15 days in Africa Itinerary

Guinea-Bissau offers a slew of colonial-era towns and picturesque beaches, as well as some remote areas tailor-made for those eager to get off the tourist path. An adventure to the southeastern hinterland, with its forests, savannahs, and small farms, represents one of the most daring and exciting things to do in Guinea-Bissau. Though the post-independence history of the country has been bleak at times, the locals remain remarkably upbeat and hopeful for the future--their spirit and welcoming nature provide additional reasons to plan a vacation in Guinea-Bissau.

Founded by freed American and Caribbean slaves, Liberia today has a population of primarily indigenous Africans, but maintains certain links with the United States. One such link comes in the music and wider culture of the main urban areas, where hip-hop influences abound among traditional African rhythms, dress styles, and dance trends. Beaches close to the capital remain some of the main places to visit in Liberia, as exploring the inland areas away from the main towns represents a risk for foreign visitors without an accompanying local guide.

The coast and hinterland of Guinea hold many hidden areas of attractive scenery, largely untouched by human hand. Explorations of the inland forests top many Guinea itineraries, with forest elephants marching through the lush greenery and exotic birds up in the trees just waiting to be spotted.

With swathes of rainforest, tall mountains, and desert landscapes, Cameroon features many of the most iconic African environments within its borders. Ethnic diversity represents one of the main attractions for visitors on holiday in Cameroon, with the country offering an introduction to the rich and varied cultures of the continent as a whole. Unlike many other African countries, Cameroon has remained a largely peaceful place, with different ethnicities living side by side in relative tranquility. Good roads and a decent train service make vacations in Cameroon mostly pleasant experiences, with most places of interests relatively easy to reach.

With a desert in the north, an arid strip through the middle, and grassland areas in the south, Chad boasts a huge diversity of environments, wildlife, and plants. The country has always appealed to adventurous and daring travelers, with unadulterated landscapes and large animal populations the rewards for those bothering to visit. A ratcheting up of unrest, political violence, and terrorism in the 21st century has made travel to the country inadvisable, so it's not surprising mass tourism in Chad never really took off.

Natural attractions in Central African Republic include large forested areas rich in wildlife, especially lowland gorillas and elephants. One the most impoverished and historically unstable countries in the world, CAR remains known for its openness, its people praised for their welcoming nature and positive attitude. The Central African Republic Bush War began in 2004 and, despite a ceasefire in 2007, the fallout from the conflict and re-ignition of sectarian and political violence has made travel to the country inadvisable ever since.

The mainland and offshore areas of Equatorial Guinea offer different flavors for off-road adventuring. The islands boast rainforests rich in endemic wildlife and volcanic rock formations, while the mainland offers a slew of gold beaches. The main port cities, on the mainland and off, hold few real charms for international visitors on vacation in Equatorial Guinea, with the emphasis much more on what lies beyond.

Though tourism in Gabon remains a fledgling industry, the benefits of exploring this untempered place of wildlife-rich rainforests and ethnic diversity are numerous. A large percentage of the country remains protected as national parkland, allowing the dolphins playing in the Atlantic and the chimps and forest elephants to breathe a sigh of relief. The population includes around 40 different ethnicities, but the country has thankfully avoided the conflict and ethnic violence common among many of its neighbors.

Tourism in Angola thrives as the country's infrastructure develops and attractions are restored following years of internal conflict. Holidays in Angola usually involve at least a little time at the beach, with the Atlantic coastline featuring long stretches of sand, wide estuaries, and small islands close to the main cities. A wealth of national parks shelter a rich array of wildlife, including African icons such as lions, elephants, and leopards, with barely a tourist in sight to disturb the natural order of things.

Most citizens of the Republic of the Congo live in the south of the country, with few residing outside the capital Brazzaville or Pointe-Noire on the coast. The capital represents a good place to start a holiday in the Republic of the Congo--it's a great jump-off point for voyages down the Congo River, the long and winding waterway that separates the country from its similarly named neighbor. Following the river to the north, the country becomes sparsely populated, with much of the area covered in lush rainforests. Two national parks, one in the far north and one in the center, represent the main focal points of the Republic of Congo itineraries, with a chance to spot lowland gorillas and forest elephants a major reason to visit for any genuine nature lover.

Democratic Republic of Congo possesses a wealth of scenic highlights, ethnic diversity, and a complex history. Inaccessible for many years due to conflict, the country once again draws adventurous and confident travelers looking for a different type of vacation. For those who can forego the usual home comforts and quickly adapt to challenging conditions, the rewards of a holiday in Democratic Republic of Congo are numerous--trekking through unspoiled forests, spotting endemic wildlife, and meeting welcoming, inspiring people.

Though landlocked, Burundi provides plenty of chances to spend time close to the water, with the capital located on the northeastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Tourism in Burundi focuses primarily on the capital and the natural areas and traditional towns just outside it, with pristine lakeside beaches to explore, along with tribal villages protecting centuries-old traditions. Civil war affected the country's economy and devastated its population between 1993 and 2005. Political unrest and violence began again in 2015.

Exotic Comoros offers a different take on the archetypal paradise island. The remote collection of varied landmasses endured a turbulent history, with nearly 20 coups since its independence in 1975. The political situation has calmed in recent years, allowing tourism in Comoros to develop thanks to a good offering of white-sand beaches, volcanic peaks, and underwater worlds rich in wildlife. Devoutly Muslim, the locals frown upon the consumption of alcohol and bare skin--few foreign tourists are bothered by this, as most come for the off-the-beaten track adventuring rather than beach-bar relaxation.

Little Eritrea boasts diverse landscapes that include mountains, an arid coastline, and fertile swathes of land to the west. With tourism in Eritrea still a burgeoning industry, the country represents a place of adventure for daring travelers looking to get of that beaten path. The Art Deco architecture of the capital shows off the cultural complexity and interesting facets of the former Italian colony's recent history, while a number of archaeological sites provide evidence of once-thriving ancient kingdoms. The country gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993, but the areas bordering Sudan, Ethiopia, and Djibouti remain dangerous and, as a result, off the map for most foreign tourists.

A small country with big sights, Djibouti has become known for its interesting geology and show-stopping topography. Limestone chimneys, salt lakes, offshore coral reefs, multi-colored mountains, mangroves, and sandy deserts provide the backdrop or focal point of a number of adventures during vacations in Djibouti. Away from the capital, Djibouti remains largely untamed and rural, with plenty of appeal for those into eco-tourism. Traveling down the coast and into the interior during a tour of Djibouti, visitors meet nomadic tribes and share in their singular way of life.