africa travel map

• Destinations
• PLAN YOUR SAFARI
• Request A Quote

Call Today! 800-421-8907

Destinations of africa.

Click on the African Travel, Inc. destination countries to view a detailed map with links to our programs. We’ve added these exciting safari & tour destinations: Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Rwanda, Uganda.

• Zimbabwe & Victoria Falls
• Zambia & Victoria Falls
• South Africa

© 2024 AFRICAN TRAVEL,INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CST #2071444-20

Feefo Reviews

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Join us on the adventure of a lifetime and sign-up to hear about our newest journeys, offers and more!

Description: This map shows countries, capital cities, major cities, island and lakes in Africa. Size: 1250x1250px / 421 Kb Author: Ontheworldmap.com

You may download, print or use the above map for educational, personal and non-commercial purposes. Attribution is required. For any website, blog, scientific research or e-book, you must place a hyperlink (to this page) with an attribution next to the image used.

Description: This map shows oceans, seas, islands, and governmental boundaries of countries in Africa. Size: 1150x1161px / 182 Kb Author: Ontheworldmap.com

• Detailed Maps of Africa
• Regions of Africa
• Countries in Africa
• Major Cities in Africa
• Capital Cities in Africa
• Facts About Africa
• Population and Area

Map of Africa with countries and capitals

Physical map of Africa

Africa time zone map

Africa political map

Blank map of Africa

Africa location map

Map of West Africa

Map of North Africa

Map of East Africa

Map of Southern Africa

List of Countries in Africa

• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Cote d'Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Republic of the Congo
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Western Sahara

About Africa

Population and area of african countries.

• Johannesburg
• Addis Ababa
• Dar es Salaam
• Antananarivo
• ALL CITIES OF AFRICA
• CAPITALS OF AFRICA
• North America Map
• South America Map
• Oceania Map

Popular Maps

• Australia Map
• Germany Map
• Singapore Map
• United Arab Emirates Map
• United Kingdom Map
• United States Map
• New York City Map
• Los Angeles Map

U.S. States

• California Map
• Colorado Map
• Florida Map
• Georgia Map
• Illinois Map
• New York Map
• North Carolina Map
• Virginia Map

Map of Africa

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

Select Month

• roughguides.com

Interactive map

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

Countries and regions in Africa

Africa is vast and diverse. And while there’s some truth to the old clichés – think safari lodges, acacia trees and blood-red sunsets – the mother continent has far more to offer adventurous visitors. Whether you want to get lost in the labyrinthine souks of Morocco , or seek out great apes in Uganda’s misty mountains, our map of Africa is the ideal place to start.

Hot sunshine scorches the northern third of the continent, where seas of sand swirl past ancient monuments, including the spellbinding Pyramids of Giza in Egypt . Further south on the Africa map, the national parks and game reserves of countries like Kenya and Tanzania teem with wildlife. With a little patience, the ‘Big Five’ – lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes and rhinos – can all be spotted here.

Africa’s outer edges are among the most exciting parts of the continent to explore. Watch the Atlantic Ocean gnaw at shipwrecks on Namibia’s dramatic Skeleton Coast, see Cape Town ’s skyline shimmer from the top of Table Mountain, or let yourself be mesmerised by Madagascar’s weird and wonderful creatures. Give Africa a chance, and it’ll get under your skin.

• South Africa

written by Charlotte

updated 12.02.2021

Ready to discover tailor-made travel?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Africa Trip Planner

Top destinations in africa.

Top attractions in Africa

Other notable attractions

Explore nearby places

• Brazzaville
• Odzala National Park
• Franceville

All related maps of Africa

• Map of Africa
• Map of Kinshasa
• Map of Brazzaville
• Map of Kisantu
• Map of Odzala National Park
• Map of Franceville
• Map of Kisangani
• Map of Bayanga
• Map of Kalandula
• Map of Malanje
• Map of Zongo
• Map of Bangui
• Map of Soyo
• Map of Yokadouma
• Map of Ngoila
• Map of Cacuaco
• Map of Muxima
• Map of Luanda
• Map of Somalomo

Africa throughout the year

• Africa in January
• Africa in February
• Africa in March
• Africa in April
• Africa in May
• Africa in June
• Africa in July
• Africa in August
• Africa in September
• Africa in October
• Africa in November
• Africa in December

Q&A about Africa

Add places from guides with 1 click, collaborate with friends in real time, import flight and hotel reservations, expense tracking and splitting, checklists for anything, get personalized suggestions.

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

• Netherlands
• North America
• South Africa
• South America
• Nagorno Karabakh
• UEFA Champions League
• Premier League

Discovering the Charms of Cologne: A Traveler’s Guide to the Heart of Germany

Discovering cleveland: a gem on the shores of lake erie, cincinnati uncovered: a traveler’s guide to ohio’s cultural treasure, discover chula vista: a hidden california gem with rich culture and stunning views, a collection of africa maps: a visual journey through maps.

Recommended

Australia map, a collection of world maps, a tourist’s guide to amsterdam’s 10 best attractions.

The African continent, vast and diverse, has always been a tapestry of histories, cultures, geographies, and mysteries waiting to be explored. Over the ages, cartographers and travelers have attempted to capture its essence, and while it’s true that no single map can encapsulate all its wonders, our collection aspires to offer a multifaceted glimpse into this enigmatic land.

From the dunes of the Sahara to the vibrant streets of Cape Town, from ancient kingdoms to modern cityscapes, this guide promises a comprehensive look at Africa as you’ve never seen it before.

1. Africa Physical Map

A look at the geographical features—mountains, valleys, rivers, and deserts—that define the continent’s landscape. The vast Sahara, the winding Nile, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro—Africa in its raw, natural glory.

2. Africa Political Map

Delineating countries, capitals, and major cities, this map sheds light on the territorial divisions and boundaries within Africa.

3. Africa Topographic Map

This intricate representation captures the elevation and contour patterns of the terrain, perfect for explorers and hikers.

4. Africa Geological Map

Venture into the earth’s layers and understand the rock formations and structures that underlie this vast land.

5. Countries, Capitals and Major Cities of the Africa Map

Africa, the world’s second-largest continent, boasts 54 countries, each with its unique history, culture, and vibrancy. Navigating its vast landscapes can be a thrilling journey, and understanding the geopolitical divisions can enhance that experience.

6. Africa Regions Map

A focus on Africa’s cultural, economic, or geographical regions, emphasizing shared characteristics and identities.

7. Africa Blank Map

8. African Colonial Map 1939 (European Control)

9. Africa Relief Map

Get a three-dimensional feel of the continent’s landforms with this visually stunning representation.

10. Africa Water Precipitation Map

11. African Economic Community Map

12. Africa Historical Map

Take a trip back in time and discover Africa’s borders, kingdoms, and territories from epochs gone by.

13. African Countries by GDP (PPP) Per Capita Map (2020)

14. Africa Climate Map

From the hot deserts to tropical rainforests, this map showcases the diverse climates across the continent.

15. Africa Flag Map

A visual treat! Each country’s flag fills its territory, showcasing a splash of national pride.

16. Africa Travel Map

Tailored for the wanderlust-stricken, highlighting major tourist attractions, routes, and travel advisories.

17. Africa 3D Earth Map

Feel free to explore these pages as well:

Map of Africa ↗️

Visit Africa ↗️

Africa Map I ↗️

As we come to the end of this panoramic journey across Africa, it becomes evident that the continent, in all its magnificent vastness and diversity, resists simple definitions. Whether you’re drawn to the whispers of its ancient civilizations, the pulsating rhythm of its urban heartbeats, or the silent majesty of its natural landscapes, Africa holds a story for every soul. Each map in our collection not only charts territories but also narrates tales of resilience, evolution, and boundless spirit. We hope that as you explored these varied maps, you felt not just the geographical contours but also the heartbeat of a continent that has shaped and been shaped by humanity for millennia. Dive deeper, explore further, and may the maps serve as an invitation for you to weave your own African story.

• africa geography map
• africa physical map
• africa plate map

Exploring the Garden City: A Journey Through Christchurch, New Zealand

More posts like this, a collection of china maps: a cartographic journey, a collection of chile maps: a cartographic journey, a collection of canada maps: a cartographic journey, a collection of california maps.

• Copyright Information
• Privacy Policy

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1.1 From the dawn of humanity to the first empires
• 4.1.2 Classical antiquity
• 4.1.3 Muslim conquest
• 4.1.4 European exploration and early colonialism
• 4.1.5 19th-century imperialism
• 4.1.6 Decolonisation and the legacy of the colonisers
• 4.2 Climate
• 4.3.1 European influence and development aid
• 4.3.2 Chinese influence
• 4.3.3 Russian influence
• 4.4 Religion
• 5.1.1 From Europe
• 5.1.2 From Asia and the Middle East
• 5.1.3 From the Americas
• 5.1.4 From Australia
• 5.2 By road or ferry
• 5.3 By boat
• 6.2 Accessibility
• 6.3 By plane
• 6.6 By thumb
• 6.7 By overland truck
• 6.8 By train
• 6.9 By boat
• 8.1 Flora and fauna
• 8.2 Natural wonders
• 8.3 Landscapes
• 8.4 Historical civilisations
• 9.1 Safaris
• 9.2 Climbing
• 9.3 Trekking and hiking
• 9.4 Sport fishing
• 9.6 Relax on a beach
• 10.1.1 US dollar
• 10.1.2 Euro
• 10.1.3 South African rand
• 10.2.1 Cashless forms of payment
• 10.3 Markets
• 10.4 Prohibited items
• 14.2 Wildlife
• 15 Stay healthy
• 17.1 Telephone
• 17.2 Internet access

Africa is the wellspring of the human race. The second largest continent in the world in both area and population, it offers the visitor a unique blend of natural wonders, renowned prehistoric sites, numerous and often sprawling remains of several of the world's greatest ancient civilisations, vibrant cultures, remote villages and modern cities. Africa has shorelines on the Indian Ocean to the southeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Red Sea to the northeast, the Gulf of Aden slightly further south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. This huge continent is more than 8,000 km (5,000 mi) across north-south and 7,500 km (4,800 mi) east-west with some islands even further out and contains many vastly different peoples, religions, and cultures. Africa has more than 50 sovereign countries—the most of any continent.

Africa's Nile River is claimed by some to be the longest river in the world (other geographers argue that the Amazon is longer); the Nile runs 6,650 km (over 4,100 mi) from Burundi to Egypt . The Congo River in the DR Congo is the second largest in terms of discharge, and the deepest with a depth of over 230 m (750 ft) in some spots. Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the world's tallest free-standing mountain at 5,890 m (19,340 ft). Lake Assal in Djibouti is the second-lowest point on Earth, the saltiest lake outside Antarctica , and one of the hottest places on Earth. While the first activity most people associate with Africa is safaris , there are endless possibilities for adventure. For example, you can purchase crafts in markets, venture into the Sahara with a Tuareg caravan, visit traditional villages, hike through the jungle to watch gorillas, climb mountains with rugged landscapes and icy peaks, snorkel in the numerous marine parks while feeding fish, relax on tropical islands in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, snack on exotic treats, paddle down a river in a dugout pirogue or travel across savanna on a colonial-era railway.

Africa's cultural diversity cannot be overstated — most countries are internally diverse and there are huge differences between the Muslim countries in the north with their Arab- and Berber-influenced cultures and the sub-Saharan nations, including the rainbow nation of South Africa that has strong European influences in addition to Bantu and other African traditions. It is also the continent with the largest genetic diversity among the population by far: There is far more genetic diversity among Africans than there is between Africans and inhabitants of any other continent. Despite what lacking media coverage might have led you to believe, Africa is not one country but over 50 countries, making it impossible to make generalisations about "all of Africa". Also, partly due to the nature of colonial borders, most African countries are anything but homogeneous (for example, South Africa has 11 official languages), and culture, cuisine, language or even the dominant religion may change dramatically within a few hundred kilometres without ever crossing a border.

Despite rapidly growing economies in many places, there are still many pockets of poverty in both the Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa. While poverty, corruption, and ethnic and religious violence exist in some parts of the continent, large parts of Africa have made impressive progress, with many cities that have growing middle classes and deal with problems such as traffic jams and crowded public transport, rather than the war or famine you might have heard about in some 1980s documentary or development aid commercial.

Most people outside the continent divide Africa into two regions: the Arabic-speaking North Africa, and everywhere else as Sub-Saharan Africa. However, Africa is a very diverse continent, and this division represents a somewhat shallow understanding.

• 5.533333 -0.216667 1 Accra — Ghana's capital
• 9.027222 38.736944 2 Addis Ababa — Ethiopia's capital is one of Africa's "global cities" as a seat of the African Union and of many non-government organisations.
• 30.044444 31.235833 3 Cairo — Egypt's bustling capital is the most populous city in North Africa and a gateway to the heritage of Ancient Egypt.
• -33.925278 18.423889 4 Cape Town — the Mother City of South Africa with Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, and numerous other attractions.
• 14.731944 -17.457222 5 Dakar — the capital of Senegal and the westernmost city in Africa.
• -26.204361 28.041639 6 Johannesburg — South Africa's largest city and perhaps the continent's key financial and economic centre.
• -8.838333 13.234444 7 Luanda — Angola's capital and largest city, which has been through a huge renaissance in the past decade.
• 31.62947 -7.98108 8 Marrakech — a blend of the ancient and modern in Morocco.
• -1.286389 36.817222 9 Nairobi — the capital of Kenya, the largest city in East and Central Africa, and home to the only UN agency headquarters outside of Europe and the U.S.

Other destinations

• 14.1218 38.7315 1 Axum (Aksum) — the ancient capital of Ethiopia, famous for the ruins of various palaces and its stelae
• -24.011389 31.485278 3 Kruger National Park — surely among the best-known national parks in Africa
• 32.638332 14.290496 4 Leptis Magna — intended by the Roman Empire as a model city, its ruins are still impressive
• -3.066667 37.359167 5 Mount Kilimanjaro — the highest mountain on the continent and one of the most striking sights of Tanzania
• -2.332778 34.566667 6 Serengeti National Park — together with Maasai Mara National Reserve across the border in Kenya, this is Tanzania's best known national park and one of the most famous on the continent
• 25.74025 32.602358 7 Valley of the Kings — burial place of several dozen Ancient Egyptian pharaohs and the site of King Tut's tomb
• -17.924778 25.858056 8 Victoria Falls — among the most impressive waterfalls in the world
• -1.4675 29.4925 9 Volcanoes National Park — full of impressive tropical rain forest and volcanic scenery, trekking, and is perhaps the best place in the world to see the rare mountain gorillas.

Non-Africans often think of Sub-Saharan Africa as being comprised only of hunter-gatherer societies prior to European colonialism. However, these views often have their roots in racist pseudoscientific theories used by Europeans to justify slavery and later, colonialism from the 16th to early 20th centuries. While hunter-gatherer societies were indeed widespread in much of the continent, many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa were in fact home to great cities and civilisations dating back to the medieval era.

From the dawn of humanity to the first empires

Early precursors to human beings, most notably Australopithecus afarensis (named for the Afar region in Ethiopia ), the species "Lucy" belonged to, lived and walked on two feet as early as 3 million years ago. Remains of later species such as Homo habilis and Homo erectus (the first hominid to leave Africa, as far as we know) were found in other parts of East Africa such as Kenya, Tanzania and around the Great Lakes. Homo sapiens (modern humans), most likely originated either in Southern Africa or in East Africa somewhere in what is now Ethiopia or Kenya. The oldest homo sapiens remains to date are about 195,000 years old and were found in Ethiopia but there are also hints that Homo sapiens may have been present earlier in Southern Africa. Some of the remains of early hominids as well as their tools are on display in various museums in Ethiopia, Namibia and other countries. The Cradle of Humankind is a site in South Africa with plenty of early human fossils.

See In the footsteps of explorers#Out of Africa for some of the history.

North Africa has a recorded history dating back to about 3300 BCE with numerous buildings, ruins, writings, arts, and crafts which have left traces for us to marvel at. The ancient Pharaonic civilisation based in Egypt was the most enduring and among the most impressive ancient civilisations. Egypt was one of the earliest cultures to build monumental buildings, form a hierarchical state and wage large-scale warfare with standing armies, and was one of the stablest empires in recorded history, frequently surviving and absorbing foreign invaders, immigrants and usurpers and turning them (culturally) Egyptian.

South of the Pharaonic civilisation and sometimes in their sphere of influence was the Nubian culture, which had a long history of mutual influence with its northern neighbours and even came to rule over Egypt for a short time. Their most famous remnants are the pyramids of Meroe , Sudan. Another early centre of settled civilisation and later an early centre of Christianity outside the Roman Empire was Ethiopia, where the Aksumite Empire reigned between the fourth century BCE and the 7th century CE and served as an important trading partner of both Indian and Mediterranean powers.

Today, the legacy of ancient African civilisations lives on; many of their monuments, temples and cities are well-preserved and have become popular tourist attractions, and museums host their artefacts. Modern Jews believe themselves to be descendants of slaves from ancient Egypt and Ethiopians of all religions believe they are the descendants of the union of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon (Sheba is thought by most historians to refer to what is now the nation of Yemen , but the queen is said to have also ruled Ethiopia). Yet outside of North Africa, Sudan and Ethiopia, very little is known about African history prior to 1000 CE, as most people were hunter-gatherers (similar to some cultures still found today on the continent), with no writing systems nor lasting structures, arts or crafts, aside from some cave paintings.

Classical antiquity

The Phoenicians , based in what's now Lebanon and part of the coasts of Syria and Israel , colonised North Africa, and established the city of Carthage (now a suburb of Tunis ). Eventually, the Carthaginian Republic became a separate one, and a rival of the Romans as the dominant power in the Mediterranean. The Romans destroyed Carthage in the Third Punic War in 146 BCE, burning it to the ground.

In the period after 360 BCE, Europeans invaded the continent. Alexander the Great conquered what were then the Egyptian parts of the Persian Empire in 326 BCE, founded a city named after him and had himself declared pharaoh. Egypt would come under the rule of one of his generals after Alexander's death and under the Ptolemaic dynasty, Alexandria became one of the leading centres of Jewish, Greek and Egyptian philosophy and culture. It was here that a library holding "the wisdom of the ancient world" stood and it was here that the Jewish holy books were translated into Koine Greek. Starting with the Punic wars, the Roman Empire entered the African picture as a major player, and they founded cities such as Leptis Magna , before the partially Hellenised Egypt also became Roman in 31 BCE.

Northern Africa and later Nubia and Ethiopia were also among the earliest centres of Christianity with the first Christians in the area already by the first century CE, even before Christianity spread to other parts of the Roman Empire. A famous letter exchange of Plinius the Younger (then governor in Carthage) and Emperor Trajan is among the best known sources of documentation on the treatment of Christians in the 2nd century CE. Few documents from this time remain, but evidence suggests that heterodox forms of Christianity such as Gnosticism, which were not in line with the officially sanctioned version practised in Constantinople, were popular in Northern Africa, and Egypt seems to have been a centre of precursors of Christian monasteries and of apocryphal gospels (i.e. religious texts not included in the "official" Bible). Gnostic Christianity, which was very prevalent in Egypt starting in the 2nd century CE, was largely crushed there by the 5th century, but left behind important papyri such as the Gnostic Gospels, which were discovered in 1945 in Nag Hammadi, near Luxor in Upper Egypt , and have been translated into many languages. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church also recognises several gospels which are regarded as apocryphal by other churches.

Muslim conquest

The Muslim invasion and the beginning of the Arab Slave Trade in the 7th century CE changed the cultural landscape of Northern and much of Eastern and Western Africa. The newly formed Arab caliphate conquered North Africa and the Horn of Africa within a few decades. Due to the shrewd policy of nominal toleration combined with taxation for Christians and Jews, the Muslim conquerors were able to pacify and religiously assimilate the conquered areas remarkably fast. Some scholars have suggested that the aforementioned heterodoxy in much of the African provinces of the Roman Empire helped in the easy conquest by the Islamic conquerors who were more tolerant (or at least indifferent) towards forms of Christianity not in line with Constantinople. In the west, Berbers intermarried with the Arab invaders to become the Moorish population that later invaded the Iberian Peninsula. When Damascus was invaded in the early eighth century, the Islamic religious and political centre of the Mediterranean shifted to Kairouan in Tunisia. Their progress was limited only by the dense forests of West and Central Africa and to coastal areas in the East. The last region to come under Muslim influence was that of Nubia (modern-day northern Sudan) in the 14th century. While some of the Christian and Jewish heritage is still visible in Northern Africa, actual followers of those religions have become few and far between and Islam is culturally very dominant from Egypt to Morocco and south to Sudan and the northern parts of Nigeria. While Christianity is shrinking due to conversion and emigration from its erstwhile centres in Egypt and elsewhere, Judaism virtually disappeared in the decades following the establishment of Israel when most Jews left or were forced out. That being said, Jewish communities continue to survive in Tunisia and Morocco, albeit with much smaller populations than before the establishment of Israel.

The 7th to 9th centuries were a period of significant change to the history of sub-Saharan Africa. In the west, there was a rise of large and powerful inland kingdoms, such as the Ghana (in Mali & Mauritania, no relation to modern Ghana, capital in Koumbi Saleh ), Dahomey (which lasted until French capture in 1894, now Benin, capital in Abomey ), Za/Gao (in Mali and Niger), Kanem (in Chad), and Bornu (in Nigeria). As many of these kingdoms converted to Islam (usually the conversion of a king included the conversion of his subordinates, at least nominally), trans-Saharan trade grew as salt and gold were transported to Libya and Egypt in large caravans – a trade made possible by the introduction of camels from Arabia in the 10th century that would support much of the area from northern Nigeria west to Mali and Mauritania until the 19th century. The introduction of Islam also brought writing to many African civilisations for the first time, with some of their cities eventually growing into major centres of Islamic scholarship. During the 13th-16th centuries, many of these early kingdoms were replaced with new empires, chief among them the Mali (in Mali, Guinea, and Senegal), Kongo (in Angola, Gabon, Republic of the Congo and Democratic Republic of the Congo, capital in M'banza-Kongo ), and later Songhay (in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, capital Gao ), Ashanti (in Ghana, capital in Kumasi ) and a plethora of small, single-ethnicity kingdoms and city-states sprouted. Many of Mali's popular tourist destinations, including Timbuktu , Djenne , and Gao , rose to prominence during this period as they became hubs of trade and Islamic scholarship. Mansa Musa, one of the kings of Mali, is often said to have been the richest person in history. The Hausa people in northern Nigeria began organising in walled city states, of which remnants remain in Kano , and would eventually consolidate into the Sokoto Caliphate (1804-1903), with its capital in modern-day Sokoto . Coastal, forested West Africa remained largely unorganised, with the exceptions of a few Yoruba city-states of Benin , Ife and Oyo , along with small Dahomey and Igbo empires all in modern-day Benin and Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Islamic influence and prosperity from Indian Ocean trade rose in East Africa as ships from Arabia, Persia, India, and as far as Southeast Asia dropped anchor in major ports from Somalia down to Mozambique, bringing spices in return for slaves and ivory. This area, known as the Swahili Coast , would become home to many city-states such as Kilwa Kisiwani , Mombasa and Zanzibar . Between the 7th and 19th centuries, over 18 million people were taken from the region as part of the Arab slave trade – roughly twice as many as the Atlantic slave trade would take to the Americas. Today, that influence remains in the culture and gastronomy of many places, most notably on the Indian Ocean islands such as Zanzibar, Comoros, the Seychelles, and Mauritius, and descendants of these slaves would go on to form the Siddi community in India , who continue to preserve many African traditions despite now speaking Indian rather than African languages.

Southern Africa remained largely undeveloped, with primarily nomadic hunter-gatherers such as the San people, but it did contain some small kingdoms. The Kingdom of Zimbabwe (namesake of today's state) was one of the most notable, constructing the greatest stone structures in pre-colonial sub-Saharan Africa at their capital Great Zimbabwe . The Kingdom of Mapungubwe in modern eastern South Africa also left smaller stone ruins. Both profited from the trade in gold and ivory with Arab and Asian merchants.

Despite the spread of Islam, Ethiopia would continue to hold fast as a bastion of Christianity. Among the most impressive examples of Christian architecture dating to this period are the 13th-century rock-cut churches of Lalibela .

European exploration and early colonialism

Perhaps the most pernicious prejudice about Africa is that it is "poor". But just a bit of logical thinking shows just how mistaken this assumption is. Why would countless Europeans, Arabs and others have come here, braved tropical disease and hostile locals (who very much did not want to part with their possessions or be ruled by some pith-helmeted buffoon, thank you very much) if Africa had been poor ? No, it was and is precisely Africa's wealth – in gold, in spices, in mineral resources, in oil and also the labor of its people – that made and makes it attractive for would-be colonisers. That said wealth has subsequently been siphoned off to the pockets of small elites and colonisers may cause many Africans to be poor, but it does not make Africa poor per se.

While a few Genoese, Castilian, and French explorers managed to reach parts of West Africa in the Middle Ages, European exploration of the continent began in earnest when Prince Henry "the Navigator" set out to acquire African territory for Portugal in the mid-15th century. The Portuguese reached Cape Verde in 1445, and by 1480, had charted the course to and began trade with the entire Guinea coast (modern Guinea-Bissau to Nigeria). In 1482, Diogo Cão reached the mouth of the Congo River, in 1488 Bartolomeu Dias reached the Cape of Good Hope, and in 1498 Vasco da Gama sailed up the eastern coast, where in Kenya his expedition set up a trading post at Malindi before finding a guide to take them to India.

This voyage established the Cape Route around Africa. The Portuguese set up numerous forts along the African coast and established a highly profitable trade. They initially held good relations with locals, and remained the dominant European power around coastal Africa until the 17th century while Spain, France, and Britain began exploring the Americas.

The lucrative trade and large amounts of gold obtained by the Portuguese lured other nations to the continent. As the demands for labor in the Americas grew, Portuguese sailors began taking shiploads of slaves to the Americas, beginning the Atlantic slave trade . In the early 17th century, the Dutch fought the Portuguese to win control of most of their West and Central African ports, some of which (for example, Luanda ) would be retaken later, and established a couple dozen forts of their own, notably at Goree Island in Dakar and at the Cape of Good Hope – a port they hoped to use for trade routes to East Asia and which has become modern-day Cape Town . In 1642, the French built their first fort on Madagascar (which they claimed in 1667) and in 1663, the British built their first fort on the continent in the Gambia . Swedish merchants established a fort on Cape Coast , which was later overpowered by the Danish nearby at modern Accra.

19th-century imperialism

In the 19th century, European attention shifted from establishing coastal ports for trade to fighting one another to colonise the continent and explore its uncharted interior. With slavery abolished by Britain and their strong efforts to thwart slavery around the world, Europe began to look for other sources of wealth on the continent. The most successful European colony, the Dutch Cape Colony , was seized by the British in 1795. Napoleonic France conquered Egypt in 1798, notably discovering the Rosetta Stone, only to be forced out by the British and then the Ottoman Turks. France invaded a significant amount of coastal West Africa and the Barbary states in Algeria, cutting rampant piracy in the region. Accounts of brave adventurers travelling inland to find places such as Mount Kilimanjaro and rumoured "inland sea" (the Great Lakes) and city of gold on the Nile sparked a wave of exploration in the mid-century primarily by Jesuit and other Catholic missionaries in the Southern, Eastern and Great Lakes regions of Africa. Chief among explorers was the British national hero David Livingstone , who as a poor missionary with few porters explored much of Southern and Eastern Africa, flowed down the Congo River from its sources, and sought the source of the Nile. In West and Central Africa, French, Belgian and Spanish explorers ventured into the Sahara to find the legendary Timbuktu and Malian gold mines and the Congo in search of the Pygmies and hairy, large peoples (gorillas) of Greek legend.

As accounts of Africa's interior reached Europe, nations and merchants began to view the continent as a major source of commerce and wealth, similar to their Asian exploits, while the philanthropic and missionary class saw a great opportunity to "Christianise" and "civilise" the "savage" people of Africa. With social Darwinism introduced, many countries saw Africa as a great opportunity to establish colonial empires and establish their pre-eminence among other European nations — chiefly Germany, to catch up with other European nations, and France, to regain glories lost in North America and under Napoleon. Britain and Portugal joined this Scramble for Africa when they saw their interests threatened. In 1885, the Berlin Conference brought together European colonial powers to carve up the continent into defined colonial territories with many straight lines and no input from any African kingdom or community. Following the Berlin meeting, Italy was designated as a 'protector' over Ethiopia. In 1898, Italy waged an all-out war to colonise Ethiopia and they were defeated at the battle of Adwa . This was possible because all Ethiopians came together under emperor Menelik II to stand together, more important however was that Ethiopia was armed with European weapons and thus the disparity of arms was not as decisively in the European favour as elsewhere. This marks the first time Africans defeated European invaders, and made Ethiopia the only African country that was never colonised by a foreign power (Liberia, the other country that survived the Scramble for Africa, was a U.S. territory).

At the same time, disaster was befalling the people of the Congo, a land awarded at the Berlin Conference as the private property of King Leopold II of Belgium , who proceeded to enslave the people and subject them to mass killings and mutilations when unmeetable production targets for rubber were not achieved. Millions of people were killed in a genocide which extended into the 20th century, ending only in 1908 when worldwide criticism forced the king to relinquish his private ownership over the land and it was turned into a Belgian colony under the control of their parliament. Joseph Conrad wrote the novel Heart of Darkness from his experience as a witness to some of these crimes, which were also condemned in the satirical pamphlet King Leopold's Soliloquy by Mark Twain and another pamphlet, The Crime of the Congo , by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Colonialism would be devastating to many of Africa's civilisations, with the most notable casualties arguably being Benin City and Kumasi , both of which were great pre-colonial cities that were razed to the ground by the invading British in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many cultural artefacts from both cities, as well as other civilisations, were looted in the ensuing wars, and these are now mostly on display in various museums in the Western world, such as the British Museum in London , the Louvre in Paris , the Ethnological Museum in Berlin and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City . Debates as to the return of at least parts of the plundered cultural heritage began in the 1970s before fizzling out without concrete results and have started up again in the 2010s and 2020s.

At the turn of the 20th century, Britain began a series of deadly South African Wars from their Cape Colony into surrounding African and Boer (white descendants of the Dutch) lands in modern South Africa, which brought Cecil Rhodes to fame for his vision to unite Africa under British rule from Cairo to Cape Town. There was one World War I battle in German East Africa (Tanzania) which the British lost, although post-war, German possessions were divided among France, Belgium, Portugal and the UK with South Africa de facto taking over what is now Namibia until 1990. The Union of South Africa was granted independence from the UK in 1930 and the Afrikaner minority voted to become a Republic in 1960 (see 20th century South Africa ).

In the prelude to World War II in Africa fascist Italy invaded Ethiopia but was driven out in 1941. The Axis also tried to capture North Africa, but were evicted by the Allies. It was the social changes stemming from the war, in which tens of thousands of Africans fought for their colonial power, and the Atlantic Charter which led to the spread of nationalistic movements after the war.

Decolonisation and the legacy of the colonisers

The decolonisation of Africa began with Libyan independence from Italy in 1951. Colonial powers employed varying means of control over their colonies, some granting natives representation in the government and cultivating a select few civil servants while others maintained a firm grip with an all-European government. In some countries, nationalist movements were quashed and their leaders killed or jailed, while others were able to peacefully achieve independence. In the 1950s, Guinea, Ghana and North African nations gained independence non-violently. In Algeria, France violently fought independence movements until 1963. With the establishment and new constitution of France's Fifth Republic in 1958, French West Africa and French Equatorial Africa ceased to exist, and after a brief "community" with France, the countries of these regions gained independence in 1960. By 1970, all but a handful of African nations were at least nominally independent. However, France made its former colonies and in West and Central Africa sign treaties that gave France control over their natural resources monetary policy. The Portuguese bitterly fought to maintain their African possessions until 1975; all but one gained independence through war. Zimbabwe was the last major colony to gain independence from a non-African colonial overlord, in 1980, following a 14-year period of rule by a white minority government not recognised by Britain, the former colonial power. In 1990, semi-autonomous Namibia gained independence from South Africa and in 1993, Eritrea separated from Ethiopia following a protracted war – a peace deal was only achieved in 2018. South Africa remained under firm control by its white minority, oppressing its black, Asian and mixed-raced populations under a system called apartheid until 1994. Morocco maintains control over Western Sahara despite an established independence movement, and this remains a point of contention between Morocco and Algeria. The conflict flared up again in 2020. Following years of civil war, South Sudan became independent from Sudan after a referendum was held in 2011.

Europeans divided Africa with complete disregard for the cultures and ethnic groups in Africa, often dividing a people between two or more countries and forcing peoples with a history of fighting or differing religions into one country. Additionally, a lack of training in civil service before and even after independence left most countries with dysfunctional governments. Leaders tended to reward their own ethnic groups with jobs and money, and in many cases oppressed other ethnic groups. This has been a cause of much strife post-independence across much of sub-Saharan Africa and has led to dozens of prolonged civil wars (notably in Sudan, Angola, Ethiopia/Eritrea, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo), genocides (notably the Rwandan Genocide), countless coups, and countless inept, corrupt leaders. During the cold war some leaders played the big power blocs against each other while others stayed in power mostly because they were backed by either side. Especially after the cold war ended, some countries such as Somalia descended into protracted internal fighting and are considered failed states as nobody really has any power over the state as a whole and local rackets and militias are unable to provide more than the most basic government functions (with the exception, in that case, of the former British colony of Somaliland ). The discovery of valuable natural resources such as oil, uranium, diamonds, and coltan (columbite–tantalite, an ore from which the rare earth metals niobium and tantalum, in very high demand for technological products such as cell phones, are extracted) is one of the reasons separatist movements have sprung up, motivated in part by the greed of warlords and in part by the neglect of resource-rich areas that want a share in the profits, like the oil-rich exclave of Cabinda , Angola and the Niger Delta in Nigeria.

Fortunately, there are numerous examples in Africa where past conflict has made way for functional and stable governments, offering some hope for the future of Africa. The bleak picture often painted of Africa as a whole could not be further from the truth in many places and thanks to tourism, more stable and accountable governance and rapidly growing economies, some African countries are now looking towards a bright future of which the first signs are already visible.

As the second largest continent, there is a wide range of climates to be found. However, since the continent is nearly centred on the equator, much of the continent is quite warm/temperate with very few, small areas on the continent experiencing any temperatures that can be considered "cold". In the temperate regions (parts of northern Morocco and the Mediterranean coast as well as South Africa), temperatures generally range from the 10s°C to the mid-30s°C (40s–90s°F) year round. Closer to the equator and on islands like Cape Verde or Mauritius, temperatures may only vary less than 20 degrees Celsius (15–35°C/60–95°F) throughout the year. In the deserts and arid regions like the Sahel and Horn of Africa, temperatures routinely hit 40°C or higher (and even 50°C or higher in the heart of the Sahara) but because sand does not retain heat like moist soil does, those same places can easily fall down to 15°C at night. There are a few bastions of cooler weather, however. Higher elevations, such as the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria or the mountains in Lesotho, are quite cold and snowy during winter and Mount Kilimanjaro, almost on the equator, is cold enough year-round to support glaciers! Peaks on islands such as Reunion , the Canary Islands , Cameroon and other countries are cool enough to necessitate a jacket much of the year.

A far more important factor to consider when travelling to Africa is when the rainy season occurs, depending on the monsoon. While rain may not be a huge factor when travelling to southern or East Africa, it is very problematic in West Africa and on islands in the Indian Ocean. In West Africa, rains will often flood and make many roads and railways impassable and, due to poor drainage, can literally result in rivers of water flowing down streets and sewage lines overflowing. In the Sahel, it can result in flash floods in low-lying areas. Actually, drowning may be the most common cause of death in the desert, as flash floods can surprise people walking in wadis (dry riverbeds). Timing of the rainy season varies a bit even in neighbouring countries, so check the country pages. In West Africa the season starts in March around Cameroon, but not until June in Senegal or the Sahel, and ends around September.

The largest weather-related dangers for travellers to Africa other than flooding are lightning and tropical cyclones . The Democratic Republic of the Congo has more lightning strikes each year than any other country on earth, especially in the eastern part of the country near Goma . Lightning risk is highest from western Kenya/Tanzania and Ethiopia west to Senegal and south to Angola, Zambia and the Northern parts of South Africa. Tropical cyclones affect the islands of the Indian Ocean, with the season running from mid-November to end of April (mid-May in the Seychelles and Mauritius). Tropical cyclones also infrequently affect the horn of Africa near Djibouti and Somalia, but when they do, the arid land results in major flooding. Tropical cyclones often form off the coast of western West Africa (Guinea/Senegal) during the early part of the Atlantic Hurricane Season (June–August) and will rarely impact Cape Verde , for which these particular storms are called "Cape Verde-type hurricanes".

After Africa's messy divorce from its European colonial powers, many African countries became mired in political power struggles and civil war. Since the 1980s, however, the nations of this continent have drawn closer and many conflicts on the continent have seen neighbouring countries intervene positively rather than intervention/invasion by European and Western powers. Most African countries are developing democracies—struggling with corruption, but moving towards democratic values, like free and fair elections, freedom of speech, and involvement in government by several strata of society.

Nevertheless, there are a few countries which still retain authoritarian governments, dictatorships, and kleptocracies. Prior to peace agreements ending civil war in each, Angola and Mozambique were Communist one-party states and remain under the control of these parties, which have shifted from Marxist-Leninist to far-left/socialist ideology and retain Communist symbols in their flags, coats of arms, national anthems, and other national symbols. Equatorial Guinea and Eritrea remain among the most authoritarian countries on Earth, with severe repression of opposition.

Several national governments have a weak hold of their territory, such as Somalia, both Congos, the Central African Republic, Chad, Libya and Mali. In addition to national governments, some "tribes" continue to retain kings/chiefs recognised by the national government as well as local people and are sometimes even given limited autonomy/authority over "tribal" lands. The problem of "tribalism" that plagues many African countries is somewhat of a misnomer, as many of these "tribes" are ethnically and linguistically more diverse and different from each other than most European ethnicities, and often they were forced to live in one state due to the arbitrary nature of colonial borders. Still in some African countries ethnic and personal loyalties were more important than party ties or ideologies and the marginalised ethnicities often strived to overturn these regimes, only to replace them with one dominated by their ethnicity.

Today, more than at any time in the continent's history, the nations of the continent are cooperating on important issues and increasingly relying on themselves to stop conflict and broker peace, rather than allowing the UN and Western powers to do so. The African Union ( AU ) is the continent's answer to the United Nations and promotes unity and the resolution of conflicts. It was established in 2002, with its administrative seat in Addis Ababa , Ethiopia , and represents all African nations and territory, and various European possessions in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. The AU has been able to achieve some accomplishments in promoting human rights, development, economic integration, harmonising business/customs/immigration rules, and intervening to stop conflicts (notably in Somalia ) and unconstitutional power plays in member states. However, much work remains to be done and corruption remains rampant, numerous countries suffer from political/ethnic strife, and quality measures in development, education, health, and human rights remain low.

European influence and development aid

European colonial powers remained active in many nations post-independence; France retains close diplomatic, military and economic ties with many of its former colonies, and many of the others, such as the United Kingdom, Portugal and Belgium, have large African immigrant communities originating from their respective former colonies. The U.S., largely unburdened by the "former colonial power" stigma, has long been active in promoting conflict resolution, human rights, and providing development aid and emergency assistance. While development aid rarely exceeds 1% of the donor countries' budgets, some African countries are or have in the past been dependent on aid money and credits from countries and international institutions such as the World Bank. While there has been a change in focus from large-scale projects such as dams and highways to more local initiatives such as rural electrification or public transport for individual cities, the topic remains controversial and some African voices have even called for an end to development aid altogether. Another problem with the World Bank credits is that new (democratic) governments often have to pay back old credits that their (authoritarian, kleptocratic) predecessor have taken out and wasted or outright embezzled, thus forcing their political agenda to conform to the wishes of the World Bank in large part instead of their own people. The question whether some or all of those "onerous loans" should or could be forgiven is another contentious issue between the (mostly European and North American) creditor nations and the African debtors. Another source of money for many people as well as countries is so-called "remittances" – that is, money that emigrants from African countries send back to their friends and relatives in their former home countries. While this has sometimes helped grow local economies and bring direly needed investment, the extreme dependence of some areas on this source of revenue has created a great deal of economic problems. As a traveller you will probably notice that Western Union and similar services are available almost ubiquitously, as they are frequently used for the purpose of receiving remittances.

Chinese influence

China has notably been a major player on the continent since 2000 and Western diplomats are now trying to play catch-up and fight for influence with China. The Chinese demand for natural resources is great and the Chinese have accosted many African governments without the stigma of being a rich, Western nation or caring much about the values (human rights, political freedom, etc.) of the governments they deal with. Another selling point for them is the large number of state-run companies they have and the integration between the Chinese government and the state-owned companies they use to mine and build roads and infrastructure compared to the relationship between Western governments and private businesses. China has largely sought mineral rights by building infrastructure and seeking lucrative concessions for their state-owned companies as up-front "payment" for resources to be later extracted. The largest gift from the Chinese is likely the US$200 million headquarters complex for the African Union, built and financed by China and opened in 2012. There is also an increasing number of African students choosing to study at Chinese universities, and several scholarships offered by the Chinese government for that purpose. Whether the Chinese involvement proves beneficial or is just another form of neocolonialism remains to be seen, and is a controversial topic both inside the countries China is involved in and outside of them.

Russian influence

Russian influence has also been growing in Africa since the 2020s, with the post-coup governments in Burkina Faso , Mali and Niger having expelled the French military and brought the Russian military in to replace them.

Religion and spirituality are important all across Africa. The most prolific religions are Christianity and Islam , with a sizeable number of irreligious/atheist Africans and adherents of traditional religions. The exact percentages of religious adherents vary widely across regions and among respected sources, with roughly 40–50% Muslim, 40–45% Christian, 10–15% indigenous beliefs and 5–10% irreligious.

Christianity is spread across a large region, encompassing nearly all of Southern, Central and Eastern Africa, and has a long history on the continent. Egypt is closely associated with early Christian Church history. Ethiopia was among the first nations to adopt Christianity as their official religion (in 330 C.E.) Most Christians are Protestant or Roman Catholic and mix it with indigenous beliefs, except for the Orthodox populations of Egypt, Ethiopia and Eritrea. Christian missionaries and the desire to "civilise" tribal Africans through conversion was a major drive of European colonisation.

Islam is the largest religion on the continent by number of adherents (according to most sources) but, bolstered by the large Muslim populations of Egypt and Nigeria, covers a smaller geographic footprint. All North African countries are overwhelmingly Muslim with only Egypt having a sizeable Christian minority, but irreligion is growing, especially among urban youth. Nearly all of West and Sahelian Africa is also majority Muslim, except for Cape Verde, Liberia, Ghana, Benin and Togo. Nigeria, Chad and Cote d'Ivoire are all about equally split between Muslim populations in the north and Christians in the south. Islam was first brought to the continent in the centuries after its birth, spreading across northern Africa and later being spread down the Indian Ocean coast by merchants and seafarers to the coasts of Kenya, Tanzania and the Comoros. The Swahili language is strongly influenced by Arabic. Most Muslims are Sunni, with a large population of moderate Sufis in West Africa and Sudan, who often blend Sunni Islam with traditional beliefs. An attempt has been made to promote more conservative forms of Islam since the 1990s, through Muslim NGOs and Saudi Arabian assistance, although this coincides with a fear of radicalisation and the emergence of al Qaeda and other Islamist groups in parts of North Africa and the Sahel (particularly Mali, Niger and Algeria). In certain Muslim regions, adherence to religious law is expected, such as no alcohol consumption (but khat is fine, where legal ) and the covering of women's limbs, and extreme offence is taken when these rules are broken or, worse, Islam or its prophets are insulted.

Traditional African religions are practised by many Africans either exclusively or as syncretic elements woven into their practice of Christianity or Islam. There is no single uniting aspect to these religions beyond the fact that they all rely on oral tradition and animism. In some cases, the belief isn't in particular deities, but rather "magic". Among common, but certainly not universal, elements of indigenous African religions are:

• Recognition of one god or dual gods and respect for natural elements as supernatural beings
• Respect of the cyclical nature of life (agriculture, rain/drought, wax/wane of the moon)—the "circle of life";
• Communication with ancestors is practised or integral to communication with god and other deities;
• Medicine men and traditional healers are consulted for a broad range of topics, such as physical, psychological, spiritual, moral, and legal matters. They may also facilitate communication with ancestral spirits or use magic and sorcery — hence the term "witch doctors".

Magic plays a role in many traditional African beliefs. Magic refers to the interaction between the natural & supernatural worlds, the seen & the unseen. Magicians, witches, shamans and sorcerers are believed to have special skills to manipulate communication and relations between the two worlds, either for better or for worse. Unfortunately, it is a somewhat common occurrence (especially in rural Central and West Africa) for people to claim that others are using magic for improper reasons and are witches. Accusations of being a witch or using magic often lead to ostracism of individuals — women are thrown out of homes, children are abandoned by parents, are subjected to violent and painful exorcisms, and are frequently murdered. In some places, witches are believed to be the source of terminal illnesses such as cancer and AIDS.

The Vodun religion practised in Togo and Benin (a precursor to Haitian Voudou and related religions among the African Diaspora in the Americas) believes that all creation is divine and thus carries the power of the divine. This explains how certain plants have the ability to heal and why mundane "fetishes", such as statues or dried plants and animals, hold healing and rejuvenating powers.

Hinduism is practised by the large ethnic Indian populations in former British colonies of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, the Seychelles and Mauritius, where many Indians were indentured servants under British masters. Mauritius is the only African country, and for that matter, the only country outside South Asia , where a majority of the population practices Hinduism (52%). Judaism has a long, if not well known, history on the continent. The largest Jewish community in Africa today is in South Africa , mostly comprised of Ashkenazi Jews of Lithuanian descent. The Beta Israel of Ethiopia are legally-recognised Jews and believed to be descendants of one of the Ten Lost Tribes (the Tribe of Dan). Many Jewish communities existed throughout North Africa, some from the early Diaspora while others fled persecution in Iberia in the 7th and 15th centuries. Those communities are now almost entirely gone, having emigrated to North America, Israel and France to escape persecution or being outright forced out after the founding of the state of Israel, though vestiges of these communities do still survive in Morocco and Tunisia .

• Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart . The classic work of modern African literature. Though set in pre-colonial Nigeria , Achebe's magnum opus is in some sense the story of European colonisation of Africa as a whole. It was groundbreaking when published for telling an African story from the perspective of Africans, rather than Europeans. At the time, it was standard to portray African cultures as primitive and simple; Achebe broke this assumption by depicting the richness and complexity of an African society.
• Battuta, Ibn. The Travels of Ibn Battuta. The travel diaries of the legendary explorer Ibn Battuta, considered one of the greatest travellers in history. In 1325, he set out on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca from his native Morocco, age 21, and over the next three decades passed through more than 40 modern countries travelling over three times the distance than near-contemporary Marco Polo. His 1325-1332 trip visited North Africa , Somalia , and the Swahili Coast ( Kenya , Zanzibar and Tanzania ). A journey between 1349-1354 visited Timbuktu , passing through modern Morocco , Mauritania , Mali , Niger and Algeria . A few modern translations exist, including the 1829 translation by Samuel Lee ( The Travels of Ibn Battuta. Cosimo Classics, 2009. ISBN 978-1605206219 ) and a 2003 one by Tim Mackintosh-Smith ( The Travels of Ibn Battuta. Macmillan UK, 2003. ISBN 978-0330418799 ), who also re-traced Battuta's footsteps in the early 21st century and published a few other books about his journeys. Battuta's pilgrimage to Mecca, travelling across medieval North Africa & the Middle East was the basis for the 2009 IMAX film ( Journey to Mecca: In the Footsteps of Ibn Battuta [dead link] , IMDb ). Berkeley University has a good online account of his travels.
• Dowden, Richard. Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles. PublicAffairs, 2010. ISBN 978-1586488161 This book attempts to examine the continent of Africa and explain why Africa is the way it is. This book has numerous case examples highlighting the issues/struggles faced by the continent & its people today. 592 pages.
• Kapuscinski, Ryszard. The Shadow of the Sun. Vintage, 2002. ISBN 978-0679779070 Memoirs of African journalist Ryszard Kapuscinski, who arrived in 1957 to see the first states gain independence and offers insight on the tumultuous years of the late 20th century on the continent.
• Meredith, Martin. The Fate of Africa: A History of Fifty Years of Independence. PublicAffairs, 2005. ISBN 978-1-58648-398-2 One of the best and most comprehensive books available to cover the tumultuous recent history of Africa, from the events leading to independence to the 21st century. 752 pages.
• Naipaul, V. S.. The Masque of Africa: Glimpses of African Belief. Picador, 2010. ISBN 978-0-330-47205-0 Examines the complex interactions of traditional religions, Western religions, and other beliefs in modern African society in Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Gabon, and South Africa.
• Reader, John. Africa: A Biography of the Continent. Vintage Books, 1997. ISBN 0-679-73869-X Covers the history of the continent from early man to the first decades of independence, including ancient societies and peoples, early exploration by Westerners, colonisation, and independence. 801 pages.

The continent has perhaps the least extensive air route network of all the world's inhabited continents. When flying to major destinations like Johannesburg , Nairobi , or Accra , there's a good amount of choice and airfare costs about average when compared to routes of similar length around the world. Airfares tend to be cheaper when booked from a European capital that has a strong colonial link to your destination, which typically means from London , Paris , Brussels and Lisbon . Egypt also has plentiful, cheap connections with the Middle East & Europe. However, less popular destinations like Brazzaville or Niamey may only be served by a few flights per week operated by major airlines and the cost of airfares can be expensive. Some African airlines (such as South African airlines) only service their neighbouring African countries.

Africa's major airlines—Royal Air Maroc, Kenya Airways, Egypt Air, & Ethiopian Airlines—all offer a decent level of service to the continent's capitals and other major cities and fly to many major cities around the world. Few other African airlines operate inter-continental flights and many have poor or questionable safety records and offer poor levels of service. Many flights to Africa are available from/through Europe and the Middle East. Keep in mind that many airlines are part of alliances and code share agreements and you will likely fly on more than one airline.

See your destination's article for more specific information on flights. Bear in mind that many African countries only offer a few international flights each day, or in some cases, each week. While it isn't hard to reach South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria or Egypt, getting to Malawi or Togo can be quite a challenge.

From Europe

There are more flights to Africa from Europe than from any other continent. Popular holiday destinations such as Egypt , Tunisia , Morocco , Cape Verde , Kenya & South Africa are well-served from Europe's major cities, even with discount and charter airlines. Royal Air Maroc, Tunisair, Egypt Air have a good selection of European destinations and Ethiopian, Kenya Airways, Rwanda Air, Air Senegal, TAAG Angola airlines serve one of more major cities (London, Paris, Lisbon etc.). Turkish Airlines flies to 44 destinations in 41 African countries as of 2023 and has some of the lowest fares. The cheapest flights to African cities are often through the African country's former colonial power. Cities with large immigrant populations such as London, Marseille, and Paris have a good number of flights to Africa.

From Asia and the Middle East

Nearly all North African countries along with Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti and Somalia have extensive connections with the Middle East. And similarly, countries with large Muslim populations are likely to have a connection to Jedda or Mecca either year-round or seasonal (e.g. during hajj). Middle Eastern airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways have greatly expanded their services to Africa, and offer connections to many major African cities at competitive rates than European airlines.

From the Americas

Multiple destinations are served non-stop or directly from the United States , including Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lagos, Addis Ababa, Accra and Dakar. Limited service is available from Brazil (to Angola and the Canary Islands), Canada (to Algeria), Cuba (to Angola), and Venezuela (to the Canary Islands). Kenya airways, Delta, United and Ethiopian Airlines are the main operators between the US and Africa. Delta's Johannesburg to Atlanta flight is the second-longest flight in the world by both distance (13,582 km) and scheduled time (16 hr 40 min).

From Australia

There are only a handful of direct flights connecting Johannesburg to Perth and Sydney . Additionally there is a connection between Mauritius and Perth.

By road or ferry

The only land connection to another continent is the 163 km-wide Isthmus of Suez, which is found in Egypt (although the Sinai peninsula is sometimes considered a part of Africa for geopolitical reasons). Thus the only way to drive into Africa is to drive through Egypt. Most people driving from the Middle East to Africa travel through Jordan and take a short car ferry to Egypt to avoid transiting Israel, since Egypt's two African neighbours (Sudan and Libya) deny entry for persons with Israeli stamps or Egyptian/Jordanian stamps indicating travel to Israel.

Despite there being just one, narrow land crossing into the continent, there are other ways to bring vehicles into Africa by short car ferries. The short crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco is crossed by several ferries daily and relatively inexpensive. Other car ferries include:

• Italy – Tunisia ferries are operated by a couple of different companies . However, you must pass through Algeria to Mauritania/Niger -or- Libya to Egypt, both very expensive and difficult to enter with a car.
• Spain or France to Algeria car ferries are run by Algerie Ferries. Their website is in French only .
• Yemen–Djibouti ferries may be running weekly or more frequently (information about this crossing is little and conflicting) to avoid Egypt (because of the extremely high import taxes) or Sudan (as the Ethiopian-Sudan border is prone to banditry). It is also possible to cross by dhow in motorcycles or small/light vehicles.
• Port Sudan , Sudan to Jeddah , Saudi Arabia car ferries are run daily and are a great way to avoid the very high tariffs to enter Egypt, although visas for SA are difficult to obtain.
• Ferries link Morocco with Spain and Gibraltar . In addition, there are also connections between mainland Spain and its African possessions Ceuta and Melilla , from which you can drive across the border to Morocco.

Several overland trucks make journeys which cross between Europe or the Middle East and Africa, these companies are listed below under " Get around/By overland truck ".

Many Mediterranean cruises stop in North African countries such as Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde. Some ocean liners will stop in the Canary or Cape Verde Islands on trans-Atlantic crossings or in South Africa, Madagascar, Mombasa, Zanzibar, the Seychelles, or Mauritius on round-the-world trips.

Elsewhere in Africa, cruises are limited to luxury or 'boutique' cruise lines often aboard small vessels and quite expensive or " freighter cruises " which do not offer much to "passengers" but may spend a few days in a handful of ports. Grimaldi Freighter Cruises has weekly departures to West Africa making the round-trip from Amsterdam in 38 days.

The Seychelles, Reunion and Mauritius are popular destinations for yachts and private vessels, but piracy around the Horn of Africa has kept a lot of the European vessels away.

The general rule that visas are more difficult to obtain for countries that have more authoritarian governments and are less "classical" tourist destinations is true for Africa as well, although there are exceptions. Also with few exceptions it is easier to get into most countries if you are from a "first world" country. Visa requirements and costs for African countries differ depending on your nationality/citizenship and by country. Many countries in southern and eastern Africa have visa-free or visas available at the airport or border crossing for EU, American, Canadian, and a few other nationalities with a minimal amount of paperwork and wait. On the other hand, some countries have burdensome requirements that often differ among their embassies and border crossings.

Most countries in West Africa require visas for travellers from outside the region. In some cases these visas can be arranged at airports or (less commonly) at borders, but this is often not an option. West African embassies are not widespread outside of the region (generally limited to former colonial metropoles), and visa services are sometimes not available in some neighbouring countries. Sometimes visas are issued rapidly, sometimes it's a lengthy and costly process. Check before starting a trip across the region, as regulations and practices often change.

More and more African countries now have E-visas.

There are four customs unions in effect in Africa:

• Southern Africa: South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini
• West Africa: Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Burkina Faso, Cote D'Ivoire, Togo, Benin, Niger, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone
• Central Africa: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of the Congo, Gabon
• East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi

Accessibility

There are a number of reliable airlines that ply the African Continent. Chief among them are:

• South African Airways (SAA) ( Johannesburg , South Africa ), [1] , has daily flights to most major Southern, Eastern, & Central African political and economic hubs. The flight from Washington, D.C. does stop in Senegal , but if you get off there, SAA has no connections to anywhere else.
• Kenya Airways (Nairobi, Kenya), [2] , connects more African cities than any other airline on the continent. It is partly owned by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, offers good service and frequent flights to all countries within the East African region and many other major African and international destinations.
• Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia), [3] carries more passengers than any other African airline. It offers a direct service from many European cities & Washington to its hub Addis Ababa . From there it has a very good coverage to many cities in Africa. The flight from/to Washington refuels in Rome.

There are also many airlines which are noteworthy in particular regions, such as TAAG Angola Airlines (South/Central Africa), Royal Air Maroc (West/Central/North Africa, but its hub is in Morocco), Air Côte d'Ivoire (West Africa), Air Burkina (West Africa), Air Senegal (West Africa), Air Austral (Indian Ocean), Air Mauritius (Indian Ocean), Tunis Air (North Africa), and Rwanda Air (East Africa). Many other African carriers offer flights to more remote locations.

If you want to drive your own car around Africa see also Carnet de Passage

For sightseeing trips, it may be less expensive to hire a taxi than to rent a car, but be sure to negotiate taxi fares beforehand. Travel on rural roads can be slow and difficult in the dry season and disrupted by floods in the rainy season. If you plan on travelling in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, avoid the rainy months of May through October above the equator and the rainy months of November through April below the equator. Some roads may be flooded or washed out during these months.

Travel by car outside large towns can be dangerous. Major roads are generally well maintained but there are few divided highways in Africa. In addition, rural auto accidents are fairly common because of high speed limits and the presence of wildlife in these areas. Night driving, especially in rural areas, is not recommended, and visitors are encouraged to hire reputable tour operators for safaris or other game viewing expeditions.

Bus service is extensive in Africa and in almost all countries it is the main means of transportation for locals and tourists alike. Styles of busses and minibuses vary across the continent, refer to country pages for more info.

Locals hike rides in vehicles with strangers throughout Africa, often paying a fee to the driver in return for the favour or service. The distinction between a private vehicle and a taxi is blurred and in many countries, informal taxi business flourish, by picking people up from the side of the road who want a lift. In some areas, such as Johannesburg, specific hand signals are used by hitchhikers to indicate where they wish to go and it is common for vehicles to carry several people at the same time a particular area. Foreigners may expose themselves to considerable personal risk by travelling in this way, and it is important to understand the political and social climate of each region before doing so.

By overland truck

Some people with limited amounts of time or who would prefer not to make their own arrangements opt for the "overlander" experience. Many operators run tours in large trucks that are comfortable and equipped with facilities for around 8-30 persons. They're generally run on a pretty tight schedule and cover a lot of distance, such as "Nairobi to Johannesburg in six weeks". These tours are run throughout the whole continent but East and Southern Africa are by far the most popular destinations. Accommodation is mostly camping with tents provided. Most meals are arranged and many are prepared by those on the trip (cooking duties rotated throughout the trip), and free time (like everything else) is scheduled. However, there is plenty of time to participate in the adventure activities that certain areas of Africa are famous for such as Victoria Falls , Swakopmund , Zanzibar, and Serengeti National Park . Some people really enjoy these tours, especially when they do not have enough time to organise all travel arrangements themselves. Others loathe the very thought of travelling in a group and think that they keep you way out of touch with the "real" Africa. Whatever the case, they're a very different way to travel through Africa. The people that go on these tours tend to be young at heart and slightly adventurous; these tours are not luxury trips.

Most railway lines in Africa were built by the colonial powers, often with great human cost, with the main purpose of extracting wealth from the interior to coastal cities for export. After the fall of colonialism, many lines haven't been extended or maintained. passenger railways in Africa are therefore sparse with the majority being short, slow and within one country. However, during the 2010s, Chinese and European investment have rehabilitated several lines and also built new standard gauge railway lines in several countries.

The North African states of Algeria , Egypt , Morocco and Tunisia all have rail networks of adequate quality, some of them even comparing favourably to a few European or East Asian countries, with connections to most major cities. In 2018, Morocco opened Africa's first true high speed rail line between Tangier and Rabat . Due to political tensions (and in part the sparse population in border areas) there are however no international train services between these countries. For travellers to and from Egypt the old Wadi Halfa to Khartoum , in Sudan , train is useful as it connects with the ferry across Lake Nasser to the Egyptian rail terminus in Aswan . A unique experience, but not very useful as a means of transportation, is to ride the longest train in the world in Mauritania , either in the caboose or atop open iron ore carriages. Libya has no railways and plans to change that were derailed by the political troubles that have shaken this country since the 2010s.

South Africa has a long history with passenger rail, there are overnight trains from most major cities several times per week. Additionally Gauteng province is served by the fast Gautrain , connecting the major cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria with O.R. Tambo International Airport . There are no proper international trains to South Africa but several lines terminate at border cities, making it quite easy to travel from neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and Zimbabwe . Most other countries in Southern Africa have some form of passenger services, but quality and frequency vary greatly. Finally, for those with money to splurge, there are trains like the Blue Train and Rovos Rail , which offer luxurious old world charm.

East Africa has had declining services for a long time but due to recent investment several new lines have opened between major cities. Both Ethiopia and Kenya now boast brand new trains connecting major cities. The classic TAZARA line , connecting Dar es Salaam with Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia still holds up, passing through several national parks. Central African countries have fared worse with little to no investment, and railways to show for it. Angola has rehabilitated its railway lines but services remain spotty. Very limited and erratic services are available in other countries.

A few services remain in West Africa with Ouagadougou , Burkina Faso to Abidjan , Cote d'Ivoire being the most usable for tourists. Nigeria is however investing heavily in rail and several new intercity trains have sprung up. Senegal has also built a new commuter rail line, linking the capital Dakar with several nearby suburban towns.

Where there is water, there are usually boat services to some extent. In the DRC, boats are the primary means of transportation due to the extensive network of rivers and lack of good roads and railways. Some noteworthy river journeys in Africa are:

Along the Niger River small, wooden pirogues varying in design from a 2-person canoe to wide, ~10 person boats with a canopy and toilet. Travelling by pirogue is slow, but the Sahelian scenery and people you meet on the boat and during stops make this a memorable African experience. Due to cataracts, pirogues on the Niger only operate in Mali & Niger

Along the Congo River large, old and often overcrowded ferries connect cities along the river in the Republic of the Congo , DR Congo and Central African Republic . Small boats from villages come out and moor themselves to these ferries to sell food and merchandise and the boat is a bustling marketplace of hundreds of people much of the time. Conditions aboard these ferries are poor and bearable only by the most seasoned of travellers. Talk to the captain to see if you can use one of the handful of rooms to sleep.

There is no dominant language in Africa, but if you are travelling in West or Central Africa, French and English will be the most useful across these nations and regions. Arabic is the dominant language in North Africa, although French is also widely spoken in Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco. English is also useful in many countries, and dominant in much of Southern Africa. Swahili is the most useful language in East Africa. In Ethiopia, most people speak Amharic , which is indigenous to Ethiopia. Even if you know a blanket language like French, it is always a good idea to bring phrasebooks for the native languages. In Senegal , for example, despite being part of Francophone Africa, visitors are likely to find Wolof very useful and sometimes necessary when dealing with locals. It also helps if you have a basic understanding of the language used by a country's former colonist (e.g. German is useful to know if you are going to Namibia, since there is a large German-speaking white population). The more you wish to interact with locals or go out of the cities, the more important it will be for you to have resources to communicate in the local African languages.

Africa's linguistic diversity is exemplified by South Africa, which has eleven official languages, some of which have the most complex inventory of sounds in any human language, with over a hundred different sounds to distinguish meaning. English in comparison has less than half that number.

Flora and fauna

Many visitors are attracted by the African flora and fauna and several countries benefit from safari tourism to African national parks .

Natural wonders

Africa is home to many famous natural wonders, from the Nile River, the world's longest river, to Victoria Falls . The continent is home to two of the world's four volcanoes with permanent lava lakes – the dramatic Mount Nyiragongo which rises hundreds of metres above Goma , DR Congo and Erta Ale in Ethiopia 's stark Danakil Depression. Both volcanoes can be climbed by the adventurous tourist to stand at the rim gazing in awe at the bubbling lava below, an especially incredible sight at night! Mount Cameroon and its glorious stretch of lava also creates a beautiful site with a variety of flora and fauna.

Roughly centred on the Equator, Africa is known for landscapes typical for warm parts of the world.

Northern Africa is dominated by the immense Sahara desert wedged between the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Apart from the coastal rim and the banks of the Nile, this is a dry and remote part of the continent. The most notable (and likely easiest accessible) mountain range here is the Atlas mountains range in Morocco . The highest peak is Jbel Toubkal , the highest mountain in Africa not located in the east of the continent.

South of the Sahara, vegetation gradually increases the further south one travels. From southern Sahel onwards, the terrain is rather flat with savanna and steppe. This is however not the case at these latitudes in the eastern part of Africa; this is the northern end of Africa's "backbone" of several mountain chains stretching down all the way from Ethiopia to South Africa like an extension of the Nile. East Africa is also where you can find the largest lakes, including Lake Victoria. Named after the 19th century British queen Victoria, this is Africa’s largest and the world's second largest fresh water lake by surface area and the source of one of the two forks of the Nile. The countries bordering Lake Victoria are renowned as the best places in Africa to go on safari, as well as the only places left to see chimpanzees and gorillas in their natural habitat. Due east of the lake, a little more than halfway to the Indian Ocean, and on the northern border of Tanzania, lies Africa's highest free standing mountain, Kilimanjaro . Off the coast is the Zanzibar Archipelago.

Bisected by the Equator, unsurprisingly the heart of Africa is dominated by rainforest. The Congo rainforest is the second largest in the world, remote and mostly uninhabited, and going here is often more of an expedition than a tourist trip. The Eastern Central part is also the best place to go on the continent if you are interested in volcanoes .

Further south, the landscape becomes more and more dry again, especially in the western half. Namibia in particular is known for its deserts and canyons. The landscape is different in the east with scenic mountains and waterfalls including the mighty Victoria Falls , yes, it too was named after the queen. On the highland plateau in this corner of Africa is Lesotho , the only country in the world that is entirely located higher than 1400 m above the sea level. The southernmost part of the continent — South Africa — is reminiscent of the northernmost rim with Mediterranean climate and subtropical vegetation.

There are also several island nations or territories located in the oceans outside mainland Africa. They are as a rule mountainous with mountain chains often consisting of volcanoes. Surrounded by sea, they as a rule have cooler temperatures than inland locations at the same latitudes.

Historical civilisations

While the continent's diverse and unique wildlife is often all that is mentioned in regards to African travel, as home to the oldest civilisations on the planet, Africa has equally impressive cultures and history. The most famous civilisation on the continent, and arguably in the world, is that of ancient Egypt . From the southern city of Abu Simbel to Luxor and all the way north to Alexandria and Cairo, including the Pyramids of Giza , the only surviving one of the original Seven Wonders of the World and the most iconic symbols of this ancient kingdom. Sites from the Nubian Kingdom that had close ties with Egypt can be found in Sudan, such as Gebel Barkal and many other pyramids in Meroe . There are also remains of the former city-state of Carthage that can be found in modern-day Tunisia.

Ethiopia offers many ruins from the ancient Axumite Kingdom where the Queen of Sheba ruled. The obelisks and Dungur ruins in Axum were built prior to the kingdom's conversion to Christianity. As one of the world's oldest Christian nations, it is also home to many of the world's greatest and oldest Christian religious monuments, such as the Ezana Stone and the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, where the Ark of the Covenant is said to be stored. Other famous Christian structures built later by the kingdom's successor, the Abyssinian Empire , especially during the 12th and 13th centuries, can also be found in Lalibela .

In West Africa, structures from the ancient Mali Empire can be found in Timbuktu and Djenne . Although there are Islamic influences, the architectural styles of the Malian Kingdom's mosques are still quite unique and recognizably African. The cliff dwellings in Mali's Dogon Country , built by the Dogon people, are also impressive ancient structures in Mali . Remnants of the Ghana Empire can be found in parts of Mauritania and Mali, including the archaeological sites at Koumbi Saleh , Oualata and Aoudaghost . Often overshadowed by Africa's other monuments, Sungbo's Eredo in Ijebu Ode , Nigeria , built by the Yoruba people, is actually the largest pre-colonial structure remaining on the continent. Today it towers over the city, covered in vegetation. The royal palaces of the Dahomey Kingdom still stand in their former capital of Abomey , and ruins of the Kingdom of Kongo can still be found in their former capital of M'banza-Kongo . While they were largely destroyed by the British during the Scramble for Africa, Benin City and Kumasi still contain a few relics of the Kingdom of Benin and Ashanti Empire respectively. In Sokoto , Nigeria, remnants of the Sokoto Caliphate can still be found in the local museums, as well as the sultan's palace, and the city continues to serve as one of Africa's main centres of Islamic scholarship.

Ruins from the ancient Swahili culture can be found in the coastal areas of East Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania . The Swahili structures combines elements of African architecture with Islamic architecture, which was quite prominent around the 14th century. Some of the most famous Swahili structures include the Gedi Ruins and Pillar Tombs around Malindi , and Kilwa Kisiwani . Mombasa and Zanzibar's Stone Town feature Swahili structures spanning hundreds of years from its early days to the 18th century.

In Southern Africa, the ruins of Great Zimbabwe have fascinated visitors ever since Europeans discovered them. No European had believed that the inhabitants of black Africa were capable of creating any great monuments on their own until the ruins of this ancient culture were discovered.

Many cities, such as Leptis Magna , Timgad , and Dougga feature Roman ruins as impressive as those in Europe itself. Many other European structures can be found throughout the continent, dating back to the earliest days of imperialism. One of the most unique European-influenced styles is the Cape Dutch style found in South Africa , which traces its origins to the first white settlers in sub-Saharan Africa in the 17th century. Although clearly influenced by Dutch architectural conventions, it has also diverged significantly from European architecture to adapt to African conditions, making it a unique style in its own right. Uniquely among white communities in Africa, the descendants of these Dutch settlers, now known as the Afrikaners, have developed their own ethnic identity, and by and large consider themselves to be Africans rather than Europeans.

Music has been called "Africa's common language", and is part of everyday life in most African nations. Music in Africa is divided into six musical regions each of which have their own unique styles. The musical regions are Southern, Northern, Eastern, and Central Africa, and lastly Sene-Gambia. Southern African styles include Chimurenga (mostly dominant in Zimbabwe ) and Mbaqanga which has come to be widely known as South African jazz (mostly dominant in Botswana and South Africa ), Sene-Gambia African styles include, Griot (played across Mali , Guinea , Gambia and Senegal ). Central African styles include Soukous which takes pieces of Latin rumba, American jazz, a bit of rock and incorporates it into a style very unique to the Congo (very dominant in the Congo regions ). East African styles include the very energetic Benga which is dominant in East African countries like Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

West African styles include Juju and Highlife, Juju is a style of Nigerian popular music derived from traditional Yoruba Percussion while Highlife originates from Ghana but is also played in Nigeria. Northern African styles include Magrib and Rai both of which bear strong Islamic and Arabic stamps thanks to the Medieval Islamic expansions. This kind of music is very popular in Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. Western popular music and many musical genres from the Americas (including ragtime, country music, jazz , the blues, rock'n'roll , reggae, calypso, salsa and samba) exhibit strong influences from traditional African music, while these genres in turn have exerted a strong influence on modern African pop music. South Africa is also known for its jazz musicians who participated in their own unique genre, among the most famous of Hugh Masekela whom was as trumpet player.

Most African countries have their own unique indigenous music styles of which a few are popular in other African countries. Botswana has styles which are a must-see for any traveller going there; it is also one of the few countries whose styles are popular in other African countries. Their unique styles include Setapa, Dikoma, Hosana, Chiperu and Tsutsube. All these styles have their own designated dance styles, which go along with the music as it is performed hence why they are popular in other Southern African countries and among tourists.

Safari – an overland travel to view the stunning African wildlife – is arguably the greatest tourist attraction in Africa. Most countries, except in the north, have at least one national park with organised safaris. A safari can take on a range of forms, from a simple one-day minibus ride, to week-long stays at a lodge. Commonly it is a 4x4 ride across the savanna in search of the "Big five": elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, & buffalo. Such safaris are offered primarily in Southern and East Africa . Many parks have strict regulations both on visitor activities and behaviour, along with entry & camping fees. Among the most well-known parks are South Africa 's Kruger National Park , Tanzania 's Ngorongoro Crater , Etosha National Park in Namibia , the Okavango Delta region of Botswana , and the Tsavo East / West National Parks, and Nairobi National Park .

The three basic safari styles are driving safari, walking safaris, and mobile safari. Some regions also offer safaris on boats/canoes, horses, elephants, or hot air balloon or light aircraft. The driving safari is by far the most popular form of safari and is best for most first-timers as it is easier, often cheaper, and generally allows you to see more wildlife. A driving safari can be a one-day affair, but it often includes a couple nights spent camping or in lodges. Low-price driving safaris are often made in minibuses without a guaranteed window seat. Luxury safaris will likely include drives in a 4x4 vehicle in small groups and stays at fine lodges with swimming pools and spas. A walking safari consists of hiking, either for a few hours or several days, with fewer opportunities to see many animals, but allows hikers to get closer to some animals and have experiences like stumbling upon the bones of a recent lion kill. For mobile safaris , a camp is set up each night of your safari; it might also contain a portable lunch camp. At a fly-in safari , the visitor is flown directly (or very close) to a lodge, instead of hours of overland transit.

For the most basic trips, travellers should have a minimum budget of US$70/day, while some of the most visited parks may cost US$100–150/day. Luxury trips can easily run over US$1000/day. If a price offer seems too good to be true, it often is, and there is probably a good reason why. This can be the result of hidden fees, large errors, omissions or lies when calculating a price, an unlicensed operator, abusive labour practices, poor equipment, length of the trip, and extras that you may not have thought of and for which this operator plans to charge a steep fee. Thoroughly check what each tour operator provides in their cost, and make sure to get a written agreement before payment and departure. Self-drive safaris are possible in some parks, but highly discouraged for beginners.

Africa does not have tall, jagged mountain ranges and there are very few mountains that require technical gear. The Atlas Mountains across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia; the Drakensberg in South Africa and Lesotho; the Semian Mountains in Ethiopia; and the Rwenzori Mountains between Uganda and the DR Congo are the only considerable mountain ranges on the continent, all with numerous peaks which can be easily climbed. Additionally, there are some tall volcanoes along the Great Rift Valley, on the Indian Ocean islands and in Cameroon. Some of the continent's most climbed or unique mountains are:

• Jbel Toubkal (4165 m) near Marrakech , Morocco is the tallest peak in the Atlas Mountains and can be climbed without technical gear in summer.
• Mount Cameroon (4040 m) near Douala , Cameroon, is the tallest peak (actually a volcano) in Cameroon and is famous for the 1986 Lake Nyos disaster, when the lake released a huge volume carbon dioxide gas, suffocating thousands. Fast-paced hikes to the top and back are possible in a day.
• Mount Kilimanjaro (5895 m) in Tanzania near the Kenya border is the continent's highest peak, the world's tallest free-standing mountain, and perhaps the most climbed mountain on the continent, owing to its accessibility and the lack of need of technical gear. The range of scenery one passes from base to peak makes it a destination almost all climbers have on their wishlist.
• Mount Kenya (5199 m) is Kenya's tallest mountain and also popular climb with many non-technical walking and climbing routes through lush scenery and is less than 200 km from Nairobi. The surrounding national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
• Table Mountain National Park (1086 m) which dominates the city of Cape Town has hundreds or routes to the plateau, ranging from easy walks to technical rock climbs. In November 2011, Table Mountain was named one of the new 7 Wonders of Nature.
• Mount Nyiragongo (3470 m) in the DRC on the Rwanda border is one of just 3-4 volcanoes in the world with a lava lake in its crater. A climb takes about 8 hours and involves camping on a ledge at the top – a safe 700 m above the lake – for the night (of course, the steaming, bubbling lava is more spectacular at night).

Abseiling and rock climbing can be done in many parts of Africa, with many opportunities in South Africa.

Trekking and hiking

Most of Africa's mountain ranges and highlands are suitable for trekking. The Drakensberg in South Africa and Lesotho, the Garden Route in South Africa, the Ethiopian Highlands and Mali's Dogon Country are the most popular trekking destinations in Africa and most guidebooks to these countries describe the most popular routes. In the dense jungles of the Central African Republic and DRC, treks to pygmy settlements, almost always organised, are available. Established trekking routes exist in the forests of Guinea's Fouta Djallon highlands and in Cameroon .

The Aïr Massif in Niger is popular for hiking around its sand scraped rock formations and oases, usually short distances from your camel or vehicle transport. Hiking can also be done in many forests with established paths. In Uganda, Rwanda, & the adjacent DR Congo, hiking to see the endangered mountain gorilla is a major tourism draw, although permits are US$500 to spend hours hiking through tropical forests to spend 1 hour in close proximity to the gorillas.

Sport fishing

There are a good number of great scuba diving sites across Africa. The Red Sea off Egypt offers clear, tranquil waters. Diving in the Indian Ocean is common off all islands and on the continent from Kenya south. Diving in South Africa is most famous for "shark dives", where divers are lowered in cages to watch sharks feed on bait, although other diving opportunities exist. Few locations inland are popular with divers; Lake Malawi – which is clear, deep and filled with unique species – is the only lake with a significant number of dive operators.

Relax on a beach

Africa has a very long coastal line with thousands of beautiful beaches as it is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, both the Suez Canal and the Red Sea along the Sinai Peninsula to the northeast, the Indian Ocean to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

Soccer is the most widespread and popular sport with games between countries usually drawing tens of thousands of patriotic, cheering fans filling basic stadiums, as many world class African players return from Europe to play for their respective national teams. Watching a football match in Africa is a must; try to dress in the colours of the home team and join the cheering celebration with your neighbours! The biennial Africa Cup of Nations is the continent's premier championship. The most recent AFCON was held in Côte d'Ivoire in 2024 from 13 January to 11 February. Upcoming Cups will be hosted by Morocco (2025) and Kenya , Tanzania , and Uganda (2027). South Africa played host to the first African FIFA World Cup in 2010.

Rugby is played by several former British colonies in Southern & Eastern Africa. South Africa's Springboks are among the best teams in the world. And while they were traditionally associated with the white and specifically the Afrikaner part of the population they have now significant following among all ethnic groups after Nelson Mandela famously wore a Springbok jersey during the 1995 world cup that was held in and won by South Africa.

Cricket is also played, especially in former British colonies, with South Africa being considered one of the elite teams in world cricket, and Zimbabwe also considered a respectable team.

The three easiest currencies to exchange within Africa are the euro, US dollar, & UK pound sterling. In some countries with a large tourism sector Australian & Canadian dollars and Japanese yen may be exchanged at large banks and some currency exchanges, but you will receive a poor exchange rate as these currencies are uncommon and more troublesome for the banks in turn to exchange. The continent is roughly split between regions where the US dollar is easiest to exchange and use and others where the euro is. In Southern African countries the South African rand enjoys a regionally dominant position (see below) and may be easier to exchange than other currencies. Generally speaking you will experience poor exchange rates outside of most of these countries, and even currency movement restrictions.

Due to concerns about counterfeiting, money changers, banks, and most likely even merchants will not accept US dollar banknotes that are worn or more than ten years old. As strange as that sounds, it seems to be a rule among anyone dealing much in dollars and you will find it difficult or even impossible to dispose of worn or older dollar banknotes. The same does not seem to hold true for euro banknotes, but may do so for other non-African currencies.

With few exceptions (most notably the South African rand), African currencies are generally not accepted by banks or money changers outside their native territory, or at least not at a decent exchange rate. The currencies of some smaller countries are non-exchangeable and become worthless abroad, with some countries prohibiting export of their currencies and confiscating and even fining people leaving the country with currency (most notably the Angolan kwanza).

There are three currency unions in Africa:

• Common Currency Area (using South African rand): South Africa , Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho and Namibia .
• West African CFA franc (XOF): Benin , Burkina Faso , Cote d'Ivoire , Guinea-Bissau , Mali , Niger , Senegal and Togo .
• Central African CFA franc (XAF): Cameroon , Central African Republic , Chad , Republic of the Congo , Equatorial Guinea and Gabon

Some countries that are part of a currency union still mint their own currency as well (such as Namibia's dollar), meaning that both forms of currency are legal tender.

Despite sharing the same name and same exchange rate (655.957 CFA francs = €1), the two "CFA franc" currencies are issued by different banks and are not interchangeable. A 1000 CFA franc banknote from Gabon will not be accepted by a merchant in Benin, and vice versa. Indeed, even with banks and money changers it will likely be easier (and you'll receive a better exchange rate) to exchange euro banknotes or even US dollars. Given the fixed exchange, if visiting any of these countries, the euro will receive a more favourable exchange rate.

The Mauritanian ouguiya & Malagasy ariary are the only two non-decimal currencies in use in the world, divided into 1/5th fractions known as khoums & iraimbilanja, respectively.

The U.S. dollar has been the de facto currency of Zimbabwe since the collapse of the Zimbabwean dollar and allowance of foreign currency as tender in January 2009. Dollar coins are usually not accepted in Zimbabwe and you may have problems getting change for small purchases. The Djiboutian franc (178.8=US$1) and Eritrean nakfa (16.5=$1) are pegged to the dollar.

The U.S. dollar is the easiest currency to exchange (and may receive a better exchange rate compared to the euro) in Southern Africa and East Africa, as well as the DR Congo , Nigeria , & Liberia . Many tour operators, tourist attractions, and hotels in these regions set their prices in dollars, some even going as far as to offer poor exchange rates for or even refuse local currency. Also, many countries in these regions set their visa prices in dollars and will only accept dollars (or perhaps pound sterling).

The euro is the official currency of France's Mayotte and Reunion territories, Spain's Canary Islands and Portugal's Madeira and Porto Santo. The West and Central African CFA francs are pegged to the euro at 655.975 (formerly, 100 to the French franc). The Moroccan dirham is pegged (with a fluctuation band) to the euro at roughly 10 dirhams to one euro. The Cape Verdean escudo is pegged at 110.265 to one euro and the Comoran franc is pegged at 491.9678 to one euro. The Sao Tome and Principe dobra was fixed at 24500 to one euro in 2010 to guarantee stability – it was worth just 12000 per euro in 2004.

The euro is the easiest currency to exchange and receives the best exchange rate in countries whose currencies are fixed to the euro, with strong European ties, or where the majority of tourists are European. This generally corresponds with North Africa, the Sahel , West Africa and Central Africa with the exceptions of Egypt, Sudan and Ghana, neither the euro nor dollar is better, and Nigeria, the DRC and Liberia. Due to the relatively recent creation of the euro and long-standing status of the dollar, beware that there are some regions of Africa where people either have never heard of the euro or will see it as worthless.

South African rand

The South African rand is an official currency and widely circulated in South Africa , Lesotho , Eswatini (Swaziland), & Namibia . Although the latter three issue their own currencies, they are pegged 1:1 with the rand and are not legal tender in the other countries as is the SA rand. The rand has also been accepted in Zimbabwe since the Zimbabwean dollar's demise, but not as widely as the U.S. dollar. It is also readily exchanged (and sometimes accepted for payment) in Botswana , Mozambique and most of the tourist spots in Botswana and Zambia . Namibia mints a local currency which is also legal tender alongside the SA rand in Namibia, so always note the form of currency used on goods for sale.

Cashless forms of payment

Due to the nigh-ubiquity of cellphone ownership and the sometimes highly volatile currencies (and shortage of "hard currency" banknotes or their value being much too great for everyday transactions) various mobile phone based payment systems have been pioneered in Africa. Depending on your itinerary, it can be very advisable to make yourself familiar with those systems and have them installed to your phone.

Many African countries and tribes are known for their handicraft . High-quality sculptures, utensils and textiles can be found for a fraction of the price of a similar item made in a high-income country.

North Africa is known for carpets .

Prohibited items

Trade in ivory is prohibited by nearly all countries in the world, with hefty penalties and even jail time for offenders. Many animal products (some commonly found in fetish markets) are also banned by western countries, such as tortoise shells, tusks of any animal, or any part of or item made with an endangered species. Some African countries keen on conservation will prosecute all violators to the fullest extent of the law, so be careful when purchasing animal products unless you want to spend years in an African prison. Keep in mind that even if an item may be exported from an African country it may be illegal to import into your home country; the EU and US have strict laws on importing animal products in the name of conservation. See also animal ethics .

Some medications which may be purchased without a prescription in Western countries or parts of Africa may contain ingredients considered illegal narcotics or controlled substances in some countries. In particular, diphenhydramine is a "controlled substance" in Zambia and several Americans have been fined and jailed on drug-trafficking charges for possessing the over-the-counter allergy medicine Benadryl (elsewhere called Dimedrol) and the pain reliever Advil PM whose main active ingredient is diphenhydramine.

Drug trafficking is as common an offence as in most Western countries. The list of which substances are considered prohibited or restricted drugs varies from country to country. Khat which is readily grown and consumed in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, is an illicit drug in most other African countries. Organised drug trafficking is a major problem in Guinea and Guinea-Bissau en route from South America to Europe.

As with most countries, check local laws concerning antiquities before trying to leave the country with anything that appears to be over 100 years old.

Always make sure that any diamonds or other jewels you are buying can satisfy two conditions:

• The number of, weight, and total value of the jewels you purchase can be legally imported back to your home country.
• Rough diamonds are subject to restrictions of the Kimberley Process, which prohibits the import and export of rough diamonds without a certificate of the country of export and your home country.
• Your home country may also prohibit other jewel importation because of sanctions or import prohibition.

Food varies wildly and you can find Arab-influenced cuisine ( in the North ) as well as European-derived (in South Africa and Namibia) or local food originating from times before colonisation. While you won't find five-star restaurants in every city or indeed every country, if you keep an open mind, you are in for some truly amazing and once-in-a-lifetime culinary experiences, once you venture out of standard tourist fare.

As could be expected from a continent as huge and diverse as Africa, there are a large variety of drinking options. While South Africa has come to be known as a wine-growing region of international acclaim, drinking anything alcoholic in the Muslim-majority countries or the predominately Muslim areas of countries such as Nigeria may be unwise or even illegal. There are also a variety of non-alcoholic drinks that either originated from Africa or have been perfected here, such as rooibos tea in South Africa or coffee in Ethiopia.

While business districts and resort cities have high-end hotels, accommodation can be very basic off the beaten path.

While camping in a national park can be an exciting experience, be aware of dangerous animals, and of crime.

While much of Africa is safe for travel and many tourist attractions on the continent are far from conflict, there are still a few regions in which conflict and/or sociopolitical tensions exist. Political unrest, religious extremism and piracy are also concerns in some areas with a recent rise in militant Salafist groupings.

Jihadist groups are mostly concentrated in the Horn of Africa, parts of North Africa and the Sahel region, as well as their adjacent areas. Somalia , where warlords have fought for control since the collapse of the central government in 1993, and the Central African Republic , where general lawlessness and rebels exist throughout most of the country, should only be visited by experienced travellers who are very competent regarding the dangers that exist. Otherwise, these areas should be considered no-go regions. Exceptions are Somaliland which is de facto independent and relatively safe and the CAR's isolated Dzanga Sangha National Reserve .

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to the second largest jungle after the Amazon and most of the country is impassable by land. The eastern and northeastern regions are home to rebels and general lawlessness and have been home to the bloodiest conflict since World War II. Safer regions are the west (incl. Kinshasa ), south (near Zambia border, incl. Lubumbashi ), and a few spots practically on the border, such as Goma , Bukavu , & Virunga National Park .

The Central Sahara is host to numerous problems, notably that a growing presence (or at least impact) of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb in much of Saharan Algeria , northern Mali (north of Timbuktu, east of Gao, and near the Nigerien border), and far eastern Mauritania has resulted in several kidnappings (incl. one Briton beheaded, kidnapped near the Mali-Niger border) and a couple of suicide bombings in Nouakchott . Since the end of a civil war in Mali in 2012, Northern Mali (including Timbuktu, Gao and the Mauritania and Niger borders) is highly dangerous on account of the presence of Tuareg & Islamist rebels. A Tuareg uprising has left much of the area around Agadez , Niger – once a popular tourist destination – off-limits and unsafe. Several borders in the Sahara are closed or very unsafe as a result of banditry: Libya-Sudan (closed), Libya-Chad (closed), Chad-Sudan (unsafe due to Darfur conflict), Chad-Niger (banditry), Libya-Niger (banditry), Mali-Algeria (no road crossings, AQIM), Algeria-Mauritania (AQIM), Mali-Niger (AQIM/rebels), Mali-Mauritania (AQIM/rebels) and Algeria-Morocco (closed).

Portions of Cote d'Ivoire , Sierra Leone , Liberia , and Chad are home to rebels and it is important to obtain up-to-date information on which parts of these countries are safe to visit (see warnings on those pages). Northern Nigeria is home to Islamic extremists who have carried out several attacks against non-Muslims, mostly targeting other Nigerians, but there is still a significant risk to Westerners. The region around the Niger River delta has been home to rebels for decades. Similarly, in Sudan, only the western Darfur regions and south-central "boundary" between the conflicting North-South are dangerous.

Many countries in Africa are unsafe for gay travellers , with high levels of homophobia widespread in the general population. Homosexuality is illegal in most African countries (however, South Africa and Botswana are notable exceptions to this rule) and it in some cases carries the penalty of imprisonment or even death. Nigeria and Uganda have taken it a step further by making it a criminal offence to know that someone is homosexual and not report it to the police.

Crime in major African cities varies significantly by country and it is usually unwise to travel around at night alone. While much of it involves scamming, mugging or petty theft, violent crimes are generally less common. Check the "stay safe" areas of the individual countries you are going to.

In most parts of Africa dangerous wildlife should be of only very minor, if any, concern at all. In some parts of East Africa and South Africa large abundances of potentially dangerous animals can be found, but the majority of the time any traveller would most likely be perfectly safe in a vehicle with their tour guide. Nonetheless, attacks and deaths do occur (rarely with foreigners, but commonly with locals) and it is best to be well-informed. Nile crocodiles can be extremely dangerous and swimming is not an option in most low-lying portions of East Africa. Lions and leopards can be dangerous, but you are unlikely to encounter them on foot unless you are being extremely foolish. Large herbivores such as elephants and rhinos can also be very dangerous if aggravated, even while in a vehicle, Hippopotamuses are the animal most likely to attack or kill a human unprovoked and should be avoided without an experienced guide. Venomous snakes exist and are plentiful, but are very shy and you are unlikely to even see one let alone be bitten by one. When it comes to pests , most insects in the country are no more dangerous than what you would find in any other country, and the spiders are mostly harmless to humans. Despite all of this, easily the most dangerous non-human animal in the entire African continent is the mosquito, which infects a very large number of Africans with malaria every year, and tsetse flies that cause sleeping sickness are also a major problem in some areas. (Check individual country and region pages and WHO reports to see whether the places you plan to travel to are affected by these diseases.)

Stay healthy

Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of HIV and AIDS infection on Earth. A 2005 UN Report says over 25 million Africans are infected, over 7% of adults on the continent. Be extremely cautious about any sexual activity in Africa. The rates of HIV infection among sex workers are phenomenally high.

Bushmeat from gorillas, monkeys, chimpanzees and mandrills should be avoided. Due to their similarity to humans, a number of diseases (including yet-undiscovered or poorly studied ones) can be spread by consuming their flesh, especially if it is not sufficiently heated. HIV is undoubtedly the most famous disease transmitted from other primates, but others include Ebola, anthrax and yellow fever.

As tap water is not always up to hygienic standards, bottled water (be careful to take a look at the seal before opening the bottle as some people simply refill bottles with tap water) is an option if you want to decrease the risk of traveller's diarrhoea, especially on shorter stays. Remember to always drink enough, especially in hot climates, and avoid drinking too much alcohol when you don't know your surroundings and/or have just recently arrived.

Various infectious diseases , including mosquito -borne diseases, are a problem in parts of Africa. Vaccines, medication, and other precautions may be recommended to avoid infection. A non-exhaustive list that travellers should think about: dengue , malaria , measles, polio, rabies , yellow fever . Measles and polio vaccines are routine in many countries, but you should make sure yours are up to date.

In virtually all African countries, elders are traditionally accorded a great deal of respect as they're seen as sources of wisdom and guidance. Be mindful of that when visiting countries in the continent.

See also: Telephone service and List of country calling codes .

Country calling codes for Africa are generally 3-digit numbers beginning with 2, in the form +2XX. Examples are +234 for Nigeria , +233 for Ghana , +263 for Zimbabwe , +254 for Kenya and +262 for Reunion . Exceptions are Egypt and South Africa , with the 2-digit country calling codes +20 and +27, respectively.

Traditional landline telephone services are sketchy. South Africa and the North African countries are the only regions of the continent to have decent quality. It is largely owing to this that mobile phones have proliferated across the continent. Don't be surprised when you are in a seemingly remote corner of the continent and among a poor tribe, when a man whips out a mobile phone to show you pictures of family or ask you to find your Facebook profile for him to send a friend request. In many places, you will receive offers from traders to use their mobile phone for a fee, much as you would be solicited to purchase a wood carving or mat. Texting is more commonly used than calling.

If you decide to purchase a mobile phone locally, beware counterfeit phones. Smartphones are likely to be cheaply-made versions of phones a couple years behind those found in Western markets (that's not to say the latest Galaxy S model or iPhone can't be found). Should you choose to bring a phone from home, your best bet would be to bring a GSM phone (the most common network type worldwide). It's not terribly difficult to find a dealer selling scratch cards to replenish a local SIM; simply scratch to reveal a PIN number and enter into your phone (per the instructions). The cost of purchasing a SIM card and minutes is far less than charges for roaming with a mobile phone network from a Western country.

Continent-wide, faster data networks (3G and 4G) are being installed at a fast pace. However, outside major cities, data service is often at very slow 2G speeds (comparable to dial-up internet or worse). Many telecom companies limit use of 4G and 3G networks to post-paid customers.

Internet access

Computers are out of the reach of most Africans. Therefore, computer shops (cyber cafés) are common throughout the continent, except perhaps the most isolated corners of the most inaccessible countries ( Chad , CAR, Somalia ). Many computers are full of viruses and malware. With a little bit of computer savviness, you can load a flash drive or burn a CD with an anti-virus program and possibly an alternative web browser (Firefox, Opera, Chrome) to use on public computers at cyber cafés.

Wi-Fi internet access is becoming increasingly common. Most upscale hotels along with some mid-range hotels (mainly in more developed countries) will offer it for guests. Some may charge a fee for this. Using your personal laptop, tablet, or smartphone on a Wi-Fi connection is preferable to internet cafés for accessing banking, email, social networking, and other sensitive accounts.

The fastest internet services can be found in North Africa, parts of West Africa such as Ghana , Nigeria and around East Africa ( Kenya , Tanzania , and Uganda , Rwanda ), where an impressive roll-out of fiber-optic networks and fast, new undersea cables to the Middle East has made Kenya an up-and-coming hotspot for tech companies and international businesses requiring fast connections. South Africa has the most developed and fastest internet connections on the continent. In contrast, some less-developed countries and regions continue to rely on slow satellite connections, with speeds comparable to or even worse than dial-up connections once common in Western countries. Ghana is also emerging as one of the more consistent internet service providers in Africa with the use of dongles especially being common. Wi-Fi hotspots are also available in hotels, pubs and university campuses.

Internet censorship is an issue in various countries on the continent, often implemented or ramped up for political reasons. This often consists of blocked social media and other communication tools; less commonly, governments may shut off the internet altogether surrounding elections or other contentious events.

Postal networks are generally slow, if not unreliable altogether. Boxes and parcels sent to destinations outside the continent may take weeks or even months to arrive at their destination. FedEx, UPS and DHL maintain a good network of offices in major cities throughout the continent and the ease of shipping, speed and better reliability are worth the higher shipping charges.

Post restante is available in some countries (check with the national postal service first) and allow mail to be sent to a post office, where it is kept for the receiver. No address is written on the piece – just receiver's name, city, country, postal code, and "Poste Restante". Make sure the sender spells your (the receiver's) name correctly and clearly. The receiver shows up at the post office, presents identification (such as a passport) and pays a small fee. Since some post offices are rather disorganised, make sure to have the clerk check under your first name and for any possible spelling errors (describe the piece to them, ask to be shown items with a similar name, look under Q instead of O).

• Has custom banner
• Has map markers
• Articles with dead external links
• Has caution box
• Has caution box with no date
• Outline continents
• Outline articles
• Continent articles
• All destination articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Articles Geo different to Wikidata
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Plan Your Trip to Africa in 10 Easy Steps

Anupong Sakoolchai/Getty Images

A popular African quote states "the only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa —for he has so much to look forward to." If you have yet to visit the world's second-largest continent, it's time to plan your first adventure . If you've been before, it's more than likely you can't wait to go back.

Here are 10 basic steps to make your dream African trip a reality.

Decide Where to Go

Kelly Cheng Travel Photography/Getty Images

With more than 50 African countries to choose from, deciding where to go can be daunting. The first step is to decide on the kind of vacation you want or the specific things you'd like to see.

Are you looking for the classic safari experience ? Then perhaps Kenya or Tanzania is the right choice for you. Want to discover fabulous ancient cultures? Egypt or Ethiopia may be more your speed. For beach vacations, consider the jewel-like islands of the Indian Ocean .

If you're traveling with small children who can't take prophylactics, you will probably need to choose a country like Morocco or South Africa, where malaria isn't a problem.

Decide When to Go

Denis-Huot/Nature Picture Library/Getty Images

Once you've chosen your destination, the next step is to decide when to travel. Most destinations have an optimum season, especially if you're going on safari. Usually, the dry season is better for viewing game because the lack of rain attracts local wildlife to the waterholes. Winter is often the best time for visiting the desert; however, winter in the Kalahari Desert occurs during June/July while winter in the Sahara Desert occurs in November/December.

If work commitments or school breaks mean you're restricted to traveling at certain times of the year, you may want to tackle this step before deciding on your destination.

Book Your Tours and Lodging

Laurence Monneret/Getty Images

Next, you need to decide whether you're going to explore independently or with the help of a travel agent or tour guide. If you opt for the latter, the agent or guide should be able to organize details like accommodations and tours for you. Even if you decide to book everything yourself, you'll probably have to arrange treks and safaris through a specialized company (unless you're headed to a self-drive safari destination like Namibia).

Get in touch with your preferred agent as much as a year beforehand, and it's a good idea to book your first night's accommodation and any accommodations in towns or game reserves with limited space well in advance.

Book Your Flights

VisionsofAmerica/Joe Sohm/Getty Images

Depending on where you're flying from, flights to Africa can be expensive, and a limited number of carriers often means that seats fill up quickly. For the best rates, book as far in advance as possible. If you have air miles, make sure to check whether the corresponding airline flies to your destination of choice; if not, use a flight comparison website like Skyscanner to guarantee the lowest fare. Try to organize international flights with domestic connections on a single booking, so the airline will be responsible for arranging alternative transport for you if a delay means you end up missing your second flight. Depending on your budget, flexible tickets are best. 

Buy Travel Insurance

Peter Dazeley/Getty Images

By this point in the planning process, you'll have invested a significant amount of money—in your flights, your tours, and your accommodation. Travel insurance is essential, especially in Africa where airlines cancel flights without warning on a regular basis, and state hospitals are not places you want to end up after an emergency. Besides medical costs, your insurance should cover trip cancellation, loss of valuables, and baggage loss or theft. If you're headed to a particularly remote spot, make sure that your insurance covers medical evacuation as well.

Check Your Visa Requirements

jcarillet/Getty Images

Several months before your departure date, make sure to check whether you need a visa . This will be determined based on your nationality, not on your country of residence. Visa rules change all the time in Africa, so it's important to check with an official government source rather than relying on advice given by outdated travel websites. Some countries allow you to purchase a visa upon arrival, while others require that you apply in advance from your home country. Even if you don't need a visa, some countries have special requirements for your passport, including the amount of validity left at ​the time of travel and the number of blank pages available inside.

Organize Travel Medication

Hero Images/Getty Images

At least two months before you depart for Africa, you need to visit a travel clinic and find out what vaccinations are recommended for your destination. The recommendations vary greatly from country to country, but, as a rule, Hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies are good ones to have. Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination as a condition of entry, while malaria is prevalent throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa. Be sure to consult your doctor before deciding on which anti-malaria prophylactic to take as all of them have different side effects. Pregnant women should be aware that Zika virus is also a problem in some areas. 

Buy Your Travel Equipment

Michal Venera/Getty Images

Now comes the fun part of planning for your impending trip: buying all of your specialized equipment. Depending on your destination, your shopping list may include items from portable mosquito nets to a good set of binoculars and a pair of durable hiking shoes. Be prepared for all kinds of weather because, even in the desert, nights can be incredibly cold. Think about preserving your memories, whether that means investing in a quality camera or buying a scrapbook and a spare set of pens. One essential purchase is a first aid kit , complete with any personal medications as well as all items you'll need to treat minor injuries.

Decide What to Do About Money

David Wall Photo/Getty Images

Decide what to do about money a few weeks before you travel. In many countries, carrying large amounts of cash around isn't safe; however, ATM's are not necessarily available on every street corner. Avoid traveler's checks, also, as they're rarely accepted as viable currency. Generally, your best bet is to draw enough cash upon arrival to get you to the next big town, where you should be able to draw more money with your credit or debit card. For safety, divide your cash, and keep it in several different locations. Make sure your credit card has a Visa or MasterCard logo, and alert your bank to avoid it canceling your card on suspicion of fraud the first the card is used abroad. 

Read About Your Destination

Regis Vincent/Getty Images

Researching your destination before you get there is a great way to increase your excitement level and improve your local knowledge. A good guidebook, such as Lonely Planet or Rough Guides, can give you valuable insight into a country's history and culture while also advising you on lesser-known things to see and do. Phrasebooks are a good idea, too, because knowing even a few sentences of the local language will go a long way towards helping you make friends. Lastly, fictional books written by African writers or set in the country you're traveling help give you a sense of what to expect before you travel.

South Africa Guide: Planning Your Trip

Your Trip to Rwanda: The Complete Guide

Traveling Safely in Greece

Top 10 Travel Essentials

Currency in Egypt: Everything You Need to Know

A Complete Gear and Equipment List for Scuba Diving

Guide to Planning a Trip to Israel

France Travel Planner for Every Vacation

Your Trip to Morocco: The Complete Guide

Everything You Should Know Before Renting Your First RV

Planning a Scuba Diving Trip: The Complete Guide

Pet Birds and Air Travel

How to Travel Internationally With Your Pet

How to Travel to Cuba If You Are an American

Calculating the Value of a Frequent Flyer Mile or Hotel Point

How to Travel From Florence to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

Free shipping on all orders

• North America
• South America
• Middle East
• Australia & Pacific

New Releases

Trending Destinations

Experience Guides

• Outdoor Travels & Adventures
• Epic Guides
• Food & Drink
• Gifts & Inspiration
• Language Guides
• Lonely Planet Kids

Country Guides

Pocket Guides

All Guides & eBooks

• Lonely Planet Insider

Your cart is empty

Africa Planning Map

Covers: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, eSwatini (Swaziland), Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Somaliland, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

ISBN: 9781788685894

Edition: 1st

Publication Date: December 2019

Language: English

Writers: Lonely Planet 2 pages, 2pp color, 1 maps | Dimensions: 95mm × 197mm Next edition due: November 2026

You are viewing a Planning Map

What is a planning map.

Whether you’re exploring a country or an entire continent, our durable and waterproof Planning maps come in an easy-fold design held inside a handy slipcase. Detailed and easy-to-read, they’re printed in full colour to make travelling and trip planning a breeze. Country-focused, these show a whole nation at a glance, as well as its top regional sights and themed highlights

• All Destinations

Explore Africa with our Destinations Map

Africa is a diverse and ancient landscape that has something everyone wants to see. With its rolling grassy savannahs where lions stalk their prey, its tropical beaches on the eastern coastline, and its fascinating collection of people and cultures, when you travel Africa , you are coming to a place where you will have the freedom to create your own memories, on your own terms. 

Imagine the stories that you will tell of your African adventure. Imagine the tales of safaris, of road trips through mountains, and of luxury accommodation that goes beyond anything you’ve experienced before. With an African safari tour , you can book travel packages that range from the most affordable, budget-friendly trip to something truly luxurious. 

No matter which African destination you select from our destinations map, you will find bucket-list holidays, once-in-a-lifetime trips, and holidays that will have you daydreaming about booking again once you are back home at your office desk. 

An African Adventure Awaits

To simplify your Africa travel plans, you can use our easy destinations map to find the perfect place for a holiday. Whether you’ve always dreamed about going on a traditional wildlife safari in the mighty Kruger National Park, or if you are planning to surprise the love of your life with a tropical Mozambique beach holiday, scroll to our map and click on the pin in the destination of your choice. This pin will redirect you to the African safaris and tours that we have available. 

On the tour package page, you can browse itineraries and prices, and once you have found the tour that meets your travel criteria, you can book it directly on the site. If you don’t have the time to browse our tours, or if you would rather discuss and plan your epic tour around your budget, your interests, and your holiday expectations, you are more than welcome to get in touch with one of our African Travel Consultants, and we will help you plan a holiday like no other. 

Live Your Wildest Dreams. Travel Africa with ATC. 

Pin It on Pinterest

• Name * First Last
• Country of Residence * Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
• Tour Interested in
• Number of Adults
• Number of Children
• Date of Arrival DD dash MM dash YYYY
• Date of Departure DD dash MM dash YYYY

Read and Accept our T's & C's

• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Fathers Day Sale! Save 10% with code ThanksDad | Checkout our gift guide here!

• Push Pin Travel Maps
• Standard Round Pins
• Specialty Pins
• Travel Decor
• U.S. States
• Bucket List Trackers
• Luggage Tags
• Passport Covers / Wallets
• Shipping & Policies
• Canvas Personalization Info.
• Gift Certificates

Your Cart is Empty

• $0.00 USD Subtotal

• Paper Push Pin Travel Maps
• ∙ World Maps
• ∙ State Maps
• ∙ Other Countries/Regions
• ∙ Sports/Hobby Maps
• ∙ Golf Maps
• Framed Canvas Push Pin Travel Maps
• ∙ Canvas Posters Only - Multiple Sizes
• Gallery Wrapped Canvas
• Large 3 Panel Canvas Maps
• Canvas Posters Only - Multiple Sizes
• ∙ Bucket List Trackers
• ∙ Family Map Art
• ∙ Custom Family Sign Art
• ∙ Cork Memory Boards
• ∙ Travel Wall Art
• Travel Gear
• ∙ Luggage Tags
• ∙ Passport Covers / Wallets
• Speciality Pins
• Family Map Art

• Custom Family Sign Wall Art

• Personalized Bucket List Trackers

• Memory Boards

• Travel Wall Art

Classic Africa Travel Map with pins

Text Line 1:

Text Line 2:

Text Line 3:

Notify me when this product is available:

Go on safari with our gorgeous Classic-Style Africa travel map with pins! This informative pin map of Africa is made by National Geographic and is highly detailed. The bright blue colors of this map will complement any décor. This Africa travel map is current and up to date, including one of the most recent changes, the addition of South Sudan. Included as an inset on this map are the 10 neighboring island nations of Africa. Highlight all of your African adventures with this pinnable travel map of Africa!

This map showcases bodies of water, major roads and highways, and also airports, making it an excellent planning tool for your next journey to Africa. It makes an ideal gift idea for those adventurous friends who have jetted off to see the lions, giraffes, and elephants (oh my!). Makes a perfect gift for pretty much any occasion; from retirements and birthdays to weddings and anniversaries…and more! Order your African pin map today and let the wanderlust commence!

Framed dimensions are 34.25" H x 27.5" W

• Personalize Your Map
• Frame Options
• More Info...

Personalized for Free with Your Name or a Favorite Quote

Want to give your Push Pin Travel Map that extra special touch? Personalize your map for FREE to truly make it your own! Need some inspiration for your personalization? See our most popular quotes and sayings below. Plaques may contain up to 3 lines of text with a maximum of 30 characters per line. Please contact us if you have something special in mind that is slightly longer, and we will see what we can do! If you want your personalization printed directly on your map, please check out our Canvas Map options here .

Pick From 8 Frame Options

Here at Push Pin Travel Maps we believe in choices. That’s why we offer more frame options than you will find anywhere else. With 8 distinct frame styles to choose from and dozens of unique map styles, you will easily be able to create the perfect combination to match your personal taste and décor. Choose from our six striking 2" wood composite frames or our two traditional solid wood frames, which are 2.25” wide and include a rich finish and elegant beading. Please see the listing images above to see this map pictured in each of our frame selections.

Black – 2” – Our best-selling frame and for good reason. It has a classic style that looks fantastic on each and every map. After all, black really does go with everything! Our Black Frame is a composite wood with an outward beveled profile. It is finished with a laminate wrap that has a smooth black satin finish that gives you a contemporary look that is perfect for any room in your home or office. Our Black frame looks especially nice paired with our Blue Oceans , Stormy Dreams and Midnight Dream map series.

Brown – 2” – Our Brown Frame is a traditional frame with a medium brown color and an outward beveled profile. This frame is a composite wood finished with a laminate wrap that has a smooth walnut finish and a lovely woodgrain look, which gives it a solid wood frame appearance when hanging on your wall. We particularly love this frame with our Earth Toned and Vintage map series.

Barnwood Gray – 2” – Both rustic and modern, it’s easy to see why our Barnwood Gray frame is a customer favorite. This frame is a composite wood finished with a laminate wrap and a modern, flat front profile. It boasts an attractive medium-dark gray color, complete with a light woodgrain like texture, giving the frame added dimension. Our Barnwood Gray frame really stands out with our Stormy Dreams , Blue Oceans and Black Ice maps series.

Textured White – 2” – With its crisp contemporary design, our Textured White frame is sure to brighten up your walls no matter which map you pair it with. This frame is a composite wood with a flat front profile. It is finished with a white laminate wrap that is lightly textured with a woodgrain like finish. We think our Textured White frame looks particularly stellar in our Teal Dream , Colorful World/US and Watercolor map series.

Rustic Black – 2” – You can’t go wrong with our Rustic Black frame, which has a sleek and modern look that is perfect for your favorite travel map! This flat front frame is a composite wood finished with a laminate wrap that has a smooth surface. A realistic woodgrain appearance with black and gray undertones gives the frame a little extra oomph. Our Rustic Black frame looks especially divine with our Executive and Tan Oceans map series and also our Baseball Adventures Map .

Rustic Brown – 2” – What’s not to love about our Rustic Brown frame? It brings you that rustic yet modern look you crave and looks fantastic on almost all of our pin maps. This frame is a composite wood finished with a smooth laminate wrap and a modern, flat front profile. The medium brown color has a striking realistic woodgrain appearance that makes the frame stand out on any wall. Our Rustic Brown frame really compliments our Earth Toned , Vintage and Classic map series as well as our National Parks map.

Solid Wood Brown – 2 1/4” – Our Solid Wood Brown frame is a more traditional style frame with multiple bevels on the front that is cut from solid red oak wood. It has an elegant beading on the inner lip that gives the frame an ornate accent that ensures it prominently stands out on any wall. The frame is finished with a rich dark brown walnut stain that truly showcases the gorgeous woodgrain. We think our Solid Wood Brown frame looks particularly elegant with our Executive and Vintage map series, as well as our National Parks map. NOTE: This is a natural wood frame featuring characteristics of real wood, including knots, wormholes, varying wood grains and textures, and color variations. We do not consider these flaws but character enhancements to your natural Solid Wood frame. Please contact us if you would prefer a frame without these features.

Solid Wood Cherry – 2 1/4” – A traditional style frame with multiple bevels on the front and a sophisticated ornate beading on the inner lip, our Solid Wood Cherry Frame is a stand out choice for your home or office. This frame is cut from solid red oak wood and features a rich, dark cherry red stain that highlights the beauty of the woodgrain. We absolutely love our Solid Wood Cherry frame paired with our Classic map series. It also makes the perfect choice for our Executive map series. NOTE: This is a natural wood frame featuring characteristics of real wood, including knots, wormholes, varying wood grains and textures, and color variations. We do not consider these flaws but character enhancements to your natural Solid Wood frame. Please contact us if you would prefer a frame without these features.

How is it made?

Every Push Pin Travel Map is handcrafted in The United States of America (Denver, CO to be exact!). We take great pride in every map we produce. We start by professionally dry mounting your map to sturdy foamcore board. Our framing experts then place the map in the stylish frame of your choice, which we build in house. Next a wire hanging kit is installed, so your map arrives ready to hang right out of the box. We even include a nail and hanger so you can easily hang your map on the wall. Find out more details as well as answers to popular questions in our FAQ section here .

What's in the box?

Everything you need!

• Your stunning, ready-to-hang Push Pin Travel Map
• 150 Pins in a mixture of red, white and black
• Nail and hanger (all you need is a hammer!)

We do not include any invoices within our packages as we ship so many of our products as gifts. If you are sending a gift and would like us to include a gift note, please leave a note at checkout in the “Order Notes” box which can be found in the shopping cart.

Shipping info...

• Free Shipping: Ground shipping is free on all continental US orders over $50. Need your order right away? Choose one of our Express shipping options at checkout.
• Processing Time: All our products are handmade to order. Therefore, it may take 1-3 business days to process your order and get it shipped out to you.
• Transit Time: Most orders are shipped via FedEx or UPS. Transit time varies by location, but should not exceed 5 business days. International & APO orders may take slightly longer to arrive.

Check out our Shipping & Policies page for more details about our shipping & returns policies, including an estimated transit time map for US orders.

Build Your Own Travel Wall

(This wall includes our canvas wall art , a bucket list tracker and a cork memory board .)

Customer Reviews

You may also like.

Protect Your Trip »

Best places to visit in africa for 2023-2024.

Africa may not always register on the average traveler's radar, but those who visit have the chance to experience the perfect blend of ancient and modern, wild and urban, and East and West. From Cape Town's coastal beauty to Tanzania's game reserves, choosing your adventure on the second-largest continent can be difficult. To help you start planning, U.S. News ranked the best places to visit in Africa based on accessibility, affordability and the variety of things to do, as well as user votes and expert opinions. Help us choose next year's top spots by voting for your favorite destinations below. 

Serengeti National Park

Victoria falls, masai mara national reserve, kruger national park.

If you're enamored with the prospect of coming face to face with elephants, giraffes, zebras and wildebeests, then a safari tour through Tanzania's Serengeti National Park is the bucket-list adventure for you. The price will be steep, but a journey here affords an unforgettable African savanna experience. To save some coin, book one of the park's campgrounds instead of staying at a high-end safari lodge or luxury tented camp. Plan on arriving in January or February (calving season) or between June and October (dry season and prime migration time) for the best game-viewing conditions.

Outdoorsy types travel far and wide to admire this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, Victoria Falls is roughly twice as deep and wide as Niagara Falls, making it one of the world's most jaw-dropping waterfalls . To see this natural wonder at its prime, plan a visit in April or May when the region's rainy season has concluded. Popular vantage points include the Knife-Edge Bridge, Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool. When you're not enjoying the view from above, go whitewater rafting in the Zambezi River to admire the falls from a different angle.

Most tourists head to Tanzania to go on safari, but you'd be remiss if you didn't save time for the country's other must-see treasures. In addition to its animal-filled plains, Tanzania boasts otherworldly natural wonders, including red-hued Lake Natron, Ngorongoro Conservation Area's expansive crater and Mount Kilimanjaro – the tallest mountain in Africa (and largest free-standing mountain on Earth). For the ultimate adrenaline rush, book a climbing excursion up the continent's famous mountain through a local tour operator.

Mauritius appeals to vacationers in search of a bit of everything. Though its main draws are its powdery sands and luxe beach resorts , this small island nation east of Madagascar also charms visitors with its mix of cultures; friendly locals; lively festivals and tasty teas and rums. After a day of exploring some of the island's nature reserves and soaking up the sun, retreat to one of its premier properties to savor fresh seafood while watching a traditional sega dance performance or the sun set over the Indian Ocean.

Home to cheetahs, elephants, lions, wildebeests, hippos and more, Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Kenya's premier spots to see wildlife. Sign up for a safari to explore this protected area's 373,000-plus acres of rolling grasslands. (Tip: Look for companies with guides certified by the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association.) For an extra dose of adventure, opt for a horseback riding excursion or hot air balloon safari. To increase your chances of spotting the big five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes) and other migrating animals, time your visit between July and October during the Great Migration.

Zanzibar offers something for everyone, whether you're in search of beautiful white sand beaches or an unforgettable adventure. After trekking to this Indian Ocean archipelago off the coast of East Africa, you'll instantly feel at ease as you lounge on quiet beaches like Matemwe and Kiwengwa. Next, visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed Stone Town, where you'll find the ruins of a 19th-century palace and a graveyard with ties to Zanzibar's former Arab royals. And no trip would be complete without taking a spice tour in the countryside and exploring Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. As an added bonus, you'll find this is a surprisingly cheap tropical destination .

A grouping of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles has long attracted those looking for a truly relaxing, off-the-beaten-path getaway. Spend your days lounging on pristine, crowd-free beaches like Anse Lazio and Anse Source D'Argent, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Or, head deep into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Vallée de Mai nature reserve to gaze at its unique flora and fauna. Keep in mind that lodging here is expensive (especially at the luxury resorts), so it's best to save up and book in advance.

With numerous hiking trails, miles of dramatic scenery and stunning beaches (including one with wild penguins), this South Africa hub caters to both adventurous and laid-back travelers. Getting to Cape Town won't be cheap, but your dollar will go far once you arrive. Make sure you take the aerial cableway up Table Mountain, visit Nelson Mandela's jail cell on Robben Island and explore the world-renowned Constantia Valley wine region. You'll also want to save time to trek through the Cape of Good Hope, which lies 40 miles south of Cape Town on the southern tip of Africa.

Cairo can be overwhelming, as there's so much to see and do everywhere you turn. From Islamic Cairo's bustling Khan El-Khalili bazaar to the ancient Pyramids of Giza to the picturesque Nile River, you'll be immersed in this Egyptian city's history and culture before long. Though winter offers the most pleasant weather of the year (with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s), it's also the busiest season, so consider visiting in spring or fall when room rates are lower, temps are bearable and crowds thin out.

Like other historic Moroccan cities, Marrakech buzzes with life: Performers vie for your attention in Jemaa El Fna (an open-air square in the heart of the Medina of Marrakesh) while vendors hawk aromatic spices, homemade textiles, ornate lanterns and more at the bazaars along the alleyways. When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, unwind at a hammam, visit the Jardin Majorelle or head to a rooftop bar and relax before retiring to your riad. During your visit, keep an ear out to hear the striking tones of the nearby mosques' calls to prayer.

You'll spot plenty of animals – ranging from lions to rhinos to elephants to giraffes – in this massive game preserve in South Africa. Kruger National Park's network of paved roads makes it easier to navigate than Serengeti, and it tends to be cheaper to visit. However, its popularity (especially from May to October, which are the best months for wildlife viewing) means you're more likely to encounter hordes of visitors during game drives. Consider visiting one of the park's private game reserves for a more exclusive experience, and to ensure lodging, flight and tour availability, you'll likely want to finalize your trip at least a year in advance.

The habitat on the island of Madagascar is unlike any other in the world: Most of the landscape is unspoiled, giving visitors a chance to see animals in their natural environment. Travelers should look out for the country's signature animal: the lemur. Madagascar is home to more than 100 species of these creatures, as well as 11,000-plus plant species, including majestic baobab trees. Some of the best places to see wildlife and Madagascar's geological wonders include Isalo National Park and Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve. Be sure to save some time to island hop to Nosy Be for its world-class beaches.

Despite its small size and landlocked location in southeastern Africa, Malawi draws visitors with its gorgeous lake, diverse wildlife and friendly people. At Lake Malawi, one of the deepest lakes in the world, travelers can enjoy water sports activities like kayaking and sailing, soak up some sun on a white sand beach or dive beneath the lake's surface to look for colorful cichlid fish. The tiny country also features nine national parks and wildlife reserves, making it an excellent less-crowded option for a self-drive or a guided safari. For the best wildlife viewing, arrive during the dry season, which lasts from May to October.

Adventurous travelers who dream of spending their vacation surrounded by nature will love Botswana. A less crowded alternative to nearby safari destinations like South Africa and Tanzania, Botswana has a strong conservation focus and offers ample opportunities to spot rhinos, elephants and more in protected areas like Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve, the oldest reserve of the Okavango Delta. Plus, adrenaline junkies can participate in all kinds of heart-pumping activities, including quad biking, mokoro (canoe) safaris and helicopter tours.

Kenya's capital city offers the perfect blend of urban pursuits and natural splendor. With museums highlighting its pre- and post-colonial heritage, bustling street markets and a thriving nightlife scene, Nairobi is a cultural hub. But its proximity to (and preservation of) wildlife is what makes Nairobi one of the world's most unique cities. The city boasts its own national park – Nairobi National Park, whose grassy plains host 100-plus mammal species including black rhinos – as well as wildlife conservation parks such as the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. What's more, scenery seekers can also visit the urban Karura Forest or hike the surrounding Ngong Hills.

Multi-Day Tours with Culture Trip

Experience deeply immersive 7-14 days itineraries with a small group of like-minded people. See all tours

Morocco 11 Day s

Epic Morocco

Ancient cities, Atlas Mountains and Saharan dunes – meet the many faces of Morocco.

Egypt 9 Day s

Ultimate Egypt

Explore the pyramids of Giza, cruise the Nile and visit the Valley of the Kings.

Turkey 12 Day s

Majestic Turkey

The ultimate Turkish itinerary, from the bazaars of Istanbul to the beautiful beaches of Antalya.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Alexandria, Egypt

Addis Ababa

You May Be Interested In

Best Places to Visit in Asia

Best Places to Visit in Europe for 2023-2024

Australia & The Pacific

Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific in 2023

Best National Parks in the World for 2024

Central & South America

Best Places to Visit in Central and South America in 2023

Best Islands in the World for 2024

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

17 Best Countries to Travel in Africa in 2024 (with map)

There is no other place in the world with more to offer the traveller than Africa! From wildlife safaris and camping under the stars, to exotic cities and fascinating cultures, Africa has it all .

I’ve been travelling for decades, and Africa is the place that keeps drawing me back. I’ll never run out of things to see! I travel here every chance I get, for anywhere from one month to six.

Choosing where to go can be the toughest part of planning your trip, so here’s some help. This article lists the 17 best countries to travel in Africa. Out of its 54 utterly unique nations, these should be first on your bucket list .

These countries are presented in no particular order, except roughly north to south, as they’re all amazing. Put them in order of what looks best to you. See if you can guess my favourites, and find your own.

You’ll also find phrases in red that will lead you to other articles or amazing tours of the country you’re reading about. Click through and find the perfect way to see the places you dream of.

🧳 Book your trip with the companies that I know and trust: ☑︎ Accommodations  –   Booking.com for the best selection​ ​☑︎ Flights  –  I love  WayAway , and you can get 10% off with this link ​ ​ ☑︎ Travel Insurance  –  I use  SafetyWing . Never skip travel insurance! ​ ☑︎ Tours/experiences  –  Viator  is my favourite ​ ​ ☑︎ Car rental  –   Discover Cars searches international & local rental companies to find what you need

The Best Countries to Travel in Africa: North

• Official language : Arabic & Moroccan Berber.
• Why Morocco ? Go for the exotic markets and food, and the inexpensive travel.

Morocco is an exotic mix of mountains, desert and lovely seashore. Its big, sprawling cities are colourful and chaotic and full of the aromas of incense and spices .

Smaller villages boast everything from sea views and Mediterranean-style charm to downhill ski resorts and lonely desert settlements.

Morocco is a personal favourite of mine. Plus, it’s the most visited country in Africa – so you know it must have a lot going for it.

Explore the exotic cities of Fez, Marrakech and Casablanca for their famous markets. One of the best is the night market in Marrakech, in Djemaa el Fnaa Square.

Here you can find an amazing full-day tour of Marrakech and all of its sights. Then if you have another day, you can go back to your favourites knowing you haven’t missed a thing.

In the markets you’ll find performers and craft sellers, spices and soaps, and, of course, food.

From snail soup and goats’ heads to tagines with bread and olive oil, you can be as adventurous as you want. Or not – the chicken and couscous are great too.

And you won’t find better shawarma anywhere. I tried it in Marrakech before it had made its way across the ocean. Now every time I have some, it takes me back to the Medina.

There’s something magical about wandering through the souks of Casablanca in the heat of the day. It’s also a great place to sharpen up your bargaining skills. It’s expected, so don’t hold back!

Plus, if you happen to be in Morocco between December and March, visit Oukaïmeden for a day on the slopes.

A 2-hour drive from Marrakech , Oukaïmeden is located in the High Atlas Mountains. The ski resort offers altitudes of 2,600 – 3,200 metres, with 6 lifts.

✔️ Ouzoud Waterfall Hike & Boat Trip

Take a spectacular hike through the olive groves then board a traditional boat for a close-up look at the falls!

⭐️ Rated 4.6/5 with 4289 reviews – Book Here!

If your time here doesn’t coincide with ski season, hiking is another terrific way to enjoy the area. Go for a few hours or a few days! Or drive on a bit and spend the night in the Agafay Desert .

By rail is a great way to travel between cities in Morocco. With high-speeds, air conditioning, and comfy seats, you can sit back and enjoy watching Morocco go by.

What to wear as a woman in Morocco: remember to dress with respect to the culture. This is a very Muslim country, but liberal. Women can wear shorts, but nothing showing too much skin. No crop tops, for example. Cover shoulders, knees, and chest in more rural towns. Loose, lightweight pants and flowy skirts, and loose weave, long sleeve shirts are perfect. Women on their own are less likely to get harassed if they’re dressed modestly. Men can wear shorts, but will stand out less as a tourist if long trousers are worn.

• Official Language: Arabic. Berber and French are also spoken, as well as some English and Italian.
• Why Tunisia? Go for the historical sites and the outdoor activities!

The beautiful North African nation of Tunisia is a destination that’s often overlooked. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture and wonderful people, it’s easy to lose yourself in .

From soaking up the sun on white sandy beaches to exploring ancient ruins. Tunisia offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

One of the best reasons to visit Tunisia is to explore its many historical sites . The country is home to some of the oldest and most interesting ruins in Africa.

These include the area’s Roman ruins such as El Djem’s Colosseum and Carthage’s ancient streets.

The hustle and energy of Tunisia’s medina, with its narrow alleyways and colourful markets is another great experience.

The weather in Tunisia is perfect for outdoor activities . In summer, you can expect warm to hot temperatures, ideal for swimming, sunbathing and exploring the beach.

The winter months are milder and still beautiful. The weather will allow you to take part in some of the country’s outdoor activities. There’s great hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.

Tunisia also gives you a unique chance to experience the traditional way of life , in the country’s many rural villages. You can sample locally-produced food and drink, including Tunisian wine and couscous.

You can also take part in traditional activities like camel riding, pottery making, and shopping for local handicrafts.

What to wear in Tunisia : In this conservative shorts and T-shirts should generally be avoided. This is especially true when visiting more traditional and religious sites. For women, it is recommended that they cover their arms and legs with lightweight material such as cotton or linen. Men should also avoid shorts or revealing clothing.

• Official language : Egyptian Arabic. English is widely spoken in the main centres, with some French and Italian, as well.
• Why Egypt ? Go for the Great Pyramids of Giza and other remnants of the oldest civilizations in the world. Also some of the best, and least expensive, diving in the world .

The lure of Egypt goes far beyond the ancient ruins that we all associate with the country. I think it could be the most interesting country in Africa. It’s also one of my own best-loved North African countries .

As well as a fascinating centre of ancient history, Egypt is the Mediterranean. It’s the Middle East. And it’s mysterious. The name conjures up images of sheiks and treasures.

Some of the most famous movies ever filmed were set in Egypt – Casablanca, Death on the Nile, and The Spy Who Loved Me are classics. Not to mention Stargate and The Mummy.

But, the archaeological sites of Egypt are often the primary reason for visiting Egypt. It certainly was for me. The ancient history that’s available for the public to explore is incredibly fascinating.

But even if you aren’t wowed at the prospect of ancient ruins, I’d suggest at least visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza or the Valley of the Kings.

Or make a quick stop at the Egyptian Museum – I could have spent days there.

✔️ Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza

This full-day trip will show you Cairo’s Old Town, as well as the Pyramids and the Great Sphynx. And you don’t want to leave Egypt without riding a camel!

⭐️ Rated : 4.2/5 with 1,570 reviews

Once you’re awestruck by those, you’ll want to see it all.

The Abu Simbel Temple is an amazing enormous sight, as is the Valley of the Kings. Visit by camel, of course. If nothing else, the sheer size of these artifacts will make your head spin.

Also, the Khan al-Khalili bazaar and souk are located in the historic center of Cairo.

Here you can find copper, spices, leather goods, and gold. Also the vibrant energy and combination of aromas that are somehow specifically Egyptian.

It’s easy to spend hours and hours taking it all in.

A lexandria , on the other hand, is a city unlike any other. Its European architecture and 12 miles of Mediterranean coastline set it apart.

Unlike most of the bustling cities in Egypt, Alexandria is a good place for walking . Stroll along the Corniche as the locals do, wander by the sea, and catch a sunset.

While in Alexandria, be sure to visit the Montazah Gardens. Here you’ll find 150 acres of islands, lighthouses, and palaces, in addition to the stunning botanics.

Before leaving Egypt, try to find time for a visit to the Aswan Dam . A  felucca sailboat cruise on the Nile River is fantastic, too!

In addition, Egypt has some of the best scuba diving on the planet. The Red Sea is a world-famous diving destination, and on the Mediterranean side, you can find some sunken ruins to explore.

Egypt is the second most touristed country in Africa, and I can absolutely see why – there’s just so much to see. And so much of it is incredibly fascinating.

What to wear in Egypt: Is Egypt safe for women? Yes, if you dress according to the culture . Shoulders, knees, and chest should be covered. No shorts – loose, lightweight pants and flowy skirts, and loose weave, long sleeve shirts are perfect. Dressing immodestly, by muslim standards not yours , is asking for trouble.

• Official Language: although French is the official language of Senegal, it’s spoken by only 37% of its people. In contrast, 72% of the population speaks the native language of Wolof.
• Why Senegal? This beautiful country is well-known for its warm hospitality, or teranga, toward visitors. It also has outstanding music and markets, as well as surf and wildlife.

The country of Senegal has everything you might be looking for when you travel to Africa. It’s a terrific example of the warm and friendly people of Africa .

It may also be the most beautiful country in West Africa .

The capital city of Dakar is a colourful, bustling seaport town. It’s full of museums, theatres, and shopping. And if you love to experience the local music when you travel, there’s no place better than the nightlife scene of Dakar.

Or if you prefer a quieter scene , you can find that here, too. The smaller area of N’gor is lovely, as is the peaceful little island of Île de N’Gor.

This island that is has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The historical and haunting Île de Gorée was the largest slave trading post on the African coast.

Niokolo-Koba National Park is another UNESCO Site. The 900 km² park is a unique mix of savannah and forest.

Lions, elephants, chimpanzees, leopards, hippos, and derby elands make their homes here. They share the park with some 70 other species of mammals .

And of course, there is Lake Retba, the mystical-looking pink lake north of Dakar. Go for a swim and feel the gravity-defying buoyancy the very high salt content of the water gives you.

Even bird lovers will love Senegal. In the Parc National de la Langue de Barberie alone, there are more than 160 species of birds for your list .

What to wear in Senegal: While this is a very tolerant country when it comes to the religious beliefs of others, it is very conservative . Women should keep shoulders covered, and avoid shorts, short skirts, and cropped tops. Men should also avoid wearing shorts.

5. Cabo Verde

• Official Language : Portuguese. However, English and Kaboverdianu (Cape Verdian Creole) are also widely spoken.
• Why Cabo Verde? Go for the diving and the surf! The rugged landscapes make for some epic adventures, and it’s always beach weather.

The stunning island chain of Cabo Verde is made up of 10 islands, only 9 of which are inhabited. There are also 5 islets in the chain .

If you’re after an amazing hike, set out on the popular climb up the active volcano, Pico do Fogo. If water sports are more your thing, the island of Sal, especially, has you covered there.

From windsurfing to scuba diving, there are water sports galore. For some, these are the only reasons they need to travel to Cabo Verde .

And you don’t have to miss out on marine life if you’d rather stay dry. Both humpback whales and loggerhead turtles are seasonal visitors to Cabo Verde, and can be seen from aboard a boat.

What to wear in Cabo Verde : While the islands are very casual, beachwear is not allowed in hotel restaurants. Do dress modestly by covering knees and shoulders when away from the main tourist spots.

• Official language : though Ghana has over 50 indigenous languages, English is the official language.
• Why Ghana ? Go because it is a tropical paradise! It also has yet to be “discovered”. This makes a visit here more affordable and less touristed than it will be once the floodgates open. Enjoy!

G hana is not a name that’s heard often outside of Africa. This is whether the subject is tourism, politics, or Africa in general .

Though still a hidden gem, it has one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, based on cocoa and gold. It’s also one of the safest countries in Africa in 2022.

Ghana is a successful and independent nation, and its independence is celebrated each July 1 as Republic Day.

Accra is the capital city of Ghana and its largest city. It’s a prosperous trading centre that lies partly on a cliff that’s 8-12 metres high, on the Gulf of Guinea.

There is a lot to see in the capital, from Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park to the James Town Lighthouse.

Plus, the shopping, the history, and the views can keep you busy for days. You can make sure you don’t miss anything with a tour around the city .

✔️ Treat yourself to a Day Tour of the Amazing City of Accra with Viator ✬

⭐️ Rated: 5/5 with 114 reviews!

The Ghanaian love for life is everywhere, from its warm, welcoming people to its traditional monthly festivals. If you love to find great festivals when you travel, then you’re in the right place .

Over 70 festivals are celebrated every year in Ghana. Reportedly one of the grandest is Homowo, held between August and September. The word translates to “Hooting at hunger”.

It commemorates the bumper harvest that followed a famine that struck Ghana many years ago.

Others are the Odambea Festival and the Bridal Festival. Plus, there is the boat pageant known as the Edina Bakatue Festival.

Research the dates for the time you’re going to see which festival you’ll be able to catch.

In between the festivities, be sure to go out and enjoy the natural wonders that Ghana has for you. You’ll find amazing spots like the Kakum National Park and the Digya National Park.

In these, you’ll get to see large elephant populations and the endangered Diana monkey . Also stunning birds, flowers, and river creatures such as crocodiles and otters. Hiking and canoeing anyone?

Also, keep in mind Bobiri Forest and Butterfly Sanctuary and the Hippo Sanctuary at Wechiau. They’re just a couple of examples of village-based conservation operating in Ghana.

Here you can experience the variety of wildlife with the benefit of expert local guides.

One more thing NOT to miss is the turtle viewing at Anyanui, from August to February. Check out the Facebook page for Anyanui Tourism Information Centre for info.

If you’re lucky, you may have the opportunity to see the hatching of leatherback turtles and their journey to the ocean. Your visit supports the work that’s done to protect these turtles.

The people’s warmth and the joy they take in welcoming visitors make it a perfect place to visit. Especially if you like to meet the locals.

Be prepared for people to express protectiveness toward you if you’re a woman travelling on her own. Smile and feel happy that there are such kind people in the world. It’s a great place to travel in Africa.

What to wear in Ghana : really are no clothing restrictions in Ghana, beyond making sure that your midriff is covered. Loose, long sleeves and pants are recommended though, to protect the skin from the sun.

• Official language : there are 9 main languages, with most people speaking Tigrinya.
• Why Eritrea? go for the ruins, the trekking, the beaches, and the surprising Modernist architecture.

Eritrea, located in the horn of Africa, is also home to stunning landscapes and an exciting culture. From deserts to beaches to towering mountains, Eritrea captures hearts with its unique charm .

With so much to explore and experience, there is a wide variety of activities you can enjoy in this pretty little country.

Whether you like strolling through rich historical sites or taking part in outdoor adventures, you’re going to enjoy Eritrea.

Visitors can explore the ancient cities of Axum, Adulis, and Dahlak Island. Take a boat ride along the Red Sea, or trek through one of the incredible mountain ranges . Ocean lovers will love diving off Dahlak Island.

Even bird watchers will love it. The Gash-Barka region , especially, attracts a high density and wide variety of birds.

And once you’ve taken in all of the amazing activities, you can lounge on the pristine beaches of Massawa. Or simply explore the colourful markets of Asmara.

What to wear in Eritrea : Try to keep knees and shoulders covers when you’re not at the beach .

🗺 Get a PDF planning checklist to help you with your trip ! Plus receive the Explore Africa newsletter – Join the Club ↴

The Best African Countries to Visit: South

8. Mauritius

• Official Language : No official language, but most people speak Creole.
• Why Mauritius : Its blend of cultures, activities, and natural beauty, along with its rich history, and vibrant experiences that you simply can’t find anywhere else.

In the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, Mauritius is a gem waiting to be discovered. Currently considered the safest country in Africa , it’s blessed with a unique blend of cultures .

It offers an equally unique experience to visitors. Despite the lack of an official language, English speakers can easily communicate with the friendly locals.

Mauritius is ideal for nature lovers , home to nine bird species found nowhere else in the world. The island’s fascinating history even includes the dodo , an extinct bird and national animal .

Plus, winter horse racing is an age-old favourite event. Thousands of people show up to the Champs de Mars racecourse to cheer on their favourites. Races happen from March to early December each year.

And my favourite, the Mauritius National Botanical Garden is home to a fantastic variety of tropical plants. Many of them are endemic to the island.

And of course, the stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and abundant coral reefs are unbeatable. I wonder if these beaches aren’t somehow responsible for the impressive life expectancy on the island.

As well, there are several festivals that you can enjoy. Which one you get to see depends on when your time on the island falls. November is the time to catch the Festival Reggae Donn SA and the Beach Humour Festival.

What to wear in Mauritius : You’re welcome to relax and wear what you please in Mauritius. As the weather is warm and the water is inviting, be sure to bring a swimsuit and light clothing.

• Official languages : Swahili, though there are 43 languages spoken in Uganda today.
• Why Uganda ? The mountain gorilla is an important reason to visit Uganda. Also, tourism is still relatively a new industry in Uganda, which means a more authentic experience. 

Uganda’s   Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is definitely a spot you’ll want to visit while you’re in Uganda .

It’s one of only 3 places in Africa where the endangered mountain gorilla can be found.

Responsible gorilla trekking is one of the main fund-raising tools for their conservation. Taking part supports these efforts.

But for their protection, always go with a trained guide, and follow all rules. Seeing these guys in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience.

✔️ SEE UGANDA’S EPIC WILDLIFE

Take 8 days to see chimps, gorillas, and other wildlife in Uganda. Tour the best parks in Uganda with your expert guide. Relax and let someone else do the driving while you soak up the sights!

There’s another check on your bucket list!

Even apart from the mountain gorillas, Uganda has one of the highest populations of primates in Africa. Kibale National Park is a great place to see chimpanzees, making destination for travellers.

If you want a little more action and adventure, try white water rafting on the Nile River.

Jinja is located on Lake Victoria, at the source of the Nile. It’s a popular starting point for rafting trips . Other, less heart-stopping adventures are offered too, like kayaking, ATV rentals and bodysurfing.

Once you’re done for the day, be sure to relax with a locally-made Nile Beer .

Or visit Rwenzori’s “ Mountains Of The Moon ” National Park for epic hiking trails. It can be cold, though, due to the high altitude, so go prepared.

You’ll actually find glaciers in the Rwenzori, as well as stunning waterfalls and lakes. A guide is required to explore here.

Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park is known for its butterflies and birds.

And if you’re looking for lions and elephants, head to Queen Elizabeth National Park in the western part of Uganda.

Once you’ve satisfied your craving for time with the animals, get to know the tribes of Uganda. One of the incredible festivals is a great way to do this.

The Nile Festival is the last weekend of January and features music, dance, folklore and food.

There is also the International Film, Music, and Arts Festival of Bayimba, held at the end of August. It showcases local artists, as well as those from other parts of East Africa.

There’s so much to see and do in Uganda that it’s really impossible to do it all. But it’s fun trying!

What to wear in Uganda: Give a bit of thought to how you dress while in Uganda. For both men and women, shorts should be avoided out of respect for the culture, as well as anything tight or revealing.

• Official languages : Swahili and English
• Why Kenya ? Go for the wildlife safaris, especially during the Great Wildebeest Migration, for coastal beaches, or for Mount Kilimanjaro!

The dramatic wildebeest migration ongoing throughout the year is the perfect excuse to visit Kenya. They move from the southern Serengeti, in Tanzania, northwest to Kenya’s Maasai Mara .

These 2 regions are contiguous, and the animals move with the seasons, following the rains and the new grass. Catching sight of the mass of animals crossing the Mara River is something you’ll never forget.

The best time to see this in Kenya is between late July and early September . Also on the way back south from mid-October to early November.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the best places in Africa to experience the epic wildlife.

At any time of year, you’ll see what is known as the Big 5 . These are lions, leopards, cape buffalo, rhinos, and elephants.

On top of these are an incredible number of other animals , from hippos and antelope to tortoises and crocodiles.

✔️ 3 Days in the Maasai Mara

Spend 3 days and 2 nights on safari in the famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve. See the iconic wildlife of Africa in the wild. Another check on your bucket list!

In addition, learn about the Maasai people . They’re noticeable by the bright red and purple cloths they wrap around themselves. Many still live a pastoral lifestyle in northern Tanzania and southern Kenya.

These nomadic warriors enjoy sharing their music and dance with visitors.

The best way to experience their culture is to visit a Maasai village while you’re on safari. Visiting this fascinating culture on your own will make the rest of your world melt away.

Nairobi, the capital city , is definitely worth a stop. Take a guided walking or driving tour if you have time. Try some local cuisine, maybe nyama choma and ugali.

This is charcoal-roasted meat and maize-meal cake, and the one from Tamambos in the Village Market is delicious.

Try to leave time for the beach before you move on from Kenya. The coast runs along the Indian Ocean, and is a great spot for soaking up some sun.

There are options from luxury to backpacker if you decide to stay awhile.

Don’t forget Diani Beach , south of Mombasa, another popular destination. You can snorkel, dive, or just lounge in the sun.

What to wear in Kenya: avoid wearing anything short, tight, or revealing. Loose, airy trousers and skirts, and longer, flowy shirts are the way to go. Respect the culture – this applies to women and men!

11. Tanzania

• Official Languages: Swahili and English
• Why Tanzania? The Great Wildebeest Migration can also be seen here, in the Serengeti National Park. Then you can spend some time enjoying the sun in Zanzibar, or climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.

The best times to see the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti are from late June to August. Also from January to mid-March, if you’re hoping to catch that .

T his area is also where you’ll find the Ngorongoro Crater , aka the “Garden of Eden”.

The Crater plays host to a staggering number of wildlife species. On top of that, it’s one of the most important prehistoric sites in the world.

Olduvai Gorge is a part of the Ngorongoro Conservation area. Some of the earliest known evidence of humans was discovered here.

Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve are more remote and less travelled safari destinations. These are located in southern Tanzania.

These are both definitely worth checking out if you’re looking to get off the beaten path a bit. They are a bit pricier than the other spots, though.

There also are several cities to choose from if you’d like to see the more cosmopolitan side of Tanzania.

Arusha is a base for Mount Kilimanjaro expeditions and many safaris. It has everything you might need when stocking up for these adventures.

You’ll also find nightlife, museums and markets ! The warmth and energy of the local people really shine when you get out to meet them here.

D on’t be surprised if they seem a little protective of you here, too, if they find out that you’re travelling solo .

I’ve been asked if Tanzania, especially the bigger cities, is safe for solo female travellers . I can honestly say, I always felt safe. But again, common-sense precautions, like anywhere else.

Mwanza is the second largest city in Tanzania and offers a similar experience to the capital of Dar es Salaam.

L ocated on Lake Victoria, Mwanza’s center has many historical buildings and shops . It’ll give you a good snapshot of city life in Tanzania. But I wouldn’t recommend driving here! It’s chaos.

A short flight or ferry ride – I recommend the flight – away is  Stone Town, the main city on Zanzibar Island.

It is a maze of narrow alleys connecting bazaars, mosques, and shops. More than 99% of people on Zanzibar are Muslim.

This is the perfect place to relax from your travels. Enjoy some cold local beer, and ruminate on how lucky you are to be here.

Zanzibar is well-known for its idyllic beaches. Jambiani Beach , in the south, is where I learned the fine art of lying in the sun. It was a very successful lesson!

Another of Zanzibar’s amazing attractions is its superb diving ! Whale sharks and stingrays – need I say more?

Stone Town is another popular place in Zanzibar. There are many friendly street merchants, local shops, and pretty and unique places to eat or have a cup of amazing African coffee.

What to wear in Tanzania : this is a deeply conservative country – knees and shoulders should be covered. This applies to men, too. Loose pants or skirts, and sleeved shirts in cool fabrics are perfect. T ake note that camouflage and military clothing is NOT permitted.

12. Mozambique

• Official Language : Portuguese. Over 40 other languages are also spoken.
• Why Mozambique? Go for the 2,500 km (1,600 mi) of coastline, the spectacular marine life, and the variety of terrestrial wildlife.

Mozambique is a fascinating and diverse country, located in southeastern Africa. With stunning beaches along the Indian Ocean, lush rainforests, unique wildlife, and vibrant cultures, Mozambique has something for everyone .

One major draw of Mozambique is its incredible beaches . From the islands of Bazaruto and Ibo to the mainland coastal regions, there is a beach for every taste.

Whether you want to relax on a secluded beach or join in some fun water sports such as snorkelling, windsurfing, or sailing, Mozambique has plenty of options that are sure to please.

In fact, Mozambique scuba diving is some of the best in the world. The Bazaruto Archipelago, a national park, protects more than 2000 types of fish.

It’s also home to dugongs , leatherback turtles, and dolphins, just to name a few creatures.

In addition to the beaches, Mozambique also has a variety of outdoor activities. From rock climbing and kayaking in Cahora Bassa National Park to game viewing in Gorongosa National Park, there is something that you’ll love.

Bird watching is especially popular, as it gives you a chance to observe some of the country’s many exotic birds . You can also go on a safari, or take a guided fishing trip to catch some of the local fish species.

The culture in Mozambique is also incredibly diverse and vibrant . There are many different ethnic groups living throughout the country, each with its own unique traditions and customs.

Music and dance are an important part of the culture here, and you can find performances in many different parts of the country. The cuisine is quite varied, as well — from seafood to Portuguese-inspired dishes, there is something for everyone’s taste buds.

What to wear in Mozambique : The culture is not overly concerned with how its visitors dress, but do dress conservatively . Longer shorts and sleeveless tops may be acceptable in the urban centres , but take clothing that will cover knees and shoulders when you venture farther inland.

13. Madagascar

• Official Languages : Malagasy and French
• Why Madagascar ? Go for the lemurs – more than 30 species! The large island is also home to some of the world’s most unique plants and animals. And koba cake. Yum.

M adagascar is the third largest island in the world. It’s a peaceful paradise for hundreds of species of animals, birds and insects .

Five percent of these live nowhere else on Earth.

It is also home to 15,000 species of plants, 80% of which are found nowhere else . Wild orchids anyone? The way to see the amazing wildlife here is in the excellent national parks, on foot and with a guide.

The parks are car-free for the most part. Most have hiking trails for all levels of fitness, from 2 hours to multiple days. Perfect for your adventures in Madagascar .

Isalo National Park is a place of wildly varying terrain, over 300 species of animals, and extraordinary sunsets.

The Andasibe Mantadia Rainforest is the place to go if you’d like to see the Indri lemur .

If your visit to Madagascar is between June and September, you can go whale watching at Antongil Bay. Humpback whales come here every year for mating season.

The bay is also home to mangroves, coral reefs, and marine turtles. As well, many mammal and fish species make for some amazing snorkelling.

What to wear in Madagascar: You don’t need to worry too much about what you wear on the island. Do refrain, though, from wearing anything too revealing or too short.

14. Namibia

• Official language : English
• Why Namibia ? Go for the sandboarding, stargazing, and otherworldly landscapes. There is an endless list of things to do in Namibia.

Namibia is named for the Namib Desert, one of the world’s oldest. Namib means “the vast place”, and there couldn’t be a more appropriate name for this stunning landscape .

Sparsely populated Namibia is a heart-stopping combination of red dunes , bleached-white pans, scrubby savannah, and rocky mountains.

It also may be one of the best places to visit in Africa for first-timers . There’s so much to see, and there are excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

In addition, it’s one of the safest countries in Africa. If you’re new to travelling in Africa, this is a great place to start your adventures.

Namibia is relatively easy to navigate, and you can usually find someone who speaks some English. It’s also quite a tidy nation, and less chaotic than some parts of Africa.

As well, its excellent infrastructure and tamer traffic are much less intimidating to drive in than some other countries in Africa.

A road trip here is like no other road trip you’ve ever taken. Watching the Namibian light and topography change with the miles and the position of the sun is truly mystical.

My month-long road trip through Namibia is one of my very favourite memories.

In southern Namibia, you’ll find Fish River Canyon , the second-largest canyon in the world. This is well-known, serious hiking territory.

But only from May through mid-September, due to the heat and flooding the rest of the year.

Farther north is Swakopmund – a paradise for the adventurer in you.

You can take your pick of skydiving , sandboarding, 4x4ing on the dunes , paragliding, and many other activities. These can be as wild or as mild as you like.

Whatever you choose, follow it up with some traditional German cuisine. The country is a former German colony, and you’ll find their apfelstrudel – apple strudel – stacks up against anybody’s.

Namibia’s German heritage also comes out in the Oktoberfest celebration in the capital city of Windhoek. O’zapft!

➤ Get 41 Safety & Travel Tips in this IWIF article .

The bleak and stunning shores of the Skeleton Coast run up into Angola. They hold the bones of centuries of ships run aground, some still visible today.

Haunting whale and seal bones are a disturbing reminder of past hunts. The desert-adapted elephants and lions that wander the area are a bit haunting, as well.

The dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei may be the landmarks that many people think of when they hear Namibia mentioned. The orange dunes against the bluest blue sky highlighting the fossilized acacia trees is an iconic image of this area.

Etosha National Park , one of Namibia’s most famous attractions, is where you’ll find the densest population of wildlife in the country.

This national park is one of the best places to visit in Namibia, especially if you’re on your first self-drive safari.

In addition, this is an excellent place to find endangered black rhinos. Also, when the pan is full, pink flamingos number in the thousands.

What to wear in Namibia: Shorts and tank tops are fine to wear in Namibia. But take note that military-type camouflage is NOT allowed.

• Official Language: English, though Bemba and Nyanja are the main languages spoken outside of business.
• Why Zambia? Victoria Falls is one of Zambia’s main attractions. It’s also a beautiful example of unspoiled African wilderness, with impressive wildlife viewing opportunities.

Victoria Falls is a major draw for tourism in Zambia. It receives about one million visitors every year! The world’s largest falls*, the Falls was chosen as a World Heritage Site in 1980 .

The local Zambian name for the falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya , which means the smoke that thunders . Standing in front of the mass of falling water, the reason is obvious.

The mist that rises up from the falls and the booming sound that comes from it will stay with you long after you leave the area.

Another of Zambia’s claims to fame is the bush walk , also known as the walking safari. This method of wildlife viewing was introduced in Zambia in 1950, and is one of the most exciting activities offered in Africa.

Zambia is one of the few countries in Africa that has been able to avoid the war, conflict, and political upheaval that much of Africa has suffered over the years.

It has earned a well-deserved reputation for political stability .

What to wear in Zambia : camouflage and military-style clothing is NOT permitted in Zambia. Shorts and skirts should be long enough to cover the knees, with shoulders covered.

* Based on height and width

16. Botswana

• Official languages : Tswana and English, though there are at least 31 languages recognized here.
• Why Botswana ? Go for the Okavango Delta, and to support the efforts of the Botswana government in the conservation of its country’s wildlife.

Whether you’re looking for city life or wildlife, Botswana’s got it for you! And it’s another of the safest countries to visit in Africa, and an incredibly beautiful country .

After spending an extended trip exploring the country, I developed a soft spot for Botswana. I revisit it whenever I have the chance.

Gaborone is the capital city, and there’s a lot to see in and around it. If you’ve been travelling for a while, you may have things you need to stock up on.

You’ll be able to find whatever you need at one of the modern shopping malls .

If you don’t have the time to travel through the many beautiful parks and reserves of Botswana, you can still see the wildlife from Gaborone.

Thirty minutes outside of town is the Mokolodi Nature Reserve . They offer a variety of activities that give you a chance to get a feel for the variety of wildlife that calls Botswana home.

Hopefully, you will have a bit of time to explore, because Botswana boasts some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa.

A few of the most well-known spots are the Okavango Delta , the Central Kalahari Game Reserve , Savuti National Park and Chobe National Park.

The Okavango Delta is one of Botswana’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s home to some of the most endangered mammals in the world, and is utterly gorgeous.

In addition, all of these spots offer unforgettable safari experiences. You might start with a scenic flight over the Delta. This is a breathtaking way to take in the wonders of this area as a whole.

Botswana is also the home to the Elephant Haven . Only about an hour’s drive from Maun, the starting point for many excursions in this area, this elephant orphanage is well worth the time it takes to get there.

A visit to the Elephant Haven will give you a chance to meet some of their young charges, and support the work they’re doing.

Now if you’ve always wanted to see meerkats in the wild , Botswana has Planet Baobab. This unique lodge is about 2 and a half hours from Maun, on Makgadikgadi Pan in Gweta.

These little guys are great fun to watch, and you might see some elephants and giraffes on your way there. Drive carefully, just in case!

And for a little taste of how the locals eat while you’re in Botswana, stop in at Maun’s Akacia Cafe for a mopane pizza.

Mopane worms are plentiful in some parts of Africa and are eaten in stews and sauces, and as dried, crunchy snacks.

Don’t think about it, just take a bite. Want more restaurants (without mopane) and activities in Maun? Have a look at Things to Do in Maun for the whole scoop.

On top of all that, the Batswana, as the people of Botswana are called, are lovely.

If you’re travelling solo and get tired of your own company, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with the person behind you at the food store.

You just might be making a friend.

What to wear in Botswana: There are no strict rules as to what not to wear in Botswana, but do try to dress modestly. * Camo or military style-clothing is illegal in Botswana for those not in the military.

➤ Read More About Botswana: 33 Fun & Interesting Facts About Botswana

17. South Africa

• Official languages : there are 11 of them. English is the 4th most widely spoken.
• Why South Africa ? Go for the enormous variety of sights and activities, from safari to wine tasting to botanical gardens.

Most people have heard of Cape Town , in southwestern South Africa. Its Table Mountain is a top African tourist spot, and one of the most popular places in the area to visit .

You have your choice of hiking to the top or taking the cable car. The view from the top will make the trip worthwhile!

Cape Town is also home to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront , aka the V & A Waterfront. This is a great area for shopping, having a bite to eat, or finding a seat and people-watching.

A harbour cruise will give you a different perspective of the area. And you’ll get to see the seals curled up wherever they can find some sun.

Nearby is the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens , one of the world’s largest. If you have any gardener in you, or just enjoy flowers, this is a don’t-miss.

If you’re up for a road trip, the world-famous Garden Route is an epic one. You can spend anywhere from 3 days to 14 cruising along this 300 km stretch of coastal road.

It will take you past lagoons and lakes, through forests and over mountains. You’ll find activities such as whale watching, eco-tours and hiking to break up the drive.

And as you can imagine, the views are stunning, from beginning to end.

✔️ Get a free Printable   Travel Bullet-Journal  📚 for your trip Plus more info on exploring Africa !

If the Cape Winelands sound more your style, set out on Route 62. Stretching 850 km, it is considered to be the longest wine route in the world.

I f you don’t have several days to meander along this spectacular highway, try a wine-tasting day trip from Cape Town.

There’s a hop-on hop-off one that’ll let you enjoy without having to drive.

And of course, no trip to South Africa would be complete without some wildlife viewing .

Kruger National Park is the perfect destination if you’d like to take your first self-drive safari. You can fly right into the park and rent a car at the airport.

KNP is equipped with everything you need for a stay as long or short as you’d like. There are food shops and cafes, as well as a variety of accommodations, from campsites to luxury tents.

There is an extraordinary variety of wildlife throughout the park. This includes one of the few remaining populations of African Painted Dogs.

The variety of birdlife numbers around 520 species, and includes rare ones that are seldom seen anywhere else. You’ll want to bring an extra memory card for your camera if you’re a bird lover.

Read 14 Reasons to Visit South Africa if you need more convincing!

What to wear in South Africa : South Africans are generally not concerned with whether or not you show your knees. Camouflage, however, IS illegal , and it’s best leave any military-style clothing at home as well.

➤ Read more about South Africa: 14 Reasons to Visit South Africa

Map of Africa

Frequently Asked Questions :

✓ what is the safest country in africa .

Currently,  Mauritius  is considered the safest country in Africa. It’s been deemed safer than Italy, Spain, and the UK. You can check the  Global Peace Index  to find out where the others lie.

✓ What is the friendliest country in Africa ?

Morocco is thought to be friendliest to its tourists. Find how your  favourite countries rank here .

✓ Which countries in Africa are not safe to visit?

The answer to this question changes according to the current political climate. As of the end of 2022, the country of the Central African Republic has advisories discouraging travel.

This is due to the high incidence of violent crime in the country. Be sure to do some research in this regard when planning your trip.

✓ Which African country has the best weather?

The island nation of Seychelles is the African country with the best weather. You’ll enjoy a short rainy season and warm temperatures all year. Never cold and rarely warmer than 31º in summer, temps hover between 25ºC and 28ºC all year long.

✓ What is the most underrated place to visit in Africa?

Senegal is a small country on the west coast of North Africa. With a culture based on hospitality, it’s also known for its music, markets, surf, and wildlife. A pretty politically stable country, it’s an incredibly underrated destination.

✅ Don’t ever forget travel insurance ! You earned your trip to Africa – don’t let anything as small as an illness or loss of luggage derail it. I always use SafetyWing !

Summing It Up: Best Country to Travel in Africa in 2024

Africa boasts 54 amazing countries waiting to be explored, and these are the 17 absolute best. Each one offers its own unique blend of culture, landscapes, and experiences.

As you plan your trip, consider your interests, budget, and travel goals. Whether you’re drawn to the pyramids of Egypt, the wildlife of Kenya, or the history of Morocco Africa has something to offer you.

Once you’ve explored these 17 countries, start on the remaining 36. If your list turns out differently than mine, let me know!

Don’t keep waiting – pack some bug spray and your common sense in a single carry-on bag and go. You’re going to love it!

Happy Travels!

Read More About Africa: • Dream Destinations in Africa • Iconic Animals of Botswana & Where to See Them • 24 Best Things to Do in Zanzibar (with map) • What to Do in Kenya Beyond Safari • Winter in Africa – 15 Important Facts

Share this article

I had been travelling for years before I first went to Africa. Once I had been on my first safari, I was hooked. Now I go back every chance I get. I've lived in Botswana, explored the wild coast of Namibia, toured Southern Africa and so much more.

There's no place that has more to offer a traveller than this enormous and stunning continent. I write about it here to hopefully inspire you to experience it for yourself, and to make your travels easier. It'll be the trip of your life! Happy travels!

• South Africa

Maps of South Africa

South Africa, a country located at the southernmost tip of Africa , shares its borders with six countries as well as the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Namibia lies to the northwest, Botswana to the north, and Zimbabwe , Mozambique , and Eswatini (Swaziland) to the northeast. A completely enclosed sovereign state, Lesotho , lies within its interior. The total area of South Africa amounts to 1,221,037 km 2 (471,445 mi 2 ).

The country's coastal borders extend for more than 2,800 km (1,770 mi) along the southwestern edge of the African continent. The Indian Ocean lies to the southeast and the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest. Where these two oceans converge, the warm Agulhas current from the Indian Ocean mixes with the cool Benguela current from the Atlantic, along the ecologically rich, fluctuating, Agulhas Front.

Notable Landmarks: Table Mountain is a notable geographical landmark in South Africa. It is a flat-topped mountain that is part of the Table Mountain National Park. It overlooks the city of Cape Town on the southwestern coast and it attracts many visitors. Additionally, a notable example of South African terrain and wildlife is exhibited by Kruger National Park , a 19,623 km 2 (7,576 mi 2 ) game reserve in the northeastern corner of the country. The Highveld , a plateau region in the interior, sits at an elevation of about 1,200 m (3,937 ft). It tapers off to the Bushveld towards the north, which extends into the Limpopo River basin. The Lowveld, another major geographical area, rests to the northeast of the Highveld.

The Eastern Highlands run along the edge of the Highveld, featuring notable mountain ranges like the Drakensberg. These mountains include some of the highest peaks in Africa south of Kilimanjaro , with heights reaching up to 3,482 m (11.423 feet).

The Western Cape , meanwhile, has the Cape Fold Mountains, creating a series of parallel ranges that run east-west along the coast. This region features the Fynbos biome, which includes a large proportion of endemic plant species. Bodies of Water: In terms of water bodies, the country has few natural lakes, but an extensive system of reservoirs and dams, like the Gariep Dam on the Orange River, the largest in the country. Additionally, South Africa's eastern coast is dotted with estuaries, which play an essential role in local ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity and serving as nurseries for several species of fish.

Several significant rivers flow across the country's expanse. The largest, the Orange River, stretches about 2,200 km (1,367 mi), originating from the Drakensberg Mountains and meandering westwards to discharge into the Atlantic Ocean. Other crucial rivers include the Limpopo, serving as a border between South Africa and Zimbabwe, and the Vaal, a significant tributary of the Orange River and an essential water source for the densely populated Gauteng province.

South Africa is not typically known for its islands; however, it has a few of significance. Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town, holds immense historical value as the location where Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists were imprisoned; it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Prince Edward Islands, a pair of sub-Antarctic islands in the Indian Ocean, are another notable group. Marion Island, the larger of the two, is the site of a meteorological and biological research station.

Provinces of South Africa Map

South Africa is divided into nine provinces as shown on the political map above. These are Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, and Western Cape. The provinces are further divided into metropolitan and district municipalities. The latter is further sectioned into local municipalities. All municipalities are divided int still smaller units called wards.

With an area of 372,889 sq. km, Northern Cape is South Africa's largest province while Gauteng is the most populous one.

The country has three capital cities. Pretoria, Cape Town, and Bloemfontein served as the executive, legislative, and judicial capitals of the country respectively. Johannesburg is the country's largest city.

Where is South Africa?

Africa's southernmost country, South Africa, is located in the Southern and Eastern Hemispheres of the world. It is also the Eastern Hemisphere's southernmost mainland country. South Africa shares a border with six countries. It surrounds the enclaved country of Lesotho. Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana border it to the north. Mozambique and Eswatini border it to the east and northeast, respectively. South Africa has coastlines on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean to the south.

South Africa Bordering Countries : Namibia , Mozambique , Zimbabwe , Botswana , Lesotho , Eswatini .

Regional Maps : Map of Africa

Outline Map of South Africa

The blank outline map represents mainland South Africa. The country also has several oceanic islands thats cannot be observed on this map. The above map can be downloaded for free, and used for educational purposes like map-pointing activities. The enclave of Lesotho can be marked on the blank map of the country.

The outline map represents the mainland territory of South Africa. The country also has several islands on the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. 

This page was last updated on July 11, 2023

Latest by WorldAtlas

10 Loveliest Small Towns to Visit in Arkansas This Summer

7 Underappreciated Towns to Visit in the Northern United States

7 Delightful Towns to Visit in New Mexico

7 Budget-Friendly Towns in The Rockies for Retirees

6 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Vermont for 2024

The 11 Deadliest Animals in Idaho

New Mexico's Best Small Towns for a Weekend Escape

9 Ideal North Carolina Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2024

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

• Section 2 - Interactions Between Travel Vaccines & Drugs
• Section 2 - Travelers’ Diarrhea

Yellow Fever Vaccine & Malaria Prevention Information, by Country

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Mark Gershman, Rhett Stoney (Yellow Fever) Holly Biggs, Kathrine Tan (Malaria)

The following pages present country-specific information on yellow fever (YF) vaccine requirements and recommendations, and malaria transmission information and prevention recommendations. Country-specific maps are included to aid in interpreting the information. The information in this chapter was accurate at the time of publication; however, it is subject to change at any time due to changes in disease transmission or, in the case of YF, changing entry requirements for travelers. Updated information reflecting changes since publication can be found in the online version of this book and on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers’ Health website. Recommendations for prevention of other travel-associated illnesses can also be found on the CDC Travelers’ Health website .

Yellow Fever Vaccine

Entry requirements.

Entry requirements for proof of YF vaccination under the International Health Regulations (IHR) differ from CDC’s YF vaccination recommendations. Under the IHR, countries are permitted to establish YF vaccine entry requirements to prevent the importation and transmission of YF virus within their boundaries. Certain countries require proof of vaccination from travelers arriving from all countries ( Table 5-25 ); some countries require proof of vaccination only for travelers above a certain age coming from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines areas with risk for YF virus transmission as countries or areas where YF virus activity has been reported currently or in the past, and where vectors and animal reservoirs exist.

Unless issued a medical waiver by a yellow fever vaccine provider, travelers must comply with entry requirements for proof of vaccination against YF.

WHO publishes a list of YF vaccine country entry requirements and recommendations for international travelers approximately annually. But because entry requirements are subject to change at any time, health care professionals and travelers should refer to the online version of this book and the CDC Travelers’ Health website for any updates before departure.

CDC Recommendations

CDC’s YF vaccine recommendations are guidance intended to protect travelers from acquiring YF virus infections during international travel. These recommendations are based on a classification system for destination-specific risk for YF virus transmission: endemic, transitional, low potential for exposure, and no risk ( Table 2-08 ). CDC recommends YF vaccination for travel to areas classified as having endemic or transitional risk (Maps 5-10 and 5-11 ). Because of changes in YF virus circulation, however, recommendations can change; therefore, before departure, travelers and clinicians should check CDC’s destination pages for up-to-date YF vaccine information.

Duration of Protection

In 2015, the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices published a recommendation that 1 dose of YF vaccine provides long-lasting protection and is adequate for most travelers. The recommendation also identifies specific groups of travelers who should receive additional doses, and others for whom additional doses should be considered (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 26, Yellow Fever ). In July 2016, WHO officially amended the IHR to stipulate that a completed International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis is valid for the lifetime of the vaccinee, and YF vaccine booster doses are not necessary. Moreover, countries cannot require proof of revaccination (booster) against YF as a condition of entry, even if the traveler’s last vaccination was >10 years ago.

Ultimately, when deciding whether to vaccinate travelers, clinicians should take into account destination-specific risks for YF virus infection, and individual risk factors (e.g., age, immune status) for serious YF vaccine–associated adverse events, in the context of the entry requirements. See Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 26, Yellow Fever , for a full discussion of YF disease and vaccination guidance.

Table 2-08 Yellow fever (YF) vaccine recommendation categories 1

Malaria prevention.

The following recommendations to protect travelers from malaria were developed using the best available data from multiple sources. Countries are not required to submit malaria surveillance data to CDC. On an ongoing basis, CDC actively solicits data from multiple sources, including WHO (main and regional offices); national malaria control programs; international organizations; CDC overseas offices; US military; academic, research, and aid organizations; and the published scientific literature. The reliability and accuracy of those data are also assessed.

If the information is available, trends in malaria incidence and other data are considered in the context of malaria control activities within a given country or other mitigating factors (e.g., natural disasters, wars, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic) that can affect the ability to control malaria or accurately count and report it. Factors such as the volume of travel to that country and the number of acquired cases reported in the US surveillance system are also examined. In developing its recommendations, CDC considers areas within countries where malaria transmission occurs, substantial occurrences of antimalarial drug resistance, the proportions of species present, and the available malaria prophylaxis options.

Clinicians should use these recommendations in conjunction with an individual risk assessment and consider not only the destination but also the detailed itinerary, including specific cities, types of accommodations, season, and style of travel, as well as special health conditions (e.g., pregnancy). Several medications are available for malaria prophylaxis. When deciding which drug to use, consider the itinerary and length of trip, travelers’ previous adverse reactions to antimalarials, drug allergies, medical history, and drug costs. For a thorough discussion of malaria and guidance for prophylaxis, see Sec. 5, Part 3, Ch. 16, Malaria .

Afghanistan

Entry requirements : None

CDC recommendations : Not recommended

• All areas <2,500 m (≈8,200 ft) elevation (April–December)
• Chloroquine
• P. vivax  (primarily)
• P. falciparum (less commonly)
• Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3

Other Vaccines to Consider

See Health Information for Travelers to Afghanistan

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission 1

No malaria transmission

See Health Information for Travelers to Albania

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

See Health Information for Travelers to Algeria

American Samoa (US)

See Health Information for Travelers to American Samoa

See Health Information for Travelers to Andorra

Entry requirements : Required for arriving travelers  ≥9 months old

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old

• P. falciparum (primarily)
• P. malariae , P. ovale , and P. vivax (less commonly)

See Health Information for Travelers to Angola

Anguilla (U.K.)

See Health Information for Travelers to Anguilla (U.K.)

See Health Information for Travelers to Antarctica

Antigua and Barbuda

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

See Health Information for Travelers to Antigua and Barbuda

CDC recommendations : Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to Corrientes and Misiones Provinces. Generally not recommended for travel to Formosa Province or to designated areas of Chaco, Jujuy, and Salta Provinces. Not recommended for travel limited to provinces and areas not listed above.

Related Maps

Map 2-01 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Argentina & neighboring countries

See Health Information for Travelers to Argentina

See Health Information for Travelers to Armenia

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 Entry will be denied if a valid vaccination certificate cannot be provided.

See Health Information for Travelers to Aruba

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 Travelers arriving from the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador are exempt from this requirement.

See Health Information for Travelers to Australia

See Health Information for Travelers to Austria

See Health Information for Travelers to Azerbaijan

Azores (Portugal)

See Health Information for Travelers to Azores

Bahamas, The

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

See Health Information for Travelers to The Bahamas

See Health Information for Travelers to Bahrain

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

• Districts of Chittagong Hill Tract (Bandarban, Khagrachari, and Rangamati); and the following districts: Chattogram (Chittagong) and Cox’s Bazar (in Chattogram [Chittagong] Division); Mymensingh, Netrakona, and Sherpur (in Mymensingh Division); Kurigram (in Rangpur Division); Habiganj, Moulvibazar, Sunamganj, and Sylhet (in Sylhet Division)
• No malaria transmission in Dhaka (the capital)
• P. falciparum (90%)
• P. vivax (10%)
• P. malariae  (rare)

See Health Information for Travelers to Bangladesh

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 Travelers arriving from Guyana or Trinidad & Tobago are exempt from this requirement, unless an outbreak is occurring.

See Health Information for Travelers to Barbados

See Health Information for Travelers to Belarus

See Health Information for Travelers to Belgium

• Rare transmission
• No malaria transmission in Belize City or on islands frequented by tourists (e.g., Ambergris Caye)
• P. vivax (primarily)
• None (insect bite precautions / mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Belize

Entry requirements : Required for all arriving travelers ≥9 months old

• P. falciparum  (primarily)
• P. malariae ,  P. ovale,  and  P. vivax  (less commonly)

See Health Information for Travelers to Benin

Bermuda (U.K.)

See Health Information for Travelers to Bermuda (U.K.)

• Rare cases in rural areas <1,700 m (≈5,500 ft) elevation in districts along the southern border shared with India
• P. falciparum  (less commonly)
• None (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Bhutan

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

CDC recommendations : Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to areas <2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation, east of the Andes Mountains: the entire departments of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, and designated areas in the departments of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija. Not recommended for travel limited to areas >2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation and any areas not listed above, including the cities of La Paz (administrative capital) and Sucre (constitutional [legislative and judicial] capital).

• All areas <2,500 m (≈8,200 ft) elevation
• No malaria transmission in La Paz (administrative capital)
• P. vivax  (99%)
• P. falciparum  (1%)
• Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, primaquine 5 , tafenoquine 3

Map 2-02. Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Bolivia & neighboring countries

See Health Information for Travelers to Bolivia

See Health Information for Travelers to Bonaire

Bosnia and Herzegovina

See Health Information for Travelers to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes transits through countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

• Districts/ subdistricts of Bobirwa, Boteti, Chobe (including Chobe National Park), Ghanzi, Mahalapye, Ngamiland (Ngami), North East (including its capital, Francistown), Okavango, Serowe/ Palapye, and Tutume
• Rare cases or sporadic foci of transmission in districts/ subdistricts of Kgalagadi North, Kgatleng, Kweneng, and Southern
• No malaria transmission in Gaborone (the capital)
• P. malariae ,  P. ovale , and  P. vivax  (less commonly)
• Districts/subdistricts of Bobirwa, Boteti, Chobe (including Chobe National Park), Ghanzi, Mahalapye, Ngamiland (Ngami), North-East (including its capital, Francistown), Okavango, Serowe/Palapye, and Tutume: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3
• Areas with rare cases or sporadic foci of transmission: no chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Botswana

CDC recommendations : Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to the states of Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Distrito Federal (including the capital city, Brasília), Espírito Santo,* Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Pará, Paraná,* Piauí, Rio de Janeiro (including the city of Rio de Janeiro and all coastal islands),* Rio Grande do Sul,* Rondônia, Roraima, Santa Catarina,* São Paulo (including the city of São Paulo and all coastal islands),* Tocantins, and designated areas of Bahia*. Vaccination is also recommended for travelers going to Iguaçu Falls. Not recommended for travel limited to any areas not listed above, including the cities of Fortaleza and Recife *In 2017, in response to a large YF outbreak in multiple eastern states, CDC expanded its vaccination recommendations for travelers going to Brazil. The expanded YF vaccination recommendations for these states are preliminary. For updates, refer to the CDC Travelers’ Health website.

• All areas in the states of Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Rondônia, and Roraima
• Present in the states of Maranhão, Mato Grosso, and Pará, but rare cases in their capital cities (São Luis [capital of Maranhão], Cuiabá [capital of Mato Grosso], Belém [capital of Pará])
• Rural and forested areas in the states of Espírito Santo, Goiás, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, Piauí, Rio de Janeiro, São Paolo, and Tocantins
• No malaria transmission in the cities of Brasília (the capital), Rio de Janeiro, or São Paolo
• No malaria transmission at Iguaçu Falls
• P. vivax  (90%)
• P. falciparum  (10%)
• Areas with rare cases: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4
• Map 2-03 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Brazil & neighboring countries
• Map 2-04 Malaria prevention in Brazil

See Health Information for Travelers to Brazil

British Indian Ocean Territory; includes Diego Garcia (U.K.)

See Health Information for Travelers to British Indian Ocean Territory (U.K.)

• No human malaria
• Rare transmission of P. knowlesi 6 in primarily forested or forest-fringe areas
• P. knowlesi 6 (100%)
• None (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Brunei

See Health Information for Travelers to Bulgaria

Burkina Faso

Entry requirements : Required for all arriving travelers ≥9 months old

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old.

• P. malariae ,  P. ovale , and  P. vivax (less commonly)

See Health Information for Travelers to Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

• All areas <1,000 m (≈3,300 ft) elevation, including Bagan
• Rare transmission in areas >1,000 m (≈3,300 ft) elevation
• Chloroquine and mefloquine
• P. vivax (60%)
• P. falciparum (40%)
• P. knowlesi 6 , P. malariae , and P. ovale (rare)
• Areas <1,000 m (≈3,300 ft) elevation in the regions of Bago and Tanintharyi, and in the states of Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, and Shan: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, tafenoquine 3
• Areas <1,000 m (≈3,300 ft) elevation in all other areas: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine  3
• Areas >1,000 m (≈3,300 ft) elevation: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only)  4

See Health Information for Travelers to Burma (Myanmar)

Entry requirements : Required for all arriving travelers ≥9 months old.

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old.

See Health Information for Travelers to Burundi

• Present throughout the country
• No (or negligible) malaria transmission in the cities of Phnom Penh (the capital) and Siem Reap
• No (or negligible) malaria transmission at the main temple complex at Angkor Wat
• P. vivax (80%)
• P. falciparum (20%)
• P. knowlesi 6 (rare)
• Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, tafenoquine 3

See Health Information for Travelers to Cambodia

Entry requirements : Required for all arriving travelers ≥1 year old.

See Health Information for Travelers to Cameroon

See Health Information for Travelers to Canada

Canary Islands ( Spain )

See Health Information for Travelers to Canary Islands (Spain)

• No indigenous cases reported since 2018
• Previously, rare cases on Santiago (São Tiago) Island and Boa Vista Island
• Previously, chloroquine
• Previously, P. falciparum (primarily)

See Health Information for Travelers to Cape Verde

Cayman Islands (U.K.)

See Health Information for Travelers to Cayman Islands (U.K.)

Central African Republic

Entry requirements : Required for all arriving travelers ≥9 months old .

See Health Information for Travelers to Central African Republic

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

CDC recommendations : Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to areas south of the Sahara Desert. Not recommended for travel limited to areas in the Sahara Desert.

See Health Information for Travelers to Chad

See Health Information for Travelers to Chile

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 Travelers with itineraries limited to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) or Macao SAR are exempt from this requirement.

See Health Information for Travelers to China

Christmas Island (Australia)

See Health Information for Travelers to Christmas Island (Australia)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Australia)

See Health Information for Travelers to Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Australia)

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in any of these countries.

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old except as follows. Generally not recommended for travel limited to the cities of Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena, or Medellín. Not recommended for travel limited to areas >2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation, the archipelago department of San Andrés and Providencia, or the city of Bogotá (the capital).

• All areas <1,700 m (≈5,600 ft) elevation
• No malaria transmission in the cities of Bogotá (the capital), Cartagena, or Medellín
• P. falciparum  (50%)
• P. vivax  (50%)

Map 2-05 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Colombia & neighboring countries

See Health Information for Travelers to Colombia

• P. malariae and P. vivax (rare)

See Health Information for Travelers to Comoros

Congo, Republic of the (Congo-Brazzaville)

Entry requirements : Required for all arriving travelers ≥9 months old.

See Health Information for Travelers to Congo, Republic of the

Cook Islands (New Zealand)

See Health Information for Travelers to Cook Islands (New Zealand)

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 Included in this requirement are travelers arriving from Tanzania and Zambia, and designated areas of: Colombia (the entire country, except the cities of Barranquilla, Bogotá, Cali, Cartagena, and Medellín, and the archipelago department, San Andrés and Providencia); Ecuador (the provinces of Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbíos, and Zamora-Chinchipe, and excluding the rest of the country); Paraguay (the entire country, except the city of Asunción); Peru (the entire country, except the cities of Cusco and Lima, the regions of Cajamarca, Lambayeque, Piura, and Tumbes, and the highland tourist areas of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail); Trinidad & Tobago (the entire country, except the urban areas of Port of Spain; travelers with itineraries limited to the island of Tobago, and travelers with airport transits or layovers are also exempt from this requirement). Travelers arriving from Argentina and Panama are exempt from this requirement.

• Present in the provinces of Alajuela and Limón
• Rare to no transmission in other parts of the country
• P. falciparum (86%)
• P. vivax (14%)
• Alajuela and Limón Provinces: Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3
• All other areas: None (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Costa Rica

Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

See Health Information for Travelers to Côte d'Ivoire

See Health Information for Travelers to Croatia

See Health Information for Travelers to Cuba

Curaçao, Netherlands

See other recommended vaccines and medicines for travelers to Curaçao

See Health Information for Travelers to Cyprus

See Health Information for Travelers to Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo-Kinshasa)

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old

See Health Information for Travelers to Democratic Republic of the Congo

See Health Information for Travelers to Denmark

• P. falciparum (60–70%)
• P. vivax (30–40%)
• P. ovale (rare)

See Health Information for Travelers to Djibouti

See Health Information for Travelers to Dominica

Dominican Republic

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from the following states in Brazil: Espírito Santo, Mina Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in any of these states

• Primarily in the provinces near the border with Haiti, and the provinces (including resort areas) of La Altagracia, San Cristóbal, San Juan, and Santo Domingo
• In the Distrito Nacional, city of Santo Domingo (the capital), primarily in the La Ciénaga and Los Tres Brazos areas
• Rare transmission in other provinces
• P. falciparum  (100%)
• Provinces near the border with Haiti, and the provinces (including resort areas) of La Altagracia, San Cristóbal, San Juan, and Santo Domingo: Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3
• All other areas: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Dominican Republic

Easter Island (Chile)

Entry requirements : Easter Island has not stated its YF vaccination certificate requirements

See Health Information for Travelers to Easter Island (Chile) .

Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in any of these countries .

CDC recommendations : Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to areas <2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation, east of the Andes Mountains, in the provinces of Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbíos, Tungurahua,* and Zamora-Chinchipe. Generally not recommended for travel limited to areas <2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation, west of the Andes Mountains, in the provinces of Esmeraldas,* Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Santa Elena, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, and designated areas in the provinces of Azuay, Bolívar, Cañar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Imbabura, Loja, and Pichincha. Not recommended for travel limited to areas >2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation, the cities of Guayaquil or Quito (the capital), or the Galápagos Islands *CDC recommendations differ from those published by WHO .

• Areas <1,500 m (≈5,000 ft) elevation in the provinces of Carchi, Cotopaxi, Esmeraldas, Morona-Santiago, Orellana, Pastaza, and Sucumbíos
• Rare cases <1,500 m (≈5,000 ft) in all other provinces
• No malaria transmission in the cities of Guayaquil or Quito (the capital)
• No malaria transmission on the Galápagos Islands
• P. vivax  (85%)
• P. falciparum  (15%)
• Transmission areas in the provinces of Carchi, Cotopaxi, Esmeraldas, Morona-Santiago, Orellana, Pastaza, and Sucumbíos: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3
• All other areas with reported malaria transmission: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

Map 2-06 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Ecuador & neighboring countries

See Health Information for Travelers to Ecuador .

See Health Information for Travelers to Egypt .

El Salvador

See Health Information for Travelers to El Salvador .

Equatorial Guinea

• P. malariae, P. ovale , and P. vivax  (less commonly)

See Health Information for Travelers to Equatorial Guinea .

CDC recommendations : Generally not recommended for travel to the regions of: Anseba, Debub (also known as South or Southern Region), Gash Barka, Ma’ekel (also known as Ma’akel or Central Region), or Semenawi K’eyih Bahri (also known as Northern Red Sea Region). Not recommended for travel to any areas not listed above, including the Dahlak Archipelago.

• All areas <2,200 m (≈7,200 ft) elevation
• No malaria transmission in Asmara (the capital)
• P. falciparum  (80–85%)
• P. vivax (15–20%)
• P. malariae and P. ovale (rare)

Map 5-10 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Africa

See Health Information for Travelers to Eritrea .

See Health Information for Travelers to Estonia .

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

• Eastern areas bordering Mozambique and South Africa, including the entire region of Lubombo and the eastern half of Hhohho, Manzini, and Shiselweni Regions
• P. malariae , P. ovale , and  P. vivax  (less commonly)

See Health Information for Travelers to Swaziland .

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old except as follows. Generally not recommended for travel limited to the regions of Afar or Somali.

• All areas <2,500 m (≈8,200 ft) elevation, except none in Addis Ababa (the capital)
• P. falciparum  (80%)
• P. vivax  (20%)
• P. malariae and P. ovale  (rare)

Map 2-07 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Ethiopia & neighboring countries

See Health Information for Travelers to Ethiopia .

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), UK Overseas Territory (also claimed by Argentina)

See Health Information for Travelers to Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) .

Faroe Islands (Denmark)

See Health Information for Travelers to Faroe Islands (Denmark) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Fiji .

See Health Information for Travelers to Finland .

See Health Information for Travelers to France .

French Guiana

• Areas associated with gold mining, primarily the communes near the border with Brazil and Suriname, especially Régina and Saint-Georges-de-l’Oyapock; also, the communes of Kourou, Matoury, and Saint-Élie
• No malaria transmission in coastal areas west of Kourou
• No malaria transmission in Cayenne City (the capital)
• P. falciparum (15%)

See Health Information for Travelers to French Guiana (France) .

French Polynesia, including the Society Islands [Bora-Bora, Moorea & Tahiti]; Marquesas Islands [Hiva Oa & Ua Huka]; and Austral Islands (Tubuai & Rurutu), France

See Health Information for Travelers to French Polynesia (France) .

• P. malariae , P. ovale , and P. vivax  (less commonly)

See Health Information for Travelers to Gabon .

Gambia, The

See Health Information for Travelers to The Gambia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Georgia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Germany .

• P. malariae,   P. ovale, and   P. vivax (less commonly)

See Health Information for Travelers to Ghana .

Gibraltar (U.K.)

See Health Information for Travelers to Gibraltar (U.K.) .

• Rare, local transmission in agricultural areas, associated with imported malaria (May–November)
• No malaria transmission in tourist areas
• Not applicable
• P. vivax  (100%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Greece .

Greenland (Denmark)

See Health Information for Travelers to Greenland (Denmark) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Grenada .

Guadeloupe (including Marie-Galante, La Désirade & Îles des Saintes)

See Health Information for Travelers to Guadeloupe .

Guam (U.S.)

See Health Information for Travelers to Guam (U.S.) .

• Primarily in the departments of Alta Verapaz, Escuintla, Izabal, Petén, and Suchitapéquez
• Few cases reported in other departments
• No malaria transmission in the cities of Antigua or Guatemala City (the capital)
• No malaria transmission at Lake Atitlán
• P. vivax (99%)
• P. falciparum  (1%)
• Departments of Alta Verapaz, Escuintla, Izabal, Petén, and Suchitapéquez: Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, primaquine 5 , tafenoquine 3
• Other areas with reported malaria transmission: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Guatemala .

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 Required for all arriving travelers from all countries if traveler is ≥9 months of age and arriving at Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport in Conakry.

See Health Information for Travelers to Guinea .

Guinea-Bissau

See Health Information for Travelers to Guinea-Bissau .

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >4-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

• Rare cases in the cities of Georgetown (the capital) and New Amsterdam
• All areas (except the cities of Georgetown and New Amsterdam): Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3
• Cities of Georgetown and Amsterdam: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Guyana .

• All (including Labadee, also known as Port Labadee)
• P. falciparum (99%)
• P. malariae  (rare)
• Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3

See Health Information for Travelers to Haiti .

Entry requirements : Required for travelers 1-60 years old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

• Throughout the country and on the island of Roat á n and other Bay Islands
• No malaria transmission in the cities of San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa (the capital)
• P. vivax (93%)
• P. falciparum  (7%)
• Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3

See Health Information for Travelers to Honduras .

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China

See Health Information for Travelers to Hong Kong SAR (China) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Hungary .

See Health Information for Travelers to Iceland .

• Arrive within 6 days of leaving an area with risk for YF virus transmission, or
• Have been in such an area in transit (exception: passengers and members of flight crews who, while in transit through an airport in an area with risk for YF virus transmission, remained in the airport during their entire stay and the health officer agrees to such an exemption), or
• Arrive on a ship that started from or touched at any port in an area with risk for YF virus transmission ≤30 days before its arrival in India, unless such a ship has been disinsected in accordance with the procedure recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), or
• Arrive on an aircraft that has been in an area with risk for YF virus transmission and has not been disinsected in accordance with the Indian Aircraft Public Health Rules, 1954, or as recommended by WHO.
• Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda
• Americas: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago (Trinidad only), Venezuela
• Throughout the country, including the cities of Bombay (Mumbai) and New Delhi (the capital)
• No malaria transmission in areas >2,000 m (≈6,500 ft) elevation in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, or Sikkim
• P. vivax (50%)
• P. falciparum (>40%)

See Health Information for Travelers to India .

• All areas of eastern Indonesia (the provinces of Maluku, North Maluku, East Nusa Tenggara, Papua, and West Papua), including the town of Labuan Bajo and the Komodo Islands in the Nusa Tenggara region
• Rural areas of Kalimantan (Borneo), West Nusa Tenggara (includes the island of Lombok), Sulawesi, and Sumatra
• Low transmission in rural areas of Java, including Pangandaran, Sukabumi, and Ujung Kulon
• No malaria transmission in the cities of Jakarta (the capital) or Ubud
• No malaria transmission in the resort areas of Bali or Java, the Gili Islands, or the Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu)
• Chloroquine ( P. falciparum and P. vivax )
• P. falciparum (60%)
• P. vivax (40%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Indonesia .

• Previously, March-November in rural areas of Fars Province, Sistan-Baluchestan Province, and southern, tropical parts of Hormozgan and Kerman Provinces.
• Recent outbreaks in Sistan-Baluchestan Province near the border with Pakistan.
• Previously, P. vivax (93%)
• Previously, P. falciparum  (7%)
• Sistan-Baluchestan Province along the border with Pakistan: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 2
• All other areas with previous transmission: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Iran .

See Health Information for Travelers to Iraq .

See Health Information for Travelers to Ireland .

See Health Information for Travelers to Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza .

Italy (including Holy See [Vatican City])

See Health Information for Travelers to Italy .

See Health Information for Travelers to Jamaica .

See Health Information for Travelers to Japan .

See Health Information for Travelers to Jordan .

Entry requirements : Required for travelers arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

See Health Information for Travelers to Kazakhstan .

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old except as follows. Generally not recommended for travel limited to: the city of Nairobi (the capital); the counties of the former North Eastern Province (Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa); or the counties (except Taita-Taveta) of the former Coast Province (Kilifi, including the city of Malindi; Kwale; Lamu; Mombasa, including the city of Mombasa; Tana River) .

• All areas (including game parks) <2,500 m (≈8,200 ft) elevation, including the city of Nairobi (the capital)
• Map 2-08 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Kenya & neighboring countries
• Map 2-09 Malaria prevention in Kenya

See Health Information for Travelers to Kenya .

Kiribati (formerly Gilbert Islands), includes Tarawa, Tabuaeran (Fanning Island), and Banaba (Ocean Island)

See Health Information for Travelers to Kiribati .

See Health Information for Travelers to Kosovo .

See Health Information for Travelers to Kuwait .

See Health Information for Travelers to Kyrgyzstan .

• All, except in Vientiane (the capital) where there is no transmission
• P. vivax (55%)
• P. falciparum (45%)
• P. knowlesi 6 , P. malariae, and P. ovale (rare)
• Areas bordering Burma (the provinces of Bokeo and Luang Namtha), Cambodia; Thailand (the provinces of Champasak and Salavan); and Vietnam: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, tafenoquine 3
• All other areas with malaria transmission: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3

See Health Information for Travelers to Laos .

See Health Information for Travelers to Latvia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Lebanon .

See Health Information for Travelers to Lesotho .

See Health Information for Travelers to Liberia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Libya .

Liechtenstein

See Health Information for Travelers to Liechtenstein .

See Health Information for Travelers to Lithuania .

See Health Information for Travelers to Luxembourg .

Macau Special Administrative Region, China

See Health Information for Travelers to Macau SAR (China) .

• All; except in Antananarivo (the capital) where malaria transmission is rare
• P. ovale and P. vivax (less commonly)
• All areas (except the city of Antananarivo): Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3
• Antananarivo: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Madagascar .

Madeira Islands (Portugal)

See Health Information for Travelers to Madeira Islands (Portugal) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Malawi .

• No indigenous cases of human malaria since 2017
• Zoonotic transmission of simian malaria occurs in rural, forested areas
• No malaria transmission in other areas, including Kuala Lumpur (the capital), in Penang State, on Penang Island, or in George Town (capital of Penang State)
• P. knowlesi 6 (primarily)
• Previously, P. falciparum , P. malariae , P. ovale , and P. vivax
• In rural, forested areas: atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3

See Health Information for Travelers to Malaysia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Maldives .

See Health Information for Travelers to Mali .

See Health Information for Travelers to Malta .

Marshall Islands

See Health Information for Travelers to Marshall Islands .

See Health Information for Travelers to Martinique (France) .

• All; except in the regions of Dakhlet Nouadhibou and Tiris Zemmour where there is no transmission

See Health Information for Travelers to Mauritania .

See Health Information for Travelers to Mauritius .

Mayotte (France)

See Health Information for Travelers to Mayotte (France) .

• Chiapas and southern part of Chihuahua state
• Rare in the states of Campeche, Durango, Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, Sonora, and Tabasco
• No malaria transmission along the U.S.–Mexico border
• Chiapas and southern part of Chihuahua state: Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, primaquine 5 , tafenoquine 3
• All other areas with malaria transmission: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

Map 2-10 Malaria prevention in Mexico

See Health Information for Travelers to Mexico .

Micronesia, Federated States of (including Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei & Yap)

See Health Information for Travelers to Micronesia, Federated States of .

See Health Information for Travelers to Moldova .

See Health Information for Travelers to Monaco .

See Health Information for Travelers to Mongolia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Montenegro .

Montserrat, United Kingdom

See Health Information for Travelers to Montserrat (U.K.) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Morocco .

See Health Information for Travelers to Mozambique .

• In the regions of Kavango (East and West), Kunene, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, and Zambezi
• Rare in other parts of the country
• No malaria transmission in Windhoek (the capital)
• Kavango (East and West), Kunene, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, and Zambezi: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3

See Health Information for Travelers to Namibia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Nauru .

• Throughout the country in areas <2,000 m (≈6,500 ft) elevation
• No malaria transmission in Kathmandu (the capital) or on typical Himalayan treks
• P. falciparum (<10%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Nepal .

Netherlands

See Health Information for Travelers to The Netherlands .

Netherlands Antilles (Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustasius, and St. Maarten)

Entry requirements : See Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustasius, and St. Maarten for yellow fever information.

• See Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustasius, and St. Maarten for malaria information.

New Caledonia (France)

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 In the event of an epidemic threat to the territory, a specific vaccination certificate may be required.

See Health Information for Travelers to New Caledonia (France) .

New Zealand

See Health Information for Travelers to New Zealand .

• Región Autónoma Atlántico Norte (RAAN) and Región Autónoma Atlántico Sur (RAAS)
• Rare cases in the departments of Boaco, Chinandega, Estelí, Jinotega, León, Matagalpa, and Nueva Segovia
• No malaria transmission in Managua (the capital)
• P. falciparum  (20%)
• Región Autónoma Atlántico Norte (RAAN) and Región Autónoma Atlántico Sur (RAAS): Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3

See Health Information for Travelers to Nicaragua .

See Health Information for Travelers to Niger .

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old.  

See Health Information for Travelers to Nigeria .

Niue (New Zealand)

See Health Information for Travelers to Niue (New Zealand) .

Norfolk Island (Australia)

See Health Information for Travelers to Norfolk Island (Australia) .

North Korea

• Southern provinces
• P. vivax (100%)
• Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, primaquine 5 , tafenoquine 3

See Health Information for Travelers to North Korea .

North Macedonia

See Health Information for Travelers to North Macedonia .

Northern Mariana Islands (U.S.), includes Saipan, Tinian, and Rota Island

See Health Information for Travelers to Northern Mariana Islands (U.S.) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Norway .

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission, with the addition of Rwanda and Tanzania; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

• Rare sporadic transmission after importation only
• Previously, P. falciparum and P. vivax

See Health Information for Travelers to Oman .

• All areas (including all cities) <2,500 m (≈8,200 ft) elevation

See Health Information for Travelers to Pakistan .

See Health Information for Travelers to Palau .

CDC recommendations : Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to all mainland areas east of the Canal Zone including Darién Province, the indigenous provinces (comarcas indígena) of Emberá and Kuna Yala (also spelled Guna Yala), and areas of the provinces of Colón and Panamá, east of the Canal Zone. Not recommended for travel limited to the Canal Zone; areas west of the Canal Zone; Panama City (the capital); Balboa district (Pearl Islands) of Panamá Province; or the San Blas Islands of Kuna Yala Province.

• The provinces of Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí, Colón, Darién, Panamá, and Veraguas
• The indigenous provinces (comarcas indígena) of Emberá, Kuna Yala (also spelled Guna Yala) and Ngäbe-Buglé
• No malaria transmission in the province of Panamá Oeste, in the Canal Zone, or in Panama City (the capital)
• Chloroquine (east of the Panama Canal)
• P. vivax (97%)
• P. falciparum  (3%)
• Darién, Emberá, Kuna Yala, and eastern Panamá Provinces : Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, primaquine 5 , tafenoquine 3
• Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí, Colón, Veraguas, and Ngäbe-Buglé Provinces : Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, primaquine 5 , tafenoquine 3
• Map 2-11 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Panama & neighboring countries
• Map 2-12 Malaria prevention in Panama

See Health Information for Travelers to Panama .

Papua New Guinea

• Chloroquine (both P. falciparum and P. vivax )
• P. falciparum (75%)
• P. vivax (25%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Papua New Guinea .

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, or Venezuela; this includes this includes >24-hour transits or layovers in those countries 1

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old except as follows. Generally not recommended for travel limited to the city of Asunción (the capital).

See Health Information for Travelers to Paraguay .

CDC recommendations : Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to areas <2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation in the regions of Amazonas, Cusco, Huánuco, Junín, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Pasco, Puno, San Martín, and Ucayali, and designated areas of Ancash (far northeast), Apurímac (far north), Ayacucho (north and northeast), Cajamarca (north and east), Huancavelica (far north), La Libertad (east), and Piura (east). Generally not recommended for travel limited to the following areas west of the Andes: the regions of Lambayeque and Tumbes, and designated areas of Cajamarca (west-central), and Piura (west). Not recommended for travel limited to areas >2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation, areas west of the Andes not listed above, the city of Lima (the capital), and the highland tourist areas (the city of Cusco, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu).

• All areas of the country <2,500 m (≈8,200 ft) elevation, including the cities of Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado, and only the remote eastern areas in the regions of La Libertad and Lambayeque
• No malaria transmission in the following areas: Lima Province; the cities of Arequipa, Ica, Moquegua, Nazca, Puno, or Tacna; the highland tourist areas (the city of Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca); along the Pacific Coast
• Map 2-13 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Peru & neighboring countries
• Map 2-14 Malaria prevention in Peru

See Health Information for Travelers to Peru .

Philippines

• Palawan and Mindanao Islands
• No malaria transmission in metropolitan Manila (the capital) or other urban areas
• P. falciparum (85%)
• P. vivax (15%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Philippines .

Pitcairn Islands (U.K.)

See Health Information for Travelers to Pitcairn Islands (U.K.) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Poland .

See Health Information for Travelers to Portugal .

Puerto Rico (U.S.)

See Health Information for Travelers to Puerto Rico (U.S.) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Qatar .

Réunion (France)

See Health Information for Travelers to Réunion (France) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Romania .

See Health Information for Travelers to Russia .

CDC recommendations : Generally not recommended for travel to Rwanda.

See Health Information for Travelers to Rwanda .

Saba, Netherlands

See Health Information for Travelers to Saba .

Saint Barthelemy, France

Saint helena, united kingdom.

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 *For YF vaccine entry requirements and recommendations and malaria prevention information for Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha archipelago, see: UNITED KINGDOM (including CHANNEL ISLANDS, ISLE OF MAN, ASCENSION ISLAND & TRISTAN DA CUNHA ARCHIPELAGO)

See Health Information for Travelers to Saint Helena (U.K.) .

Saint Kitts (Saint Christopher) & Nevis

See Health Information for Travelers to Saint Kitts and Nevis .

Saint Lucia

See Health Information for Travelers to Saint Lucia .

Saint Martin, France

Saint pierre and miquelon (france).

See Health Information for Travelers to Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France) .

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

See Health Information for Travelers to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines .

Samoa (formerly Western Somoa)

See Health Information for Travelers to Samoa (formerly Western Samoa) .

See Health Information for Travelers to San Marino .

São Tomé and Príncipe

CDC recommendations : Generally not recommended for travel to São Tomé and Príncipe.

See Health Information for Travelers to São Tomé and Príncipe.

Saudi Arabia

• Asir and Jazan (also spelled Jizan) Regions near the Yemen border only
• No malaria transmission in the cities of Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Riyadh (the capital), or Ta’if
• P. vivax (rare)

See Health Information for Travelers to Saudi Arabia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Senegal .

See Health Information for Travelers to Serbia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Seychelles .

Sierra Leone

Entry requirements : Required for all arriving travelers.

See Health Information for Travelers to Sierra Leone .

See Health Information for Travelers to Singapore .

Sint Eustatius, Netherlands

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥6 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

See Health Information for Travelers to Sint Eustatius .

Sint Maarten, Netherlands

See Health Information for Travelers to Sint Maarten .

See Health Information for Travelers to Slovakia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Slovenia .

Solomon Islands

• P. vivax (70%)
• P. falciparum (30%)
• P. ovale (<1%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Solomon Islands .

CDC recommendations : Generally not recommended for travel to the regions of Bakool, Banaadir, Bay, Galguduud, Gedo, Hiiraan (also spelled Hiran), Lower Juba (also known as Jubbada Hoose), Middle Juba (also known as Jubbada Dhexe), Lower Shabelle (also known as Shabeellaha Hoose), or Middle Shabelle (also known as Shabeellaha Dhexe). Not recommended for travel to areas not listed above.

• P. vivax (5–10%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Somalia .

South Africa

• Along the border with Mozambique and Zimbabwe
• KwaZulu-Natal Province: uMkhanyakude District; the districts of King Cetshwayo and Zululand (few cases) Limpopo Province: the districts of Mopani and Vhembe; the districts of Capricorn, Greater Sekhukhune, and Waterberg (few cases)
• Mpumalanga Province: Ehlanzeni District
• Kruger National Park
• KwaZulu-Natal Province (uMkhanyakude District); Limpopo Province (the districts of Mopani and Vhembe); Mpumalanga Province (Ehlanzeni District); and Kruger National Park: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3
• All other areas with malaria transmission (including the districts of King Cetshwayo and Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal Province, and the districts of Capricorn, Greater Sekhukhune, and Waterberg in Limpopo Province): No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

Map 2-15 Malaria prevention in South Africa

See Health Information for Travelers to South Africa .

South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, UK Overseas Territory (also claimed by Argentina)

Entry requirements : South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands has not stated its YF vaccination certificate requirements.

See Health Information for Travelers to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (U.K.) .

South Korea

Entry requirements : Required if traveling from a country with risk of YF virus transmission and ≥1 year of age. 1

• Limited to the months of March– December in rural areas in the northern parts of the provinces of Inch’ŏn (also spelled Incheon), Kangwŏn (also spelled Gangwon), and Kyŏnggi (also spelled Gyeonggi), including the demilitarized zone (DMZ)
• Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, primaquine 5 , or tafenoquine 3

See Health Information for Travelers to South Korea .

South Sudan

See Health Information for Travelers to South Sudan .

See Health Information for Travelers to Spain .

See Health Information for Travelers to Sri Lanka .

CDC recommendations : Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to areas south of the Sahara Desert. Not recommended for travel limited to areas in the Sahara Desert or the city of Khartoum (the capital).

See Health Information for Travelers to Sudan .

• Primarily in Sipaliwini District, near the border with French Guiana
• Limited transmission in Brokopondo, Marowijne, and Para (near the border with French Guiana)
• No malaria transmission in the districts along the Atlantic Coast or in Paramaribo (the capital)
• Sipaliwini District near the border with French Guiana: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3
• All other areas with malaria transmission: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions / mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Suriname .

See Health Information for Travelers to Sweden .

Switzerland

See Health Information for Travelers to Switzerland .

See Health Information for Travelers to Syria .

See Health Information for Travelers to Taiwan .

• No indigenous cases reported since 2014
• Previously, P. vivax (90%)
• Previously, P. falciparum  (10%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Tajikistan .

CDC recommendations : Generally not recommended for travel to Tanzania.

• All areas below 1,800 m (≈5,900 ft) elevation
• P. malariae and P. ovale (less commonly)

See Health Information for Travelers to Tanzania .

• Primarily the provinces that border Burma, Cambodia (few cases in Buri Ram Province), and Malaysia (few cases in Satun Province) Also, the provinces of Phitsanulok and Ubon Ratchathani (bordering Laos), and Surat Thani (especially in the rural forest and forest-fringe areas of these provinces)
• Rare to few cases in other parts of Thailand, including the cities of Bangkok (the capital), Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai, or on the islands of Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Samui, or Phuket
• No malaria transmission on the islands of Krabi Province (Ko Lanta, Koh Phi, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai) or in Pattaya City
• P. falciparum (<20%)
• Provinces that border Burma, Cambodia (except Buri Ram Province), and Malaysia (except Satun Province); the provinces of Phitsanulok, Ubon Ratchathani, and Surat Thani: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, tafenoquine 3
• All other areas with malaria transmission (including the provinces of Buri Ram and Satun): No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only) 4

Map 2-16 Malaria prevention in Thailand

See Health Information for Travelers to Thailand .

Timor-Leste

• Rare cases; outbreak in Indonesia border area in mid-2020
• Previously, P. falciparum (50%)
• Previously, P. vivax (50%)
• Previously, P. malariae  and  P. ovale  (each <1%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Timor-Leste (East Timor) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Togo .

Tokelau (New Zealand)

See Health Information for Travelers to Tokelau (New Zealand) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Tonga .

Trinidad and Tobago

CDC recommendations : Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to densely forested areas on Trinidad. Not recommended for cruise ship passengers, airplane passengers in transit, or travel limited to Tobago.

See Health Information for Travelers to Trinidad and Tobago .

See Health Information for Travelers to Tunisia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Turkey .

Turkmenistan

See Health Information for Travelers to Turkmenistan .

Turks and Caicos Islands (U.K.)

See Health Information for Travelers to Turks and Caicos Islands (U.K.) .

See Health Information for Travelers to Tuvalu .

See Health Information for Travelers to Uganda .

See Health Information for Travelers to Ukraine .

United Arab Emirates

See Health Information for Travelers to United Arab Emirates .

United Kingdom (including Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Ascension Island & Tristan Da Cunha Archipelago)

See Health Information for Travelers to United Kingdom .

United States of America

See Health Information for Travelers to United States .

See Health Information for Travelers to Uruguay .

See Health Information for Travelers to Uzbekistan .

• P. vivax (75%–90%)
• P. falciparum (10-25%)

See Health Information for Travelers to Vanuatu .

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from Brazil; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in Brazil

CDC recommendations : Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old except as follows. Generally not recommended for travel limited to the Distrito Capital or the states of Aragua, Carabobo, Miranda, Vargas, or Yaracuy. Not recommended for travel limited to areas >2,300m (≈7,550 ft) elevation in the states of Mérida, Táchira, or Trujillo; the states of Falcón or Lara; Margarita Island; or the cities of Caracas (the capital) or Valencia .

• All areas <1,700 m (≈5,600 ft) elevation and Angel Falls
• P. vivax (75%)
• P. falciparum  (25%)

Map 2-17 Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for Venezuela & neighboring countries

See Health Information for Travelers to Venezuela .

• Rural areas only. Rare cases in the Mekong and Red River Deltas
• None in the cities of Da Nang, Hai Phong, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Nha Trang, and Quy Nhon.
• P. falciparum (65%)
• P. vivax (35%)
• Provinces of Bình Dương, Bình Phước, Đắk Lắk, Đắk Nông, Gia Lai, Khánh Hòa, Kon Tum, Lâm Đồng, Ninh Thuận, Tây Ninh: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, tafenoquine 3
• All other areas with malaria transmission (except Mekong and Red River Deltas): Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine 3
• Mekong and Red River Deltas: No chemoprophylaxis recommended (insect bite precautions / mosquito avoidance only) 4

See Health Information for Travelers to Vietnam .

Virgin Islands, British

See Health Information for Travelers to Virgin Islands, British .

Virgin Islands, U.S.

See Health Information for Travelers to Virgin Islands, U.S. .

Wake Island, U.S.

See Health Information for Travelers to Wake Island .

• All areas <2,000 m (≈6,500 ft) elevation
• No malaria transmission in Sana’a (the capital)

See Health Information for Travelers to Yemen .

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year of age arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

CDC recommendations : Generally not recommended for travel to North-Western Province or Western Province. Not recommended for travel to any areas not listed above.

See Health Information for Travelers to Zambia .

See Health Information for Travelers to Zimbabwe .

1 Current as of November 2022. This is an update of the 2010 map created by the Informal WHO Working Group on the Geographic Risk of Yellow Fever.

2 Refers to Plasmodium falciparum malaria, unless otherwise noted.

3 Tafenoquine can cause potentially life-threatening hemolysis in people with glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Rule out G6PD deficiency with a quantitative laboratory test before prescribing tafenoquine to patients.

4 Mosquito avoidance includes applying topical mosquito repellant, sleeping under an insecticide-treated mosquito net, and wearing protective clothing (e.g., long pants and socks, long-sleeve shirt). For additional details on insect bite precautions, see Sec. 4, Ch. 6, Mosquitoes, Ticks & Other Arthropods.

5 Primaquine can cause potentially life-threatening hemolysis in people with G6PD deficiency. Rule out G6PD deficiency with a quantitative laboratory test before prescribing primaquine to patients.

6 P. knowlesi is a malaria species with a simian (macaque) host. Human cases have been reported from most countries in Southwest Asia and are associated with activities in forest or forest-fringe areas. P. knowlesi has no known resistance to antimalarials.

Yellow Fever Maps

2 In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded its YF vaccination recommendations for travelers going to Brazil because of a large YF outbreak in multiple states in that country. Please refer to the CDC  Travelers’ Health website for more information and updated recommendations.

3 YF vaccination is generally not recommended for travel to areas where the potential for YF virus exposure is low. Vaccination might be considered, however, for a small subset of travelers going to these areas who are at increased risk for exposure to YF virus due to prolonged travel, heavy exposure to mosquitoes, or inability to avoid mosquito bites. Factors to consider when deciding whether to vaccinate a traveler include destination-specific and travel-associated risks for YF virus infection; individual, underlying risk factors for having a serious YF vaccine–associated adverse event; and destination entry requirements.

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Mark D. Gershman, Emily S. Jentes, Rhett J. Stoney (Yellow Fever) Kathrine R. Tan, Paul M. Arguin (Malaria)

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

The Magic of Namaqualand: South Africa’s Superbloom

By Louise Peterson · Last updated on June 7, 2024

Every year, a miraculous transformation takes place in Namaqualand, a semi-desert region in South Africa. What was once an arid landscape bursts into a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers, attracting nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers from all over the world. This natural wonder is a must-see, but the experience offers so much more than just flowers.

There’s something incredibly soothing about returning to Namaqualand each year. Maybe it’s the way the landscape transforms from barren to blooming, reminding me of nature’s resilience and beauty. Or perhaps it’s the combination of stunning visuals, friendly people, and diverse activities that make each trip unique. Let me take you through the best times to visit, the prime spots for flower viewing, and some delightful activities to enhance your trip.

When to See the Namaqualand Flowers

Timing is everything when it comes to witnessing the floral splendor of Namaqualand. The blooming season typically runs from late July to early October, with the peak usually occurring in August and September. However, the exact timing can vary each year depending on the rainfall.

A good winter rain sets the stage for a spectacular spring display. But if the rain lasts too long it could be detrimental to flower peepers. Similarly, if it gets too hot too fast, the flowers fade quickly.

I remember my first visit to Namaqualand; I was skeptical about whether the flowers would be as breathtaking as the photos suggested. But stepping out of the car and seeing the fields of color stretching as far as the eye could see was nothing short of magical. Keep an eye on the weather patterns and flower reports, which are often updated by local tourism boards, to plan your visit for the best possible show.

Where to See the Best Blooms

Namaqualand’s flower region stretches over a vast area, from the tiny town of Pofadder in the north down the west coast, spilling into Cape Town . Each area offers its own unique floral variety and scenery, but my absolute favorite spot is the West Coast National Park. This park is just a short drive from Cape Town and boasts some of the most stunning flower displays I’ve ever seen.

The Postberg section of the West Coast National Park is particularly famous for its blooms, and it’s only open to the public during the flower season. Here, you’ll find a kaleidoscope of colors carpeting the hillsides and plains. The juxtaposition of the flowers against the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean is something you have to see to believe.

If you have more time, exploring further north to places like Nieuwoudtville, known as the “bulb capital of the world,” and the remote stretches around Pofadder and Springbok can be incredibly rewarding. The Namaqualand National Park is probably the most famous of the northern reaches. Located in the heart of Namaqualand, the park covers diverse terrains, from coastal areas to mountainous regions, each bursting into a riot of colors during the blooming season.

I particularly love the Skilpad section of the park, where rolling hills are blanketed with fields of daisies, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale. The park also offers a network of trails for those who enjoy hiking, providing both easy walks and more challenging hikes that lead to breathtaking viewpoints.

Goegap Nature Reserve

Another must-visit spot is the Goegap Nature Reserve near Springbok. This reserve offers a slightly different but equally spectacular floral experience. The variety of flowers here is astonishing, with over 600 species of plants, including a myriad of succulents and endemic species that you won’t find anywhere else.

The rugged landscape of the reserve, with its rocky outcrops and sweeping vistas, provides a dramatic backdrop to the delicate blooms. Driving or hiking through Goegap is like stepping into a living, breathing painting.

Kammieskroon

How to See the Flowers

Seeing the Namaqualand flowers is a flexible adventure, with multiple ways to tailor your experience to your preferences. One of the easiest ways to see the flowers is by joining a guided tour. These tours are perfect if you prefer not to worry about logistics. Experienced guides know the best spots to visit and the right times to go, ensuring you get the most out of your trip.

If you enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace, renting a car is an excellent choice. The main flower hotspots are all accessible by car and you don’t need a high-clearance vehicle to drive there. Driving through the winding roads of Namaqualand with the windows down and the vibrant fields in sight is a liberating experience and nothing beats coming around a mountain bend and seeing the painted landscape sprawled out in front of you.

For those who love being in the heart of nature, hiking through the flower fields is an unforgettable experience. Slackpacking tours are a popular option, allowing you to trek through the blooming landscapes without carrying heavy gear.

These guided hikes offer a balance of adventure and comfort, as your luggage is transported for you, and you stay in charming guesthouses each night. The trails through Namaqua National Park and around Kammieskroon offer some of the best hiking routes, letting you immerse yourself fully in the beauty of the flowers.

What To Do Beyond The Flowers

While the flowers are the main attraction, there’s so much more to experience in this region. One of my favorite post-flower activities is visiting Darling Brewery. Located in the quaint town of Darling, this brewery offers a fantastic range of craft beers that are perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. If the flower gods are working in your favor, you could even catch the spectacular canola bloom at the same time as the wildflower spectacle.

Another gem in the West Coast National Park is the Langebaan Lagoon. After soaking in the colors of the flowers, there’s nothing like a refreshing dip in this stunning body of water. The lagoon’s calm, crystal-clear waters make it a perfect spot for swimming, kayaking, and even windsurfing.

Share this post:

14 Fun Things to Do in Jeffreys Bay

15 Best Places to Visit in Western Cape

The 7 Best Things To Do On The Garden Route in South Africa

15 Best Cities to Visit in South Africa

37 Top Tourist Attractions in Cape Town

9 Things to Do in the Overberg: From Penguins to Pinot Noir

16 Most Charming Small Towns in South Africa

10 Most Beautiful National Parks in South Africa

10 Best Places to Visit in South Africa

15 Best Places to Visit in Eastern Cape

Reader interactions, leave a reply cancel reply.

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

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .