Travelling to Africa
Given a chance, I would like to visit Africa. Exceptionally, Kenya and South Africa would be my destinations of choice. Having relatives and friends alike hailing from mixed cultures and traditions, I have experienced a fair share of the European, Asian, and American traditions and cultures. Besides, I am always quick to act on any instance that allows me to travel, be it educational or recreational. Exposure to the places and people of the continents I have visited went a long way in developing a broader and deeper world view. For that reason, I come back an enhanced and rounded global citizen every time I travel. Being a natural travel enthusiast, the thrill I acquire from discovering new places, ways of life, and ideas has never met its match, and I believe Africa, with its entirety in uniqueness, might yet quench my thirst.
In my past travels, I have had a particular liking for game drives. However, none of the numerous places I have been to have accorded me the experience to die for. Customarily, the said adventures entail merely glimpsing of the renowned Big Five animals and some of the endangered species from afar. On the contrary, wildlife “safaris” as they are termed in Africa offer a completely untamed and immersive experience. As recorded in most documentaries, Africa is the proud home of the world’s most breathtaking game viewing. Kenya stands out as the pro-choice destination in Africa because of the Great Migration witnessed at the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Every year, from July all the way to October, zebras, wildebeests, and the Thomson’s gazelles travel from the Reserve to the Serengeti plains in search of better living conditions. The greatest of jaded travelers outline the experience as a major highlight and an eye-catching experience from what I gathered. The migration, that has since made it to the Seven New Wonders of The World, is more captivating and magical to watch because of the tension that builds up when the crocodiles in the Mara River prey on the crossing animals. I mean, who would not want to encounter the Great Migration?
I also believe that Africa will impart an amazeballs of experience because of its political history. Unlike any other continent, Africa is the only one that had all but two of the constituting countries colonized by the Europeans. Before the infamous scramble for and partition of Africa, the latter was made up of over 9,000 states, each with varying customs and languages. Colonization, among other effects, reduced the number of countries by merging states by developing boundaries. That being so, millions of people were permanently displaced, and their domestic routine was robustly affected. Listening to and learning from the narrations of those that survived the colonial period would be as exciting as it would be eye-opening. Well, they are but survivors because the evils of the colonial era are no secret. It is no wonder nationals of the countries that are now dubbed as heroes and heroines fought tooth and nail to gain their independence. Correspondingly, I would love the opportunity to know more about the colonial period and the profound anti-colonialists such as Nelson Mandela of South Africa. Primarily, I would ensure I visit Robben Island, where the famous anti-apartheid revolutionist was held for 18 years. Just the thought of the boat ride to the island makes me want to jump on the next plane to South Africa.