heard from 40km away. Since the only thing you need is a passport valid for six months with two more blank visa pages, be sure you don’t miss this gorgeous natural site.
Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe)
Famous for its exquisite elephant herds, Hwange National Park provides an up close and personal experience with the majestic animals. Other animals that you can see at the park include kudu, sable, buffaloes, lions, white rhinos, hyenas, wildebeests, and giraffes. If you’re a true adventurer, you can even stay in luxurious camping sites in the park and wake up to giraffes outside your window, or swim at the pool next to the animals’ watering hole. The price for a visa to Zimbabwe is $30 for 30 days and $60 for a multi-entry visa for 60 days. You will also need a passport valid for at least six months after your arrival into the country.
Author Bio:
Now working as a writer, Jackie Edwards started her career in the hospitality and travel industry, but after becoming a mom refocused and decided to spend more time with her family. When she’s not writing, she volunteers for a number of local mental health charities and also has a menagerie of pets to look after.
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