Five Least Toured Countries You Must Visit
Chicamod Team
Safari, Travel Tips
Bissagos Islands, Bissau city, comoros, desert vacations, Djibouti, Grand Camore, Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Guinea-Bissau, hwange national park, khor ambado beach, lac sale, lake abbe, lake assal, mana pools national park, Mauritania, moroni, Travel Africa, Victoria Falls, ylang-ylang, Zimbabwe 0
Planning your next holiday in Africa? You’re probably looking into the major tourist destinations like Morocco, South Africa, Mozambique, Tunisia, Mauritius and Senegal; and rightly so. These destinations are raved about, easily accessible and offer plenty to tourists. But there are those relatively unexplored destinations that dare true adventurers and warmly invite those with itchy feet. We share five of those hidden gems with you below. You’re welcome!
(Although the five countries below have a mix of political instability; a history of war; or poor accessibility, their major attractions are among the best wonders of the continent that you need to explore.)
Comoros
You’ve probably never even considered the idea of vacationing in Comoros – the cluster of islands with close to 800,000 inhabitants that’s known as ‘Cloud Coup-Coup Land’ for its tumultuous politics (20 military coups since its independence from France in 1975). Yet its beauty remains and is what truly defines it (its name means ‘moon’ in Arabic).
Be warned that Comoros is a predominantly Muslim island nation which means no skimpy bikinis or alcohol – the two most important components of a perfect island vacation for some people. If on the other hand, you like long relaxing days surrounded by palms and great conversation, then Comoros is your next adventure.
Moroni, the capital city of Grand Comore (the largest of the three main islands of Comoros), is the most travelled city. Known for its many mosques and Karthala, the most active volcano in the world.
Lac Salé, the “bottomless” salt water lake is a must-see while in Comoros. Locals will tell you the legend of this lake: a thirsty traveler was denied water by villagers so God flooded the village with water as punishment, creating this unimaginable wonder.
Interesting fact: Comoros is the biggest manufacturer of ylang-ylang – an oil used in perfume. So great scents also await!
Djibouti
People still conjure the image of civil war and pirates when they think or talk of Djibouti. It shares borders with Somalia and Eritrea but is quite safe with an alien-like wild beauty. If you want a truly adventurous and unique vacation to rave about for years to come, Djibouti is the place for you!
We’re talking snorkeling with whale sharks, volcano trekking, floating at 155 meters below sea level and more crazy adventures in the land where Planet of the Apes was filmed.
Lake Assal. A national treasure of Djibouti, this Salt Lake crater is the lowest point in Africa (155 meters below sea level) and the second most salinated lake in the world. It’s a wonder that we all need to see and experience.
Lake Abbe. Another salt water lake in Djibouti. Recognise it? It’s the “Forbidden Zone” in Planet of the Apes. Visit to see elevated limestone chimneys that emit a cryptic steam.
Khor Ambado Beach. The perfect spot for a picnic, snorkeling and amazing sunsets.
Just take some sunscreen and your spirit for adventure!
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau is one of the poorest countries in the world with a heavy reliance on foreign aid. Few airlines fly there, infrastructure is poor; but the landscapes are gorgeous, the food divine and the people joyful.
Lively Bissau city centre
Walk past stonewashed colonial houses and joke with cashew sellers on your way to grab a bowl of spicy grilled oysters. Perhaps board a boat to Bijagós and watch hippos and marine turtles.
Bissagos Islands. Take a two-hour boat ride to these 88 palm islands with beautiful beaches and remarkable wildlife. It’s a United Nations World Heritage Biosphere Reserve.
Bissau Velho – an old part of Bissau City
Whatever you choose to do, you’d be forced to take a minute to soak up the joyful atmosphere and interact with the vibrant folks of Guinea-Bissau.
Mauritania
Desert. That’s the first thing you imagined when you read the above title country name isn’t it? Yes, Mauritania is 90% desert but a desert heaven nonetheless.
Despite being sandwiched between Senegal and Morocco – two popular tourist destinations – getting there isn’t easy. And finding the conveniences you’ve become accustomed to as a modern traveler isn’t easy either. But that’s the fun of it.
The only thing you need to explore this country is your camera to snap the most amazing photos you’ll ever take: photos of pristine and unspoiled beaches where the Sahara sands merge with the Atlantic Ocean.
You mustn’t forgo Nouakchott, the capital city. There is plenty of culture to experience and architecture to see.
Zimbabwe
You are probably wondering why Zimbabwe is on this list, considering it gets way more tourists than the countries above. We’re featuring it because it could get a lot more traffic as it has some of the most beautiful attractions in the world.
Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Head to Great Zimbabwe, the ruined city near Lake Matirikwe to learn and experience Zimbabwe’s rich history. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Once considered the bread basket of Africa, Zimbabwe is now associated with poverty, dictatorship and (sometimes) lawlessness. Its previous tourism traffic is now rerouted to neighboring countries it shares major attractions with – South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia and Botswana. But you really have to travel to the heart of Zimbabwe to experience and see its hidden gems, ranging from rare wildlife to medieval era city ruins. The trip will be more than worth it!
Zimbabwe’s side of the majestic Victoria Falls
Mana Pools National Park. Zimbabwe is well known for its amazing national parks and being home to the Big Five. Check out the Hwange National Park as well.
Photo Credits: BBC, Ze Coach, NY Times, Le Blog Romain, Home James Global, Great Zimbabwe Ruins.
