60 days in Africa Itinerary

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.

Tourism in Rwanda experienced a serious boost in the recent years largely thanks to the country's large population of mountain gorillas. One of only two nations in which the enigmatic, critically endangered gorillas can be tracked, Rwanda appeals to adventurous travelers interested in hiking the hills and equatorial jungles inhabited by the endemic species. The people of Rwanda remain positive about their future, and the political stability that has taken hold since the horrors of the 1994 genocide allows a growing number of international tourists to share in the optimism.

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.

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.

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.

The island nation of Sao Tome and Principe encompasses a volcanic chain that gives it its distinctive topography. The beaches that ring the islands remain some of the main places to visit in Sao Tome and Principe, with many hidden, deserted strips of sandy coastline serving as perfect getaways for those looking to escape the everyday grind. Much of the nation remains unexplored by tourists and undeveloped, making the lush rainforests and volcanic peaks of the interior particularly atmospheric hiking destinations. The laidback Creole culture of the main towns won't take too long to get used to, but it might take a little longer to get shake off after you return home.

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.

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.