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Your Unforgettable Africa Itinerary: Dream Trips from 1 Week to 3 Months

Doesn’t that name just get you excited for adventure!

Well it certainly does me and having just finished my 4th trip to this continent I’m a sold-up massive fan.

I know planning a trip here can be somewhat of a mind-bending experience… to say the least!

Where to go? What to do? How much time to allow?

There’s just so many questions to answer when trying to map your journey.

But don’t worry, help is at hand!

From Cape Town to Cairo, Marrakesh to Maputo, I’ve travelled a fair few countries in this diverse and dazzling land and now am bringing you my ideal itineraries that will have you enjoying an awesome Africa trip no matter whether you have 1 week or 3 months here.

Read on to discover the perfect Africa itinerary for your time frame…

PS. If you want to take a great tour through Sub-Saharan Africa, visiting all the hot spots in this epic part of the continent, then I highly recommend Absolute Africa.

I loved my trip with them so much that I’m currently offering all my readers an exclusive discount on their tours, meaning you can now travel even more in this amazing continent for less!

Simply send Absolute Africa an email on [email protected] , quoting the discount code BWSP, and start planning your incredible trip with them today!

Related Posts

• 34 Top Tips for Budget Travel in Africa
• The Ultimate Safari Gear Packing List
• 15 Safest Countries to Travel in Africa

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1 week africa itinerary – 1 diverse country.

Best Place to Stay Morocco: Les Matins Bleus, Essaouira

With just one week up your sleeve for Africa, it’s best to concentrate on 1 country that offers a lot.

Close to Europe, with short flights times, I really think Morocco makes the perfect choice for your 1 week Africa itinerary.

From the great cities of Marrakesh and Fez full of their photographic streets and pumping souks, to day trips in the Atlas Mountains , people-watching in the medina of Chefchaouen or exploring the coastline at Essaouira, you can do a lot with just 7 days here!

Morocco also gives travellers a good insight into the diversity of Africa – with Arabic, Bedouin, French and English spoken here and its people bringing a wide range of cultural backgrounds to the fore – this country provides a good introduction to the complex and layered diversity of this fascinating continent.

Plus you can’t go wrong with the food, or the mint tea of course!

Check out my top Morocco itinerary suggestions here .

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2 Week Africa Itinerary – Safari and Sea

Both Kenya and Tanzania are perfect countries to explore with a 2 week Africa itinerary – although if you’re on a budget I’d suggest just picking one country and sticking with it to avoid double visa fees and pricey flight connections.

Best Place to Stay in Tanzania: New Teddy’s Place, Zanzibar

Starting with Tanzania, 2 weeks in this country is ideal for experiencing some of Africa’s most scenic and spectacular safaris.

My favourites, and pick of the bunch, were the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, which I’d suggest allowing at least 3 days for if you really want to soak in their enormity.

Learn more in my post about why Tanzania’s Serengeti will blow your mind!

Picking up a tour last minute to these great game reserves can be done cheaply from the town of Arusha and you may want to hang a few days in this place to experience a bit of everyday Tanzanian life at the same time you try and score a bargain.

After you’ve had your wildlife fix, head to the coast and the country’s biggest city, Dar Es Salaam for a night, before hopping on the ferry to Zanzibar.

I’d allow at least 5 days for this stunning island – 2 nights in the capital Stone Town and 3 nights at the beach town of Paje on the east coast to dive, kitesurf or just relax!

And you can discover more about how to spend your time in this country care of my ideal Tanzania itinerary!

Best Place to Stay in Kenya: Distant Relative Eco-Lodge, Kilifi

When it comes to a 2 week Africa itinerary, Kenya is really hard to beat.

Like its neighbour Tanzania, Kenya has some incredible safari opportunities and some drop-dead gorgeous coastline too.

If you’re on a budget, consider limiting yourself to just one safari in Kenya (none of them come super cheap!) and with this in mind, it really is hard to overlook the mind-blowing magnificence of the Masai Mara.

Winner of the Best Africa Safari award (as voted by me!), the Mara is a paradise for its big 5 spots, stunning landscape shots and rich cultural heritage.

This place really does have it all and Milimani Backpackers in Nairobi provide some great value tours there for backpackers and solo budget nomads.

If you do feel like treating yourself to more than 1 safari, other great options in Kenya include:

• Amboseli National Park
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Tsavo East National Park
• Hells Gate National Park

Otherwise, check out my list of the 14 most spellbinding things to do in Kenya for more ideas, or have a look at these fab Kenya tours .

Once you’ve got your wildlife fix in Kenya, it’s time to head to the coast!

Kilifi and Diani Beach and my 2 favourite spots.

The first offers creekside relaxation in the amazing Distant Relatives Backpackers, with day trips to Watamu and Malindi all possible from this local town.

Diani is all about the white sand, turquoise sea and dreamy views.

Diani Backpackers offers a great budget place to stay here among the expensive resorts and you can still access the beach, boat trips and some great diving opps along with everyone else!

Sometimes, with a 2 week Africa itinerary, people like to combine Tanzania and Kenya by visiting the Masai Mara for their safari fix and then heading to Zanzibar for their beach time.

Cheap and short flights between Nairobi / Mombasa and Zanzibar make this more than possible.

Discover more in my ideal Kenya itinerary for a tight schedule!

LOOKING FOR A BUDGET TOUR IN AFRICA?

If you’re interested in an unforgettable, well-priced tour in Africa, with guides you can trust, then email me at [email protected] with some ideas about where you want to go and I’ll send you my top recommendations – simple!

Otherwise, check out this great range of safari options that cover some of the top wildlife attractions and national parks across the continent.

3 Week Africa Itinerary – Southern Explorer

With 3 weeks up your sleeve for Africa, you can really start exploring more than one country.

I’d advise combining South Africa, Botswana & Vic Falls in Zimbabwe as a great option for this timeframe.

SOUTH AFRICA

Best Place to Stay in South Africa: The B.I.G, Cape Town

Begin in Cape Town, one of the continent’s most alluring cities, and after 3 days of exploring its dizzy heights with this perfect itinerary , begin making your way along the South African coast.

Allow plenty of time for the Wild Coast, as well as the wine country and the Drakensberg Mountains if you can – with 10 days you should be able to see most of the best things to do in South Africa.

Reach Joburg and hop up to Kruger National Park for an amazing full day game drive in one of this continent’s most famous game reserves before heading onto Botswana – maybe via a short flight if you’re pushed for time.

Check out this top-rated private day-long game drive in Kruger (which includes a pick-up) if you’re looking for a great option.

Otherwise, if you’re hoping to travel South Africa on a budget, then these top hacks for a cheap safari there may help you.

In Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Chobe River National Park offer more sublime safari experiences.

Choose between them or hit up both (allow at least 4 days for both) if you have time.

VICTORIA FALLS

Best Place to Stay in Victoria Falls: Shoestrings Backpackers, Zimbabwe

From Chobe River, it’s then a “short” drive (in Africa terms) across the border into Zimbabwe where you can see the stunning Victoria Falls.

With all manner of crazy activities on offer here, adrenaline junkies should allow at least 2 nights to get their fix!

Learn more in my list of the 8 things to do in Victoria Falls , which are g uaranteed to get your heart racing

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1 Month Africa Itinerary – Northern Highlights

From one end of the continent to another, with 1 month for your African adventure, you can definitely explore the best that the northern end of this continent has to offer.

Best Place to Stay in Egypt: Ekadolli Nubian Guesthouse, Aswan

Egypt really is every bit as spectacular as you imagine and with so much to see and do here, I’d suggest allowing 10 days-2 weeks to explore the length and breadth of this fab country.

Begin in Cairo and give yourself 3 nights here to tick the Pyramids and the Sphinx off your bucket list, as well as see the Islamic and Coptic quarters of the city and one of the world’s best museums.

Learn more in my list of the 10 best things to do in Cairo

From Cairo, head to the Red Sea to get your beach fix.

The mega-chilled town of Dahab gets my vote for its awesome cafes, cheap prices and super diving opps.

Allow yourself 3-4 nights, although if you’re anything like me, you’ll be hardpressed to leave!

After the Red Sea, it’s time to crack on with the sightseeing.

First up, Luxor for the Valley of Kings, Karnak and Luxor Temple.

The Luxor Museum and other sites of the West Bank are also highly worthwhile.

Allow 2-3 nights in Luxor (here’s a handy itinerary to help you) and consider taking a well-priced tour to get the best from your experience.

I highly recommend Emad, a very experienced tour guide with fantastic English and a cracking sense of humour! He can be contacted via Whatsapp on +20 100 151 3578.

From Luxor bag yourself a cheap cruise and sail down the Nile to Aswan, passing Efnu Temple and Kom Ombu Temple on the way.

Once in Aswan, Philae Temple and Abu Simbel cannot be missed!

Best Place to Stay in Sudan: The Nubian Rest House, Karima

Sudan might seem an unlikely choice on an Africa itinerary, but trust me you’ll be blown away when you get there just like everyone else.

Full of amazing historical sights, fascinating culture and some of the friendliest people on earth, a week here will give you an experience few travellers are lucky enough to get… yet.

Get to Sudan either by crossing overland from Aswan or flying direct to Khartoum from Cairo.

Allow 3 days for the capital and then split the rest of your time between the Nubian town of Karima and the splendid Meroe Pyramids.

Get more information in my perfect Sudan travel itinerary.

Best Place to Stay in Ethiopia: Mr Martin’s Cozy Place, Addis Ababa

After Sudan, you can either fly or cross overland into Ethiopia, my favourite country of ALL time!

Yes don’t get me started on how amazing this place is!

With 1-2 weeks you’ll have a good amount of time to see all the major attractions including the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela , the mind-blowing landscape of the Danakil Depression , the Camelot of Africa – Gondar – and hike in the UNESCO-listed Simien Mountains .

As well as sample the amazing food, coffee, music and dancing of this utterly unique place!

Learn all about where to visit in this amazing country care of my ideal Ethiopia itinerary

2 Months Africa Itinerary – The Best of South & East

2 months in Africa will give you a great opportunity to see the best of the Southern and Eastern parts of this continent and tick quite a few experiences off your bucket list while you’re at it!

Fly into Cape Town and enjoy a week exploring the attractions of this dazzling city as well as its many day trips.

There’s tons of details and tips available in my list of the best things to do in Cape Town.

From Cape Town head north into Namibia and spend a week checking out the Etosha National Park , Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon and Skeleton Coast.

Namibia is a large and sparsely populated country, which means distances between destinations can be significant, but it’s worth the journey because this country is like nowhere else on earth!

Discover more with my list of the 9 best places to visit in Namibia.

After Namibia, hop across the border into Botswana to check out Okavango and Chobe River National Parks, allowing yourself 5 days to take in their natural splendour.

It’s then just a “short” drive from northern Botswana across the Zimbabwe border and onto Victoria Falls, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, this is absolutely one of the best things to see in Zimbabwe .

From rafting to canyoning, zip-lining to bungee jumping, this is the adventure capital of Southern Africa so it’s time to get your adrenaline fix at this iconic spot!

Cross the border at Victoria Falls and head onto Zambia’s most national park – South Luangwa –  for some seriously close encounters with hippos, elephants and more!

Give yourself 2 nights here, unless the animals freak you out so bad on the first night you can’t stay longer!

Best Place to Stay in Malawi: Thumbi View Lodge, Cape Maclear

Now it’s time to chill a bit, and there’s few better places to do it in this part of the world than Lake Malawi.

Pick one spot along its banks, pitch your tent and unwind!

I’d really suggest 7-10 days in Tanzania to take in as much as you can of this amazing country.

From world-class safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater to the stunning beaches and fascinating Swahili culture of Zanzibar, this is a country of contrasts that shouldn’t be overlooked.

I suggest a 3-day safari tour as a good option, followed by plenty of downtime both in Zanzibar’s capital Stone Town and its east coast resort of Paje.

Best Place to Stay in Rwanda: Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel, Kigali

And finally, dive into the heartland of East Africa with a trip through Rwanda and then into Uganda.

Compared to the mostly dry and arid Tanzania, the lush, green countryside of these 2 countries can be a welcome surprise, although often the humidity is not!

Best stop in Rwanda is the capital Kigali where the important Genocide Memorial Centre is, but here’s 6 other epic things to do in this country too.

Best Place to Stay in Uganda: Fat Cat Backpackers, Kampala

In Uganda it’s all about the wildlife, so don’t miss out on any of the amazing national parks here including Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The town of Jinja , the East Africa adventure capital and start of the Blue Nile falls is another must, as is gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of course.

With all this on your plate, you’ll need at least a week to explore the best of this beautiful country.

Get more ideas in my list of the 10 best things to do in Uganda .

3 Months+ – Cape Town to Cairo

And with a 3 month+ Africa Itinerary open to you, you’ll have to time to do the most legendary of all legendary journeys – Cape Town to Cairo!

If you’re a fast mover then, I’d suggest following the 2 month itinerary above and then tagging on Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt onto the end (view my 1 month Africa itinerary above for best details on this northern section).

Otherwise, if you’re a slower mover like me, then a South Africa – Swaziland – Mozambique – Tanzania – Kenya – Ethiopia – Somaliland – Sudan – Egypt route takes in less countries, giving you more time in each!

This whole route can be done overland, although you’ll have to make provisions and plans for border crossings in advance.

I’d start in Cape Town and then work up the coast to Eswatini before continuing north, but depending on the time of year, you could just as well make this journey in reverse.

Check out the other itineraries in this post for more detailed information about each country in this epic voyage.

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So there you have it, my full round-up of the best Africa itinerary for your time frame!

Of course, these are all open to mixing and matching too, but I thought splitting them up may give you the best idea of the possibilities that lie before you in this most wild and wonderful of continents.

So, when and where are you headed first?

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

16 thoughts on “ Your Unforgettable Africa Itinerary: Dream Trips from 1 Week to 3 Months ”

Hello Stephie, While in Uganda you can tour various parks in 2 to 3 weeks.You can allocate Murchison 3 Days,Transfer to Kibale for Chimpanzee tracking 2 days,go via Fort Portal and connect to Queen Elizabeth National Park where you can spend another 3 days,head to Bwindi National Park via Ishasha for Gorilla Tracking also 3 days,then proceed to Lake Bunyonyi in Southern Uganda for may be 2 days.Then you can return to the capital or proceed to Kigali which is 2 h-3 hours away and take a flight from there.Thank you for loving Africa.

Thanks Immaculate, this sounds like a jam-packed, action-packed itinerary that takes in the best of Uganda. I do worry it might be a bit rushed though. Probably leaving out Fort Portal would make it more manageable, plus relaxing at the lake at the end is a great idea. If you had to choose between Chimpanzee or Gorilla trekking, which would you go for?

I would choose Gorilla tracking anytime any day.The experience of tracking in the highlands of Bwindi in groups of 8 is worth the while.You need to be fit though.

Great, feeling pleased I’ve trekked with the gorillas, but not the chimps yet! Loved the challenge of the Bwindi terrain too 🙂

This sounds like such an incredibly bunch of itineraries! Full of so many amazing activities and things to do. Africa has so many incredible places that have so much to offer, each so different from each other. Great post!

It really does Bea. Thanks for your lovely comments and wishing you all the best. Steph 🙂

You are more than welcome to track the chimpanzees as well in Kibale National Park or Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park.It’s a good experience too.

Wonderful, it’s definitely on list for when I return to Uganda

Hi, can all this be done by public transport?

Which itinerary are you referring to Larena? Most can

Thank You for sharing this kind of article. But I don’t think we could travel in 2021? What do you think of travelling in 2021? and I would like do a safari

I think travel in 2021 really depends on a lot on where you want to travel, how you get there and how the restrictions in your country are at that time. Fingers crossed this vaccine continues to look good and we can all start getting back to semi-normal 🙂

Really innovative and informative blog. Thank you for sharing such a powerful information. Reading it twice a day.

That’s great to hear! Thanks so much! Best, Steph 🙂

three month would be expensive for me, book a 1 week

Sure Xaid, do that 🙂

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How to plan a trip to Africa in 2022/23

A trip to Africa seems to be on every traveler’s bucket list, and for good reason! With incredible wildlife, intriguing culture, and scenery of every kind, Africa has no shortage of jaw-dropping sights to see and things to do.

Planning a trip to Africa can be fun, but also somewhat daunting. Africa can be a challenging destination to visit with many remote areas, logistical details to plan, and seemingly endless destinations to choose from.

Luckily, we have compiled our best tips for planning an Africa trip in 2022.

Read on to learn more!

Top destinations in Africa to visit

Whether you want to go on an adventurous safari or see historical ruins, there is something in Africa for everyone!

If your goal is to go on an African safari , you can choose between East Africa and Southern Africa. East Africa offers some of the most dazzling scenery on the continent, along with an abundance of animal spotting. With the cosmopolitan culture of Cape Town, beautiful wine country, and lovely surroundings, Southern Africa is a better choice if you want a more well-rounded experience.

The top destinations in East Africa include Tanzania , Kenya , Rwanda , and Uganda . In Southern Africa, you can visit South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Namibia.

History-lovers should go to Egypt, where they can see the ancient pyramids: one of the best trips to Africa. For stunning beaches, check out Zanzibar, which is right on the Indian Ocean. Cape Town, South Africa is another top destination, offering lovely beaches, excellent hiking trails, and incredible scenery.

Where should I go in Africa for the first time?

There are several destination options for first-time visitors to Africa. Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Morocco, Botswana and Tanzania are excellent countries for first-time travellers.

However, the most important thing to know is that you should only visit one or two countries at a time. Trying to squeeze in too much will make you feel rushed and overwhelmed.

How long should you plan a trip to Africa for?

There is so much to see and do no matter where you are in Africa! We recommend that you go for at least eight days (not including flight times), if not longer, for a few different reasons.

First of all, depending on where you are coming from, the jet lag can be awful, so your body may need a few days to recover.

Secondly, you want to give yourself enough time to see and do everything in the area that you visit. It’s never fun to feel rushed, so planning a more extended trip can help with this.

What do I need for a trip to Africa?

Besides all of your usual trip necessities, like clothing and toiletries, there are a few different must-haves when traveling in Africa:

• Wet wipes: Some places don’t have running water, so wet wipes will ensure that your hands stay clean.
• Sunscreen: The African sun is harsh; bring sunscreen to prevent a burn.
• First aid kit: If you get any cuts or need any pain relievers, this will keep you covered.
• Headlamp or flashlight: You will want this for getting around at night.
• Bug spray: African bugs are like no other!
• Hiking boots: No matter where you go in Africa, you are likely to do a lot of walking. A good pair of shoes will keep your feet happy.
• Refillable water bottle: This is great for long safari days or sightseeing so that you don’t have to keep buying plastic water bottles.

10 Steps to Plan an African Safari Trip

• Decide on your destination

Africa is a massive continent! There are over 50 countries in Africa , and they vary widely in culture, landscape, and attractions. You can go on a beach vacation, a safari, or historical excursions. The first step is to figure out what kind of vacation you want, and which country would best fit the needs of your family or travel group.

• Decide when to visit

Most African countries have an optimal time for visiting, so once you have figured out your destination, decide what time of the year to go . If you are going on a safari, the dry season is usually the best time to visit. However, if you are going to the desert, you’ll want to go during the winter.

• Book your accommodation

Before booking, decide whether you want to use a travel agent or plan your vacation independently. There are pros and cons to both, but if you are using an agent, you should get in contact with them at least a year before going. They can help arrange hotels, excursions, and other details. If you are booking the trip on your own, make sure to research hotels, tours, and attractions.

• Book your flight

For the best rates on plane tickets, book as far in advance as possible. Flights to Africa can be expensive and sell out quickly, so make sure to plan in advance. If you have travel points or frequent flyer miles, now is the time to use them!

• Get travel insurance

Make sure your bases are covered by buying travel insurance. While many people say that travel insurance is a waste of money, this is not the case when traveling to Africa. Often, flights in Africa get canceled without any warning, and if you have a medical emergency, public hospitals are not the best place to get the care you need.

• Check your visa requirements

Several months before departure, check to see if you need a visa when entering your destination country. This is determined by your nationality, not your country of residence. Don’t verify this information on travel blogs; look at actual government agencies because these requirements change all the time.

• Arrange travel medication

Visit a doctor or travel clinic two months before your trip to find out what vaccinations you need for your destination. This varies depending on the country, but usually, you will have to get Hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies vaccines. Malaria is also prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, so be sure to check with your doctor to arrange any prophylactics.

• Buy your travel equipment

It depends on your destination, but you will likely need a mosquito net, first aid kit, and a pair of durable hiking shoes. If you are going on a safari, you will want a good pair of binoculars and a great camera. Many places in Africa are hot during the day and chilly in the evening, so bring a variety of layers and clothing.

• Make a money plan

Carrying tons of cash in many countries isn’t safe, but ATMs can be few and far between certain African countries. Your best bet is to get enough currency upon arrival to get you to the next major city, and then draw more cash with your debit or ATM card. Make sure to alert your bank and credit card company that you will be traveling. If they don’t know, they may cancel or freeze your card because of suspected fraud.

• Research your destination

Reading and researching your destination can increase your local knowledge, tell you about amazing sights to see, and get you excited for your trip! Getting a phrasebook is also a good idea because knowing a few phrases in the native language can go a long way.

Where to stay in Africa

While lodging options throughout Africa are vast, here are some of the best places to stay while traveling through Africa’s top destinations.

Tanzania: &Beyond Klein’s Camp

Bordering the Serengeti and Masai Mara , this camp offers impressive views of the natural landscape and nearby wildlife. All ten cottages feature 360-degree views, stone interiors, and open fireplaces.

Cape Town, South Africa: The Silo Hotel

This ultra-chic hotel boasts panoramic views of the waterfront and nearby Table Mountain. The Silo Hotel sits above Cape Towns Museum of Contemporary African Art, perfect for art connoisseurs.

Rwanda: Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Book a private villa at Singita Kwitonda Lodge for postcard-worthy views of Volcanoes National Park . The highlight of this resort is the roaring fire next to the heated plunge pool, perfect for relaxing after a day of safari exploration.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: The Royal Livingstone Hotel

From old-world architecture to romantic sunset cruises on the Zambezi River, The Royal Livingstone Hotel is sure to impress. In addition to all the luxury amenities, you will only be a five-minute walk from Victoria Falls during your stay.

Botswana: Ngoma Safari Lodge

At Ngoma Safari Lodge, your stand-alone luxury suite will feature panoramic windows with an incredible view of the nearby wildlife. With exceptional service and fantastic food on-site, you will have everything you need at this lodge.

Best Africa trips for 2022/23

Masai mara safari.

Spend six days on the expansive plains of the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya, where you can enjoy abundant animal life, lush flora and fauna, and incredible sunsets.

Garden of Eden Cruise

Embark on this eight-day cruise in Port Victoria to explore uninhabited islands, swim in crystal-clear waters, and snorkel in St. Pierre to see spectacular marine life and vibrant coral reefs.

Gorilla Trekking

Home to many gorillas, Rwanda is the perfect place to spot monkeys of all kinds. Enjoy two-and-a-half weeks of gorilla watching, canopy-walking, and national park exploration.

Big 5 Safari

Embark on a thrilling eight-day journey across the open plains of Kenya in search of the big 5. Spot wildlife in several wilderness areas, like Hell’s Gate National Park, Amboseli National Park, and Masai Mara.

Egypt isn’t just a vacation, but a cultural experience. You will begin and end your journey in Cairo, spending eight days exploring pyramids, Giza, Luxor, and Abu Simbel.

Cape Town Helicopter Flight

While vacationing in Cape Town, take a helicopter ride to truly experience the beauty of South Africa. Relish views of the water, mountain scenery, and rugged cliffs, all on one flight.

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Africa Highlights: What to Do and Where to Go

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With more than 50 countries to consider, making a decision about where to go on vacation in Africa can be quite daunting. Africa is incredibly diverse and you can experience different cultures, languages , animals, and scenery in each country. The first step to choosing a destination is to decide what you would most like to see and do on your vacation. In this article, we take a look at some of the most popular pastimes for Africa travelers and list the most famous destinations for each one. Once you've decided where you're going, use our helpful trip planning guide to turn your daydreams into a reality. 

See Wild Animals on Safari

For many visitors to Africa,  going on safari  is a priority. If ticking off the Big Five is important, you should plan on visiting a safari hotspot like Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa or Botswana . To catch the annual  Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, you need to head to Kenya or Tanzania, depending on the time of year.

• Kenya  is home to iconic parks like the Maasai Mara National Reserve  and Amboseli National Park. It can be both expensive and crowded in season.
• Tanzania offers the ultimate safari experience with the Ngorongoro Conservation Area  and the Serengeti  in the north, as well as the wild beauty of Selous and Ruaha in the south.
• Botswana is at the luxury end with many exclusive camps offering wonderful game viewing for small groups. Highlights include Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta .
• South Africa is great for its wide variety of wildlife especially in the Kruger area , north of Johannesburg. It's also a great option for budget travelers because many parks allow self-drive safaris . There are some  malaria-free safari options.
• Zambia is the best destination for those who want an authentic experience on foot. South Luangwa National P​ark is famous as the birthplace of the walking safari.
• Rwanda and Uganda are the best destinations if you are interested in tracking mountain gorillas .

Catch a Tan on Idyllic Beaches

The African continent has more than its fair share of breathtaking beaches , whether you're drawn to the tropical islands of the Indian Ocean or the surf destinations of South Africa, Morocco and Senegal. Many people choose to combine their time in the bush with a week or two at the coast. 

• Tunisia , Egypt  and Morocco have plenty of beach resorts and there are tourist packages available for all budgets.
• South Africa boasts some of the continent's best beaches . Some are famous for their world-class surf breaks, others are home to resident penguin colonies and others are fashionable places to see and be seen. 
• Tanzania 's most famous beach destination is the spice island of  Zanzibar  but islands like Mnemba, Fanjove and Pemba are also blessed with some perfect stretches of sand. 
• The East African island nations of  Mauritius , the Seychelles and Madagascar  are great choices for sun worshippers, snorkelers and scuba divers alike. 
• For diving, Egypt's Red Sea ranks among the world's best destinations. Head to scuba hotspots like Marsa Alam, Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada . 
• Ghana's western beaches are perfect for backpackers with plenty of budget beachfront guesthouses, friendly fishing villages and laid-back locals.

Stand in Awe Before Natural Wonders

Most African countries have some areas of outstanding natural beauty but there are a few destinations that especially stand out for their natural wonders. Many of these are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites and have been enchanting locals and visitors alike since the dawn of time. 

• Victoria Falls straddles the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and is the world's largest sheet of falling water. You can admire it from designated viewpoints, swim in a pool at the edge of the falls or bungee jump over the river. 
• Namibia's Fish River Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the world after the USA's Grand Canyon and is best explored on a five-day hike. 
• There are many spectacular mountain ranges in Africa but the most famous peak is the continent's tallest,  Mount Kilimanjaro . Rising 19,336 feet out of the Tanzanian savannah it's worth a trip even if you don't plan to climb it.
• The Nile River passes through 11 countries and is the longest river in the world. To experience its scenery and remarkable history for yourself, plan an Egyptian Nile cruise . 
• Finally, Africa's starkly beautiful deserts should not be missed. The best places to enjoy a Saharan camel trek  include Tunisia and Morocco. To experience the majestic dunes of the Namib Desert, head to Sossusvlei in Namibia.

Tap In to Your Inner Adrenalin Junkie

Africa's wealth of mighty rivers, soaring mountains and game-filled plains make it an adventure seeker's paradise and there are many different ways to get your adrenalin fix. Some, like hot-air ballooning over the Serengeti, are relatively sedate while others are exclusively for the certifiably insane. 

• The Zambezi River plunges through Angola, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique and is the best place for high-octane white-water rafting . Lurking crocodiles add to the thrill. 
• There are plenty of places to try bungee jumping in Africa. The most famous jumps are located on Victoria Falls Bridge and Bloukrans Bridge (in South Africa). The latter is the highest commercial bridge bungee in the world. 
• South Africa is also the place to go if you feel like diving with sharks. You can cage dive with great whites near Cape Town, or dive with tiger sharks and bull sharks (no cage needed) near Durban. 
• The coastal town of Swakopmund is Namibia 's adventure capital. Sign up for 4x4 safaris, quad-biking tours and sand-boarding in the nearby Namib Desert.
• Amazingly, there's even something for snow sports enthusiasts in Africa. Mountain resorts in South Africa, Lesotho and Morocco offer the opportunity to go skiing or snowboarding.

Plan a Trek Through Scenic Mountains

If beach holidays and river cruises sound a little too sedentary, consider taking on the challenge of a great African trek . The continent is home to many different mountain ranges, some of which are perfect for scenic hikes while others have peaks that attract serious mountaineers from all over the world. 

• Mount Kilimanjaro  is the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. It takes approximately a week to hike to the summit but the good news is you can do it without oxygen or special training.
• Africa's second highest mountain is Mount Kenya. Amateur climbers should aim to summit at Point Lenana while advanced mountaineers can try for the mountain's highest peak, Batian.
• The High Atlas Mountains in Morocco make up part of the greatest mountain chain in North Africa. There are lots of treks available for all experience levels. 
• South Africa's Drakensberg Mountains are the highest in the country and are known around the world for their spectacular natural beauty and ancient San rock paintings. Treks last anywhere from a few hours to a week or more.
• For off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities, head to the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda or the  Simien Mountains in Ethiopia.

Brush Up on Your African History

Of all the continents in the world, Africa is thought to have been inhabited the longest. As a result, it is chock full of fascinating historic sites. Some of these date back to the very beginning of human existence, others relate to the great ancient civilizations and many are connected to the continent's turbulent modern history. 

• To learn about our prehistoric ancestors, visit  Oldupai Gorge in Tanzania or the  Sterkfontein Caves  in South Africa where hominid fossils dating back 3.5 million years have been discovered.
• Egypt is home to a wealth of ancient sites constructed during the age of the pharaohs. Iconic places to visit include the Pyramids of Giza outside Cairo and the magnificent temples of Luxor and Abu Simbel. 
• Libya is home to some of Africa's finest ancient Greek and Roman ruins. Visit Leptis Magna and the  Greek ruins at Cyrene  - both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and as there's very rarely a crowd, you may have the whole site to yourself.
• For medieval Islamic architecture including ornate mosques and monumental gateways, Morrocan imperial cities like  Fez  and Marrakesh  are hard to beat. 
• The  Great Zimbabwe Ruins  in Zimbabwe offer an insight into the great African civilizations of the Middle Ages. 
• Ethiopia is filled with living Orthodox Christian sites including the famous rock-cut churches of Lalibela. 
• If you're more interested in Africa's recent history, sign up for a  slave trade tour  in West Africa or visit South African apartheid sites such as Robben Island , District Six or the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. 

Discover Amazing Local Cultures

Of course, the people who inhabit the African continent today are just as interesting and one of the most rewarding aspects of your trip will be getting to know them. Your experience of local cultures could be anything from sharing survival know-how with San bushmen in Botswana to partying alongside Nigerian fashionistas in Lagos.

• Spend the night under the stars in a traditional Bedouin camp while trekking through the Sahara Desert in Morocco.
• In Kenya, learn about local customs with a visit to a rural Maasai or Samburu village. You may have the opportunity to witness traditional tribal dances, sample native cuisine or sit in on a class at the local school.
• Township tours to informal settlements like Soweto or Khayelitsha  in South Africa provide an insight into the lives of the country's poorest people while also giving you the chance to meet some inspiring local entrepreneurs.
• Music, art and other cultural festivals are a great way to immerse yourself in local culture. Check out some of the continent's best annual events here .
• To experience a country's culture in a more meaningful way, consider volunteering on a humanitarian, environmental or conservation project. There are countless options to choose from lasting from a week or two to several months. 

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How To Plan Your Dream Trip To Africa (in 18 easy steps)

Wondering how to even begin to plan a trip to Africa? Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Well, you’ve come to the right place! I am the Africa travel planning Queen! 

I love it so much, I even set up my own small group Africa travel company ! 

Knowing where to start and how to go about planning an Africa trip can be tricky and overwhelming! So to help you on your way, I’ve put together this (big) guide, to show you how I plan my trips and I’ll talk you through step-by-step so you can do the same!

Unless you know exactly where you want to go (and for how long), you will most likely go back and forth during the planning stages and change your mind a hundred times.

This is normal! Just try not to let it overwhelm you! So, if you’re ready, let’s gets planning your trip to Africa!

Table of Contents

How to Plan a Trip to Africa (in 18 easy steps)

How to Plan a Trip to Africa – At a Glance

• Start Saving
• Decide How Long You Want To Go For
• Think About Where You Want To Go & What You Want to Do
• Think About When You Want To Go
• To Tour or Not To Tour?
• Start Costing It All Up
• Firm Up Your Itinerary or Book Your Tour
• Book Your Flights
• Buy Your Travel Insurance
• Book Your Activities & Accommodation
• Sort Out Your Vaccinations and Malaria Tablets
• Check Your Passport and Apply for Visas
• Organise Your Money & Currency
• Plan What You Are Going to Pack
• Organise Your Airport Pick Up
• Prepare Yourself Physically and Psychologically
• Embrace the Phrases ‘Africa Time’ and ‘This is Africa’
• Go and Have an Amazing Time

Step 1. Start Saving

Despite rumours to the contrary, Africa doesn’t have to be expensive. 

If you get local buses, cook your own meals, camp, volunteer (for free), couchsurf or stay in homestays, you can keep the costs to a minimum for sure.

But then there are all those awesome activities that make Africa so appealing in the first place, like  safaris ,  climbing mountains , white water rafting , eating in cool restaurants  and going gorilla trekking .

Once you start doing those things, your costs start adding up very quickly.

So my best advice is to start saving as early as possible so you can enjoy everything this beautiful continent has to offer later on.

Just remember that as you plan your trip, keep an eye on what things cost and keep your realistic budget in mind.

Step 2. Decide How Long You Want To Go For

Is this a 2 week holiday? Or a longer trip?

If you only have a set period of time off from work or university, then you already know this – great!

But if your time isn’t restricted, then this is where budget most likely becomes the determining factor. And how long that budget will last, really depends on how you travel and what you do.

When I started planning my first Africa trip, the idea was just to go for a short while, but the more I researched, the more I wanted to do.

So just be warned – as you go through the planning stages, you may decide that Africa is just too amazing and you have to go for longer and see absolutely EVERYTHING all at once… and like me, end up taking a sabbatical from your job.

When I went to Africa the first time, I thought it was a ‘once in a lifetime’ thing and that I had to do it all in one go.

But it doesn’t have to be like that and shorter trips are perfectly manageable.

Step 3. Think About Where You Want To Go & What You Want to Do

This is the fun part (for me anyway)…

If you know exactly where you want to go and what you want to do, then that’s great.

If you don’t, then start with some brainstorming and research.

For this bit, you’re going to want to grab a pen and paper, open Google Maps , or get a map of Africa and pour yourself a cuppa (or copious amounts wine).

Ready? Then let’s go!

There are 54 countries and thousands and thousands of fabulous places to visit in Africa, so start by thinking about what you want from your trip.

An African safari is a given for most people, but you can do that in a lot of countries, so think about the other stuff you want to do and then you can start narrowing it down.

Is there something, in particular, you’ve always dreamed of?

• Do you want to experience the wildebeest migration? Then the Masai Mara or the Serengeti is where you need to go!
• Always wanted to see mountain gorillas in the wild? Then get yourself to Rwanda , Ugand a or the DRC !
• Want to climb Kilimanjaro ? Then Tanzania has to be on your list.
• Want to see Victoria Falls? Then Zambia or Zimbabwe it is.
• Want to see the world’s highest sand dune? Then you have to go to Namibia .

Are you after beaches and safaris? Adrenaline activities? Mountaineering or hiking? All of the above?

Here are a few suggestions, based on your preferences:

• Beautiful beaches : Tanzania/Zanzibar, Mozambique, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Malawi (although there’s no sea, just a big beautiful lake).
• Adrenaline activities:  Zambia, Uganda, Namibia, eSwatini, South Africa.
• Safari:  Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Uganda.
• Mountaineering and hiking:  Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, eSwatini, Uganda, Rwanda, DRC.
• Gorilla trekking: Uganda, Rwanda, DRC.
• Watersports:  Kenya, Zanzibar, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa.
• Cool cities: South Africa, Morocco, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya.
• Deserts:  Namibia, Botswana, Morocco.
• Off the Beaten Path: Sierra Leone, Benin (or anywhere in West Africa), the DRC, Mozambique.

I usually start my research by looking at the best things to do in each country . 

You could read my sample itineraries or look through my Africa posts  and see if anything grabs your attention.

Maybe make yourself a Pinterest board and if you find any cool images or blog posts, pin them to it so you can come back to them later.

I also find it useful to look at some specific Africa tour websites as they will give you an idea of where is good to visit.

Write down your ideas/places that look good to go. Whilst I’m doing this, I’ll also look to see where things are on a map.

You should start to see some preferences appearing and you can start ‘joining the dots’. 

If you find any cool places to stay, add them to your list (often where you stay can completely change your experience in my eyes) and you can refer back to them later.

Top Tip: Always check out the websites of the hotels/hostels as they often have an Activities tab which will give you a good idea of what there is to do in the area and they can also arrange some stuff for you!

It’s also important to look at the safety of the places you intend to visit, so see if there are any countries or regions you might want to avoid.

I always check on the  FCO website  before planning any trip. But don’t be put off, sometimes it’s just a certain part of the country you need to miss.

READ MORE: Africa Travel Resources

Step 4. Think About When You Want To Go

If you are restricted on when you go, for instance, if you’re a school teacher or student and you can only go in the holidays, then you will want to think about where are the best places to go on the dates you can go.

If you are taking a short trip, but aren’t restricted on when, then the continent is your oyster.

If you are planning to take a longer trip that covers multiple countries, it will be difficult to be everywhere at the ‘perfect’ time so maybe base your trip around a few key events or activities.

I based my first big Africa trip on the fact that I wanted to climb Kilimanjaro in July and then planned the rest from there.

Some activities are seasonal, for instance, you might want to time your safari in Kenya or Tanzania during the wildebeest migration, or be in  Malawi for the Lake of Stars festival , or climb Kilimanjaro when it’s not raining.

Or visit Victoria Falls when the water level is at its highest and most impressive or when it’s at its lowest so you can see the canyon and jump in the Devil’s Pool, or maybe you want to visit Mozambique when it’s whale shark season.

Just be aware that prices are often higher during high season (usually the European summertime, South African school holidays and around Christmas and New year), as with most other destinations around the world.

The weather in different countries can make a big impact on your trip. Google ‘best time to go to…’ and it will bring up the results you need.

Going slightly out of season is usually fine (and cheaper), and most things stay open all year, but make sure you check that the things you want to do are still available out of season.

For instance, some of the national parks shut down in the rainy season as roads can become un-passable.

And if you’ve always dreamed of jumping in the Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls, don’t go in the summer because the water level is usually too high.

Going all that way to be disappointed is not very fun.

Are there any cool festivals or events that you want to attend? For instance, you may want to visit the Lake of Stars festival in Malawi, Sauti za Busara in Zanzibar or Afrika Burn in South Africa?

You may want to avoid places where there is an impending election. Some African countries have been known to be a little bit volatile around election time.

Or you might want to avoid Ramadan in Muslim countries, because you may be more restricted on where you can eat as some restaurants close during this time.

Step 5. To Tour or Not To Tour?

Unless you’re a really confident traveller who definitely wants to travel independently, most first time travellers to Africa tend to have the tour or no tour debate with themselves… or worried family members.

There are a few different types of tour:

• Private Safaris: This is where you book a trip for just you and whoever you are travelling with. These can range from budget to high-end. The fewer people, the more expensive it will be. These can often be tailored to your requests. 
• Overland Tours: This is where you travel in a big group on a big truck and usually camp, putting up and taking down your tent each night and sometimes cooking/washing up for yourselves. They are usually at the budget end of the spectrum but there are some more expensive ones. These are run by companies such as Absolute Africa, Nomad Africa, G Adventures, Acacia Africa, Intrepid etc.
• Small Group Tours: An example would be my Rock My Adventure tours , where you travel solo (or with a friend/partner) but join a group for a week or two, with a mix of safari and other activities, usually staying in guesthouses or lodges (sometimes camping).
• Group Safari: This is usually a short joining safari to a national park. For instance, if you’re travelling alone, using public transport in Tanzania, you won’t be able to go on safari using public transport so you might book a short safari to the Serengeti via your hostel in Arusha as solo/private safaris are expensive.

Maybe you’ve found a tour during your research that looks incredible? Or maybe you’ve decided where you want to go and are wondering whether it’s better to go alone or join a group tour?

You might be wondering which will be more cost-effective? Which will be more fun? Which will show me the ‘real’ Africa?

I find that a lot of people who come on my tours either come with me because:

• they have a short time and they want to make the most of that time.
• they want someone else to take on the stress of planning and organising.
• they are doing a longer trip and want to start with a group tour as a confidence booster.
• they’re a bit over solo travel and want the companionship of a nice group.
• they’re just not quite ready for independent travel yet.

Some people are a bit snobby about travelling with a tour, but I have done tours and travelled solo in Africa and I can tell you that both are great fun and both have their advantages and disadvantages.

And in some places that are difficult to travel in by public transport, say for instance Namibia or Botswana, it just makes more sense to join a tour sometimes.

Plus, it doesn’t really matter what anyone else thinks. All that matters is what way works best you and what you feel comfortable with. Even if you go most of the way solo, sometimes it makes sense to take a tour for part of it!

To help you with your decisions, I’ve written a post weighing up solo travel in Africa vs taking a tour. I hope it helps…

READ MORE: Solo Travel in Africa vs Taking a Group Tour

Step 6. Start Costing It All Up

Work through points 6 and 7 together.

Next, you need to start thinking about how much this whole thing is going to cost you and how long it’s going to take you to save up.

It’s so easy to get carried away by all the gorgeous things you see on Instagram or in magazines – only to be disappointed later once you start looking at the costs in detail and realise that the gorgeous hotel you saw in the pictures, with the awesome view, costs more per night than you intended to spend in a week.

For instance, Giraffe Manor is the Instagram dream, right? But it costs a minimum of $1,100 to stay there per night… 

No doubt you’ll have to compromise some things to be able to afford others, but don’t worry – there is an Africa for every budget. And from my experience, often the cheaper options are more fun, authentic and give you a much better insight into the real Africa anyways.

If you are thinking about taking a tour, it makes things a little easier, as you’ll just have the cost of the tour plus the pre-trip costs, plus visas and optional activities to factor in and your tour company should be able to give you an idea of those.

If you’re travelling independently, it’s always a bit more tricky and will vary a great deal, depending on how you travel and what you do when you’re there. 

To give you an idea of costs, have a look at these two posts:

• My 6 Month Africa Travel Budget
• How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Tanzania?

These are just a guide, every trip will be different, but you can adjust accordingly based on the things you want to do and your level of comfort, just be aware that I’m not a strict budget traveller.

I usually mix it up, having cheaper days, so I can treat myself to other things – that’s also what I do for my tours too.

I’d say on average for a low budget trip you are looking at around $30 – $50 per day (could be less if you don’t do many activities), for a mid-range trip $50 – $150 per day and then high end, anything above that.

This takes into account the fact that some days you will do activities and spend more and some days you will just go to the beach and spend very little.

My average for my first trip was around $80 per day (although this factors in inflation – it was quite a bit less in 2009), but I definitely could have travelled cheaper. My trip included a trek up Kilimanjaro and a relatively expensive volunteer project – both of which really upped the average costs per day quite considerably.

Travelling Africa on a Budget

You can definitely travel cheaply in Africa, especially if you stay in eat local, stay in hostels and take public transport.

The major costs of any Africa trip tend to be activities such as hot air ballooning, gorilla trekking and safaris.

Many activities have fixed costs, but there are safaris for lots of different budgets. They are rarely what I would call ‘cheap’ because of the park fees and logistics involved. 

But safaris do not have to cost thousands. There are lots of great safaris that cost just a few hundred dollars or less. Especially if you take a day safari in one of the more accessible parks, like Addo National Park in South Africa .

If you’re hoping to head to one of the more expensive safaris, such as the Serengeti, you can join a budget group camping safari to keep costs down. You can find an example of how to do this in this post . 

You may want to go for 6 months, but when you cost it all up, you may only be able to afford 3! But all is not lost, you just have to prioritise what you do or look at cheaper accommodation options – there’s always a way.

Or maybe push your trip back a few months so that you have a little bit more time to save.

READ MORE: Tips for Travelling Africa on a Budget

Here are all the things you’ll need to consider:

Look up some flight prices on  Skyscanner , or your favourite flight search engine. Skyscanner is usually my go-to because it allows me to show prices if I fly into one place and out of another. If you can be flexible with the dates you may be able to save a bit of cash.

Pre-Travel Costs

I’ll come to all of these later in the post, but you’ll need to consider the cost of vaccinations and any new equipment/clothes you need for Africa .

Then there’s also malaria tablets and travel insurance (see below) – the cost of those will depend on how long you are going for (and where you’re going, malaria tablets aren’t needed everywhere).

Don’t forget to factor in visas. Sadly, some countries charge a lot for visas. For instance, a visa for Tanzania will cost $50 for most nationalities and $100 for Americans – ouch! I always use Project Visa to find the latest info.

Good news if you are African though as most African countries have no visas fees for people from other African countries.

Accommodation, Safaris and Activities

You will probably have an idea of costs from your previous research, but now is the time to start to put all that together.

Accommodation, safaris and activities often go hand in hand (transport does too, but we’ll look at that separately).

Accommodation

Here are some average costs in towns and cities:

• Camping:  $10 per tent, per night
• Dorm Bed in a Hostel:  $10 – $20 per night
• Private Room in a Hostel/Guesthouse:  $30 – $60 per room, per night
• Double/Twin Room in a Standard Mid-Range Hotel:  $50 – $150 per room, per night
• Double/Twin Room in an Upper Mid-Range Hotel:  $150 – $250 per room, per night

There are lots of different options for safari.

If you’re taking a group tour or private tour, these will usually be included in the overall tour cost. 

If you are travelling independently, you will either need to hire a car and do it yourself (not always possible), book a private safari or join a group.

Safari costs can also vary a lot from country to country and there is a huge cost difference between a basic camping safari and a high-end lodge safari. So you will need to cost up the various scenarios.

I usually use SafariBookings.com to find companies to get quotes or contact the place I am staying prior to the safari to see if they can arrange something for me. 

Alternatively, if you are booking the accommodation inside the parks directly, you may be able to arrange the whole thing through them. 

If travelling alone, you could ask them if there are any group departures you can join and you can plan your itinerary around that.

In East Africa, for a budget group safari, you’re probably talking a minimum of $400 – $700 pp for 3 days (in Tanzania, expect that to be at the higher end), for mid-range $700 – $1200 and for high end, well the sky is your limit.

The costs will generally be higher if you’re on your own.

Southern Africa is generally a bit cheaper for safari, but again, there are so many factors – depending on whether you are on an all-inclusive safari tour, self-driving or just going on 1-day game drives.

Activities vary in cost. From the free stuff, like going to the beach or walking around town, to cheap excursions like walking tours/village tours, to super expensive things like hot air ballooning and gorilla trekking. 

Most activities can be booked when you are there, but some have to be booked in advance, for instance, if you go gorilla trekking in high season, you usually need to book your permit way in advance.

So before you set your itinerary in stone, check they are available – examples of this would be things like, gorilla trekking or staying at Giraffe Manor – which can book out a year or so ahead.

Transport costs are really difficult to predict if you are travelling independently.

If you are backpacking, you never really know what type of transport you’ll end up taking. And it’s likely that you’ll take lots of different types of journeys. Some will even be included in your safaris.

Local minibuses are super cheap (think less than a couple of dollars for a 2-hour journey, $10 for an 8 hours journey), even coaches tend to be pretty reasonable (in East Africa, you’re probably looking at around $15 – $20 for an 8-hour journey using a company like Modern Coast and in Southern Africa, maybe around $40 for a journey of the same length for buses like Intercape).

The shuttle buses and shared taxis tend to be a bit more comfortable but a bit more expensive.

Self-driving is also an option. The cost to hire a vehicle can vary greatly depending on where you are, how far you drive and the type of car you get. If you’re driving in South Africa and Namibia, you’ll probably be fine in a normal car, but anywhere else, a 4×4 would be advised, but these tend to be at the more expensive end of the spectrum.

If you have your heart set on self-driving, shop around for some quotes. Most of the companies I’ve found cater for Southern Africa, but there are a few that cover other parts of Africa too. Finding one that covers most of East and Southern Africa seems to be rare – but if I find one, I’ll link to it here.

In 5 weeks backpacking around Kenya and Tanzania, I spent £187 on transport using a mix of coaches, local minibuses, taxis, ferries, motorbikes and tuk-tuks – not always mega comfortable, but not terrible either! 

That did not include my trip from Arusha to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater (and back) where the transport was included in the safari.

That amount would be different in pretty much every country. So the best you can do is make an educated guess and have some spare cash just in case.

Hitching a ride for free isn’t really a thing in Africa, most people will want some form of compensation, even if they were going that way anyway. 

Food and Drink

I usually spend between $5 – $30 per day on food. Street food is cheap, as are local restaurants and you can always cook for yourself when there are facilities.

Any restaurants catering to tourists will be much more expensive. But it’s nice to treat yourself sometimes.

Step 7. Firm Up Your Itinerary or Book Your Tour

If you’re going on a tour – get it booked! Get that deposit down (maybe just check the flights are available before you do).

If you’re travelling independently…

You’ve done your research, you know where you want to go, when you want to go, how long you want (can afford) to go for, and roughly what things are going to cost, so you need to start prioritising the key things you want to see and do so that you can work around them and then everything else is a bonus.

If you are travelling independently and on a short timescale (like 2 weeks) you are going to need to have a bit of a plan. Especially if you have specific things you want to do because if you don’t you may waste some time. 

Plot it all out on Google maps from your start point to endpoint to make sure it all makes sense and flows well and is achievable within your timeframe – including activity days.

Prioritise the things you want to do and build your trip around that.

My main piece of advice would be to try not to squeeze in more than 1 or 2 (potentially 3 if on a tour) countries every two weeks.

And don’t forget to factor in travel time between destinations – it takes longer than you think.

If you are travelling independently but for a longer time, maybe just plan the first few days or maybe weeks if you’re a planner, and book anything that needs booking in advance but also leave a bit of flexibility in your itinerary too.

There’s bound to be somewhere amazing that you’ll hear about from other travellers and it would be a shame to miss out because you’re on a really strict schedule. I’ve made this mistake before.

If you need to skip one place because you stayed longer somewhere, that’s fine. You don’t have to do everything in one trip and you can always go back.

Just don’t miss anything big you’ve already paid for as you won’t get that money back!

Step 8. Book Your Flights

Book those flights! Usually, the earlier the better – or at least 2 months before.

If you can, be flexible by a day or two, or even by a week, all the better.

Use Skyscanner to search for flights, and to try and get the best deal by searching the whole month. If you have some flexibility, you may be able to save a bit of money! They also allow you to search flying into one airport and flying out of another, so if you’re planning to overland, this is a great option.

I live in Liverpool, but I often check flights from London, as sometimes, it’s cheaper for me to get the bus or train down and then fly from there.

If you’re joining a tour, check if it’s cheaper to fly in a day or two earlier and stay in a hostel and maybe get your bearings before you head out on safari.

Step 9. Buy Your Travel Insurance

I cannot stress how important it is to have comprehensive travel insurance in place for your trip to Africa!

I’d suggest purchasing your travel insurance as soon as you book your tour/flights – if you don’t already have annual travel insurance. 

Make sure that the policy you take out covers you for all of your travel requirements, including the sometimes remote nature of Africa travel and any adventurous activities that you wish to do (those are my legs sticking up on the bottom right of the picture) and by that I mean read the small print.

I got Giardia when I was in Botswana and had to visit the doctor for tests and antibiotics which I was able to claim back through my travel insurance, rather than having to pay for myself.

Some bank accounts include travel insurance, so check if you’re covered first, but if not, I recommend World Nomads ,  Outbacker , or  InsureandGo *.

*You will need to check that you are covered for Covid-19, currently these insurers are not covering Covid-19 travel.

You can read more about travel insurance (especially in times of Covid-19) in this post and this post !

Step 10. Book Your Activities & Accommodation

Now we get to the really fun bit! Just for the record, a lot of this can be done whilst you are there.

But hopefully, from your research, you’ll know which things you need to be book in advance, so book them – especially if you are on a short trip. If you are travelling for 6 months, it’s a lot easier to find a space at an activity than if you are travelling for 2 weeks.

If you book an activity that depends on you being in a certain location, book your accommodation at the same time so you don’t end up miles away from where you need to be.

Check Google maps as sometimes place descriptions can be misleading. An example is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda. It says it’s in Kampala on the website, but it’s actually 100 miles north of the city.

Even if you book no other accommodation, I always recommend at least booking your first night or two when you arrive in Africa. Especially if you are arriving on a night flight.

Searching around for accommodation in the middle of the night in Africa is not advisable, or fun. It’s not like Asia where you can rock up and find a guesthouse. 

You don’t have to book safaris before you go, but sometimes it makes sense to. If you are travelling alone and have found a group trip, perhaps go ahead and book it so you’re not waiting around for one or paying a premium. 

Or you can wait and see if you meet some travel companions when you are there and go with them. This is best if you have a bit more time. If you are only there for a week or two, I’d try and book in advance. Otherwise, you may waste precious time.

Most activities can be booked when there, for example, you arrive at a place and say ‘I want to go on a village tour or white water rafting tomorrow’, and you can – there are few restrictions on numbers.

But then some activities are really popular and definitely need to be booked a week or two (sometimes months) in advance. Examples include; gorilla trekking in Uganda (have I mentioned that enough?), living desert tours in Swakopmund, Namibia and the Devil’s Pool in Zambia.

I usually use the following sites to book my accommodation:

• Booking.com : My go-to for most hotel bookings, as I like the fact that you can usually (not always) cancel for free if your plans change.
• Hostelworld : I usually also cross-check prices on Booking.com with Hostelworld and you’ll often find properties listed on here that aren’t on Booking.com, so check both.

Please note that not all places are listed on booking sites, so you may need to book direct with some. 

Or, as a compromise, you can join one of my Rock My Adventure tours and all your safaris and most of your activities are included and I organise and book it all for you! Easy!!!

Step 11. Sort Out Your Vaccinations and Malaria Tablets

Book yourself an appointment with your doctor or specialist travel clinic as soon as possible to get your vaccinations started. I’d recommend you do this at least 6 months out.

Remember that for some countries you may need a Yellow Fever certificate .

You will also need to think about getting malaria tablets. Some types of malaria tablets need to be taken 1 month in advance, so make sure you go to your doctors in good time.

You can save money by getting the non-branded versions of malaria tablet. For example, Malarone is a brand name for atovaquone/proguanil – they are medically identical and the non-branded version is much cheaper.

You can sometimes get them cheaper over the counter in Africa, so some people get enough for the first week or so, and buy the rest there.

Just make sure you go to a pharmacy to buy them.

Step 12. Check Your Passport and Apply for Visas

To travel to most Africa countries, you will need your passport to be valid for 6 months from the date you enter the country (I usually make sure it’s longer to be on the safe side) and in some countries, like Togo, you need a year left.

You will also need 2 blank pages for each country you intend to travel to. You may not need the 2 pages, as often they stamp more than one stamp per page, but… you might. And if you run out of pages, some jobsworth could refuse to stamp on a previously used page (I got a telling off in Morocco for this). 

You should also check to see if you need to apply for a visa in advance. I can’t think of anything worse than turning up at an airport or border and being turned around!

Most West African countries require you to obtain a visa in advance. Most East, Southern and North African countries allow you to purchase visas on arrival.

However, there are some exceptions (for instance, Kenya has just changed to visas in advance only).

To check on the visa requirements, I usually rely on  Project Visa or Wikipedia . Then I cross-check with the info on the embassy website. The rules and costs for visas vary from country to country and from nationality to nationality. I always rely on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for information for Britsih citizens and most countries will have a similar service. 

If you have dual nationality, it’s worth checking both of your passports to see which one will work best for you.

For most countries where you pay for your visa on arrival, you will need to pay for that visa in US Dollars and for some it’s Euros. Check ahead of time so you have the correct currency ready.

If you are looking to get multi-entry visas, you will usually need to arrange those in advance either online or with a local embassy.

Step 13. Organise Your Money & Currency

When travelling to Africa, you are going to need to take some cash with you.

You will need US Dollars(or Euros) for visas, so work out how much you are going to need for them and add at least a few hundred dollars on top of that.

If you have leftover dollars, you can use them for quite a lot of activities. Or you can always change them if you need local currency.

Just remember that all your dollars need to be dated 2013 and after and be in good condition!

As I am British, I usually always take GBP, which is easy to change. Euros are good to take too. 

If I can get local currency at home, I sometimes take that too. For example, Kenyan Shillings are easy to obtain outside of Kenya, but Tanzania has a closed currency, so I usually have to exchange money or take it out from the ATM when I’m there.

I take a mix of US Dollars, British Pounds and my ATM cards. I sometimes also take Euros, depending on where I am travelling to (in most parts of West Africa, it’s much easier to change Euros than anything else). 

Take your cards as most major cities and towns have ATM’s and the rate you get from them is usually better than you get from a Bureau de Change.

I’ve occasionally been to a cashpoint and tried to get money out and realised it doesn’t have any money in (or it doesn’t have enough money in), so, you may need to try a few. This is also when those spare Dollars come in handy.

Just remember that you have a daily limit (usually between £250 – £300) so if you need a lot of cash, bring it with you, or take it out over a few days.

You may also need to use the ATM multiple times too. For instance, in Malawi, you can only take out about £80 at a time, this is because you get so many notes, that it literally can’t fit out of the ATM slot, so if you want more money than that, you just need to use the ATM a few times.

Visa is much more widely accepted than MasterCard. But if you can take 2 or even 3 cards in case the first one doesn’t work (or gets swallowed), then great. That will also help if you need to get out quite a bit of money in one day.

Just keep your extra cards separate from your main card for safety.

You may want to consider opening an account with a bank that doesn’t charge for withdrawals abroad (or charges very little), as these costs add up, especially if you’re travelling for long periods of time.

In the UK, M&S Bank and Nationwide often have the best deals.

Download a currency exchange app such as  Units Plus which lets you easily check what the exchange rate is and you won’t accidentally buy a $50 bottle of wine like I once did after travelling into Kenya from Tanzania and mixing up the currencies.

And don’t forget to tell your bank where you are going so they don’t block your cards!

Step 14. Plan What You Are Going to Pack

Start to think about what you are going to take with you! Believe me, you won’t need half of the things you think you do! But, it’s always good to be prepared!

Here’s a bit of help to get you started:

• The Ultimate Africa Packing List – What to Pack for Africa & Wear on Safari : This list pretty much covers everything you will need, whether you are backpacking for a year or going on a 2-week safari! If you sign up to my newsletter, you’ll also get a FREE downloadable Africa Packing Checklist (if you don’t receive it – let me know).
• The Ultimate Kilimanjaro Packing List : This will also cover you for most mountaineering trips in Africa.

Step 15. Organise Your Airport Pick Up

All accommodation providers will arrange a taxi for you so I would suggest that you organise that with them (or your tour company).

Your hotel can sometimes just add the fee to your bill, and they will pay the taxi driver so you don’t have to worry about the money.

Or you can usually pick up taxis from most major airports no matter what time you arrive. If you are organising your own taxi on arrival, just make sure that you take a licensed one (you can always ask an airport official where they are) and that they use the meter or you agree on the fare beforehand.

Just don’t forget to have some cash ready to pay for your journey! You can get cash out from the ATM airport in most cases.

Take look at my  Top Africa Travel Tips  posts for some handy hints on arriving in Africa.

Step 16. Prepare Yourself Physically and Psychologically

I’m borrowing this phrase from my good friend Moses.

Moses was my guide on my overland tour way back in 2009 and now runs Mara Explorers Camp in the Masai Mara.

Every day he would tell us (in his strong Kenyan accent) – “You need to prepare yourself physically and psychologically” for the day or activity ahead. We all loved this saying and whenever he’d start to say it, we’d join in too.

Joking aside, it is probably the best advice anyone can give you.

Africa can be tough both physically and mentally. The roads are bumpy as hell. It’s hot. It’s cold. The mosquitoes will drive you nuts. You’ll see some tough things. Africa can be exhausting and frustrating. You’ll see inequality everywhere. You’ll see things that will upset you and make you question everything you know.

It can also be overwhelmingly (out-of-this-world) AMAZING!!! You need to prepare yourself for all the things you are about to see and do – it’s going to be incredible.

Be prepared to enjoy EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Be present, live in the moment, and appreciate everything!

But most of all, you’ll need to be prepared for the fact you will probably return home a bit of a different person. Your trip might just be life-changing!

READ NEXT: 39 Things You Need To Know Before Backpacking Africa

Step 17. Embrace the Phrases ‘Africa Time’ and ‘This is Africa’

There are two phrases you need to have in mind before you go to Africa and the sooner you understand them and learn to love them, the better!

‘Africa Time’

Things work differently in Africa. It happens when it happens. The bus only may leave when it’s full, not necessarily when it’s scheduled. The food arrives when it arrives. 

Patience is a virtue.

But once you get used to it, you’ll probably love it and find it kind of refreshing. Why are we always in a hurry for everything these days anyway?

‘This is Africa’

A phrase usually used with a shrug of the shoulders when something goes wrong.

Like when your safari vehicle breaks down or the power cuts off.

It’s usually used to placate you – as if to say ‘This is Africa, what do you expect?’.

Things can be hard in Africa, often due to lack of infrastructure so being prepared for that is best.

But to me, ‘This is Africa’ also means something entirely different too.

All you need to do is change the emphasis, ‘This IS Africa’.

It’s the wonderful people, stunning landscapes, amazing safaris and incredible adventures. It’s the feeling of living in the moment, as it is so easy to do in Africa.

If the power/WiFi goes off, enjoy the challenge and romance of cooking by candlelight or chat with your fellow travellers instead of staring at your phone all night.

Step 18. Go and Have an Amazing Time

And you’re off. This is likely to be one of, if not the most incredible trips of your life. Enjoy it.

The first day or two may be a bit overwhelming and a bit of a culture shock, but don’t let this deter you. Give it a few days and I bet you will have made the best friends and are having the time of your life.

If you’re not, message me and I’ll talk you through it!

I also recommend you join the  Backpacking Africa or the West Africa Travellers Facebook groups. They’re always a great place to ask for recommendations for places to stay, safari companies, how to get around or to find travel buddies.

You’ll find that there are a lot of well-travelled Africa lovers in these groups so you’ll usually get the help you need as you go.

I hope this post has helped you plan your trip to Africa. I am so excited for you!

And don’t forget to let me know how it went!

Read More About Africa…

Please Note:  Some of  the  links in this post are affiliate links, which will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate sales help with the running costs of this site, so thank you for your support!

I love to travel all over the world, but it's Africa that holds a special place in my heart. My mission is to help people travel Africa in an authentic, safe, fun, adventurous and ethical way.

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30 Comments

Great advice for anyone wanting to go to Africa (which I highly recommend). Thank you for including our story Helen!

No worries! I love that you drove it, what an adventure! I would love to do that at some point! 🙂

Thanks for sharing these tips! I’ve always wanted to visit Africa but it has always felt intimidating as compared to destinations in Europe or Asia. Now it looks a little more manageable with these steps to follow! Bookmarking it for that inevitable Africa trip 🙂

Glad it’s helpful (took about 2 weeks to write)!! 🙂

Joking aside, Africa is an amazing place to travel and not nearly as scary as everyone thinks!

Very helpful, well organized guide to planning an Africa trip! I certainly learned a few things, like all dollars needing to be dated post-2006, and now I’m sitting here dreaming of a time when my feet will be back on the continent.

Also your point about the this IS Africa statement makes me smile and reminds me of how I felt living in Guatemala, that with a little re-framing, most things can go from the ugh this is Guatemala to the far more lovely this IS Guatemala (or replace with your developing country of choice).

Thank you Monica!!!

Yes, there’s definitely a few ways of looking at everything!!!

Hope you get back to Africa soon!

I’m more and more considering traveling in Africa!

Do it! Do it! Do it!!

This is what we can call “once in a lifetime experience” I loved all the amazing pictures and scenery! Really beautiful!

Thank you!!!

Great advice for someone new to travelling like myself! Hope to make my dream a reality soon.

Hey Helen, Thank you so much for sharing such wonderful advice and tips for safaris, climbing mountains and white water rafting. I visited Nigeria last year & my trip was amazing but I would definitely keep these tips in mind the next time I visit any African country.

No worries!!!!!

Safari Tours in Tanzania are becoming more and more popular, a great family destination, get off the computers and discover nature again!

Woow, this looks really amazing, This is really on my have to do list before i get into my 40’s

Keep posting, Kind regards Stefanie

Yes definitely! Africa is an amazing place to travel! 🙂

This looks rely beautiful with some stunning pictures! you are really lucky that you got to experience this!

Hello, Awesome information for all tourist whose wanting to travel Africa. i am worried about Africa trip but now i will try to visit Africa trip. you will try to add some information like cheapest hotel, what food is most popular, Driving rules etc.

I have some of that info in the specific countries, but it would be tough to add in the additional info for each country in this article, but I will keep adding to this site as the years go by! 🙂

Nice post. Beautiful pictures. I am planning to visit Cape Town in July 2018. Your post will be really helpful for me. Good work, Keep it up.

Wow, this is a really helpful article for anyone planning to visit Africa for their first time. I like the fact that it teaches more about the expectations and more when coming to any of these countries. Africa is home to visitors and we are so welcoming. Thanks Hellen!!

Amazing post! Super detailed and so helpful. You’re pictures are also truly stunning – it’s got me motivated to start saving

Hello! We are going to Kenya in June to do a safari but we are trying to figure out what to do with the last 6 days of our trip. Do we do Lamu…Zanzibar…beaches around Mombasa. Any tips would be awesome!

Any of those options would be good!

Never been to Lamu. Around Mombasa is nice as well as Kilifi and Diani nearby. I have tons of free information about Zanzibar on my blog so have a read through! 🙂 Hope that helps!

This post is heaven sent. I am currently planning my first trip to Africa and it is a bit overwhelming. Thanks for sharing these great tips and experiences. I will definitely be using some of your recommendations to assist.

Hi Helen, thank you for the great recommendations and information. I am planning to visit Africa next August for 4 weeks. I don’t have a clear idea where I want to visit yet, except to see exceptionally beautiful scenery and wildlife. If you were to recommend your top 5 places to see, what would they be? Luke

I’m so sorry I missed your question. My top 5 places would be… Victoria Falls, Botswana, Malawi and Tanzania! Sorry, that’s a wide range!!! Did you go? Or are you still planning the trip?

thank you Helen for advertise our africa, LOVE AFRICA LIVE AFRICA

This is an amazing and helpful article, I was planning a trip of Africa but corona ruined it now hopefully my next travel destination is Africa and your article become helpful for me, thanks a bundle, amazing and well-reaserched stuff you have published, much appreciated.

I hope you get to go soon. The wait will make it all the better! 🙂

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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.

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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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How to Plan an African Safari Trip: Step-by-Step

Bucket List Destinations How to Plan a African Safari Trip: Step by Step

An African safari maybe a once-in-a-lifetime trip and should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Planning your safari can be an enjoyable experience, but there are many factors to consider when planning a safari, especially for first timers. Traveling to Africa is not as straight forward as visiting other parts of the world. Many places are remote with extensive driving routes and require logistical planning with flights and transfers.

We recommend letting Safari Ventures do that for you.  We take care of your tour from start-to-finish. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a group trip, a company trip, a month-long stay, visits to multiple countries, or just a simple trip for two, our team of safari experts are here to provide you with the best safari experience.

Below is our step-by-step guide to help ease your mind when planning the ultimate African safari trip.

What areas of Africa do you want to visit?

Africa is a huge continent with natural wonders, vast lands of amazing wildlife, great city and cultural experiences. Deciding what to do during your travels can be intimidating. However, first deciding where you want to visit can help narrow down all the sights and activities available. We recommend focusing on 1 to 2 countries for your first time . Trying to squeeze in too many countries will make each destination feel rushed and diminish the experience. For first timers hoping to see a lot of wildlife, consider visiting either Tanzania, Kenya or South Africa which offer the greatest opportunities for “big 5” sightings and many other species.

We offer a variety of safaris and tours to many awesome destinations:

Eastern Africa:

Southern Africa:

• South Africa

East Africa or South Africa?

These regions offer very different experiences. If you are looking for a well-rounded experience, then South Africa may be a better choice . South Africa allows you to experience the history and culture of Cape Town, the stunning winelands, and of course superb game viewing as well.  South Africa is an amazingly diverse destination with something for everyone.

On the other hand, if you are looking for that “National Geographic” experience, then we highly recommend visiting east Africa.  Kenya and Tanzania differ from South Africa because of the sheer volume of game.  The Serengeti and the Masai Mara are best known as the home to the Great Wildebeest Migration.

When do you want to visit Eastern or Southern Africa?

Deciding when to travel to Africa may greatly affect what you can expect to see during your visit. Looking at East Africa, you can expect to have great wildlife viewing year-round.   The Great Migration is a year-round event where wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles travel in a clockwise circle between Kenya and Tanzania searching for food and water . Thus, when you decide to travel will determine where you should visit. If planning to visit June to July, then Tanzania offers the best chance of seeing the Great Migration in the Serengeti while January to February is the best time to witness the wildebeest calving season. If planning to travel July to October, Kenya may be the best choice for the migration.  It is important to understand that these are wild animals, and nothing is guaranteed while on safari. Nonetheless, we at Safari Ventures have drivers/guides that are highly educated in spotting wildlife and will do their best to make your experience exciting and memorable.

For more information on when the best time is to visit Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe- Click here .

What will be the length of your trip?

Africa is a big continent and there are many things to see and do. Deciding how long you plan to visit will help you decide how many stops are feasible without feeling rushed. We suggest visiting Africa for a minimum of 8 days, not including flight travel. That way you can take the time to enjoy everything Africa has to offer .

Scheduled (small group) or private safari?

Deciding between a private or shared safari? If you don’t mind sharing your safari vehicle and enjoy interacting with other travelers, then a scheduled small group safari may be a great option. Keep in mind that all our safari vehicles in east Africa carry a maximum of 7 passengers, all with a guaranteed window seat. Not only are scheduled safaris and tours more budget friendly but they are fully escorted and can provide the same wonderful experience as a private safari .

If you will be travelling in a big group or staying at luxury lodges/camps, we recommend planning a private safari.  You will have more flexibility and can fully customize your trip.

In Southern Africa, your safari game drives are usually provided by the camp/lodge. Therefore, although you trip was tailor-made, you may still be paired up with other travelers at each lodge you visit unless a private guide/vehicle is requested at an extra cost.

What do you want to do while in Africa?

Visiting Africa is more than just going on game drives and see amazing wildlife. Whether you’re visiting Eastern or Southern Africa there are many things to see and do. Here are just a handful of activities to consider:

• Witness the Greatest Show on Earth- The Great Wildebeest Migration
• Take a hot air balloon safari over Tanzania’s Serengeti or Kenya’s Masai Mara
• Take a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls
• Safari and migratory Bird watching at Etosha National Park in Namibia
• Visit a Maasai Village in Tanzania
• Explore Cape Town with our guided day tours
• See the mountain gorillas up close while trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
• Play a round of golf at Tanzania’s one-and-only 18-hole golf course
• Play the “ Extreme 19 th hole ” from a high cliff while golfing in South Africa
• Cruise through the Okavango Delta in Botswana on a mokoro (dugout canoe) or boat
• Enjoy a beautiful beach resort after your safari in Zanzibar
• Climb the tallest mountain in Africa- Mount Kilimanjaro or hike the foothills
• Go on a thrilling shark cage diving adventure in the Western Cape of South Africa
• Shop for unique handmade crafts

Knowing what you want to see and do during your visit will help us determine your perfect itinerary.

How many people will be going on this trip?

Are you planning a trip for two? A small friends/family group? A big group? Are you planning to travel with children? The number of people traveling with you will influence your itinerary and determine how far in advance you need to start planning. Generally, the bigger the group the more time is needed to plan and organize as well as to guarantee lodge/camp availability.  Many safari camps might have only a dozen or less rooms and tend to book quickly especially during peak season. If you have a big group, need multiple rooms and want a specific accommodation, plenty of advance planning is essential.

Traveling with children is another factor to consider. There are several camps that may not allow children under 7 for safety reasons, however there are also many family-friendly camps that cater to children with special day camps.  Rates for children are often substantially lower. Our safari team will be happy to provide more information on that.

What is your budget range? 

The budget is probably one of the biggest factors in determining the specifics of an itinerary. An 8-day safari with accommodations, meals and internal flights can range from $2,000 to upwards of $20,000 per person. Setting a budget up front will help determine the best options when it comes to accommodations, transportation, and activities.

What type of accommodations would you like to stay in?

Africa offers a variety of accommodations depending on the destination . The type will determine the budget and activities you can expect.  Are you looking for budget-friendly 3 to 4-star or luxury 5-star accommodations? During your safari, are you interesting in staying in lodges, permanent-tented camps, mobile/seasonal camps? While in South Africa’s cities, are you interested in staying at a major hotel or a boutique hotel? The number of hotels, lodges, and camps available in Africa are plentiful. Our expert team makes frequent site visits to ensure that your accommodation is up to our standards. They will be able to suggest the best options available based on your preferences and budget. For example, the perfect lodge for honeymooners would not be ideal for families or large groups.

Would you like assistance with flights?

Safari Ventures will help you with flight timing or bookings on request.

Africa is not a do-it-yourself destination.  Designing the ultimate safari trip takes care, thought and the attention to detail of an expert.  We will listen to your needs, answer any questions or concerns you may have, and work until we have ultimately curated the perfect itinerary. Our goal is to make your Africa experience the trip of a lifetime, seamless and worry-free.  Please contact us at 1.888.341.7771 or click here to start planning. 

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Africa is the planet's second-biggest and second-generally crowded landmass. At in the ballpark of 30.2 million km² incorporating nearby islands, it blankets six percent of the Earth's sum surface zone and 20.4 percent of the aggregate area. With 1.0 billion individuals, it represents something like 15% of the planet's human populace. The mainland is encompassed by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, both the Suez Canal and the Red Sea along the Sinai Peninsula to the northeast, the Indian Ocean to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Africa is acknowledged by generally paleoanthropologists to be the most seasoned occupied region on Earth, with the human species beginning from the continent. Read here about Africa before planning a trip to African Countries.

African Geography

The atmosphere of Africa runs from tropical to subarctic on its most noteworthy crests. Its northern half is essential forsake or parched, while its focal and southern ranges hold both savanna fields and extremely thick wilderness (rainforest) areas. In the middle of, there is a merging where vegetation examples, for example Sahel, and steppe command. Africa is the most sizzling landmass on earth; dry lands and deserts include 60% of the whole land surface.

African Diversity

Africa gloats maybe the planet's biggest synthesis of thickness and "extent of opportunity" of wild creature populaces and differing qualities, with wild populaces of extensive carnivores, and herbivores, running uninhibitedly on basically open non-private fields. It is additionally home to a mixed bag of "wilderness" creatures incorporating snakes and primates and sea-going life, for example crocodiles and creatures of land and water. Africa has over 3,000 ensured regions, with 198 marine secured territories, 50 biosphere saves and 80 wetlands holds.

African Culture and Demographics

Africa's populace has quickly expanded in the course of the most recent 40 years, and thusly, it is moderately youthful. In some African states, half or a greater amount of the populace is under 25 years of age. By general assesses, well in excess of a thousand dialects are spoken in Africa. Most are of African inception; however some are of European or Asian beginning. Africa is the most multilingual mainland on the planet, and it is not uncommon for people to smoothly talk multiple African dialects, as well as one or more European ones besides. There are four major dialect families indigenous to Africa.

African Ethnicity and Tourism

Some parts of universal African societies have ended up less rehearsed lately as an aftereffect of years of disregard and concealment by provincial and post-frontier administrations. There is presently resurgence in the endeavors to rediscover and revalue African customary societies, under such developments as the African Renaissance. In various nations, English and French are utilized for correspondence as a part of the general population circle, for example government, trade, instruction and the media. Arabic, Portuguese, Afrikaans and Spanish are samples of dialects that follow their beginning to outside of Africa, and that are utilized by a large number of Africans today, both in general society and private circles. Italian is spoken by some in previous Italian states in Africa. German is spoken in Namibia, as it was a previous German protectorate.

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• Central Kalahari Game Reserve
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LET'S PLAN YOUR DREAM VACATION

Expert africa trip planner.

From the sands of the Namibia Desert in the west, to the great Pyramids in Egypt in the north, to the Masai Mara tribal land and its National Park in the eastern country of Kenya, to the southern tip of South Africa where sea lions and penguins delight visitors with their antics. The vastness of this continent cannot be understated! Popular safaris include Sabi Sabi Sands in South Africa. With the help of an African safari planner, you can traverse the beautiful nature of the safari on the African safari honeymoon of your dreams. Explore the wilds of the Serengeti and meet kaleidoscopic wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater on a safari-packed adventure in Tanzania are just a short list of the vast array of safari options. A visit to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years of his 27-year sentence for a historic and haunting tour to remember for the rest of your life. Whether you're looking to plan a romantic African honeymoon, a beautiful anniversary trip, or an adventurous outing, Africa offers it all! Enjoy all of these things and more with help from an Africa travel agent.

THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS...

Custom africa excursions.

This is just a small sample of custom excursions that can be made for you by one of the best travel agents for Africa.

Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara (Kenya) during the great migration.

Feed a Giraffe

Feed a giraffe from your window at breakfast

Mt. Kilmanjaro

Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

GO AHEAD, EXPLORE A LITTLE

See africa before you go.

How To Plan The Ultimate Trip To Ghana

These tips on planning a trip to Ghana can save travelers time, money, and stress when they decide to embark on a Ghanaian adventure.

Jasmine Osby • Apr 12, 2024

When Trina Diakabanzila, 38, left the Democratic Republic of The Congo at 10, she had no clue she wouldn’t return to Africa until decades later. As an adult serving in the U.S. military, she was able to further expand her horizons by seeing more of the world. However, an allure about Ghana kept the country at the top of her bucket list. 

In 2019, after her military career ended, Diakabanzila decided to finally make the voyage to Ghana. She’d recently divorced and had a new baby. But she was determined to journey back to home soil. Today, Diakabanzila has traveled to Ghana five times. She’s falling in love with the West African country and her experiences there are some of her fondest memories. 

Diakabanzila’s time spent in Ghana has made her an expert on traveling to the country. With plans to go back in the future, her tips on planning the ultimate trip to Ghana can save travelers time, money, and stress when they decide to embark on a Ghanaian adventure.

Keeping An Open Mind

Diakabanzila encourages every traveler to keep an open mind when traveling to Ghana. Every experience she’s had in the country has been magical. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Ghana is still a developing country. 

“A lot of people try to compare foreign countries to America but America is developed,” Diakabanzila said. “And I don’t want the people to be disappointed.” 

Some amenities that are readily available in America are extremely limited in Ghana. For Diakabanzila, an example is spotty electricity throughout the country. Instead of having access to electricity everywhere, some hotels and Airbnb’s would lose power throughout the day. These types of inconveniences could ruin someone’s trip. However, keeping an open mind and being open to having different experiences can help counteract any discomfort.  

“As long as you go with an open mind, you’re going to enjoy yourself and you’re going to learn so much,” she said.

Doing ample research before visiting Ghana is a great way to prevent frustration and disappointment once you land on the ground. Diakabanzila says she asks every question possible when booking accommodations to ensure she’s getting what she’s seeking. This includes inquiring about things like 24-hour generators for power lapses and distance from the airport and attractions before booking a stay.

Preparing For Your Trip 

A lot of time spent preparing for a trip to Ghana involves securing the correct paperwork to enter the country. For Diakabanzila, she had to secure a visa for her and her daughter to ensure they were legally able to travel there. She’s noticed that the country sometimes would waive visa requirements around December. However, most times, travelers have to apply in advance. 

She says it’s also important for travelers to decide what type of travelers they are. Some flights to Ghana can last more than 20 hours. For comfort’s sake, it’s important to determine your travel preferences beforehand. 

“Definitely decide what type of traveler you are,” she said. “Do you mind long layovers or are you more of a straight person like, ‘Get me to my destination.'”

Additionally, although the only immunization she was required to get was for Yellow Fever, Diakabanzila encourages travelers to look into the recommended immunizations as well. This could help prevent health issues that could potentially ruin a vacation experience in Ghana. She also keeps activated charcoal pills for malaria prevention handy on any trip to Ghana.

Dress Accordingly

When it comes to vacation attire in Ghana, Diakabanzila encourages travelers to dress weather-appropriate. The weather is extremely tropical with rainy seasons throughout the late spring and summer. But Diakabanzila assures travelers that it can get very hot, so pack light clothing. 

“As soon as you land at the airport, you will feel the heat,” she said. “It’s really hot in Ghana.” 

She also wants travelers to remember the importance of respectful attire when visiting Ghana. Certain fashion and cultural norms in America aren’t as socially accepted in African countries, such as dressing scantily or swimwear in public. Travelers should be smart about clothing choices.

When visiting Ghana, Diakabanzila usually books her Airbnb in Accra. There are also many other incredible locations throughout the country with quality stays. She says travelers should explore accommodations outside of Accra including near the airport and Cape Coast. Travelers can also explore stays like Labadi Beach Hotel, where all-inclusive options are available. 

“I think the options are endless. It just depends on your budget and what type of traveler you are,” she said.

Don’t Be Surprised If Merchants Raise Praises

Visiting local markets is a major part of experiencing authentic Ghanaian culture. It’s also some of the best places to find street food vendors and others selling local fare, clothing, jewelry, and more. However, Diakabanzila says don’t be surprised if merchants raise the praises. Despite being Congolese, she’s even had to negotiate down the cost of goods when visiting Ghanaian markets. She suggests working with someone you know in Ghana or a local to help negotiate with merchants.  

Keep Safety First

Although traveling to Ghana can seem overwhelming, Diakabanzila knows firsthand that it’s worth it. No matter where someone is from, she believes it’s important that all children of the African diaspora visit the continent. Whether you’re traveling to Ghana or another country, everyone deserves to go home at least once. 

“It’s imperative to know where you came from, to know your people, and to know your history,” she said.

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Where to See Your Next Eclipse, From Iceland to Australia

By Maya Silver

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.

The totality of an eclipse is never long enough. My first total solar eclipse experience in 2017 made for the shortest two minutes of my life: the sun transforming into a blazing diamond ring, the beautiful delirium of darkness, that perfect circle in the sky. Before I knew it, the eclipse was over—and my friends and I were plotting how we could catch our next.

During my second total eclipse in Ohio, I savored nearly double that time—four minutes of totality. Those extra moments gave me time to tune into the full sensory experience. As birds slowed their songs, crickets filled the false twilight with their chirping. All the people around me fell silent amid the cool, still air, and the corona of the sun radiated and wisped above. It wasn’t long after those beautiful four minutes ended that I began scheming, again, about my next opportunity to relive the cosmic experience. Now, I’ve fully embraced my identity as an umbraphile —literally, a “shadow lover,” but better known as someone who chases total solar eclipses.

For umbraphiles like myself based in the United States, the next total solar eclipse to hit the US is in 2033—although it will only grace the western half of Alaska , along with Russia . In 2044, another total solar eclipse will swoop across Canada into Montana and the Dakotas . The next “Great American Eclipse” to cut across a wide swath of the nation won’t arrive until 2045 , though that one will stretch all the way from Northern California to Florida , across Utah , Colorado , Georgia , and many more states.

If you can’t bear to wait more than two decades for that stunning event, the good news is that many more eclipses will occur before then—you just have to go abroad to catch them. Whether you saw the 2024 total solar eclipse and are eager to plan your next trip to the path of totality, or you missed it and want to discover what all the hype is about, consider this your guide to seeing a total solar eclipse in the next four years.

In 2026, travelers to Iceland will have the chance to catch the solar eclipse and northern lights on one trip.

August 12, 2026: The Arctic, Iceland, and Spain

Your earliest chance to catch another total solar eclipse is August 12, 2026 , when the path of totality will curve northeast across the Arctic Ocean and south through remote eastern Greenland , terminating in the Balearic Sea just east of Mallorca . While there are several worthy destinations for umbraphiles during the 2026 eclipse, the totality experience will be relatively short, lasting only 1-2 minutes, depending on where you are within the path.

One spot to add to your eclipse planning list is Western Iceland , where you may also be able to catch Northern Lights on your trip to enhance the cosmic experience. The capital of Reykjavik sits on the edge of totality, making it a fine and accessible viewing destination. The downside? Totality will only last a minute there. To extend the experience, head about three hours west by car. Snæfellsjökull National Park —a seaside park named for a volcano and glacier—will experience 2 minutes and 10 seconds of totality. Stay in the nearby hamlet of Búðir, about 30 minutes away. Or head to the village of Patreksfjordur in the Westfjords, about a five-hour drive from Reykjavik for a similarly longer totality.

If a more Mediterranean eclipse experience appeals, the spot to be is Spain. The path of totality will also clip northeastern Portugal . In northern Spain, the medieval cities of Oviedo (1 minute and 49 seconds totality) or Burgo (1 minute and 44 seconds totality) are good places to watch, right in the center of the totality path. For a more urban experience, consider Zaragoza (1 minute and 24 seconds of totality) or seaside Valencia (1 minute totality).

Perhaps the most unique place to take in the 2026 eclipse in Spain is upon the island of Mallorca. Partying in Palma, reveling in secluded beaches, or overlooking the sea upon the island’s limestone cliffs would all make enviable ways to take in the 1 minute and 36 seconds of totality. With around 300 days of sunshine annually, Mallorca is also a safe bet for clear skies. If you prefer to leave the planning to the pros, consider a guided eclipse trip through a company like Sirius Travel , which is also offering an Iceland eclipse trip. Note that some other guided 2026 eclipse tours are already sold out , so don’t wait to reserve.

One of the most unusual places to witness an eclipse is aboard a cruise ship , and there are already several potential options available—after all, this eclipse is only a couple years out and plans are underway. Bundle up and hop aboard the Greenland Solar Eclipse cruise hosted by Albatros Expeditions . The 13-day itinerary includes a tour of fjords and glaciers, a visit to Nuuk, and of course, the 2-minute, 17-second totality experience (starting at $19,600 per person). Cunard is offering three solar eclipse cruise experiences : one through Norway and Iceland, and two more near Spain and the Mediterranean.

Luxor, Egypt, will see over six minutes of totality during the August 2027 eclipse.

August 2, 2027: Northern Africa and the Middle East

Just a year later, another eclipse will travel across Northern Africa and the western edge of the Middle East —this one with a prodigiously long totality time. The eclipse will cross over the southern tip of Spain and Gibraltar, which will enjoy 4 minutes and 28 seconds of totality.

CNT Editors

Blane Bachelor

Kyler Alvord

Across Northern Africa, several cities make excellent viewing points. The beaches of Tangier , Morocco, will take in 4 minutes and 50 seconds totality. In Tunisia , the ancient oasis of Gafsa will clock over 5 minutes of totality.

For the longest totality time, consider Luxor, Egypt , which will see a stunning 6 minutes and 22 seconds of darkness, likely amid sunny skies. This is only about a minute shy of the known record for longest totality time : 7 minutes and 28 seconds, back in 743 B.C. Besides, could anything eclipse the mystical sight of a pyramid than a literal eclipse darkening the skies above the Ancient Egyptian monuments?

Cruises and guided tours for the 2027 eclipse are also already on offer. Take a cruise through the Mediterranean with Eclipse Tours and witness totality at sea (starting at $4,999), or tour Morocco and enjoy the eclipse from a beach with Astro Tours (price unlisted).

Head to New Zealand's Otago Peninsula in 2028 to experience three minutes of totality.

July 22, 2028: Australia and New Zealand

If you can wait four years, consider an eclipse trip to Oceania . This eclipse will traverse central Australia and southern New Zealand , and there are many incredible spots to consider within the path for your viewing experience, whether you prefer to dance in the darkness or be immersed in the wild.

In Australia, Sydney is smack dab in the middle of the 2028 path , with 3 minutes and 49 seconds of totality. While no festivals or events are in the works yet, have no doubt Australia will rise to the occasion. For a more nature-based experience, consider the ancient rock formations and trails of Mirima National Park ; stay in the nearby town of Kununurra. This area will enjoy just under three minutes of totality. Of course, an Australia eclipse-themed cruise already awaits, too, though the eclipse itself is to be viewed on land (starting at $14,500).

In New Zealand, enjoy nearly three minutes of totality include Queenstown and Dunedin. Take in the New Zealand eclipse from the stunning shores of Lake Wakatipu of Queenstown, where you can chase the rush of an eclipse with one of the world’s highest bungee jumps . Amid the Scottish-meets-Maori heritage of Dunedin, bookend the eclipse with a visit to the Larnach Castle or the Otago Peninsula and its penguins.

Tips for planning an eclipse trip around the world

You’re not the only traveler drawn to the elusive experience of a total eclipse—which is why places in the path of totality tend to experience a massive spike in tourism . Lodging books early, prices surge, rental cars run out, and those who fail to plan in advance are often left high and dry—or forced to spend a small fortune.

My advice on preparing for an eclipse trip in the US applies doubly when it comes to an international voyage to the path of totality. Here are a few key pointers before you plan your trip, whether to the Arctic, Spain, Egypt, or Australia:

It’s never too early to book: Some tours are already sold out, while hotel reservations are sure to go fast. Make your reservations as soon as you can, especially for the 2026 eclipse—you can always cancel later if your trip falls through. This applies to rental cars and flights as well.

Give yourself a buffer around the eclipse: Don’t plan to show up the day before the eclipse or day of, nor should you plan to depart the day of or day after. Adding some wiggle room will allow you to maximize the serenity of the experience, rather than sabotage it with the chaos of eclipse travel.

Get to your viewing spot at least a few hours in advance: This way your plans won’t be foiled by any unexpected traffic, you can find the perfect perch, and you’ll have time to set up any camera tripods or telescopes.

Hold on to your eclipse glasses—or buy them early: Don’t plan to pick up a pair at your destination. And make sure they’re ISO certified .

Finally, turn your eclipse travels into a longer trip of about a week or two. Look into local observatories or stargazing tours to up the astronomical ante. A few months ahead, research eclipse festivals, events, and viewing parties, if that’s of interest. Meet some fellow travelers who you might be interested in viewing with. Then, one to six minutes of totality will be just the pinnacle of your celestially inspired trip, rather than the entirety of it.

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