Experience Canada Like A Local: Insider Tips You Can’t Miss

Feb 7, 2024

Last Updated on: Nov 13, 2025

Travel Guides

Are you dreaming of exploring Canada’s majestic mountains, vibrant cities, and charming small towns? Look no further! The country has so much to offer.

But before you pack your bags and head off on an airplane, there are insider tips you can’t miss. This guide is here to help you discover the real Canada beyond the famous tourist spots you see in pictures.

Let’s explore how you can truly experience Canada like a local.

Explore Beyond the Cities

Explore Beyond the Cities

While cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are must-visits, Canada’s true beauty lies in its vast wilderness. To truly discover the beauty, consider renting a car or taking a local bus to explore the scenic countryside, national parks, and charming small towns.

Let’s talk about these cities one by one:

1. Vancouver

The city is known for its breathtaking landscapes and greenery. You can hike in the nearby mountains or stroll along the stunning Stanley Park Seawall, offering ocean views and lush forests. 

Vancouver Island is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. With its pristine waters, it is perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Also, it is home to an abundance of wildlife. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, black bears, seals, and sea lions. 

To enhance your experience of the Vancouver Island getaway and make it even more relaxing, consider planning your stay at a resort. You can enjoy various amenities and facilities like a swimming pool, Gym, business areas, and the town’s tasty cuisine. Also, you can avail of special offers if you book online and get an incredible experience of staying.

2. Toronto

In Toronto, there are awesome adventures waiting for you. You can visit the famous CN Tower, where you’ll get amazing views of the city. Or you can ride on a ferry to Toronto Islands. At the place, you’ll find sandy beaches and the most beautiful skyline views. It’s a great place to chill and have fun.

It is also home to cool neighborhoods like Kensington Market, where you can explore colorful streets filled with unique shops and tasty food. Also, enjoy the walk along the waterfront at Harbourfront Centre, where you can enjoy live performances and art exhibitions.

3. Montreal

In Montreal, you can dive right into the lively culture. One of the best parts is trying out yummy food in the busy markets. There are all sorts of delicious things to taste. You can also wander around Old Montreal, like stepping into the past with its cobblestone streets and charming buildings.

The place is full of incredible art and music events so that you can catch some fantastic shows and exhibitions. And if you like outdoor fun, there are parks and green spaces to enjoy.

Participate in Local Festivals

Canada’s calendar is packed with festivals celebrating everything from music and film to food and heritage. Participating in these events is a fantastic way to experience local culture and meet nationals. 

Join the vibrant festivities of the Calgary Stampede, where you can get in on the action and feel like a cowboy or cowgirl for a day. If you’re into movies, the Toronto International Film Festival is the place to be. You can watch cool films and soak up the artsy vibe. It’s a fantastic way to experience culture and make new friends while having a wonderful time.

Uncover Hidden Gems

Exploring hidden gems during your Canada adventure enhances your traveling experience. You can ask locals for tips on where to find hidden beaches, peaceful hiking trails, or cool hangout spots in town. 

Discover the charm of lesser-known neighborhoods, like the artistic alleys of Toronto’s Kensington Market. The historic streets of Old Town Lunenburg in Nova Scotia often offer a more authentic and personal experience than the crowded tourist spots.

Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey

Tips for a Smooth Journey canada

Understanding a few essentials can make your adventure more enjoyable:

  1. Weather: Canada’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers to adapt to changing conditions, especially if you’re exploring the great outdoors.
  1. Tickets: Book tickets online in advance to avoid long lines for attractions. You will even get special offers and discounts that save you money. 
  1. Local Transport: Familiarize yourself with public transport options. Biking is also a popular way to explore Canadian cities.
  1. Currency:  While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, having some Canadian dollars on hand is useful for smaller establishments or rural areas.

Where Locals Eat

To set the gastronomy in motion, check out Celebrity Chef Lynn Crawford’s Ruby Watchco in Leslieville. The menus change on a weekly basis with locally sourced ingredients. The servings are family-style, and they encourage you to stay back. Take their bait and hang out in this famous neighborhood that has sustained young, creative minds and families from across the city. Their spots, such as the restored Broadview Hotel, are meticulously chosen.

You can choose to savor the city from The Rooftop Terrace, or you can check in to one of the grand 58 eclectic guest rooms. If you want to try a refreshing breakfast, check out Bonjour Brioche, where locals enjoy fresh pastries and lattes. All this so far covers a single neighborhood!

Across the city, you will find different opportunities to munch on whatever you desire. If you are in the mood for tapas-style treats, you may hit the all-time staple Bar Raval. If you are craving nouveau Caribbean, check out Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen. And at the end of it all if you are craving some dessert, the city’s favorite, Rosen’s Cinnamon Buns on College Street, will not disappoint.

If you are into vegetarian options, your options are growing that way, too. One of the more refined options is Planta or even the more trendy new Vegandale chain of restaurants and breweries in Parkdale, which will leave you feeling super satisfied.

Photo Spots

Since its arrival in 2015, the Toronto Sign at Nathan Phillips Square has become a selfie spot for locals as well as tourists alike. Remember to take a peek at all the artwork or get a selfie in Graffiti Alley, but that is not all.

There is The Falcon Skybar at Hotel X, the Kost rooftop bar perched on top of the 44th-floor of Bisha Hotel, and the Thompson Toronto’s Rooftop Lounge offer a spot to nibble and sip with some highly Instagrammable views.

Final Thoughts

Experiencing Canada like a local opens up a world of possibilities typical travel guides might overlook. It’s about diving into the community, understanding their way of life, and discovering the country’s soul. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, and get ready to explore the country beyond the surface.

Read Also:

Share on Social Media

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

Leave a Reply

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

title-img Related

READ MORE Winter Camping

Winter Camping In Canada: Tips For Cold-Weather Adventures

BY  Arnab Nov 20, 2023

There are many reasons to travel to Canada in winter. You might have heard people immigrating to Canada for business and job purposes. They provide better opportunity for the young generation with better life style. However, if you are focusing on that part, you need immigration advice before you take further steps. You can set off to iconic mountain resorts, visit a Christmas market, or spend time at an ice rink. At the same time, even more adventures await you if you are ready for winter camping.  The list of perfect cold-weather destinations in Canada is simply endless. Snow-covered Banff National Park in Alberta, untouched nature in the Northwest Territories, and mind-blowing Mont-Tremblant in Quebec to name a few. You will certainly appreciate the silent beauty of the snowy forest in February and January, especially at sunset or dawn.  So, it would be great to pick up a car rental in Toronto and go towards a winter fairy tale. A large selection of Toronto Airport car rental deals allows you to find the perfect vehicle for your needs. If you are traveling with family or friends, consider a more spacious option - car rental for 7 people will be a balanced solution for your icy ride.  However, winter camping in Canada is as dangerous as it’s exciting. Low temperatures can cause hypothermia and the most severe consequences for your body. Thus, such experience requires a particularly careful approach. Here are a few cold-weather adventure tips to keep in mind before embarking on such an outing.  1. Use a layered clothing strategy  When it's hot during the day and cold at night, you need to carry a variety of outfits with you to stay comfortable at all times. Layering is one of the best ways to stay dry and warm without overheating.  Layering is an art and once you master it, you can easily regulate your body temperature depending on your activity level and weather changes. Using layers correctly allows you to add or subtract layers throughout the day so you feel comfortable no matter what.  Start with wool or synthetic thermal underwear. Also, avoid cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture and loses all its insulating properties when you sweat, making you feel much colder. The job of thermal underwear is to wick sweat away from your body and keep you dry and warm.  Thus, apply insulating layers such as a fleece, light down jacket, or synthetic jacket as your middle layer to help keep you warm. The greater the middle layer retains heat, the better. Finally, cover the previous two layers with a windproof jacket with a waterproof membrane to keep you warm.  The outer layer also serves to remove moisture evaporated from the body. Don't skimp on a high-quality outer layer if you expect to encounter some serious wind and rain. If it doesn’t cope with its functions, you can become seriously hypothermic. 2. Make sure your sleeping bag can handle low temperatures  Canadian winter camping expeditions require a sleeping bag - this is the golden rule for a hassle-free overnight stay. The temperature label on your sleeping bag can be confusing. For example, if your sleeping bag can withstand +5°C, this doesn’t guarantee that you will feel warm at +5°C. The fact is that sleeping bags have two temperature conditions: a temperature at which a tourist should feel comfortable, and a lower temperature limit at which a sleeping man should feel comfortable.  Temperature values are approximate and depend on multiple factors. Just in case, take a sleeping bag rated for temperatures 5–10°C below expected degrees. You can also add an extra blanket over your sleeping bag to help keep you warm. 3. Select and prepare a place to pitch your tent  Setting up a camp in winter is much more difficult than in summer, so first of all, plan your time correctly - you should arrive at the overnight site at least 30 minutes before sunset. Then, choose the right campsite, prepare it, and set up the tent. Here are some important snow camping hacks to follow.  Place a tent in a sparse forest, on the edge, in a gentle depression between ridges  Remove snow from the area of the tent + 0.5 m around, remove the top layers or clear to the ground if the snow is not deep  Build snow walls around the camp, especially in open areas  Use special elongated winter pegs, which can be replaced with trekking poles  Make an entry from the leeward side 4. Bring all your essentials into the tent Be sure to bring shoes, a backpack with food, a first aid kit and hygiene products, and gas cylinders inside the tent. Plus, put things like your phone and power bank in your sleeping bag. This way you will better conserve charge. If your trekking socks are wet, dry them too.  5. Ventilate your tent The only thing worse than waking up frozen on a hike is waking up cold and wet. It may seem counterintuitive, but opening tent windows for cross-ventilation is among the top priority cold-weather camping essentials. How does it work? When warm, moist air in your tent or RV meets cold surfaces such as tent walls or car windows, condensation occurs. Small droplets of water form and everything becomes wet. Therefore, ensure air circulation in your tent and prevent condensation by opening entrances and windows slightly. 6. Warm up before going to sleep Before you go to bed, warm yourself by the fire or take a walk - whatever you can to warm up. Having a warm drink or snack before bed can also help keep you warm since the process of digestion warms you up from the inside. Just try not to sweat. Wet clothing quickly lowers your body temperature and can contribute to condensation in your tent or camper. Avoid storing wet clothes in the sleeping area and always change into dry clothes before going to sleep. 7. Go to sleep in a dry change of clothes  Advice on how to sleep in a sleeping bag goes to one extreme or the other: some say to wear everything you can, others recommend sleeping in just your underwear. And the correct option is in the middle.  Winter survival techniques claim that thermal underwear is optimal for sleeping in a tent, ideally if it contains merino wool. You need to wear socks on your feet (maybe two pairs), thin gloves on your hands, and a thin hat and/or buff on your head. Provided that the sleeping bag and mat are suitable for the weather, this set will often be sufficient. If not, you can insulate yourself additionally.  Important! All sleepwear should be dry. Thus, be sure to change into a spare set before going to bed, and store it in a waterproof bag while hiking. 8. Use heating pads  A heating pad is definitely a must-have on a winter hike! That's why we advise you to stock up on such items. They are lightweight, easy to use, and provide gentle heat (about 50°C). You can choose among the following options:  Chemical heating pads. They are disposable, with enough heat to last all night and even in the morning (about 12 hours overall).  Reusable heating pads. Such items can radiate heat for about 2 hours. Then, you need to charge it by simply boiling it in water. A more advanced option is electronic heating pads with USB charging. Ultimately, use our winter survival techniques for your camping trip to Canada. Also, don't forget to adjust your plans to the current weather. The forecast can be changeable during the off-season, and you should be prepared for everything. This is especially important when traveling in mountainous areas, where rain and snow can make roads impassable. Read Also: Jet-Set In Style: Unveiling The Monos Luggage Collection For Your Next Adventure This Is The Best Time To Visit The Seven Magic Mountains In Vegas! These Are The 30+ Things To Do In Mexico City That You Must Try!

READ MORE Best Places To Travel In Africa

20 Of The Best Places To Travel In Africa In 2024

BY  Ankita Nov 13, 2023

If you’re here, then it’s settled, you’re a travel enthusiast. But what about Travel to Africa? Are you eager to explore the world’s richest continent, or are you looking to return for more unforgettable experiences? Here’s a rundown of 20 of the best places to travel in Africa in 2024, based on data from the web— with their history and peculiarity, and wonderful activities that people generally do there. These are just a few of Africa’s top tourist locations, for your bucket list! 1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania Location: Arusha Region, Tanzania The Serengeti National Park is one of the most well-known and iconic wildlife sanctuaries in the world. It is the most coveted of Tanzania’s top National Parks. It is home to the annual Great Migration, one of the largest natural events on Earth, where millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle travel across the Serengeti plains in search of new grazing land. Unique and incredible things to do here: Go on a safari to see the Serengeti's incredible wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and rhinos. Visit the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest caldera, which is home to a variety of wildlife. They include black rhinos, lions, and elephants. Take a ride on a hot air balloon over the Serengeti plains for a bird’s-eye view of the Great Migration. Interesting Facts & Figures Over 500,000 people visit the Serengeti National Park each year. It is the most popular tourist destination in Tanzania. The Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe Location: Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia and Zambezi National Park, Zimbabwe Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world by the volume of water flowing over it. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. Unique and incredible things to do here: Take a helicopter or microlight flight over Victoria Falls for a stunning aerial view. Go white water rafting or kayaking on the Zambezi River below Victoria Falls. Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and watch the sunset over Victoria Falls. White water rafting Kayaking Nature walks Interesting Facts & Figures Over 1 million people visit Victoria Falls each year. It is the most popular tourist destination in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. 3. Cape Town, South Africa Location: Western Cape, South Africa Cape Town is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Africa. Tourists get the unique opportunity to explore iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, and Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. It is also an amazing idea for people with a business mind. Yes! You can also launch a business in Cape Town with some key considerations. Unique and incredible things to do: Take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain for stunning views of Cape Town and its surroundings. Visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, and learn about the history of South Africa's fight for democracy. Take a walk along Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a popular tourist destination with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Real tourist statistics: Over 4 million people visit Cape Town each year. It is the second most popular tourist destination in South Africa, after Kruger National Park. Cape Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. 4. Pyramids Of Giza, Egypt Location: Giza, near Cairo, Egypt History: Built over 4,500 years ago, the pyramids are a testament to ancient Egyptian civilization. The Great Pyramid is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  In 2021, Giza welcomed over 14 million tourists (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities). Must-Visit: Explore the Sphinx and Valley Temple. Take a camel ride around the pyramids. Kruger National Park, South Africa Location: Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa. Kruger National Park is one of the largest and most popular game reserves in Africa. Established in 1898, it is one of Africa's oldest and largest game reserves. For Safari enthusiasts, the Kruger National Park is also one of the most popular safari destinations in the world. Over 2 million people visit Kruger National Park each year. You’ll meet an incredibly wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. Unique and incredible things to do here: Go on a safari to see Kruger’s incredible wildlife. Visit the Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon in the world. Take a  ride on the hot air balloon over the Kruger National Park and look at the stunning and breathtaking landscape from the top. 6. Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania Location: Off the coast of Tanzania The Zanzibar Archipelago is a group of islands off the coast of Tanzania. Known for its spice trade, Zanzibar has a rich blend of African, Arab, and European influences. Zanzibar is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and rich culture. If you’re a scuba diver looking for greater experiences, by all means, visit Zanzibar. Unique and incredible things to do here: Go Scuba diving in Zanzibar and her sister Islands like the Pemba Island. The region happens to be one of the most popular scuba diving destinations in Africa. Relax on Zanzibar's beautiful beaches and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Visit Stone Town, the historic center of Zanzibar City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a spice tour around Zanzibar’s colossal spice farms. Learn about some of the world’s most used spices and take special cooking lessons directly on the farms to discover the best of East African food. Interesting Facts & Figures about Zanzibar It is the second most popular tourist destination in Tanzania, after the Serengeti National Park. Zanzibar is one of the most popular beach destinations in Africa. Over 500,000 people visit Zanzibar each year. 7. Chobe National Park, Botswana Location: Chobe District, Botswana Chobe National Park is one of the largest national parks in Africa and is known for its large elephant population. It is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including lions, hippos, crocodiles, and antelope. Unique and incredible things to do: Take a boat cruise on the Chobe River and see elephants swimming and bathing. Go on a game drive and see Chobe's incredible wildlife up close. Visit the Savuti Marsh, a unique ecosystem that hosts a lot of wildlife. Interesting Facts & Figures Over 490,000 people visit Chobe National Park each year. It is the second most popular tourist destination in Botswana, after the Okavango Delta. Chobe National Park is a popular safari destination for tourists from all over the world. 8. Okavango Delta, Botswana Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana The Okavango Delta is a unique wetland ecosystem in Botswana. It is fed by the Okavango River, which flows from Angola into the Kalahari Desert. The Okavango Delta is a piece of hot cake, famous for its variegated wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and antelope. Unique and incredible things to do here: Take a mokoro boat ride through the Okavango Delta and see wildlife up close. Visit the Moremi Game Reserve, a protected area within the Okavango Delta. Go on a helicopter safari and see the Okavango Delta from above. Nature walks Go camping on the 60 or so camps and lodges in the Okavango Delta. Ensure you pick the right tour guide for camping. Here are skills to look for in your tour guide.   Interesting Facts & Figures Over 100,000 people visit the Okavango Delta each year. It is the most popular tourist destination in Botswana. The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most beautiful places in Africa. 9. Tsingy De Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar Location: Menabe Region, Madagascar People say Madagascar is the 8th continent, not for its Geographic isolation from Africa, but for its uniqueness– being home to some of the rarest animal species in the world. If you’re curious about wildlife in the universe, by all means, visit Madagascar. The Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its limestone karst formations. The stingy are sharp limestone pinnacles that can reach up to 40 meters in height. The Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a territory for a multitude of wildlife, including lemurs, chameleons, and birds. Must-do tourist activities here: Hike through the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park and see the incredible limestone karst formations up close. Visit the Tsingy de Bemaraha Special Reserve, a protected area within the national park. Go on a boat cruise on the Tsiribihina River and see wildlife from the water. Interesting Facts & Figures Over 87,000 tourists visit Madagascar and the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park each year. It is the most popular tourist destination in Madagascar. 10. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania Location: Ngorongoro District, Tanzania The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the world's largest intact caldera. The crater is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. Unique and incredible things to do: Go on a game drive through the Ngorongoro Crater and see wildlife up close. Visit the Olduvai Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where early human fossils have been found. Take a hot air balloon ride over the Ngorongoro Crater for a top view of the entire wildlife. Interesting Facts & Figures Over 600,00 people visit the Ngorongoro Crater each year. It is a popular tourist destination for tourists from all over the world. There goes your top 10 must-visit places in Africa this coming 2024! Add these to your bucket list. Here are some more amazing places to visit in Africa in 2024, with relevant images: 11. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular safari destinations in the world. It is a heaven for lovers of wild beasts and the Great Migration, an endless, majestic voyage of wild beasts —which cuts across Tanzania and Kenya. On your safari tours, you’ll come close to incredible animals like lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and leopards. The annual wildebeest migration takes place between July and October. Must-do tourist activities here in Kenya: Go on a game drive through the Masai Mara National Reserve and see wildlife up close. Visit the Mara Triangle, a protected area within the national reserve. Go on a ride on a hot air balloon over the Masai Mara National Reserve for a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife. 12. Lake Malawi National Park, Malawi Lake Malawi is the third-largest lake in Africa and one of the deepest lakes in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and UNESCO describes the National Park as an area decked with nature’s beauty and bounty and also with the rugged landscapes around it.  It indeed forms a  contrast with the clear waters of the lake. Lake Malawi is a popular swimming, snorkeling, diving, and fishing destination. Speaking of fishing, the area hosts hundreds of varieties of cichlid fish. Not only this, nearly all the fishes are endemic to that of the  Lake Malawi. Remember to practice sustainable fishing! Must-do Tourist Activities on Lake Malawi National Park: Visit the Likoma Island, a beautiful island in Lake Malawi. Go snorkeling or scuba diving in the clear waters of Lake Malawi and see a variety of marine life. Take a boat trip on Lake Malawi and enjoy the stunning scenery. 13. Rainbow Mountains, Morocco The Rainbow Mountains are a unique geological formation in Morocco. The mountains are made up of a variety of colorful rocks, which give them their name. The Rainbow Mountains are a popular tourist destination for photographers and hikers. Must-do tourist activities here: Hike through the Rainbow Mountains and see the incredible colors of the rocks up close. Take a photo of the Rainbow Mountains at sunset or sunrise to capture their magical colors. Visit the nearby Berber villages and learn about the local culture. 14. Dogon Country, Mali The Dogon Country is a region in Mali that is known for its unique culture and architecture. People here are known for their cliffside villages and their traditional masks. The Dogon Country is a popular tourist destination for people interested in learning about African culture. Incredible things to do here: Visit the cliffside villages of the Dogon people and see their unique architecture. Learn about the Dogon people's culture and traditions. See the Dogon people's traditional masks. If you’re planning for International Travel in 2024, here are 9 great tips for a more authentic travel experience. 15. Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia The Simien Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning scenery and its population of gelada baboons. The Simien Mountains are also home to a variety of other wildlife, including mountain nyala, Walia ibex, and Ethiopian wolves. Unique and incredible things to do: Hike through the Simien Mountains and see the incredible scenery, including the Ras Dashen mountain, the highest peak in Ethiopia. Visit the gelada baboon population and see these fascinating creatures up close. Take a photo of the Simien Mountains at sunset or sunrise to capture their magical beauty. 16. Dahab, Egypt Location: Sinai Peninsula, Egypt. Originally a Bedouin fishing village, now a popular diving destination. Dahab attracted over 1 million visitors in 2021 (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities). Dahab is peculiar for The Blue Hole, a renowned diving site that attracts thousands of scuba divers around the world. Things you just can’t miss: Dive or snorkel in the Blue Hole. Explore the Desert of Sinai on a camel safari. 17. Etosha National Park, Namibia Etosha National Park is a large national park in Namibia, reputed for its salt pan, which is one of the largest in the world. The park has now become the top tourist attraction of Namibia with more than 140 000 visitors recorded annually. Beyond the salt pan, Tourists visit Etosha National Park to experience a diversity of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes. Unique and incredible things to do: Visit the Etosha salt pan and see the animals that come to drink from the waterholes. Go on a game drive through the Etosha National Park and see wildlife up close. Visit the Okaukuejo waterhole and see the animals that come to drink at night.   18. Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa Addo Elephant National Park is one of South Africa’s proud National Parks,  reputed for hosting arguably the largest population of elephants in the world. If you’re a fan of these giant creatures, you should be visiting South Africa’s Addo Elephant National Park in 2024. About 120,000 people check out this park every year. The park is also home to a variety of other impressive wildlife, including lions, rhinos, and buffalo. Things you can’t miss here: Go on a game drive through the Addo Elephant National Park and see elephants up close. Visit the Shamwari Game Reserve, a private game reserve within the Addo Elephant National Park. Take a helicopter safari over the Addo Elephant National Park and see the wildlife from above. 19. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda Location: Southwestern Uganda, at the junction of the plain and mountain forests. Just realized we haven’t talked about Gorillas so far. Thankfully, there’s the Bwindi National Park, which is popular for the 400 Bwindi Gorillas and Mountain Gorillas. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns 1. It is also home to many types of birds and butterflies. Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world. Stuff you can’t miss here: Go on a gorilla trekking tour and see mountain gorillas up close. Visit the Mubwindi Swamp, a unique ecosystem within the national park. Take a hike through the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and enjoy the stunning scenery. 20. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Location: Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania We’re ending the list with a place that’s known as Africa’s roof – The Kilimanjaro. A dormant volcano, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak, a place that attracts around 50,000 climbers/hikers each year. As you hike the largest free-standing mountain in the world (20,000 ft), you’ll experience multiple climatic zones, from tropical rainforest to arctic ice cap. Visiting Kilimanjaro is different from hiking other mountains in the world, such as the Seven Magic Mountains in Vegas, because almost all the variants of the ecological system are traced on the mountain. Not only this, they are also traced to the rain forest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, cultivable lands, and an arctic summit. Did you know? Nearly every climber who has summitted Uhuru Peak has recorded his or her thoughts about the accomplishment in a book stored in a wooden box at the top. Activities you can’t miss here: Trek to the summit for a sunrise view. Explore the diverse flora and fauna along the trails. Need help planning your trip to Africa? Check out our Top planning tips for your next trip abroad. Read Also: Maldives’ Luminescent Secret: The Mesmerizing Sea Of Stars! The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii: Hiking Adventure’s Hidden Gem Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam’s Golden Hand Bridge!

READ MORE White Water Rafting

8 Tips For A Fun And Memorable White Water Rafting Experience

BY  Arnab Dec 27, 2023

White water rafting delivers a thrilling experience, balancing stunning natural vistas with adrenaline-fueled excitement. If you're new to this adventure, you likely have queries and considerations regarding what to expect and how to prepare for maximizing your thrill.It might surprise you, but white-water rafting can be equally thrilling for beginners and experienced adventurers, provided you choose the right location and know what to expect. Here Are Eight Prime Ideas For A Fun And Memorable White Water Rafting Experience In this blog post, we'll provide eight essential tips and insights to ensure your first expedition is both enjoyable and safe, leaving a memorable impact. 1. Choose the Right Attire Staying in your boat for the entire duration of the outdoor adventure won’t stop you from getting wet. Anticipate getting wet on your journey, and don waterproof and anti-chafing garments that can serve as a barrier between you and the raft. Fabrics such as cotton and wool take an extended period to dry and draw heat away from your body, potentially leaving you feeling cold. Ideally, you want to go for synthetic materials that dry quickly and don’t absorb a lot of water. When picking shoes, choose those that have laces. Flip flops and sandals can easily get lost if you happen to lose balance or fall into the water. Depending on the weather forecast and expected temperatures, you can wear a wetsuit. It will offer extra buoyancy and protect you from temperature drops that characterize the colder months. 2. Always Bring a Helmet Safety is of key concern whenever you go on an outdoor adventure and rafting is not an exception. Make sure you have all your safety equipment, including a helmet. White water rafting rivers often have rocks, branches, and logs lining the bottom and you may not notice them from your sitting position in the boat. If you happen to fall into the water, hitting your head against one of these could leave you with severe injuries that you want to avoid. Always keep your helmet on to stay on the safe side. 3. Know What to Do if You Fall Out of the Raft You may take every precautionary measure but even your guide may not stop you from falling into the water. In the eventuality of it occurring, your subsequent actions could carry significant weight. Upon entering the raft, ensure to don your life vest and maintain its presence until disembarking from the boat. If you fall into the water, stay calm swim towards the vessel, and grab the outside safety line. Call out to the guide or rafting mates and wait for someone to pull you back in. If you can’t swim towards the raft, call out to a rafting mate and they will toss you the throw bag and a paddle that you can hold onto. If neither of these is possible, lie in the whitewater swimming position and wait for a guide to reach you. 4. Listen to Your Guide White water rafting guides are experienced in handling the wilderness and river terrain. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced rafter, it's crucial to heed instructions attentively when they are given. These directives will provide essential information for navigating challenging waters, including what to avoid, where to swim, and when to paddle. They may seem like simple instructions but they dictate the speed, direction, and weight balance of your vessel. 5. Master the T-Grip The T-grip is an important aspect of white water rafting as it is the only way to ensure that the paddle does not slip out of your hands. The T-grip is the end part of the paddle-shaped like a “T” and is made of hard plastic. Most white water rafting guides will always show you the T-grip before you set out. Essentially, you need to keep one hand at the base of the paddle on the shaft while the other holds firmly over the T-grip. This ensures that you have control of the paddle and cushion any blows to you or your rafting mates in case of anything. 6. Practice Your Swimming Like we said before, you cannot stop yourself from falling into the water when you go white water rafting. Understanding the different swimming techniques such as aggressive and defensive swimming can be a lifesaver if you find yourself in the water. Rivers meant for white water rafting have high currents so you need to be sure with what you are doing. If you choose to swim to the banks, make sure you only go for the banks and avoid standing still in the water even if you need time to think. Standing still or walking in the river could cause foot entrapment which could be dangerous. 7. Research Your Destination Different rafting sites offer different experiences. You could find a beautiful river headed up by a dam that allows for scheduled water releases like the Pigeon River. A Yellowstone whitewater rafting day trip, on the other hand, will bring with it the excitement of Class II and Class III white water rapids allowing you to relax and enjoy the pristine wilderness. Taking time to familiarize yourself with the destination allows you to prepare in terms of choosing attire and packing guides. You want to go with a guide who has sailed the same waters for a while. 8. Avoid Carrying Electronics White water rafting is nothing like riding in a fishing boat or a yacht. The waves will constantly toss you around in the raft and some water will definitely get in potentially damaging your electronics. At the very worst, your device could fall into the water and get lost in case of an accident. Even then, white water rafting is not one of those adventures where you can pull out your phone to snap a quick photo. It is an activity that requires you to stay fully engaged and attentive to the paddling patterns and commands from your guides. Some companies will provide you with photographers so they can capture every memorable moment. Endnote You will definitely have lots of fun when you go rafting so make sure you do it with a group of people you are close to. The adrenaline rush will be a source of new memories you will cherish. However, make sure you follow your guide’s instructions to stay safe especially if it is your first time. Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In Prague Five Tips for First Time Traveler to India