There is so much that Africa has to offer any traveller that it’s hard to know where to begin – or where to end. In terms of physical sites of interest that are always there for you to see, there’s an abundance to choose from; the Pyramids, Victoria Falls, the Nile, you name it, it’ll still be there from one day to the next unless something really unexpected happens. However, it’s not so much the sites that you want catch a glimpse of, but more so sights that aren’t always there for you to view. These depend on the seasons or the time of the year that you visit – and if you manage to see them, you’re one of the luckiest people on earth.
The Great Migration
If you’re wondering exactly “what was the great migration”, there are sites that can tell you exactly all the ins and outs of this natural phenomenon in a lot more detail. For the more 90s and Disney-obsessed among us, flick back in your mind to the scene where Simba is trying to rescue Mufasa in the Lion King, where hundreds of wildebeest are trampling over them. Then try to picture it in real life, but throw in nearly a million wildebeest rather than the few hundred that you saw in the movie. The famous river crossings usually happen in July, but you can’t expect it to happen on exactly the same day every year. The weather plays a huge part in the moving of these beasts. It’s not just wildebeests, either – zebras take part in the migration, flowing along as one massive combined herd.
The Silverbacks
Head into the jungles in Rwanda, and you have a high chance of catching a glimpse of a majestic Silverback Gorilla. You will need to go on a guided tour headed by dedicated individuals who follow groups of these primates around for conservation purposes. Never go into the jungle alone and attempt to find them – you will be putting your life in serious danger, so it’s always recommended that you go along with somebody who knows just how close you can get to them and where exactly to spot them without disturbing them. The lush forests that they live in are beauty in themselves, and there are so many different species of trees and plants for you to take note of along your journey.
The Nile Crocodile
If there’s a river you really don’t want to swim in any time soon, the Nile is probably at the top of the list. Crocodiles line the banks all the way up, just waiting for prey to come into their line of sight. However, if you’re in a boat and with somebody who knows what they’re doing on the river, watching these reptiles in their natural habitat can actually be quite calming. You won’t be able to get out and cozy up to them – although it’s been reported that a certain village have been doing just this – but it offers a great photo opportunity, so grab your selfie stick.
