africa travel 100 under 40

Akwaaba: Africa Travel 100 Under 40 Awards Winners

The Akwaaba Africa Travel Market organiser, Mr Ikechi Uko, has released the final list of Winners for Africa Travel 100 Under 40 Awards. The list comprises the new generation of Travel and Tourism leaders in Africa. The winners will receive their award on the 4th of September 2023 at Akwaaba African Travel Market .

Below is the list of winners and their countries.

1) Andinet Feleke- President Of Ethiopian Tour Operators- MD Of Jacaranda Tours, Ethiopia

2) Nega Wedajo Werete – Deputy Commissioner, Oromia Tourism Commission, Ethiopia

3) Capt Kalkidan Girma, The First ET Captain of Airbus 350, Ethiopia

4) Mr Ashenafi Mulugeta Kebede – Chairman, Addis Ababa Hotel and Tourism Professionals Association, Ethiopia

CONGO – BRAZZAVILLE

5) Mpea Wanda – Kiki Lawanda Tours – Congo, Brazzaville

6) Francel Emerancy Ibalank- Wild Safari Tours – Congo, Brazzaville

7) Amani Musemakweli Prince – CEO Rest-Congo, DRC

8) Lilian Maximillian Kramer – Zohar Tours, Tanzania

9) Agatha Bernard Mndeme – Afro Lioness Adventures, Tanzania

10) Gloria Thobias – Adventure Women Africa, Tanzania

11) Gloria Meiseyeki – Journalist, Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation, Tanzania

12) Zena Mshana – Your Holiday Abroad, Tanzania

13) Sadiki Mohamed Ali – General Manager- Assalam Community Foundation, Tanzania

14) Boss Sinda – Tanzania

15) Maame Ama Nyakoa Akwaboah – Manak Travels Ltd, Ghana

16) Frances Arthur – Key Account Manager, Accra City, Ghana

17) Alice Mankor Sagoe – Lisadel Travel and Tours, Ghana

18) Michael Kojo Orleans – Tourchlight Tours, Ghana

19) Philomena Sarpong – Flylinks Travels, Takoradi, Ghana

20) Radia Adama Saani – CEO- Moon Touch Travel Ltd, Ghana

21) Ransford Tamakloe – Ghana

22) Elizabeth Sasu, CEO –GH Aviation Publication, Ghana

23) Susan Mawena Amelia – The Seed Travel Consult, Ghana

24) Samuel Obeng Appah – Content Editor, Voyagesafriq Travel Media Ghana

25) Jamie Mumba -Gateway Tours and Travel, Zambia

26) Howard Kapwenge – Zambia

27) Philippe Ndiaga BA – Senegal

28) Tuyeni Junias, Namibia

29) Ms Loide Kulaumone Muatunga – Founder – Eco Gliding Tours, Swakopmund Namibia

30) Caroline Amutuhaire – Uganda

31) Ann Kalembe – Uganda

32) Jessica Nabongo – First Black Woman to travel to every country in the world, Uganda

33) Frank RUHINIRWA – Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education, Uganda

34) ONESMUS MUTUUZA – Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education, Uganda

35) Komuhendo Violet – Afrika Panthera Safaris

36) Haddyjatou Njie – Gambia

37) Ramatoulie Jallow – Founder – Smiling Coast Tourism, Gambia

SOUTH AFRICA

38) Ms Charmaine Tebogo Shirindzi – CTS Travel & Tours, South Africa

39) Presca Matjea, Travel Daring Adventures (PTY) Ltd, South Africa

40) Kabelo Maleka – TravelbugZa, South Africa

41) Lerato Ndlovu – Ndlovukazi Tours and Transfers, South Africa

42) Mel Tlhapi – South African Travel Specialist, South Africa

43) Netto Maluka – Mbombela Experience, South Africa

44) Kyasha Bhoola – Tripsnstays, South Africa

45) Phaka Hlazo Zulu Nomad, South Africa

46) Mamello Mofokeng – South Africa

47) Mukhatshelwa Gadisi (Katchie Nzama A 2017 Winner) Solo Traveler, South Africa

48) Boipelo Tladinyane Hlubi – Solo Traveler, South Africa

49) Tinotenda Makechemu – My Kariba Travel & Tours – Zimbabwe

50) A Douglas Musiringofa – Pristine Victoria Falls Society (PVFS), Zimbabwe

51) Phineas Kapinga – Nxunga Beetsha Delta Safaris, Botswana

52) KB Kebalatetse – Travel Manager, Easy Escape Travel & Tours, Botswana

SIERRA LEONE

53) Peter Momah Bassie – Tour Operator, Sierra Leone

54) Ralia Iya Adan –Musaafir Vacations – Kenya

55) Ms Rosebelle Mugabi – CEO – Luxit Africa, Kenya

56) Yvonne Kilonzo – CEO Marony Travel, Kenya

57) Hussein Jiwani – Kenya

58) Asha Sofis Muktar – Kenya

59) Mr Iteyo David – CEO Crowned Eagle Safaris

60) Cammue A Mulbah – Liberia

61) Hanson G. Blayon – Liberia

62) Samson Bryant – Liberia

63) Anthonette Quayee – Liberia

64) Omar khaled Mohamed Ragaie Souelim – Hammock Tours, Egypt

65) Arethada da Silva – Tropicana, Angola

BENIN REPUBLIC

66) Abadjaye Justin Sodogandji – Benin Republic

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

67) Julianna Amokohou –Director General, REV TRAVEL AGENCY, Central African Republic

68) Ariella Kageruka – Head of Tourism & Conservation, Rwanda Tourism Board

69) Nice Uwase – Commercial Director, Radisson Blu & Convention Center, Kigali, Rwanda

70) Janet Karemera – CEO- Rwanda Convention Bureau, Rwanda

71) Dora Ngarambe – Founder BOHO Restaurant, Rwanda

72) Annie Uwase Anuarite – Rwandan Female Driver & Tour Guide, Rwanda

73) Lola Adefope – Managing Director BTM,

74) Jibola Oluseye – Founder Taste of Africa Vibes,

75) Olukayode Deborah – Project Officer, AKWAABA African Travel Market,

76) Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo – First Nigerian Female B787 Captain at Qatar Airways

77) Adunola Okupe – CEO Redclay Advisory,

78) Rosemary Okoli – CEO Trippzap Hospitality Development & Management Company

79) Mr Yemi Smith – CEO Travel Tank,

80) Capt Thomas Olanrewaju – Ibom Air,

81) Umeokoli Cordis Yotamara – Public Relations Officer- Nigerian Association of Tour Operators, NATOP

82) Mrs Mayowa Obasanya – Junior Partner, DandP Travels,

83) David Batur – CEO – Sehembz Travel,

84) Funke Ogunkoya-Futi Aka Sassy Funke,

85) Iyiola Mariam – TravelWithMariam,

86) Aminat Akanbi – Triplister Tours,

87) Danjuma Salome – Sales Manager – WheatBaker Hotel, Nigeria

88) Chiamaka Obuekwe – CEO of Social Prefect Tours, Nigeria

89) Dein Gbabo – Portfolio Sales Manager at Reeds Expo RX Global UK

90) ZAINAB ABDULKADIR – Havico Global,

91) Omotosho Hakeem Olamilekan – Omotosho Travels, Promoter Kwara State Tourism

92) Atabo David – Visit Ado Awaye, Nigeria

93) Abolaji Kelani – CEO Aerovessel Aviation College,

94) Tina Nwanya – NjeTours,

95) Glory Arasomwan – Quotaway Services,

96) Daniel Bello – Visit Ososo,

97) Omotoke Fatoki – ThatTokeLady

98) Ajoke Adetilehin – Tripholics,

99) Chukwuebuka Dennis Okeke – Big Time Africa Media

100) Hilda Effiong Baci – Winner Guinness World Record Cook-a-thon

About Akwaaba African Travel Market

Akwaaba African Travel Market is an international travel, tourism and hospitality event organized annually in Lagos, Nigeria aimed at businesses, investors, governments decision – makers and buyers in the industry, providing business opportunities, industry news and showcasing products in Africa and around the world.

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Hussein Jiwani, MD of Go Places Africa DMC, Secures a Coveted Spot in Africa Travel 100 Under 40

• November 23, 2023

Trailblazer Triumph: Hussein Jiwani Takes Top Honors in Africa Travel 100 Under 40

In a momentous achievement, Hussein Jiwani, the Managing Director of Go Places Africa DMC, has emerged triumphant in the Africa Travel 100th Top 100 Under 40 awards. The announcement was made during the MKTE & EARTE Expo 2023, which concluded today at the prestigious Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

Jiwani’s recognition in the Top 100 Under 40 is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the travel and tourism industry. His innovative approaches, dedication, and leadership have not only propelled Go Places Africa DMC to new heights but have also earned him a well-deserved place among Africa’s top young professionals.

The award ceremony, held against the backdrop of the MKTE & EARTE Expo 2023, marked a significant moment for Jiwani and the entire Go Places Africa DMC team. The expo, a prominent platform for industry players, provided the perfect setting to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional prowess in the travel sector.

Jiwani’s passion for the industry and commitment to excellence have not gone unnoticed. The Top 100 Under 40 accolade reflects his ability to navigate the dynamic landscape of travel and tourism in Africa. As the MD of Go Places Africa DMC, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s success, and this recognition is a fitting acknowledgment of his hard work and vision.

Upon receiving the award, Jiwani expressed gratitude for the support of his team and the opportunities that the travel industry has offered him. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and a customer-centric approach in achieving success in the competitive travel landscape.

As we celebrate this milestone with Hussein Jiwani, it’s evident that his achievements will continue to inspire the next generation of travel professionals. His journey serves as a reminder that determination, creativity, and a genuine passion for the industry can lead to remarkable accomplishments.

Congratulations, Hussein Jiwani, on this well-deserved honor! May this recognition be a stepping stone to even greater achievements, and may your story inspire others to reach for the stars in the world of travel and beyond. Here’s to a future filled with continued success and groundbreaking endeavors.

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Hilda Baci, 99 others bag Africa Travel under 40 awards

The organiser commended the efforts of Nigerian youths blazing the trail in the tourism and hospitality industries.

Hilda Baci, Nigerian Guinness World Record Cook-a-thon winner, Gloria Michael, Tanzanian journalist and 98 other Africans have won “100 Africa Travel under 40 awards.”

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Ikechi Uko , organiser of AKWAABA Africa Travel and Tourism Market as well as “100 Africa Travel under 40 awards,” commended the efforts of Nigerian youths blazing the trail in the tourism and hospitality industries.

Uko noted that the award ceremony, which held in Lagos on Monday, recognised 100 youths across Africa who were under 40 and doing excellently well in the industry. He said the 2023 edition was the most difficult to achieve because youths across some African countries were not performing up to expectation in the industry.

He, however, encouraged African youths to be committed to making tangible contributions to the growth of the industry. He urged the renowned practitioners to intensify efforts to train youths to achieve their potential and make valuable contributions to the industry.

“ Domestic tourism in Nigeria is championed by the young people, this is not the case in some other African countries.

“So, the Africa Travel 100 under 40 awards is unique but most difficult.

“The successful practitioners in the industry should make conscious efforts to mentor the younger ones because we will have to hand over to them someday,” he said.

Earlier, Michael appreciated the organisers of the award as she described her growth in the industry as a journey of learning. She said attention was drawn on her due to the publication of her book entitled “Kumbukizi Kilimanjaro,” translated as “Memories of Climbing.”

“ I am excited right now, this is one of the best lessons of my life. When told about the award, I was excited.

“This is a motivation to be more dedicated to perfect my writing and promote tourism,” she said.

Also, Jibola Oluseye , another recipient said “ Today makes another significant moment of my life, I want to say thank you to Ikechi Uko and the entire AKWAABA team.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other recipients of the awards were: Phineas Kapinga of Nxunga Beetsha Delta Safaris and KB Kebalatetse , Travel Manager, Easy Escape Travel & Tours both in Botswana.

Also, Peter Momah Bassie , tour operator from Sierra Leone; Cammue Mulbah, Hanson Blayon, Samson Bryant and Anthonette Quayee from Liberia while Omar khaled of Hammock Tours is from Egypt.

Similarly, Jibola Oluseye , Founder Taste of Africa Vibes; Olukayode Deborah , Project Officer, AKWAABA African Travel Market and Yemi Smith , Chief Executive Officer, Travel Tank won the awards. Others are: Capt Thomas Olanrewaju of Ibom Air and Umeokoli Cordis , Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Association of Tour Operators, NATOP.

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The Forty under 40 Africa Awards is to identify, honour and celebrate a cross-section of the continents most influential and accomplished young business leaders under the age forty from a wide range of industries we cover, who are committed to business growth, professional excellence and community service and have risen up the ranks of their companies or industries at a relatively young age as result of this.

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Hilda Baci, 99 others bag Africa Travel under 40 awards

Hilda Baci, Nigerian Guinness World Record Cook-a-thon winner, Gloria Michael, Tanzanian journalist and 98 other Africans have won “100 Africa Travel under 40 awards.”

Ikechi Uko, organiser of AKWAABA Africa Travel and Tourism Market as well as “100 Africa Travel under 40 awards,” commended the efforts of Nigerian youths blazing the trail in the tourism and hospitality industries.

Uko noted that the award ceremony, which held in Lagos on Monday, recognised 100 youths across Africa who were under 40 and doing excellently well in the industry. He said the 2023 edition was the most difficult to achieve because youths across some African countries were not performing up to expectation in the industry.

He, however, encouraged African youths to be committed to making tangible contributions to the growth of the industry. He urged the renowned practitioners to intensify efforts to train youths to achieve their potential and make valuable contributions to the industry.

“ Domestic tourism in Nigeria is championed by the young people, this is not the case in some other African countries.

“So, the Africa Travel 100 under 40 awards is unique but most difficult.

“The successful practitioners in the industry should make conscious efforts to mentor the younger ones because we will have to hand over to them someday,”  he said.

Earlier, Michael appreciated the organisers of the award as she described her growth in the industry as a journey of learning. She said attention was drawn on her due to the publication of her book entitled “Kumbukizi Kilimanjaro,” translated as “Memories of Climbing.”

“ I am excited right now, this is one of the best lessons of my life. When told about the award, I was excited.

“This is a motivation to be more dedicated to perfect my writing and promote tourism,” she said.

Also, Jibola Oluseye, another recipient said “Today makes another significant moment of my life, I want to say thank you to Ikechi Uko and the entire AKWAABA team.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other recipients of the awards were: Phineas Kapinga of Nxunga Beetsha Delta Safaris and KB Kebalatetse, Travel Manager, Easy Escape Travel & Tours both in Botswana.

Also, Peter Momah Bassie, tour operator from Sierra Leone; Cammue Mulbah, Hanson Blayon, Samson Bryant and Anthonette Quayee from Liberia while Omar khaled of Hammock Tours is from Egypt.

Similarly, Jibola Oluseye, Founder Taste of Africa Vibes; Olukayode Deborah, Project Officer, AKWAABA African Travel Market and Yemi Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Travel Tank won the awards. Others are: Capt Thomas Olanrewaju of Ibom Air and Umeokoli Cordis, Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Association of Tour Operators, NATOP.

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Moontouch Travel Ltd Wins Africa Travel 100 Under 40 Award

Moontouch Travel Ltd, one of the celebrated Travel and Tour companies in Ghana, has been adjudged a winner of this year’s edition of Africa Travel 100 Under 40 Awards at the 19th Akwaaba African Travel Market held at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos, Nigeria. This special award was received by the Chief Executive Officer of MoonTouch Travel Ltd, Radia Adama Saani.

The list of the winners from the African continent, comprised of generally the new generation of Travel and Tourism leaders in Africa.

They are those who have endeared themselves and worked tirelessly to change the narrative in advancing tourism in their respective countries.

The colorful ceremony, took place on Monday 4th September 2023, as part of the four day annual tourism conference that brings together tourism industry players in the African continent.

The organizers of the Africa Travel 100 Under 40 Awards noted that the recognition of the awardees, would make them (award winners) feel that their hard work is recognized and valued internationally.

Goldstar Air donates to kids in Tourism (KIT) Ghana towards the success of their annual festival

“It shows approval and gratitude for each person’s good job, and it makes people aware that good work will be rewarded. It shows others, such as the general public and other staff members, that you’re aware of outstanding accomplishments”.

In appreciation, many of the award winners said the recognition was  an acknowledgement of a job well done and justification for the agony, the self-doubt, and the hard work that went into attempting to play an important role, no matter how little, to build the yawning tourism industry in Africa, and therefore winning the awards.

For the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Moontouch Travel Ltd, Radia Adama Saani, the Award and recognition, only justified hard work. The awards, she emphasized, makes her feel proud, happy, overwhelmed, and extremely delighted.

“To have been acknowledged for our performance as a company in an intrinsic or extrinsic way, is definitely not a mean achievement.

Recognition & Reward, only presents our hard work to the outside world and the environment within which and where we operate.

READ ALSO:  KYFILLA Wins Prestigious African Excellence Awards 2022 Best Sports and Entertainment News Platform West Africa

There is appropriate acknowledgement and appreciation of our employees efforts in this affairs, and i want to appreciate them for their commitment, dedication to duty and the regular hardwork they display.

The timely manner within which the award has been presented to the company is equally important. We are five years old in the industry, and all that we have been doing, in my view has been recognized internationally. Therefore, we can only assure our cherished customers that, together we will improve tourism and the Aviation sectors in Ghana and Africa in general” she concluded.

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Africa Travel 100 Under 40 Award Winners 2023

• Esther Salami
• September 5, 2023

The winners of Africa Travel 100 under 40 Awards received their awards on the 4th of September 2023 at Akwaaba African Travel Market, an international travel, tourism, and hospitality event organized annually in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Africa Travel 100 Under 40 Awards aim to identify, honor, and celebrate the new generation of travel and tourism leaders in Africa. The awards recognize the achievements of young professionals who are making a significant impact on the African travel and tourism industry.

The awards are open to individuals under the age of 40 who work in a variety of sectors within the travel and tourism industry, including a ccommodation, a irlines, d estination marketing organizations, e vent management, h ospitality, t our operators, t ravel agencies, t ourism boards, and w ildlife conservation.  Nominations are open to the public and are judged by a panel of industry experts, with the winners being announced at the Akwaaba African Travel Market.

The event focuses on businesses, investors, government decision – decision-makers, and buyers in the travel industry, providing business opportunities, industry news, and showcasing products in Africa and around the world.

•  Andinet Feleke- President Of Ethiopian Tour Operators- MD Of Jacaranda Tours, Ethiopia
• Nega Wedajo Werete – Deputy Commissioner, Oromia Tourism Commission, Ethiopia
• Capt Kalkidan Girma, The First ET Captain of Airbus 350, Ethiopia
• Mr Ashenafi Mulugeta Kebede – Chairman, Addis Ababa Hotel and Tourism Professionals Association, Ethiopia
• Mpea Wanda – Kiki Lawanda Tours
• Francel Emerancy Ibalank- Wild Safari Tours
• Amani Musemakweli Prince – CEO Rest
• Lilian Maximillian Kramer – Zohar Tours
• Agatha Bernard Mndeme – Afro Lioness Adventures
• Gloria Tobias – Adventure Women Africa
• Gloria Meiseyeki – Journalist, Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation
• Zena Mshana – Your Holiday Abroad
• Sadiki Mohamed Ali – General Manager- Assalam Community Foundation
• Maame Ama Nyakoa Akwaboah – Manak Travels Ltd
• Frances Arthur – Key Account Manager, Accra City
• Alice Mankor Sagoe – Lisadel Travel and Tours
• Michael Kojo Orleans – Torchlight Tours
• Philomena Sarpong – Flylinks Travels, Takoradi
• Radia Adama Saani – CEO- Moon Touch Travel Ltd
• Ransford Tamakloe
• Elizabeth Sasu, CEO –GH Aviation Publication
• Susan Mawena Amelia – The Seed Travel Consult
• Samuel Obeng Appah – Content Editor, Voyagesafriq Travel Media
• Jamie Mumba -Gateway Tours and Travel
• Howard Kapwenge
• Philippe Ndiaga BA
• Tuyeni Junias
• Ms Loide Kulaumone Muatunga – Founder – Eco Gliding Tours, Swakopmund
• Caroline Amutuhaire
• Ann Kalembe
• Jessica Nabongo – First Black Woman to travel to every country in the world
• Frank RUHINIRWA – Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education
• ONESMUS MUTUUZA – Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education
• Komuhendo Violet – Afrika Panthera Safaris
• Haddyjatou Njie
• Ramatoulie Jallow – Founder – Smiling Coast Tourism

South Africa

• Ms Charmaine Tebogo Shirindzi – CTS Travel & Tours
• Presca Matjea, Travel Daring Adventures (PTY) Ltd
• Kabelo Maleka – TravelbugZa
• Lerato Ndlovu – Ndlovukazi Tours and Transfers
• Mel Tlhapi – South African Travel Specialist
• Netto Maluka – Mbombela Experience
• Kyasha Bhoola – Tripsnstays
• Phaka Hlazo Zulu Nomad
• Mamello Mofokeng
• Mukhatshelwa Gadisi (Katchie Nzama A 2017 Winner) Solo Traveler
• Boipelo Tladinyane Hlubi – Solo Traveler
• Tinotenda Makechemu – My Kariba Travel & Tours
• Douglas Musiringofa – Pristine Victoria Falls Society (PVFS)
• Phineas Kapinga – Nxunga Beetsha Delta Safaris
• KB Kebalatetse – Travel Manager, Easy Escape Travel & Tours

Sierra Leone

• Peter Momah Bassie – Tour Operator
• Ralia Iya Adan –Musaafir Vacations
• Ms Rosebelle Mugabi – CEO – Luxit Africa
• Yvonne Kilonzo – CEO Marony Travel
• Hussein Jiwani
• Asha Sofis Muktar
• Mr. Iteyo David – CEO of Crowned Eagle Safaris
• Cammue A Mulbah
• Hanson G. Blayon
• Samson Bryant
• Anthonette Quayee
• Omar Khaled Mohamed Ragaie Souelim – Hammock Tours
• Arethada da Silva – Tropicana

Benin Republic

• Abadjaye Justin Sodogandji

Central African Republic

• Julianna Amokohou –Director General, Rev Travel Agency
• Ariella Kageruka – Head of Tourism & Conservation, Rwanda Tourism Board
• Nice Uwase – Commercial Director, Radisson Blu & Convention Center, Kigali
• Janet Karemera – CEO- Rwanda Convention Bureau
• Dora Ngarambe – Founder BOHO Restaurant
• Annie Uwase Anuarite – Rwandan Female Driver & Tour Guide
• Lola Adefope – Managing Director BTM
• Jibola Oluseye – Founder Taste of Africa Vibes
• Olukayode Deborah – Project Officer, AKWAABA African Travel Market
• Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo – First Nigerian Female B787 Captain at Qatar Airways
• Adunola Okupe – CEO of Redclay Advisory
• Rosemary Okoli – CEO Trippzap Hospitality Development & Management Company
• Mr Yemi Smith – CEO of Travel Tank
• Capt Thomas Olanrewaju – Ibom Air
• Umeokoli Cordis Yotamara – Public Relations Officer- Nigerian Association of Tour Operators, NATOP
• Mrs Mayowa Obasanya – Junior Partner, DandP Travels
• David Batur – CEO – Sehembz Travel
• Funke Ogunkoya-Futi Aka Sassy Funke
• Iyiola Mariam – TravelWithMariam
• Aminat Akanbi – Triplister Tours
• anjuma Salome – Sales Manager – WheatBaker Hotel
• Chiamaka Obuekwe – CEO of Social Prefect Tours
• Dein Gbabo – Portfolio Sales Manager at Reeds Expo RX Global UK
• ZAINAB ABDULKADIR – Havico Global
• Omotosho Hakeem Olamilekan – Omotosho Travels, Promoter Kwara State Tourism
• Atabo David – Visit Ado Awaye
• Abolaji Kelani – CEO AeroVessel Aviation College
• Tina Nwanya – NjeTours
• Glory Arasomwan – Quotaway Services
• Daniel Bello – Visit Ososo
• Omotoke Fatoki – ThatTokeLady
• Ajoke Adetilehin – Tripholics
• Chukwuebuka Dennis Okeke – Big Time Africa Media
• Hilda Effiong Baci – Winner of Guinness World Record Cook-a-thon

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Ultimate AFRICA Travel Guide

The  African continent  is the second-largest in the world, featuring 54 countries and 12 territories. To truly explore all it has to offer would take you a lifetime and man, would that be a wild ride. Our  Africa Travel guide  is here to serve you advice and insight on the most popular areas of the continent and places we have personally visited.

We have an insatiable love for the African continent and have returned four times since our first trip. You’ll be hard-pressed to find the sheer diversity and wonders that it offers on any other continent in this world.

The continent is generally divided into regions, which you’ll find references to throughout this guide and our other Africa content on this site.

Southern Africa  generally refers to the countries of South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini (Swaziland), Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Madagascar.

Eastern Africa  generally refers to the countries of Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Djibouti, Somalia, Eritrea, Comoros, Seychelles and Mauritius.

Central Africa  generally refers to the countries of Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Sao Tome & Principe.

West Africa  generally refers to the countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.

North Africa  generally refers to the countries of Morocco, Western Sahara, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, and Sudan. Some of these countries are often grouped together with the Middle East region.

TOP Destinations

Africa country guides, africa travel: quick tips, don’t visit africa without:.

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AFRICA BUCKET LIST

Go on safari & see the big five.

Taking a safari is on the top of every Africa bucket list, for good reason! You’ll spend your mornings and evenings viewing wildlife and searching for the  Big Five . Famous places include the  Serengeti , Masai Mara,  Hwange , Kruger, and  Etosha , to name a few.

HELICOPTER OVER VICTORIA FALLS

Spanning 1078 meters, Victoria Falls is one of the world’s largest waterfalls and it’s a sight to behold. One of the best ways to experience its glory is by taking a  helicopter flight over Victoria Falls  and the surrounding area. We’ve done it twice, it’s that good!

TAKE THE FERRY TO ZANZIBAR

If you’re planning to visit Tanzania, then  Zanzibar  should be on your list. This island features not only dreamy beaches on the Indian Ocean but rich history. Leave time to soak up the sun, scuba dive, and explore Stone Town during your visit.

MORE THINGS TO TRY IN AFRICA

There is no shortage of great things to do in Africa during your visit and the biggest problem you’ll face is fitting them all into your itinerary.

Each country has its own offering and unique things to check out during a visit, so be sure to look at our city guides once you decide where you’re itinerary will take you.

SEE PENGUINS IN CAPE TOWN:   One of the highlights of visiting South Africa is  visiting the famed Boulder Beach  in Cape Town to view a lively population of Jackass Penguins that live there. The beach, as its name suggests, features massive boulders set on white sands against a bright blue seascape.

GO CAGE DIVING WITH GREAT WHITE SHARKS:  One of the best places in the world to view and  cage dive with Great White Sharks  is off the coast of Gansbaai, South Africa. With the presence of a permanent seal colony, this area is like a giant buffet for hungry sharks. While the sightings are never guaranteed, if you have an encounter here, you’ll likely not forget it anytime soon.

SKYDIVING IN SWAKOPMUND:  One of the best ways to see the stretch of the mighty Namib Desert is by heading to the sky. For us, we chose to increase the adrenaline by jumping out of the plane too.  Skydiving in Namibia  gives you a perspective and appreciation of this part of the world in a way that few other can.

VISIT THE NAMIB DESERT:  Behind the mighty Sahara Desert to the North, the Namib Desert is one of the greatest in Africa. Located in Namibia, it features special places like Sossusvlei, Dune 45 and Deadvlei, featuring large salt pans with massive dune backdrops.

VISIT THE GRAND CANYON OF AFRICA:  Located just over the border of South Africa, in Namibia, is  Fish River Canyon . This massive natural landmark rivals the scenery of the Grand Canyon in the USA and offers not only incredible views but great hiking too.

CANOE SAFARI IN BOTSWANA:  If you’re looking for something a little different and more exclusive than a traditional safari, then you’ll want to head to the  Okavango Delta in Botswana . Here, you will navigate the vast wetlands by traditional Mokoro (dugout) canoe in search of hippos and the Big Five.

CAMP WITH ELEPHANTS IN BOTSWANA:  I know, it sounds crazy but trust us when we say it’s an incredible experience. The  Elephant Sands Camp in Botswana  is set up near a massive watering hole that provides refreshment for a huge herd of elephants. The camp features traditional campsites and cabins, along with a nice central lodge where you can enjoy the pool and watch the elephants in the water hole. It’s not unheard of for the elephants to walk right through camp, either.

VISIT MATOPOS NP IN ZIMBABWE:  Get off the beaten track and visit one of our favorite places in Africa, Matopos National Park in Zimbabwe. Here you can do two very special things, take a walking safari with Rhinos and see cave paintings from the dawn of humanity.

SCUBA DIVE IN LAKE MALAWI:  Get some freshwater diving under your belt and head underwater in the 4th largest freshwater lake in the world. Lake Malawi is home to more species of fish than any other lake in the world and offers up more than 700 species of cichlids. This makes  scuba diving Lake Malawai  a unique experience to add to both your diving resume and Africa bucket list.

CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO:  Take on the tallest mountain on the African continent and one of the seven world summits, Mount Kilimanjaro during your visit to Africa. With a 66% success rate, it won’t be an easy climb but it will certainly be an adventure you won’t soon forget.

TOUR AROUND WEST KENYA:  If you are seeking a more off the beaten path experience, head to west Kenya. Here you’ll find some incredible national parks such as Nakuru, Hells Gate and Aberdere. You’ll also get an inside look at the major tea plantations of Kenya in Kericho.

RAFT THE NILE RIVER IN UGANDA:  Jinja, Uganda is the gateway to adventure on the Nile River. From here, you have the opportunity to white water raft and kayak on the might Nile River. This is a gnarly experience and you should expect big water, meaning you’ll spend more time in the water than you will sitting on the raft. If you’re okay with this, you’ll find few white water experiences to rival this one.

VISIT THE KIGALI GENOCIDE MUSEUM IN RWANDA:  Take a haunting look at Rwanda’s past by visiting the Genocide Memorial Museum in Kigali. This is often combined with gorilla safaris in Volcano National Park and shouldn’t be missed. You’ll get an insight into the history of the country and humanity as a whole.

STRADDLE THE EQUATOR IN UGANDA:  With the equator splitting the African continent in half, you simply cannot miss the opportunity to stand in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, at the same time, if you find yourself traveling overland through Uganda.

VISIT TRIBES IN THE OMO VALLEY:  The Omo Valley in Ethiopia is one of the last truly wild spaces in Africa. Home to eight  Ethiopian Tribes  totaling more than 200,000 inhabitants, you’ll have the privilege of witnessing what life is like in the heart of Africa.

HIKE THE SIMIEN MOUNTAINS IN ETHIOPIA:  The  Simien Mountains in Ethiopia  offer some of the most beautiful hiking we have ever done in our world travels. Sitting at the very top of the Rift Valley, this is the last stand of the lush landscape before it drops off into the Nubian Desert and into Sudan. Not only does the park offer spectacular hiking, but you’ll have the change to see the endemic Gelada Baboons, also known as Bleeding Heart Baboons, that inhabit and thrive in the mountain hillsides.

NOTABLE AFRICA EVENTS

GREAT MIGRATION:  The Great Wildebeest River Crossing of the Mara River is one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Thousands of wildebeest and other migrating animals follow the lush land across the crocodile-infested waters. To witness the event is both heartbreaking and thrilling as plenty will not survive to cross again next year. The migration begins around late June, hitting its peak in July, although predicting an exact date is not possible.

KWITA IZINA : Taking place at the entrance to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Kwita Izina is an annual event that takes place in September to name all of the gorillas that were born in the previous year. It is attended by more than 30,000 people from around the world, including the President of Rwanda (who we met when we attended in 2015!). It is a proud celebration of conservation.

START PLANNING YOUR ITINERARY!

Popular africa travel destinations, south africa.

South Africa is a classic African safari destination, as the country offers a range of safari parks, landscapes, and importantly, the chance to see all the  Big Five animals  – the lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant. Across South Africa, you can visit a range of different reserves and national parks, while you can find accommodation and tours to suit many different budgets, be it camping out under stars or enjoying a luxury getaway in the wilderness. Kruger National Park, close to the city of Johannesburg, is the country’s most famous safari destination. The Addo Elephant National Park is the place to see elephants, while the nearby Shamwari Game Reserve is a popular place for safari too. South Africa is also one of the best places in the world to observe and  dive with Great White Sharks  off the coast in Gansbaai.

Although politically, Zimbabwe is never in the news for good reasons, for safari-goers, it’s always been, and always will be a  top spot on the continent . The country’s most famous game preserve is the  Hwange National Park , which actually borders Botswana’s northern national parks, to form one huge area of cross-border wilderness. Hwange National Park protects hundreds of species of animals, including elephants, leopards, cheetahs, lions, and even the rare wild dog, which survives in few other locations in Africa. Additionally, Zimbabwe is home to the famed  Victoria Falls , rich colonial history from its time as Rhodesia, insane Rhino viewing opportunities, accessible early humanity cave paintings, and the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. It’s a beautiful and diverse country that deserves your time spent. 

UGANDA & RWANDA

Uganda & Rwanda can be two of the most fascinating Africa travel destinations. If it’s gorillas you’re looking for , then head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. In other parts of Uganda, you can visit the Queen Elizabeth National Park for a classic safari. Like neighboring Uganda, Rwanda is a fantastic place to see gorillas in their natural habitat. The best place for  gorilla trekking in Rwanda  is the remote Volcanoes National Park. In a way, this experience is more iconic than Uganda, as you are able to visit the area that Dian Fossey conducted her research. Additionally, Rwanda has a rich history and a visit to Kigali is worth a stop too. 

Found along the southwest coast of the continent, Namibia has a staggering diversity of climates and landscapes, making this a fascinating safari destination. The country is known for its dry and dusty deserts, like the famed  Sossusvlei  and  Deadvlei ,  and windswept coastline near  Swakopmund , and if you want to experience the best safari, head to the excellent  Etosha National Park  where you can find salt pans, grasslands, and even forests, not to mention elephants, rhinos, springboks, giraffes, and many more African animals. In Namibia, you can also visit the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which borders both Botswana and South Africa. 

Tanzania  is an excellent African safari destination on the east coast of the continent because as well as being able to enjoy classic game reserves, you can also spend time at the country’s beautiful beaches, like in  Zanzibar , – you might even see an elephant strolling along the white sands by the Indian Ocean. It’s possible to take a  Tanzania safari  across 16 national parks in total, with the most iconic being the  Serengeti National Park  and the Ngorongoro Crater. These great savannahs are classic safari territory, with sweeping plains and huge herds. You can even see the Great Migration here, as millions of animals move across the region in time with the changing seasons. Other great destinations include Selous Game Reserve, while along the coast, Saadani National Park might be the smallest national park in the country, but it’s here that you can enjoy both the beach and a classic African safari.

While not your typical safari destination in Africa, per se, you do have the chance to trek deep into the  Simien Mountains  to see the endemic and endangered Gelada Baboons. Ethiopia, on the other hand, is a fascinating country of culture, and uncovering the history in places like Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Lalibela, Axum, and Gondar will leave you in wonder. The adventurous should also head into the Omo Valley to interact with a handful of  unique Ethiopian tribes .

Botswana  has long been one of the premier destinations on the continent for an African Safari because the vast national parks are teeming with wildlife. 17% of the country’s landmass is preserved or protected, offering a haven for animals.  Chobe National Park  is one of the classic safari destinations, and here you can find enormous herds of elephants all along the Chobe River. In the  Okavango Delta , you can take boat safaris in search of crocodiles and hippos living in the dense network of waterways, and forming one of the greenest parts of Africa. For first-time safari-goers, Botswana is easily one of the best destinations, as you’ll be able to spot all of the Big Five in high numbers across the country.

To the north of Tanzania,  Kenya  is another enduring Africa travel destination. Many safari-goers will visit both Tanzania and Kenya on the same trip, as the vast Serengeti plains stretch across the borders of both countries. Kenya is a great place to observe the Great Migration too, and the country’s most famous reserve is the Masai Mara National Reserve, where you will find all the classic African animals. Other popular safari parks include Tsavo East and Tsavo West, which are both close to the Indian Ocean, as well as the beautiful scenes and vast numbers of flamingoes that you can find around Lake Nakuru. It is also possible to go on safari in the Nairobi National Park where you can see safari animals with the skyline of the city in the distance. Beachgoers will waste no time heading to the white sand coastline of Mombasa where you can relax next to the teal waters of the Indian Ocean.

NORTH AFRICA

Again, not a part of the African continent you would visit for safari, but not mentioning incredible cultural and historical destinations like  Morocco  and  Egypt  would be wrong! This region of Africa is defined by the Sahara Desert and is often included as part of the  Middle East  due to the predominantly Mulsim culture across the countries here. In Egypt, you can admire the Great  Pyramids of Giza  and tour the  Valley of the Kings . In Morocco, you can head into the desert on a  Sahara desert camel safari .

AFRICA TRAVEL BUDGET

Setting a budget for Africa travel is highly dependent on your travel style. It is possible to visit just about anywhere across the continent on any budget and still have a great trip. That said, you can make your trip as basic or as luxurious as you desire.

To help you set your budget, we’ve included some base range price estimations. Of course, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on seasons, availability and festivals.

Travel costs also vary from country to country, and you can spend as little or as much as you desire on an African safari.

The cheapest safaris will generally cost around USD 150 per day, including your transport, basic accommodation and meals, while luxurious safaris can cost upwards of thousands of USD per day, for glamorous lodges and VIP service.

For a complete breakdown of our first trip to Africa, read  Africa Overland Trip Budget (A Complete Breakdown) . We traveled for 17 weeks overland from Cape Town to Cairo through 14 African countries.

ACCOMMODATION:  Varies by type and rating. Generally, you can expect  campgrounds  and  hostels to be between 5 to 30 USD per night,  mid-range hotels  from 50 to 100 USD per night and  higher-end hotels  to be from 150 USD per night.  Luxury safari lodges  typically start at 500 USD per night and the sky is the limit on price.

ATTRACTIONS : Costs can vary immensely depending on the country. You’ll find yourself springing for tours, park entrance fees, museums, activities and game drives.

TRANSPORTATION:  The most popular method of travel around Africa is by overland safari truck tours, flights between countries or cars. The African continent is huge and even within countries, it can be a challenge to get around.  Overland safaris  can be booked for as little as 150 USD per day and operate on a point to point basis.  Flights  will start around 200 USD and go up depending on length and route.  Car rental  is possible within a country, but if you want to have a grand African adventure and country hop, you’ll find you have to purchase a car and then plan to sell it when you’re done.

FOOD:  Food will vary widely depending on your tastes and what restaurants you choose to visit on your trip. Generally, though, you can expect to find  fast food  for around 5 to 15 USD per meal, take a meal in a  mid-range restaurant  for 10 to 25 USD per person and pay around 3 USD for a  beer .  Luxury safari lodges  are typically all-inclusive with food costs included in the total package price.

150 USD PER DAY

African safaris are never cheap, but backpackers will find cheap ways to go on safari. South Africa and Botswana tend to be the cheapest destinations, and with better infrastructure, it’s easier to get around on a budget, and you can find cheap accommodation and eats in the cities and main tourist destinations too. Camping, transport and cheap meals will be part of this budget.

350 USD PER DAY

Midrange travelers have many more options than budget travelers, and you can expect to pay anywhere from upwards of USD 150 per day, with a realistic spend for quality accommodation and several game drives a day being in the USD 350 per day region. This will also include smaller lodge packages, some of which may have all-inclusive options for you too.

1000 USD + PER DAY

Africa offers an amazing level of luxury on safari, but the best lodges and glamping sites can be booked out far in advance. Luxury travelers can expect to pay upwards of USD 1000 per day for an exceptionally glamourous lodge in the wilderness, flights into the reserve, an all-inclusive food and beverage package, and multiple private game drives per day.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN AFRICA

There are a few ways to get around Africa during a visit, including overland safaris, flights, buses, cars and cruises. Africa is huge and most of the countries lack serious infrastructure when it comes to transportation. No matter how you choose to move around, expect it to be slow.

OVERLAND SAFARI:  One of the most popular and cost-effective ways to see large areas of the African continent is by joining an overland safari. Itineraries vary depending on the length of the trip but generally are found operating the trodden trail of  Cape Town to Nairobi , including the ‘gorilla loop’ into Uganda and Rwanda. This popular route will take you through the best of southern Africa and include all the popular stops. A wide variety of companies operate these trips, including  Oasis Overland , G Adventures and Acacia Africa, to name a few. Cape Town to Nairobi is around a 56-day trip, with the gorilla loop adding an additional 10 to 14 days. Oasis Overland also offers a 17 week Nile Trans from Cape Town to Cairo ( we did this! ) and a 42 week Trans Africa that starts in the UK and ends in Cairo, navigating the entirety of both the west and east coasts of the continent!

BUS:  If you love a good adventure, then taking the local bus within each country you are visiting will give you just that. Expect to have run down, dusty, over-crowded and blistering hot rides if you choose this method of transport. The upside, however, is that the buses are cheap and available in most countries.

FLIGHTS:  African capitals are all served by international flights from across the world and depending on your destination of choice, it’s simple to fly in and fly out. Given the vastness of the continent, domestic flights, and flights between African countries are the most popular method of transport for travelers, particularly if you are on a tight schedule but want to see more than one safari destination. In many remote areas, lodges and parks can only be reached by light aircraft.

CRUISES:  Plenty of cruise companies operate itineraries that ply the waters of both the West and East coasts of the African continent. Your immersion will be limited, but you’ll be able to explore a variety of destinations with relative ease.

SELF-DRIVE:  Driving is a challenge across Africa, as roads can be in dubious states of repair, and public transport can be crowded and outdated. In the rainy season, many places become inaccessible as roads can be washed away or flooded. If you choose to self-drive, you will want a four by four, and it will need to be purchased in Africa when you arrive. Be sure to do your research and make sure your purchased vehicle comes with a clean carnet to make border crossings slightly less of a headache.

TOP AFRICA TOURS

Kenya & tanzania safari.

14 Days Nairobi to Arusha Visits: Samburu, Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara NP

CAPE TOWN TO VICTORIA FALLS

18 Days Cape Town to Victoria Falls Visits: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe

ULTIMATE AFRICA OVERLAND

55 Days Cape Town to Nairobi Visits: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda & Kenya

WHEN TO VISIT AFRICA

Timing is everything when it comes to planning an African safari because the continent experiences vast seasonal differences when it comes to the weather. The wildlife moves with the changing seasons, and different times of the year can present better opportunities than others for finding the animals you are looking to see.

Broadly speaking the continent’s seasons are divided between  wet and dry periods .

The  dry season  is usually the best time to actually see the wildlife, particularly rarer animals, as when the water sources begin to dry up, animals congregate around particular watering holes and become easier to find. In the dry season, there’s much less vegetation around too, meaning that there are fewer places for the wildlife to hide.

When it is the  rainy season , it rains heavily, and roads can easily become washed away in national parks, while transport can become a logistical nightmare.

The seasons and best times to visit vary from one country to the next. The best time for  southern Africa is May to September  when it’s the dry season. For  areas further north , such as Tanzania and Uganda, the best time to visit is from  October through to April , when it’s the dry season here.

BE INSPIRED TO VISIT AFRICA!

Safety in africa.

Africa travel can pose several dangers, not least of all the wild animals. There are very few incidents involving wildlife, and as long as you join a professionally run safari and follow their rules then you’ll encounter few problems within national parks. This includes not venturing off into the wilderness on your own!

More common safety issues are likely to be found in the African cities, as many – such as Johannesburg or Nairobi – have notoriously high crime rates. Be aware of your belongings at all times, and don’t head off into un-reputable parts of cities.

Don’t carry a lot of money with you when you are out exploring and be sure to leave all valuables back in your room or hidden in your vehicle. Opportunistic theft is rife and sadly, violent robbery is not uncommon. Even in places like Cape Town in South Africa.

Be smart, know where you’re going and walk with a purpose. Don’t head out at night, in any city and certainly not alone. Tell the front desk or your traveling companions where you are going and for how long.

We traveled across the African continent for 5 straight months, through 14 countries, and while we experienced plenty of hiccups and questionable moments, we found Africans to be very friendly and curious people. Yes, crime happens across all African countries, but don’t let that scare you from interacting with its wonderful people during your trip.

As with any destination, we recommend learning and adhering to certain safety practices when you travel. Be sure to read our personal  travel safety tips , compiled from our travels across 7 continents.

AFRICA TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

Africa travel guide: related articles.

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to Africa and start planning your dream trip.

Incredible Safaris and Luxury at the Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa

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40 Africans Under 40 – Making It In Africa

Do you know the 40 Africans under 40? Africa has made tremendous progress across all spheres and is now considered a hub of great talent, which is making a significant contribution to prospering the continent’s economic and social progress. Young Africans are smart people who’ve taken it upon themselves to use their various talents and fields of expertise to make the continent a better place.

At Africa.com, we recognize these efforts from young people who are tirelessly working to make Africa a better place to live. In light of this, we’ve identified the Top 40 Africans under 40 extraordinary men and women who are transforming the future of Africa. This list includes people who are making amazing contributions in their respective fields of expertise.

#1 Mmusi Maimane

Mmusi Maimane is one of the 40 Africans under 40 young Africans. She is the leader of South Africa’s opposition party, Democratic Alliance. At a young age, Maimane has risen through his political career to be South Africa’s opposition leader, a position he has held since May 2015. He leads the opposition is South Africa’s National Assembly and is a beacon of hope for many aspiring young African politicians. Maimane’s rise to fame began in 2011, when he was elected to contest for Johannesburg Mayor on a Democratic Alliance ticket, but he didn’t make it.

However, he managed to substantially popularize the party and gained more followers. He also served as leader of opposition on the Johannesburg City Council before taking his political career to the next level. Aside from politics, he’s a pastor with a Master’s Degree in Theology, and has a second Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

#2 Aarti Takoordeen

Aarti Takoordeen is the CFO and Executive Director of Africa’s leading stock exchange, Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Takoordeen is a Chartered Accountant who, at the time of her appointment, was the youngest CFO of a firm listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Her excellence in leadership and professional acumen has raised her profile as a highly successful young corporate executive. In 2014, she was named Young CFO of the Year after winning the prestigious CFO South Africa Award.

Recently, the World Economic Forum selected Aarti as a Young Global Leader. She is always excited about continuously making a positive impact in Africa’s business and finance sector thus making her among the top 40 Africans under 40. Takoordeen has previously worked with global brands such as Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Johnson Controls International.

#3 James Mworia

Kenyan, James Mworia is the Chief Executive Officer of Centum Investments, the largest private capital firm in Eastern Africa. Mworia began his career in Centum in 2001 as a filing clerk and steadily rose through the ranks to become the top executive of the company. In 2008, when he was just 30 years old, he was appointed as the CEO and MD of Centum Investment, a position he continues to hold to this day.

During his tenure at the helm, Centum has grown its asset base from $69 million to approximately $350 million. In addition, Mworia also holds high profile positions such as Sidian Bank Board of Directors Chairman and Nairobi Stock Exchange Board Member.

#4 Zanele Diniso

Zanele Diniso is a perfect example of a young entrepreneur who has played a critical role in helping the less fortunate in society. She is the owner of Periwinkle Home Executive and Co-founder of Ndingumntwana Adopt a Learning Child Programme that is tasked with empowering the less fortunate. In addition, Diniso is a mentor and public speaker from Port Elizabeth in South Africa.

Born to a domestic worker and bus driver, Diniso learnt the value of hard work and has always strived to be the best. Her company, Periwinkle Home Executive, identifies poor women from rural backgrounds and offers them training to work as home executives. She was among the few entrepreneurs to be trained on Entrepreneurship by the United Nations.

#5 Chido Govera

Chido Govera is a successful Zimbabwean farmer, campaigner, and educator who has changed lives of millions of Africans through mushroom farming. Interestingly, her name, Chido, means ‘passion.’ which truly reflects in her own foundation, The Future of Hope. Using her foundation, she has successfully trained 1,000 people on mushroom farming in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, and Cameroon.

Her efforts have also benefitted communities beyond Africa, such as India, Australia Aboriginals, Europe, and the United States. Growing up as orphan, she had to fend for herself when she was only 7, and later was abused by a close family member when she was 8. Because of her devastating experience, she promised to protect the rights of all orphans when she grew up. She has been into mushroom farming since she was 11.

#6 Lois Auta

Lois Auta has been widely praised for her role in positively impacting the disabled community. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Cedar Seed Foundation Nigeria, a non-profit organization formed to highlight the issues of disabled persons in Nigeria, especially women, girls, and children. Having been an orphan and affected by polio at the age of 2, Lois had to endure several challenges that inspired her to want to make a difference and ensure the voices of disabled people were heard.

Thanks to her advocacy, many disabled people have been employed and are now treated equally in matters of national development. Auta is a sports athlete and the President of FCT Disabled Sports Club in Abuja, and Founder of Women on Wheels Multipurpose Cooperative Society, among other key positions that she holds. In recognition of her work, she has received numerous awards, including in 2014 when she was honored with the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders award, an initiative by Former US President, Barack Obama.

#7 Mouhamed Moustapha Fall

Mouhamed Moustapha Fall’s excellence in mathematics is admired by many in Africa. He is currently working at the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in Senegal as the Endowed Chair in Mathematics and its applications. AIMS is funded by the Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation, and Fall focuses on Partial Differential Equations and Differential Geometry. On a continent where mathematics is considered a difficult subject, he managed to excel in computations and mathematics throughout his schooling to obtain a PhD.

At his young age, he has already published 30 research papers in the area of International Mathematics and Physics Journals. Fall is among the few Africans who review international mathematics journals. In addition, he is a renowned speaker at global mathematics conferences and sits on several global scientific boards.

#8 William Elong

William Elong is a perfect example of how young people are driving the innovation that is changing Africa. He is the founder of Will & Brothers and graduated with a degree at the tender age of 18. Five years later, Elong began an innovation that has played a major role in enhancing security. Using his company, Elong has come up with an IT innovation called ‘Drone Africa,’ whose aim is to increase the use of civil drones and defense tools in Cameroon to help fight terrorism.

In addition, the drones are used for mapping, media coverage, and tourism, as well as agriculture. He has embarked on a mission to raise money to become the pioneered African manufacturer of quadcopter-type drones featuring high-definition cameras.

#9 Jamilla Abass

Jamilla Abass is credited for her role in helping small Kenyan farmers to harness technology. At the age of 26, Abass started her social enterprise, M-Farm, which assists small farmers in accessing vital information about markets for their products. Through her work, she has assisted over 100,000 farmers in collectively accessing the market and having better product bargaining power.

Using their mobile phones, farmers can simply make enquires via sms and get access to real-time price information relevant to their specific areas of residence. The ability of farmers to leverage on mobile technology has greatly transformed how farmers do business, enabling them to earn money and reduce poverty.

#10 Faten Kallel

Faten Kallel is a young Tunisian politician who is currently serving as the Secretary of State, Ministry of Youths and Sports. As a young woman, her success in Tunisian politics is a great inspiration for young African women who wish to venture into politics. Kallel, who is a member of Afek Tounes Political Party, is a management consultant by profession, having worked for numerous consulting firms before joining government.

In 2017, she was named among the Young Global Leaders at the World Economic Forum. Her role in organization and administrative reforms has earned her the position of a young vibrant leader who is shaping African politics.

#11 Billy Mawasha

Billy Mawasha is the managing Director of Richard Bay Minerals and is a dynamic and people-focused business personality, who has strong commercial, operational, technical, and stakeholder engagement skills that add useful value to every business he leads. Mawasha is a respected South African corporate leader and is seen to be among young emerging African business leaders who has lead various key initiatives, such as enhancing workplace safety and engaging with local communities.

He is passionate about sustainable mining, development, and education. Billy has worked for various topnotch corporate entities, and was recently recognized as a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum. In 2016, he was named by Financial Mail, a leading South African publication, as the most distinguished leader under 40.

#12 Edwin Bruno Shayo

Edwin Bruno Shayo is a famous Tanzanian entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of Smart Codes Limited. He is credited for developing Tanzania’s most successful App, M-Paper, which is a platform responsible for distributing newspapers and books straight to readers via their smartphones. His innovation emerged top at the AppsAfrica Awards as the Best Innovation and Education Application in Africa.

Shayo’s company, Smart codes Limited, is also well-known for helping other companies successfully manage their digital marketing strategies. At the Tanzania Leadership Awards in 2015, Shayo emerged the winner of Young Achiever of the Year Award and, in 2016, was listed on Forbes Africa’s 30 under 30 list.

#13 Phyllis Wakiaga

Phyllis Wakiaga is a top young, Kenyan corporate executive who is currently the CEO of Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM). She has also been the Kenyan representative for the UN Global Compact since 2015. Kenya Association of Manufacturers is an organization that represents manufacturers, and its main aim is to advocate for a good business environment where local industries can effectively operate.

Phyllis is committed to see a favorable environment that allows the manufacturing industry to create wealth and employ more citizens. Her desire to see positive changes in the corporate industry has earned her respect as she goes above the call of duty to ensure she meets her objectives.

#14 Thato Kgatlhanye

Thato Kgatlhanye is a South African social entrepreneur whose venture, Rethaka Trading, has changed the lives of many African children. Her company focuses on green innovative solutions, and she is the brains behind Repurpose Schoolbags. These bags have made life easier for children living in rural areas in South Africa that don’t have electricity.

The Repurpose Schoolbags uses 100% recycled and environmentally friendly bags that integrates solar technology, enabling the bag to charge during the day and be used to provide light to kids to allow them to study and do their homework at night.  These bags have changed the lives of school children who, now, have an equal opportunity to study just like urban children.

#15 Allegro Dinkwanyane

Allegro Dinkwanyane is poised to become one of South Africa’s most successful young media and public relations moguls. She is the founder of Orgella Media, a fully black-owned public relations firm that she started in 2011 when she was only 21 years old. Today, her company represents popular names in South Africa’s entertainment industry such as Donald Moatshe, Siya Mdlalose, and Paledi Segapo.

Orgella Media also has corporate clients such as Africa Fashion Week Nigeria and Avon South Africa, among others.  From humble beginnings as an entertainment blog, Allegro’s company has expanded its portfolio and how deals with brand management, especially social media and public relations campaigns.

#16 Alloysius Attah

Alloysius Attah is the CEO and Co-founder of Farmerline, a Ghanaian organization that is assisting small-scale farmers to become successful entrepreneurs by enabling them access to information and resources to help them boost their productivity. When he was only 5 years old, his parents divorced, so he started living with his aunt, who was a peasant farmer in rural Ghana.

This experience gave Alloysius the inspiration to come up with a project that would help small-scale farmers and all those who supported him during his childhood. Today, Farmerline is steadfast in positively impacting the lives of farmers by supporting them to be successful in their activities.

#17 Naisula Lesuuda

Naisula Lesuuda is a Kenyan politician and a current Member of Parliament of Samburu West. Lesuuda is a journalist by profession and became popular when she was a News Anchor on Kenya’s state broadcaster, KBC. Coming from a marginalized region in Northern Kenya, she later resigned from her job to form the Naisula Lesuuda Peace Foundation, which promotes girl child education and campaigns against child marriage and female genital mutilation.

She is also the founding member of Laikipia Peace Caravan and has played a key role in empowering the local community. In 2013, Lesuuda was nominated a senator, becoming the youngest at the time in the Kenyan Senate. She’s also the youngest Kenyan woman to win the prestigious Presidential Order of the Grand Warrior Award.

#18 Simbarashe Mhuriro

Zimbabwean Simbarashe Mhuriro is the founder and managing director of Oxygen Africa, which is an investment advisory firm focusing on renewable energy development. Under his leadership, Oxygen Africa is currently spearheading the development of commercial and industrial rooftop solar projects in conjunction with a number of partners such as Old Mutual Property Zimbabwe and Minerva Risk Advisors.

With 12 years of experience in business management, Mhuriro has pioneered a set of solar PV projects that he hopes will operate commercially. Because of his role, he was named one of the 2017 honourees in the Business and Entrepreneurship Category by the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Under 40. In 2016, Forbes Magazine named him among Africa’s 30 Most Promising and Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs. Mhuriro was also previously recognized amongst the 100 Most Influential Young Africans of the Year at the Africa Youth Awards.

#19 Ntombenhle Khathwane

Swaziland-born Ntombenhle Khathwane is celebrated for her unique South Africa-based company, AfroBotanics, where she is the founder. Her company deals with premium hair care products made from African botanical oils and other natural products to ensure healthy hair and limit hair damage. She focuses on ensuring natural African hair is kept in good condition, and her inspiration came when she was unable to find the appropriate high-quality local hair products.

Her entrepreneurship efforts have made her to be honored in the Business and Entrepreneurship Category as one of the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent. Khathwane represents young Africans who are creative and are using entrepreneurship to provide real solutions to problems.

#20 Samuel Malinga

Samuel Malinga, an agricultural engineer, is the Founder and Managing Director of Sanitation Africa, a Ugandan social enterprise that is responsible for uplifting sanitation standards in remote communities in Uganda. Malinga grew up in the Naguru slums and witnessed, firsthand, how poor sanitation and improper waste management negatively affected his neighborhood. Since then, he took it upon himself to find a solution of how he could prevent child deaths and other consequences of poor sanitation.

With a majority of Ugandans staying in highly dense and unplanned settlements, Sanitation Africa has developed a sanitation system that starts from building low-cost hygienic toilets to proper recycling of water into agriculture manure and cooking briquette. To date, Sanitation Africa has constructed over 360 toilets, directly impacting over 1,000 remote and inaccessible households across Uganda. At the 2015 Future Africa Awards, he won the Tony Elumelu Prize for Business.

#21 Darshan Chandaria

At a young age, Darshan Chandaria is amongst Africa’s most respected corporate leaders. He is the CEO and Director of Chandaria Industries and has quickly acquired the reputation of being an inspirational leader and role model, especially to the young people. Darshan has been instrumental in pioneering major transformations at Chandaria Group, one of Kenya’s largest owned businesses into a global brand. His outstanding corporate achievements have seen him recognized in various circles. He is a member of Young Presidents Organization and African Leadership Network. Chandaria is a renowned young philanthropist who is actively involved in supporting various community projects across Kenya.

#22 Vanessa Zommi

Vanessa Zommi’s health social enterprise, Emerald Moringa Tea, is helping to fight the spread of diabetes in Cameroon. After her own mother was diagnosed with diabetes, Zommi was curious to find out if there were any alternative treatments that could cure her mother. After extensive research, she discovered the moringa oleifera tree, which has medicinal value and grew in Cameroon.

Zommi later realized moringa leaves worked incredibly well to lower blood sugar levels. With this discovery, she worked closely with moringa farmers to acquire moringa leaves and process them into tea bags – Moringa Tea. With her innovation, she found a unique way of using tea to help cure Cameroonians suffering from diabetes. Because of her well-appreciated efforts, Zommi has been featured on CNN, Forbes, Media 256, and ThisisAfrica. She was also nominated for the Cameroonian Career Women Awards.

#23 Fahad Awadh

Fahad Awadh is a Tanzanian entrepreneur and Co-founder of YYTZ Agro-Processing, which is changing the way cashew nuts are processed in Tanzania. After coming back from Canada, where he used to live, Awadh set up a cashew nut processing facility in Tanzania with the aim of bringing international standards to Tanzanian cashew nuts.

Tanzania is one of the best and largest producers of cashew nuts in Africa, so Awadh knew his venture would boost income to farmers and create numerous employment opportunities. He started the business with $550,000 capital that he raised from the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund for Investment. YYTZ has a major facility in Zanzibar, with plans to set up another plant in Mtwara. Through his venture, farmers are now part of the value chain, which has changed their lives and those of their communities.

#24 Dr.Yohans Wodaje Emiru

Yohans Wodaje Emiru is an Ethiopian entrepreneur, CEO and Founder of Telemed Medical Services, a firm whose mission is to enable Ethiopians access to fast, reliable, immediate and affordable healthcare services. Dr. Yohans has extensive experience in adult, maternal, and children’s health. HelloDoctor is Telemed’s flagship product that allows people to call from anywhere, anytime in search of instant healthcare services.

People from across the country use their phone to call a centralized call center where they can access numerous services such as a medical consultation, ambulance dispatch or home-care booking. The leveraging of technology to improve Ethiopia’s healthcare infrastructure has earned Emiru a lot of respect and recognition. His company also has technology that allows for remote monitoring of patients with chronic conditions such as HIV and TB via mobile phones.

#25 Linda Ikeji

Linda Ikeji is a Nigerian entrepreneur and blogger famous for her blog, lindaikejisblog.com, which is one of Africa’s most-visited and respected lifestyle, entertainment, and fashion blogs. Her blog covers many topics cutting across various niches, and her story of success in online blogging has made her to be admired by many people.

Linda’s blogging career has made her an immensely wealthy Nigerian celebrity, and she is an inspiration to young Africans looking to make a career and living via various digital media platforms. She is among the top online entrepreneurs in Africa and highest paid Nigerian blogger, who has bypassed traditional media to command a great online following. Ikeji has been featured in several platforms including BBC and CNN.

#26 Eric Kinoti

Eric Kinoti is a budding Kenyan entrepreneur and philanthropist who,at a young age, has managed to acquire a multi-million dollar business empire that spans over six countries. Kinoti is the founder of Shade Systems East Africa Limited, Bag Base Kenya, Alma Tents Limited and Safi Sana Home Services Limited. He also sits on the boards of many prominent East African companies, and has won numerous regional and global awards.

Before venturing into the corporate world, Eric was once a car washer, hawker, and a porter. In 2014, Forbes named him among the 30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa. Kinoti is an inspiration to many, aspiring young entrepreneurs across the continent.

#27 Seun Osewa

Seun Osewa is a Nigerian internet mogul and Founder of Nairaland, a platform he launched in 2005. Osewa has made it big with his internet forum, projected by Forbes to be the largest online African forum. Nairaland has a huge following both in Africa and around the world, competing in the same league with top global platforms such as Facebook, Google, and Wikipedia, among others.

Ranking among the top 1,000 most viewed sites in the world, Nairaland attracts over 1 million views each day, which has made Osewa a successful African internet sensation. In 2015, he was listed among the Top 10 Most Influential Nigerian Online Entrepreneurs by T.I.N. Magazine.

#28 Teta Isibo

Teta Isibo is a young and successful Rwandan entrepreneur and the Founder of Inzuki Designs, a unique jewelry, accessory, and interior décor brand. Isibo was working as an Urban Planner in Kigali, but quit her job to pursue her passion for art. Her creations are all unique and hand-made using locally available materials and craft skills. She works closely with many local women’s cooperatives who come up with quality and unique pieces.

Despite having no fashion nor and arts background, her passion and determination to succeed has seen her growing her brand beyond Rwanda. Aside from having a boutique in Kigali, Isibo’s work has begun to attract international markets – Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. Teta Isibo was recognized by Forbes 2017 among 30 Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa.

#29 Maite Makgoba

Maite Makgoba is a young South African entrepreneur and Founder of Momppy Mpoppy, whose creativity has enabled her to run an innovative creation. Appreciating the beauty of African women, Makgoba decided to make African dolls after realizing there were no African-inspired dolls on the market. Her quest to please young girls in a unique way made her create a product that African girls could easily relate to.

Momppy Mpoppy creates beautiful dolls with African skin, hair, and features to help people realize just how beautiful African girls are. In addition, Makgoba has plans to create children’s storybooks and an animated cartoon series. Using her innovation, Makgoba has been at the forefront of creating unique African-inspired fashion dolls.

#30 Jazeera Suwani

Jazeera Suwani is a Kenyan entrepreneur and Founder of Say It With Chocolate, a unique enterprise that provides handmade chocolates that cater to vegan or lactose intolerant people. Suwani realized even though many people eat chocolate, nobody had ever thought of having chocolate that caters to specific dietary regimens. She got inspired to start her business because she, herself, is lactose intolerant, and eating chocolate used to upset her stomach.

She is committed to making organic chocolate products and her chocolate contains quality cocoa, cocoa butter, as well as unrefined sugar. Jazeera’s innovative idea and quest to ensure people with special dietary needs to enjoy their favorite chocolate bar has made her enterprise popular.

#31 Tumi Phake

Tumi Phake is a South African entrepreneur, owner and Founder of Zenzele Fitness Group. Before starting Zenzele Fitness, Phake, who is a former banker, worked as a structured lending specialist at Rand Merchant Bank, but his eyes were set on the fitness industry. Phake is keen on changing trends by becoming the first black dominant fitness player, not only in South Africa, but Africa in general.

His mission is to build a solid fitness empire that will one day be listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Phake is keen on going beyond gym services and uses his company to positively impact the lives of African society. Currently, he owns 10 gyms across Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Limpopo, with plans to open another gym in Cape Town.

#32 Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu

Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu is a Nigerian social entrepreneur who owns Smallholders Foundation, which was started with the aim of giving small-scale farmers access to agricultural best practices and advice through a community radio station, Smallholders Farmers Rural Radio. He started the radio station in 2003 when he was just 21 years old, and using the media platform, he has managed to improve the lives of smallholder farmers who’ve benefitted a great deal from the platform.

His idea of empowering farmers using interactive radio has enabled Nigerian small-scale farmers to share knowledge that can improve agricultural activity. As a vegetable farmer himself, Ikegwuonu came up with ColdHubs – a walk-in solar-powered cold-room for storing perishable vegetable produce to reduce damage.

#33 Lucia Bakulumpagi Wamala

Lucia Bakulumpagi-Wamala is a Ugandan entrepreneur, CEO and Founder of Bakulu Power, which is a Ugandan renewable energy company. Bakulu Power is currently developing a biomass production plant in a Western Uganda refugee camp and setting up 3 solar mini-grids on Lake Victoria Islands. After she came back from Canada, where she also grew up, Lucia visited her Gayaza hometown in Central Uganda and realized the huge pile of garbage on the streets.

Since she wasn’t used to seeing this in Canada, she thought of how she could innovate an idea that would transform garbage into productive use. This led to the birth of Bakulu Power. Her company designs, installs, and operates renewable energy systems for both commercial and residential clients.

#34 Seif Abou Zeid

Seif Abou Zeid is an Egyptian social and policy entrepreneur whose work focuses on education and its relationship to governance. Zeid is the CEO of Tahrir Academy, an innovative and blended platform that facilitates unique and mind-stimulating learning experiences for over 160,000 registered Egyptian and Arab learners.

He is also the founder of the Nabadat Foundation, a non-profit organization that fights poverty, improves education, and increases political and human rights awareness by utilizing technology and the internet. Abou Zeid is also the co-founder of Agency and Development, an initiative whose aim is to train young people between the ages of 15 and 35 years. He recently appeared on the 100 Under 40: The World’s Most Influential Young Arabs.

#35 Daniel Ndambuki

Popularly known as “Churchill,” this Kenyan comedian and famous radio presenter is feted for his great contribution that has impacted positively on the life of many Kenyans. Through his popular TV comedy show “Churchill Live,” Ndambuki has transformed the comedy industry in Kenya, having identified raw talent from young people across the country and mentored them to become top comedians. His love to see young people succeed and make it in the comedy industry has earned him a lot of praise locally, regionally, and globally. Ndambuki is among Kenya’s pioneer comedians and has won numerous awards to recognize his incredible efforts. He has proved to society that comedy is like any other career and it pays well.

#36 Yasmin Helal

Yasmin Helal is a young Egyptian entrepreneur and the founder of Educate Me, a platform aimed at helping underprivileged children take charge of their own learning. Unlike the public school system that dwells on memorization and offering standardized tests, Educate Me is based on a learner-focused approach that allows children to choose what they want to learn and, thereafter, be accorded the necessary support to excel.

Educate Me has enabled children to enjoy the learning process more and be better prepared for the challenges ahead. Yasmin’s innovation has promoted positive changes in Egypt, allowing students to be ushered into an equitable and tolerant society. Because of her efforts, Helal appeared among The World’s Most Influential Young Arabs: Top 100 Under 40.

#37 Bright Owusu-Amofah

Bright Owusu-Amofah is the CEO of Appolonia City, a top real estate firm in Ghana. He has a background in finance and his extensive experience in real estate financing, investment banking, and private equity has earned him respect as a young, influential, and accomplished corporate executive in Ghana. Before his appointment as CEO, Owusu-Amofah was Rendevour’s chief finance officer (CFO).

Owusu-Amofah leads a team that is keen on transforming Accra and Ghana with modern real estate mixed-use developments. He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School‘s Real Estate Management Program. Because of his commitment to professional excellence and real estate industry growth, Owusu-Amofah was named the winner in the Real Estate and Development Category at the 2017 Ghana 40 Under 40 Awards.

#38 Angela Ndambuki

Angela Ndambuki is a well-known Kenyan music personality whose hit song “Mateso,” sung by the all-girl trio ‘Tatuu,’ hit the airwaves some years back. Today, she is the CEO of Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Angela is a young CEO whose aim is to ensure there is a favorable climate for doing business in Kenya and her role puts her at the center of working closely with other stakeholders to encourage international investments.

She has also been on the forefront fighting for the rights of creative artists as the CEO of Performers Rights Society of Kenya (Prisk). Her background in Intellectual Property Law put her in a good position to champion for the rights of the creative industry.

#39 Jawad Nabulsi

Jawad Nabulsi is an Egyptian social entrepreneur and the founder of the Nebny Foundation, a non-government organization that seeks to improve the lives of Egyptian communities. Nabulsi lost one of his eyes after he was shot during the 2011 uprising, which led to the launch of his foundation that was at the forefront of providing medical assistance to 2,200 people at the time of the uprising.

Nabulsi is a young inspirational leader whose passion to give back to the community has seen him change the lives of over 140,000 people. After the Egyptian revolution, he rejected an offer to become the Minister of Youth and, instead, focused on assisting people living in Cairo’s slums with medical assistance, education, business advice, and micro-loans. He was named amongst the 100 Under 40: The World’s Most Influential Young Arabs 2016.

#40 Munyaradzi Gwatidzo

Munyaradzi Gwatidzo is a Zimbabwean entrepreneur and the founder of Astro Mobile. Gwatidzo’s journey to entrepreneurship began when he was growing up as an orphan in one of Zimbabwe’s poorest suburbs. It was at a young age with three siblings to take care of when he developed an interest in electronics and collected discarded and broken phones from litter. He later taught himself how to repair phones and sold his first Nokia 3310 when he was 19.

He never looked back from there, and today, Astro is a large mobile electronics provider and an ecommerce firm with presence in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia. The company employs over 2,000 people and is currently in the process of setting up a manufacturing plant in Zimbabwe. Munyaradzi Gwatidzo is an influential young executive making a significant contribution in Africa’s Information Technology sector.

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2021 honorees.

MIPAD Hosts Recognition & Awards Ceremony, Unveils 2021 Global List

(New York, USA: 1st October, 2021) The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Recognition and Awards Ceremony, following the opening of the 76th United Nations General Assembly, on Sunday, Oct 3rd will recognize outstanding personalities and high achievers of African descent from around the world for their positive contributions.

MIPAD will unveil two global 100 lists of Most Influential People of African Descent – in the Creative 100 Edition and the 100 Under 40 Edition – for the year 2021 on Sunday, 3 October, 2021.

The ceremony which is sponsored by WarnerMedia News & Sports will be hosted by Zain Asher of CNN and will have in attendance young global leaders and prominent individuals amongst other high-profile nominees and honorees.

“We are particularly excited to begin the relationship this year when MIPAD is engaged in activities relating to the UN Year of the Creative Economy,” said Johnita Due, SVP and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for WarnerMedia speaking on the partnership, who went on to say, “We are thrilled to partner with MIPAD in recognition of the remaining three years of the UN’s proclaimed International Decade of People of African Descent to support the contributions of people of African descent worldwide.”

Kamil Olufowobi, Chief Executive Officer, MIPAD, said that the global lists are in continuation of the group’s effort towards highlighting and showcasing the positive contributions made by people of African descent worldwide.

“MIPAD working in support of United Nations and in partnership with a leading global media company like WarnerMedia sets the stage for us to further amplify global black narratives to showcase the many untold stories of our struggles and triumphs in every corner of the world, sometimes in unexpected places and high positions,” he added.”

The ceremony from the studio in New York will be streamed to a global audience with live-viewing around the world in cities like Dubai, São Paolo, London and Lagos.

Congratulations are in order to the Class of 2021 honorees for their outstanding contributions and service towards the advancement for people of African descent worldwide.

The global Gathering of Class of 2021 honorees is scheduled for March 25th 2022 at MIPAD 5th Anniversary Gala.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD 2020 PUBLICATIONS -->

• Kamil Olufowobi, CEO, [email protected] +234 806 305 1991 (Lagos)
• Tope Esan, COO, [email protected] +1 (917) 541 8394 (New York)
• Angela Regalado, Global Director of Talent, [email protected] +1 (917) 504 6652 (New York)
• Wayne Malcolm, [email protected] +44 79 5668 7841 (London)
• Nina Silva, Country Director, Brazil, [email protected], +55 19 98257-9333 (São Paulo)

About MIPAD Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), is a global civil society initiative in support of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, focusing on the 1st pillar of the decade; RECOGNITION.

MIPAD publishes unique global 100 lists that identifies high achievers of African descent worldwide, pairing those based across the Diaspora with their counterparts inside Africa, across various verticals, and will be released annually until 2024.

Media Contact : African Media Agency [email protected]

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15 Essential Africa travel tips for first-time visitors

Planning a trip to Africa? Here are the must-know Africa travel tips for first-time visitors including all the do’s and don’ts to know before you go.

You’re planning your very first trip to Africa, Yay- it’s absolutely an amazing experience and a great step that some travelers are still skeptical to take.

But at the same time, it can be daunting for a first-time visitor to Africa since you have no idea what to expect on a continent as big as Africa.

Disclaimer*   This post contains affiliate links and I might earn a small commission if you purchase through them but with no extra cost to you. This commission helps to keep the lights on here. You can read our  privacy policy  for more details. Thank you for supporting the Adventurous feet

If you’re not yet sure where to go first check out my post about the  best African countries to visit .

With this post, I’ve got you covered with the best Africa travel tips for first-time visitors.

Africa Travel essential. – Before you go to Africa, I recommend buying  this Lonely Planet travel guidebook  to learn more about Africa and its diverse culture. – Before heading out to Africa, it’s paramount that you have proper travel insurance. I recommend  buying World Nomads insurance  as it covers a variety of activities and can be used in a number of countries. – To get the best of Africa, book all your tours with  GetYourGuide  to be able to enjoy Africa like a local as you get guided by the most professional tour guides on the continent.

What to know and do before a trip to Africa as a first-time visitor

1. Check the visa requirements for each country

There is nothing like an “African visa” that guarantees you free entry to each African country because you have it.

Each country has different visa requirements that you should meet before going there.

Check with the nearest embassies of the countries you plan to travel to and find out all the requirements.

Some may be visa-free, others visa on entry, and others might need to be applied for in advance depending on the passport you hold.

2. Pick your destinations and make an itinerary

You can start by deciding on the countries or cities that have been on your bucket list but if you don’t know where to go yet, niche it down by deciding whether you’re all about historical sites, big cities, or wildlife.

You can check out the  best African countries to visit , the best landmarks in Africa , or the best National parks in Africa to draw inspiration on the countries or places to add to your Africa bucket list .

Try not to get overwhelmed by everything. The truth is that there is too much beauty in Africa and it is understandable if you want to see everything!

The ugly truth is that you’re likely not to see everything at once, so don’t be hard on yourself if you can’t.

My suggestion is to first note down all the regions in Africa; East, West South, North, and Central. Lower it down by deciding on which regions you want to visit.

Go a step further by selecting which specific countries you want to visit from each Region.

Then try to be realistic and see if it’s possible to visit all those countries at once.

If the list is too long, try to prioritize until you decide on the maximum number of countries you want and can travel to.

The number of countries to travel to solely depends on you: the time you have, the money saved for a trip to Africa, and how much you’re willing to compromise.

If you want to travel on a budget,  check out this post  that showcases how you can travel the world on a budget.

3. Do extensive research on the specific countries you’re planning to visit

It’s not enough to read about Africa as a whole, carrying out research on each individual country will be more efficient.

If you’re itinerary includes countries like Uganda, Botswana, and Egypt,  read these posts  to discover more about Uganda, these ones about Botswana, and  these ones  to learn more about Egypt before you go.

Some people assume that since they’re traveling to Africa, it will be hot by default which is not the case.

Even though most countries are relatively hot all year round, some places can be really cold depending on the time of your visit.

So don’t forget to check the weather in each country to pack clothes appropriate for that time of the year.

Related post: Things to know before backpacking Africa

4. Don’t try to see everything in Africa

Most first time visitors in Africa get overwhelmed by the beauty and end up wanting to see everything.

Well, unless you have the entire year allocated to touring Africa, it will be absolutely impossible to see everything.

Prioritize and see only places that are on your bucket list.

5. Pack everything you need for your African safari

It’s not a recommended practice to rely on buying extra things in the place you’re traveling to as you’re not aware of the price and quality.

So packing whatever is required will save you a tonne of money and space in your backpack or suitcase.

If you’re not sure of what to pack for your African safari, I wrote a complete essential guide to pack for Africa .

The guide comprises of things you should pack and what not to pack for an African safari. 

Don’t forget to carry sunscreen! Since most African locals don’t use sunscreen, it will be extremely expensive to buy it from there.

So pack your own not to spend a fortune or you can  shop it here at a fair price .

Here are some of the travel essentials you should not leave behind when traveling to Africa.

Travel Essentials you should never leave home as you travel to Africa –  A universal travel adapter : Since some of the countries in Africa use a different adapter, I’d advise you to buy a universal travel adapter to cater to all regions. You can  buy one from here  if you don’t have one yet. –  A power Bank : One of the things you should never leave behind while traveling to Africa is the Power bank! Phones have now become a great deal of our lives that we need to use them for so many important things. So take a power bank with you so that you don’t run out of battery.  This power bank   is small, light, and has the capability to charge your phone and other devices multiple times. –  Microfibre travel towel  – I always opt for  this microfibre travel towel   because it is super lightweight, easy to wash, and dries easily. –  First Aid kit : Regardless of where you’re traveling to in Africa, you’ll need to pack a First Aid kit for emergencies that might arise while traveling. Remember it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Just make sure that the one you pack has all the essentials and that it is small and light enough to fit in any kind of suitcase/ backpack.   This first aid kit   actually fits all the qualities mentioned above plus it is really cheap for what it offers. –  Collapsible water bottle : I always prefer carrying a water bottle while traveling so that I can just refill it when I run out of water. It also helps be a responsible traveler since you won’t have to use tones of disposable plastic bottles which are not great for our environment. Any water bottle can work but I prefer  this collapsible one  as it doesn’t take a lot of space in my bag. – You can also read my  complete Africa packing list  to know everything you’ll need for an African safari.

6. Your security should be a priority

Even though Africans welcome tourists amazingly, this doesn’t mean that a few are not seeing you as their next target.

Pickpockets are very high, especially in big cities, so, be sure to keep your money and valuables safe.

Wear a cross bag instead of a handbag and if you have a small backpack, wear it from the front instead of the back.

However, this should not scare you away from visiting Africa.

Street theft is literally everywhere whether in Europe or America and Africa is no exception.

For security reasons, buy travel insurance and I recommend  World Nomads  as they’re highly trusted by almost all travelers.

Remember it is always better to stay safe than sorry by covering yourself with travel insurance.

7. Be ready for the culture shock

This can literally happen in any new country you travel to be it in Asia, especially in developing counties but the shock could be a little higher in Africa.

Here are some of the cultural shocks you might experience.

If you’re a mzungu ” white person”, some Africans are going to think you’re rich by default.

Don’t get me wrong here, you might even be struggling financially like I am but as long as you’re white, to some Africans you qualify to be rich.

This means a great number of people may walk up to you with intentions of getting something from you or offering help hoping that they will be tipped. If you fall for this, you’re likely to go back home broke.

Expect the stares from the locals (though not the long ones that last minutes.) The stares are harmless and should not worry you one bit.

You might find this weird at first but trust me, you’ll get used to it and it will all be normal.

Kids screaming “bye Mzungu” as they wave at you- as a way of saying hi. 

This could be one of the commonest traits across all of Africa. Kids are just innocent beings that get excited by seeing a white person.

Just be kind enough to wave back with a smile and you would have made their day.

8. Download Offline maps

Most of the areas in Africa especially in the remote villages will not have wifi or even worse, you won’t get any service at all.

So, before your trip to Africa, downloading offline maps and saving all the places from hotel locations, famous restaurants in the area, and the most popular destinations you want to see will make your trip easier.

Check out this post to see the best offline maps and other free travel apps that don’t need internet that you should download before your anticipated trip to Africa.

9. Poverty is real in Africa but not everyone is poor

The media and news channels have tried to portray Africa as a really poor continent but this doesn’t mean that everyone is poor.

The only issue is that the poor are actually poor and the rich are really rich.

There are just a few people that lie in the middle. So be ready to experience some level of poverty while you travel through Africa.

Related post: Safest countries to visit in Africa

10. Be ready to enjoy a different means of public transportation

In countries like Uganda, public transportation can be just chaotic from extreme traffic jams to somewhat careless drivers – the hustle never ends.

So if you’re up for a fun trip, try out Africa’s public transportation. The most commonly used ones are minibusses, tuk-tuk, boda-bodas, trains, and metro which are in a few countries like  Egypt .

If you’re not comfortable with public transportation, opt for private taxis. Services like Uber and Taxify are widely spread in some of Africa’s major cities, so it should be easy to get around.

Related post: Common Myths and Misconceptions about Africa that are not true

11. Find out the political situation of a particular country before you go

The question of safety might seem like common sense but it doesn’t mean that I will skip it.

As a first time traveler to Africa, it would be a bit hard and unpleasant to travel to a country when there is political unrest at that particular time.

So try to follow international news to know exactly the current political situation.

Pro tip*  As a first-time traveler to Africa, it’s not always recommended to travel during the election period. The election period brings out the determination and chaotic nature of people and the outcomes from the election are always unpredictable and yet again the aftermath worse. So, avoid traveling during the election period if you can.

 12. Beggars, street kids, and slums are real

All these are real challenges that Africa still faces, unfortunately.

You’re likely to find many beggars and street kids as you travel through Africa and you might want to help them.

The question is can you help all of them? Of course not, and don’t feel guilty about it because you and I know that you can’t help all the beggars and street kids across Africa.

But if you feel generous, you can give a few coins to the one you think needs it the most but if not, just smile at them and say “next time.”

13. Cash works better in Africa than credit/debit cards

Even though some of the high-end places in Africa accept cards, cash is still the highest form of transaction and actually, cards are not acceptable in most places, especially in rural areas.

Things might be different if you were used to transact using your card all the time. So carry enough cash or you can always get cash from the ATM machines.

14. Check whether the African countries you’re traveling to require a yellow fever card

Frequent travelers know that a yellow fever card is required in some countries but if you’re a  first-time traveler , you probably didn’t know that.

Some countries will require a yellow fever card before you enter their country and if you don’t have it, you’re likely to pay a lot of money to acquire it from the port of entry.

So it’s better to have it before your much anticipated African safari.

15. Ignore the negative and soak in all the beauty Africa has to offer

Regardless of how many negative things you’ve read about Africa, I still believe it’s the most beautiful and diverse continent in the world.

So ignore the little negatives and focus all your energy on enjoying Africa.

And instead of looking for 5-star hotels,  ignore the comfort and experience Africa like a local by going out of your comfort zone.

Final Thoughts on Tips for Visiting Africa

Now that you know everything you must know and do as a first-time traveler to Africa, it’s time to book your air ticket from here and also  your hotel from here  and wait for the d-day.

Are you visiting Africa for the very first time? Tell me if this guide was helpful and if you have any other questions, leave them in the comment section and I will surely get back to you.

More posts to help you plan your African trip

• Best countries to visit in Africa
• Best tips for backpacking Africa
• Safest countries in Africa
• Best National parks to visit in Africa
• Incredible adventures not to miss in Africa
• Famous landmarks in Africa

Was this post on Africa travel tips for first time visitors helpful? Then please consider sharing it with others.

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Really insightful post. I want to go to Africa however I’m saving up to visit a few countries in one trip on a guided tour. It’s really helpful to know to have cash on me instead of my card. I’ll bare this in mind for visiting Africa.

Hey Alexandra, It’s really good to know that this post was helpful to you! Yes, cash is King In Africa. Even though there are some places that accept cards, cash will always be important to make day to day transactions.

I hope you enjoy your trip around Africa.

Could you please explain what a traveler would need and where to get a yellow fever card? What does Africa require as far as paperwork on immunizations? What concerns should we have as far as drinking the water and eating food there? Did you get sick there? Thank you so much for your help!!

Hey Kimberly, thank you for the questions.

For which vaccines are required in Africa, each country has its own requirements but the most common one is the yellow fever vaccine and they’ll need a yellow fever card as proof that you took that immunization. You can get the vaccine from a hospital in your country before traveling to Africa and when you do so, the hospital will provide you with the yellow fever card.

As far as drinking water, I’d stay away from non treated water. In places that get a lot of tourists, they clearly indicate that either “this water is safe to drink or not” so you can either stick to bottled water or carry your own water filter. And honestly, I’ve never gotten sick from eating any kind of food – this is likely to go back to you as an individual whether you easily get food poisoning or not, but there is really nothing to worry about. You can also check out this post for things to pack for Africa.

Don’t hesitate to ask any other questions if you still have more!

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Tourism: Afrika Panthera Safaris, Managing Director, Violet Komuhendo wins Africa Travel 100 Under 40 Award

Violet Komuhendo, Managing Director, Afrika Panthera Safaris- Uganda has been named as one of the Africa Travel 100 under 40 award winners by the organisers of Akwaaba Travel Market, West Africa’s largest travel expo and Atqnews.com.

Violet Komuhendo is a tour operator based in Uganda with 7 years of experience in the tourism industry. She runs Afrika Panthera safaris, a female led tour company that offers authentic wildlife safaris, cultural & community experiences, beach holidays and adventure tourism in East Africa. 70% of her services are facilitated by female safari guides, promoting gender equality and empowering women in the sector. Violet also mentors female safari guides to enhance their competitiveness in a male dominated sector.

In addition to her tour company, she runs a community based organization (CBO) called Tooro community tourism and conservation center. This initiative focuses on mind set change on wildlife conservation, addressing human – wildlife conflict, environmental and cultural preservation and creating alternative sources of income for women living on the edge of Kibale National park.

Her efforts in tourism have been recognized by World Bank Africa check twitter @WorldBankAfrica on 08th May 2023.

READ: Africa: TravelTank Founder, Yemi Smith wins Africa Travel 100 Under 40 Award

Being an Alumni of the Academy for women entrepreneurs a program under the US mission Uganda, Violet was highlighted as an Alumna creating impact in tourism. Check Facebook, twitter @U.SEmbassyKampala, instagram @usmissionuganda on 12th July 2023.

Furthermore, Violet is the Ukarimu regional coordinator for Bunyoro and Rwenzori regions where she leads a practical tourism and hospitality skilling program benefiting over 100+ youth with employable skills, enabling them work in hotels and lodges hence bridging the gap of unemployment among the youth. She is also a certified safari guides assessor.

Violet’s passion for sustainable tourism practices, gender equality, youth empowerment, and community development makes her a prominent figure in the East African tourism industry.

Afrika panthera safaris is a female tour operator company based in Uganda that specializes in tailor made wildlife safaris, Gorilla & Chimpanzee tracking, beach holidays, cultural, community and adventure experiences in East Africa- Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. In all our tours we practice sustainable tourism through the promotion of community & cultural tourism experiences, partnering with eco friendly accommodation facilities, engaging in environmental conservation activities, mentoring and empowering female safari guides competing in a male dominated sector with a gender biased mindset. 70% of the services at Afrika Panthera safaris are facilitated by female guides.

Having been involved in the tourism industry for over years, our team has known culture, animals, primates, plants, community, geology, landscapes and birds with a touch of authenticity and excellent customer care service.

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Planning a Trip to Africa for 2024 in 13 Easy Steps

By Deb | December 12, 2021 | Updated February 10, 2024

Are you’re planning a trip to Africa, and not sure where to start?

Travel planning can seem a little overwhelming , especially true if it’s your first trip to Africa. Flights, inoculations, what to pack, what to do about cell service and mobile coverage. There’s a lot to think about. You need a travelling to Africa checklist !

If this sounds like you, I’m glad you’re here! I travel to Africa every chance I get, and over the years I’ve gotten planning my vacation to Africa down to a science . Here I’ve broken the process into steps. Start at the beginning, and by the end, you’re on your way!

In this guide, I’ll provide Africa travel tips and insights to help you have a memorable and stress-free experience.

Dive in to this Africa trip planner, start planning, and your confidence will grow as your trip starts to come together.

Planning a Trip to Africa

1. what part of africa should i go to.

Africa has something to offer every traveller. Each country on this enormous continent is its own unique and fascinating world .

When taking a trip to Africa, choosing between 54 African countries may seem like an impossible task. But it’s just a matter of having an idea of what sorts of things you want to see and do while you’re there.

Think about how much time you have, and what your priorities are. Also take into account your budget . As you research safaris, accommodations, etc, you’ll see that certain things are more expensive in one country, while they might cost less in another.

Here are just a few of the choices you have [Clicking on the red text below will take you to a page that will give you more information on that topic] :

➣ South Africa

Planning a trip to South Africa will give you incredible opportunities for stunning wildlife viewing. As well, there beautiful cites and beaches, including the favourite, Penguin Beach . Yes, there are wild penguins in South Africa!

Botswana is home to the famous Okavango Delta , Chobe and other national parks, as well as the Kalahari Desert. You’ll find some of the top tours in this article .

For example, you might opt for a safari experience that takes you to Chobe, and Moremi Park in the Delta. It ends in spectacular Victoria Falls!

Kenya might be on your bucket list, too. It’s the home to the northern part of the Great Wildebeest Migration . And it’s got so much more than wildlife !

Or maybe you have your eye on Tanzania . The Serengeti in Tanzania is where the Great Wildebeest Migration begins. It’s also home to Mount Kilimanjaro if you’re up for some trekking. And there are a lot of lesser-known spots with outstanding wildlife.

➣ Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in either of these countries is an epic, bucket-list experience! In fact, Rwanda was one place chosen as a Time Magazine “ Top 50 Global Vacation Destination ” just for the gorillas.

If I were to describe Senegal with one word, it would be teranga. The word teranga means hospitality in the primary local language of Wolof. But in the daily life of the Senegalese terenga more, it is the foundation of who they are.

Experience Senegalese teranga as well as well as the urban lifestyles, the wildlife, and the beach culture.

Morocco is an exotic , exciting country, full of history and mystery. Camp out in the desert, wander through the souks, or learn to surf. There are endless ways to get to know this North African country.

Do you want an organized safari or a self-drive one ? There are actually several different types of safaris , including:

• luxury safari
• mobile tented camping safari
• walking safari
• overland safari
• hot air balloon safari
• horseback safari

A camping safari is my absolute favourite way to go , and one I highly recommend. There is no better way to get the feel of the African bush than this – especially if you get to sleep under the stars .

➣ If you’re more interested in the metropolitan side of Africa. The south has Cape Town , Johannesburg , and Gabarone to name a few.

Each of these cities is incredibly unique and full of amazing stuff to see.

➣ And north of the equator is full of its own magic – Egypt, Morocco, and everything in between. Exotic sights galore. Seriously.

From scuba diving to skiing and camel rides to exploring the markets. Northern Africa can checks a few things off your bucket list.

✔️ What If It’s My First Time in Africa?

Deciding where you’d like your first African adventure to be can be tough. There are 54 countries, plus the odd area that’s in limbo, not yet a country. Those are a lot of choices .

Travelling Africa as a beginner is amazing . It can be intimidating, though, when it’s new.

The only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa – for he has so much to look forward to. – Richard Mullin

I absolutely agree with this quote. However, I can’t say that I enjoy Africa any less when I visit now, after having travelled there several times. Every visit feels like the first one.

I often recommend Namibia to first-timers who are travelling independently. It’s safe, stunning, and full of adventures. Explore from Fish River Canyon in the south to Etosha and the Caprivi Strip in the north.

It’s also my favourite spot in Africa for a road trip . It has wide open, uncrowded roads, great infrastructure, and lots of places to stop and be amazed .

In addition, Namibia has wildlife, wilderness, history, and a lot more. The capital city of Windhoek, for example, can provide some nightlife, urban shopping, and great food.

Many people enjoy an organized tour their first time in Africa , instead of travelling independently. When your accommodation and transportation are provided for you, park fees are paid, it’s easy to relax and enjoy your first trip to Africa.

Or you can just book a short trip – a few days or a week. Get a feel for being here. Then strike out on your own with confidence. Here are a few spectacular tours to consider:

✔️ Kenya’s Samburu, Mara, and Seychelles’ Island

See lions and leopards as well as the rest of the Big 5 in the hidden gem, the Samburu National Reserve. Meet Maasai warriors, take a hot air balloon ride, and adopt an elephant! This could be the best 15 days of your life.

✔️ Stunning 8-Day Tour of Egypt

Wander through Cairo, see the pyramids, and take an incredible cruise on the River Nile . End your trip with some time in the beautiful city of Hurghada.

✔️ East Africa Migration Safari

Spend 10 days seeing the best of East Africa . Visit the famous Ngorongoro, Maasai Mara, and Serengeti parks. Experience the year-round spectacle of the wildebeest migration – the Greatest Show on Earth!

✔️ Private Camping Safari in Botswana and Zimbabwe

An 11-day private guided safari through the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park and into Zimbabwe. Enjoy seeing the wildlife from the water in a mokoro and on a river cruise, as well as on twice daily game drives.

Travel Fact : “Safari” is a Swahili word meaning “journey”. Swahili and English are the official languages of Tanzania.

 2. Visit a Travel Clinic

If you have a good travel clinic that you can visit, they’ll know what you need. If you don’t, you may have to do your own research, and take the information you find to your doctor .

It’s important to consider what vaccinations you need to get before you go:

➣ Yellow fever is required in some countries. Find out on this government website if you need it for your destination in Africa. ➣ Any other vaccinations you might need depends on where you’re coming from and where you’re going. Google your destination country(s); your government should have a website that can help.

➣ And of course, you may need a malarial preventative.

I’m not qualified in the slightest to dole out medical advice to you . I can only advise you to make sure your bases are covered by doing your research.

Then together you and your doctor can sort out what you need.

• While I’ve never had reason to feel afraid while travelling in Africa, it’s a fact that due to political unrest or periodic high crime, some countries should be avoided.

• And while I haven’t felt afraid on my own, I’ve also never walked through town alone after dark.

• Or flashed any cash, or let myself drink too much while on my own. • Global Affairs Canada posts an updated list of travel advice and advisories to help you make your choice of destinations. This site’s info holds true wherever you’re from. • Common sense is as useful when we’re away as it is at home! Read this article on staying safe and healthy in Africa to point you in the right direction.

3. Decide on the Best Time for Your Trip

You’ll need to decide what time of year you want to take your trip to Africa. Consider the weather at your destination .

Africa lies on both sides of the equator. In the southern hemisphere, seasons are the opposite of those in the north.

Many people think that Africa as a whole is perpetually hot. However, northern and southern countries do get a bit chilly during their respective winters.

Some even experience snow , so plan your trip accordingly!

Africa has so much to offer visitors all year. But the weather is an important consideration during the planning process of any trip.

Peak Season

➣ Peak season for wildlife viewing southern Africa tends to be in the winter , or the dry season. This falls very roughly between June and August below the equator.

The best East Africa safari weather is from July to November. Again, this is dry season .

Animals tend to be easier to spot during the dry season. This is due to there being fewer water holes for them to gather at, and less foliage to get in the way.

However, this is also a busier time for tourists . You may find yourself at an amazing leopard, for example, along with several other safari vehicles.

Be sure to make your plans well in advance if you decide to travel during peak season. Safari trips, accommodations, and other activities book up early.

➣ I like to plan my trips to Africa for the off-season , when there are fewer people travelling to my destinations. I still see an extraordinary number of animals, with far fewer Land Cruisers in the way.

Off-season includes the months roughly between March and June, and October through December in East Africa. Southern Africa off-season is around November through April.

Shoulder Season

➣ Shoulder season, aka spring and fall, is another great option . Again, the timing depends on what country you’re in. In very broad terms, September and October, as well as April and May , can be the best of both worlds.

Crowds are smaller than in peak season, tours and accommodation tend to be cheaper, and wildlife is plentiful.

There really is no bad time to visit Africa. If you’d love to go during peak season, but want to avoid the crowds, you might want to consider off-the-beaten-path places in Tanzania for a safari.

Southern Tanzania has some of the last remaining truly wild places to experience Africa’s wildlife. And without crowds of tourists.

4. Decide on the Length of Your Trip

How long should you plan to be in Africa? For those of us from the Western hemisphere, it’s a long journey to get to any African destination .

Most of us tend to stay a bit longer to balance out that that long journey.

When deciding on the length of your trip, consider the practicalities. You’ll need someone to look after any pets, plants, gardens, etc.

But in general, how long you plan to be gone will depend on what you want to do and see. And there is no end to the sights, activities, and destinations.

There really is a never-ending list of things to see and do on this enormous, fascinating continent.

So, honestly, the longer the better . If you plan to take an organized tour, they can be found for anywhere from a half day to a few months.

Keep in mind that organized trips can be expensive, but there are options in all price ranges.

Shop around to get an idea of what they cost and find a company that fits your budget and your dreams. Then read the reviews to be sure it’s what you’re looking for.

Go2Africa is an excellent option for your dream African safari. Not only do they provide excellent guides, and everything you need. They will also work with you to create the perfect itinerary for especially for you.

Viator is another terrific choice . Look through their extensive selection of tours. From day excursions to multi-day trips, Viator offers some fantastic African experiences.

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

5. Research Visa Requirements

How long you can stay at your destination may also depend on the length of the visa that is available . Research whether you’ll need a visa to enter the country(s) you plan to visit.

Your need for one depends mainly on what country issued your passport and how long you plan to stay. The easiest way to find out if you need a visa for the country or countries you plan to visit is to Google exactly that.

The duration of your visa will affect the length of time you can stay in a country. For example, a visa for Tanzania is generally valid for 30 days.

6. What To Take to Africa With You

There are some bare essentials you should remember to pack:

• Insect repellent ! Also be aware that dark and bright colours will attract mosquitoes.
• Sun protection . Don’t be a hero.
• Well-broken-in, comfortable shoes . Find what you need in The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Shoes for Safari
• A light . Most prefer a headlamp , but you might like a flashlight or very small lantern.
• A reusable water bottle . A LifeStraw one makes it easy by filtering water from any source. Or read up on water purification tablets and see if they might be right for your trip.
• A good camera – it’s up to you if you think your phone’s camera will do the job. I’d highly recommend a good zoom, though.
• Binoculars – if you’re planning a wildlife safari, you’ll wish you had some .
• Duffel Bags are the best safari luggage, soft-sided, lightweight and sturdy. Eagle Creek has a great one

You can find a comprehensive Africa packing list and guide to answer all of your safari packing questions in our packing guide . There’s info there, too, about safari travel luggage size and weight limits.

7. Booking Your Flight

When it’s time to book your flight to Africa, do your online searching in Incognito mode. This will help make sure you see the best price each time.

I like to use websites like Google Flights or Skyscanner to see what flights are available. As well as, I get an idea of the cost.

When I’m ready to book, though, I like to book directly with an airline, unless I find a deal I just can’t pass up.

➣ One reason is that it’s possible that I might find your flight at a lower price after I book. An airline is more likely to refund the difference than flight booking sites. 

➣ I also have a better chance of being able to choose my seat before check-in.

➣ Booking directly with an airline also usually means better customer service . This will be important in the event of things like delays and cancelled flights.

In my experience, both are just a part of the experience when it comes to travelling in Africa. Therefore, customer service can be very important.

🐥 Important tip: Most major airlines are on Twitter . If you’re not, set up an account before you leave home. If you need to contact your airline for any reason, it’s often easiest to reach them on Twitter .

Remember that the closer to the peak season you’re planning to travel, the earlier you’ll need to book your flights.

🛩️ Browse Flights to Africa with Expedia

8.  Where to Stay at Your African Destination

These days there are a lot of options. There are vacation rentals, Airbnbs, hotels, hostels – almost too many options to count. And don’t forget Couchsurfing .

I tend to steer clear of any place where I’m obligated to make small talk. A small hotel or vacation rental tends to be my choice.

I use Airbnb and VRBO a lot. Yes, even in Africa! When you’re planning your trip, be sure to check these out.

If you’d like to stay where the locals live, try Airbnb and VRBO yourself. They often have options in residential neighbourhoods.

You can even rent a bed in someone’s house and stay with a local family. Look into Couchsurfing , to spend a night in a local’s house.

This can be a great way to become familiar with the people and the culture, but be safe . If you get there and you feel uncomfortable, leave.

Being safe is always more important than being polite .

If you enjoy meeting new people, B&Bs and hostels may be more up your alley. Many people don’t realize that a lot of hostels have single rooms . You can often get a private bath.

Then you can still use the common kitchen and living areas that facilitate mingling.

They’re great places for meeting people from around the world . You can get great tips for travelling to Africa like what to see where you’re at, too.

The people working at your accommodation, whatever kind it is, can be fountains of information, too. They’re often locals and can give you the skinny on the area. Talk to them when planning your day.

🏨 Check out accommodations in Africa with Booking.com .

9. What About Money ?

Many banks now will let you order foreign currency . You can pick it up right in your own bank – so easy!

But there are some drawbacks to this when you’re travelling, especially if you’ll be gone for a while

First, you just don’t know how much money you will need. And secondly, and more importantly, it isn’t safe to carry around wads of cash .

It’s an option if you want to get a bit to see you through your arrival, but don’t get too much. The best option as far as cash is concerned is to use local ATM s.

Check the back of your debit card, and see what symbols it has on it. These represent the networks that your bank is a part of.

Use an online ATM locator to find out if your destination has ATMs belonging to one of these networks.

Also, find out what fees your bank will charge each time you use an international ATM.

There may be a fee to use the ATM and an administration fee from your bank. You may also see a fee charged by the bank that owns the ATM you’re using .

If these fees sound excessive, shop around . You might find that one of your local banks has a debit card with fewer or lower fees.

In any case, making ATM withdrawals too often will end up costing money.

Find the line. You want to withdraw enough that you won’t have to stop for cash often. But not have so much that you don’t feel safe carrying it.

Use credit cards whenever you can. They will have the best exchange rate, and are widely accepted throughout Africa.

You’ll need to have cash for taxis and tips. Plus buying from markets, or any place you want to haggle over the prices.

Money Tip : When an ATM or credit card machine asks if you’d like to pay in local currency or your home currency, always choose local. This will save you some exchange fees.

Research Your Fees

Before you leave home, find out if your credit card(s) charge a 2.5% foreign transaction fee or currency conversion fee.

You may have to do some investigating, as many people aren’t aware of these fees. Read the small print of your credit card agreement, and call customer service if necessary.

If they are charged, it’s well worth your time to find one that is fee-free .

While you’re at it, look for perks such as travel insurance and car rental insurance . These could also save you some money on your trip.

Once you’ve got your cash and credit cards sorted out, make a note of your credit limits .

In addition, find out how much cash you have available , as well as the phone numbers of your credit card companies and your bank.

Travel Tip : Take a photo of all of your ID and travel documents before you leave home. Email these to yourself so they’re accessible to you anywhere. I also like to leave a hard copy with someone at home.

10 . Get Travel Insurance!

Don’t blow off travel insurance , and don’t forget about it. You can buy insurance to cover emergency medical expenses, trip interruption, loss of luggage, and more .

There are many companies that you can work with, and prices vary pretty widely. Do some research and find a policy that works for you.

Remember to look at the coverage offered through your credit cards . You might be able to save some money if you know what your options are with your cards.

But if you decide to rely on your cards for some of your insurance needs, be absolutely sure that you understand what is covered , and how to go about using the coverage.

For example, are they available to call 24 hours a day? Will they pay upfront, or will you be reimbursed? Make sure everything works for you.

✅ I highly recommend SafetyWing Insurance. Get it here: SafetyWing

11. Arrange Your Mobile Data

Travel with a cell phone in Africa, even if you only keep one at home for emergencies .

A connection to the internet is incredibly handy, though not always possible.

And if you rely on the data that comes with your plan at home, you could end up buried under roaming charges .

Roaming charges are fees charged to you when your phone connects to the internet outside of your home network. But there are several ways around that.

Keep in mind, whether you use data from a cell phone, or a mobile WiFi device, that you should be able to wirelessly connect and share this data with a tablet and/or a laptop.

However, in many parts of Africa, it may be difficult to find a connection at all , especially in the bush. Take advantage of it when you have it. Download any maps you’ll need while you can.

A. Contact your cell phone carrier . Many carriers offer plans that include international data. If not, they may have temporary Add-Ons that you can buy in addition to your regular plan. Your carrier’s customer service rep should be able to hook you up.

B. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a local SIM card at your destination. Different options are available – different amounts of data, or data plus local calling, for example. Options and prices will vary depending on which part of Africa you’re in. Do a bit of research before you leave home to see what would work best for you. This site is a great source of information. Take note of a few different options , in case they aren’t all available when arrive. If you don’t have an unlocked phone, decide if it would be worth it to buy one. If you plan to do a lot of travelling, it may be a good option for you. If you go this route, consider a phone with a dual SIM . This way you can keep your home and local SIM cards on the phone. Otherwise, you’ll need to swap out your home SIM card. If that’s what you decide to do, plan where you’re going to keep it while you’re using the local one. They’re tiny and easy to lose track of.

C. A third alternative is to purchase an international SIM card , also called a global, roaming, or travel SIM. Examples for Africa are Surf Roam, DrimSim, and Orange Holiday World. They tend to be a bit pricier than local SIMs. But, if you have an unlocked phone, they make life easier. Their SIM card connects with the local network in the area(s) it was bought for. They all need an app that you will install at home, and you will connect as soon as you land. If you’re staying in one spot for the duration of your trip, you may want to use this short term. A least until you can purchase a local SIM, which will very likely be cheaper. If, on the other hand, you’ll be visiting several places, this may be a good all-in-one choice for you. It’s easier and less stressful than chasing down a new SIM at each stop. DrimSim has great rates, and they make it easy.

D. An Airalo eSIM is another convenient way to go. You don’t need to get a hold of a physical SIM card, so there’s no little bits of plastic to install and keep track of. You just need to install the app on your phone and use it to select your destination, and pick which package you think will work best for you. Then install and activate the eSIM , all online. Activation is instant! Airalo eSIM works in 27 of Africa’s 54 countries, offers round the clock Customer Support. It can be purchased, installed, and activated from anywhere in the world – as long as you have an internet connection!

E. Another option is a mobile WiFi device . This is somewhat similar to the modem you use in your home, but it’s smaller, made for travelling. Different types include those that require a local SIM card to tap into local internet. That is those that you purchase data for from a carrier at home – similar to a cell phone. You can connect your phone, tablet, or laptop, to the device. This makes surfing the internet feel similar to surfing from your couch at home. It is, however, another item taking up room in your bag, so keep this in mind.

F. Finally , there is always the option of simply connecting to free WiFi as you explore . You won’t have a continuous connection, of course. However, if you have limited data of your own, you can switch off when free WiFi is available. Your accommodation, whatever that may be, will very likely offer free WiFi. You’ll also find it at some local shops and cafes. Most of these are free too. The “internet cafe” can be found even in some of the smallest African villages. However, in more economically challenged places you may be asked for a very small fee. Do keep in mind that there are security risks attached to using these public connections. Unless you use a reliable VPN, it’s best not to, say, do your banking while connected to one. Learn about VPNs here .

What Do I Do When I Get There ?

The thought of landing alone in Africa for the first time can be intimidating. This is especially true when you don’t speak the local language .

You need to get to your accommodation, get something to eat, and find activities.

First, it’s important to always, always take the time to learn some phrases, even if English is spoken. Do some research.

Also learn the important local customs before you leave home. You need to be able to properly say hello, please and thank you, and excuse me, for example.

In Tanzania, you would never say hello to just one person if there are others in the room.

It’s also important to know what is considered appropriate dress where you’re going. Do you need to cover your legs and shoulders?

This is often the case in Africa. Respect the local culture. Always.

Once you have these tricks ready to pull out of your hat, you’re laughing.

Also, remember the available technology. Visiting a place where the main language is one that you don’t speak is less of an issue now.

There are a lot of translation apps and devices that are available to us, although only a few support any African languages. Try Google Translate, Jibbigo, and iTranslate Voice.

12. Getting Around Africa

Soak up the culture you’ve landed in! Plan how you’re going to get around with this in mind.

✔️ Getting From The Airport

W hen you first land, you’ll need to get from the airport to your accommodation .

➤ Airport shuttle : When you book your first night or nights, find out if the place you’re staying offers a shuttle service . Here’s an easy way to do that:

• Just go to  Booking.com  and enter the city you need accommodation in; press Search.
• Scroll down the menu on the left until you find Property Amenities – sometimes it’s listed as just Amenities, or as Facilities.
• Then scroll down that list to find  Airport Shuttle . Click on it.

And there you go. Your list of choices will be filtered to include places that offer an airport shuttle.  But be sure to check through the hotel description carefully. Some charge for the transfer, and   some offer it for free.

➤ Taxi : It’s different if you’re staying at an Airbnb or vacation rental, as I like to do. You’ll likely need to make your own way there .

It’s usually pretty easy to find a taxi at an airport. There should be taxis waiting outside. Be sure only to get in a car that is marked as a taxi.

➤ You may also have arranged a rental car from the airpor t. The desk isn’t always easy to find. Just ask an airport employee if it isn’t obvious where the rental counter is.

When you book your stay, it’s a good idea to find out its physical address. If you can, get directions, too. Even a general idea of the neighbourhood you’re going to can be helpful.

This is especially true if it happens to be in an area your taxi driver isn’t familiar with. I’m afraid this does happen.

At a minimum, write down the name and address of your accommodation in the local language(s). 

If it’s in Arabic, it’s definitely worth printing the Arabic name and address out from your home computer.

Better yet, take a screenshot of it and keep it on your phone.

➤ Book an Airport Transfer in Advance : This is an easy way to get from the airport to your accommodation. If you follow this link to the Viator website , you can book your airport transfer before you leave home.

You can even pay for it, so you don’t have to worry about counting out foreign currency as soon as you land.

✔️ Can I Rent A Car in Africa?

It’s a valid question, and the answer is yes . But make sure you can drive a stick shift .

It can be hard to find a rental car with an automatic transmission in Africa. If you can’t drive a stick shift, try contacting different rental companies.

Do this as soon as you start planning your trip to see if they can have one for you. And remember that driving is done in the left lane , and the steering wheel is on the right side of the car .

If you’re planning a trip to Africa and decide to rent a car, I recommend starting at the Discover Cars website . They’re a rental car price comparison website, and can help you find the vehicle and the price point you want.

They will offer you as many options as possible, even including local rental companies. You can book your rental and even pay for insurance  directly   through their website .

Just be sure to find out what sort of rental insurance your personal auto policy and credit cards offer. A lot of cards and policies can be used to cover some of your rental insurance, such as collision.

Find out so you don’t end up paying for more than you need to. Keep in mind that if you make a claim using your personal policy, you’ll need to pay the deductible stated in that policy.

🚙 Here’s a tip : If you plan on doing any highway driving instead of staying in one town or city, GET the tire insurance . The pot holes that dot many African highways can do real damage. Drive slowly and watch out for them.

Also, unless your driver’s license is not in English, you should not need an International Driver’s License.

But do be sure to bring your license with you.

✔️ Should I Rent A Car ?

Renting a car may seem like a no-brainer, but this can be a very isolating option. It’s just you and the radio, and the place you’ve come to see is on the outside speeding by.

I use all different forms of transportation to see the places I travel to. I may rent a car to drive between cities, as I can set my own timetable that way.

I f I’m in a large, sprawling city like Cape Town, I’ll hop on a bus and travel to different neighbourhoods.

Once I see an area that looks interesting, I’ll hop off and spend hours walking and people watching .

I love getting lost and finding amazing little shops or hidden parks.

✔️ Public Transportation

When you’re planning a trip to Africa, if you’re not renting a car, you need to get around somehow. Consider these options.

➤ Large cities like Cairo, for example, have a fairly extensive metro system – one of the oldest in Africa.

It allows quick travel and decent people watching, but as it’s mostly underground – poor sightseeing.

I suggest using undergrounds to travel fairly long distances, then get off as soon as you can.

➤ Use a bus, walk as much as possible, and bicycle when you can . Biking is a fantastic option for many cities. BUT, many African towns and cities have traffic that’s insanely chaotic.

Make sure you have a look at the traffic before deciding to take your own life into your hands.

➤ In smaller places, minibuses are a common form of public transportation . They go by different names in different places.

In Tanzania, for example, they’re dala dala . In Kenya, they go by matatus . Fares are often listed on the side. Try to have exact change.

They often don’t leave until they’re full – jammed full – so try to be patient .

I haven’t found a place yet that didn’t have public taxis, no matter how small.

The process for catching one when you’re out and about is simple – if you see a marked taxi, raise your arm and wave.

If it’s safe, traffic-wise, to do so, speak to the driver through the window first.

Make sure he can take you where you’re going, and how much he’ll charge you. You can ask at your accommodation approximately how much it should cost.

Keep in mind that a driver will typically charge a tourist more than a local. It will still be inexpensive, though, especially in smaller places. Include a small tip.

If you find a taxi driver that you click with and trust, get his number. A good taxi driver is gold.

As well, always keep a business card from your accommodation on you. If you’re in an Arabic-speaking country like Egypt, be sure to have a card in Arabic.

Or have someone who works at the place you’re staying write out the name and address for you.

Uber is also a thing in many parts of Africa , so keep this in mind. Namibia has Lefa , which is similar.

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

✔️ Rent a Bike

I get to see so much of the places I visit this way.

Bike rentals aren’t available everywhere, but if you can, give it a try. Maybe not in large cities, though.

I’ve been to very few places in Africa where traffic wasn’t insane.

I f you decide to do some pedalling, beware of getting distracted as you take in the sites.

I love these Bluetooth video sunglasses are perfect for biking, so you don’t have to worry about missing anything. And they’re easier to deal with on the fly than a GoPro.

✔️ Take the Train

Will you be travelling in South Africa? If you’re looking for an easy way to get between cities , be sure to check out the Shosholoza Meyl rail system.

This is a comfortable and affordable way to get where you’re going, but it’s not well-known among travellers. Be sure to give them a try if they have a route that suits you.

* Shosholoza Meyl 2024 Update : Some Shosholoza Meyl train routes were resumed at the end of 2023 after being suspended due to the pandemic.

It now seems that in 2024, some of those routes have again been suspended. Visit the Shosholoza Meyl page or contact them by email for information for your own travels.

Travel Tip : Remember to take a break and enjoy!

Make sure you plan some time to sit down now and then.

My favourite places to stop have some food nearby, and a place to sit outside and people-watch.

I fin d that the adage holds: The best places seem to be the ones frequented by locals .

But I always enjoy stopping in at places I recognize. Some may be appalled by the idea of walking into a Mcdonald’s in Cairo.

Nevertheless, I’m fascinated by the tweaks that are made to the familiar menu . The fact you can have a breakfast falafel here along with your hashbrown is fascinating to me .

I do the same at other worldwide chains. I love to see the overlap with my familiar commercial landscape at home.

It’s always interesting to see the differences and the similarities. Especially in cultures that otherwise seem so foreign.

We’re not all that different under the Golden Arches.

13. Find a Map App That You Like

However you’ve decided to get around, when you’re out exploring always have a map app open, such as Google Maps or MAPS.ME.

I’m afraid I was born without a sense of direction. Map apps’ pedestrian options have been a game-changer for me.

Earphones are a must to hear the directions. Wireless earbuds are great but can be lost easily.

Wired or not, I always use only one, so I can keep an ear open to the sounds in the air. And more importantly, to remain aware of my surroundings .

This is crucial to remember when there are so many distractions, and especially when wandering alone. Cairo traffic is something you need to give your FULL attention to. Safety!

And remember that it’s very possible that you won’t be able to get an internet connection while you’re out. Make sure to download your maps so you can access them offline.

More tips on how to prepare for a trip to Africa

For a little more help with packing your gear, here’s a quick safari packing list:

Essentials for Africa:

• malaria meds
• sun protection
• insect repellent with DEET
• toothbrush & toiletries
• small towel
• hair clips, ties, razor
• wide-brimmed hat with strap/ clip
• sunglasses and cord/ chums
• camera / extra batteries & SD card
• downloaded travel maps
• flashlight / headlamp
• charging cables
• power adapter
• laundry sheets (you may have access to a laundry service; take these too)
• foldable daypack
• filtered water bottle
• downloaded map app
• period products
• clothes that cover shoulder/knees
• toilet paper

Safari Clothing For Cold Nights/Mornings

• thick socks
• warm nightclothes
• fleece layer jacket
• neck gator or scarf
• long-sleeved shirts
• thin down jacket

For Hot Days/Nights

• short-sleeved shirts
• light, loose, linen-y pants
• underclothes
• light sleepwear
• closed toed shoes
• thin scarf /bandana – soak, wear on neck

Summing it Up – Planning a Trip to Africa

When you first decide to travel to Africa , actually getting yourself there might seem like a lot of work. But I hope you can see that you just have to work through the steps one by one. That’s it!

Now you know how to plan a trip to Africa!

Once that’s taken care of, choose your perfect bag with some help here . There are a couple of bags from Osprey on this list that are perfect for travel in Africa.

If you’re nervous about packing, take a look at some tips on what to pack and how to pack it. And don’t forget these unexpected essentials .

And you’re ready for anything!

Happy travels!

You Might Also Like: • Travel to Africa: A Packing List and Guide • 40 Safety Tips for Travelling in Africa • Must-Have Travel Apps for Africa 2022 • Travel Resources

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

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

The Best Places to Go in Africa in 2024

By CNT Editors

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 (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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Southern Africa Tours for Young Adults

Explore Southern Africa with other Young Adults. These 94 tours include popular destinations like Windhoek and Swakopmund.

94 trips for '18 to 30 Somethings' in Southern Africa with 903 reviews

• Overland Truck
• Christmas & New Year

Southern Africa Encompassed: Bush Camps & Wildlife Spotting

Not for the spoiled but a real adventure and a lifetime experience. Big thanks to the CEOs JP, Eddy & Phil.

Southern Africa Southbound: Dunes, Deltas & Falls

I have had two incredible trips with G Adventures. The guides were fantastic, always full of energy and excited to tell you anything specifically of interest to you to make your trip perfect. Considering the complex itineraries and number of people it's amazing that everything ran more or less smoothly. They packed as much as possible into the time available and didn't waste a minute. I loved the whole thing and will definitely be booking with them again. They take the hassle and stress out of organising leaving you free to enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

25-day Cape Town to Victoria Falls & Kruger (Camping)

We loved Mumma Liz! She took us all in like her extended family and played Mum to us all. I sincerely hope our paths cross again in the future. Chloe Ong xx

19-day Cape Town to Victoria Falls (Camping)

Liz was the most amazing guide you can imagine. Great knowledge, super kind and friendly. And so helpful. Thank you so much for the great experience!

Garden Route & Addo Group Adventure - 6 Days

Incredible experience. - most beautiful/important places are included - good accommodation and local delicious food - great guide

South Africa Adventure

An amazing experience! I loved every part of it, starting from the history in Johannesburg to the Safari to the adventure with the locals, and a great finish in one of the most beautiful cities I ever visited ( Cape town ). the local guide Daryl was the highlight of the tour, with such great guide you will have fun while you learn a lot about literally everything you see!!

5-Day Group Garden Route & Addo Adventure Tour (one-way)

Really enjoyed this trip. Nice size with 12 people, good mix of adventure and travel, really informative tour guide Gareth. Covered all my bucket list and more. Congo caves adventure tour was amazing as was zip lining, nice places to stay and great food.

6 Day Dunes & Wildlife Accommodated Safari

Nice tour but long distances and lots of time in the car. Be prepared for bush toilets and sharing just one key wirh your room mate.

7 Day Namibian Highlights Accommodated Safari

Great way of seeing the country and meeting some of its people. Last day we were expecting lunch either at a cafe or on the go but apart from an apple cake that was it until we returned to the guesthouse mid afternoon.

Essential African Safari

Sea, Safari, South Africa (14 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Kruger Safari with Eswatini (7 Days)

Botswana and Falls Overland: Wildlife Walks & Safari Drives

I was hesitant to book this tour because I have never been to Africa before. I was afraid for my safety and there were too many preparations (such as vaccines/camping equipment) for a week-long trip. However, this whole experience changed my mind and my preconceptions about Africa. We had an epic time with Patrick and Helms. They are both rockstars! Patrick is an exceptional person and a natural leader. He is an all-around guide, entertainer, cook, driver, doctor, foot splinter-remover etc. He made sure to accommodate everyone's needs, especially those with dietary restrictions. He immersed us in African culture by teaching us the phrases from different languages and singing songs. There is not a day that we do not sing "Jambo Bowana" except the first day he taught it to us because we all just woke up from our naps. Helms is the sweetest person on this tour! He is a reliable driver with a mechanic background. Our vehicle, Lando, had popped a tire and sparked a fire. His split second decision to stop and evacuate all passengers has prevented serious/lethal injuries. The Lando was not equipped with proper emergency gear and we had to ask passing vehicles for their fire extinguisher and jack. Helms remained calm and focused on fixing the Lando. Unfortunately, the damage was worse and the Lando could not continue on. We had to wait for a couple of vans that took 5 hours to get to us. Helms was left behind to watch over the vehicle for the next 3 days ALONE in a highway where lions roam at night. He prioritizes our safety and comfort. Throughout the entire trip, I know that I can trust this man with my life! I hope G Adventures would develop concrete/feasible back up plans for situations like these to protect their employees. The people of Africa are welcoming and kindhearted. My favourite part was to see the Okavanga Delta people. It was a wholesome, humbling and heartwarming time. Despite their limited resources (i.e., food/water), they still carry an optimistic outlook. This is an unforgettable experience! It saddens me that this tour had come to an end, but I am filled with joy to have seen Africa with such a great company. And I would do it all over again if I can have the Patrick and Helms! I can't name a better duo. Thanks guys!

Southern Africa Overland: Cape Town, Falls & Kruger

Special thanks to the tour guides, George and Chris as well as the drivers Judah and Helmes for a nice tour. I love the itinerary, food and optional activities offered. I saw so many amazing places and got some memorable photos. Downside was, too many nights staying the tents that you have to set up and take down and the included activities were not so active for the age group. Thus, I felt that the overall value was expensive. That being said the campsite and hostel/ lodges chosen were great. I had a fantastic adventure.

Southern Africa Northbound: Dunes, Deltas & Falls

What an amazing adventure! We had a fantastic CEO in Liza and our driver Robinson. They were a great team and worked hard to make sure we had the best time. This is my third trip with G Adventures and over landing and I've loved them. You get to see so much of the countries that you are travelling through and the tourist highlights in those locations. The only negative is that as there is a lot of travelling you don't really get to live or engage too much in local life as you are generally moving through villages etc. But you can't stop everywhere otherwise you would never be able to cover such distances in such a short amount of time. I would highly recommend this tour if you like adventure, camping, people, scenery, stars, sunrises, sunsets, animals and just something out of the ordinary. These tours take you away from day to day living in cities etc and push you out into the wilderness and there is nothing better than a braii under the stars. And yes this tour is participatory but for me that adds to the adventure. Embrace the bizarre and have an adventure of a lifetime.

What people love about Southern Africa Tours for Young Adults

Bei der Reise wurden die tollsten Ziele aus Botswana und Zimbabwe und Südafrika erreicht. An Natur und campingmöglichkwiten kaum zu übertreffen!! Dennoch sind die Fahrtzeiten logischerweise recht lang, es lohnt sich jedoch jeden Tag wieder! Ich habe so tolle Leute kennengelernt, einige fürs Leben. Meine Gruppe und die Guides waren hervorragend. Ich würde diese Reise jedem empfehlen.

Amazing experience. Everything was pretty much perfect minus some minor defects on the vehicle (air conditioning vents being placed poorly such that items in the overhead bins always covered them, usb chargers being placed such that they dig into your leg and take away a lot of leg room).

We had an amazing trip! Being from South Africa, I was sceptical about how good a African safari would be as a big group. It turned out to exceed all expectations; from elephant visiting our tent window one night to swimming on the edge of Vic falls at Devil's Pools... Moyenda (our guide) and Masaai (our driver) were wonderful. They both went far beyond their duties, ensuring we got to see and feel the real African bushels and get to mingle with the locals and villages. Things you can't normally do when going to the big resorts.

More Tours in Southern Africa for Young Adults

• Botswana and Namibia tours (12)
• South Africa and Zimbabwe tours (8)
• South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana tours (6)
• Namibia and South Africa tours (6)
• South Africa tours (28)
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• 10 Best Christmas Safaris 2024/2025
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• Solo/Single tours (808)
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International Versions

• Deutsch: Südliches Afrika-Gruppenreisen für junge Erwachsene
• Français: Circuits Afrique australe pour les Jeunes adultes
• Español: Circuitos en África Austral para adultos jóvenes
• Nederlands: Zuidelijk Afrika Rondreizen voor Jongeren

Money blog: Sales of viral Prime drink sink - as one supermarket 'sells at discount price'

Sales of the viral Prime sports drinks have fallen sharply in 2024 and are down by more than half year on year. Read this and the rest of today's personal finance news in the Money blog - and comment on any of the stories we're covering, or leave a Money Problem, in the form below.

Monday 8 April 2024 16:07, UK

• Pensions rising 8.5% today - as benefits go up 6.7%
• Money Problem : The monthly charge on my leasehold flat has gone up by more than £60 a month - what are my rights?
• Sales of viral Prime drinks sink - as one supermarket 'sells at discount price'
• London restaurant chain ditches tips - just before new legislation saying staff must get 100%
• You may be buying herbs and spices all wrong - and spending six times more than you need to
• The price of getting divorced

Ask a question or make a comment

Higher interest rates mean more people are opting to take out out longer mortgages in order to afford their repayments.

If you've recently agreed a mortgage deal that will take you past retirement age, we'd like to hear from you.

Are you worried, or do you feel it doesn't matter? Have you had to change any of your life plans to take on the mortgage?

Let us know by sending us a message via our  Whatsapp here.

Aldi is now Britain's third-biggest supermarket after kicking Asda from the bronze medal spot, according to one set of industry figures.

NIQ data shows Asda's growth has slowed, with sales up just 0.8% in the past three months - the worst performance of any big-name retailer.

Its market share has also dropped below Aldi's, with Asda making up 11.7% of the grocery market in the 12 weeks to 23 March, compared with 12.2% for Aldi.

The cost of living crisis has seen major supermarkets in the UK battle to market themselves as the best value for money for shoppers.

Aldi's UK operation reported a 26% rise in sales in December compared to the previous year.

Ex-Lidl UK boss Ronny Gottschlich said previously that he thinks the combined share of the two budget supermarkets will overtake Tesco "by 2027 at the latest".

Here's the latest Which? survey on the UK's cheapest supermarket for a basket...

Sales of the viral Prime sports drinks have fallen sharply since the start of 2024 and are down by more than half year on year, according to a report.

Chaos broke out in UK supermarkets at the end of 2022 following the release of the drinks, with some being re-sold by shoppers at inflated prices due to intense demand.

Prime, founded by KSI and fellow YouTuber Logan Paul, was the fastest growing food and drink brand in 2023, according to The Grocer.

But a new  report by the grocery news outlet cites NIQ data which shows that sales of Prime in the first quarter of 2024 sat at just £12.8m - less than half the £26.8m reported over the same period last year.

A picture emerged on social media last month of bottles of Prime being sold for just 31p in Tesco - although it's worth pointing out that the supermarket giant had previously been reluctant to stock them and other companies are still selling them at around the £2 mark.

You no longer have to pay a fee to sell pre-owned clothing on eBay.

The online marketplace says it has scrapped the charge for private sellers in the UK in a bid to prevent items from ending up in landfill.

In reality, eBay is trying to compete with popular apps such as Vinted and Depop. These apps tend to attract a younger market - which eBay is eager to infiltrate.

Under its change, all items are covered except hats, footwear, watches, bags and jewellery, which still incur a fee.

Items listed before today will benefit from the change.

Kirsty Keoghan, general manager of global fashion for eBay, said: "Free fashion selling has come at the right time for a nation sitting on billions of pounds worth of unwanted clothes.

"We know selling clothes can sometimes feel like a chore, so free selling and new updates like new AI-powered listings will help more of us to sell clothes easily, putting more cash in pockets."

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

The price of oil is hovering around $90 a barrel, levels last seen six months ago in the wake of the Hamas attacks on 7 October.

It's a slight fall from the $91.50 recorded on Friday but still not good news for motorists and for most of the economy, which is largely reliant on oil to fuel production. 

The FTSE 100 index of most valuable companies on the London Stock Exchange is down 0.03% this morning with Marks and Spencer experiencing the biggest fall. 

Its share price is down 2.45%, followed by the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) itself. 

Following stories of a shareholder revolt in LSEG, as its chief executive David Schwimmer is in line for a pay rise from £6.3m to £13.2m, the share price fell 1.9%. 

A pound buys $1.2616 and €1.656.

Nail salon prices across the UK are going up today as thousands of workers band together.

The Nail Tech Org (NTO) says its member nail technicians make on average just under £7 per hour, well below the minimum wage of £11.44 - and so they're collectively coming together to raise prices to help increase pay.

Lauren Pritchard, owner of The Beauty Bar in Birmingham, told Sky News the cost of opening her salon on a day-to-day basis has doubled in the last four years because of increased energy and product costs.

She says she has already lost some clients after announcing her price increase of £2-3 per service.

"It's always going to be a bit scary," she said, but increasing her prices at the same time as others makes it easier.

"It's us coming together to encourage each other rather than pitching us against each other by undercutting prices."

The state pension rises by 8.5% today.

The "new" state pension, for those reaching state pension age on or after 6 April 2016, will rise to £221.20 a week - up from £203.85.

The "basic" state pension, for those who took it out prior to April 2016, is rising to £169.50 a week. These people may also get SERPs (State Earnings Related Pension Scheme), which goes up by 6.7%.

Both groups may get more or less depending on individual circumstances. 

While the rise is welcome news for some 12 million pensioners, we reported last week that 650,000 additional pensioners could be dragged into paying income tax for the first time.

This is down to state pensions rising in line with inflation while the tax threshold has been frozen at £12,570 (and will remain so until 2028).

The 8.5% increase in the "new" state pension this week will take it to £11,502. While welcome, it means any pensioner with an additional income over £1,068 per year - for example from a private pension - will trigger a tax bill.

Means-tested benefits will also increase today - along with other benefits increases this weekend and at the start of the month. Here's a round up...

• Child benefit

The amount people can earn before child benefit is reduced or taken away is increasing.

At the moment, people lose 1% of the benefit for every £100 they earn over £50,000. At £60,000, the benefit is cut completely.

From this month, the benefit won't be reduced until one parent earns more than £60,000. And it will only go completely at £80,000.

Benefits and tax credits that are linked to inflation will rise by 6.7% this month.

That was the level CPI in September.

These benefits have to go up 6.7% by law:

• Personal independence payment (PIP)
• Disability living allowance
• Attendance allowance
• Incapacity benefit
• Severe disablement allowance
• Industrial injuries benefit
• Carer's allowance
• Additional State Pension
• Guardian's allowance

The government also pledged the same raise for benefits including:

• Universal credit
• Contributory employment and support allowance
• Contributory jobseeker's allowance
• Statutory maternity/paternity pay and maternity allowance
• Income-based jobseeker's allowance (JSA)
• Income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)
• Income support
• Working tax credit
• Child tax credit

From April universal credit rates are:

• Single and under 25 - £311.68
• Single and 25 or over - £393.45
• Live with partner, both under 25 - £489.23 (for you both)
• Live with partner, either of you are 25 or over £617.60 (for you both)

Every Monday we put your financial dilemmas or consumer disputes to industry experts. You can find out how to submit yours at the bottom of this post.

This week, Sky News reader SBwrry  asks...

"I own a flat in a block where the developer contracted a company to manage the communal facilities. The first year the monthly charge was £149 per month. From April they will increase the monthly charge to £216 per month. What rights do I have to challenge this increase?"

Mark Chick, senior partner at Bishop and Sewell law firm, picks up the first half of this one...

Firstly, we need to understand whether this is a shared ownership property or not. 

However, assuming the lease has a service charge, and that the common facilities form part of the costs which are recoverable under the terms of the lease, then the leaseholder would have the right to challenge the costs in the first-tier tribunal.

In accordance with the provisions of the Housing Act 1985, service charges must be "reasonable" and you have the right to bring a challenge.

In this situation, the leaseholder would need to pay their own costs of going to tribunal and therefore it may make sense to act collectively; if the tribunal did order the service charge is "unreasonable" and should be reduced, this should benefit all those that pay it.

But the first step is to write to the freeholder or manager querying why the increase has been levied, and also to review carefully the provisions of the lease to ensure these are costs which they can legitimately pass on to you as the flat owners.

The Money team's Katie Williams has looked at another avenue you could explore...

Leaseholders in a block of flats can take over management of the building under a process introduced in 2002 called right to manage (RTM).

The leaseholders have to set up a RTM company in order to be able to take over management duties. It can be done without the permission of the landlord, but they will have a right to be a part of the company. They'll also have the option to dispute the claim if they think the RTM company isn't entitled to manage the building.

The RTM process can be used to take back control of a poorly managed block, but flat owners don't need to prove mismanagement to exercise their right.

There are some conditions that have to be met before management can be taken over:

• The building must be self contained and include at least two flats;
• At least two-thirds of the flats in the building have to be leasehold;
• At least 75% of the building must be residential;
• At least half the leaseholders must participate, or all if the building consists of two flats only.

The advantage of right to manage is that you have greater control over the cost of running the building which could lead to big savings - but a potential disadvantage is that it could be time-consuming and stressful in the long run.

This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about. Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute, leaving your name and where in the country you are, in the form above or by emailing [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog". Alternatively, WhatsApp us  here .

If you regularly buy herbs and spices from the supermarket, it could be that you're doing it all wrong.

These items have their own section, usually somewhere near the stock cubes and gravy.

If that's where you pick up your cumin or chilli flakes, for example, you should consider having a look down the world aisle instead.

They're usually much, much cheaper per 10g, and although you'll likely have to buy a slightly bigger packet, you're getting much better value for money.

The Money team popped into a Tesco Extra to have a look - though you'll find this applies to all the big supermarkets where they have a world food aisle.

• East End ground cumin - 13p for 10g v Tesco own brand 23.3p
• East End chilli flakes - 7.6p for 10g v Tesco own brand 35.7p
• East End cinnamon sticks - 13p for 10g v Tesco own brand 83.3p
• Rajah chilli powder - 5p per 10g v Tesco own brand 20p
• Rajah turmeric - 6p per 10g v Tesco own brand 22.2p
• East End fennel seeds - 13p per 10g v Tesco own brand 27.8p
• Natco ground coriander - 14.5p per 10g v Tesco own brand 27.8
• East End garlic powder - 13p per 10g v Tesco own brand 22.2p

And it's not just herbs and spices.

For example, we saw desiccated coconut at £4.25 per kg down the world aisle, compared with £7.25 for Tesco's own brand.

A popular London restaurant chain has ditched tips - and has instead introduced a 15% "brand charge" in order to increase staff wages.

Ping Pong's decision comes just months before new laws mean restaurants will have to give 100% of tips to staff - and unions have hit out.

How much are wages going up?

The dim sum chain's lowest paid employees will see their pay increase from £10.42 to £12.64.

The national minimum wage for people aged over 21 rose from £10.42 to £11.44 on 1 April. The real living wage in London is £13.15, according to the Living Wage foundation.

What is the 15% 'brand charge'?

The "brand charge" covers "costs associated with operating a franchised brand and delivering the dining experience to brand standards", Ping Pong menus read.

The charge will eventually be incorporated into menu prices.

Customers at Ping Pong will no longer be able to leave a tip by card. Cash tips are allowed - but many customers don't carry cash these days.

Unite's Bryan Simpson said offering £1 above the minimum wage to replace "a healthy per hour tip rate" is "a complete slap in the face" for staff.

"Ping Pong's decision to effectively deny workers tips by cynically changing the service charge to a 'brand charge' in order to circumvent the new fair tips legislation is one of the most blatant examples of tips theft that we've come across as the union for restaurant and bar workers," he said.

"No matter what senior management call it, customers will assume that this 15% is a tip that should go to workers, but it won't. That is completely disingenuous."

Several reviews on TripAdvisor bemoaned the bill change, with some describing it as "outrageous". 

"I thought it was a service charge at first but queried it and was told it was a brand charge and service had to be paid in cash on top! Needless to say we asked for this to be deducted and I did not then feel inclined to give them a service tip," one reviewer said. 

What has Ping Pong said?

Owners AJT Dimsum said: "The business is very proud of the reputation it has as a good employer and, despite the many recent headwinds, has acted with integrity and honour, with a high priority placed on employee retention. 

"The benefit to our employees will be stability of wages throughout the year, reducing the impact of seasonality and the higher wages will also mean improved access to financial products such as loans and mortgages."

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Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

Watch CBS News

Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse you can see across the U.S. today

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 8, 2024 / 10:54 AM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse crosses North America today, with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show where and when astronomy fans can see the big event  as skies darken in the middle of the day on Monday, April 8.

The total eclipse will first appear along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then travel across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon will fully block out the sun , according to NASA. The path will range between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse will start over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT on April 8, according to NASA. From there, the path will continue into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse will exit continental North America around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality includes portions of the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. are included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others will see a partial eclipse. Here are some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — if the weather cooperates :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse will reach totality across the path

The eclipse will begin in the U.S. as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and then moving along its path to the northeast over the next few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. You can also  check your ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse will reach you if you're on, or near, the path of totality — or if you'll see a partial eclipse instead.

How much of the eclipse will you see if you live outside of the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse will cover a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may spot a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer you are to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that will be hidden.

NASA allows viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun will be covered in their location.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality have a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You can check the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where will the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, will get to experience totality for the longest. Totality there will last 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality will see a totality duration between 3.5 and 4 minutes long, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. come close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, will have a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

After the April 8 eclipse, the next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse than the upcoming one on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse, but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

More from CBS News

How often do total solar eclipses happen?

When is the next total solar eclipse in the U.S. after today?

Is it safe to take pictures of the solar eclipse with your phone?

See the list of notable total solar eclipses in the U.S. since 1778