9 Wonderful Eco-Friendly Destinations in Africa to Add to Your Bucket List

African ecotourism, i.e. Eco Destinations in Africa is growing in popularity. That’s because organizations and local communities take the time to promote and care for their surroundings. Still, environmentalists have been advocating to preserve these natural destinations since the 1980s. After all, many of these areas remained relatively untouched.

The local governments have leveraged environmental conservation to attract tourists. Also called “sustainable travel,” it is when you open a community for visitors to showcase what you do to preserve it. If you want to have that kind of experience, we have listed nine eco-friendly destinations in Africa that you can add to your bucket list.

Visiting Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa a couple of summers ago has been one of the best travel experiences for our family – we got to see the Great Migration when thousands of zebras and wildebeests were crossing the Mara River, got up super early for a hot air balloon safari over the acacia trees and saw penguins frolicking in a beach near Cape Town.

Add these eco-friendly destinations in Africa to your bucket list if you love protecting her lush environment, landscapes, and wildlife.

9 Eco-Tourism Destinations in Africa

Namibia

Namibia is the leader of ecotourism in Africa. That’s because it has one of the oldest environmental conservation inclusions. It’s one of the few countries in the world that has set up a government dedicated to protecting wildlife. And this was made possible by the government, local communities, and private entities.

Mind you; they have a constitutional decree for building conservatories. This includes safaris, local villages, traditions, and social enterprises. Moreover, no matter what kind of natural park you visit in this country, you’ll find yourself choosing from several eco-resorts in the area. Usually, most of these lodges are built using local materials and employ locals.

9 Eco-Tourism Destinations in Africa | Outside Suburbia
Image Source

Zanzibar

Have you ever dreamed of endless sunshine and beaches? Then you’ve probably wanted to head to Zanzibar in Tanzania! An archipelago set in the Indian Ocean consists of the Pemba Islands and other small islets.

This archipelago is relatively small, spanning only 60 miles long, 20 miles wide, and only approximately 650 square miles. But what sets Zanzibar apart is that it’s surrounded by stunning coral reefs, making it an excellent diving spot!

You can also find the magical ‘Stone Town,’ which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic stone town is only one of the few functioning towns left in East Africa.

9 Eco-Tourism Destinations in Africa | Outside Suburbia
Image Source

Travelers can choose from the finest eco-friendly resorts to laid-back lodges that are found across the Islands.

Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

Known as one of the oldest ecosystems in the world, Serengeti National Park is one of the few places in the world that feature two World Heritage Sites.

This place is also famous for the Great Migration, one of the longest and most extensive land migrations. Approximately 200,000 zebras and wildebeests migrate, almost like a real-life Lion King movie.

Image Source

The activities in the park are also endless. You can hike, explore safaris, or go camping under the stars. You can also check out the hippo pool or sit back and soak yourself in nature.

Seychelles

Seychelles is a collection of beautiful islands located off the coast of Africa, which features the best sun, sand, and sea experiences.

If you’re planning to head here, you should not miss out on the Alphonse atolls. This group of atolls lets you experience the best island ecosystems out there.

You can find the Desroches Islands on the other side. It is surrounded by stunning coral reefs, which are excellent for diving and snorkeling. Other activities can also be enjoyed, like pedal boating, sea kayaking, and windsurfing.

9 Eco-Tourism Destinations in Africa | Outside Suburbia
Image Source

Majete National Park (South Africa)

This park features lions that were relocated from South Africa. This is primarily because of its quality conservation nature. Few of the many depreciating species have been resuscitated in the Malawian Park.

Sure, many parks are doing their best to preserve the current population of endangered species in Africa. But the Majete National Park is committed to ensuring that the wildlife remains protected.

The park also boasts a couple of man-made watering holes. These were built to supply water for these animals, especially during the summer season where the weather is hot and humid.

Greystoke (Mahale Mountains)

Nestled in Mahale Mountain National Park, travelers can enjoy a fantastic chimpanzee experience at Greystoke. If that’s not your cup of tea, you can opt for a relaxing afternoon boat ride.

Its six bands (or huts) are also extensive and located with a great degree of privacy. Most furniture inside the rooms is made from recycled wooden dhow boats that were taken from nearby lakeside villages.

Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

Rwanda is also known as the Singapore of Africa because of its fast development and growing digital economy. It is also one of the African regions that receive the most rain, so bring your rain jacket when visiting this country. (See this Safari Packing list for other must-haves for your trip)

Rwanda‘s main tourist attraction is the Volcanoes National Park as well as its gorilla population. However, the park is more than just gorillas and other indigenous animal species.

There are also several noteworthy attractions near the park. This includes the Musanze caves, the stunning twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, and the Buhanga Eco-park. The latter was used as a place where Rwandan kings were crowned.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Okavango Delta (Botswana)

Okavango Delta is known to be one of the most stunning wilderness destinations in the world. This region consists of an entire ecosystem that consists of islands, water, beaches, and woodland forests.

It’s also found in the driest place in the world, the Kalahari basin. Thus, earning the name “Jewel of the Kalahari.”

Here, one can go on wilderness camping trips, hike the teak woodlands, or see the rich wildlife. One can also go swimming or stay in your resort as you listen to the sounds of nature.

9 Eco-Tourism Destinations in Africa | Outside Suburbia
Image Source

You can stay in a variety of accommodations in the Delta. You have the option to pitch a tent or stay in one of those posh eco-resorts in the area.

Grootbos Natural Park

This is a natural preserve that’s run by the Lutzeyer family, which is under the Grootbos Foundation.

This stunning eco-spot is nestled between a mountain and the sea. That’s why it’s not surprising to know that it is considered home to animals like dolphins, penguins, seals, sharks, and whales. Its botanical features also add to the overall beauty of the place.

Final Thoughts

For years, Africa has been protecting and conserving its heritage. Their government is also concerned with protecting and developing its lush environment, bodies of water, caverns, and wildlife. Plus, each country in the continent is stunning in its own ways.

Definitely add these eco-friendly African tourist spots to your bucket list. While we have only gotten to 3 in this list of Bucketlist destinations in Africa, I’m hoping to get to a few more in the coming years…

See here for a curated list of Sustainable & Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Africa

*Featured Image Source

Note: This post may contain affiliate links, partnership or sponsored content. If you purchase an item via one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. But as always images and opinions are our own. For more information on our affiliates and privacy policy at Outside Suburbia see here.

CONNECT WITH US

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *