61 days in Europe & Africa Itinerary

With ancient historical sites, the longest coastline on the continent, a rich and varied cuisine, and sprawling desert and savannah landscapes, Somalia has plenty to make it appealing to international visitors. Events in the recent past, however, made holidays in Somalia nearly impossible. The civil war that began in 1991 led to the country being declared a failed state. The introduction of a new constitution and government in 2012 has led to a glimmer of optimism.

Madagascar deserves its reputation as a nature lover's paradise--around 5 percent of the world's plant and animal species are endemic to this island. Lemurs and rainforests, karst landscapes and rich red soil steal the headlines and remain among tops reasons to take a trip to Madagascar. The cultural diversity of the population also provides plenty of intrigue and interest, with distinctive ceremonies, unusual sports, and a varied cuisine all highlights of active, enriching Madagascan itineraries.

To find out how Malawi earned its nickname the "Warm Heart of Africa," just head to one of the country's little villages and ask for a place to stay. The reintroduction of lions in 2012 gave a much-needed boost to Malawi tourism sector, with safaris across the diverse natural landscape increasingly more popular and varied. The Great Rift topography gives the country some of its main scenic features, including one of the continent's largest lakes, a focus of many adventurous Malawi holidays.

Though the size and scale of Tanzania may be overwhelming, the people make it a personable and easy-going place to visit. The bigger cities not only offer good connections to the main natural attractions, but also feature bustling markets where locals sell fresh produce, snacks, and crafts. Smaller villages retain their long-held customs, beliefs, and artistic traditions. With the continent's highest peak, and some of the most animal-rich safaris available, Tanzania holidays tend to dart between the big and bold, and the personal and low-key.

Tourism in Rwanda experienced a serious boost in the recent years largely thanks to the country's large population of mountain gorillas. One of only two nations in which the enigmatic, critically endangered gorillas can be tracked, Rwanda appeals to adventurous travelers interested in hiking the hills and equatorial jungles inhabited by the endemic species. The people of Rwanda remain positive about their future, and the political stability that has taken hold since the horrors of the 1994 genocide allows a growing number of international tourists to share in the optimism.

Though small in area, Uganda represents one of the most populated landlocked countries in the world. You can feel this in the lakeside capital, but so much of the country remains untamed and untamable, with great lakes and towering mountains chief among the wilder sights. A recent troubled past delayed the growth of tourism in Uganda, but visitors now arrive in larger numbers, primarily drawn by the diverse wildlife that inhabits the country's mountains and forests. Notably, Uganda houses half of the world's population of mountain gorillas.

South Sudan became the world's youngest nation in 2011, with the splitting of the continents largest state. The civil war that preceded the separation would inevitably leave deep traces on the psyche of the people and the stability of the political situation, but any initial optimism was quickly dimmed with government forces and rebel groups once more at war. The country boasts a fascinating mix of tribes and cultures and provides the setting for the second largest animal migration in the world, with antelopes crossing large swathes of the country. Despite this, holidays in South Sudan appeal to only a few daring travelers--tourism sector remains undeveloped and infrastructure lacking.

One of the oldest countries in the world, Ethiopia was the only African nation not to fall under colonial control. The continued independence left the country with a wealth of undisturbed historical sites and cultural practices--reasons enough to plan a vacation in Ethiopia. Ancient ruins, hill tribes, wild forest areas, gushing rivers, and depressions filled with active volcanoes represent just some of the many Ethiopia attractions worthy of your attention.

Little Eritrea boasts diverse landscapes that include mountains, an arid coastline, and fertile swathes of land to the west. With tourism in Eritrea still a burgeoning industry, the country represents a place of adventure for daring travelers looking to get of that beaten path. The Art Deco architecture of the capital shows off the cultural complexity and interesting facets of the former Italian colony's recent history, while a number of archaeological sites provide evidence of once-thriving ancient kingdoms. The country gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993, but the areas bordering Sudan, Ethiopia, and Djibouti remain dangerous and, as a result, off the map for most foreign tourists.