Africa: Things To Do

Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique This archipelago is a stereotypical paradise of blindingly bright sand, tranquil waters, and top-notch diving and snorkeling. Benguerra Lodge is an eco-lodge that works in tandem with the local community. Benguerra Lodge; 011-27-11-452-0641; www.benguerra.co.za
beach | smart splurge | expensive

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda Also known as the Impenetrable Forest, Bwindi covers 128 square miles on the edge of the sweeping Rift Valley, and is one of the world’s last remaining habitats of the mountain gorilla. Contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Uganda Wildlife Authority, lot 7 Kira Rd.; 011-256-41-346287; www.uwa.or.ug
national park | wildlife

Cape Town Beaches, vineyards, and a cosmopolitan vibe, with the striking Table Mountain as a backdrop. Make sure to visit Robben Island, where former president Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. 011-27-21-413-4200; www.robben-island.org.za
beach | family | culture | outdoors | history

Dogon country, Mali The villages of the Dogon people (cliff dwellers who moved to this area around 700 years ago) are dotted along the the Bandiagara Escarpment, a huge cliff that extends about 93 miles east of Mopti in central Mali. Contact the Ministry of Tourism for a guide. Ministry of Tourism; 011-223-229-64-50; www.malitourisme.com
culture | history

Great Zimbabwe Among the most extraordinary ruins in Africa, these mysterious stone walls –dating from between the 12th and 15th centuries – are 20-feet thick in places, reach 36-feet high, and cover an area of 1,800 acres. Zimbabwe Tourism; 011-263-4-752-570; www.zimbabwetourism.co.zw
culture | history

Kigali Memorial Centre The poignant Kigali Memorial Centre honors the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and was designed to be a place where relatives could mourn for their loved ones. Over 250,000 people are buried at the site. 011-250-08-30-76-66; www.kigalimemorialcentre.org
culture | history

Lalibela, Ethiopia Home to one of the world’s most astounding sacred sights: eleven 12th-century churches carved out of the red Lasta Mountains. Yumo Tours; 011-251-11-551-8878; www.yumo.net
culture | history

Marrakech Stylish bars, clubs, and boutique hotels mingle with lively souks, scented palm groves, and the famous Djemaa el-Fna, a central square full of exotic food stalls, snake charmers, storytellers, and fire-eaters. Stay at Dar Les Cigognes, a 17th-century townhouse-cum-boutique hotel with great courtyard, roof terrace, and hammam. Dar Les Cigognes, 108, rue de Berima Medina; 011-212-24-38-27-40; www.lescigognes.com
culture | history | shopping

Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya’s most famous park is a mecca for natural encounters with lions, leopards, and cheetahs as well as large numbers of elephants, zebras, and buffaloes. Contact Kenia Tours and Safaris. Kenia Tours and Safaris, Jubilee Insurance House, Kaunda/Wabera Sts., Fourth Fl., Nairobi; 011-254-20-223-699; www.keniatours.com
family | national park | wildlife

Mount Kilimanjaro Hikers from all over the world come to climb Africa’s highest mountain and the world’s tallest freestanding volcano. Unfortunately, the famous “snows of Kilimanjaro,” the ice-caps that crown the mountain, are fast disappearing due to global warming. 011-255-22-2111-244; www.tanzaniatouristboard.com
hiking | outdoors | adventure

Parc National de Ranomafana Some 154 square miles of lush rainforest, with hills and rivers that bristle with birds and mammals, including 12 different species of lemur. Fianarantsoa province; 011-261-20-22-415-54; www.parcs-madagascar.com
family | national park | wildlife

Slave forts West Africa’s coastline is littered with the battered remnants of European forts and castles built to protect interests in the trade of gold, ivory, and slaves. One of the most famous sites is St. George’s castle in Elmina, Ghana. Prime Resorts and Tours, Mama’s Inn, Dansoman St.; 011-233-21-305-786; www.primetoursghana.org
culture | history

Soweto Discover the soul of South Africa in the township of Soweto (South Western Township), where blacks were forcibly moved during the apartheid era. It’s the former home of two Nobel Peace Prize laureates: Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Face to Face Tours, 130 Main St.; 011-27-11-331-6109; www.face2face.co.za
culture | history

Victoria Falls One of nature’s greatest wonders, known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) in the local Koloko language, Victoria Falls is 355-feet high and 5700-feet tall. It’s also one of Africa’s adrenalin capitals, with bungee jumping, white water rafting, boating, abseiling, and more. Bundu Adventures, 699 Industrial Rd.; 011-260 -332-44-07; www.bunduadventures.com
outdoors | adventure

Zanzibar This tantalizing island off the coast of Tanzania has lured travelers, traders, pirates, and colonists for centuries. For barefoot luxury at its best try Breezes Beach Club and Spa. Breezes Beach Club and Spa, east coast, near Bwejuu; 011-255-774-440-883; www.breezes-zanzibar.com
smart splurge | expensive