34 days in Africa Itinerary

The coast and hinterland of Guinea hold many hidden areas of attractive scenery, largely untouched by human hand. Explorations of the inland forests top many Guinea itineraries, with forest elephants marching through the lush greenery and exotic birds up in the trees just waiting to be spotted.

The coastline and the rainforests remain the primary charms of Cote d'Ivoire, with visitors treated to some superlative natural locales during their holiday. Most tourists on vacation in Cote d'Ivoire stay close to the sea, where the larger cities, modern resorts, and long sandy beaches dominate. Head inland and you'll find cool highland areas and thick forests rich in wildlife. The presidential election in 2010 led to unrest and armed conflict--travel to certain areas of the country remains inadvisable.

The mainland and offshore areas of Equatorial Guinea offer different flavors for off-road adventuring. The islands boast rainforests rich in endemic wildlife and volcanic rock formations, while the mainland offers a slew of gold beaches. The main port cities, on the mainland and off, hold few real charms for international visitors on vacation in Equatorial Guinea, with the emphasis much more on what lies beyond.

Most citizens of the Republic of the Congo live in the south of the country, with few residing outside the capital Brazzaville or Pointe-Noire on the coast. The capital represents a good place to start a holiday in the Republic of the Congo--it's a great jump-off point for voyages down the Congo River, the long and winding waterway that separates the country from its similarly named neighbor. Following the river to the north, the country becomes sparsely populated, with much of the area covered in lush rainforests. Two national parks, one in the far north and one in the center, represent the main focal points of the Republic of Congo itineraries, with a chance to spot lowland gorillas and forest elephants a major reason to visit for any genuine nature lover.

Democratic Republic of Congo possesses a wealth of scenic highlights, ethnic diversity, and a complex history. Inaccessible for many years due to conflict, the country once again draws adventurous and confident travelers looking for a different type of vacation. For those who can forego the usual home comforts and quickly adapt to challenging conditions, the rewards of a holiday in Democratic Republic of Congo are numerous--trekking through unspoiled forests, spotting endemic wildlife, and meeting welcoming, inspiring people.

Natural attractions in Central African Republic include large forested areas rich in wildlife, especially lowland gorillas and elephants. One the most impoverished and historically unstable countries in the world, CAR remains known for its openness, its people praised for their welcoming nature and positive attitude. The Central African Republic Bush War began in 2004 and, despite a ceasefire in 2007, the fallout from the conflict and re-ignition of sectarian and political violence has made travel to the country inadvisable ever since.

The land of pharaohs, pyramids, sphinxes, and papyrus, Egypt needs little by way of introduction. Visitors find more than a textbook readout of ancient history when visiting the country--the power, scale, art, and mysticism of its centuries-old culture bleed out from each landmark attraction and seep into the everyday life. Bustling markets, the slow-flowing Nile, the vast desert, and inspiring archeological sites often sit right alongside palaces of great excess and historical importance. All ensure you have plenty to see and do during your vacation in Egypt. In the wake of the Arab Spring in 2011, travel to certain areas where conflict and terrorism are deemed likely remains inadvisable for foreign visitors.