Where to Go?!

My mamaj and I are trying to plan a trip for my graduation next year. We are going to India this Christmas and have saved up about $7,000 over the past 2 years with monthly $300 installments in an account for this trip alone. It's really been an experience and adventure of it's own. I'm (and I can tell my mom is too) kinda hoping that we don't use all of it, even though we planned on doing so, so that we can go somewhere without breaking the bank for graduation.

So there's a couple of idea's we have.
Nigeria and Mali
Sierra Leone
Senegal
Rwanda
Mozambique
Australia

What would you say? Where should we go and why. I know all these places are like apples and oranges, but we have found that there's so much. Also, if possible can you say about how much flights and general costs in the country would be?

Thanks!

First,where are you flying from?

Second,how much money will you have?...only what's left from your India trip?

Third,what are your interests?

Without knowing these things its hard to give advice ;-)

In terms of in-country costs,the most expensive by far is Australia.Then the African destinations,from west Africa to East Africa and the cheapest,Mozambique.

As lucapal says, if you give us a little more information we may be able to give a better answer. Your status says you're from the US so no matter where you go the flights will be expensive for a start.

If you like the ocean then Mozambique may be a good option, beautiful coastline, an interesting African/Arab/Portuguese culture, great diving, Whale Sharks (during the right time of year) and Gorongosa NP for the interior.

If you like culture Mali is certainly a great option, fascinating cultures, great Sahelian scenery - if you're into that kind of thing the boat trip from Mopti to Timbuktu is fantastic, just watching the world go by along the banks of the Niger river.

If you want a mixture of wildlife, some culture and beautiful beaches Sierra Leon is a good option - less infrastructure than some of the other places but definitely a place to go sooner rather than later as it is a jewel slowly being discovered.

Rwanda is also fairly small so easy to get around, great for the Gorillas ($500 for a permit to go see the Gorillas mind you, and that's per person, and you get to spend 1hr with them), also Chimps (as in Sierra Leon) and lake Kyvu. I'd probably suggest combining Rwanda with Uganda if that was where you were going to go - unless you were only going for a very short time in which case it's a long way from the US.

Australia, obviously, is the odd one out being a different continent, different culture, beaches, outback, jungles in the north, deserts, great barrier reef..... Huge place with lots to do but also very expensive

Senegal also has interesting culture, some natural beauty and beaches - the beaches are possibly more developed (it can be a beach destination for some Europeans, especially francophones)

Nigeria I can't comment much on though I've only heard good things from people who've been (though not from the media but that's a different story).

Of the above I've been to Mali, Mozambique and Rwanda, and have done a fair bit of research on Sierra Leon. Of the places I've been, Mali and Mozambique are both fantastic and Rwanda is where I've had the best experience I've ever had travelling (the Gorillas). Mali has had some political problems recently which is something to bear in mind. As to which to chose, well again, depends on your interests, budget, time frame, and language (which may or may not be a factor)

a very strange mix of options being considered..

AUSTRALIA.. safe, clean, reliable.

Sorry guys.... We'd have about 6,000 to work with by the time we book flights and everything. Not saying that we want to use all of that either. Also, my mom wants some beach and diving possibly. I do too but I want some culture and nature. What about Tanzania?

lol.. ooooo.k..
6 grand and you dont want to spend allllllll that for two to an international destination..Hmmmm..
maybe you should just head to your local national park then.

enjoy

Haha... well you know.... We don't like to use a lot of money, even if we have saved something of that amount. That's why I posted it in this section of the forums.

Ok, well the flights are going to eat a big chunk - up to half - of your budget so that leaves you with about $3000 for the 2 of you or $1500 - that's fine you can spend a couple weeks somewhere on that budget. If you want some diving, beach, nature and culture I'd suggest Mozambique taking in Tofo, Vilankulos, Ilha de Mocambique.

Tanzania could be an option - Zanzibar for a bit of diving and beach (and culture) and maybe a safari - though probably your trip would have to be shortened by a few days.

Of course you could consider flying somewhere closer to home (I'm still assuming you're from the US by the way) - maybe Guatemala and Honduras?