Experiencing Diversity: Lynn Benda’s Top 3 Favorite Places in Africa

Africa again and again…

…whether for work, leisure, or anything in between. My fascination with the continent began when I first set foot on Kenyan soil at the age of 16 in 2012. Since then, I have embarked on numerous journeys, and rather than my wish list shrinking, it continues to grow with an ever-expanding array of places I long to explore. By now, I have explored 10 African countries, some of which I have visited multiple times, and I have formed many friendships along the way. I would like to present my three favorite places in this blogpost, even though it seems almost impossible to narrow it down.

The Magic of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Mountain Rainforest and Gorillas

When I think of my favorite places among the African countries I have visited, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda stands out particularly. It is home to the rare mountain gorillas and one of the most beautiful forests I have ever experienced. I have had the great pleasure to search for the endangered primates twice with experienced guides.

While excitement was the prevailing feeling the first time, during the second visit, I had the chance to enjoy the forest in all its facets. If I close my eyes now, I think of the morning sunlight filtering through the canopy, evaporating the night’s moisture. I think of a babbling river and huge white flowers leaning over the water from a bush. I remember the giant snail, the size of a dinner plate, crossing our path, and all the little wonders of the mountain rainforest that can only be appreciated when you look closely.

And then, of course, there are the stars of the rainforest, the gorillas. Twenty-one families have been gradually habituated to humans, a process that can take decades. This important process allows for the monitoring of the population while enabling tourists to get close to the animals, contributing to the preservation of the species and the fragile forest through the gorilla trekking permits. Additionally, the tourism infrastructure creates jobs in a previously underdeveloped region. A fascinating insight into this topic is provided in the book “Walking With Gorillas” by Ugandan veterinarian Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, which I highly recommend!

Even if you lack the funds for gorilla tracking or feel, as a repeat visitor, that you don’t need to go back to Bwindi, I can only recommend a visit. The forest presents itself differently each time, and you can take beautiful hikes to waterfalls, focus on specific themes like birds or plants, or learn more about the culture of the local people. And to be honest, nothing quite beats enjoying a freshly brewed coffee while gazing at the misty mountain slopes of Bwindi—except maybe when a vibrant blue Turaco flies by!

Cape Town: Where Nature Meets Culture

Cape Town must be mentioned in this list, as I have too many beautiful memories connected to perhaps the most vibrant metropolis in South Africa. When I had the opportunity to do an internship in the Mother City in 2017, I got to know the city and its many different facets. From my daily work with social workers in townships like Blikkiesdorp, Tafelsig, and Samora Machel to weekends at the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill, exploring art galleries, museums, and clubs, as well as trips along the West Coast to Paternoster and the West Coast National Park.

Even before that, I had visited Cape Town several times, and more visits followed later, but I never gained such deep insight into the city again.
Some of my favorite memories include theater visits at „The Armchair Theatre“ in the popular student district of Observatory, the opening of the legendary Zeitz MOCAA, enjoying delicious food at „Sea Breeze,“ and watching sunsets on the beach. However, the latter often felt rushed, as with longer stays, daily life tends to sneak in, and in the evenings, I sometimes was just glad to be home and sort through the experiences.

I am often asked what activities I can recommend in Cape Town that might not be part of the standard repertoire, and I’m happy to share my recommendations here as well. However, this should not imply that one should skip iconic attractions like Table Mountain, hiking Lion’s Head, the Cape Point tour, the Winelands, and the Waterfront. All of these are must-visit destinations!

If it happens to be the first Thursday of the month, one should definitely seize the opportunity to participate. On the first Thursday of each month, many galleries stay open late, streets are closed off, and people gather in a lively atmosphere. I also recommend visiting the previously mentioned district of Observatory. There are great cafes and restaurants, as well as secondhand shops and boutiques. I have also enjoyed joining the Free Walking Tours, which cover various topics. They provide great insights into Cape Town’s and South Africa’s history—an experience that no informed traveler should miss!

In the surrounding area of Cape Town, I highly recommend the Cape Canopy Tour. Here, you zip through the unique fynbos vegetation of the Cape on zip lines while the guides are sharing exciting information along the way. Although the Big Five may not be waiting for us in the West Coast National Park, other wildlife and a lagoon with crystal-clear water await, where you can even swim. If you happen to be in the region during the famous blooming season and want to observe the flowers (almost) by yourself, you might be lucky at the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve near Paternoster. On the way, you can also visit !Khwa ttu San to learn more about the lives of the original inhabitants of the Cape or even spend a night there.

Samburu and Buffalo Springs: Unforgettable Sunsets and Desert Magic in Kenya

I vividly remember a moment from my first trip to Kenya. We were visiting friends of my mother who were living in Kenya at the time during the Easter holidays. About halfway through our time in the East African country, we traveled to the world-famous Masai Mara. On our full day of game driving, we crossed a small river, and I was so captivated by the landscape that I thought, „I never want to leave this place.“ My younger self had no idea that a few years later, I would return to Kenya for work.

Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to visit numerous Kenyan national parks. Although the Mara will always hold a special place in my heart, particularly for its seemingly endless expanses and unique wildlife sightings, there is now another place that I count among my favorite spots in Africa: the Samburu National Reserve and the adjacent Buffalo Springs Nature Reserve.

What has always fascinated me on my travels are the arid, desert-like landscapes. Whether it’s the Karoo seen from the window of the Shosholoza train, hiking through the Namib’s outskirts, self-driving in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, or the parks in Kenya at the transition between fertile highlands and semi-desert extending to the border with Ethiopia and beyond, you can imagine my excitement as we drove toward the reserves, and it became drier and hotter. The increasingly distinctive clothing of the people and their homes indicated that we were entering the land of the Samburu. Their traditional attire is as colorful and intricate as that of the Masai, who are quite well-known here in Europe.

Samburu and Buffalo Springs belong to two different administrative zones, which can sometimes lead to confusion regarding the park fees to be paid, and they are separated by the Uaso Nyiro River, the lifeblood of the region! Although the areas border each other, they differ somewhat in landscape. When I think of Buffalo Springs, I picture white rock formations, while the Samburu National Reserve evokes warm earth tones. Quite interesting, isn’t it?

The river is lined with palm trees and attracts a variety of wildlife. Although I haven’t had much luck myself, it’s said that leopards and lions can be easily spotted there. However, the sheer number of elephants was enough for me, along with the so-called Samburu Special Five, which are not found in the southern national parks of the country. These include the Gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and reticulated giraffe.

The real spectacle begins when the sun sets, casting everything in a golden light. It is highly recommended to book a sundowner at least once at a lodge. Preferably on a hill, a small mobile bar is set up, and snacks are served while the sun slowly disappears behind the mountains. It’s an unforgettable experience that is hard to put into words. It’s no wonder that my Kenyan colleague once said that some consider the sunsets over Samburu to be the most beautiful in all of Kenya!

About the Author
Lynn Benda is passionate about travel, a sentiment she conveys through her travel blog, www.lieschenradieschen-reist.com, and her professional role as Head of Sales for Kenya and Uganda at 4×4 Safarirentals. Having spent several weeks living in Cape Town, she has also conquered the highest peak in North Africa. Recently, she was honored as a „Top Under 30“ by the German travel trade magazine fvw.

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Photo Credit: Lynn Benda