best travel sites africa

16 Best Places to Visit in Africa

Written by Becca Blond and Carri Wilbanks Updated Feb 10, 2023

Author Becca Blond has traveled extensively through Africa, including a recent trip in June 2022, and considers Cape Town her second home.

The African continent is one of the world's most mesmerizing destinations. There are so many diverse adventures to be had on this amazing continent, home to more than 50 different countries, that it's hard to narrow them down for a best places to visit list.

Whether you are looking to explore vibrant cities like Cape Town, Cairo, and Marrakesh or hoping to see the wildlife on a safari in Kenya, South Africa, or Tanzania, there is no shortage of things to do for travelers of all types.

The African continent is also home to some stunning natural attractions, like Victoria Falls , which straddles the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia and is often described as one of the seven natural wonders of the world . And you'll find soaring mountain peaks, like Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro, which, at more than 19,000 feet, is Africa's highest mountain .

And then there are Africa's beaches . With thousands of miles of coastline, you'll find warm, turquoise-hued waters and white-sand beaches on mystical islands like Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania and the Bazaruto Archipelago off the coast of Mozambique on Africa's eastern coastline.

Wherever you wander in Africa, we promise you'll leave with a new appreciation for the magic of this culturally rich, vibrantly colored, and welcoming continent that will have you wanting to return over and over.

Plan your adventures with our list of the best places to visit in Africa.

Explore Cape Town, South Africa

Go back in time in zanzibar, tanzania, witness the pyramids of giza, egypt, experience victoria falls, zimbabwe and zambia, wander the souks in marrakesh, morocco, go gorilla trekking in rwanda, watch the sun rise over the dunes in sossusvlei, namibia, find serenity by the sea and in the sahara in tunisia, summit mount kilimanjaro in tanzania, go on safari in kruger national park, south africa, see the great migration in masai mara, kenya, descend into the ngorongoro crater on safari in tanzania, take a beach vacation to the bazaruto archipelago in mozambique, traverse the okavango delta in botswana, discover the beauty of lake malawi, watamu on kenya's swahili coast.

One of the most beloved destinations on the continent, Cape Town sits at the southern tip of South Africa, near where the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean meet at the Cape of Good Hope . It is a culturally rich and visually stunning city that is very easy to fall in love with on a first visit.

Table Mountain rises from the center of the city, while the striking Twelve Apostle rock formations beyond provide the backdrop for gorgeous white-sand beaches, like Clifton and Camps Bay , along its Atlantic Ocean coastline.

There is so much to see and do in Cape Town . There are active adventures, like hiking to the top of Lion's Head to watch the sunrise. And, important historic places to visit, like taking a somber trip to Robben Island , where Nelson Mandela was a political prisoner for 27 years before the Apartheid regime fell.

The city is also home to a plethora of museums, galleries, local boutiques, and world-class restaurants and hotels. You'll want to spend some time exploring the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront , as well as the downtown around Long Street and Greenmarket Square .

Slightly further afield, you can see African wild penguins at Boulders Beach or learn to surf in the beach town suburb of Muizenberg .

A visit to Zanzibar feels like stepping into another world, one where time stands still, and the only city, Stone Town , is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This island in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of Tanzania, is a place where Arab dhows (fishing boats) still ply the picture-perfect turquoise sea. You can get lost in the beauty of Stone Town, wandering its narrow alleys past old mosques, vibrant bazaars, and riads with intricately carved doorways.

Away from the hustle of the "city" (really it feels like a small town), the rest of the island is filled with gorgeous beaches where days are spent lazing on white sand or snorkeling and diving in the colorful coral reefs surrounding the island. These are still teeming with life and home to more than 500 marine species.

Nungwi, at the northern tip of the island, is a favorite beach destination. There are a number of hotels and guesthouses here, including The Z Hotel Zanzibar . This chic beachfront boutique hotel is set in a beautiful tropical garden, and all rooms come with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening onto sea-facing balconies. The beds are draped in mosquito nets and have a romantic vibe.

Watching the sun rise or set over the Pyramids of Giza from the back of a camel is an experience you'll never forget.

The pyramids and the Great Sphinx date back to the 26th century BCE and are Egypt's most iconic attractions .

The Pyramids of Giza are easy to access from Egypt's capital and largest city, Cairo, which is equally fascinating to visit. Set on the banks of the Nile River, Cairo is a chaotic and buzzy place that appears to never slow down, even in the dead of night.

Here, ancient history meets a modern metropolis. A highlight of Cairo is a visit to the Egyptian Museum .

Book one of the higher floor rooms at the Fairmont Nile City for sweeping views of the river and the Pyramids of Giza in the distance. This luxe hotel also has a rooftop swimming pool and restaurant with more mesmerizing vistas, and a spa for post-flight pampering.

Visit Victoria Falls during the rainy seasons, when the water volume is high, and you'll understand why locals call this impressive waterfall "The Smoke That Thunders."

The sound of water rushing over rock before dropping into a pool some 300-plus-feet below sounds like the roll of thunder, and the mist that spews back up resembles thick smoke. It is an impressive sight.

Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Victoria Falls is on the mighty Zambezi River and creates the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. This waterfall is not only impressive for its dramatic drop but also for its length, which creates a 1.7-kilometer-long curtain of water as it drops.

For the best views of the falls in full, you'll want to explore the Zimbabwe side , where you can follow a walking trail to various viewpoints (expect to get drenched when the water volume is high).

On the Zambia side , you can get very close to the falls themselves and, if you're brave enough, even take a dip in Devil's Pool , which literally sits at the top of the falls before they tumble down, down, down. Both sides have lodging options, as well as restaurants.

Beautiful Marrakesh in Morocco makes for the perfect introduction to this fascinating North African country, which can actually be accessed via an overnight ferry from southern Spain.

Marrakesh is located in western Morocco and is the country's fourth-largest city and home. The walled Medina here dates back to the Berber Empire. Spend a day sightseeing, wandering its maze-like streets filled with souks (marketplaces) selling everything from spices to jewelry to brightly colored traditional clothing and slippers.

With a Moorish minaret that is part of the city skyline, Koutoubia Mosque is one of the top attractions in Marrakesh , dating back to the 12th century.

For a different perspective of this vibrant, chaotic, and very lovable city, book a hot air balloon ride for early morning. You'll watch the sun set the rooftops ablaze as you float above Marrakesh.

Trekking to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is on the bucket list for many animal lovers, and Rwanda's Virunga Mountains are home to more than half of the remaining wild population on the planet.

Volcanoes National Park is where the treks to see these majestic primates take place. You cannot just go on your own, but must join a guided trip that requires a permit.

Rwanda is one of Africa's smallest countries and its capital city of Kigali is heralded for being one of Africa's cleanest. It is also located just 2.5 hours from the gorilla trekking, making this emerging tourism destination easy to explore.

Read More: Top Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Rwanda

Deadvlei, Sossusvlei, Namib-Naukluft National Park

Located in southwest Africa, Namibia is a one-of-a-kind destination that is often overlooked when planning trips to the continent. It shouldn't be. The country is chock-full of adventures and landscapes you won't find anywhere else on the continent, including the Namib Desert and Sossusvlei .

Part of Namib-Naukluft National Park , Sossusvlei is a giant, flat salt pan surrounded by a sea of red and orange sand that has been sculpted into an otherworldly landscape of towering dunes and desolate valleys sprinkled with petrified dead trees. It is especially spectacular at first light, when the rising sun brings the dunes into focus and makes them glow.

Other major attractions in Namibia include the Skeleton Coast , named for the skeletons of wrecked ships that crashed along the misty Atlantic Coastline here, and Etosha National Park , one of Africa's best game reserves .

Camels in the Grand Erg Oriental, Tunisia

Facing towards Europe's Mediterranean coastline, Tunisia is Africa's most northerly country. It is a gorgeous, sun-soaked destination, where European and Arab influences blend together.

Home to a beautiful stretch of beaches on the Mediterranean Sea, Tunisia is a popular vacation destination for Europeans seeking some winter sun. The island Djerba is a perfect spot to indulge.

Afterwards, venture into the Sahara Desert for more mesmerizing scenery. The desert covers much of Tunisia's interior, but its most stunning section is known as the Grand Erg Oriental . Here, you'll find a rolling sea of orange sand juxtaposed against a bright blue sky. Sightsee via dune buggy, on foot, or from the back of a camel.

The town of Douz serves as the adventure hub for this area, and from here you can book the above mentioned excursions.

Elephants against the spectacular backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro

With an elevation of 19,341 feet, Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro ("Kili" for short) is Africa's highest mountain and also holds the world record for the highest single freestanding mountain (it isn't part of a range). Rising from the plains of the Serengeti, it is a dormant volcano and creates a stunning backdrop for wildlife safaris in the region.

Most people visit Kili to climb to its summit. It is especially popular because the trek involves no rock climbing expertise or mountaineering equipment.

You also won't face the extreme weather challenges of climbing other continents' highest peaks, like Mt. Everest. You will need to be in good shape and adjusted to the altitude. The trek to the top takes a minimum of six days, and you will need to go on a guided excursion.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tanzania

South Africa's Kruger National Park is one of Africa's oldest conservation areas and a top safari destination on the continent .

This vast park, which actually extends into Mozambique to the east, is home to South Africa's most diverse wildlife population. It is also surrounded by upscale private reserves, like Sabi Sands Game Reserve, which animals can cross into and out of at will.

Kruger is also a safari destination within reach for many different budgets. As a national park, visitors can actually explore Kruger on self-drive safaris and then camp or stay in national park lodges.

However, we recommend joining an organized game drive for the best shot of seeing the most animals, as you'll be in an open vehicle and with guides who know where to look for the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino).

Accommodation: Top-Rated Luxury Safari Lodges in South Africa

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in South Africa

Every year, millions of wildebeest and other hoofed animals like zebra and gazelles migrate between Tanzania's Serengeti and the Masai Mara in Kenya in what has become known as the Great Migration. The most dangerous part of this journey is crossing the Mara River , where many of the grazing animals get picked off by hungry lions and other predators.

The crossing usually happens between July and August, but the timing can change with the year. Watching the Great Migration in real time is a dream for many wildlife enthusiasts, who plan safaris to this part of Kenya to coincide with it.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kenya

Created about 2.5 million years ago, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest inactive, unfilled, and unbroken volcanic caldera on the planet. Considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World (Victoria Falls is another), it is home to thousands of animals and is a top safari destination in Tanzania.

It is also on one end of the Great Migration route , mentioned above, and during this time of year, massive herds of wildebeests, zebras, and other grazing animals can be seen here.

Guests stay at lodges perched on the edge of the crater's rim and then descend down for day long wildlife drives.

All of the Big 5 African animals (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and Cape buffalo) can be seen down here, but one species you won't see on the crater floor are giraffes. This is because they find the rocky descent too difficult, and there are few trees. This lack of trees also makes it very easy to spot wildlife while on safari, including the big cats.

Off the Mozambican coastline in the Indian Ocean, the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine Park is home to a group of islands with some of the more beautiful beaches in Africa .

Bazaruto Island is the main destination and offers a range of accommodations, from budget to luxury. But there are also deserted islands and others that are home to just one hotel or two.

Besides brilliant white-sand beaches backed by coconut palms and sand dunes, these islands are also famous for their excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. There is a thriving coral reef system protected by the park, and the turquoise water is warm and clear.

Botswana, in southern Africa, is another legendary safari destination.

In the northern portion of the country, the Okavango Delta is a top attraction. This large inland river delta floods during the rainy season and becomes a unique safari experience. That's when you'll get to explore the river in a dugout canoe, paddling past hippos and crocodiles while keeping your eyes peeled for elephants, giraffe, and other animals who come to the river to drink.

The Moremi Game Reserve covers a large section of the Okavango Delta and is where many upscale safari lodges are located. Maun is the gateway town to the delta, and this is a good place to organize more budget-focused canoe and land safaris.

Spanning three countries, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania, Lake Malawi is the third-largest lake on the African continent at 29,600 square kilometers. It's part of the African Great Lake system, and its age is estimated at about one or two million years.

The majority of tourists visit the Malawi side of the lake, which is called Lake Nyasa in Tanzania and Lago Niassa in Mozambique.

One interesting fact about Lake Malawi is that it is home to more kinds of fish than any other lake on Earth ! Needless to say, fishing is very popular here.

You can also swim and snorkel in the warm, clear water, but you'll want to take a short course of a fast-acting antibiotic after doing so to protect yourself from bilharzia, which is found here.

More on South Africa

The Best Places to Go in Africa in 2024

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2024 —find more travel inspiration here .

This past year saw a surge of travel throughout destinations in Africa , with air travel across the continent approaching prepandemic levels . Safari camps from South Africa to Kenya were fully booked, and travelers lingered in popular destinations like Cape Town and Zanzibar well past peak season. What does this mean for the year ahead?

A wave of hotly anticipated luxury resorts —many of which were in the works long before grinding to a halt in the pandemic—are finally ready to throw open their doors, new air routes are making parts of the continent more accessible than ever, and popular events and festivals are enticing visitors to explore regions they may not have contemplated before. Yes, there are plenty of thrilling safari camps in the pipeline that we’re excited about, from iconic corners of Botswana to a less-visited park in Mozambique , but there’s also a compelling food movement in Accra , a milestone anniversary in Rwanda , a monumental new cultural landmark in Morocco ’s capital city of Rabat, and so much more to look forward to. Could this be the year Johannesburg pries visitors away from Cape Town with a cool new city hotel and a dynamic dining scene, or when sunseekers take another look at Mauritius instead of the Maldives ? Might you sail into Madagascar on an adventurous new cruising itinerary or consider adding Sierra Leone to your travel plans? Frankly, the hardest part will be choosing. Below are the best places to go in Africa in 2024. — Sarah Khan

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Accra, Ghana

Go for: the heart of a pan-African cultural renaissance, Indigenous pop-up dinners, Afrobeats

Accra continues to draw travelers with a surge of cool new pop-up restaurants, museums, and the pilgrimage-worthy music festival, AfroFuture (previously Afrochella).

Accra has steadily been cementing its reputation as the continent’s capital of cool, and a reimagining of pan-African heritage has ignited the city’s foodies. Leading the way is the Ghana Food Movement , a network of food change makers intent on surfacing the sexy in sustainable dining. With the May 2024 opening of its Link-up Kitchen in the buzzing Osu neighborhood, this meeting place–cum–test kitchen will house the Movement’s popular Dine and Dance series, where young chefs highlight local ingredients in multicourse dinners before getting down to beats by local DJs. The hub will also host pop-ups featuring up-and-coming chefs and Indigenous menus, such as those offered by Abena Offeh-Gyimah, whose food tours spotlight heirloom ingredients and a “reconnection to ancestral ways of eating.” This year also sees chef Selassie Atadika of Midunu resuming her Nomadic Dinners celebrating African ingredients , as well as quarterly chocolate tastings of her gorgeous bonbons inspired by flavors like beriberi chili and Cape Malay spice. After dinner, you’ll find the balmy West African capital’s electric club scene spoils you for choice. And while the Grammys have just come to the party (the awards will feature a Best African Music Performance category for the first time, in 2024), locals have been lighting it up at festivals like Chale Wote Street Art Festival (August) and AfroFuture (previously Afrochella ; December) for years. Should you find time to sleep, the December 2023 opening of the 145-room Hilton Accra Cantonments marks the brand’s debut in Ghana.

Looking ahead: A state-of-the-art cultural institution is coming just outside the city as well. Enriched by voices from the diaspora, an overdue zeitgeist to reclaim African narratives finds a physical home in the Pan African Heritage Museum , which has begun construction and will open in 2025 or 2026. Located on 10 lush acres in Winneba (40 miles from Accra), the space’s first offerings will include a music amphitheater, a youth innovation center, and a food court. Like all its planned exhibits (you can digitally preview the collection), these will both showcase and connect the continent’s rich history and cultures to its contemporary global might. — Lee Middleton

Johannesburg, South Africa

Go for: hot tables, an art center, and new hotels from beloved brands

The Voco Johannesburg is one of several hotels offering high design in the South African city—and in 2024, it will be joined by the Park Hyatt Johannesburg.

Johannesburg is a gold rush city, built on a sense of gritty determination and unbridled optimism. And though the city battles infrastructure challenges and social inequality, it’s impossible to ignore the positive energy infusing South Africa’s economic capital. That’s evident in a resurgent restaurant scene rapidly giving Cape Town a run for its money. Cape stalwart the Pot Luck Club expanded with a new location here in 2023, as did Insta-worthy British café EL&N London , marking its only African outpost. For a more continental culinary journey, book a table at Gigi , the new outing by celebrated local chef Besele Moses Moloi . Make your base in the artsy suburb of Rosebank, where the upscale Park Hyatt Johannesburg will open in late 2024 with decor by Yabu Pushelberg. Until then, Voco Johannesburg Rosebank —the first of the Voco subbrand from IHG in Africa—offers Art Deco glamour and an enviable in-house art collection (ask for a guided tour). It’s just a short taxi ride to artist Roger Ballen’s engaging new Inside Out Centre for the Arts , a striking exhibition space and educational center opened in March 2023.

Rosebank is less than 30 minutes from the international airport on the high-speed Gautrain. United and Delta fly direct from the US, Cathay Pacific and LATAM relaunched flights in 2023, and Air Algérie and Saudia have brand new routes to the city. Come June 2024, Lufthansa will add a direct flight from Munich , and in July 2024, Qantas will fly its A380 from Sydney to the city for the first time, nearly doubling capacity. — Richard Holmes

Go for: biodiversity, castaway vibes, and water sports

Miavana in Madagascar exemplifies the island's allure with water sports, adventures through baobab forests, and jaw-dropping views.

In 2024, it will become easier to travel between remote destinations across Madagascar, thanks to a new flight circuit and cruise itineraries.

An otherworldly land of undiscovered species and bizarre biological riches, the rugged, remote Indian Ocean isle of Madagascar has always promised to upend visitors’ senses and logistical prowess. Happily, the latter is changing as the pioneers responsible for some of the continent’s finest conservation tourism offerings are upping the ante on the world’s fourth largest island. Located inside the essentially unvisited Namoroka National Park, Namoroka Tsingy Exploration Camp’s mid-2024 opening will make seven luxury safari tents your portal to a landscape of baobabs jutting from the formations of limestone knives known as tsingy and populated by lemurs that haven’t learned to fear people.

More of a coastal explorer? Look no further than Masoala Forest Lodge , which recently launched a Blue Lagoon Expedition trip in 2022. Paddling the breathtaking rainforest- and mangrove-fringed Antongil Bay, kayakers en route to a magical island campsite will share pellucid waters with migrating humpback whales and schools of reef fish. If that’s a touch too rugged, Time + Tide’s Miavana —arguably the Platonic ideal of exclusive island luxury—is launching a kiteboarding center and new mainland excursions (think quad biking through baobab forests), in January 2024 and March 2024 respectively, for those who enjoy a splash of adrenaline in their bliss cocktail.

Finally—and critically—2024 sees access to the Red Island expanding. Masoala Forest Lodge and Madagascar Classic Collection are starting a new flight circuit that will link choice remote destinations, like Andasibe, Namoroka, and Masoala parks, and luxe cruise lines like Silversea , Lindblad , Swan Hellenic , and Seabourn have added the country as a port of call on new voyages. — Lee Middleton

Go for: Indian Ocean waters, a museum, and dazzling beach villas

The island nation of Mauritius is entering a new golden era, with expanded cultural offerings and the unveiling of renovated resorts, like Lux Belle Mare, that beg travelers to visit again, and again.

Mauritius’s heyday as a destination in the 1980s conjures images of striped parasols, a tanned Stéphanie de Monaco on water skis, and all of Europe’s jet set holed up in the few—but fabulous—hotels. Fast-forward three decades and the Indian Ocean island has even more to land itself on your travel list: A dynamic cultural scene and new wave of hospitality are unfolding on its shores. In the capital of Port Louis, the years-in-the-making Intercontinental Slavery Museum , located inside a restored 1700s military hospital, opened in September 2023, marking the nation’s first monumental step in making amends for its long colonial history. Culture buffs are also gravitating to the recently opened House of Digital Art (HODA) nearby: Old meets new in this historic Port-Louis building, housing a cutting-edge array of contemporary art installations. Mauritius has always been renowned for its dreamy seaside resorts, but encouraging visitors to venture away from the beaches is the forthcoming Socio Tribeca in late 2024—heralding the launch of a new hotel brand from the Lux Collective—which promises to be an impressive contemporary hotel with its finger on the pulse of the island. Muse Villas , a newcomer seeking to offer an elevated resort experience, enables travelers to stay on their own private islet. Meanwhile, legendary resorts Lux Belle Mare and Paradis Beachcomber just unveiled massive restorations in October, and Hotel Riu Palace Mauritius , a kitesurfers’ paradise, will emerge from its own facelift in May 2024. But beyond the well-trodden coastline of Mauritius, this may be the year its little sister, Rodrigues, a speck of an island an hour-and-a-half flight east, gets its due. It’s long been a well-kept secret among even the most in-the-know travelers, but now a clutch of reimagined properties is adding a touch of luxury gloss: The island’s two historic hotels, Play Mourouk and Cotton Bay Resort & Spa , are reopening after months of renovation and reinvention (the first as of November 1, 2023; the latter in 2024). — Anissa Macaulay

Go for: epic wildlife restoration, a pristine coastline, standout safaris

Just as Mozambique enters a new era as a destination, the country's Gorongosa National Park has done the same through rewilding efforts that travelers can witness firsthand at Muzimi Lodge—the first and only luxury tented camp in the area, opening in 2024.

While the past few years of conflict and COVID-19 temporarily suppressed this Southern African gem—known for its 1,500 miles of pristine coastline , vast terrestrial wildernesses, and vibrant Afro-Portuguese culture— Mozambique will bounce back in 2024.

On the mainland, the country’s revival is most famously evidenced at Gorongosa National Park , where rewilding efforts have resulted in a more than 700 percent increase in large mammals from 2008 to 2018, restoring both ecological and economic hope to this magical land of fever trees and meandering rivers. Experience the conservation success story firsthand from the comfort of Muzimu Lodge , the park’s first and only luxury tented camp, whose official 2024 opening will be accompanied by its introduction of a new walking safari-fly camp experience to Gorongosa Mountain’s summit. For those on a tighter budget or timeline, head south to Ponta Membene , where 24 new self-catering chalets—brilliantly located on a spit of coastal dune forest less than three hours from Maputo—and e-bike coastal safaris, currently in a trial phase, hope to broaden access to the spectacular Maputo National Park . Finally, hardcore travelers can head to the Niassa Special Reserve, where Anderson Expeditions is resuming a life-changing seven-night adventure tracking wildlife (by foot, game drive, and canoe) within a private concession with one of the industry’s finest guides. Supporting the Niassa Carnivore Project ’s Mpopo Trails Camp, the expedition represents the future of sustainable community-led tourism. The forthcoming opening of Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira —featuring sea views from the private island sanctuary’s 40 pool villas; snorkeling with manta rays; and a spa from the award-winning brand—will follow (official opening date to be announced).

Topping it all off, Mozambique’s once-arcane entry requirements have been radically simplified with the addition of 28 countries to its visa exemption list—including the US. — Lee Middleton

North KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Go for: major game lodges off the beaten path

In the country's far east, KwaZulu-Natal's Babanango Game Reserve—home to the Big Five—is a lesser-visited alternative to South Africa's Kruger National Park.

Madwaleni River Lodge, which opened in September 2023 in KZN's Babanango, is just one of the reasons to visit the destination in the year ahead.

This year brings with it multiple new reasons to bypass South Africa ’s iconic Kruger National Park and head instead into the scenic Zululand hills of northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the country’s easternmost province. If you’ve traveled here before, you may have been to &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve , known for species such as cheetahs, black rhinos, and pangolins. Phinda Forest Lodge , one of six properties on the reserve, reopens after an extensive refurbishment, with a new family suite and a reimagined pool, in December 2023. It comes on the heels of the Madwaleni River Lodge ’s opening in September 2023, in Babanango Game Reserve —there, from a private deck overlooking the White Umfolozi River, you might spot elephants cooling off in the water. (Their recent reintroduction completed the reserve’s Big Five population.) The reserve has been rewilded over the past five years, a project driven by community trusts who own parts of the reserve. Next up, the long-awaited Homestead will welcome guests to the Nambiti Private Game Reserve in early 2024. The 12-suite lodge is set to have electric vehicles and private butler service. With suites starting at $7,500 a night, though, its rates are double those of comparable properties—time will tell what kind of bang it offers for the buck. Looking to combine these camps with a luxe seaside escape for the ultimate bush-and-beach combo? The new-ish Sala Beach House is the chicest option—when it opened on Thompson's Bay in 2022, Sala plugged a gap in the market for a modern luxury boutique beach hotel on KZN’s appropriately nicknamed Dolphin Coast. — Heather Richardson

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Go for: a watershed moment for exclusive camps in a unique landscape

African Bush Camps opened Khwai Lediba this past year—a drop in a sea of new safari lodges that make a visit to the Okavango Delta more desirable than ever.

In 2024 the team behind North Island Okavango which has just three suites perched on an island in the Delta will add a...

In 2024, the team behind North Island Okavango (pictured), which has just three suites perched on an island in the Delta, will add a new build to their portfolio.

Go. Go now. Because if you’ve always dreamed of discovering Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where seasonal floodwaters transform parched sands into a filigree of shimmering channels, right now is when you’ll be spoiled for choice. A surge in demand, coupled with a proactive approach to developing community-owned concessions, has led to a flush of new lodges across the world’s largest inland delta.

Take Sitatunga Private Island , or Natural Selection’s North Island Okavango , where just three tented suites rest on an island beneath wild ebony trees. Natural Selection will add to their portfolio in May 2024 with a new build: Tawana . Set in the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve, this partnership with the chief of the local Batawana tribe will offer eight thatched suites amid the grasslands lining the perennial Gomoti River. Each stay is at least 1,000 square feet in size and comes with a private plunge pool and terrace.

Water is gold in the Delta, and this past year, African Bush Camps (ABC) opened the riverside Khwai Lediba . But our eye is really on Atzaro Okavango , slated for a March 2024 debut: It’s the third Icon camp in the Delta for ABC, with 10 lagoon-side suites promising impressive levels of Delta luxe and a strong sense of place through design (both markers of the Icon portfolio).

If you’re feeling adventurous, look east to the untapped Mababe marshlands and the brand-new Wilderness Mokete (opening mid-2024) for a fresh look at under-canvas exploration—out with plush campaign-style furnishings and in with geometric lines and contemporary decor. But be quick: Mokete will only stand for two years before being replaced by a new-build permanent camp set to open in 2026. — Richard Holmes

Rabat, Morocco

Go for: new cultural outposts, a music festival, and shiny hotels

Cool music festivals? Big-name architecture? Luxury hotels? Morocco's capital of Rabat has all that and more, and 2024 brings a wave of newness.

The Moroccan capital of Rabat may be one of the country’s four imperial cities, but it’s long been bypassed by travelers drawn to the timeworn beauty of places like Marrakech , Fez , and Tangier . That may change this year, as the city is in the midst of a cultural and artistic reinvention. One of the most talked about attractions: the forthcoming Mohammed VI Tower, designed to be LEED Gold and HQE-certified and projected to be the tallest and only spire of its kind in Africa. But perhaps even more exciting is the new Grand Theatre of Rabat opening nearby. One of legendary architect Zaha Hadid’s unfinished masterpieces, it will incorporate an 1,800-seat theater, an experimental performance space, and a 7,000-person amphitheater, along with green spaces and a restaurant. It is set to be the largest venue of its kind in both Africa and the Arab world and will host symphony, ballet, opera, and philharmonic performances (all of the above are anticipated before 2023 comes to a close). Another hotly anticipated cultural foray is the 2024 return of the Mawazine festival , coming back this summer after a COVID-19-induced hiatus—there’s no word on a lineup yet, but in the past Africa’s largest festival has drawn A-listers like Rihanna and Mariah Carey.

A flurry of high-profile hotel openings will make for a soft landing in the city while you’re there: The newly opened Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé and Conrad Rabat Arzana both herald a new era of modern luxury in the historic city; now, the buzz is centered around the hotly anticipated Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr , opening in late 2023, as well as a the planned Ritz-Carlton Rabat Dar Es Salam . — Harriet Akinyi

Go for: a historically significant anniversary, gorilla treks, and culinary innovation

Meza Malonga in Kigali is a celebration of Afro-fusion, drawing on chef Dieuveil Malonga's travels to 48 African countries.

In addition to great dining at Meza Malonga, Rwanda promises new trekking, houseboat cruising, and even craft beer in 2024.

Beyond famed gorilla treks, 2024 is the year Rwanda unveils lesser-known adventures and plenty of new reasons to hire a guide, hop in a Land Cruiser, and traverse the four national parks. Nyungwe National Park , freshly anointed with UNESCO World Heritage status, is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, renowned for its chimpanzee trekking, cycling, and hiking. The new Cyinzobe trail —a thrilling three-day, 15.5-mile hike, reveals breathtaking views of three cascading waterfalls, and the Kamiranzovu river. With lodging limited to six wooden A-frame cabins, you’ll have the rainforest almost to yourself. Spend your days learning about wild orchids, spotting silver monkeys and gray-cheeked mangabey, and marveling at some of the 345 bird species inside the park—30 of which are Albertine Rift endemics. Kingfisher Journeys invites adventurers to explore Rwanda’s uncharted white water rivers for the first time—there are 30 intermediate-grade rivers in the country for pioneering descents—led by expert rafting guides. In November 2023, the Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga introduces luxury houseboat cruising with a three-day voyage on the emerald waters of Lake Kivu—one of the African Great Lakes. Kayaking, swimming, cycling, hiking, and cultural immersion in local villages on small islands await.

And at Meza Malonga in Kigali, Congolese-born chef Dieuveil Malonga boasts Afro-fusion cuisine inspired by his travels to 48 African countries. The culinary marvel—voted a Champion of Change winner by World’s 50 Best —will open an expansive innovation lab in Musanze in August, where he’ll train young chefs and offer unique accommodations for food enthusiasts. The newly opened Kweza Craft Brewery , Rwanda’s first craft brewery, is fully female-owned and operated using 85% locally sourced ingredients, with an aim to once again empower women in what was historically a female-led craft.

As Rwanda commemorates the 30th anniversary of the devastating Tutsi genocide in 2024—marked by the poignant lighting of the flame of remembrance on April 7 at the Kigali Genocide Memorial —these new openings and experiences showcase just how far the country has come. — Alicia-Rae Light

Sierra Leone

Go for: ecotourism, glamping, and fantastic birding

Sierra Leone is a country on the rise, with new flights, a first ever ecotourism circuit, and national park lodges coming in 2024—visit before everyone else you know catches on.

The small West African nation of Sierra Leone has been working on a new tourism-centered vision. A recent visa on arrival program has already simplified the process of getting there. And, in 2023, a solar-powered airport near the capital, Freetown, opened a new terminal with a fivefold increase in capacity. In the year ahead, new international flight routes are expected to make the country even more accessible, with flights to Nigeria and South Africa first in line.

Perhaps the most exciting development is Sierra Leone’s push to safeguard and showcase its diverse wildlife, with new experiences for travelers. Spearheaded by Freetown-adjacent Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary , the initial phase of the country’s first ecotourism circuit opens in 2024 (keep an eye on the Tacugama website for details). It will offer first-ever accommodations at two important sites: A pair of one-bedroom ecolodges are slated to open at southeastern river island of Jaibui, where the elusive Pygmy Hippo lives, by spring 2024, and tent stays at Loma Mountains National Park will follow. Loma is home to Mount Bintumani, the tallest peak in West Africa west of Mount Cameroon, with an astounding array of rare animal and bird species like the bizarre-looking white-necked rockfowl, “ the avian Holy Grail ” for birdwatchers. In 2024, construction will begin on a world-class research and innovation center at Tacugama, with an exhibition hall dedicated to Sierra Leone’s national animal, the chimpanzee.

A host of new accommodations elsewhere in the country offers access to Sierra Leone’s coastline. Jethel Garden Eco-Resort opens in December 2023 near Freetown at Tasso Island , an important stop on the country’s slave trade history route. Further south, a previously inaccessible chain of remote sandbar islands in the Atlantic, Turtle Islands , is adding new accommodations and better boat transfers with project Tomatribe, which includes glamping-style bell tents opening by the start of 2024.

More is coming out of Sierra Leone in the next few years: The Peninsula City , a public-private partnership in conjunction with W Hotels, is building a resort and marina city just south of Freetown, and Sherbro Island City , a long-term initiative funded by Sierra Leone’s brand ambassador Idris Elba, has plans to transform this tropical island into the “Afro-dynamic eco-city.” — Yulia Denisyuk

Go for: a rich history, scuba diving, and improved access

Just because the island of St. Helena is remote, doesn't mean you won't find elevated stays—grab a room at Mantis St. Helena in Jamestown.

Increased flight connectivity means it no longer requires an arduous boat ride to reach the isle—or the world-class snorkeling and diving it offers.

A volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean, St. Helena is a British overseas territory about the same size as Walt Disney World Orlando , with a population under 4,500.

Until the first commercial flights touched down on the island in 2017, the remote isle could only be reached via a five-day boat journey from South Africa. Weekly flights from Johannesburg eventually made that journey easier, despite a pandemic pause, which ended in 2022. As of November 2024, St. Helena departures will be even more frequent, taking off twice a week from Cape Town throughout the summer and effectively making the island much easier to visit. The reason to go? To get that remote island feel , while still taking advantage of the infrastructure—which rivals the neighboring islands of Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.

There’s a rich history to dig into once you land. Uninhabited when the Portuguese arrived in 1502, St. Helena was later claimed by the Dutch before becoming a British territory—today, residents, known as Saints, have ancestral links to Britain but also to China , Madagascar, India , and West Africa . Tours detail the island’s past, from its enslaved African population to Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile and death. In the historic capital Jamestown, the Mantis St. Helena remains the smartest hotel on the island. Whale sharks visit St. Helena’s clear waters from December to March; tour operators like Sub-Tropic Adventures run trips to swim with the gentle marine giants. Snorkelers might spot turtles and devil rays, and there are several wrecks to explore by scuba. On land, trails cut through lush forests and up rugged hillsides; at the end, you might find a distinctive British red postbox with a notebook in which to leave a comment. — Heather Richardson

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Wanderlust Movement | A South Africa Travel Blog

100 of the Best Places You Can Visit in Africa

November 10, 2017 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on November 1, 2022 by Lauren Melnick

100 of the Best Places to Visit in Africa | Wanderlust Movement

Planning a trip to Africa can be daunting. With so many destinations to choose from, experiences to have and cultures to absorb, it can feel overwhelming.

To help you narrow things down and give you some inspiration for your next adventure, here are 100 of the best places to visit in Africa and what to see and do once you’re there.

Table of Contents

Here are some of the best things to see in South Africa:

Here are a few of my top picks for the best places to visit in mozambique:, here are a few of the best places to visit in rwanda and what to do while you’re there:, best places to visit in namibia, here are some of the top things to do in kenya:, here are some of the best places to see and things to do to uncover the country’s cultural, historical and natural gems:, here are some of the best things to see while in morocco:, here are some of the top things to do in tanzania:, even more things to do in africa, the best places in africa, best places to visit in south africa.

South Africa is one of the top tourist destinations in Africa. It’s flagship metropolis, Cape Town , is the most beautiful city in the world, and the country is full of wildlife spotting opportunities.

But besides the country’s wealth of incredible natural beauty, it’s also a melting pot of diversity. If you’ve never been to Africa, get your feet wet here and get ready to explore the top attractions in South Africa.

Climb to the top of Table Mountain or Lion’s Head for an epic sunset spot.
Visit Namaqualand during wildflower season.
Grab your camera and try spot the Big 5 on a game drive inside Kruger National Park .
Hire a car and explore South Africa’s famous Garden Route .
Go on a road trip through the Panorama Route .
Swim with penguins in Simon’s Town at Boulders Beach .
Hike one of the country’s most renowned trails, the Otter Trail .
Try traditional Cape Malay food and go to a braai.
Hike up to Africa’s tallest waterfall, Tugela Falls in the Drakensberg .
Jump Off The Bloukrans Bridge, the highest bungee jump in the world in the Garden Route .
Get day drunk on a wine tour through the Cape Winelands .
Conquer South Africa’s iconic multi-day slackpacking trail, The Whale Trail .
Go on a day trip to Cape Point and explore the shipwrecks at the tip of Africa.
Spend a night stargazing and sleeping underneath Wolfberg Arch in the Cederberg.

Read More: The Ultimate South Africa Bucket List: 40+ Amazing Places to Visit

Best Places to Visit in Mozambique

Armed with pristine beaches, dazzling azure waters and incredible marine life, Mozambique is a top choice for beach bums. It’s also one of the best budget destinations in Africa for South Africans and international travellers.

Explore Bazaruto Island on a day trip or spend a night at a luxury resort.
Swim with whale sharks at Tofo Beach .
Try the local dish matapa with fresh prawns or sans meat.
See Pemba’s colonial architecture and pristine beaches.
Visit Gorongosa National Park for an unforgettable Southern Africa safari.
Go on a guided walk through Niassa Reserve, one of Africa’s largest conservation areas.
Discover the Island of Mozambique, once the epicentre of Portuguese East Africa and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Escape the city and head to the remote Inhaca Island for a day trip.
Go diving with dolphins off the coast of Ponta do Ouro.
Head to Mabu Forest and hike through one of Africa’s largest remaining primaeval highland forests.

Read More: How To Travel To Mozambique on a Budget from South Africa

Best Places to Visit in Rwanda

Since its tragic genocide in 1994, Rwanda has rebuilt itself into one of the top destinations in Africa.

It’s considered the 9th safest country in the world and is home to critically endangered mountain gorillas.

If you want to get a taste of East Africa at its finest, head to this tiny country and get ready to explore its vibrant culture, rich biodiversity, and so much more.

Go gorilla trekking or visit Dian Fossey’s grave inside the Volcanoes National Park.
Visit Rwanda’s only Big 5 reserve, Akagera National Park .
Learn about Rwanda’s past at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Explore Lake Kivu, one of the world’s only three “exploding lakes.
Spend some time visiting the city of Butare and see the impressive royal palace.
Sign up for a day trip to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s last remaining high-altitude tropical rainforests.
Experience Rwanda’s natural beauty by hiking the famous Congo-Nile Trail.
Summit Mount Bisoke, an active volcano that borders The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
Go on a sustainable tea plantation tour at the Pfunda Tea Factory.

Read More: Travel to Rwanda: 15 Useful Things to Know Before You Go

Namibia may be one of the least populated countries in the world, but that doesn’t mean it lacks attractions. Its arid desert landscape has become famous on the big screen in blockbusters like Mad Max: Fury Road and 2001: A Space Odyssey.

If you want to experience a different side of Africa, here are some of the top things to see and do in Namibia:

Visit the Spitzkoppe granite peaks in the Namib Desert.
Go on a game drive through Etosha National Park.
Explore Fish River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world.
Pay a visit to the world’s biggest ship graveyard on the Skeleton Coast.
Tackle the sand dunes near Swakopmund.
Watch 150,000 of Cape Fur Seals flock to Cape Cross for the breeding season.
Watch the sunrise over Sossusvlei and visit the famous Dune 45.
Go camping at Twyfelfontein and see one of Africa’s largest concentrations of rock engravings.
Visit the ghost town of Kolmanskop .
Spend a day kitesurfing along the coast at Walvis Bay.
Watch the sunset over Brandberg Mountain, the highest peak in Namibia.

Read More: An Incredible 10-Day Namibia Road Trip Itinerary

Best Places to Visit in Kenya

Kenya is one of Africa’s top safari destinations and one of the main tourist attractions in East Africa. Each year, more than a million wildebeest make their way across its vast plains to find water.

This annual migration creates the perfect setting for epic wildlife viewings. It’s also home to the indigenous Masai tribe, famous for their warriors and nomadic lifestyle.

Witness the “Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth” at the Masai Mara National Park.
Explore Kenya’s own Machu Pichu, The Lost Town of Gedi.
Visit the local Masai tribes and learn about their ancient traditions and culture.
Summit Mount Kenya, the highest peak in the country.
Discover the world’s largest permanent desert lake, Lake Turkana and meet The El Molo Tribe.
Wander around Hell’s Gate National Park on foot and without a guide.
Relax on the beautiful beaches of Diani Beach .
Go on a safari at Tsavo, one of the largest national parks in the world.
Watch almost one million flamingos flock to the shores of Lake Nakuru.
Stay at Giraffe Manor and have breakfast with the endangered Rothschild giraffes.
Experience some of Kenya’s best dive sites at Watamu Marine National Park.

Read More: Travel to Kenya: 15 Useful Things To Know Before You Go

Best Places to Visit in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is home to some of Africa’s most unique historical attractions. From underground monolithic churches to a kaleidoscope of tribal cultures, Ethiopia is unlike any other destination on earth.

Try the delicious traditional Ethiopian food.
Visit the medieval holy city of Lalibela and explore its 11 monolithic churches built in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Explore the lowest point in Africa and the hottest place on earth, the Danakil Depression.
Go to the city of Harar on the Day of Ashura and watch packs of hyenas predict the future.
Sign up for a walking safari inside Babile Elephant Sanctuary and visit the largest elephant herd in Ethiopia.
Make your way to the Rift Valley and explore the seven lakes, hot springs and rich biodiversity.
Go to The Blue Nile Falls and walk across Ethiopia’s first stone bridge built in the 17th century.
Experience the unique culture and traditions of the Omo Valley tribes.
Visit Gondar , a UNESCO Heritage Site known as the Camelot of Africa.

Best Places to Visit in Morocco

Over the last few years, Morocco has become a popular Instagram destination and one of the best places to visit in Africa.

From its bustling markets, intricate architecture and breathtaking natural beauty, there’s a seemingly endless amount of things to add to your bucket list.

Ditch the heat and visit Morocco’s ski resorts in winter.
Visit the small village of Merzouga and stay with the nomadic Berber tribe in the Sahara Desert.
Stroll through the blue streets of Chefchaouen, located in Morocco’s Rift Mountain range.
Learn to cook traditional Moroccan food at one of the riads in Marrakech.
Explore the charming beach town of Essaouira and visit a vineyard.
Relax in a traditional Hammam bath near one of the mosques.
Catch a wave on the coast of Taghazoute, one of Morocco’s most popular surfing towns.
Bring a good pair of hiking shoes and go trekking through the Atlas Mountains.
Stay in a private riad and have your breakfast on a rooftop terrace.
Marvel at the impressive Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
Travel back in time to Morocco’s top Roman ruin site, Volubilis.

Best Places to Visit in Tanzania

Tanzania is the ultimate destination for trekkers. It’s home to the highest peak in Africa, which is the easiest of the seven summits to complete.

But it also boasts rich biodiversity both on land and in its waters, which makes it one of the most visited countries in the world and Africa.

Summit the highest point in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Visit Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park.
Take a ferry over to Zanzibar and relax on the island’s pristine beaches or explore its underwater heritage.
Go to Ngorongoro Conservation Area for wildlife viewings and to learn about humankind’s early beginnings at the Olduvai Gorge archaeological site .
Watch the annual migration of over one million wildebeest inside the Serengeti National Park.
Go diving at Mafia Island Marine Park and explore the excellent coral gardens.
Avoid the crowds and visit the less popular Pemba Island and learn about the juju traditions of medicine and magic.
Wander around Zanzibar’s ancient Stone Town, the world’s oldest functioning Swahili city.
Climb Mount Meru, the second-highest mountain in Tanzania and one of the most spectacular volcanoes in Africa.
Spend a night inside The Selous. It’s Africa’s largest reserve and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

So here’s a quick roundup of the top experiences in the rest of Africa that deserve a spot on any bucket list.

Take a road trip to Lesotho and go snowboarding in the Mountain Kingdom.
Make your way to Maletsunyane Falls in Lesotho, one of the highest single-drop waterfalls on the continent (it’s one of the best places to visit in Lesotho!).
Witness over 10 million bats migrate to Kasanka National Park in Zambia.
Go on a safari in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia – it’s home to the largest leopard population in Africa!
Go on a sunset cruise along the Zambezi river.
Marvel at Victoria Falls from either Zambia or Zimbabwe’s side.
Bungee jump off Victoria Falls or tackle the Zambezi white water rapids.
Swim in the world’s ultimate infinity pool, Victoria Fall’s Devils Pool .
Marvel at one of humankind’s most impressive architectural feats, the Pyramids of Giza.
Spend a day or two exploring the Egyptian town of Luxor and visiting it’s top archaeological sites like the Valley of the Kings.
Head to Egypt’s coast and go diving in the Red Sea.
Glide down the famous Nile River in a Felucca past relics of Egypt’s past.
Hike to the summit of the Nyiragongo Volcano in the DRC and peer down into the bubbling lava lake.
Plan a trip to Virunga National Park and visit the Congo’s critically endangered mountain gorillas.
Experience Malawi’s musical side and attend the annual Lake of Stars Festival.
Stay at Mumbo Island , one of the world’s top eco-resorts, located inside Lake Malawi National Park.
Visit the famous Avenue of Baobabs in Madagascar .
Explore the wrecks of pirate ships on the island of Ile Sainte Marie, off the coast of Madagascar.
Take a day trip to Andasibe-Mantadia and see if you can spot all 11 species of lemur found inside Madagascar’s national park.
See the unique Seven Coloured Earths in Mauritius.
Hike through Black River Gorges National Park in Mauritius and try to spot one of the rarest birds in the world, the pink pigeon.
Go on a mokoro safari across the Okavango Delta in Botswana .
See the flamingo immigration at Nata Bird Sanctuary in Botswana.
Go on a safari in Chobe National Park.

Did I miss out any of the best places to visit in Africa? Let me know what you think deserves a spot on anyone’s African bucket list below!

Psst…Want more African travel inspiration? Check out my other posts:

16 Unique Experiences You Need To Have in Africa
10 of the Cheapest African Countries to Visit
What It’s Like Staying on Mumbo Island in Malawi
Travel To Rwanda: 15 Things You Need To Know
The Ultimate South Luangwa National Park Travel Guide
Visiting Kruger National Park: Everything You Need to Know

About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

Reader Interactions

November 17, 2017 at 10:41 am

Just love this list. We have been in Victoria Falls, Namibia and South Africa. We would love to go to Tanzania:) But traveling in Africa sometimes is very expensive…

December 22, 2017 at 2:28 pm

This is a fantastic post with so many awesome ideas and experiences, many of which I’ve never heard of. In particular I really want to visit Madagascar, Morocco and Kenya. Thanks for the inspiration!

December 23, 2017 at 11:39 pm

That’s great to hear Mike!

June 9, 2019 at 12:02 am

Thanks for this. We have been to a number of the ones you mentioned but you highlighted some that we weren’t aware of and have added to our list. Travel never gets old.

June 24, 2019 at 2:48 pm

Agree! There’s always something new to discover 🙂

November 27, 2019 at 12:57 pm

Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Kenya- Africa

May 8, 2022 at 3:04 pm

One of the beautiful article come accross with. This will help us to plan our next adventure to Africa. Thank you for sharing.

October 12, 2023 at 5:16 pm

Kenya is in africa and you can visit places like Masai Mara for the big five safari we also have tree hotels in aberdares where you spot animals in your rooms.Also white beaches of diani for relaxation after the safari

15 Best Countries to Visit in Africa in 2024

Home | Travel | 15 Best Countries to Visit in Africa in 2024

Finding the best country to visit in Africa isn’t always easy, as this vast continent is full of amazing wildlife, magnificent landscapes, and outdoor adventure. Where else can you see wild elephants, the ancient wonders of the pyramids, and the world’s largest waterfall?

There’s no denying that Africa is home to some of the most impressive places on the planet. However, choosing exactly where to go is pretty challenging. You want adventure and natural beauty, but you also want to go to a safe African country .

Don’t worry; I’ll share the 15 best places to visit in Africa so you can plan the ultimate getaway, whether you’re traveling with friends, as a couple, or for a family vacation.

Before we begin, I want to remind you that having travel insurance is of the utmost importance, especially in Africa. The continent is known for its wild animals, rugged landscapes, and unique cuisines, all of which can pose unexpected challenges during your trip. With a policy from one of the best travel insurance companies , you can travel with complete confidence, knowing that you’re protected against these potential risks.

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Now, let’s jump into the top travel destinations in Africa !

1. Egypt, one of the overall best African countries to visit

Egypt links Northeast Africa to the Middle East, with its eastern edge bordering the Red Sea. The country is full of incredible monuments testifying to the area’s rich history and culture.

For example, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. It’s accompanied by the Pyramid of Menkaure, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Great Sphinx of Giza, which has a lion’s body and a human head said to depict Pharoh Khafre. On this day tour , you can explore the Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara and Memphis.

The Nile River runs through Egypt, offering another beautiful place in Africa to explore. The best way to see the river is by taking a cruise like this one , which includes dinner and tanoura (Egyptian folk dance) performers.

Egyptian pyramids, best countries to visit in africa

The Nile River runs through the Egyptian capital of Cairo , which is well worth a visit. In addition to the Giza Pyramids Complex, Cairo is home to incredible museums and mosques. From here, you can take a day trip to see another travel destination in Africa : the city of Alexandria . This tour includes lunch and a visit to the famous Library of Alexandria, old theaters, catacombs, and citadels.

I also recommend spending time in Luxor , where the ancient city of Thebes once stood. On this day trip from Hurghada, you can visit the Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, and the royal tombs in the Valley of Kings.

You can even visit the beach in Egypt. Sharm El Sheikh has white sand beaches and beautiful coral reefs, while Hurghada offers opportunities to swim in the Red Sea . If you’re interested, I recommend this diving excursion , which includes the option to obtain PADI certification.

As you can see, there is plenty to do in Egypt, so if you prefer a vacation package, I suggest this 9-day tour that includes all the must-see attractions. Also, don’t forget to buy one of the best Egyptian SIM cards so you can access the Internet in Egypt and stay connected with family and friends.

Marriott Mena House (Cairo)
Elite Pyramids Boutique Hotel (Giza)
Steigenberger Aldau Beach Hotel (Hurghada)

2. Kenya, the best country to visit in Africa for safari

Thanks to its wealth of activities and attractions, Kenya is one of the best places for first-timers to visit in Africa . The country straddles the equator, so rather than 4 seasons, it has dry seasons (December-March, July-October) and rainy seasons (April-June, November-December).

Kenya’s national parks are one-of-a-kind, offering plenty of opportunities for eco-tourism, wildlife spotting, and nature activities. Maasai Mara National Reserve is in the southwest, near the Tanzania border, and has the country’s highest concentration of wildlife. In addition to the annual wildebeest migration, you can see cheetahs, elephants, hippos, leopards, lions, rhinos, and zebras.

Hell’s Gate National Park is known for its imposing cliffs and recreational activities, like hiking, rock climbing, and biking. Meanwhile, Lake Nakuru National Park is home to its namesake lake, inhabited by pink flamingos and rhinos.

Safari in Kenya, best place in africa to visit

Of course, most people come to Kenya because it’s the best country to visit in Africa for safari tours . Some of the most recommended places to go on safari in Kenya are Nairobi National Park, the Mara Triangle in Maasai Mara, and Mount Kenya National Park. If you don’t want to do so much planning, consider this 8-day safari package that starts and ends in Nairobi.

Speaking of which, it’s worth spending some time in Nairobi . The capital city is also known as Kenya’s cultural and economic center, boasting restaurants, shops, nightlife, and institutions like the National Museum of Kenya.

Finally, Kenya has a beautiful coastline along the Indian Sea. In addition to the mangroves, forests, and ruins, you can visit Diani Beach , considered the best beach in Africa.

Ziwa Bush Lodge (Nakuru)
The Sands at Chale Island (Chale Island)
Ololo Safari Lodge (Nairobi)
Olare Mara Kempinski (Maasai Mara)

3. Morocco, one of the best places to visit in Africa as a couple

With its famous blue houses and colorful markets, Morocco is one of the most aesthetically pleasing countries in Africa . In addition to its sights, tastes, and aromas, it has attractions that appeal to all types of travelers.

First, the capital city of Marrakesh has a little bit of everything, from mosques and palaces to gardens and bustling marketplaces. You can even pamper yourself with an indulgent hammam experience . Of course, you must see Jemaa el-Fnaa square , the 12 th -century Bab Agnaou gate , and the ancient gardens of Menara or Majorelle . Marrakesh is also home to historic palaces and tombs that you must see for yourself.

In the port city of Casablanca , you’ll find the stunning Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, with its intricate architecture and breathtaking ocean views. The cultural capital of Fez is home to some of the world’s oldest schools, such as the University of Al Quaraouiyine and Bou Inania Madrasa. You can also take this day trip from Casablanca to Chefchaouen , known as the “Blue City.”

Morocco, best country in africa to visit

Morocco also has incredible natural spaces that make it one of the most visited African countries . A couple of hours east of Marrakesh, the Ouzoud Falls stand 350 feet tall and consist of three sections. This day tour from the capital takes you on a guided hike to see the waterfalls and all the highlights.

There is also this 3-day excursion from Marrakesh through the Sahara Desert. Along the way, you’ll visit the village of Aït Ben Haddou , a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the dunes of Erg Chebbi , Merzouga , and the city of Ouarzazate , known as the “Door to the Desert.”

If you prefer, you can take this hiking excursion in the Atlas Mountains. And if you can’t decide, I suggest this 10-day vacation package that includes Marrakesh, Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Fez, and Merzouga.

Iberostar Club Palmeraie Marrakech (Marrakech)
Casablanca Le Lido Thalasso & Spa (Casablanca)
Fes Marriott Hotel Jnan Palace (Fez)

4. Namibia, the best African country to visit for nature lovers

Namibia is one of the best countries to visit in southern Africa for those who want to get off the beaten path. It’s also a photographer’s dream, thanks to its national parks, canyons, giant boulders, and ancient rock art.

For starters, check out the capital of Windhoek , which has an interesting blend of African and German influences. Then, head southwest toward Sossusvlei , home to Namib-Naukluft National Park. As part of the Namib Sand Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts towering, fiery red dunes.

Further south, the Fish River Canyon is one of the most famous canyons in Africa and the second-largest in the world, measuring 100 miles long, 17 miles wide, and 1,805 feet deep. The ravine and outcroppings are great for hiking, camping, and spotting animals like springbok.

Namibia, best place to vacation in africa

Toward the northern part of the country, Spitzkoppe is another cool place to camp. This desert area has granite peaks that are over 120 million years old, so you can get breathtaking views here. Its giant boulders make it a hotspot for rock climbing. Twyfelfontein is another impressive place to visit in Africa . It was Namibia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and consists of ancient rock art and engravings from the Stone Age.

Finally, Etosha National Park is a highlight of any trip to Namibia. This vast park is full of attractions, such as a 1,850-square-mile salt pan, viewing decks, campsites, and wildlife. Over 114 mammal and 340 bird species live here, so you’ll find everything from flamingos and elephants to lions and rhinos.

If you want to explore Namibia on your own, this 13-day camping safari is a great way to see all the highlights. It starts and ends in Windhoek and visits Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei, Etosha National Park, and more.

Hilton Windhoek (Windhoek)
Dead Valley Lodge (Sesriem)
Toshari Lodge (Okaukuejo)

5. South Africa, one of the best countries in Africa to visit for culture

South Africa is one of the best places to vacation in Africa , so it’s worth taking the long journey here. A good place to start your adventure is in the capital of Cape Town , a city full of stunning vistas, a bustling harbor, and historical landmarks.

Cape Town is one of the best African cities to visit , not only for its attractions but also because it’s close to several other points of interest. For example, just 30 miles east, you’ll find the Cape Dutch architecture and vineyards of Stellenbosch . About 2.5 hours northeast of Cape Town, the Inverdoorn Game Reserve is where you can see the Big 5: buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinos.

An hour south of Cape Town, the Cape of Good Hope awaits with its scenic views. The shoreline here includes Boulder Beach , where African penguins are often found. You can take a day tour of both areas from Cape Town. If you prefer something more adventurous, check out this shark cage diving cruise in Hermanus or this seal snorkeling excursion in Hout Bay .

South Africa, most beautiful african countries

There is also Robben Island , located 7.5 miles off the coast of Cape Town. You can take the ferry from the capital to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a stark reminder of apartheid in South Africa. The Robben Island Museum is a living history museum and former prison where Nelson Mandela served 18 of his 27-year sentence.

Besides Cape Town, I recommend visiting the cultural hub of Johannesburg . After enjoying its sights, take this full-day safari to Pilanesberg National Park . Alternatively, this excursion to Addo Elephant National Park and this day tour to Kruger National Park are sure to please.

Finally, the coastal city of Durban is full of surfing, museums, sports, and natural spaces.

Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton (Johannesburg)
The Table Bay Hotel (Cape Town)
The Oyster Box (Durban)

6. Tanzania, the best place to visit in Africa to see animals

Tanzania is a haven for animal lovers since you can see various wild species here. As one of the best places to go in Africa for safari , Tanzania has several incredible national parks and conservation areas full of cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, leopards, lions, wildebeest, zebras, and more.

If you want to go wildlife spotting, you have plenty of options, such as this 6-day safari or this 8-day safari . These excursions go through the amazing landscapes of Arusha National Park , Tarangire National Park , Serengeti National Park , the Ngorongoro Conservation Area , Lake Manyara National Park , and the Materuni Waterfalls.

Tanzania, best places to go in africa for safari

In addition to safari tours, you can visit Mount Kilimanjaro , one of Tanzania’s highlights. This dormant volcano is Africa’s tallest mountain, offering ample trekking and camping opportunities. Climbing Kilimanjaro is quite an adventure, but if you’re up for it, consider this 10-day climb along the Lemosho Route or this 8-day hike on the Rongai Route.

Finally, take advantage of your trip to see Zanzibar , one of the best African islands to visit . Zanzibar is located 50 miles off the eastern coast of Tanzania. While you can visit on your own, I recommend booking a safari that includes the mainland’s top attractions and the island. For example, this 12-day package starts in Arusha, goes to several national parks, and wraps up in Stone Town, Zanzibar.

Melia Zanzibar (Kiwengwa, Zanzibar)
The Residence Zanzibar (Kizimkazi, Zanzibar)
Mizingani Seafront Hotel (Stone Town, Zanzibar)
Arusha Africa Safari (Arusha)

7. Botswana, one of the best countries in Africa to visit for outdoor enthusiasts

Botswana is another beautiful place in Africa , and it’s perfect for those who love spending time outdoors. Most of Botswana’s attractions are concentrated in the northern part of the country. However, if you’re flying into the capital city of Gaborone in the south, you can explore its shops and museums, as well as the Mokolodi Nature Reserve , which has vulnerable species like the southern white rhinoceros.

Chobe National Park is another place to see wild animals in Botswana. The biodiversity here is unmatched and includes lions, elephants, zebras, impalas, African buffalo, kudus, giraffes, and more. You can also do some excellent bird-watching here, so keep your eyes peeled for African darters, lilac-breasted rollers, African skimmers, and Goliath herons.

About 215 miles south of Chobe, you’ll find Jack’s Camp , a luxury safari camp. While some of the glamping tents are a bit over the top, the standout feature is the variety of wildlife, including meerkats, hyenas, lions, aardvarks, honey badgers, and bat-eared foxes.

Botswana, best place to visit in africa for vacation

Also, if you’re passionate about photography like us, you’ll love the Okavango Delta region. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, full of wetlands, lagoons, salt islands, and a wide array of wildlife and bird species. This 7-day safari goes through Okavango and Chobe National Park, while this 10-day excursion starts in Johannesburg and goes through Okavango and Chobe, ending at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. This 14-day safari goes through Botswana’s top parks and reserves.

Finally, if you’re going to be in the country’s southern region, you can appreciate the Khoisan , or Bushmen, of Botswana. This indigenous hunter-gatherer community dates back over 10,000 years and is known for its unique clicking language.

The Waterfront (Maun)
Waterside Cottages (Gaborone)
Mankwe Camping (Chiro Pan)
Omogolo Hideaways (South Okavango)
Mababe River Lodge & Campsite (Mababe)

8. Ethiopia, the best country to visit in Africa for food and culture

If you’re looking for places to visit in Africa , don’t overlook Ethiopia . This interesting country has parks, historical monuments, religious structures, and World Heritage Sites. A good place to begin your adventure is in the capital, Addis Ababa , where you can take a sightseeing tour or market tour to enjoy culinary delights and Ethiopian coffee.

Ethiopia’s smaller towns offer plenty of things to do, too. Aksum holds great religious significance and is home to ancient ruins, obelisks, and churches. Gondar is known for its fortress of the Fasil Ghebbi royal palace, while Harar is an old walled city with holy relics and ancient gates. There is also Lalibela , a beautiful African city dating back to around the 11 th century. Here, you can see the famous churches carved out of the rock.

Ethiopia, best africa tourist destinations

One of the most impressive areas of Ethiopia is the Danakil Depression , a geological formation caused by continental drift. It’s said to be the hottest place on Earth, home to lava lakes, salt lakes, acidic hot springs, and volcanoes.

I must also mention Simien Mountains National Park , where you can witness the highest point in Ethiopia and endangered species like the walia ibex, the gelada baboon, and the bearded vulture. This full-day hiking tour takes you along one of the scenic mountain paths.

If you’re having trouble deciding what to do, consider this day trip from Addis Ababa. It includes a bit of everything: religious architecture, ancient sites, natural structures, breathtaking vistas, and wildlife.

Golden Tulip Addis Ababa (Addis Ababa)
Best Western Plus Addis Ababa (Addis Ababa)
Gondar Hills Resort (Gondar)

9. The Seychelles, the best African island country to visit

The Seychelles is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean located about 1,100 miles off the east-central coast of Africa. This country consists of 115 individual islands, most of which are uninhabited. Some of the most visited islands are Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue.

Mah é is one of the best African islands to visit and the largest island of Seychelles. It’s home to the capital city, Victoria , and lovely white sand beaches. You can take this day tour to explore Victoria’s Creole architecture, markets, and botanical gardens, followed by the beach of Anse Intendance. I also recommend this boat excursion from Mahé to St. Anne National Marine Park .

It’s also worth visiting Praslin , Seychelles’ second-largest island. Here, you can see the Vall ée de Mai Nature Reserve , a UNESCO World Heritage Site with giant coco-de-mer palm trees and endemic birds, reptiles, and insects. Anse Lazio is one of the most beautiful beaches on Praslin, and you can take this excursion to see both the beach and the nature reserve in one day.

The Seychelles, best africa tourist destinations

From Praslin, you can hop on a boat to see Curieuse and St. Pierre , two smaller nearby islands with natural scenery, wildlife, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. On Curieuse, you can see the critically endangered Seychelles giant tortoises at Curieuse Marine National Park . I recommend this day trip from Praslin, which includes hotel pick-up and lunch.

Finally, La Digue has a relaxing atmosphere, striking granite boulders, and breathtaking beaches like Anse Source d’Argent and Grand Anse. The island’s laid-back environment and recreational activities, like hiking and watersports, make it perfect for a romantic getaway.

Overall, the Seychelles is one of the best countries to visit for couples , perhaps for a honeymoon. I suggest spending at least a week here, but ideally two.

Constance Lemuria Resort (Grand’Anse, La Digue)
Kempinski Seychelles Resort (Baie Lazare Mahé)
Savoy Hotel & Spa (Beau Vallon, Mahé)

10. Rwanda, one of the best places to visit in Africa for gorilla trekking

Thanks to its location in the Great Rift Valley, Rwanda is known as the Land of a Thousand Hills. It’s without a doubt one of the prettiest places in Africa and generally safe for tourists.

Most people begin their journey in the capital city of Kigali, which is surrounded by rolling hills. This sightseeing tour is a great way to get to know the city’s food, culture, history, and architecture. You can embark on different excursions from Kigali, such as this safari to Akagera National Park . Akagera is home to the Big 5 (buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions, rhinos) and a variety of big cats like cheetahs. You can also take this gorilla-trekking excursion from Kigali to Mghahinga National Park in Uganda or this 5-day safari .

Rwandans are very respectful of wild animals, so gorilla trekking, bird watching, and safaris are popular here. In addition to Akagera, the Nyungwe Forest and Gishwati-Mukura National Park are worth checking out. The former boasts rainforests and wetlands full of primate species like chimps, golden monkeys, and baboons, while the latter contains a variety of flora, primates, birds, and reptiles.

For a change of scenery, head to the Virunga Mountains , a chain of volcanoes partly in northcentral Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park sits within this volcanic mountain chain, offering unique trekking opportunities and the chance to spot gorillas in the wild.

Also, despite being landlocked, you can still go to the beach in Rwanda. Lake Kivu straddles the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and along the shores of the lake, you can visit the beaches of Gisenyi .

To the south, Nyanza was the old capital of Rwanda and still has a traditional umwami palace.

Kigali Marriott Hotel (Kigali)
Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Centre (Kigali)
Hotel des Mille Collines (Kigali)

11. Uganda, the best African country to visit for an unforgettable experience

Crossing over the northern border of Rwanda, you can explore Uganda ‘s landscapes and scenery. The southwestern edge of Uganda has a string of national parks, including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest , Queen Elizabeth , Rwenzori Mountains , Kibale , and Semuliki .

Another gorgeous spot is Lake Mburo National Park , one of the best places to visit in Africa for wildlife. Here, you can see giraffes, hippos, hyenas, impalas, leopards, lions, warthogs, and zebras. This 2-day safari from the capital of Kampala takes you through the park’s savannah and includes overnight accommodation and meals. Uganda is also a hotspot for gorilla trekking , specifically in Bwindi, Mgahinga National Park, and the Virunga Mountains.

Traveling in the opposite direction, this day trip to Jinja introduces you to Lake Victoria , the original source of the Nile River. If you cruise along the Victoria Nile, you’ll find several waterfalls, including Busowoko Falls and Itanda Falls. Entebbe is another town on the shores of Lake Victoria. It’s about 30 miles south of Kampala and has interesting attractions like botanical gardens, a wildlife education center, and Lido Beach.

In the north of Uganda, you can enjoy a river cruise in Murchison Falls National Park . Here, the Victoria Nile flows through a narrow gap, creating the Murchison Falls. It’s all a lot to take in, so it’s better to tour this country with a package. I like this 10-day excursion that gives you plenty of time for gorilla trekking and hiking, but if you’re short on time, this 3-day tour is a good alternative.

K Hotels Entebbe (Entebbe)
Bwindi Forest Lodge (Buhoma)
Lemala Wildwaters Lodge (Kangulumira)

12. Zambia, one of the best countries to visit in Africa for active travelers

Zambia is one of the most beautiful parts of Africa , full of natural wonders, abundant wildlife, and gorgeous landscapes. Plus, it’s a safe country, so your trip here can be as relaxing or thrilling as you want.

Most tourists fly into Lusaka , the country’s capital, or Livingstone , a city on the southern border. If I had to choose one, I’d go with Livingstone since it’s where you can see the majestic Victoria Falls . The falls are the largest worldwide, measuring 5,600 feet across and 350 feet high. The best way to experience them is by taking a tour like this one from Livingstone or this helicopter flight over the falls.

Victoria Falls is located along the Zambezi River , another popular attraction where you can go whitewater rafting or take a relaxing cruise . Another option is visiting Lower Zambezi National Park to enjoy a nature walk, river cruise, or safari. While it’s not a Big 5 park, you can spot crocodiles, hippos, lions, waterbucks, and various bird species.

Zambia, an africa travel destination for safaris

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Victoria Falls also includes Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park , an area of forests, grassland, and woodland. To make the most of your time, I recommend this guided nature walk to see a vast array of plant and animal life.

Further inland, Kafue National Park is the largest and most biodiverse park in Zambia. Among the wildlife here are 21 species of antelope, thousands of elephants, and a hefty population of cheetahs and leopards. You can also see more unique species here, like aardvarks, bush babies, mongooses, otters, and pangolins.

To the east, South Luangwa National Park is one of the best places to visit in Africa for walking safaris . The park has large populations of buffalo, elephants, and giraffes, as well as lagoons and rivers full of crocodiles and hippos.

Msandile River Lodge (Kakumbi)
Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort (Livingstone)
Twangale Park Hotel (Lusaka)

13. Tunisia, the best place to visit in Africa for history buffs

Tunisia is one of the best north African countries to visit , especially if you’re interested in history and culture. Many of its tourist attractions are concentrated in the north of the country. For example, the capital city of Tunis is a bustling metropolis where you can get lost among the traditional markets, mosques, and museums. The Medina of Tunis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a historic district with hundreds of monuments, palaces, and religious structures from the Almohad Empire.

From Tunis, you can take a day tour of the ancient city of Carthage. Founded in 814 B.C. by the Phoenicians, it’s known for its ruins, monuments, and the charming blue-and-white town of Sidi Bou Said.

If you’re up for a more extended adventure, it’s worth taking this excursion to Kairouan . This city is a center of Islamic culture, boasting the Great Mosque of Kairouan and the Aghlabid Basins, which date back to the 9th century. This day trip also includes the Amphitheatre of El Jem , built in 238 A.D. and recognized by UNESCO .

Tunisia, best africa tourist destinations

Alternatively, consider this full-day tour from Tunis to Sousse and Monastir , two neighboring cities along the Gulf of Hammamet. Sousse has a walled medina with Islamic architecture like a ribat (castle), a casbah (fortress), and souks (covered bazaars). Monastir is nice for visiting the beach, shopping for souvenirs, and enjoying the nightlife.

I also recommend visiting Djerba , an island off the southern coast of Tunisia. This half-day tour covers the highlights, but if you have time, consider this overnight safari in the desert. Djerba is also a great base from which to visit Ksar Ghilane , a desert oasis on the mainland. This excursion leaves from Djerba and goes to the Ksar Ghilane hot springs and a traditional Berber village.

The Residence Tunis (Gammarth)
Iberostar Averroes (Hammamet)
Iberostar Mehari Djerba (Taguermess)
La Cigale Tabarka (Tibarka)

14. Zimbabwe, one of the best countries to visit in Africa as a family

Zimbabwe is another one of the best countries to visit in southern Africa . This small, landlocked nation offers lots to see and do, so it’s a place that the whole family will love traveling to.

First, you can’t miss a stop at Victoria Falls . Located in the westernmost corner of Zimbabwe, the falls extend into neighboring Zambia, another popular African destination . Hands down, one of the most remarkable ways to see Victoria Falls is from above. This excursion includes a helicopter flight and a walking tour, so you get the best views.

There are also some fantastic day trips and tours from Victoria Falls, such as this sunset dinner cruise and this excursion to Chobe National Park in neighboring Botswana. Of course, Zimbabwe has its own parks and natural spaces that you’ll love. Hwange National Park is just 70 miles south of Victoria Falls and is home to Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable animals.

Continuing along the border, Lake Kariba offers wildlife safaris and cruises. Further north, Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the wildest and best-preserved areas in the world, with large populations of buffalo, crocodiles, elephants, hippos, and zebras.

In addition to wildlife, Zimbabwe has a rich culture and history, which you can learn about on this tour . The excursion includes a visit to a traditional Zimbabwean village to get a glimpse of rural life, rituals, customs, and living quarters.

Finally, this country’s rock formations and ancient cave art are fascinating. I recommend visiting the balancing rocks at Matobo National Park , the medieval walls of the Great Zimbabwe National Monument , and the rugged cliffs of Gonarezhou National Park .

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (Victoria Falls)
Gwango Heritage Resort (Dete)
Holiday Inn Bulawayo (Bulawayo)

15. Malawi, another one of the best African countries to visit

Last but not least, Malawi is a small, narrow country nestled in southeast Africa. Nearly half of the country is consumed by Lake Malawi , an impressive body of water and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of the fish species here are endemic, and the natural beauty surrounding the lake is unmatched. Here, you can admire the clear waters, green hills, and wildlife. For an eco-tourism adventure, you can even stay on Mumbo Island , a small private island on the lake.

Along the central-west coast of Lake Malawi, Nkhata Bay is a port city offering a tropical respite for tourists. About 30 miles west, Mzuzu is a melting pot of culture and recreation, particularly in Nyika National Park .

Malawi, best places to go in africa for safari

Another notable city is the capital of Lilongwe , where you can shop and go sightseeing among the religious monuments and nearby natural areas. Further south, Liwonde National Park is known as one of the best places to see wild elephants. You can also see antelope, baboons, black rhinos, cheetahs, hippos, impalas, monkeys, and nearly 400 species of birds.

There is also Majete Wildlife Reserve , a protected area where you can see the Big 5 (buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinos), and thousands of other mammals, reptiles, and bird species. Plus, the park’s natural landscapes, such as the savannah, woodland, and forests, are lovely.

If you don’t want to burden yourself with planning an itinerary, consider this 16-day vacation package through Malawi and Zambia. It includes visits to Liwonde National Park, Lake Malawi, Lake Kariba, Victoria Falls, and more.

Amaryllis Hotel Blantyre (Blantyre)
Latitude 13 Degrees (Lilongwe)
Sogecoa Golden Peacock (Lilongwe)

With that, you know the best places to visit in Africa ! I hope this guide helps you narrow down your options and plan the ultimate African vacation . Here is a map with all 15 countries I mentioned so you can get a better idea of their locations:

Also, travel advisories and unforeseen events crop up, so I recommend getting travel insurance with Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. You may also like our guide on travel Internet , which can help you stay connected while adventuring abroad.

If you still have questions, feel free to leave a comment below. I’d be happy to help you decide where to go for your trip to Africa .

Safe travels!

Ascen Aynat

10 Destinations to Top Your Africa Bucket List

Given the size and diversity of the African continent, choosing just 10 destinations for this bucket-list was no easy task. Of course, the places that top your must-see list will depend on your personal interests and preferences, but here's a look at 10 of Africa's most evocative, iconic and unmissable spots.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Kenya's Maasai Mara is a wonderland of spectacular scenery, colorful culture, and unparalleled wildlife-spotting opportunities. The park connects to Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, and together, the two parks create the ultimate safari destination. This is your best bet for spotting the Big Five in a single morning, and for witnessing East Africa's famous wildebeest migration . In the Maasai Mara, hot-air balloon safaris offer a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience.

Victoria Falls, Zambia

Victoria Falls is defined by plunging, roaring water falling beneath a mystical veil of spray. The falls' indigenous name is "The Smoke That Thunders', and there's nothing quite like witnessing its power from one of the mist-soaked lookout points. Victoria Falls boasts the world's largest sheet of falling water, with over 165 million gallons flowing over the edge per minute during peak flood season. The falls are located on the Zambia / Zimbabwe border, and can be seen from either country.

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza represent one of man's greatest architectural feats. Built more than 5,000 years ago, the Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the world's oldest tourist attractions , and the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to have survived the ravages of time intact. There are three main pyramids at Giza; the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure. In front of the pyramids lies the Sphinx. These ancient structures inspired the Meroë Pyramids in Sudan.

Djenné, Mali

Founded in 800 AD, Djenné is one of sub-Saharan Africa's oldest cities. Located in central Mali on an island in the Inland Niger Delta, Djenné was a natural hub for 17th and 18th Century traders who shuttled their goods between the Sahara Desert and the forests of Guinea. Djenné was also famous as a center of Islamic learning, and its bustling market square is still dominated by the beautiful Great Mosque . Djenné is located a few hundred miles downstream from Timbuktu and is famous for its adobe architecture.

Cape Town, South Africa

Known for its first-class culture, exceptional scenery, and gourmet restaurant scene , Cape Town is the jewel in South Africa's crown. From the iconic silhouette of Table Mountain to the golden beaches of the surrounding suburbs, Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the world's most attractive cities. It's also the perfect base for exploring the rest of the Western Cape, including the vineyards of nearby Paarl and Franschhoek. Cape Town is also one of the most culturally diverse cities in Africa and has a reputation for social tolerance.

Marrakech, Morocco

TripSavvy / Chris VR

Situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, the imperial city of Marrakech is a riot of color and sound. With so much going on, it's a festival for the senses, and one of the continent's most charismatic cities. Stay at a traditional riad in the medina and find yourself surrounded by the souks, food markets and maze-like streets of the old city. Djemma El-Fna square is the heart of the medina and the embodiment of Marrakech, while Majorelle Gardens offer a respite from the city hubbub.

Omo River Region, Ethiopia

Those in search of true African wilderness should consider a white-water rafting trip on Ethiopia's Omo River. Barely accessible by vehicle, the Omo River Region is largely cut off from the outside world. Because of this, the tribes that live there have retained their traditional customs and way of life, and as such a visit to this remote destination offers a fascinating insight into the indigenous culture. In order to travel safely and to enhance your understanding of local culture, joining an organized tour is strongly advised.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda

Part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is often rated as one of the best places in the world to see the critically endangered mountain gorilla. Mgahinga boasts a mystical landscape of extinct volcanoes and dense, cloud-topped rainforest. It is part of the Virunga Range, which spans Rwanda , Uganda and the DRC and forms one of the few remaining mountain gorilla habitats. With only around 800 mountain gorillas left, seeing the species in the wild is something only a few people will ever have the privilege to experience.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

TripSavvy / Ivey Redding

Africa is known as one of the best destinations for adventure travel and there are few greater challenges than hiking up the world's tallest free-standing mountain. Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 19,340 feet/ 5,895 meters and takes between five and nine days to summit. Incredibly, reaching Kilimanjaro's peak is possible for anyone with a good level of fitness, as the climb doesn't require specialized climbing equipment or expertise. However, altitude sickness can be a problem for would-be hikers, and pre-climb training is recommended.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Situated off the coast of Tanzania and surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar is famous for its spectacular beaches and fascinating spice trade history. It was also an important slave trading post under its Arab rulers, and their influence is evident today in the architecture of Stone Town, one of the island's top highlights. A UNESCO World Heritage Site , Stone Town boasts beautiful traditional houses, narrow alleyways, a Sultan's palace, and many mosques. Zanzibar is also a scuba diver's paradise .

Updated by Jessica Macdonald .

24 Best Places to Visit in Africa

By Vanessa Holmes · Last updated on April 30, 2024

Africa is an enormous continent, and it offers countless destinations worth exploring. In a trip through Africa, you can meet the Masai Mara people in Kenya, look out onto the plains of the Serengeti or relax on a tropical island. Africa is diverse and beautiful, and there is no end to what you can see, do and explore there. As you plan your next African journey, be sure to include at least one from this list of best places to visit in Africa as your schedule will allow.

24. Ait Benhaddou (Morocco) [SEE MAP]

On the edge of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco is the incredible city of Ait Benhaddou. Also known as Mud Brick City, Ait Benhaddou is an ancient fortified stop that was a haven for travelers going between the Sahara and the city of Marrakesh. On a visit to Ait Benhaddou, you can tour the mud buildings, explore the ancient Granary at the top of the hilltop city and even tour the Mausoleum of Ben-Haddou.

23. Isalo National Park (Madagascar) [SEE MAP]

Just off the coast of Mozambique, and in the waters of the Indian Ocean, is the island of Madagascar. While the island nation has a lot to do, see and explore, a highlight is undoubtedly the Isalo National Park. Within the park, you will have access to a wide range of terrain types. Be prepared to spot enormous canyons, lush palm-tree oases and even unique sandstone formations. The best way to see Isalo National Park is on a guided trek, and many people opt for overnight camping to enhance the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

22. Zanzibar (Tanzania) [SEE MAP]

The archipelago off the coast of Tanzania is semi-autonomous, and it is a truly unique destination in Africa. Zanzibar boasts an interesting blend of architecture, and you’ll find Arabic, Middle Eastern, Moorish and Indian styles represented in its cities. There are many world-class beaches to choose from, and Zanzibar also boasts a very vibrant and well-preserved history. Be sure to spend time in the capital city of Stone Town, home to several fantastic museums and the 17th century Old Fort.

21. Djenne (Mali) [SEE MAP]

Probably the most historically and architecturally interesting city in all of Mali is Djenne. The city served as an important element of the trans-Saharan gold trade, and it is still a regional hub thanks to its impressive weekly market that gathers residents from all the surrounding areas. By far the most amazing landmark in the city, however, is the Great Mosque, which is the largest mud brick building in the world. The Islamic Mosque dates back to the 13th century, although it wasn’t officially completed until 1907.

20. Lake Malawi (Malawi, Tanzania & Mozambique) [SEE MAP]

One of the largest bodies of water in Africa is Lake Malawi. As the name suggests, much of the lake is within the borders of Malawi, but it also stretches into the countries of Tanzania and Mozambique. If you want to see Lake Malawi, one of the best ways to do so is with a visit to the Lake Malawi National Park, located on the southern end of the lake itself. There are miles of hiking available in the park, not to mention countless vantage points where you can admire the lake and take spectacular photographs.

19. Etosha National Park (Namibia) [SEE MAP]

The second largest game reserve in Namibia is the Etosha National Park . It was created around the Etosha salt pan, which many animals gravitate to. As a result, the national park is a spectacular spot for seeing wildlife. Be sure to bring along binoculars, because you’ll be able to see zebras, springbok, lions, giraffes, elephants and more. Three rest camps are designated for visitor accommodation, allowing you to see these amazing animals 24/7.

18. Lalibela (Ethiopia) [SEE MAP]

The city of Lalibela in Ethiopia is known as a city of pilgrimage. Lalibela boasts 11 monolithic, rock-cut churches, each of which is fascinating to explore. Most residents are Egyptian Orthodox Christian, and most of the churches were constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries. If you only have time for a tour of one church in Lalibela, make it Bet Giyorgis, which is shaped like a cross and carved entirely from rock in a spectacular fashion.

17. Virunga National Park (DR Congo) [SEE MAP]

Near the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and just minutes away from Uganda, is the Virunga National Park. Virunga was founded in 1925 by the Belgian King Albert, and it was Africa’s very first national park. While poaching was a serious problem in the park in the past, now it is a growing tourism destination. The Virunga National Park is most famous for its mountain gorillas, but you can also see the Tongo chimpanzees or even trek to the summit of the Nyiragongo Volcano to see the world’s largest lava lake glowing.

16. Fish River Canyon (Namibia) [SEE MAP]

The incredible Fish River Canyon in Southern Namibia is one of the world’s largest canyons, and it is a spectacular, breathtaking scene to behold. As one of the Natural Wonders of Africa, Fish River Canyon is one of the nation’s most popular attractions. You can trek along the Fish River Canyon Trail if you’re up for adventure, or you can take a scenic overhead flight to admire the multicolored rock canyon contrasted with the bright blue water of the river.

15. Merzouga (Morocco) [SEE MAP]

While Merzouga is a small village, it is a popular destination for travelers in Morocco . Located in the Sahara Desert, Merzouga is surrounded by enormous sand dunes known as the Erg Chebbi. Much of the local population is Berber, a group that is traditionally nomadic. If you visit, you can join a camel safari into the dunes to see the traditional Berber lifestyle. In addition to checking out the nomadic desert lifestyle, you can try birdwatching in the spring, when a wide range of birds migrate through the area.

14. Praslin (Seychelles) [SEE MAP]

The second largest of the tropical islands that make up the Seychelles , located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, is Praslin. The island is dotted with a few luxury resorts, but the two main attractions on the island are Anse Lazio and the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. Anse Lazio is a gorgeous beach with clear water and amazing opportunities for snorkeling. The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is a palm forest that is preserved and serves as the home to countless reptiles and birds, including the very rare Seychelles Black Parrot.

13. Okavango Delta (Botswana) [SEE MAP]

Where the Okavango River meets the basin of the Kalahari, you’ll find the Okavango Delta. The delta is breathtaking to behold, and the source of water means that it is almost always surrounded by wildlife. The Okavango Delta is a popular spot for safaris, and you can also enjoy some amazing scenery. A fantastic and unforgettable way to explore the Okavango Delta is with an aerial tour by airplane, allowing you to see the meandering Okavango River as well as some of the larger game animals.

12. Black River Gorges National Park (Mauritius) [SEE MAP]

Another of the incredible islands in the Indian Ocean, located just off the Eastern Coast of Africa, is Mauritius. Known for beaches and tropical weather, Mauritius is also home to the magnificent Black River Gorges National Park. The park is relatively new, founded in just 1994 to protect the natural beauty of the island. When you visit, you’ll be able to hike along gorgeous trails and see a wide range of endemic wildlife and beautiful waterfalls.

11. Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) [SEE MAP]

In the far north of Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border, is the famed Mount Kilimanjaro. The peak is the tallest in Africa, and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, making it a bucket-list destination for many travelers. While the very fit can trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, there are also other ways to explore the area. There are several shorter, easier hikes around the base of the mountain along with some gorgeous waterfalls and plenty of amazing scenery.

10. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) [SEE MAP]

If you are interested in seeing rare wildlife, then the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda should definitely be on your itinerary for an African adventure. With a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, you can hike from the two hubs of Buhoma to Nkoringo and kayak on gorgeous lakes. The main attraction, however, is tracking gorillas. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the best places in the world to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

9. Kruger National Park (South Africa) [SEE MAP]

The best known of the many parks located in South Africa is the Kruger National Park , named after former South African President Paul Kruger. The park has three primary goals: Conservation, education and tourism. While it is possible to purchase a permit to enter the park and then drive on your own, most visitors prefer to join a guided tour or safari. Kruger National Park’s top attractions include the Crocodile River view point, the Iron Age village known as Masorini and the abundance of the big five animals: Lion, cape buffalo, rhinoceros, African elephant and leopard.

8. Marrakech (Morocco) [SEE MAP]

After Rabat and Casablanca, Marrakech is the largest city in Morocco . It is the most popular destinations in the country, because it is such an exciting city with an ancient history and amazing architecture. The historic district of Marrakech is called the Medina, and its main square is the bustling Djemaa El-Fna, where you can watch snake charmers and acrobats while strolling through shops and snacking on local culinary delights. You can also tour souks, or outdoor markets, and then relax at a local hammam, or spa.

7. Luxor (Egypt) [SEE MAP]

The ancient city of Luxor in Egypt is divided into halves by the Nile River. On the East Bank, you’ll find the famed Luxor Temple as well as unique museums like the Luxor Museum and the Mummification Museum. Across the Nile on the West Bank, you’ll be able to explore both the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. The Valley of the Kings is one of the most iconic destinations in Africa, as it served as the burial place of many Egyptian kings.

6. Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania) [SEE MAP]

The nature preserve known as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of Tanzania’s many attractions. The area is named after the Ngorongoro Crater, a volcanic caldera in the center of the preserve. The crater is a highlight, and so is the steep ravine called Oldupai Gorge. The conservation area is also one of the best places to visit in Africa for nature lovers, and just some of the wildlife you might spot while visiting can include the African buffalo, black rhinoceros, hippopotamus, blue wildebeest and even the occasional Tanzanian cheetah.

5. Cape Town (South Africa) [SEE MAP]

The capital city of South Africa is Cape Town , an extraordinary, historic and vibrant city named for its location on the Cape of Good Hope. To get to know the history of Cape Town, be sure to explore incredible landmarks like the colorful homes in the Bo-Kaap neighborhood as well as Robben Island, where political prisoners like Nelson Mandela were once held. One of the top natural attractions is Table Mountain, which offers breathtaking views over the Cape of Good Hope as well as the sprawling city. You can hike up Table Mountain or take a ride on the cable cars.

4. Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya) [SEE MAP]

Africa is inhabited by many different people groups, but few as are fascinating as the Masai. This group owns the Masai Mara National Reserve toward the southern part of Kenya, and every year thousands of tourists come to explore the scenery and the wildlife. In addition to seeing everything from rhinos to lions, you can visit a local village to learn more about the Masai Mara culture, cuisine, customs and dress.

3. Victoria Falls (Zambia & Zimbabwe) [SEE MAP]

Right on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe is Victoria Falls, an incredible waterfall on the Zambezi River. In Zimbabwe, the falls as well as the surrounding town is known as Victoria Falls. Across the border in Zambia, the falls are called Mosi-oa-Tunya. From December to March, the falls are more dramatic because it is also the rainy season, but the rest of the year can offer a less obscured view. In addition to admiring the views, you can enjoy Victoria Falls by canoeing or rafting near its base or having a romantic sunset cruise beneath the falls.

2. Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) [SEE MAP]

In Northeast Tanzania is the Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most incredible conservation areas. The name Serengeti means endless plains, and that is exactly what you’ll find within the park. More than a million wildebeest, and over 200,000 zebras, migrate through the plains each year. When you visit the Serengeti National Park, you will be able to see wildlife like cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, buffalo, gazelles and so much more. Hot air balloon trips as well as photo safaris are both incredible ways to make the most of the Serengeti.

1. Giza Necropolis (Egypt) [SEE MAP]

If you have always wanted to see the pyramids in Egypt , then make Giza your next travel destination. Giza is the gateway to Egypt’s most iconic structures, and it is very close to the city of Cairo. While in Giza, you can step inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, now the last remaining structure of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. You can also tour the Sphinx, several smaller pyramids and a number of incredible museums helping to explain the role of these pyramids and their significance in Egyptian history.

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101 Best Places to Visit in Africa

Travelling to and around the African continent is a dream many travel enthusiasts have. From stunning beaches with perfect year-round weather conditions to incredible landscapes and wildlife, the continent, with its 54 countries, has so much to offer to every traveller.

In this post, I have curated some of the best places to visit in Africa (in every region and in no particular order). Dive straight into the list and explore all these wonderful destinations or use the filter buttons to narrow down exactly what you’re looking for!

Please note that Africa is a vast continent and I cannot possibly include every single place there is to visit in one article. So, I encourage you to keep the conversation going in the comments by sharing your favourite places too.

What are you interested in? (select one)

In what region (select multiple), show amarachi's favourite destinations.

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Best Places to Visit in Africa for Beach Lovers

Best Beach Destinations in Africa

What's Covered in this Post

1. Diani, Kenya

The Kenyan Coast is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and Diani Beach is one of them. The strip contains long stretches of white sandy beaches, lofty palms and warm turquoise-blue waters. Visitors to Diani will be spoilt for choice with activities to do, such as scuba diving, snorkelling, jet skiing and an array of possible day trips to make from the beach, among other things.

Diani caters to visitors travelling on any budget type, making it one of the best and most affordable beach destinations to visit on the continent.

2. La Digue, Seychelles

Characterized by boulder-dotted beaches and more bicycles than vehicles, La Digue Island in Seychelles is a beach lover’s paradise. Its relatively small size and pristine beaches make it ideal for a romantic and intimate beach getaway.

On this island, you will find the world-famous Anse Source D’argent, often described as one of the most beautiful and photographed beaches in the world. For the more adventurous beach lover willing to take scenic hikes, wading through forests and boulders, other incredible and fairly secluded beaches await and are worth veering off the beaten path in search of them.

3. Shela, Kenya

Only a few kilometres away from Lamu Town , nestled between soft dunes and the Indian Ocean, you will find the pristine Shela Beach. Accessible only by foot, boat or dhow ride, this beach is not to be missed during a visit to Lamu. If you fancy quiet mornings and long walks on the beach, then you should stop by this slightly off-the-beaten-path destination in Kenya.

4. Zanzibar Island, Tanzania

After a week of incredible safari outings in Tanzania , my sister and I opted to spend the rest of our holiday in Zanzibar. Being our first time in East Africa, we were both enthralled by the beauty of the scenery all around us. Like its counterparts in Kenya, the beaches in Zanzibar are beautiful, the villages are a delight to wander around in and the island caters to every budget type as well.

PS: Zanzibar used to be a budget-friendly destination (for Nigerians) but with the introduction of pre-authorized visas for Nigerians, of which the costs can be steep and the process, complex, I don’t consider it so anymore.

5. Watamu, Kenya

Watamu remains my undisputed favourite destination on the Kenyan Coast. Perhaps it benefits from the bias of visiting it first and also visiting with Mark, I will never know for sure. What I do know is that visiting this coastal village was an absolute delight! Everything from our food exploration to the activities we indulged in was what perfect beach holidays are made of.

6. Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

What comes to mind when you think about Egypt? Do you only see the Pyramids, deserts and oases and perhaps Egyptian Mummies? Do you envision seaside resort towns with beautiful beaches, clear waters and amazing coral reefs? If not, it is time to see Egypt a little differently. Destinations like Sharm el-Sheikh are enchanting and provide some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities in the world.

7. Hurghada, Egypt

Like its seaside counterpart town above, Hurghada is also one of the best places to visit in Africa for beach lovers. Its stunning clear waters and beautiful beaches are perfect for first-time snorkellers and scuba divers. In addition, the town has an array of restaurants, bars and shops perfect for every traveller and is only a short flight or bus ride away from major cities like Cairo and Luxor.

8. Praslin Island, Seychelles

Praslin Island, the second largest island in Seychelles, is best known for its National Park, where you can find the island endemic Coco de Mer as well as the Seychelles bulbul and black parrot birds. The island has several beautiful beaches including Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette and Anse Volbert among others.

When visiting Praslin (and elsewhere for that matter), be aware of rip currents before you jump into the water. Some beaches have flags to indicate whether or not swimming conditions are optimal but it’s best to take precautions by asking locals or your hotels if it is safe to swim.

9. Mahe Island, Seychelles

Mahé is the largest island in Seychelles and also one that is famous for its beaches, which can be found at every turn. Here, the beaches are immaculate and the sunsets are spectacular. For visitors flying into Seychelles, Mahé is usually the first stop but it certainly should not be the only stop in the island nation.

10. Nosy Boraha, Madagascar

Nosy Boraha lies just off the east coast of Madagascar and is a beautiful tropical destination for whale watching, scuba diving and viewing the island’s endemic animals, including the ring-tailed lemur. Penguins of Madagascar Fan, anyone? Ironically, there aren’t any penguins in Madagascar but you will find quite a waddle in the next beach destination.

11. Cape Town, South Africa

There are many reasons to love Cape Town and its beaches are just some of them. Some of the city’s best beaches include Clifton, Camps Bay and Muizenberg, where you’ll find a thriving surfing community. And just outside Cape Town, you will also find Boulders Beach , the only place in the world to get up close with African Penguins in the ‘wild’.

The African Penguin colony here is one of the few left on the continent, therefore, responsible tourism is encouraged. Though the penguins are the main attraction of this beach, visitors can also enjoy a day of swimming and picnics under the right conditions.

12. Principe, Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe Best Places to Visit in Africa

Tucked away off the West African coast is the island nation of Sao Tome and Principe, an archipelago made up of two main islands with the same name and several islets. The islands are home to beautiful beaches but Príncipe, the smaller of the two, is the traveller’s choice for a truly relaxing and spectacular beach getaway.

Secluded beaches like Banana Beach and those on Bom Bom Islet offer guests unique diving and snorkelling opportunities. In addition, hiking, whale watching, bird watching in lush forests and turtle nesting and hatching trips are exciting activities awaiting travellers who visit the country.

13. Belle Mare, Mauritius

Living up to the reputation of its fellow East African counterparts and its name, Belle Mare is an island with long stretches of pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Its year-round gorgeous weather and location make it a preferred destination for both residents and visitors to Mauritius.

14. Sal, Cape Verde

The island country of Cabo Verde is made up of 10 islands, the most popular of which is Sal. Tourists come to Sal for its beautiful beaches, warm weather and an array of activities that the island offers, including, watersports, hiking, quad biking and more.

For those looking for a more laidback holiday, you will find that in other islands such as Boa Vista and São Vicente. The former is popular among kitesurfers and is a good destination for humpback whale watching and turtle nesting trips. And São Vicente hosts an exciting colourful Creole Festival in the port city of Mindelo.

15. Grand Popo, Benin

In this part of the world, the sea is rough and the currents and undertow are strong. Even the best swimmers should be wary about taking a plunge into this water body. However, travellers looking to unplug from their daily norms will find the quietness and slowness of Grand Popo quite alluring.

Unlike other beach destinations on this list, there isn’t a long list of activities to do here. The best thing to do is nothing at all. Simply sit back under the shady palms on the beachfront and listen to the crashing waves of the ocean. There’s also the option to explore the nearby city of Ouidah, which has both cultural and historical relevance in Benin’s history.

16. Bazaruto Island, Mozambique

Bazaruto Island Mozambique Best Places to Visit in Africa

The Bazaruto Archipelago, which lies off the southern coast of Mozambique is made up of 6 islands, the largest being Bazaruto Island. This remote island is known for its stunning beaches which appear against the backdrop of picturesque dunes. It is also situated within a marine park, making it a prime destination for snorkelling and diving trips.

PS: The photo above doesn’t quite do justice to this location, so check out Spirited Pursuit’s blog for more incredible photos of this island.

17. Point-Noire, Congo Brazzaville

The beaches of Point-Noire are quite similar to those in West Africa in the sense that they are not usually the obvious choices for quintessential beach holidays and associated activities. Nevertheless, they can give those who take the road less travelled a respite from day-to-day life.

One of the beaches you will find in this city is Côte Sauvage, a long stretch of beach where residents come to surf and hang out with their families. Weekends here are especially fun for people-watching and dining at any of the restaurants that line up the beachfront.

18. Cap Skirring, Senegal

Cap Skirring is the most popular tourist town in Senegal’s Casamance area. Sitting at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, its long stretch of empty beaches provides travellers with a calm and relaxing getaway. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the town, preferably with a local guide, and also indulge in some delicious Senegalese cuisine.

19. Eleko, Nigeria

The Nigerian Coastline is quite vast, beginning in Lagos and stretching to Cross River. The Lagos Coastline is undoubtedly the most popular and developed of them all and the key to enjoying a day on the beach is to pair it with a trip to a beachfront facility . Places like Jara Beach Resort get my vote for a great day out to the beach. Other options include La Campagne Tropicana , Laguna Beach , and a host of other locations in the nearby city of Victoria Island.

20. Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

The charming and picturesque town of Sidi Bou Said is known for its cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings contrasted with ornate blue doors and windows. Perched on the top of a cliff, it overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and at the bottom of the hill, you will find a narrow coastline with sandy beaches that attracts both locals and tourists alike.

During the swimming season, the sea is calm and the weather is pleasant. Naturally, this means more people flock to the beach. If you are keen on spending any quiet moments, you have a better chance of doing so in the early hours of the day. The remainder of your time could be spent strolling around the town, exploring the quaint cafes, shops and art galleries.

A Note on Beaches in Africa

A Note on Beaches in Africa…

Be aware that depending on your beachfront lodging and activities, you may encounter “beachboys” or vendors on the beach. This is quite common in many accessible destinations across the continent. Some lodges have measures to control this, while most do not.

Usually, a firm “NO” to the services offered is enough to get them to leave you alone if you’re not interested in anything. But if you would like to avoid this altogether, you have a better chance of doing so by visiting more remote, and off-the-beaten-track destinations.

Best Historical Destinations in Africa

Best Places to Visit in Africa for History Buffs

21. the pyramids of giza, egypt.

Built as royal tombs for three different pharaohs, the Pyramids of Giza have been the subject of many discussions about historic structures and architecture. While there are over a hundred pyramids all around Egypt, the three main pyramids, located on the Giza plateau, are the most prominent symbols of Ancient Egyptian architecture.

22. Abu Simbel, Egypt

The Abu Simbel temples are located in Abu Simbel, a Nubian village close to the Sudanese border. I consider these magnificent temples a “must-see” attraction when in Egypt. The details and intricacies of the structures are fascinating and the stories behind them even more so!

I have written a dedicated post about these temples, which you can find here if you would like to learn more.

23. East & West Bank of Luxor, Egypt

History buffs will immediately fall in love with this city often referred to as the World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum. Luxor’s East and West Bank have several monuments, temples, museums, and tombs that tell fascinating stories of the Pharaohs and Queens of ancient Egypt.

24. The West African Slave Trade Routes

We cannot talk about historical destinations in Africa without mentioning the transatlantic slave trade. This was a dark period in Africa’s history which saw the brutal and atrocious transportation of millions of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean. Nearly every country with a coast in West Africa has a town where details of this era are somewhat preserved.

In Nigeria, you will find that in Badagry . Ouidah, in Benin, has a memorial arch right on the beach; Senegal has Gorée Island and in Ghana’s Cape Coast, both the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles remain a painful reminder of this horrible past.

25. Amphitheatre of El Jem, Tunisia

The Amphitheatre of El Jem is one of the best-preserved and most impressive ruins from the Roman era in Africa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site worthy of a visit when in the region.

26. Volubilis, Morocco

History buffs will be happy to find another well-preserved example of an ancient Roman town in Morocco. The Volubilis ruins represent the partly excavated remnants of the town and they make an excellent day trip from Meknes or Fez.

27. Lamu Old Town, Kenya

Lamu Town (on Lamu Island ) is Kenya’s oldest continually inhabited town and one of the best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa. The island is situated just off the Kenyan coast and was founded in the 12th century. This isn’t just a place history buffs will find interesting as it can be quite charming for any traveller type. As a personal recommendation when visiting the island, I would say to stay in Shela or Manda island and visit the old town from these locations.

28. Stone Town, Tanzania

Stone Town, a historic town in Zanzibar City, was a thriving centre for trading both spices and slaves in the 19th century. It was the base of an infamous slave market during the Indian Ocean slave trade era and was the last one of its kind to be shut down. Today, a church stands in the place where the market once was, alongside a memorial, where visitors can reflect on the sordid details of Zanzibar’s history.

On a more cheerful note, a visit to Stone Town will have you marvelling at its unique architecture and Swahili Culture, influenced by a blend of Arab, Persian, Indian and European elements and you’re only a short ride away from Zanzibar’s stunning beaches.

29. Fort Jesus, Kenya

Fort Jesus is a military fortification, constructed by the Portuguese to protect the port of Mombasa, their trade route to India and their interests in the Swahili Coast. The fort was captured and recaptured multiple times by the nations contesting control of Kenya, including the Portuguese, the Sultan of Mombasa, the British and the Omani Arabs. Today, it houses a museum and welcomes visitors to tour its grounds.

30. The Cradle of Humankind, South Africa

This archaeological site in South Africa is a place where several fossils and traces of early humans have been uncovered. A visit here is both a fun and educative way to learn about the origins of mankind.

Best Places to Visit in Africa for Wildlife

Best Places to Visit in Africa for Wildlife Encounters

31. Maasai Mara National Park, Kenya

The Maasai Mara is one of the best places to visit in Africa for wildlife safaris. A bucket-list experience to be had here is witnessing the migration of wildebeest through the Maasai Mara – Serengeti ecosystem but even without that, the Mara is pretty impressive and the wildlife viewing is excellent.

32. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The Serengeti and Maasai Mara are part of the same ecosystem; one park is situated in Kenya, while the other (Serengeti) is in Tanzania and covers a much larger area. Wildlife viewing is also excellent in this park. Of course, safari outings of this nature are a matter of luck and timing. We were fortunate to have both in our favour during our visit. We spotted elusive cats several times and were even near them often. A photo gallery from the trip is available here .

33. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

This national park in Rwanda is one of the best places on the continent to observe endangered mountain gorillas. The park also houses golden monkeys which are only found in the Virunga region, a variety of birds, and forest elephants, among other animals.

PS: At the time of this writing, Rwanda is offering a huge discount on trekking permits to its citizens, African passport holders (yay us!), East African Citizens and Residents. Rather than the whopping price of $1,500 per permit, this group of travellers will have $1,000 knocked off the price. If you have ever wanted to visit this park, now is the time to do so, as prices go back up in 2023.

You can read all about my experience going gorilla trekking in Rwanda here.

34. Kruger National Park, South Africa

A prime wildlife viewing location in South Africa is Kruger National Park . It is one of the largest game reserves on the continent and an equally remarkable destination for viewing a diverse range of animals, reptiles and birds.

35. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

This is another excellent location to observe mountain gorillas. At $700 per permit, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the second cheapest place to track gorillas in East Africa. Although right now, because of the discount Rwanda is offering, Volcanoes National Park is the cheaper option for African citizens.

If you’d like to learn more about this park, then check out Expat Panda’s guide for a detailed review of the experience.

36. Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya

Rhinoceroses are generally quite difficult to spot during safaris but not when you visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy . The Conservancy has an impressive number of black rhinos and is the home of the last two surviving northern white rhinos on earth.

Visitors to Ol Pejeta have a chance of learning about the conservancy’s effort to repopulate the northern whites and also prevent the further decline of the black rhino population in Kenya. The northern white rhinos and a blind black rhino are the highlights of a visit here but this is also a great location for a Big 5 safari.

37. Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Have you seen the infamous photos of elephants grazing against the backdrop of a snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro? Those images were taken at Amboseli National Park . Elephant sightings here are almost guaranteed, in addition to possible sightings of other animals and birds.

38. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Etosha National Park is worth visiting when in Namibia for its unique natural landscape and wildlife. It is a seasonal park and the best time to visit is during the dry seasons (from May to October) when the animals gather around the watering holes.

39. Tsavo East National Park, Kenya

Tsavo East (and West) form the largest protected area in Kenya. This park is best suited for travellers heading to or from the Kenyan coast. Large elephant herd sightings are almost guaranteed and other animal sightings are possible as well. Although I don’t recommend it, day trips from the coast to the park are possible but I think it’s better to allocate at least 2 days to allow enough time for travel and a safari.

40. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Located in northwestern Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is the largest park in the country. It is known for its remarkable concentration of elephants. It also offers excellent viewing of other wildlife.

41. Virunga National Park, DR Congo

Virunga National Park is where you’ll find mountain gorillas in DRC. At $400 for foreign citizens, it is currently the cheapest place for gorilla treks.

42. Nairobi National Park, Kenya

Only one city can boast of having a wildlife park within it and that city is Nairobi. Due to its location, Nairobi National Park is one of the most accessible and affordable parks to visit in Kenya. While the wildlife viewing here is not as spectacular as its counterparts in Kenya, it is a good option to consider for visitors who cannot make it down to places like the Maasai Mara.

PS: The only member of the Big 5 that can’t be found here is the elephant. Leopard and cheetah sightings are quite rare as well.

43. Parc National de la Pendjari, Benin

There aren’t many wildlife parks in West Africa and the few available do not compare to parks in East and South Africa. However, Pendjari National Park is one West African wildlife park making strides in the right direction. There are fewer animals here and just getting to the park will require a lot of patience and perseverance. Hence, this park is best for intrepid safari enthusiasts who are looking for something different and adventurous, something off the beaten path and have realistic expectations for animal sightings.

44. Chobe National Park, Botswana

Botswana is home to the world’s largest elephant population with the highest concentration in Chobe National Park. One of the best ways to experience this park is by taking a boat cruise safari on the Chobe River.

45. Loango National Park, Gabon

Loango National Park in Gabon is a unique park for intrepid explorers. You will probably not find all members of the Big 5 here but you are likely to come across the beach surfing hippos (how cool?), elephants patrolling white sandy beaches and the forest, lowland gorillas, monkeys and chimps in the savannah, rare birds and good viewings of humpback whales offshore.

46. Mole National Park, Ghana

Mole National Park is Ghana’s largest wildlife park, located in the northwestern part of the country. The park has a relatively large number of elephants (by West Africa’s standards), antelopes and other smaller animals. Walking safaris with a ranger are possible within this park, making safaris even more exciting!

47. Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda

Due to its remote location, Kidepo Valley National Park is perhaps the least visited park in Uganda. The park offers spectacular bird-watching and wildlife-viewing opportunities. Safaris here are not crowded and visitors have the chance to spot animals that cannot be found in other wildlife parks in the country.

48. Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Another spectacular location to get up close to Botswana’s incredible wildlife is the Moremi Game Reserve. Like Chobe National Park, safaris here can either be via boat or a game drive. There’s also the option to take a mokoro (traditional canoe) ride through the channels of the Okavango Delta, allowing visitors to observe the resident wildlife even more closely.

49. Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

One of the biggest appeals of Lake Nakuru National Park is observing the seasonal flock of lesser and greater flamingos that are present on the shores of the lake. The park also has other species of birds making it a picturesque location for bird watchers and wildlife photographers.

But Lake Nakuru National Park is not all about birds. The park is also full of incredible wildlife and guests can spot lions, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, zebras, hyenas and other mammals.

50. MalaMala Game Reserve, South Africa

MalaMala Game Reserve is one of the biggest private game reserves in South Africa. Located between two of South Africa’s renowned wildlife parks, Kruger and Sabi Sands, the wildlife viewing opportunities here are sensational.

Best Places to Visit in Africa for Natural Landscapes

Best Places to Visit in Africa for Beautiful Landscapes

51. sossusvlei, namibia.

Experience the serene and raw beauty of the Namib Desert in Sossusvlei, a salt and clay pan surrounded by towering dunes that sit above the desert floor. The area also includes 900-year-old trees in Deadvlei which add a dramatic appearance against the red dunes and salt and clay pan.

52. Merzouga, Morocco

The dunes of Erg Chebbi can be accessed through Merzouga, a small village in Southern Morocco. A living list item that you can have here if you visit is camping for a night in the desert . This is usually a 1-night experience beginning with a camel trek up to the dunes, watching a beautiful sunset and sunrise before heading back to your hotel in the village. If you opt not to do the camel trek, you can explore the dunes and sites around it with a 4×4.

53. Mosi-oa-Tunya, Zambia or Zimbabwe

Mosi-oa-Tunya, also known as Victoria Falls, is an impressive waterfall at the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. The name Mosi-oa-Tunya translates to “The Smoke That Thunders” in the Lozi Language and is one of the world’s largest and most spectacular waterfalls.

54. The Avenue of Baobabs, Madagascar

The most famous place to see baobabs is the Avenue of the Baobabs, a group of towering baobab trees in Madagascar. The trees line up the sides of a dirt road – which I have read is a major road in the area. It may take a bit more planning and effort to reach but it is a place worth visiting for stunning sunset views and images when in Madagascar.

55. Sandwich Harbour, Namibia

Located in Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sandwich Bay, where dunes meet the ocean, is another example of Namibia’s stunning landscape. Guided tours in a 4×4 vehicle from Walvis Bay are available and pass through Sandwich Harbour and the Walvis Bay Lagoon where you can spot flamingos and other wildlife. If you visit, don’t forget to hike up the dunes for stunning views of the bay.

56. Obudu Plateau, Nigeria

Obudu Plateau can be found in Cross River State, South-Eastern Nigeria. Some of the best views of the mountain range can observe from the Mountain Resort sitting atop and located only a few minutes away from Obudu Town. The resort itself is not much to write about but it offers stunning views of the mountain range and is worth visiting and camping in.

57. The Great Rift Valley, Kenya

The Great Rift Valley is a series of interconnected rift valleys caused by the movement of tectonic plates, running western Asia through East Africa, and down to Mozambique. A significant portion of this rift is the East African Rift visibly present within Kenya. Places like Champagne Ridge offer stunning sunset views over the rift valley.

58. Tassili n Ajjer National Park, Algeria

Tassili n’Ajjer is a futuristic-looking national park in the Sahara Desert in southeast Algeria. It is renowned for the presence of thousands of prehistoric rock art, as well as, panoramic geographic rocks carved out by years of erosion.

59. Siwa Oasis, Egypt

In Siwa Oasis’ small and sleepy town, adventure awaits the intrepid traveller. Guests visiting this Oasis within Egypt’s desert can explore its temples and fortress, sand sea, natural springs, and salt lakes made of crystal blue waters against the backdrop of mountains of excavated salt. Swimming in the quarry is allowed and it is an experience similar to one that can be had at the Dead Sea.

60. Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Carved out by the Fish River over millions of years, the Fish River Canyon, located in southern Namibia is the second largest canyon in the world and one of Namibia’s remarkable natural landscapes. Hiking the trail is possible but you would need to be physically fit and have a medical certificate to prove it. Even if you decide not to hike, the Fish River Canyon is still worth visiting and admiring from several available viewpoints.

61. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Beginning in Angola, the Okavango River flows down and empties onto open land in northern Botswana. That marshland is known as the Okavango Delta, Africa’s largest inland delta and home to diverse flora and fauna species.

62. Lake Retba (Lac Rose), Senegal

Lac Rose gets its defining pink colour from the Dunaliella salina algae mostly found in hypersaline environments. It is a day trip worth making if you are in Dakar, Senegal’s capital city. The highlight of the trip is usually to see the only pink lake in West Africa and watch how residents harvest salt from it but it is worth noting that the hue of the lake varies depending on the time of your visit.

63. Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

The Blyde River Canyon is located in Mpumalanga Province in eastern South Africa. This province is known for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes, of which the Blyde River Canyon is a part. The canyon has subtropical vegetation that supports diverse plant and animal species. Visitors can explore the canyon via available hiking trails or simply enjoy the views from several vista points.

64. Nile River, Multiple Countries

The Nile River is the longest in Africa, snaking its way through the continent starting from the rivers that flow into Uganda and Ethiopia before draining into the Mediterranean Sea. Some of the best places to visit the Nile include Jinja, Uganda and Aswan in Egypt.

65. Les Gorges de Diosso, Congo Brazzaville

Les Gorges de Diosso (Diosso Gorges) is one the best places to visit in Congo Brazzaville . The Gorges consist of large rock cliffs caused by many years of erosion and a valley with dense vegetation. This site is best explored by visitors who are already in the country and are looking for a quick jaunt out of the city. The drive from Point-Noire takes about an hour, passing through villages and a picturesque pine-tree-lined road.

66. Lake Malawi, Malawi

Lake Malawi Top places to visit in Africa

This African Great Lake has several names, depending on the country you visit it from. Known as Lake Nyasa (Tanzania) and Lago Niassa (Mozambique), the picturesque lake has an abundance of aquatic life as well as other wildlife.

67. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact caldera formed after the collapse of a large volcano, millions of years ago. The vast landscape is home to Maasai communities, sharing the landscape with diverse wildlife both found around the rim and on the crater floor.

68. Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

This national park in northern Ethiopia is well-known for its incredible and breathtaking landscape defined by deep valleys, steep slopes and a high plateau. The park is populated with several bird species as well as unique and rare wildlife including the gelada baboons and Walia ibex, amongst others.

69. Arinta Falls, Nigeria

Nigeria has many stunning waterfalls and Arinta Falls in Ekiti State is one of them. It isn’t the biggest waterfall in the country and tourism in the area is still in its infancy but it is charming and especially shines during the rainy season. It is one of my favourite waterfalls, along with Agbokim , Oowu and Erin Ijesha Waterfalls.

70. Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha offers spectacular birding opportunities and the chance to spot hippos in the lake. A sunrise or sunset boat ride on the lake is the best way to explore it but this should be done with an operator who is familiar with the area.

Best Places to Visit in Africa for Thrill Seekers

Best Places to Visit in Africa for Adventure

71. jinja, uganda.

Jinja is famously known as the Source of the Nile and is an exciting destination for thrill-seekers. Some activities to do here include bungee jumping, quad bike riding and the main highlight, white water rafting on the Nile!

72. Johannesburg, South Africa

The two converted cooling towers from a decommissioned coal plant are a distinctive landmark in Soweto, Johannesburg and the site for a few adrenaline-inducing sports, including bungee jumping and Suspended Catch Air Device (SCAD) freefalls.

73. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town can be called the Adrenaline Capital of Africa as there’s just so much to do while in the city. From Skydiving and Paragliding to underwater adventures, hiking and more, Cape Town seems to check many boxes for adventurous travellers. On top of all of that, it is a gorgeous city with activities for everyone, adventurous or not and is worth visiting.

74. Rwenzori Mountain Range, Uganda, DRC

This mountain range sits between the borders of Uganda and the Congo, DRC. Adventurous hikers can add this to the list of mountains to summit on the continent as it is the third highest peak in Africa, after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.

75. Mount Kenya, Kenya

How difficult is it to climb Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and Africa’s second-highest mountain. It is certainly one of the best places to visit in Africa for adventurous hikers. The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana, with the latter being the most popular summit hike.

76. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, is probably the ultimate hiking adventure on the continent. As with the other mountains, a hike to the summit will usually take a few days and climbers will have to cope with changing altitudes and weather conditions.

77. Hot Air Balloon Safaris, Kenya, Tanzania

An exciting way to explore both the Maasai Mara and Serengeti is via a hot air balloon ride over the plains. The ride is soothing and exhilarating all at once and gives travellers a bird’s eye view of the landscape and incredible wildlife.

78. Devils Pool, Zambia

Dare Devils will feel right at home in this natural rock pool situated on the edge of Victoria Falls. Swimming here is only permitted when the Zambezi water levels are low. It seems intimidating for sure, however, there are licensed tour operators to guide tourists safely to the pool and back and a submerged rock within the pool prevents swimmers from going over the edge.

79. Swakopmund, Namibia

From freefalling to the views of dunes and the Atlantic Ocean to riding an ATV through the desert, this coastal city is one of the best places to visit in Africa for thrill-seekers.

80. Mount Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of Congo

I am not brave enough to hike an active volcano . Still, for those who are, just near the Rwandan border, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, you will find Mount Nyiragongo, an active stratovolcano and the world’s largest lava lake. The hike up to the rim takes about 4-6 hours depending on fitness levels and the descent is usually about 4 hours.

Best Places to Visit in Africa for City Lovers

81. kigali, rwanda.

Highlights: Rwanda’s capital city and the cleanest city in Africa Top things to do: Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, take in the city views from Mount Kigali, and take a day trip safari to Akagera National Park.

82. Marrakesh, Morocco

Highlights: Major economic centre, bustling medina, beautiful gardens and palaces Top things to do: Stay in a charming riad, get a hammam, visit the souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa square (day and night), visit the historical sites, palaces and museums, and enjoy eating tajine and drinking mint tea.

83. Fez, Morocco

Highlights: Morocco’s cultural capital Top things to do: Walk around the medina, visit Medersa Bou Inania and other historical sites, and try a pastilla.

84. Cairo, Egypt

Highlights: Egypt’s capital city and home to the Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza Top things to do: Visit the Pyramids , explore Islamic and Coptic Cairo, visit the Egyptian Museum, and take a Nile River cruise.

85. Accra, Ghana

Highlights: Ghana’s capital city and a great introduction to West Africa Top things to do: Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, hang out at the beach, and check out Independence Square.

86. Chefchaouen, Morocco

Highlights: Colourful and charming Moroccan city Top things to do: Wander around the calm blue alleys in the medina and hike up to the Spanish Church for beautiful views of the city.

87. Cape Town, South Africa

Highlights: Gorgeous city in South Africa, one of Africa’s most beautiful cities. Top things to do: Hike or cable car up Table Mountain, spend some time at the beach, take a wine tour, shop till your drop, go surfing a lot more! Cape Town is THAT city!

88. Lagos, Nigeria

Highlights: Major economic hub in Africa’s most populated country. Top things to do : Visit the Lekki Conservation Centre, optimize for experiences with people, rather than places, see a stage play at Terra Kulture, and hang out at a beach resort.

Related: 25 Beautiful & Fun Places to Visit in Lagos, Nigeria | How to Spend 24 Hours in Lagos, Nigeria

89. Luxor, Egypt

Highlights: Historic city with temples, tombs and monuments. Top things to do: Explore the East and West Bank, enjoy a Nile River Cruise , preferably in a felucca, and take a hot air balloon ride over the city.

90. Nairobi, Kenya

Highlights: Kenya’s capital city and the only metropolitan city with a wildlife park. Top things to do: Visit the Nairobi National Park , take a walk in Karura Forest , interact with orphaned elephants at the Elephant Orphanage , hike in Ngong Hills , get up close with giraffes at the Giraffe Centre , and explore Nairobi’s international food scene.

Related: How to Spend 24 Hours in Nairobi, Kenya

91. Windhoek, Namibia

Highlights: Namibia’s capital city and usually the starting point for all adventures in Namibia Top things to do: Walk around the city, and visit the Independence Memorial Museum for stunning views of the city and Christuskirche (Christ Church), Windhoek’s iconic Lutheran Church.

92. Essaouira, Morocco

Highlights: Coastal city in Morocco Top things to do: Explore the medina and ramparts, kitesurf or windsurf on the Atlantic Ocean.

93. Abuja, Nigeria

Highlights: Nigeria’s capital city. Top things to do: Take in the views of Zuma Rock (one of the best places to do this is Zuma Rock Resort), visit the Abuja National Mosque, shop at Jabi Art and Craft Market, hang out at Millennium Park and explore the city’s food and nightlife.

94. Gaborone, Botswana

Highlights: Botswana’s capital city Top things to do: Visit the Gaborone Game Reserve and Mokolodi Nature Reserve, hike Kgale Hill Public Park, and explore the National Museum and craft markets.

95. Dakar, Senegal

Highlights: Senegal’s culturally rich capital city. Top things to do: Hike up to get a closer look at the renaissance monument, take a trip to Goree and Ngor Islands, visit Africa’s only pink lake, Lake Retba, and explore the cuisine.

96. Algiers, Algeria

Highlights: Algeria’s capital city. It is famed for stunning architecture. Top things to do: Explore the Kasbah of Algiers, visit the Martyrs’ Memorial Monument, Notre Dame d’Afrique Basilica, the Botanical Garden and other notable landmarks within the city.

Best Places to Visit in Africa for Religious Travel

97. osun oshogbo grove, nigeria.

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a sacred forest along the banks of the Osun River in western Nigeria. Listed in 2005, it is one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nigeria. The Grove welcomes hundreds of devotees from around the world each year for the annual Osun-Osogbo festival, a celebration of Osun, the goddess of fertility.

98. Ouidah, Benin Republic

The Benin Republic is often referred to as the birthplace of voodoo and this is a religion that is still being practised in Ouidah.

99. The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro, Cote d Ivoire

The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro is currently listed by the Guinness World Records as the largest church in the world. Located in Cote d’Ivoire’s capital city, Yamoussoukro, the Basilica takes after St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and is one of the best pilgrimage sites in the region.

100. Hassan II Mosque, Morocco

Located in Casablanca, the Hassan II Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world. Guided tours inside the mosque are available to non-Muslims outside prayer times but you’re free to explore the courtyard on your own.

101. Lalibela, Ethiopia

Lalibela is home to centuries-old churches in Ethiopia that were carved into rocks. Little is known about the origins of these churches; however, Ethiopian Orthodox devotees believe they were carved by or with the help of angels.

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That was quite the list, wasn’t it? Expected for a continent so rich in experiences and people! Now, I would like to hear from you. Did I include your favourite travel destinations? Did I miss out on any? Let me know in the comment section below!

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That’s a lot of different places in Africa so far. I guess your budget is dominated by travel.

Haha, that is indeed what dominates my budget these days! 🙂

These are all lovely places to visit in Africa. I love all the fun places to visit. I would love to visit Morrocco, Egypt, and Kenya. I hope to see these places soonest.

I’m just realizing that I missed this comment. I hope you get to visit these places and more! Your top 3 choices are excellent!

So many beautiful places to visit. I’d need a lifetime to see them all! (And sadly a lot of cash as flights to Africa from the Caribbean are sooo expensive! But a girl can and will continue to dream)

Girl, tell me about it! Flights from Africa to Africa are so expensive too but yes, we will continue to dream and make the best use of the resources we have 🙂

Whoosh! That was a long one. Thank you for curating this. It will definitely come in handy someday soon.

Thanks, Favour! It did take a while to write but I was happy to learn about many of these places and now looking forward to visiting them too!

Africa Bucket List: 50+ EPIC Adventures, Things to Do & Places to Visit in Africa

Africa is one of my favorite continents to visit for many reasons including its natural beauty and amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. Going on safari in Africa is at the top of many travel bucket lists and rightly so but there are more incredible things to see and do in Africa. To get you started I’ve created this epic guide containing 50+ of the best African adventures, experiences, things to do and places to visit (both on and off the beaten path!) which are perfect for any Africa Bucket List .

Some of these are places I have visited and things I have experienced myself and the rest are places, experiences and adventures that I have researched and added to my personal Africa bucket list.

Whether thinking of traveling to Africa independently on a budget or interested in luxury tours, you will find inspiration and ideas for your dream African vacation.

Top Africa Bucket List Experiences

These are my top 5 things to do in Africa and are at the very top of my Africa travel bucket list.

Go on a Safari.

a safari should be on your africa bucket list

For those interested road tripping, Kruger National Park and Etosha National Park are the best parks for self-driving. To find the lowest price, compare rates between different car rental companies on www.discovercars.com .

If you are short on time and money, you can even do a safari as a day trip . You can book a day tour to Kruger National Park or Pilanesberg Game Reserve from Johannesburg or a one day safari to Chobe from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe or Livingstone, Zambia.

See the Wildebeest Migration.

Every year (usually during June to September), thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross over from Maasai Mara in Kenya to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. You can even see the migration from a sunrise hot air balloon ride above Serengeti National Park. Read more about seeing the Wildebeest Migration here .

See Victoria Falls.

Africa bucket list experience taking microlight flight over Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is also a convenient base for safari day trips to Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and Chobe National Park in Botswana.

If you enjoy adventure , you will find tons of adventure activities in the area including bungee jumping and whitewater rafting on the lower Zambezi River. You can also take a scenic microlight flight or helicopter flight over Victoria Falls to see the falls from above. During certain times of the year, you can even swim in the Devil’s Pool in the falls.

Trek Mountain Gorillas.

mountain gorilla trekking is one of the best african adventures

You need a permit in order to trek gorillas and it is not cheap. Rwanda is the most expensive at $1,500 per person while the cost for a permit in Uganda is $700. Trekking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the most affordable at $400 but the region is less stable making it harder to visit.

While you can purchase your own permit and arrange your own transportation, if you book a safari trip with a tour company they will get permits for you and make all travel arrangements.

Below are the best affordable short tour options that will arrange gorilla permits and transportation:

1 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda 2 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda 3 Days Gorilla Trekking tour in Uganda 1 day Gorilla Safari in Rwanda 2 Days Gorilla trekking in Rwanda Tour

Feed Giraffes.

How would you like to eat breakfast with giraffes? Giraffe Manor is a bucket list worthy hotel located right outside of Nairobi where guests can feed the resident Rothschild giraffes that poke their long necks through the windows during breakfast. Staying at Giraffe Manor is pricey so if your budget does not allow you to stay here, you can still get close to and feed giraffes at the nearby Giraffe Centre .

Epic African Adventures

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro , the highest mountain in Africa.

best things to do in Tanzania Africa bucket list

Go sandboarding on the dunes of Namibia.
Go grade 5 white water rafting on the Nile River at Jinja, Uganda.
Bungee jump off the Bloukrans Bridge, the highest bungee from a bridge in the world.
Go cage diving with great white sharks in South Africa. You can book a day tour from Cape Town .
Swim with manta rays and whale sharks or go scuba diving at Tofo, Mozambique.
Go scuba diving in the Red Sea .

Best Places to Visit in Africa

These are some of the best cities and places to visit in Africa – perfect for any Africa bucket list:

The red-sand dunes of Sossusvlei in Namibia.

Namibia is one of the best places to visit in Africa and a must on any Southern Africa Bucket List

Visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, one of the best safari destinations in Africa.
Visit the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation area , the largest unbroken caldera in the world, which serves as a protected habitat for thousands of animals.
Chefchaouen, known as Morocco’s blue city because of the blue-washed buildings of its old town. You can visit on a day tour from Fez , from Tanzier or from Rabat .

Chefchaouen Morocco is one of the best cities to visit in Africa

See the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia. Here is a guide to Lalibela .
The colorful Danakil Depression in Ethiopia.
Seven Coloured Earths in Mauritius , sand dunes of seven distinct colours.

Chobe in Botswana is one of the best places to visit in Africa

See hundreds of elephants at Chobe National Park in Bostwana. You can visit Chobe on a day trip from Victoria Falls .
See elephants and hippos from a traditional dugout wooden canoe (mokoro) at the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
Visit Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana, one of the largest salt flats in the world.
See wildlife at Etosha National Park in Namibia. Not only can you spot wildlife during drives but you can see animals around the waterholes from your camp.
See Kolmanskop, a ghost town in the Namib in southern Namibia.
Visit Spitzkoppe , a group of bald granite peaks in Namibia.
The beautiful Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa and Lesotho.
Lake Abbe in Djibouti, a salt lake covered with steaming tall limestone chimneys.
Go on a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park , Zambia. This park is famous for its large leopard population and is one of the most affordable places for a safari.
Go swimming or snorkeling in Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa.
Relax at La Digue in the Seychelles which is known for the large granite rocks on the beach.
Relax in Sidi Bou Said, a picturesque town in northern Tunisia that resembles the Greek island of Santorini.
Enjoy the beautiful sand bars and white sands at Vilanculos, Mozambique.
See the spectacular Kalandula Waterfalls in Angola, one of the largest waterfalls in Africa.
Visit the pyramids in Egypt.
Sleep in the underwater room at The Manta Resort in Pemba Island, Zanzibar.
See the Agadez Grand Mosque, a mosque built of clay in Niger.
Visit Porto-Novo, the capital of Benin. Don’t miss its beautiful church-shaped mosque .
Visit the beach town of Ouidah , Benin, learn about the history of the slave trade. It is considered the voodoo capital of Benin.
Visit Djenne in Mali, famous for its buildings made from mud.

Incredible Things to Do in Africa

Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) Elephant Nursery in Nairobi which rescues and rehabilitates orphaned baby elephants. The nursery is open to the public for one hour every day from 11am to noon. Sponsors can visit the baby elephants by appointment at 5:00pm which needs to be booked well in advance.
Go on a desert safari at the Sahara Desert in Morocco.
Stay in a riad (traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard) in Morocco.
Trek Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains .
Float in Lake Assal, a stunning lake in Djibouti that is saltier than the Dead Sea.
See the penguins in Boulder’s Beach , South Africa.
Hike or take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, the most iconic landmark in Cape Town.
Drive the Garden Route in South Africa, one of the best road trips in the world.
Drink wine in the Cape Winelands in South Africa. Two of the most popular regions are Stellenbosch or Franschhoek and they can be reached in only an hour from Cape Town.
Go trekking to see the endangered Golden Monkeys in the Virungas.
Go chimpanzee tracking in Uganda.
Hike to the top Mount Nyiragongo in the DRC, an active volcano home to the largest lava lake in the world.
See thousands of pink flamingos at Lake Bogoria.
Learn about about African slavery at Cape Coast Castle, Ghana.
Do a walking safari next to elephants at Mole National Park in Ghana.
See Laas Geel, rock paintings in Somaliland.
Walk along Avenue of the Baobabs in Madagascar. This group of baobab trees lines the dirt road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina in the Menabe region of western Madagascar and is most photogenic at sunset and sunrise.

Walking on the Avenue of the Baobabs one of the best things to do in Africa

See lemurs and other unique wildlife in Madagascar .

So there you have it – the ultimate Africa bucket list . If there is an experience or place you think I should include please let me know in the comments below!

Need more travel inspiration? Check out some of my other travel bucket lists:

Travel Goals: 100 Things to Do Before You Die
USA Travel Bucket List: 100+ Best Places to Visit in USA
Europe Bucket List: 100+ Epic Things to Do in Europe
Southeast Asia Bucket List: 100+ Epic Things to Do in Southeast Asia
South America Bucket List: 50+ Epic Things to Do and Places to Visit in South America
Hotel Bucket List: 10 Hotels You Need to Visit

savvyglobetrotter

Many of those things are on my Africa bucket list. I like that most of them combine a bit of adventure with nature. I have always wanted to sleep in an underwater room like at The Manta Resort in Pemba Island, Zanzibar!

This is awesome! I can tick off a few experiences in South Africa, Madagascar and Mauritius but top of my list to do at the moment are Sossuvlei, Lake Victoria, and the Rift Valley in Malawi.

I have been to Kenya only but the other things you mentioned here are on my list too. Next I am really looking forward to trek with the gorillas. Also seeing the chimpanzees in Uganda and getting lost in the Sahara desert of Morocco. So many things to do! So many places to visit!

The mokoro experience in Botswana sounds like something that would top my list on a trip to Africa. This is an amazing compilation of travel ideas for a massive continent so thank you for sharing!

I am not adventurous so that microlight flight would scare me to death but I bet it will be super exhilarating! So I think, I’ll stick with seeing penguins and pink flamingoes if I go to Africa 😉

27 Best Places to Visit in Africa

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Bucket Lists

Updated On: February 8, 2024

What are the best places to visit in Africa ? We cycled the continent from Cairo to Cape Town and have visited several countries in Africa since our first visit in 2008. Every time we leave the continent we feel that we truly have left our hearts in Africa. It is one of our favorite places to explore on earth.

These are the best places to visit in Africa that will make you fall in love with the continent. It isn’t some Wikipedia round up, it’s first-hand advice from people who have actually travelled to Africa.

Best Places to Visit in Africa

When traveling to the birthplace of civilization you can’t help but feel the energy of the continent. It is a massive piece of land that has its own unique energy and culture in each country.

When we cycled from Cairo to Cape Town, we saw it change before our eyes. From the arid desert lands of the Sahara and Nubian deserts in the north to the lush jungles of Zambia, and the incredible plains of East Africa. Africa stole our hearts and it will steal yours. These are the most beautiful places to visit in Africa.

1. Mount Kilimanjaro – Tanzania

When it comes to the best places to visit in Africa, nothing compares to Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro (Kili as it is affectionately known) is the highest mountain in Africa , and at 19340ft it is not surprising that summiting this impressive mound is a difficult and sometimes grueling task.

And we have the bragging rights to say we did it! The highest peak, Uhuru, can be reached by those with a moderate to high level of fitness, and if you can summit you’ll be able to say you reached the point of the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. More on Mount Kilimanjaro – Mount Kilimanjaro, How Hard is it to Climb

2. Serengeti National Park – Tanzania and Kenya

best places to visit in africa - serengeti wildebeest migration

Arguably one of the most amazing natural events in the world, the Wildebeest Migration is an impressive movement to witness. The migration takes place among the open plains of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara of Kenya.

More than a million wildebeest and zebra move towards greener pastures. The mass movement is a tense journey for the herbivores as they are followed closely by various predators hoping to benefit from the stragglers’ weaknesses. One of the best ways to see the Wildebeest Migration is from the air in a hot air balloon.

3. Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya

The Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s answer to the Serengeti and it is spectacular. It is actually connected to Serengeti. The mara is arguably one of the best places on the continent for wildlife viewing. When we took a hot air balloon over the Masai Mara we actually landed in Tanzania. During our safari in the Masai Mara , we saw all of the big 5 animals. It is one of the most beautiful African Destinations.

4. Lake Nakuru – Kenya

holiday destinations in africa | flamingoes on lake in kenya

Lake Nakuru is one of the best places in Africa to see rhinos in their natural habitat. The African rhinoceros is under threat, but in Lake Nakuru, they are protected and you will have a good chance of seeing them in the world. Lake Nakuru is also known for its bird migration and a place where you can see thousands of flamingoes flying along its shore.

Lake Nakuru is an alkaline lake that attracts many species of birds and wildlife to its shores. When booking a tour of Kenya, be sure to include this in your itinerary.

5. Ngorongoro Crater – Tanzania

The world’s largest unbroken, unflooded volcanic caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the great places to go in Africa. The Ngorongoro Crater measures 19km across, 600metres deep (from the rim of the crater to the floor) and has a total floor area of 260km squared.

When we visited The Ngorongoro Crater it felt as if we were entering a Disney Movie. Thousands of animals lived in harmony as zebras pranced and lions stalked their prey. It was like being in a fairytale.

The Ngorongoro Crater was one of our favorite destinations of our African Safari in Tanzania. A giant volcano exploded and then collapsed on itself around three million years ago to form the colossally remarkable crater. It is considered a “natural enclosure” for wildlife – many species are found on the crater floor.

6. Virunga National Park – Rwanda and Uganda

The chain of volcanic mountains that make up the Virunga Mountains lies on the border of Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. Their spectacular beauty is due to their luscious and fertile slopes. The Virunga Mountains are also the only remaining home of the severely endangered mountain gorillas.

We met the world’s premier gorilla expert Ian Redmond while traveling in India and have wanted to visit the gorillas ever since. While haven’t actually visited the Gorillas yet, we do feel we know a lot after meeting Ian and talking with Rwanda Tourism.

Virunga National Park and the Virunga Mountains are home to other interesting animals such as Chimpanzees, forest elephants and the okapi (a mammal similar to the giraffe but with much shorter legs and neck, they have stripes down their legs).

7. Lalibella – Ethiopia

historical places in africa | lalibela ethiopia

Ethiopia isn’t on a lot of people’s radar, but it is a fascinating place to visit in Africa. It is filled with historic sites and stunning scenery. People still think of the famine of the 1980s when picturing Ethiopia, but it is a lush and green country housing rocky mountains, lakes, and rivers.

Lalibella is a complex of stone churches dug into the ground. Ethiopia embraced Christianity and while cycling through the country for 23 days, we saw its presence throughout. Other places to visit in Ethiopia are Gondar, a picturesque city filled with medieval castles dotting a lush landscape of trees and lakes.

8. Table Mountain – South Africa

When Dave and I first arrived in Cape Town it was shrouded in cloud. We had heard it was the most beautiful city in Africa, but it took four days to reveal itself. Best Things to do in South Africa

When the rain lifted, the most awe-inspiring scene appeared as the massive Table Mountain towered overhead. Cape Town is our favorite city in Africa. It’s an amazing place to make a base to explore all the great things that South Africa has to offer.

From wildlife safaris to wine tours, diving with sharks, to a great road trip, South Africa has it all, and it all begins in Cape Town. Enjoy our list of the Best Things to do in Cape Town.

9. The Namib Desert – Sossusvlei Namibia

This huge clay pan enclosed by magnificent sand dunes is located in the Namib Naukluft Park of Namibia. Some of the massive sand dunes are an unbelievable 300 meters tall and are often referred to as the highest in the world.

When it rains, a rare occurrence, the Sossusvlei fills with water and the resultant turquoise lake remains for long periods as the clay layers allow very slow water filtration. The Namib Desert is truly one of the most unique and best places to visit in Southern Africa.

10. Okavango Delta – Botswana

The Okavango delta is often incorrectly referred to as the Okavanga Swamp. It is the world’s largest inland delta and covers an area of 17000 square kilometers. Thousands of years ago the drying up of the Lake Makgadikgadi was the cause of this unique water feature, and it has attracted explorers and tourists ever since.

The Okavango River drains its water onto the Kalahari Desert plains in Botswana and forms an intricate and awe-inspiring labyrinth of inland lagoons, lakes and islands – the Okavanga Delta.

11. Fish River Canyon – Namibia

great places in africa fish river canyon

After the Grand Canyon of America, the Namibian site of the Fish River Canyon is the most spectacular in the world. With a 160km ravine which measures at about 27km wide and 550 meters deep in some places the Fish River flows in the belly of this giant spectacle.

Here you’ll enjoy wide-open spaces that allow you to breathe the fresh air easy and take in the vast scenery.

12. Victoria Falls – Zambia and Zimbabwe

The thousands of tones of water gushing downwards is the site of the “largest curtain of falling water on the earth”. Victoria Falls is a grandiose waterfall on the Zambezi River at the Zimbabwean-Zambian border. One of the most famous things to do in Victoria Falls Vic is to go bungee jumping on the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (smoke that thunders) columns of water spray can be seen from miles away and the sound elaborates to visitors just how powerful the water flow is.

On the Zambian side, there are relatively-safe natural pools to swim in so don’t forget to bring your costume (and your camera of course). More on Victoria Falls – Top 5 Adventures in Victoria Falls

13. Chobe National Park – Botswana

I remember cycling the elephant highway through Chobe National Park. As we rode along the paved road cycling 800 km in just five days, we wondered what lurked behind the long grass.

Home to Africa’s largest concentration of elephants, we camped among elephant dung and wondered when the next herd would walk through our camp. It was an exciting time!

One of the most unique African safaris we took was on a riverboat in Chobe where we floated along the waters watching wildlife gaze upon the shore. You can even visit Chobe on a day trip from Victoria Falls if you are in Zambia and want to add another country on your Africa bucket list.

14. Lake Malawi – Malawi

Malawi isn’t the most visited place in Africa, but it is one of the most special places we visited. It was camping on the banks of Lake Malawi that felt like a dream. Local villagers flocked to our camp each evening to say hello and welcomed us with song and dance.

We’ll never forget the hospitality of this country and there are many things to do in Malawi. You can go on safari here, cruise the Lilongwe River and explore the 4th largest lake on earth.

15. Kruger National Park – South Africa

When cycling the South African nations from Zambia to South Africa, we visited many national parks. And Kruger National Park is the premier wildlife viewing game reserve in the country.

It is South Africa’s premier safari destination. But if you base yourself in Johannesburg, this is the place to go to see Africa’s big 5. We went on many other game safaris in the country though and all of them were fantastic so we felt like we didn’t miss out. Other game reserves include Kariega Game Reserve , iSimangaliso Wetlands , and other private game reserves.

16. Great Pyramids at Giza – Egypt

The Egyptians have such a rich and decadent cultural history, and the Pyramids are an important cornerstone in that regard.

The triangular architecture of the Pyramids has become the icon most famously synonymous with Egypt, and most of them (there are over 100) were built as tombs to preserve the mummies of Pharaohs and their family-members. More on Pyramids of Giza – Great Temples and Monuments of Egypt , Discovering Egypt, A Photostory

17. White Desert – Egypt

africa places to visit | the white desert

It amazes me how few people know of the White Desert of Egypt. It was at the top of our list of best places to visit in Egypt only second to the Great Pyramids.

The White Desert of Egypt is located near the town of Farafra in Central Egypt. The white chalky formations were formed by sandstorms that occur in the area.

We took a jeep safari to the White Desert to experience what life is like for the Bedouins of the area. It was spectacular to camp outdoors in the middle of the Western Sahara Desert.

18. Where the White and Blue Nile Meet – Sudan

Sudan is not on many people’s radar, but the African nation of Sudan touched our hearts.

It was more like a scene from Lawrence of Arabia than actually being in Jordan where Lawrence of Arabia took place. Camel herds walked the desert as Bedouins stopped us to say hello. (and offer a camel or two to marry Deb)

It is home to where the Blue and White Nile Rivers meet. The world’s longest river converges in the capital city of Khartoum from Ethiopia’s Lake Tana, The Mediterranean Sea in Egypt and Lake Victoria.

19. The Souks of Marrakech – Morocco

places to visit in Africa | Marrakesh Souks

Marrakech conjures images of an ancient civilization living as it has for centuries and it doesn’t disappoint. Get lost in the Medina as you explore the souks of Marrakech. Watch the sunset over Jemaa el Fna or take a trip to the desert to see the Bedouin way of life.

Marrakech does not disappoint, and while there, indulge in Morrocan food that is a feast for the senses. Check out our list of the best things to do in Marrakech.

20. Fez – Morocco

Fez is the oldest city in the country and the Medina (or Fes el-Bali) is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There is nowhere in Morocco that has quite the vibrancy and culture of Fes, and in particular the Fes el-Bali, so a visit to it should be an essential destination on your itinerary.

21. Blue Nile Gorge – Ethiopia

blue nile gorge | Places to see in Africa

The Blue Nile Gorge takes us up an incredible climb from the bottom of the gorges to a spectacular view at the top.

We cycled up this gorge to truly appreciate the intense climb. The dramatic road filled with switchbacks tested our limits but the view was worth it. Ethiopia was surprisingly mountainous. We climbed to the top of many views just like the one above.

22. Karnak Temple Complex – Egypt

karnark temple places to visit in africa

This is one of the most impressive and largest temple sites around the globe. It is a conglomeration of three main temples and several smaller temples (which sadly are in ruins). Read more: 10 Amazing Temples of Egypt – That We’ve Seen

The Karnak Temple Complex is also located near Luxor which is home to other impressive sites. It is the only main temple area open to tourists and the general public. For a period of about 500 years between the 16 th and 11 th centuries BC it was in the Valley of the Kings where the tombs for Kings and all other nobles were constructed.

23. Valley of the Kings – Egypt

places to visit in africa valley of the kings

Found on the West bank of the river Nile near Luxor this impressive valley is not only majestic because of the 63 (approximate) royal tombs in the area, but because of the expansive landscape.

Most of the tombs are said to hold priceless Eqyptian antiquities (some of which have been stolen over time). It was in this valley in 1922 that the intact tomb of the great historical figure Tutankhamun was discovered. Read more: 20 Exciting Things to do in Egypt – Plus A Few Fun Facts

24. Abu Simbel – Egypt

Historically moved from their original location the two temples at Abu Simbel are an impressive sight to behold. We visited Abu Simbel while taking a ferry from Egypt to Sudan. It is an extraordinary sight.

They were carved out of the sandstone cliff near the River Nile over three millenniums ago – during the reign of the great Pharaoh, Ramesses II. The temples were built to honour the Pharaoh and the Egyptian Gods.

25. Zanzibar – Tanzania

zanzibar indian ocean | africa travel guide

Zanzibar is a paradise island off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. Visiting it after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro took us to paradise. The beaches of Nungwi are the most beautiful in the world with powder white sand and a tide that leaves the most colorful scene along the seabed. Stone Town is a maze of medieval streets. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it takes you back in time to the height of the spice trade.

Cool fact: Freddy Mercury of Queen spent his childhood here while his father was stationed in Zanzibar representing the British government.
Read about Discover The Best Beaches in Zanzibar

26. Seychelles

This is a place we have yet to travel in Africa, but we have had several guest contributions about Seychelles and just had to include it in our Africa Travel Guide.

Located a little farther off the coast of East Africa in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is an exotic destination with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Check out this article from Ben of The Sabbatical Guide the Best Things to do in Seychelles.

27. Madagascar

Image by Cifer88 from Pixabay

If you love adventure, the island of Madagascar is the place to go. Madagascar is like its own little Galapagos Islands with species endemic only to the island. From Lemurs to the Panther Chameleon Madagascar is filled with fascinating animal species.

When to Visit Africa

best places to go in africa for rhinos | lake nakuru

Africa is a massive continent and climate and temperatures change drastically between nations. Africa can be visited year round but you will have to keep an eye on the seasons.

Rainy season can be difficult to travel through . Trust us, we’ve been to in Africa during the rainy season and it is torrential.

The best times for an African safari depend on where you are going.

South Africa safaris are best between May and October.
Tanzania is best from June to October with migration happening in June or July.
Kenya safaris are best from June to October with the migration happening there later in the season in August.
Egypt is best visited between October and April as it can get very hot during the summer months.
SouthAfrica can be visited any time of the year with the rainy season having short rains during the day. The dry season is hot, but not unbearable.

So many places in Africa are beautiful it is difficult to choose a favorite. But for us, the most beautiful places in Africa are, Zanzibar, The Serengeti, Cape Town, Fish River Canyon, and the Ngorongoro Crater stand out.

The best place to view wildlife in Africa is the Serengeti for the big 5 in Tanzania, Lake Nakuru in Kenya for rhinos, Amboseli and Chobe National Park for elephants and Chobe National Park for a river safari.

Lake Nakuru has the highest concentration of rhinos in Africa. If you have your heart set on viewing rhinoceros, this is the place to go.

From our list of countries in this post, the most visited countries include Morocco, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Egypt .

The African continent enjoys a vast and ever-changing landscape from lusciously fertile jungles through to the hot, arid desert.

If you are visiting anywhere in Africa there are some breath-taking places you won’t want to miss out on. These are the greatest travel destinations on the African continent.

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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25 thoughts on “27 Best Places to Visit in Africa”

I can’t believe you biked through Africa because I would be so concerned with all the predators, humans included. Did you ever fear for your safety?

Please get your facts right. Serengeti National Park is in Tanzania and not in Tanzania and Kenya

Maybe if you actually read the post you would see we say the Serengeti borders the Masai Mara 🙂 Please read the actual article and not just skim the titles.

Africa can only be referred to as the epitome of adventure.

Excellent article about Maasai Mara national reserve. This park is the answer to any traveler, besides the big 5, what about the great wildebeest migration?????. This is another circus of the animals moving in a thousands in a mixture of zebras and wildebeest, with this activity, you wonder how God created animals? they behave like human beings and even better than human beings when it comes to trust and love. The cheos starts from when they are crossing mara river from Serengeti national park in Tanzania to Maasai mara national reserve in Kenya.

such an amazing continent , i envy those who have not visited africa for they donot know what to look upto

Well Africa is pretty much the epitome of adventure, housing increidble wildlife species , to me gorilla trekking in uganda is sofar the best i have had followed by the wildebeest migration in masai mara nationa reserve kenya.

Africa. There’s nowhere like it on the planet for wildlife, wild lands and rich traditions that endure. It’s really such a great place to visit.

I like to make my trip intresting,now i think choosing Africa will be a good option to make it happen.some of them mentioned above are in my wishlist mainly lake Nakuru,cape town,Victoria falls ,Madagascar.Since l love adventure and wild Africa will be good option in my coming vaccation.now i am in a thrilling mood….

Hey Dave and Deb! Egypt is on my bucket list. I can’t wait to see the beautiful pyramids in Giza. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks D & D. A very detailed article. Africa is on our list and we plan to tackle it in 2021, God-willing.

I advise you to visit Morocco, It has a very beautiful cities and plenty of sand in Sahara desert. You can meet lovely people and try delicious meals.

A trip to the Victoria Falls is a splendid way of indulging yourself in extreme adventure. This heavenly allurement is either reaches by flights to Zimbabwe or by going through Zambia as stated above. Whichever African beauty you choose the journey to the Victoria Falls will surely be one to remember.

Excellent piece and a fantastic collection of beautiful places everybody should visit. The photographs on this page are stunning.

I have personally visited all of these site I would also all Cape Hope, Table Mountain and Kurger National Park.

Definitely recomend a Kili climb! Did you make it to Uhuru?

Wow what amazing photos. You guys have traveled so much its fantastic. I hope to travel to all these places one day. Another great place to travel to is knysna on the garden route of South Africa. It has great accommodation. you can book your knysna accommodation through accommodation-in-knysna.com

Beautiful pictures, I really like!

Awesome! I am in Egypt now and just went to Abu Simbel yesterday. It was amazing! The internet over here is not so great though! Amazing places. Hope you guys are doing well. .-= Migrationology´s last blog ..Bangkok’s Finest Street Indian Food =-.

Awesome that you are in Egypt. We did enjoy it immensely there. Get yourself to a McDonalds in Luxor, (if that is your next stop) It has free high speed wifi: pathetic I know, we always seek out the high speed wifi.

These pictures are incredible. It’s just so eye-catching. I really like the collection of pictures. Tanzania such a great place. .-= Furnished Apartment Rental´s last blog ..Yak Estates =-.

everyone likes to make his journey,memorable in which they enjoy their journey with comofort, luxury,arrangments, pakckage and best services with economical rates, i m feeling lucky that i found a travel agency “Sato Travel” which provide all of these facilities , for the civilan and army personnels to enjoy their vaccations around the world.

Wow! This place looks spectacular! I really love to travel in Africa. There are a lot of things to check out in africa.

Africa hasn’t been much in my thought in the past but since I have discovered your blog and reading your archives it has moved up to the top. This is a great resource when I can convince Mr. Rojo to step out of his comfort zone and plan the trip. I’m looking forward to part 2! 🙂 .-= Amy @ The Q Family´s last blog .. Chiang Mai with Kids- The Road Trip to Chiang Mai &amp Odd Things You Will See =-.

Tanzania has been #1 on my dream destination list for what seems like forever! I NEED to make it happen!!! .-= Andi´s last blog .. Cuba- Day 3 Part 1 =-.

18 Best Places to Travel in Africa (Expert Guide)

By: Author Kyle Browning

Posted on Last updated: July 20, 2020

Africa , the world’s second largest continent, covering more than 30 million square kilometers. 54 countries and over 1.3 billion people call this vast continent home. Geological wonders, wildlife spectacles, fascinating tribes and cultures are some of the thoughts that come to mind when I think of travel in Africa.

I believe it’s safe to say there are potentially an infinite amount of possibilities when planning a trip to Africa.

In this travel guide I aim to narrow down some of those possibilities for you.

I’ll highlight the 21 best places to travel in Africa before you die.

(Clicking on a brown marker will open up a new map tab. This travel guide will remain open.)

Table of Contents

18 Best Places to Travel in Africa

Mount kilimanjaro – tanzania.

mount kilimanjaro - best places to travel in africa

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s Seven Summits (the highest mountain peaks on each continent). If you are in search of hiking high mountains, then Tanzania is one of the best places to travel in Africa.

Every year about 35 000 people travel to Tanzania and attempt to summit the mountain. However, it has been reported that two thirds of people fail. The high rate of failure is not due to the technical difficulty of the mountain, but rather due to altitude sickness as many people opt for the fastest route to the summit. If you want to improve your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro, take your time climbing the mountain (about 5 days or more). Slow and easy wins this race.

There are seven official routes for Kilimanjaro. The Lemosho, Shira, Machame, Umbwe, and Marangu routes use the Southern Circuit to summit the mountain via Stella Point. The last two routes Rongai and the Northern Circuit, ascend from the north-east and use Gilman’s Point to reach the summit.

If you don’t want to camp your way up the mountain, you have to use the Marangu route. It’s the oldest trail up Kilimanjaro and the only one with hut accommodation. (Keep in mind most people who fail to summit, use this route.)

Cost : $1000 – $4000
Eco-friendly Tour company : Eco Africa Climbing
Best time to climb : During the dry season, January–March and June–October.

Avenue of the Baobabs – Madagascar

best places to travel in africa - Avenue of the baobabs

One of the best reasons to travel Madagascar is to witness the historic natural beauty that is, the baobab tree. This tree is known locally as renala (Malagasy for “mother of the forest”). These magnificent trees can reach 30 meters high and develop a trunk with a diameter of 3 meters!

Madagascar is home to many fantastic baobab trees. However, some of the trees at the famous avenue of baobabs are over 2800 years old . They can be found a convenient 40 minutes drive Northeast of Morodova (the gateway town to these fascinating trees).

Taxis taking you to the “avenue” can easily be found in Morodova, with prices ranging from $15-$20 return trip.

Sadly, baobab trees are still seriously threatened by deforestation and encroaching rice paddy fields. Consequently, the area is declared as a natural monument under conservation.

Organizations like The Global Trees Campaign “has been supporting its partner Madagasikara Voakajy in a project to save the species as well as two other endemic baobabs.”

Best time to see the baobabs: Most tourists arrive by sunset, if you want to avoid the crowd, aim to arrive between 2 – 3pm.

Okavango Delta – Botswana

One of the best places to travel in africa to see wildlife - Okavango Delta

Arguably one of the best places to travel in Africa to see wildlife flourish in their natural habitat. The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the seven natural wonders of Africa .

A unique characteristic of the Okavango is it’s remarkable annual flooding which occurs in the dry season and supports one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Africa .

This spectacular oasis dubbed “the river that never finds the sea” spreads over more than 15 500 km² (almost 6 000 square miles) and yet it is so sensitive that if it were denied water for even a decade it would turn into an arid semi-desert.

Cost : Starting from $150 a day. (Price varies greatly depending on your type of travel.)
Eco-friendly Safari company : Jumbari
Best time to visit : May to September
Chobe national park : Camping

Ganvie – Benin

Ganvie is one of the best places to travel in Africa if living on water fascinates you.

In Africa, the Portuguese slave trade was booming in the 17 th century. During this time, a tribe known as the Tofinu fled toward lake Nokoue in hope of not being enslaved and sold to the Portuguese by the Fon tribe .

Religious beliefs prevented the Fon tribe from fighting on this sacred lake .

Consequently, the Tofinu tribe were essentially safe as long as they never returned to dry land. Over time they created new homes for themselves, miles from shore.

Today, 500 years later the Tofinu settlement has grown into a bustling town with a population of over 45 000 people. Ganvie is probably the biggest lake village in the whole of Africa .

There are over 3000 buildings making up this town such as, a post office, a bank, a hospital, a church, and a mosque. One of the few buildings not found on stilts is the village school. The school is located on a patch of dry land and is just big enough for the kids to play soccer on it after school.

Here is an excerpt from Happy Days Travel Blog to give you an idea of daily life in Ganvie: “Later, it was fascinating to see that people continued to move around in boats, even after darkness fell. It was as if they were navigating by a sixth sense. The hotel had a generator, so we had lights, but very few of the local houses had any kind of light at all. We could hear the sounds of music and partying from all around us, though. Clearly, the people of Ganvié enjoy a good time!”

Where to stay in Ganvie : Hotel Germain

Namaqualand – South Africa

One of the best places to travel in Africa if you are avid flower enthusiast. Namaqualand meaning “ Nama Khoi people’s land”, is an arid region extending 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) and covering a total area of 440,000 square kilometres (170,000 sq mi).

The region has become a popular location for both local and international tourists. Along the Namakwa coastline and banks of the orange river you will find many popular hiking trails and 4×4 routes .

Within the confines of the Namaqua National Park, plantsman/plantswoman are able to enjoy the most exquisite succulent plant species. Infact, this conservation area is a biodiversity hotspot and has the highest concentration of succulent plant out of all the worlds arid regions.

Incredibly, more than a thousand of the areas 3500 flora species cannot be found anywhere else in the entire world.

Best time to visit Namaqualand : Between August and October.
Best time to visit and see flowers : Late July beginning of August.
Need to know : Temperatures in Namaqualand can reach up to 40°C (104°F).

Simien Mountains National Park – Ethiopia

Simien Mountains national park - best places to visit in africa

Millions upon millions of years of enormous erosion has created some of the most spectacular jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys and sharp precipices Africa has ever seen.

The Simien Mountains National Park’s unique biosphere has created conditions appropriate for the survival of an ibex species native to the Simien Mountains.

Despite severe habitat restrictions over the centuries, several hundred animal species have been able to survive up until today. Apart from the Walya ibex, you will find animals such as the endemic Simien fox, Ethiopian wolf, several birds of prey, the famous Gelada baboon, and the bush buck.

It’s the rareness of all these species that formed the foundation for conservation of the area, which led to the establishment of the Simien Mountains National Park. The park was listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1918.

Another factor that adds to the distinctiveness of this natural environment are the traditional lifestyles of the rural population. Their survival in a rather harsh climate with scarce natural resources will leave a long lasting memory to visitors trekking past the local villages.

Trekking routes: From Debark to the Simien Mountains National Park .
Best time to visit: Between October and March.
Code of conduct

Lake Retba – Senegal

best places to visit in africa - Lake retba

Found less than an hour away from Senegal’s capital, an unusually beautiful lake exists. I say unusual because the lake is a vivid pink color.

Lake Retba which locals know as Lac Rose is separated from the North Atlantic ocean by some super narrow dunes, as expected its salt content is extremely high. Its salinity content can be compared to the dead sea, and during the dry season, even exceeds it.

The distinct pink color is actually formed by the Dunaliella salina bacteria, which is very much attracted to the lakes high salt content. The bacteria produce a red pigment in order to better absorb the sunlight.

Up to 3000 men and women from all over Western Africa, work 6-7 hour days in order to extract and export the salt from the lake. In order to protect themselves they cover their bodies in beurre de Karité (shea butter). A lot of the extracted salt is used to preserve fish which is a major component of the national dish called thieboudienne .

Interestingly, fish in the lake have adapted to the high salt content by evolving ways to pump out excess salt from their bodies. These fish are around 4 times smaller than those living in a normal environment.

Best time to see the lake: November to June
Best Place to stay: Le Calao du Lac Rose (900m away from lake Retba.)
Is the lake safe to swim: Yes the bacteria in the lake is harmless to humans. (But rub shea butter on the body beforehand.

Tiébélé – Burkina Faso

Tiébélé is one of the best places to visit in Africa if you are interested in seeing traditional gurunsi vernacular architecture .

The small circular village makes up about 1.2 hectares in Burkina Faso and is located about 180 km southeast of Ouagadougou, near the border with Ghana. This beautiful place is the capital of Gurunsi Country, also known as Kassena Country.

Tiébélé is known for traditional gurunsi vernacular architecture and precisely decorated walls of the earthen huts. The village can be found within the confines of a circular based wall right at the base of a hill.

When walking through this village you’ll notice that some of the most elaborately painted buildings are actually mausoleums for the dead.

Men build the huts, they use local materials such as wood, sun dried mix of clay, soil, straw, and cow droppings.

Once the hut has been constructed women take to decorating the walls using colored mud and white chalk, with motifs and symbols taken from daily life, such as from religion and belief systems.

Gurunsi women always do the wall decorating, which is a very ancient practice that dates back to the sixteenth century AD.

Best time to visit Burkina Faso: November to December.
Average daily temperature: 28.2 °C (82.7 °F)

Lake Malawi – Malawi

If you’re in search of massive lakes, then I am 100% positive that Lake Malawi is one of the best places to travel in Africa. It covers a staggering 29,600 square kilometres (11,400 sq mi). Essentially one fifth of the entire country and stretches more or less 580 kilometres (360 mi) long. Incase you are wondering, the deepest part of the lake reaches a depth of 706 m (2,316 ft).

For tourist’s lake Malawi can be like heaven on earth, white sandy beaches, incredible snorkeling, and scuba diving in crystal clear water home to the shiniest of fish. Perhaps rugged rocky territory on uninhabited offshore islands is more your thing. My advice find two trees that are side by side and hang up that hammock.

Lake Malawi is the 3 rd largest lake in Africa and pretty much looks just like the sea, except there is no salt! On stormy days, high winds can produce some pretty large waves. It is for this reason that I recommend visiting Lake Malawi in October, the water will be absolutely pristine.

The fish eagle is Malawi’s national bird. You will see many of them flying around the lake, each emitting their inimitable sorrowful cry.

Lake Malawi is also home to unique little fish called Cichlids , already more than 500 different species have been recorded here. Some scientists believe there could be as many as 1000 different species. To give you some perspective, that’s more diversity of freshwater fish than both Europe and USA put together.

Best place to stay by Lake Malawi: The Eco Lodge .
Is it safe to swim in Lake Malawi: Read this article.

Hoggar Mountains – Algeria

Hoggar mountains also spelled Ahaggar mountains boasts undeniable beauty. I mean look at that vast never ending landscape, it covers around 550,000 square km (212,000 square miles) of land.

The mountains you see are largely composed of metamorphic rock, and they’re old, approximately 2 billion years old! Note that more recent volcanic activity has laid down much newer rock.

The mountain range usually experiences extremely hot summers with a cool winter climate. Temperatures are known to actually fall below freezing point in winter. Rainfall is quite rare and may occur sporadically throughout the year. However, as the climate is slightly less extreme than in other areas of the Sahara, the Hoggar Mountains are a major location for biodiversity .

Although rarely sighted, there are several desert cheetahs living in the Hoggar national park. Sadly, these cheetahs are part of a globally endangered species . On the positive side however, there is a cheetah conservation fund running to protect these majestic creatures from being killed by the nomads living in the area . They argue that the animal is to blame for declining livestock numbers.

By visiting the park on an Algeria tour, you are indirectly or directly contributing to the conservation efforts.

Other animals you may have the privilege of spotting in the park are the Barbary sheep, genets, wild cat, mongoose, leopards, golden jackals, Ruppell’s foxes, sand cats, fennecs, addax, dama gazelle and the endangered painted hunting dog, among many others.

Tours and attractions: Prehistoric rock paintings, hiking and mountain climbing adventures, the tomb of Tin Hinan at Abalessa and the oasis near Tamanrasset.

Victoria Falls – Zambia

If you want to experience 1 of the 7 most spectacular natural wonders of the world, then one of the best places to travel in Africa would be Zambia. Local people call it “Mosi-oa-Tunya” – the smoke that thunders. And it really does thunder, the waterfall can be heard from over 40 km (24 miles) away.

The Victoria falls is 1708 meters (5600 feet) wide making it the largest “sheet” of water in the world. The water flows over the edge at an average of 550 000 cubic meters every minute, falling into an abyss 90m to 107m deep, eventually joining the great Zambezi gorge.

To give you some perspective I worked out how much toilets you’d have to flush every minute to match the flow of the great Victoria falls. The answer is 50 000 000 toilets. That is a lot of water!

Thankfully, the falls and the surrounding area have been declared national parks and a world heritage site. This saves the location from extensive commercialization.

Best time to visit Victoria Falls: February to May, directly after the region’s summer rains.
Eco tour company: Matriarch Africa .

Sudd – South Sudan

Please note : There has been a serious deterioration in security in South Sudan. In particular, many areas are currently not safe to travel. I advise you to contact your embassy and local agents prior to travelling.

On average the Sudd stretches over 30,000 square kilometres (12,000 sq mi) and in the wet season more than doubles to 130,000 square kilometres (50,000 sq mi) comprising 13% of the country. Yes this is one of the world’s largest wetlands in the nile basin.

In the Sudd, rivers flow through numerous tangled channels in pattern that morphs every single year. Papyrus, aquatic grass, and water hyacinth grow in dense thickets in the shallower waters. It’s these areas that crocodiles and hippopotami love, it’s the perfect swampy living conditions for them.

Every so often matted vegetation breaks free from its rooting. This vegetation slowly but surely builds up into floating islands of vegetation that can reach up to 30 km in length.

The Sudd is nearly impossible to pass through either overland or by watercraft. This is because of insanely thick reeds, grasses, water hyacinth, and other hydrophilic plants.

Humongous blocks of vegetation can form and shift position, blocking all navigable channels creating an ever changing network of water. For 100’s of years this region has prevented eager explorers from travelling along the Nile, only the pastoral Nilotic Nuer people inhabit some of these areas.

Tour company: Ethiousatour .

Sacred Osun Grove – Nigeria

One of the best places to visit in Africa if you are in search for sacred groves , is Osun-Osogbo, Nigeria.

100 years ago, there were many sacred groves in Yorubaland , pretty much every town had one. Today, most of these groves have been abandoned or have shrunk to very small areas.

Osun-Osogbo, was founded some 400 years ago in southwest Nigeria. It is the largest sacred grove to have survived over the years. The thick forest of Osun Sacred grove is some of the last remnants of primary high forest in southern Nigeria.

Cutting through the forest is the river Osun, the spiritual home for the river goddess Osun. Within the forest sanctuary you will find forty shrines, sculptures and art works all erected in honor of Osun and other Yoruba deities .

The new art placed in the grove differentiates it from other groves, in that it reinforces the ties between people and the Yoruba pantheon.

The grove is an active religious site where daily, weekly, and monthly worship takes place. In addition, a processional festival takes place annually in order to re-establish the mystic bonds between the goddess and the town people. The festival lasts for 12 days in July and August.

Bandiagara (cliff dwellings) – Mali

Bandiagara Mali - Best places to travel in Africa

The magnificent Bandiagara escarpment cuts through the arid lands of the Sahel in Mali for hundreds of kilometers. There’s no doubt Bandiagara is one of the best places to travel in Africa. The sheer cliffs rise over 1500 feet into the sky. They range in geographic diversity from desert to surging waterfalls plummeting onto the plains down below.

Perhaps even more impressive than the landscape, are the Dogon homes chiseled and carved into the escarpment. The Dogon people carve everything from simple rectangular buildings into the cliff walls, to complex Mosques made out of mud and stick.

Some of the villages can hardly even be seen by passing travelers as they seamlessly blend in with the mountains behind them. Others are barely made out by their thatched roofs.

Know before you go: The towns that are known for organizing treks are Mopti-Sévaré, Douentza or Bakass. Within the Dogon country, Bandiagara and Sanga can also be used as starting points. The majority of travelers opt for a 3-day trek starting from Bandiagara. You should take note that the Dogon country is very rough, think rock scrambling and cliff climbing under extreme heat. We really recommend that you opt for guide in the Dogon country, this can be done in any of the villages I mentioned above.

Sossusvlei – Namibia

If you are searching for massive imposing dunes, then Sossusvlei is one of the best places to travel in Africa.

Located in Africa’s largest conservation area (Africa ( the Namib-Naukluft National Park ), Sossusvlei is undoubtedly one of Namibia’s most exquisite and best known attraction.

Sossusvlei is known for its dunes, some of the highest in the world. The dunes can reach up to 400 meters, providing photographic enthusiasts with some of the most awe-inspiring images in the morning and evening light.

Sossusvlei translates to “dead-end marsh”, it is called this as the dunes prevent the Tsauchab River to flow any further.

During rare rainy seasons, the river fills the pan, drawing visitors from all around the world. It is one of the few travel destinations where photographers can capture a glassy lake holding reflections of the vast surrounding dune.

Despite the harsh desert conditions in the area, you can still find a wide variety of plants and animals that have adapted to survive.

Hot air balloon safaris
Eco accommodation

Vredefort Crater – South Africa

Vredefort Crater: Asteroid impact date: Estimated 2 billion years

Vredefort, one of the best places to travel in Africa, if you are in search of giant meteor craters. In fact vredefort is home to the world’s oldest and largest known impact structure !

Around two billion years ago, an asteroid measuring a whopping 10 kilometers in width hurtled towards earth. The impact occurred southwest of what is present day Johannesburg and temporarily made a 40km (24 mile) deep and 100km (62 mile) wide dent in the earths surface.

This meteorite was nearly twice as big as the impact that killed the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. Luckily, during this time the only living thing would have been a type of algae, like the green slime you see in dams today.

Lake Naivasha – Kenya

Lake Naivasha, meaning rough water is a freshwater lake north west of Kenya’s capital Nairobi. The lake lies 1884m above sea level making iot the highest lying lakes of the Rift Valley.

Papyrus and yellow acacias line the freshwater shores, you’ll frequently spot hippos frolicking amongst the shallows while hearing a discord of twittering birds singing from above.

Many types of wildlife can be found in Lake Naivasha such as, hippos, fish including Crayfish, Tilapia and Black bass. There are over 400 species of bird like Great Cormorants, Long-tailed, Fish Eagles, Pelicans and all types of Kingfishers as well as the Grey-backed fiscal.

Best time to visit lake Naivasha: July to October (Best for viewing wildlife)
Eco accommodation: Rocky Eco Lodge

Danakil Depression – Ethiopia

If you love hot weather, I mean you start to salivate when thinking of it, then one of the best places to travel in Africa is the Danakil depression in Ethiopia.

Located in the northeastern corner of Ethiopia, Danakil has the distinction of being the hottest place on earth, with recorded temperatures reaching a mind blowing 51°C (125°F). The region is sometimes called “the gateway to Hell.”

The lava lake in the Erta Ale volcano is one of only 4 living lava lakes in the world.

One other major attraction of the Danakil are the camel caravans . These robust camels transport salt through the desert for 3 days, eventually reaching a road which allows for motorized vehicles to take over the load.

These camel caravans can stretch for miles and are handled by the Afar people , who are just as hardy as the camels they own, living in a vast wasteland where virtually nothing grows. Travel here is extremely perilous.

Due to the almost unlimited supply of salt and mineral deposits, the Danakil is full of colorful and surreal landscapes such as hot springs (the ones you never dream of relaxing in) and bubbling pools.

Danakil Depression Tours
Best time to visit Danakil Depression: November to early January (temperature will be the coolest.)

Extensive research & passion was put into 18 Best Places to Travel in Africa (Expert Guide). I hope you found the travel guide inspiring and enriching. Please note that we will continue to update this post to bring you the freshest Africa travel destinations throughout the year.

If you have any places you’d like us to add to this guide please feel free to mention them in the comments section below.

If you are still doubtful on whether you should travel to Africa or not, we leave you with this breathtaking video by Rhino Africa .

What are the Main Tourist Attractions in Africa?

Africa is a vast continent with the most diverse countries in the world. Filled with lush inland forests and picture-perfect beaches, Africa is a growing tourist attraction in itself. Here is the list of the best tourist attractions in Africa.

Each country has something unique to offer from tradition and culture to natural wonders the draw tourists from all over the world looking to experience their own piece of Africa.

To choose just one reason to visit Africa and select one attraction is impossible, there are many. To help you on your journey toward your own African adventure, here are just ten of the best tourist attractions in Africa. Of course, this list is by no means comprehensive; however, these should give you plenty of food for thought.

The Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Africa

Cape town, south africa.

As far as the best tourist attractions in Africa go, Cape Town as a city and its surrounding area is very much the easiest and most accessible way to get a taste of Africa as a whole.

Cape Town is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, a colorful mix of people, cultures, tradition, history, nature, and food, is perhaps the best way to define the Mother City.

Here a tourist can explore top tourist attractions in Cape Town South Africa , everything from Robben Island to the iconic Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point, Cape Winelands, and Camps Bay, getting a taste of fresh mountain air and ocean breezes all year round. If you play your cards right, you might be able to attend one of the best music festivals in South Africa .

Best Time to Visit: Peak Season is from November to January. Secret Seasons (best time to be a local) are October and late February to March.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and Zambia

The falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia are something everyone has heard about, and for many, what African dreams are filled with. Victoria Falls is a jointly owned tourist attraction and can be viewed and explored from either Zambia or Zimbabwe.

A majestic 108 meters high cascade of water, often called “The Cloud that Thunders” is not only one of the top tourist attractions in Africa but the world. Victoria Falls is a mesmerizing and awe-inspiring top ten tourist attractions in Africa that is a bucket list item for millions of people.

Best Time to Visit: February to May

Omo River Region, Ethiopia

The Omo River region of Ethiopia is one of the most remote and secluded places in the world. Vast expanses of this picturesque African plains are extremely difficult to reach. To visit this place to explore the depths of African culture barely touched by the world in the 21st century, you will have to use a specialist tour .

Historically, Ethiopia tends to heavily value their independence and unique culture by restricting external influence. However, it is slowly opening its doors to let the rest of the world experience its paradise. Once you visit Ethiopia, your view of Africa will be changed forever, and you will understand why it is of the main tourist attractions in East Africa.

Best time to visit: September to April – especially the very beginning of September and the end of April.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro , or just “Kili” to many in the climbing fraternity, is a major tourist attraction in Africa. For those seeking an adventure holiday, a trek to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is perhaps the epitome of such a vacation.

Standing at 5,895 meters tall, it takes around 5 to 10 days to summit and returns back to the foot of the tallest mountain in Africa. The climb does not really require any specialist climbing equipment, but the right level of fitness is essential. Be warned of altitude sickness, this is a prevalent problem among those who attempt the climb.

Best times to visit: January to March, which is much colder with the potential of snow and June to October.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

When people think of Africa, they think of wild animals and safaris . The Massai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Africa, and every tourist has a dramatically different experience when they visit.

The Massai Mara is one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Africa, not just to see but experience the big 5 but because of the wildebeest migration. Continuing through the Maasai Mara National Reserve will lead you to the Serengeti National Park and Game Reserves in Tanzania.

There are many specialist tours of this impressive nature reserve and with a variety of game viewing experiences from regular overland vehicles to hot air balloons.

Best time to visit: The cold season from July to October is the best time to visit. This is peak season and can be costly.

Virunga National Park, DR Congo

African wildlife is by far the number one tourist attraction in Africa, and each African nation has different animals to see.

The Congo and nearby Uganda are famous for its mountain gorillas, and the Virunga National Park is perhaps the best place in the world where these impressive beasts can be seen.

Established in 1925 as the very first national park in Africa, the park is also one of the top places in the world to see chimpanzees in the wild. Tourism to this beautiful region is growing and as well as seeing a wide variety of apes tourists. You can climb the slopes of the Nyiragongo Volcano and see the world’s largest pool of lava.

Best time to visit: April, May, October and November

Okavango Delta, Botswana

One of the most breathtaking places on earth, the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO world heritage site, is one of the top tourist destinations in Africa.

This vast river delta at the foot of the massive Kalahari attracts thousands of tourists each year who want to experience the true beauty and wilds of Africa.

Many tourists explore the wild game hotspot by air either in light aircraft or hot air balloon, and the views are beyond comprehension. The land-based safaris offering some of the best game spotting experiences anywhere in the world, and many tourists simply wish they could stay a lot longer in the fantastic place.

Best time to visit: May to September

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Just off the coast is an exotic archipelago with pristine beaches and warm oceans. This fantastic location is one of the top tourist destinations in Africa because, for some, it is the ideal place for the perfect, relaxing beach holiday.

With a vibrant history dating back to the 17th century, the destination has a magical blend of Arabic, Middle Eastern, Moorish, and Indian cultures and styles, making it unique like no other place in Africa.

Best time to visit: June to October

Giza Necropolis, Egypt

A lot of people do not think of Egypt as being in Africa. In the Giza Necropolis, you will get to see the Great Pyramid of Giza , the Pyramid of Menkaure , and the Pyramid of Khafre .

Still, it is, and the Giza Necropolis has to be something on many travel bucket lists. The ancient Egyptian civilizations are brought back to life along the river Nile through pyramids and tombs. Not the Africa everyone immediately thinks of but certainly a part of Africa everyone should indeed visit.

Best times to visit: October to April when temperatures are cooler

Kruger National Park, South Africa

South Africa is perhaps the most accessible of all African nations. While Cape Town attracts the majority of tourists, the Kruger National Park in the North of the country is often the starting point for a superb trek down the coast toward Cape Town.

This South African National Park is one of the top places in the world to spot all the Big 5 and top tourist attractions in South Africa. Visitors can obtain a permit to visit and take a self-drive safari. Still, the majority of visitors join an organized safari.

Best time to visit: Between April and September

Concluding the Top Tourist Attractions in Africa

Africa has so many top tourist destinations , and each country, region, and the town will have its own hidden gems. To cover everything in one place would be difficult.

Visiting Africa is becoming easier with major airlines flying into most major African cities. There is a lot to see in Africa.

most popular tourist attractions in africa

Whether you choose a grand tour starting at the bottom with South Africa and all the way up to Egypt , or if you merely cherry-pick the destinations of your choice, the continent welcomes you.

For many people, exploring Africa is a dream, and we would love to turn your vision into reality. We would love to hear your thoughts. What tourist attractions in Africa are on your bucket list, and which attractions exceeded your expectations?

FAQs for the Main Tourist Attractions in Africa

Cape Town, South Africa Victoria Falls , Zimbabwe, and Zambia Omo River Region, Ethiopia Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania The Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya Virunga National Park, DR Congo Okavango Delta, Botswana Zanzibar, Tanzania Giza Necropolis, Egypt Kruger National Park, South Africa

Africa has several top tourist destinations. However, with about 25 million annual visitors visiting Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, it is considered the most notable tourist destination in Africa.

Perhaps the country with the most Tourist attractions in Africa is South Africa , as this is one of the fast-developing countries in terms of tourism diversity.

This is the most impossible question to answer. From pyramids to mountain ranges, people to places, and oceans the plains of Africa. Africa means something different to everyone, but the continent is well known for the Safaris.

In recent years, Africa has opened up in terms of tourism. Tourists today are a great deal more adventurous and independent. Safaris are still very popular, as are pure sunshine and sand beach holidays. Where tourists got is ultimately up to them. However, most tourist’s first visit is either to South Africa , Kenya , Tanzania , Morocco , or Egypt .

The definition of “best” can be subjective. However, for tourists, because of the robust infrastructure, booming tourism, and ease of travel to the country, South Africa is regarded as the best country to visit in Africa.

Beauty is more than skin deep. To answer this, you need to visit and get under the surface of the country you are visiting. Africa itself is perhaps the most perfect definition of beautiful that you will ever find. However, Ethiopia , Seychelles , South Africa , and Guinea , are known to be amongst the most beautiful countries in Africa.

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12 comments.

How could this list dare forget the Famous Serengeti plains, the top most largest wildlife attraction in the world, with an amazing scenic value. The famous largest seasonal wildlife migration.

Hello Fadhili, that’s a great point! The Serengeti national park should be on the list. We’ll definitely include it in the next blog post update! 🙂

Love, Lydia

YOU ARE RIGHT — SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK IN TANZANIA SHOULD BE IN THE LIST ( BEST NATIONAL PARK IN AFRICA , ALSO AMONG SEVEN NATURAL WONDERS OF AFRICA)

I second that, Tino! You can see our previous comment for reference.

Thanks for the article. Visiting more Africa countries is on my bucket list. Do you have an article focusing on the best countries to visit based on different regions (e.g., West coast/East Coast)?

Hello Wayne, we do have a post on the best African countries to visit . However, it’s not ordered by region. If I were to pick one country per region, these are my recommendations:

North Africa: Morocco
West Africa: Ghana
East Africa: Kenya (this is a tough choice since there’re so many great options)
Southern Africa: South Africa (same as East Africa, many great options)

The reason I chose these countries is they have a well-developed tourism industry and cater specifically to visitors. A tip for South Africa, stick to the tourist areas, and you’ll be fine. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Dear Wayne, if you want to visit East Africa, the dream place to visit is Uganda. You will surely discover why its called the “Pearl of Africa”.

Hi! Thanks for sharing such a great post related to tourism,I also wanna know about some best things to do in Sharjah, So I request you to also post some instructive guidelines related to Tourism, as I have some great interest in such kind of things.

Thanks for visiting our site. We only cover content about Africa so Sharjah wouldn’t be a good fit. If you do have any African-related questions, please let us know.

This is ammazing.. too bad my trip was canceled earlier this year due to COVID 19

I would love to see more pictures. l am awed at the ones that l saw, my heart is beating.

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10 Best Travel Destinations in Africa

Africa is one of the best travel destinations in the world. Here, you can enjoy crystal blue beaches, majestic wildlife, and a wealth of culture and history. This article will look at ten countries to visit across the continent.

Tourism in Africa increased by 2% in 2014, according to the UN World Tourism Organization report of that year. It reached an estimated $36 billion in revenue from $1 billion in 2013. Sub-Saharan Africa saw the most arrivals from international tourists. International arrivals increased by 3% from 2013. The top reason for visitors coming to various destinations across the continent was leisure. Global locations where most visitors came from included North America, Asia, and Europe.

North Africa saw a small increase of 1% in international arrivals. Geopolitical conflict and the outbreak of the Ebola virus were to blame for low visitor turnout.

Tourism contributed 8.5% to the continent’s GDP, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council report. The contribution was an estimated $177.8 billion. The tourism industry also made a contribution of 2.9% to employment. Professionals received jobs in the airline and aviation industry, transportation services, hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies.

Intra-Africa travel is frequent among countries of the same regional bloc. The reason for this is that it’s affordable. Air travel within the continent is quite expensive, ranging from $461 to well over $972. A flight to Madrid from Johannesburg starts at an average price of $519. However, traveling to Marrakech from Johannesburg can cost an average of $1,038. These high travel costs create a barrier to smooth and affordable movement in the continent.

Visa requirements are also not as stringent between countries of the same regional bloc. Visitors only need a valid passport. For countries that do require a visa, the application fee can be hefty, starting at an average price of $50. This cost, along with flight and accommodation costs, leaves African tourists with an expensive travel bill.

Despite these barriers, African tourists still make their way to top destinations across the continent. These include South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Botswana.

From city excursions to safaris and beach getaways, Africa accommodates any traveler. Below are travel destinations across the continent that are a must-visit for any avid African traveler:

If you’re looking for a great safari getaway, Botswana is the perfect destination to visit. Bordered by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, Botswana is home to the Okavango Delta. The delta is one of the most sought after wilderness destinations in the world. Its location is in the Kalahari Basin. Here you can experience an array of wildlife and vegetation.

If you love culture and heritage, you can explore San history at the Tsodilo Hills. You can visit the villages of the San people, and see rock paintings that have existed for thousands of years.

Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges to budget guesthouses and camping grounds. You can stay at the &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp from only $960 per person per night. Another option is the Chobe Game Lodge at the Chobe National Park. For more information on accommodation, visit the Botswana Tourism website.

Information on visa requirements is available on the Republic of Botswana Government website. You’ll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever.

If you choose to drive to Gaborone from Johannesburg, the trip will be over 340 kilometers. Air Namibia offers flights to Gaborone from Windhoek. Travelers from Harare can book flights to Gaborone with Air Botswana.

Kenya is an ideal destination for family holidays, safaris, and beach holidays. The best time to visit is between October and March.

Lamu is a beautiful place to visit if you’re looking for a wellness retreat. Here, you can enjoy yoga retreats, stunning beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere. You can get to the island in a dhow ferry from Manda Island.

At Malindi and Watamu, you can explore the diversity of marine life nestled in coral reefs. You can also enjoy bird watching at Lake Nakuru. Amboseli National Park is a fantastic place to visit if you love wildlife. You can also enjoy the stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro.

If you’re a culture and history enthusiast, the Gede Ruins in Watamu will give you much insight about the island’s heritage. Knowing how to speak some Swahili, which is Kenya’s official language, is very helpful. You’ll find it easier to connect with locals.

For accommodation, you can stay at Diani Place. Prices start at $84. Shella Royal House in Lamu is a great option, with a start price of $151. If you’re in the Masai Mara region, Loyx Mara Luxury Lodge is a great choice, with a start price of $308.

The cost range for flights to Lamu is between $198 and $331. You can travel on Air Kenya from Nairobi, Mombasa, Diani Beach, and Malindi. A flight to Watamu and Malindi will cost from $231.

You can apply for your visa online . A single entry visa costs $51. Passport holders from South Africa don’t need a visa for a period of fewer than 30 days. Visitors from certain countries, including Ghana, Mauritius, and Zambia, also don’t need a visa into Kenya. For more information, check on the Kenya Tourism website or consult with a travel agent.

Lesotho is the perfect destination for a nature retreat. You can immerse yourself in the majestic Maloti Mountains, and see the best wildlife. Adventure lovers can enjoy a ski trip during the country’s winter season.

The main attractions to visit are the parks and reserves. You can explore a variety of bird life at the Sehlabathebe National Park. You can also visit the Sani Pass, which is a world heritage site. The pass sits on the Drakensberg escarpment between Lesotho and South Africa. It is 2,874 meters above sea level.

The Ts’enhlanyane National Park is a scenic park that has an array of wildlife, birds, and flora. Its location is at the foot of the Holomo Pass at the Maloti Mountains.

The Bokong Nature Reserve overlooks the magnificent Lepaqoa Waterfall and Valley. It is the perfect place for a wellness retreat and hiking.

Accommodation is available at the Maliba Mountain Lodge, with a start price of $135. You can also stay at the Sehlabathebe National Park Heritage Lodge or the Sani Lodge. Both accommodations have a start price of $10.

You don’t need a visa if you’re a passport holder from:

South Africa

United States of America
United Kingdom

A single entry visa costs $150. For more information on visa requirements, visit the Lesotho embassy in your country. Lesotho uses Loti as its currency. The value of the Loti is the same value as the South African Rand. ATMs are only available in Maseru.

Travelers from the SADC region can take a flight to Maseru. The costs range from $530 to $759. If you’re in South Africa and want to travel by road, you can drive to the Maputsoe or Ficksburg Border Posts. These are open 24 hours a day. evisa Lesotho

Travelers describe Morocco as a country that has an African and European feel to it. It has a mixture of North African and European culture because of its proximity to Europe.

To experience authentic Moroccan culture, you must visit the Djemma el Fna market. Its location is in Marrakesh’s Medina quarter. Djemma el Fna is a shopper’s paradise where you can purchase anything from fashion to artworks. You can also enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine sold at the food stalls.

You can learn about Berber culture and history from the variety of available tours. The Berber tour is a camel and desert tour that you can do to learn about Morocco’s nomadic populations. You can choose from single day trips to 16-day excursions.

You’ll love learning about traditional pre-Saharan life when visiting Ait Benhaddou. It is a fortified village located along a former caravan route close to Marrakech. You’ll be able to see how ancient architects constructed houses within defensive walls. The village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you’re a music lover, you’ll enjoy the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music. Artists from around the world gather to celebrate Africa’s cultural beauty and diversity. The festival is a 10-day celebration that takes place between May and June. Artists such as Bjork and Ben Harper have previously graced the stage.

You can stay at the Jnane Tamsna hotel in Marrakech, with prices starting at $162. The Riad Madani is another option, with the start price at $112.

Visitors excluded from needing a visa are those from the European Union. Other nationals will need a visa before entering the country. For more information on visa requirements, visit the Moroccan embassy in your country.

Zanzibar is one of Africa’s island paradises. You’ll enjoy crystal clear waters and great food on the island. There are tons of other islands around the archipelago that you can explore.

You’ll need a visa to enter Tanzania, either from the Tanzanian consulate or on arrival, at the cost of $50.

The Zanzibar Ocean Panorama Hotel is a popular accommodation option on the island. Prices range from $35 to $50, with dormitory rooms costing $20.

Pemba Island is Tanzania’s hidden gem located about 100 kilometers from Zanzibar. It receives fewer visitors than Zanzibar, which makes it an excellent option for a relaxing getaway.

Pemba is still a major spice producer on the Zanzibar archipelago. It depends on agriculture for income more than tourism. You can chat with locals to learn more about the island’s agriculture sector. They can also tell you more about the abundant fruit and spice trees.

A holiday on the island will not be complete without a dive in its waters. You’ll enjoy the sights of healthy coral reefs and diverse species of marine life. For a relaxed afternoon, you can talk a walk on white sandy shores and enjoy a swim in the warm Indian Ocean. The island has earned the nickname “The Green Island” because of its lush beauty.

Pemba has a population of about 350,000 people. You can explore the culture and heritage of the island by visiting the main town, Chake Chake. People are friendly and more than happy to interact. You can strike up a conversation with locals to learn more about their culture and heritage. Make sure to learn some Swahili as that’s the primary language of the island. When you walk around, you’ll see the unique architecture of houses. The island consists of square mud houses with thatch roofs. You’ll also enjoy the tastes of the island as villagers sell a variety of fruits from ox-drawn carts.

Reunion Island

Nestled in the warm Indian Ocean, Reunion Island is a beautiful African paradise. The first thing to know is that the island has an active volcano called the Piton de la Fournaise. The activity of the volcano has created lush vegetation that attracts unique wildlife. Hiking is a great way to explore the island, and there are tons of trails available. If you’re a diver, you’ll enjoy exploring the diversity of marine life in the island’s waters.

Reunion is rich in culture. You’ll experience a fusion of Creole, African, Indian, Chinese, and French heritage. From languages, festivals, and food, you’ll be spoilt for choice on the island.

You can stay at the boutique guesthouse, Rougail Mangue. Prices start from $44. Another option for accommodation is Le gîte La Mandoze, with prices starting from $20 per person per night.

Nationals from the European Union, the U.S., Canada, Britain, Australia, South Africa, and India do not need a visa. Visitors from other countries will need one, which will cost $67. You can fly with Air Austral and Air Mauritius to the island.

Rwanda has earned the nickname “Land of a Thousand Hills” for its stunning scenery. Its mountainous landscape is breathtaking, and it’s home to six active volcanoes.

A visit to the East African nation isn’t complete without exploring the Volcanoes National Park. Here, you’ll see the park’s famous attraction, mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. You’ll also enjoy a variety of flora.

You can enjoy great water activities at Lake Kivu. It is Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth largest lake in Africa. Boat tours, kayaking, and fishing are available at the lake.

If you’re a tea or coffee lover, Rwanda is the place to enjoy these hot beverages. Explore tea farms and learn more about this industry by going on a tea plantation tour. You can book these tours through travel agents or Rwanda Tourism.

You can stay at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, which is close to the Volcanoes National Park. Prices start from $227 per night. Another option for accommodation is the Gorillas Lake Kivu Hotel in Gisenyi. The hotel overlooks Lake Kivu, and prices start from $92.

Visas cost $30, and you can apply for one at the Rwandan consulate in your country.

São Tomé e Principe

São Tomé e Principe is Africa’s smallest state situated in the Gulf of Guinea in western Africa. If you’re looking for a quiet retreat, this island is the perfect destination.

You’ll enjoy beautiful beaches and excellent diving spots. On a dive, you’ll see the island’s diverse marine life. The best sites for diving are Ilheu das Rolas, located in the south of the island, and Ilha da Santana. You can book diving trips with the island’s leading diving agency, Club Maxel.

Whale watching is a favorite activity to do on the island between July and September. You can see these majestic creatures at Ilha das Cabras and Lagoa Azul.

If you love hiking, you can trek through the island’s exotic jungle to reach the top of Pico de São Tomé. It is the island’s highest point above sea level at 2,024 meters and is the island’s oldest volcano.

The popular choice of accommodation is the Miramar Hotel. Prices start at $134 per night. Another option is the Cocoa Hotel Residence, with prices starting at $40.

You’ll need a visa from the São Toméan embassy before entering the country. You’ll also need to produce yellow fever and malaria certificates upon arrival. Airlines that fly to São Tomé e Principe include TAP Portugal and Air Angola. To start planning your trip, visit the São Tomé e Principe website.

South Africa accommodates all types of travelers. From city getaways to safaris and beach holidays, the country is an ideal destination.

You can enjoy the natural beauty of the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park in KwaZulu-Natal. An interesting fact is that the park is home to Africa’s most extensive estuarine system. You’ll walk on old coastal dunes and beaches that stretch to the Kosi Bay on the Mozambican border. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park in the Wild Coast is home to South Africa’s highest mountain range. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Western Cape has an array of activities to do. You can enjoy the beautiful Garden Route that boasts a variety of vegetation. You can discover many other gems in the route, including authentic South African culture and cuisine. Cape Town is an excellent cosmopolitan destination if you feel like immersing yourself in city life. You can enjoy the sights of Cape Town with the Red Bus Tour. You can also visit Robben Island to learn more about South Africa’s political history.

There’s an array of accommodation available, from luxury hotels to backpacker accommodation. When in the Wild Coast in KwaZulu-Natal, the Wild Coast Sun is a popular choice among visitors. Rooms start at $158 per person per night. When in the Western Cape on the Garden Route tour, it is best to stay in George. Enjoy your stay at the Garden Villa Bed and Breakfast from $49.

You’ll need a visa from the South Africa consulate before arrival. For updated visa information, visit the South African Department of Home Affairs.

If you’re planning a romantic getaway or a wellness retreat, be sure to head to Seychelles. The island-nation consists of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean. The outer islands of Seychelles offer beautiful beaches and an array of wildlife. The main ones are Alphonse and Desroches.

If you want to immerse yourself in nature and total relaxation, the island is a must-visit. You can dive and explore untouched coral reefs, and see a diversity of marine life. You can enjoy fishing and sailing activities. Best of all, you can swim in the island’s crystal blue waters.

Seychelles has a rich culture consisting of a diverse population. The Seychellois came from Africa, Asia, and Europe. They brought with them unique traditions, languages, and cuisines. Creole, French, and English are the dominant languages spoken on the island. Local cuisine is delicious, consisting of fish, spices, and tropical fruit.

You don’t need a visa to enter Seychelles, only a passport. You’ll also need return or onward tickets, proof of accommodation and enough funds for the duration of your stay. Immigration will process your paperwork at the Seychelles International Airport.

You can travel to the main island via Air Seychelles, and get to the outer islands via Zil Air. Alphonse Island has a beachfront resort that will cost you between $3,689 and $9,497 per night per person. Another beautiful resort is the Desroches Island Resort on Desroches Island. The prices range from $1,101 to $2,202 per double room per night.

You can stay at the Hilton Seychelles Northolme Hotel & Spa in Mahé. It’s a 5-star resort that offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Prices range between $557 and $807.

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9 places any visitor to South Africa shouldn’t miss

Mar 19, 2024 • 6 min read

Our picks for the top places in South Africa – like Blyde River Canyon – will leave you lots to look at © Gunter Nuyts / Shutterstock

Any visitor to South Africa will marvel at the country’s diversity – in its geography, its culture, its wildlife and (of course) its marvelous people.

Each of South Africa’s regions truly has its own distinct personality, offering a captivating blend of cosmopolitan cities, enthralling animals, rich history and remote wilderness. From the bustling streets of Cape Town and the wild-game viewing in Kruger National Park to the charming valleys of the Winelands, every place here enchants.

So though it was hard, we’ve selected a few of the absolute best places to visit in South Africa.

People at an outdoor cafe in Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg, South Africa

1. Johannesburg

Best city for history and street art

South Africa’s largest city is admittedly not one of its prettiest. Johannesburg was an old mining town that has become a sprawling conurbation, with poorer neighborhoods sprinkled among wealthy suburbs. It seems a world away from Cape Town’s coastal beauty – yet spending some time in Johannesburg gives visitors valuable insight into the country’s complicated past and lively present.

Start by visiting the Apartheid Museum , see the street art in Maboneng Precinct and take a historical tour of Soweto to get a feel for Johannesburg’s heritage . Then visit Sandton City, browse Rosebank Sunday Market and spend an evening at glitzy Montecasino to see another side of the city.

Planning tip: Johannesburg isn’t walkable, and we do not recommend open-ended wandering around. Plan where you want to go, then drive directly to your destination. You can explore when you get there.

A woman running on a wooden boardwalk down toward the sea and an empty beach

Best town for beaches

A local favorite, Knysna is a coastal town along the famous Garden Route through the Western Cape . Here, you’ll find an array of pristine beaches and idyllic lagoons – and a mix of laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural beauty that makes for an ideal beach getaway . Spend your time on the sand, out on the water or hiking along one of the stunning forest trails.

Planning tip: Book a sunset cruise or guided kayak tour on the Knysna Lagoon to see one of the loveliest coastlines in the country.

Oryx standing in a field of flowers, Namaqualand, South Africa

3. Namaqualand

Best region for wildflowers

This arid, semi-desert region in the Northern Cape is a wonder to behold during the wildflower season. From late July to September, Namaqualand’s arid landscape transforms into a riot of color, as thousands of wildflowers carpet the region .

Aside from the flowers, you can also see the remarkable quiver trees, hike along one of the pretty trails and see the local wildlife, including caracals, leopards, springbok and tortoises.

Planning tip: Make sure you view the wildflowers on a bright, sunny day, when they will fully open.

A wine tasting partnered with a food sampling, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

4. Stellenbosch

Best region for wine tasting

Less than an hour outside of Cape Town, in the heart Cape Winelands , you’ll find Stellenbosch , a picturesque town known for its colonial Cape Dutch architecture, student vibe and excellent vineyards. Walk the town’s quaint streets, then set off to explore the wider region by visiting wine estates nearby.

It’s easy to spend a day at a wine estate, and many offer activities for children too, making it a good trip option for the family . As well as tastings, most of the wineries also offer on-site restaurants and picnic options come meal time. If you have more time, visit nearby Paarl and Franschhoek , where you can take the “wine tram” (a one-car train) to visit the wineries in Franschhoek Valley.

Planning tip: Consider joining a guided wine tour to visit multiple wineries. This not only saves you worries about driving yourself, but gives you insider knowledge about the region's wine production.

Tugela Falls as seen from the of Sentinel Hike, Drakensburg, South Africa

5. Drakensburg

Best region for hiking

South Africa’s largest mountain range is a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to its rugged peaks, lush valleys and dramatic cliffs, the Drakensberg is also dotted with rock and cave art that dates back several thousand years.

Many hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties beckon. One of the most popular moderate hikes is the Tugela Gorge Trail, which meanders through the gorge and along the riverbank until you reach Tugela Falls , perhaps the highest waterfall in the world.

Alternatively, experienced hikers may prefer the Amphitheater Heritage Theatre, which leads to the summit of the Drakensberg escarpment – and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and Tugela Falls.

Planning tip: Pack suitable hiking gear, including layers and sturdy shoes, as weather conditions can change rapidly at these high altitudes.

Women roller skating through Cape Town, South Africa

6. Cape Town

Best place for a city break

Tucked between the ocean and the iconic Table Mountain , Cape Town is easily one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With the mountain dominating the urban landscape here, nature’s drama is obvious just about whenever you look outside.

After dinner and drinks at bustling V&A waterfront , head to the top of the mountain to enjoy the views. Then explore a bit further, depending on your interests: get a taste of Cape Malay culture (and food) in colorful Bo-Kaap , gain some insight into South African history at Robben Island or try surfing at Muizenberg Beach .

Planning tip: Schedule your visit to Table Mountain early in the day to avoid the queues and enjoy the best views before the clouds roll in.

Aerial view of Blyde Canyon, Blyde River Nature Reserve, South Africa

7. Blyde River Canyon

Best spot for panoramic views

One of the world’s largest green canyons, the Blyde River Canyon makes a great complement to a safari in Kruger National Park. The canyon has spectacular scenery, including dramatic rock formations and impressive waterfalls, and it’s worth spending a day or two to take it all in.

Follow the Panorama Route from Graskop, stopping at Bourke’s Luck Potholes , the Three Rondavels , Pinnacle Rock and God’s Window . If you have more time, base yourself in the area for a couple of days and go white-water rafting, mountain biking or hiking through the thick forest. For the ultimate views, see the canyon from above in a hot air balloon.

Tourists on board whale watching ship taking photo of mother whale and white calf in water off the waters of Walker Bay near Hermanus, Cape Overberg, South Africa

8. Hermanus

Best town for whale watching

While this scenic seaside town is worth visiting for its beaches, nature walks and stunning scenery, Hermanus is famous for one reason: whales. From June to November, the coastal town becomes a hub for visitors hoping to see majestic southern right whales frolic in the sheltered waters of Walker Bay.

Spend the rest of your trip exploring the beaches and tidal pools and walking along the spectacular Cliff Path. Before you leave, be sure to sample some local treats at the Hermanus Markets and learn about the origins of the village at the Old Harbour Museum .

Planning tip: To maximize your chance of spotting the gentle giants, plan your whale-watching visit during peak migration season.

People in a safari jeep taking photos of an elephant in Kruger National Park, South Africa

9. Kruger National Park

Best place for safaris

For a thrilling yet accessible safari adventure , head to Kruger National Park . Home to the legendary Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo), this vast expanse of wilderness lets you see wild animals in their natural state. You can expect to spot lions drinking at a water hole, elephants strolling by with their young and giraffes clambering through the bush.

Kruger is easy to get to, whether you’re self-driving or part of an organized excursion, and you can choose to stay at a luxury lodge or camp within the park itself. Just be aware that the park is large, and you can spend a long time driving before you see your favorite animal.

Planning tip: Opt for guided game drives or bush walks with experienced rangers to maximize wildlife sightings and ensure a safe and memorable experience.

This article was first published Apr 28, 2010 and updated Mar 19, 2024.

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25 places in Kerala to become ‘Green Tourism Destinations’

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Created : Sep 9, 2024, 15:21 IST

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Kerala is set to designate 25 tourist spots as 'Green Tourism Destinations' under the 'Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam' campaign, aiming to make the state garbage-free by March 2025. The initiative focuses on sustainable waste manage … Read more

25 places in Kerala to become ‘Green Tourism Destinations’

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Anau Dive and Snorkel Site

Price & Hours

Facilities 1.5
Atmosphere 5.0

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're scuba diving, make slow, steady movements and exhale steadily to avoid scaring away manta rays. The calmer you are, the closer they'll come. – Chantae Reden

Bora Bora's beautiful blue lagoon is home to graceful reef manta rays that cruise between the two coral reefs at Anau dive site. These underwater acrobats often congregate here to feed and be cleaned by small wrasse who tend to the manta rays' skin and gills. Tip to tip, the wingspan of these gentle giants can span 14 feet. And while it's possible to peer down at them from the sea's surface on a snorkeling trip, it's best to come eye-to-eye while scuba diving. If you're lucky, you might also spot sea turtles, reef sharks, barracudas and other rays. Tropical reef fish always make an appearance darting in and out of the coral reef crags.

Dive professionals recommend Anau dive site for beginner divers thanks to its shallow depth and lack of currents. If you have the option, go for an early morning scuba dive as you have a higher chance of encountering favorable weather and therefore better water visibility. If you're thinking of getting your scuba diving certification while in Bora Bora, request Anau as one of your certification dive sites prior to booking.

Dive and snorkel sessions typically span 45 to 60 minutes of water time.

Prices for scuba diving trips to Anau dive site start at around 11,000 CPF per dive (around $100) for certified divers.

Dive Operators

Recommended operators include Eleuthera Diving Center , Bora Ocean Adventures and Hiro Dive Bora Bora . Most dive centers include transport to and from your accommodation in the price of the dive. Gear rental may be extra. Boat access is required to visit the dive site.

For a comfortable experience, pack your own fins, mask and snorkel as sizes are rarely guaranteed.

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#1 Bora Bora Lagoonarium

The Bora Bora Lagoonarium is a natural aquarium on a small motu (island), just east of the main island. (By "natural," we mean that this aquarium isn't human-made. Rather, it's a portion of the actual lagoon). One of the coolest things about this family-owned attraction is that you can snorkel on the premises under the supervision of wildlife guides.

Beneath the lagoon's surface, you might spot blacktip reef sharks, lemon sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and a variety of reef fish. Pink whip stingrays always make an appearance. And depending on what tour you choose (full-day, half-day morning or half-day afternoon), you'll enjoy extras, such as a canoe tour of the island or a barbecue picnic where you'll learn how to open a coconut and make French Polynesia's signature dish, poisson cru . The soundtrack to your day? A medley of upbeat tunes played on the ukulele by your guide.

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Kakum National Park, Ghana. Written by Condé Nast Traveler Staff. Home to 54 countries, Africa has something for everyone. From Algeria's bone-dry Sahara desert to South Africa's iconic urban ...
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Tanzania. Photo from The Selous / Tanzania is one of the top places to visit in Africa. Tanzania is beloved for its safari holidays, fascinating tribal culture, gorgeous beaches, and wild landscapes. It has the Serengeti, Mt Kilimanjaro, Lake Tanganyika, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar Archipelago, all worth visiting.
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2. Kenya, the best country to visit in Africa for safari. Of course, most people come to Kenya because it's the best country to visit in Africa for safari tours. Some of the most recommended places to go on safari in Kenya are Nairobi National Park, the Mara Triangle in Maasai Mara, and Mount Kenya National Park.
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Phone +255 713 524 020. Visit website. Africa is known as one of the best destinations for adventure travel and there are few greater challenges than hiking up the world's tallest free-standing mountain. Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 19,340 feet/ 5,895 meters and takes between five and nine days to summit.
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1.8 Uganda. 1.9 Ethiopia. 2 The Best Places to Travel in North Africa. 2.1 Morocco. 2.2 Egypt. 3 The Best Countries to Visit in Central Africa. 3.1 Rwanda. 3.2 Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC/Zaire) 4 The Best Places to Visit in West Africa.
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75. Mount Kenya, Kenya. Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and Africa's second-highest mountain. It is certainly one of the best places to visit in Africa for adventurous hikers. The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana, with the latter being the most popular summit hike.
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Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Go sandboarding on the dunes of Namibia. Go grade 5 white water rafting on the Nile River at Jinja, Uganda. Bungee jump off the Bloukrans Bridge, the highest bungee from a bridge in the world. Go cage diving with great white sharks in South Africa.
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Nairobi. Known as the safari capital of Africa, Nairobi is an energetic, modern city that serves as a fascinating introduction to both wildlife and nightlife. Music clubs pulse with life, shops and markets bustle, and a mélange of restaurants will tempt your palate in this former Maasai watering hole.
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5. Ngorongoro Crater - Tanzania. The world's largest unbroken, unflooded volcanic caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the great places to go in Africa. The Ngorongoro Crater measures 19km across, 600metres deep (from the rim of the crater to the floor) and has a total floor area of 260km squared.
Africa
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1. "Nigeria is one of the countries with the best roads in Africa". 2. "All the countries in Africa has same problem of insecurity". 3. "Nigeria has the best Land Army in the world". 4. "you had a girlfriend their that broke your heart better express your anger to her".
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One of the best places to travel in Africa if you are avid flower enthusiast. Namaqualand meaning "Nama Khoi people's land", is an arid region extending 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) and covering a total area of 440,000 square kilometres (170,000 sq mi). The region has become a popular location for both local and international tourists. Along the Namakwa coastline and banks of the orange ...
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Africa is one of the best travel destinations in the world. Here, you can enjoy crystal blue beaches, majestic wildlife, and a wealth of culture and history. This article will look at ten countries to visit across the continent. Tourism in Africa increased by 2% in 2014, according to the UN World Tourism Organization report
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'Perfect waves and no crowds:' Angola could be the surfing world's best
Think of surfing and your mind might jump to the beaches of Hawaii, perhaps the Atlantic rollers of Portugal or more classic spots like California or Australia. Probably not Angola. But, it turns ...
25 places in Kerala to become 'Green Tourism Destinations'
Synopsis. Kerala is set to designate 25 tourist spots as 'Green Tourism Destinations' under the 'Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam' campaign, aiming to make the state garbage-free by March 2025.
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Prices for scuba diving trips to Anau dive site start at around 11,000 CPF per dive (around $100) for certified divers. Dive Operators Recommended operators include Eleuthera Diving Center , Bora ...

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15 Best Countries to Visit in Africa in 2024

10 Destinations to Top Your Africa Bucket List

The Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Victoria Falls, Zambia

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Djenné, Mali

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24 Best Places to Visit in Africa

24. Ait Benhaddou (Morocco) [SEE MAP]

23. Isalo National Park (Madagascar) [SEE MAP]

22. Zanzibar (Tanzania) [SEE MAP]

21. Djenne (Mali) [SEE MAP]

20. Lake Malawi (Malawi, Tanzania & Mozambique) [SEE MAP]

19. Etosha National Park (Namibia) [SEE MAP]

18. Lalibela (Ethiopia) [SEE MAP]

17. Virunga National Park (DR Congo) [SEE MAP]

16. Fish River Canyon (Namibia) [SEE MAP]

15. Merzouga (Morocco) [SEE MAP]

14. Praslin (Seychelles) [SEE MAP]

13. Okavango Delta (Botswana) [SEE MAP]

12. Black River Gorges National Park (Mauritius) [SEE MAP]

11. Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) [SEE MAP]

10. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) [SEE MAP]

9. Kruger National Park (South Africa) [SEE MAP]

8. Marrakech (Morocco) [SEE MAP]

7. Luxor (Egypt) [SEE MAP]

6. Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania) [SEE MAP]

5. Cape Town (South Africa) [SEE MAP]

4. Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya) [SEE MAP]

3. Victoria Falls (Zambia & Zimbabwe) [SEE MAP]

2. Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) [SEE MAP]

1. Giza Necropolis (Egypt) [SEE MAP]

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Best Places to Visit in Africa for Beach Lovers

1. Diani, Kenya

2. La Digue, Seychelles

3. Shela, Kenya

4. Zanzibar Island, Tanzania

5. Watamu, Kenya

6. Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

7. Hurghada, Egypt