Waegook Tom

A Blog About A Globetrotting English Teacher

Africa

African Countries You Didn’t Know You Needed To Visit

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If you’re a fan of adventure, you’re probably wondering where to go on your next amazing getaway that will satisfy that thirst for excitement and wonder. Africa is one of the most popular continents for people with a love of thrill-seeking – whether you embark on a safari or you like to do things like mountain climbing, Africa has something just waiting for you. Check out these top African countries that you didn’t know you needed to visit, just in time to book a late holiday somewhere truly spectacular and unique. 

Source: Unsplash | Michal Průcha

Namibia

Namibia is one of the more unique of the sub-Saharan African countries. With gorgeous sand dunes and a luscious coastline that rivals some of the best throughout the rest of coastal Africa. There is a strange and unusual sight to see in Namibia – the Skeleton Coast – which is home to numerous abandoned oil tankers that proves to be some of the most picturesque coastline in Africa. Not only this, but Namibia also plays host to some interesting options for safaris as well as activities like dune bashing. If you’re looking for a country that is a bit more desert than jungle, but with a more sub-Saharan African vibe this is the country for you.

Botswana

Botswana is a beautiful, landlocked country that is home to numerous animals to watch and experience up close and personal. Whether you want to go on a proper bush driving safari or just sit in a camp and let the animals come and go as they please, Botswana is the place for you. Not only this, but the Okavango Delta is located in Botswana, a piece of the country that is home to some of the richest flora and fauna in the world. In truth, people from all over the world come to see this spectacular piece of the country which never fails to impress.Botswana is also home to some of the most luscious and unique safari experiences, so you’re in for a treat if you choose this country for your African trip.

South Africa

South Africa is a huge country right at the very southern tip of the continent, hence the name. Not only is South Africa home to great safari experiences, such as in Kruger National Park, but you can experience the coastline which is home to various bird species, including penguins! In the springtime, many of the fields throughout the country come alive with bright wildflowers that many people from around the world flock to South Africa to see. If you’re a wine lover though, don’t miss the wine country just north of Cape Town – the ideal way to spend a weekend trying various delicious wines amid beautiful wineries. 

Whether you’re an avid traveller or you’re new to the game, you will want to know which countries you absolutely must visit. This short list of must see African countries will surely help you make decisions with regard to where you should check out on this unique, amazing and sometimes strange continent, allowing you to plan a trip with ease. Good luck!

Exploring Africa: The Best Things to See and Do

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Africa is a terrain of incredible experience, memories, and adventures to be had, not to mention a beating heart of amazing wildlife, scenery, and mountains (or beaches, if that’s your preference) just waiting to be walked on, photographed and embedded in your memory forever.

It’s a place that’s sure to be on everybody’s bucket list, and if it’s on the top of yours, you’re number one go-to is to find out the best activities available to you in Africa, and this guide can help to point you in the right direction.

Head Out On Safari In Tanzania

The first thing which comes to mind when planning a trip to Africa is, of course, the safari.

Certainly most places in the continent will offer an incredible safari experience, but one of the best places to try it out is Tanzania: this region houses some of the best parks, lodges, and wildlife, and companies such as Tanzania Odyssey are on hand to create an authentic, captivating and unbelievable safari experience for you. Get up close and personal with the breath-taking scenery and wildlife, the likes of which you’ll never forget.

Try the Beaches in South Africa

When you think of Africa, you might think only of rugged terrain rather than sandy white beaches, but the continent has some beautiful shorelines to tempt you with. Better still, if you head for the beaches towards the South, they are usually less crowded than the North area (so less of a risk of being photobombed).

You can do anything from grabbing a beach hut in idyllic Zanzibar to surfing on the awesome waves, and there’s even a chance you might bump into a penguin or two the further South you go.

If that isn’t enough for you adrenaline junkies, why not try diving with great white sharks?

Spend a Day Bike Riding in Cape Town

A lot of people forget the simple mode of transport that is the bicycle – and although it sounds a peaceful and easy way to get around, it can actually be challenging when you’re riding on tough African terrain – but that’s what makes it all the more exciting.

Without the confines of public transport or a hire car, you can feel the full effect of he fresh African air and the wonders around you when traveling by bike – and you can stop and take it all in whenever you feel like it.

Take a Hike Up Mount Kilimanjaro

There are many, many hiking opportunities in this glorious continent, but one obvious choice for mountain and walking enthusiasts is Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s the highest mountain in Africa, which means you can brag to all your friends when you get home that you’ve hiked up it. Some things to remember if you’re considering it:

  • A good time to climb is during a dry month, mainly January/February or August/September.
  • Decide on a date.
  • Decide on your chosen route.

But don’t worry – nobody will judge you if you choose an easier option.

Happy trekking!

Uganda – Top Tourist Destination for 2018

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If you’re planning on heading out to Africa sometime in the coming months for an adventurous getaway, one country you really should consider visiting is Uganda. Uganda has experienced a bit of a tourism boom in recent years and it seems today that everyone and their dog are hitting the shores of Lake Victoria, climbing in the highlands or checking out the wildlife of this unique African country. But just what wonders lie within? Check out these top things to do while in this welcoming and unique African country.

Gorilla Tracking

Gorilla tracking in Uganda is, without a doubt, one of the most unique things to do in the country. Staying in highland lodges and hiking out into the jungle to spot some of the world’s most beautiful and magnificent gorilla specimens is an experience you won’t soon forget and is one that will stay with you forever. Joined by expert guides and rangers to help find the gorillas with high success rates, you and only a handful of others will trek into the jungle for the experience of a lifetime. To enhance your experience to you could also which a gorilla printed t-shirt for the trek.

Water Sports On Lake Victoria

If you like any kind of boating, fishing, rafting, diving or swimming, the shores of Lake Victoria are for you. Boating is a hugely popular activity and day trips can be arranged to see various water dwellers such as crocodiles and hippos, all of whom make the lake their home. Many come to the lake to enjoy the cool breezes that whip across it along with the various sports that can be enjoyed. There are a number of rapids just outside Jinja as well, so day trips from the likes of Kampala can be arranged purely to enjoy this activity.

National Parks

Uganda is absolutely brimming with national parks with one of the best being Murchison Falls National Park in the northern part of the country. With waterfalls, rivers and safari lodges dotting the area, this is the perfect place for those looking to spend some time away from the towns and cities, getting up close and personal with Ugandan nature. Stay for a day or two and head out on safari to try to spot some of the regional wildlife such as zebras, giraffes and lions.

Safari

Speaking of safaris, Uganda is awash with great safari options. The aforementioned Murchison Falls National Park is just one of the great safari spots, but they’re all around the country, dotted around parks, bushland and reserves. A safari isn’t just something that upper middle class people embark on, and if you do some research you can find a safari for your budget and time frame. From luxury, lodge-based safaris all the way down to bringing your own tent to a bush camp, safaris are becoming more widely accessible for everyone. This is a great thing as seeing these majestic, wild creatures in their natural habitats is something you won’t ever forget!

So if you’re on the hunt for a truly unique and fantastic travel experience, consider heading to Uganda. With such a collection of beautiful scenery, exciting day trips and activities galore to engage in, it’s no wonder it’s become such a hot spot for tourists these days!

Enjoying a Safari in Uganda

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A safari is always an incredible adventure. There’s just something to special when you’re roaming around pristine and untouched nature, and observing the wonderful animals go about their day. Sometimes they look back, and sometimes they don’t, but they’re always fun to watch – and a safari is just as educational as it’s fun, especially when in Uganda.

Why Uganda

Routinely featured as National Geographic’s top destinations, Uganda is a gorgeous land with unbelievably beautiful sights, amazing animals, and pristine nature that’s impossible to forget about. Every single minute out in the Ugandan wilds is an adventure, and there’s no adventure like a Uganda adventure. With its many natural trails, beautiful Rwenzori Mountains, and even the jewel of Africa that’s the Nile River, it’s impossible to not have a wonderful time in Uganda, especially when on Safari.

What is the Ugandan Safari?

Due to its location in the heart of Africa, there’s an incomparable amount of gorgeous wildlife in Uganda. There’s always a fascinating animal to see, practically any way you look, and while there are no critically endangered species, there are some that are near threatened, or endangered. With many unique animals, like the gorgeous zebra, or the noble giraffe, and the roaming buffalos, there are hundreds of mammals found in the lands on Uganda. What’s also great is that you’ll be constantly surrounded with varied nature, like cultivated apple trees, coffee plantations, wide savannahs, and all around beautiful nature.

When to go on a safari in Uganda

The country of Uganda has arguably the best climate in the entire world. Because the equator runs through the heart of the country, the weather is constantly mild, warm, and it’s great even in the rain season. This means that going on a safari is a year-round affair, as it’s always possible to go on an adventure and roam in the wonderful Ugandan nature to observe its glorious wildlife. While the weather is always good, it’s not always perfect, especially in April and May, but that’s when the safari is most heavily discounted – this doesn’t mean that it’s not a great time to visit, but rather almost not as great as the rest of the year.

Things to do while on a Safari in Uganda

As one of the most beautiful countries in the world, there are numerous things to see and do in Uganda. Namely, Uganda is the spot where the river Nile starts flowing through Africa as it exits Lake Victoria, and water rafting on the Nile is one of the best things to for a little variety between safari expeditions. Lake Victoria also offers plenty of unique spots, as it’s the largest lake in Africa, and is considered one of the most beautiful places to see in all of Uganda.

A safari is always an incredible adventure. Uganda is definitely a place to visit all on its own, but couple with the thrill of a safari it definitely becomes something that everybody should do at least once in their lives, because it’s a completely unforgettable experience.

4 places to see exotic animals

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If you are passionate about wildlife and want to take your travel binoculars to gaze at some of the most wondrous species out there, we’re here to give you a hand. Some of those we’ve included in our list can be jotted down on a list of the weirdest animals in the world, but some are downright beautiful and will captivate you with their looks and behavior.

Without further ado, here are four places where you can see exotic animals.

West Virginia and Red Pandas

Even though it is located in the United States, the zoo where red pandas live is one of the most unique destinations you can travel to. Of course, visiting them does come at a cost, because for two people, you’ll have to pay as much as $165 for the ticket. For this price, you can even interact with the animals, which is an experience you will enjoy, for sure.

Visitors are advised that the little pandas might try to climb on them in order to get fed. Keep in mind that you are only allowed to feed the animals what the zoo staff recommends. It will be difficult for you to avoid taking one in your arms and giving it a hug.

Serengeti, Tanzania

We couldn’t make up our minds about the most interesting animal species you could see here, and that’s because it has a population of 2 million wild ones composed of gazelles, zebras, as well as predators such as cheetahs, leopards, lions, and crocodiles.

Besides, the giraffes and elephants will sweep you off of your feet, especially if you’ve never seen any before. Going to Serengeti will be an experience you might never forget. Just keep in mind that you can’t see these species up-close, especially if they are predators.

Uganda

It’s pretty difficult to get to see Uganda’s mountain gorillas, and that’s because you’ll have to do a lot of climbing to get there. There are porters that will carry your bags for a fee, however, so that might make it easier.

Mountain gorillas are among the critically endangered species currently inhabiting the Earth. If you do decide to take a trip to Uganda, it will be an amazing experience, and that’s because you can get a glimpse of tender moments between a gorilla mother and her son or daughter. These animals do not like interacting with humans and they will avoid contact with them, although at times they might not even care less as long as you do not invade their space.

Northern India

The snow leopard resides in some parts of Northern India, but it is so elusive that you might not be able to get to see one. However, if you can’t hold back, you can camp in some areas and wait for the predator to make his or her appearance. It’s often that leopards stalk bharals, so you should ask around to see where you can set up camp and take your photos.