In Africa where the tourist sites are reputed to be very pleasant, the means of relaxation are sometimes expensive or difficult to find. However, there are plenty of beautiful and inexpensive places to explore on the continent. We highlight 5 tourist locations that are both exciting and affordable.
The pyramids of Egypt, Egypt
The pyramids of Egypt, particularly the Great Pyramids of Giza, are among the most magnificent man-made structures in history. The Egyptians built the pyramids as tombs for their pharaohs, and included gifts and all sorts of supplies they deemed useful for the king in the afterlife.
The Great Pyramids of Giza are located on a plateau on the west bank of the Nile, on the outskirts of modern Cairo. The oldest and largest of the three pyramids at Giza, known as the Great Pyramid, is the only surviving structure of the famous Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was built over a period of twenty years, and took the labor of around 20,000 men. Tickets for the pyramids range from free entry all the way up to $50, depending on which one you choose to visit.
Kachikally Crocodile Pool, Gambia
The most popular tourist attraction in the tourist town of Bakau in The Gambia is an ancient freshwater swimming pool located on a 9-acre site in the southern section of the town. According to the beliefs of the indigenous people, this pool has supernatural powers of healing, and is considered a last resort for women wishing to conceive. It is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Visitors are charged as low as $1.5 to enter the pool and the museum on its premises.
The Kachikally Pool was discovered hundreds of years ago by the natives of Bakau, 14 km from the capital Banjul, and is home to more than 100 docile crocodiles that allow themselves to be touched on their backs or tails.
Djmaa El Fna, Morocco
Djemaa el Fna in Marrakech is the most famous square in Morocco, and attracts travelers from all over the world. For the inhabitants, it is simply called “the place”, or “the mosque at the end of the world”; but other meanings have been attributed to it, such as “an assembly of the dead”, because it was once a site of executions;
During the day, the square is busy with snake charmers, juice sellers and other vendors who give the tourist a taste of Moroccan culture. However, the scene changes as dusk approaches, including storytellers, acrobats, musicians and performers. Place recognized by UNESCO, Djemaa el Fna, immerses the tourist in a world of mysterious bazaars in the middle of the ancient ramparts of the medina of Marrakech.
The Elephant Orphanage, Kenya
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, also known as the Elephant Orphanage, was set up to rescue baby elephants that have been orphaned due to attacks by poachers. The orphanage is located in Nairobi, Kenya.
To access the premises, you pay a $5 donation fee. Tourists can see the elephants around 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., when the keepers take them out to feed and play with them. It is possible to adopt a baby elephant for 50 dollars (5000 shillings) per year. Since they are too huge to bring home, the annual fee goes towards the upkeep of your adopted elephant.
Sossusvlei Dunes, Namibia
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Probably the most spectacular place in Namibia, the Sossuvlei Conservation Area is characterized by the large red dunes that surround it. At almost 400 meters, the dunes in this area are among the highest in the world and are between 60 and 80 million years old.
Sossusvlei is a great tourist destination all year round. The best time to see Sossusvlei is at sunrise and sunset, as the colors are strong and constantly changing, presenting great opportunities for photography enthusiasts. The journey from the Namibian capital, Windhoek, to this location takes 4.5 hours. The entry permit through Namib Naukluft Park is less than $6 for foreign tourists.
