Africa off the beaten track

There are so many areas of this vast continent that remain unexplored it really is an adventurous traveller's dream!

It’s sometimes harder to find a beaten track in Africa than avoid one, and for that reason it remains the traveller’s best chance of feeling like a modern day pioneer. There are areas of this continent that have yet to be discovered at all by western travellers and though war and violence lay claim to some, many remain free for everyone to enjoy. The majority of tourists still seem reluctant to embrace Africa, perhaps put off by the negative news coverage; but don’t believe everything you read in the papers, come and see Africa for yourself and you may not recognise the place.

It’s a big place, so our top 5 list of lesser-known wonders is barely even scratching the surface. If you find any more you think we should include let us know!

1. Lesotho

Lesotho is almost as interesting on a map as it is in the flesh; located as it is, right in the middle of South Africa. Boer incursions in the early 19th Century forced Lesotho into existence as a sanctuary for the Basotho people in the Drakensberg Mountains. The locals call it “The Kingdom in the Sky” and with good reason; three quarters of the country is mountain and you can actually trek and ride horses above the clouds. It exists today as a beautiful curiosity, interrupting the epitome of modern Africa.

2. Île Aux Nattes, Madagascar

Anyone really prepared to make the effort to find peace and quiet should try this tiny island off the Madagascan coast. With no roads or cars you can pretend that you’re a billionaire and that you have a whole island to yourself! The island enjoys predictably warm sunny weather most of the year, while occasional tropical thunder storms add a little excitement! Secluded beaches, blinding white sand and lush vegetation has kept this place as the supreme example of a pristine tropical island. Wildlife enthusiasts should note that in August and September, hump-backed whales migrate here and frolic in the calm seas. Bring a camera!

3. Namibia's Skeleton Coast

The name refers to the dangerous water around Namibia’s coast that has made its name by eating countless ships. The waves churn up constant reminders of its ferocity and shipwrecks litter the shore. Turn your head inland though and you’ll see one of the most unique sights in Africa; desolate moonscapes and mountains of sand that stand thousands of feet high. Climb to the top and wait for the sun to set; unless you’re planning on visiting another planet this may be the closest you’ll get.

4. Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

This stretch of the northern Rift Valley dips to over 100 metres below sea level and becomes the lowest point in Africa and the hottest place on Earth. The area is littered with active volcanoes, hot springs, sulphurous deposits and solidified black lava flows. The Afar people who live here uphold their traditional lives in a place that only the intrepid travellers ever find. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not join one of the regular camel-back salt caravans that run here from Mekele.

5. The Atlas Mountains, Morocco

While the rest of the world is off exploring Himalayan, Andean and Alpine peaks, the cool air of the Atlas Mountains is yours to breathe in relative peace. The mountains act as gatekeeper to the Sahara desert and really mark the end of North Africa. Perfect all year round, the mountains are divided into three sections; the High Atlas, Mid Atlas and Anti-Atlas. All provide perfect opportunity to view exotic flowers, waterfalls, olive groves and cedar forests from the bike, the horse or on foot. While the high Atlas Mountains offer great adventure, the lesser-visited Anti Atlas offer fantastic walking sites, excellent climbing, and most importantly, peace and tranquillity.

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