Africa is the oldest, most enduring landmass in the world. When you stand on African soil, 97% of what’s under your feet has been in place for millions of years. From the pyramids of ancient Egypt to the Cape of Good Hope, there is a wide variety of rich cultural history for you to explore.

Click the images below to learn what each country has to offer.

Citizens of Botswana are known as Batswana, with “Ba” meaning “the people of.” Batswana feel a great pride in their history and government and share a strong sense of national identity. Any ethnic origins are usually considered as secondary. The term Batswana also refers to the largest ethnic group in the country – the Tswana, who make up around two-thirds of the population and speak Setswana.

 

Botswana is a young nation, having achieved independence only just over six decades ago, trailing behind a history of unsympathetic British colonization, conflicts between tribal enclaves and disturbing migrations by ethnic groups and the Boers. In spite of its history, the multi-ethic nation is joined together by its loyal patriotism and is one of the most successful African nations at the present time.

 

For an outstanding African Adventure, FROSCH recommends:
 

Belmond Eagle Island Lodge

Belmond Khwai River Lodge

Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge

DumaTau

The mysterious world of Egypt’s pharaohs and pantheon of gods comes alive with the ultimate in luxury, service and in-depth insight on this journey through “the cradle of ancient civilization.” Your private Egyptologist will be your personal escort throughout Cairo and the Great Pyramids, and as you sail down the Nile on your elegant cruise ship to visit the river’s great UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Karnak and Aswan. With your own private vehicle for all sightseeing and shore excursions, you’ll set your own comfortable pace.

 

Explore the twin temples of Ramses II and his queen, Nefertari, at Abu Simbel. Discover authentic Egypt as your private Egyptologist guide breathes life into your sightseeing with personal insights and remarkable details; enjoy dinner with an Egyptian family in their home. Experience the magnificence and mystery of the Pyramids at Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

One of the oldest countries in the world, Ethiopia is a land of deep history and fascinating tribes. Many historians even believe that it may be the birthplace of humanity, for it was here, in the northern region of the country, that the fossils of the oldest living hominid “Lucy” were discovered—fossils which are believed to date back 3.5 million years. From early man’s “Out of Africa” migration to its first mention in the “Iliad” and the biblical account of Sheba, Ethiopia encompasses a virtual time capsule of humanity’s most ancient history. Delve into the truth behind the “Lost Ark of the Covenant” reputedly hidden here and the 13th-century “New Jerusalem” Coptic Christian churches carved deep into Lalibela’s red rock. As the friendly Ethiopians invite you for dinner, coffee and timeless stories, this hardy journey will touch your heart.

 

Home to over two millennia worth of ancient architectural and archaeological treasures, northern Ethiopia is best known across the globe as the Historical Circuit. Explore the ruined palace and bath of the Queen of Sheba and the sprawling 17th century castle compound of King Fasiledes. Experience the power of spiritual devotion as you view Lalibela’s 13th century Coptic churches, a holy pilgrimage destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Axum—once considered one of the four great powers of the ancient world alongside Persia, China, and Rome—is famous today for its hidden tombs and stelae, the largest single pieces of stone erected anywhere in the world, as well as Mariamtsion Church, built on the site of Ethiopia’s first church and believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.

Wild, intoxicating, and altogether otherworldly, Madagascar is the only Afro-Asiatic island on the planet, a compelling amalgamation of Indo-Malayan culture and ancient African landscape where rice paddies are just as part of civilization as zebu cattle, and where tribal ancestral adoration locks arms with modern Christian belief. Sequestered from its African and Indian motherlands some 88 million years ago, Madagascar now subsists as its own standalone destination.

 

Culturally, Madagascar is a veritable melting pot. The first people arrived here between 350 BC and 550 AD from Borneo, followed a few centuries later by Bantu migrants crossing the Mozambique Channel. Add to this group various Arab, Indian, and Chinese settlements, and you will understand the Malagasy culture as Marco Polo first “discovered” it in 1500. United under the British monarch in the 19th century, only to become a French colony in 1896, Madagascar eventually earned its independence in 1960. Today, the estimated 22 million Malagasy divide themselves into 18 main clans, produce some of the most brilliant handicrafts on the continent, and speak a beautiful, flowery language all their own.

Discover Morocco. Formerly named “The Western Kingdom”, Morocco shares beauty, history and excitement with all of her visitors. In the midst of the Atlas Mountains, Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, Morocco is also enveloped by the natural wonders of the Sahara Desert.

 

Located along the edge of the Atlas Mountains and the Fes River, Fez is a beautiful Moroccan city filled with gems from the past. The city is comprised of three main areas including the modern French-built Ville Nouvelle; Fes-Jdid, or new Fez; and the mazelike walled city of Fes el Bali, the oldest medina and largest car-free urban area in the world where mules and carts nod to bygone eras. Highly regarded as the nerve center for science and religion, Christians and Muslims flocked to the city during the Renaissance and have left a rich history in their wake. Traveling through Morocco breathes life into the captivating past of the region in an unforgettable way. Go back in time by visiting the mysterious ruins of the area, wander through the leather-dying pits, or race down the ski slopes of the Middle Atlas Mountains.

 

Marrakesh is comprised of both the historical city and the European modern city, giving visitors a taste of every different aspect of Morocco. Whether you are looking to shop, or wanting to dive right into the vivid culture, Marrakesh offers souks, magnificent Kasbahs and the highest mountain peak in North Africa, the Jebel Toubkal.

 

For an outstanding African Adventure, FROSCH recommends:
 

Amanjena

Kasbah Tamadot—Sir Richard Branson’s Moroccan Retreat

La Mamounia

Namibia’s prehistory dates back more than 750,000 years, when the first settlers moved in to brave the hostile Namib and Kalahari heat. Although the earliest people were basic hunter-gatherers, the Boskop – ancestors of the San people – had developed a structured society more than 20,000 years before the birth of Christ, making it one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

 

For an outstanding African Adventure, FROSCH recommends:
 

Little Kulala

Embark on a provocative journey of inspiration through the vibrant and culturally diverse “Rainbow Nation.” The fascinating history of Nelson Mandela’s South Africa is brought to life through a collection of soulful encounters with the people and places that he touched in his efforts to end apartheid. Discover the heritage and history of South Africa by taking a ferry to Robben Island, where Mandela was incarcerated for 18 of his 27 years in prison and is now considered a historical landmark.

 

Renowned for its ancient gallery of Bushman rock art sites just a few hours’ drive from Cape Town, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat, an award-winning five star property, is the perfect oasis to reconnect with nature and restore. Discover ancient cave paintings reliving the lifestyle of Africa’s oldest inhabitants in one of the most densely painted rock art areas in South Africa.

 

For an outstanding African Adventure, FROSCH recommends:
 

Royal Malewane

Singita Ebony & Boulders Lodges

Singita Lebombo & Sweni Lodges

One & Only Cape Town

La Residence

12 Apostles Hotel & Spa

And Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve

And Beyond Sabi Sand Lodges

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Birkenhead House

Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat

Cape Cadogan

Cape Grace

Ellerman House

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

Mont Rochelle

Savanna Private Game Reserve

Saxon Hotel, Villas, and Spa

Taj Cape Town

The Oyster Box

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve

The Kingdom of Swaziland is Africa’s best kept secret. Located conveniently in the between South Africa and Mozambique, it is the smallest country in the southern hemisphere and one of the most relaxed. Visitors here appreciate the warmth and friendliness of the Swazi people.

 

It is staunchly committed to safeguarding its rich culture, social and natural heritage for future generations and their progressive hands-on attitude towards wildlife preservation has endowed it with a striking group of national parks. Mountainous grandeur, lush forests, fertile valleys and the African lowveld combine to take a visitor on a scenic tour of wonder through the “Switzerland of Africa”. Access to Swaziland, may be made through any of twelve border posts or the centrally located Matsapha airport with all four corners of the country accessible by tarred road.

The vast majority of Zimbabwe’s people stem from the great family of Bantu speaking migrants who first ventured east and south across Africa some 2000 years ago. Iron makers and agriculturists they settled on the highveld, middleveld and around the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe. Then they began the long process of establishing the distinctive Shona culture that is so much part of Zimbabwe today.

 

Through the period from the 11th century to the 15th century, descendants of the Shona speaking people are believed to have built the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. These ruins of Ancient Zimbabwe are some of the oldest and largest structures located in Southern Africa, and are a truly remarkable sight to see.

 

For an outstanding African Adventure, FROSCH recommends:
 

Little Makalolo