If you were one of the tens of thousands of people that helped Disney-Marvel’s “Black Panther” smash opening weekend box office numbers, then you’ve probably found yourself wishing you could move to Wakanda, or Zamunda if you’re OK with a little unpredictability.
Wakanda, a fictional self-sustaining African nation that has been untouched by colonial influence, is the setting for most of the movie. T’Challa, the Black Panther, rules the kingdom that prides itself on isolation. Wakandans go to extreme measures to protect their boarders, refuse to trade with outside nations and live within a hologram that not only protects the capital city but also hides it from outside eyes. Wakanda can stay self-sufficient mostly because of the supply of its natural resource, vibranium—the strongest metal in the world. They’re the only country in the world that has it, thanks to a vibranium-filled meteorite that crashed into its lands thousands of years ago. And it is vibranium, along with the near-inexhaustible supply of it, that has made Wakanda the most technologically advanced nation on Earth.
Alas, Wakanda is just a fantasy—a vision that Black children have needed for generations, but a fantasy nonetheless. We can’t just jump on a flying hovercraft and head there. But after watching “Black Panther,” I couldn’t help but have a renewed desire to visit the Motherland again. Although Wakanda is not an option, there are plenty of other African nations that are just as worthy of a trip. Here are the five African nations that are currently at the top of my travel bucket list:
- Morocco
This nation in northwestern Africa is diverse in majestic settings. There’s a lengthy coastline that touches both the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, a vast amount of desert that encompasses most of the terrain and various mountain ranges that span throughout the center of the entire nation. Morocco’s capital is Rabat and its largest city is Casablanca. However, the city I’m dying to see is Marrakesh! Marrakesh, also known as the “Red City,” is overflowing with traditional markets, ancient mosques, riads embellished with colorful Moroccan tile and ornate palaces and gardens.
- Rwanda
You wouldn’t be the first person to think that Rwanda isn’t safe, but you’d be wrong to assume it. Certainly, the country’s past (with events such as the Rwandan genocide) shined a negative light internationally, but the country has since recovered and is thriving. But what might be even more surprising about the country is its climate. Although it basically sits on the equator, Rwanda sees lower temperatures than most equatorial countries (ranging between 54 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit on average) because of its high elevation. This climate creates the opportunity for lush, green vegetation. In Rwanda you can discover the many national parks, explore the mountainous terrain, encounter super friendly and helpful locals in the laid-back capital (and largest city) of Kigali, journey down one of the pristine lakes and admire the picturesque beauty surrounding them, or even go gorilla trekking. Rwanda is one of the only countries on the continent where gorillas are found in the wild.
- Kenya
When most people envision Africa, or at least its wildlife and terrain, images of Kenya are probably what come to mind and a lot of that has to do with the fact that Kenya was the backdrop for the Disney blockbuster, “The Lion King.” It is here that you will get the best view of the great wildebeest migration, along with a high density of almost any other African wildlife you could think of. But the people of Kenya are just as thrilling as the wildlife, if not more. The country has such rich culture, thanks to the dozens of tribes that still participate in a very traditional way of life, and visitors can witness it firsthand. Lesser-known gems of the country include the white sandy beaches along the Indian Ocean and the Kenyan Barrier Reef—the world’s second longest coral reef.
- Angola
As one of Africa’s less traversed countries, Angola has largely been spared the worldwide homogenization of culture. There are no North American chains trying to camouflage themselves among local business and no natural landmarks that have been converted into profiting tourist traps. Instead, there are just national parks (such as Quicama National Park and Iona National Park), historic museums and heritage sites (mostly commemorating the lives of slaves who were abducted from their homes—Angola was a base for the slave trade), and natural wonders such as the Kalandula Falls. Traveling there now would make you one of the pioneers of Angolan tourism and allow you to brag to your friends about seeing a place they probably haven’t already seen or heard much about.
- Ethiopia
As the only African that was not colonized, Ethiopia is uniquely itself. This feature can be seen through its architecture (like the underground churches cut by hand in Lalibela or the Castle of Fasilides) or through its people, who are extremely diverse in culture, ethnicity and religion. Of course, there’s natural beauty, too, such as the Simien Mountains (home of the rare Gelada baboons) and the Blue Nile Falls. And then there’s Addis Ababa, a vibrant but laid-back capital that’s often referred to as the capital of Africa as a whole. With an array of local (and international) food, traditional coffee ceremonies, ancient churches and fascinating museums, there is bound to be something to keep you occupied.
Megan Pinckney (@shadesofpinck) is a retired beauty queen turned lifestyle blogger who loves exploring the world and writing about it.