The indefinable allure and mystery of Africa arise partly from its ancient history, which dates back to 3300 BC. Immediately on alighting from flights to Africa, most visitors experience a sense of culture shock and even the most jaded traveller is instantly impressed by the spectacular continent. Each country within this large continent is markedly different. Those in the North – Morocco, Egypt or Tunisia are similar in culture to the Arab countries, whereas South Africa is a multicultural melting pot with strong Dutch and British roots. Most of the other countries including Nigeria, Sudan and Mali retain their rich African heritage.
Decide which of the many aspects you want to experience before booking flights to Africa. For safari head for Kenya or Tanzania for the most impressive wildlife and the best organized tours. If you want to explore the history of the continent, where better to revel in the past than the ancient land of the pyramids and pharaohs? Visit Egypt for an experience of a lifetime. For lazy days on beaches, book flights to Africa's popular island - Zanzibar in Tanzania.
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The weather throughout Africa is generally extremely warm, though high season can vary from the top to bottom of the continent. In general, most countries experience a dry and wet season. The dry, warm seasons can be extremely hot, especially in the desert areas, and travellers tend to avoid this time.
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If you're in Africa to spot the big game, the best time to visit is the summer, specifically July when the rainy season is over.
The high season in South Africa is December and January when hoards of tourists visit its cities but flights and accommodation are pricier during this period. Try to avoid visiting in from September to January when the gale winds blow wildly.
Countries closer to the Indian Ocean, such as Tanzania and Mauritius, have a heavy tropical rainy season that runs anywhere from January to March or even until June in some countries. For the best weather book a flight to Africa anytime between June and October but try to avoid the scorching heat from December to March.
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- Tunisia is a great destination for history lovers. There are ancient Roman ruins in Carthage and Roman mosaics in the Unesco World-Heritage protected Medina. Libya is another fascinating North African country that boasts remnants of Greek and Roman civilizations.
- Africa is the top destination for safari and Kenya is one of the best countries, with game lodges and tented camps. Also worth considering is Botswana – home to the spectacular Okavango Delta. The 5,850 sq. mile inland flood plain is filled with waterways, forests, islands and consequently is a top spot for wildlife.
- South Africa is often thought to combine the best on offer in Africa, with safaris, nightlife and great beaches. Most visitors to Cape Town visit the infamous Robben Island prison where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned under Apartheid.
- Many travellers would pick the Caribbean when searching for a beach destination, but Africa has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, for example, has some of the best diving and fishing in the area. While the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania has been dubbed “paradise” by many visitors because of its turquoise waters.
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