It is that time of the year again- the Valentine’s Season, to love and be loved, but really what’s life without love and surprises? Are you stuck on choosing a perfect destination?
Here at Gazelle Africa, we’ve curated a list of five beautiful cities in ‘Motherland’ to spend your Valentine with that special someone – and guess what? It won’t cost you an arm and a leg to have a memorable valentine.
Cape Town in South Africa – Also known as “Mother City,” Cape Town is one of South Africa’s three capital cities, serving as the seat of the Parliament of Mandela’s country. Cape Town is the oldest and the second largest city in South Africa sitting pretty behind Johannesburg
What makes this city a top destination? Cape Town is alluring. The city offers visitors a variety of budget hotels to make your stay memorable. And for places to visit during your stay, Cape Town’s ‘Big Six Attractions’ which comprise Table Mountain a World Heritage Site, Cape Point, Groot Constantia.
If you are a lover of wine, the Robben Island located off the coast of Cape Town, best known as the site of Nelson Mandela’s incarceration, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, and lastly the beautiful Victoria & Albert Waterfront in Cape Town which is arguably one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa.
Marrakech – Marrakesh or Marrakech also known as the ‘Red City’ is the fourth largest city in the Kingdom of Morocco also doubles as one of the four Imperial cities of Morocco and serves as the capital of the Marrakesh-Safi region.
Marrakesh, with its rich culture is also a top destination for lovers. Some notable places to visit in Morroco are, the Maison de la Photographie – A three-storey riad-turned-gallery a mini museum if you like – housing the vintage Moroccan photography collection of Patrick Menac’h and Marrakshi Hamid Mergani. The images document the lifestyle and landscapes of Morocco between 1870 and 1950.
If you are a lover of food don’t forget to check out Souk Cuisine: The Souk Cuisine puts on cookery classes with a bit of a beautiful twist. First off, you tour the souks and shop for ingredients and recipes before heading to a riad where you’re taught how to cook by a group of local women.
It’s a vacation buddy, don’t leave Marrakech until you visit Hammam De La Rose. Popularly called Hamman, it is a public bathhouse – more of a Moroccan institution in almost every neighbourhood in Marrakech. This is where Moroccans go for their weekly, relaxing gommage (scrub) call it Spa if it sounds better. And don’t forget to shop mementos, you and yours might just be lucky to bump into star footballers from the Morrocan national team that sent Spain and Portugal packing from Qatar during the World Cup. a
Cape Verde – Yes, the beautiful island country in the central Atlantic Ocean. The Cape Verde islands form part of the Macaronesia ecoregion, along with the Azores, the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Savage Isles.
Cape Verde has some of the most beautiful beaches you can ever imagine. With sun and beach, mountain trails and landscapes of nature with a wealth of customs and traditions Cape Verde is a paradise on the bank of the Atlantic Ocean.
Top on our list of places to visit is – Santa Mónica Beach (Boa Vista Island). Considered the most stunning beach in Cape Verde, it is a picture of pure elusive beauty. Santa Mónica beach is the standard destination for a walk by the sea, as the beach is over 18 kilometers long. Access to this utopia in the southwest of Boa Vista Island is possible by SUVs.
The second beach to explore is Ponta Preta Beach (Sal Island). Scoured by the wind and with more agitated waters, Ponta Preta beach is the perfect spot for surfing and windsurfing, or for those who prefer silence, this beach is synonymous with tranquility. Our last beach is Porto Inglês Beach (Maio Island).
Dotted with fishermen’s boats, Porto Inglês beach offers a unique experience of learning with the local population. This beach is on the Maio Island. Access to this island is done in an 8-minute plane ride from the city of Praia, on Santiago Island.
Hiking is also something the country offers in abundance. Cape Verde is a paradise for mountain hiking fans and there are several routes to discover. And lastly, the food – there are delicious flavors to discover in Cape Verde. Fruit, fish, chicken, and beans are part of the Creole menu. You can also try out “Cachupa” and “sweaty lobster.” Don’t forget the São Nicolau “modje” a signature goat stew of the Cape Verde Island.
Nairobi being Kenya’s capital city is very cosmopolitan. In addition to its urban core, the city has Nairobi National Park, a large game reserve known for breeding endangered black rhinos and home to giraffes, zebras, and lions. Next to it is a well-regarded elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Nairobi dazzles tourists with its attractive natural resources wildlife habitats, stunning allures, and amazing things to do. The buzzing capital city of Kenya has a lot to offer.
One such place is the Uhuru Park one of the most beautiful and popular inner city parks in Nairobi offering a wide range of fun and exciting activities such as boat riding on the lake, and camel riding. The recreation park features an artificial lake and several national monuments.
The Nairobi Safari Walk is also an exciting activity. It’s a great way to experience African wildlife and nature on foot. It allows you to establish a relationship with nature.
Paradise Lost is another great place to visit in Nairobi if you love nature, it is a beautiful retreat located close to Kiambu Town, which is about 10 km from Nairobi. The paradise is a maze of caves and it features a stunning waterfall. If you keep a watchful eye, you will see lots of beautiful birds, and ostriches and indulge yourself in several entertaining activities such as horse-riding, boating, camping, and many more.
And lastly, the Panari Sky Centre a gleaming shopping centre and hotel that houses the only skating rink in Nairobi is another fun place to be. Indeed, the biodiversity in Nairobi, Kenya is a plus for its appeal.
Seychelles – Certainly one of the most beautiful tropical island destinations in the world, Seychelles is a haven for world-class activities. Its’ safe and immaculate environment is just the place to treat your lover. First and foremost, Seychelles is not only a playground for lovers of the ocean but also a treasure trove for every sailor, diver, and fisherman, offering diverse opportunities for enjoyment both above and beneath the waves.
There are numerous diving, sailing, and fishing operators offering tailor-made day trip packages and excursions on boats and yachts.
The spectacular Beau Vallon beach is perfect for an activity-packed day by the sea. It is home to several water sports, which is a wonderful way to enjoy the ocean and explore the hidden nooks and crannies of the coastline.
Being a melting pot of traditions from all over the world, from its national heritage monuments, museums, and natural wonders, to the diversity of its arts and other cultural activities, Seychelles offers an Aladdin’s cave of rich experiences for visitors to enjoy.
Off you go… we hope your valentine will be beautiful.
–Written by Edmond Esi, a freelance senior content writer for Gazelle Africa.
