“If you only visit two continents in your lifetime, visit Africa twice." - R Elliot
Have you ever wondered which African country you secretly want to explore?
I’ve been to 10 African countries excluding South Africa and there are still so many that I want to explore.
That’s the thing about Africa. Every country is so unique and has so much of its own magic to offer. It all depends on what you prefer. Are you a safari junkie like me or are you a beach bunny? Are you a culture vulture or a history nerd? Do you prefer the freedom of a road trip or the modern confinements of the concrete jungles?
Travelstart has developed a quiz to help you decide.
I did it and the African destination that resonated the most with me, based on my answers, was Morocco. My husband did it independently and he had the same answer. Perhaps that is an indication of our compatibility – we share a mutual love of exotic destinations.
This is what our result said. I thought that it was spot on!
You are not interested in the humdrum and mundane. You are drawn to places that ooze magic and mystery, and linger on your skin like the warm touch of a lover. You are captivated by beauty and crave the fierce rhythm of exotic, far flung worlds where mysterious Bedouin tribes rule the desert and snake charmers rule the trembling streets.
To you, adventure means chasing the twang of strings and smell of spices through old cobbled medinas, discovering secret courtyards and wild mountains that whisper of romance and mystique, and getting lost in the lively energy and conversation of Djemaa el Fna.
It is your adventurous spirit, desire for unique experiences, and profound curiosity about life and people that compel you to travel. You are deeply passionate, enchantingly eccentric, and much like Morocco, anything but ordinary.
Go explore Morocco!
But…since I’ve already been to Morocco (and loved it), the African destination I now most want to visit is Namibia (Update: I visited Namibia in 2018). Those sand dunes and ship wrecks have been beckoning to me for a long while.
Let me know what your secret African crush is in the comments below.
I visited Egypt, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe long before I started blogging (and yes, I am due for repeat visits) but you can read about my experiences in the other African countries I visited here. 2019 Update. I visited Zambia and Zimbabwe again this year, along with Namibia, Botswana and Mauritius.
In conclusion, I wanted to share this beautiful poem on Africa that was given to me during my recent stay at the incredible Morukuru Family Owner’s House in Madikwe Game Reserve.
When you have acquired a taste for dust,
The scent of our first rain,
You’re hooked on Africa for life
And you will not be right again
Until you can watch the setting moon
And hear the jackals bark
And know they are around you,
Waiting in the dark.
When you long to see the elephants,
Or to hear the coucals song
When the moonrise sets your blood on fire
You have been away too long.
It is time to cut the traces loose
And let your heart go free
Beyond that for the horizon,
Where your spirit yearns to be.
For Africa infects the soul
And sets ones senses free
It’s special gifts – sight, sound and smell
Pervade incessantly.
For in this world of chaos,
Where hatred rules supreme
My heart turns again to Africa
And I relive my dream.
- E Dibb
Don’t forget to do the quiz and let me know what your results are in the comments below.
Disclosure: 13
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
Hi there! Such a good post, thanks!
Very Fascinating
Important information. I would like to share your blog with friends. It looks very awesome.
I got South Africa which is great as I have family who live in Cape Town! We have been to Kenya and I think your poem describes Africa perfectly. Sitting at the side of a dusty orange street, drinking cold beer and watching the Masai elegantly striding down the road. I loved every minute of it.
Thanks Liz. My daughter got South Africa too. We're lucky to live here. Hope you visit soon. I enjoyed Kenya too.
I'd never thought of visiting Morocco until you mentioned how wonderful it is. I always wanted to go to Kenya and visit the Masai to see wildlife and experience some exotic cultures.
Thanks Mike. Morocco and Kenya are both so different but they're both great. Hope you visit Africa soon.
I got South Africa, which is somewhere I have been and Love!
Another favourite for us is Uganda
That's great Leona. I haven't been to Uganda yet. I need to make a plan to go there soon.
Morocco and Zambia for me! I have fancied Africa for long for wildlife, their peculiar culture, untouched nature and the simplicity of people.
That's great Saakshi. Africa definitely has alot to offer. You should visit soon.
We have visited a few countries in Africa and have loved them all, but there are many more I want to visit in all corners of the continent. I get Namibia when I take the quiz, which is ace as we've been twice and LOVE it. Time to go again soon!
That's great Kavita. I'm embarrassed to say that I haven't been to Namibia yet even though it's South Africa's neighbour 🙂
Hehe my test result said I should visit Namibia, which I am absolutely fine with. I actually haven't been to any of the African countries and I would love to explore this continent. I definitely would like to go to Morocco and South Africa as well. I have heard great things about Tanzania as well so I am sure there's lot of great opportunities!
Thanks Kate. There are so many wonderful countries in Africa. You should just do them one at a time 🙂
Lovely blog! I want to visit Tanzania and Morocco. The nature, culture, history...all of it fascinates me. <3
Thank you K. T. Lynn. Tanzania's great for nature and wildlife. Morocco is great for history, culture and architecture.
Haha loved this quiz. I have always wanted to visit Africa, the only country I have visited is Tanzania (and that too, Zanzibar). I got South Africa, and it is so true! I have been trying it plan it for a while, I guess this is a sign 😉
Thanks Medha. Zanzibar is beautiful. I was there a few years ago. South Africa is beautiful too. You should visit soon.
I'd love to visit Zimbabwe once! That one has been on my travel wishlist for ages.
That's great Aniek. Zimbabwe has alot to offer and Victoria Falls is a must-see attraction.
I had an amazing time in Namibia and know that you're going to love it. South Africa is on my travel wish list.
I have only been to Kenya so far but I'll be climbing the dizzy heights of Kilimanjaro in November. Botswana and Lesotho are up there on my list! Thanks for the pointers!
Oh wow, Vanessa, that's awesome. All the best with Kilimanjaro. Lesotho is great too, and so are the reserves in Botswana.
I got Morocco too so must go ! Funnily enough I once applied for a job in Botswana which I thought I would get especially having had previous African experience in Nigeria. Didn't get it so ended up with job in Japan instead which is how I came to be in Asia (it's a long story !)
That's great Ben. Haha, Botswana and Japan are worlds apart 🙂