Camping is an effective technique to improve both physical and mental health.
Camping, according to Asilia Africa, does not always mean pitching a tent at a local farm or going up a mountain to locate a quiet location.
It may also mean renting a campervan for a road trip up the coast or staying at a premium glamping site for a little more comfort.
Additionally, hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking are all activities that increase physical fitness while simultaneously reducing stress and boosting mental health.
There are substantial financial returns on investments made in camping areas and activities.
The benefits of a flourishing camping market are wide-ranging, ranging from supporting sectors like outdoor equipment manufacturing to generating jobs in the tourist and hospitality industries.
Camping can also be a game-changer in rural communities.
By encouraging tourists to visit lesser-known locations, boosts local economies and lessens the economic gap between urban and rural areas.
But above all else, camping is a cost-effective and accessible method for citizens and tourists to interact with nature.
Unlike luxurious hotels or resorts, camping sites allow individuals from all socioeconomic levels to enjoy outdoor activities.
With that said, here are the 10 African countries that are best to camp in according to Asilia Africa, an establishment that provides safari services.
Top 5 best African countries to go camping in 2024
Rank | Country | Camping index | Global rank |
---|---|---|---|
1. |
Tanzania |
78.92 |
3rd |
2. |
Kenya |
78.86 |
4th |
3. |
Namibia |
77.59 |
5th |
4. |
South Africa |
74.47 |
6th |
5. |
Ethiopia |
73.2 |
8th |
Methodology
To determine the best camping destinations, Asilia began by compiling a seed list of every country and US state.
Then, using this list, they examined eight different data metrics to determine whether a location is suitable for camping, including the number of wildlife species, plant and fungi species, light pollution, annual rainfall, number of national parks, urbanization, number of outdoor activities, and population density.
Asilia then scored each data measure for each country, resulting in a final overall score for the finest camping destinations. The scores were ordered from highest to lowest.