most tourist destination in africa

Protect Your Trip »

Best places to visit in africa for 2023-2024.

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

Serengeti National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Alexandria, Egypt

Addis Ababa

You May Be Interested In

Best Places to Visit in Asia

Best Places to Visit in Europe for 2023-2024

Australia & The Pacific

Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific in 2023

Best National Parks in the World for 2024

Central & South America

Best Places to Visit in Central and South America in 2023

Best Islands in the World for 2024

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

Recommended

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

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

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

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

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

16 Best Places to Visit in Africa

Written by Becca Blond and Carri Wilbanks Updated Feb 10, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Explore Cape Town, South Africa

2. go back in time in zanzibar, tanzania, 3. witness the pyramids of giza, egypt, 4. experience victoria falls, zimbabwe and zambia, 5. wander the souks in marrakesh, morocco, 6. go gorilla trekking in rwanda, 7. watch the sun rise over the dunes in sossusvlei, namibia, 8. find serenity by the sea and in the sahara in tunisia, 9. summit mount kilimanjaro in tanzania, 10. go on safari in kruger national park, south africa, 11. see the great migration in masai mara, kenya, 12. descend into the ngorongoro crater on safari in tanzania, 13. take a beach vacation to the bazaruto archipelago in mozambique, 14. traverse the okavango delta in botswana, 15. discover the beauty of lake malawi, 16. watamu on kenya's swahili coast.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tanzania

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

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

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

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

Accommodation: Top-Rated Luxury Safari Lodges in South Africa

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in South Africa

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

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

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kenya

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More: Best Lakes in Africa

On Kenya's Swahili Coast, Watamu is the perfect town for a beach vacation. The Indian Ocean here is stunning—think turquoise, aquamarine, and emerald hues with sugar-white-sand beaches and an underwater world to explore.

Unlike beaches in South Africa, the water here stays warm enough to swim comfortably all year. And, with near-constant trade wind breezes, it never gets too oppressively hot, and it's also one of the hottest kitesurfing destinations in Africa .

The sunsets are also stellar here, especially when witnessed from the deck at Lichthaus, which has west-facing hammocks, DJs spinning in summer, and a food menu.

Watamu is a small village, and lodging is spread out over a number of miles on the coastline. It is easy to get between places by bodu bodu (a local motorbike taxi that costs around $1 per ride).

The most luxurious place to stay in town is Hemingways Watamu . Right on the beach, it offers accommodation in rooms, suites and residences. The residences are especially luxe.

They have up to two bedrooms, are done-up in gorgeous modern décor, come with full kitchens, and feature walls of windows. Beds are draped in mosquito nets so you can sleep with the windows open to hear the ocean. The food at the house restaurant is also excellent.

Another option, which is very popular with couples and groups of friends (although families are welcome as well), is Temple Point Resort . It also has a beachfront location and is spread across lushly landscaped grounds.

The public spaces here are wonderful, and there is even a room dedicated for remote working. The restaurant serves an international menu with excellent pasta dishes. Accommodation is in charming bungalows with whitewashed décor, and each has a unique look. The on-site dive center can take you swimming with whale sharks or to thriving coral reefs.

More on South Africa

10 Destinations to Top Your Africa Bucket List

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

The Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

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

Victoria Falls, Zambia

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

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

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

Djenné, Mali

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

Cape Town, South Africa

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

Marrakech, Morocco

TripSavvy / Chris VR 

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

Omo River Region, Ethiopia

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

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda

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

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

TripSavvy / Ivey Redding

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

Zanzibar, Tanzania

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

Updated by  Jessica Macdonald . 

East Africa's 10 Best Travel Destinations

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: The Complete Guide

Africa Highlights: What to Do and Where to Go

The Top 5 Places to See Leopards in Africa

10 Unforgettable Activities to Top Your Africa Bucket List

The Top 12 Things to Do in Ethiopia

Top 10 Destinations in Africa for a First-Time Visitor

The Best Countries in the World for Adventurous Travelers

The Top 12 National Parks to Visit in Africa

13 Amazing Trips to Take Before You Turn 40

2020 Travel Warnings for Countries in Africa

12 Best Places to Visit in December

Your Trip to Morocco: The Complete Guide

The World's Top 10 Unforgettable Luxury Travel Destinations

10 of the Best Places to Visit in Morocco

The Top 15 Things to See and Do in Morocco

• Africa Collective

Business Insider Edition

• United States
• International
• Deutschland & Österreich

Africa's top 10 most visited tourist attractions in 2021

• BY: BI Africa contributor - ( Ochuko Eyube)
• Africa is home to some of the world's most beautiful places.
• For this reason, every year, thousands and thousands of tourists take trips to Africa to behold its beauty. 
• You should definitely plan to visit soon if you haven't already.

According to Statista, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, as of May 2021, around 1.04 million international tourists visited Africa.

Recommended articles

Do you intend to be one of these people soon? The following are Africa's topmost visited attractions:

1. Lake Retba, Senegal

A beautiful and special lake sits deep within Senegal, about 30 kilometres from the capital city of Dakar. This lake is called Lake Retba and also referred to as 'Lac Rou' by the locals. It draws day-tripping tourists from all over the world.

An alkaline body of water, it is one of the few pink-colored lakes in the world. It gets its color from a pigment produced by the bacteria covering it.

Lake Retba is one beautify to behold when the sun casts its rays on it. You just cannot see enough of it, and you might have a hard time stopping yourself from taking pictures.

2. River Nile, Egypt

One of Africa's most magnificent sights is the river Nile. It is one of the longest river in the world, second only to the Amazon river.

The River Nile brings in vast tourist visits every year. Tourists also use the opportunity to see the John Speke monument, the first explorer to find the source of the Nile while visiting the River Nile.

Spanning across ten countries, the Nile is one of the seven wonders of Africa.

The Nile area is mentioned in a number of myths and legends. No wonder is one of the most visited places by tourists in Africa. The sun's glare on the river surface is a calming sight.

3. Lekki Conservative Centre, Nigeria

In the heart of one of Nigeria's most bustling cities, Lagos, away from the usual business of the city, is the Lekki Conservative. It was established in 1990 and has since attracted tourists year after year.

The Lekki Conservative Centre is home to Africa's longest canopy walk. It has a rating of 4 out of 5 from 552 reviews on trip advisor alone.

From the canopy walk, thrill, and fun moving up and down your body, you can look down at nature. At amazing trees, the chirping of birds warming your eyes.

The people of Lagos, Nigeria, are welcoming people, and the city itself holds a rich heritage.

4. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

In the beautiful country of Zimbabwe, deep within a rainforest, Victoria Falls sits in splendor.

In the local tongue of the people who live around it, Victoria falls translates: "Smoke that thunders."

This seems to be a befitting name for the largest waterfall in the world. Waterfalls from the Zimbabwean Victoria Falls at about 12,800 cubic meters per second, producing the sounds of thunder.

The Victoria Falls area is also home to colorful birds. Note that you may just have to work to stop yourself from taking pictures of this beautiful place! It gets addictive, haha.

5. Table Mountains, South Africa

A beautiful, flat-topped mountain overlooks the South African city of Cape Town. This mountain is a prominent tourist attraction, pulling up to 4.2 million people every year. These people come to do a number of activities:

• To watch the serenity.
• To vibe in cars
• To take rides in the beautiful cable cars. 

The table mountain of South Africa is one of the new seven wonders of nature.

It is a safe place to be and is adequately protected. For this reason, many tourists from overseas love to visit there. There are a number of suites and hotels within it. You can have a taste of South Africa's exquisite meals and a feel of the warmth of South African people.

6. Sahara Dunes, Morocco

Morocco offers one the safest places to view the Sahara desert. A trip to the Sahara Dunes, Morocco, should be on your list if you are seeking to visit Africa's most beautiful tourist attraction sites.

The Sahara desert, which derives its names from the Arabic noun ṣaḥrāʾ is one of the largest deserts worldwide and is very beautiful. Camels and Nomads are not uncommon sights for visitors. The sand and dunes are aesthetic and look pretty good in pictures.

7. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, is by far the highest mountain in Africa and one of Africa's magnificent sights. According to the National Geographic, it is the world's largest free mountain and stands about 5,895 meters (19,340 ft) above sea level.

It's about 4,900 meters (16,100 ft) above its plateau base. Every year, Kilimanjaro draws thousands of tourists who come to see the talked-about Kilimanjaro.

READ : 15 African cities with the highest cost of living index scores in 2021

It is a part of the Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania and is often studied by geographers and scientists. Hikers will have a great time at Kilimanjaro! Many people visited East Africa, especially Tanzania because of the mountain.

8. Pyramids of Egypt

These masonry structures are said to be man's greatest architectural accomplishments. They are the only surviving wonder of the world. The great pyramids date back to the 26th century (c.2575-c. 2465 BCE )

They were erected on a rocky plateau on the western end of the Nile River, close to Al-jizyah(Gizah) in Northern Egypt.

According to National Geography, it estimated 2.5 million blocks of limestone, which are said to weigh 2.5 to 15 tons.

Its sides are oriented exactly to the north, east, south, and west. The pyramids of Egypt offer a fantastic sight to tourists; visiting them proves to be a life-changing experience.

9. Lake Abbe, Ethiopia/Djibouti

Lake Abbe, commonly referred to by the name Lake Abhe Bad, is an alkaline lake that lies within the Ethiopian-Djibouti border. It spans about 15km wide and is 14km long.

It is one of the six lakes connected to each other around this hot area and receives water from the Awash River.

It offers soothing scenery and is home to flamingos. These beautiful birds gather around the river, and it's such a beauty to watch.

10. Sossusvlei Dunes, Namibia

Namibia is a small country in Southern Africa and is home to the Sossusvlei Dunes. In the mother tongue, Sossusvlei translates, "The gathering place for water," but this does not mean the dunes are water. They are normal dunes. Sand.

The Sossusvlei Dunes are a landform that has developed over the span of millions of years. The view from these dunes is magnificent and beautiful, and tourists will have a lot of fun here.

About the author

Ochuko Eyube is a Digital Marketing Consultant and Communication Strategist transforming the way brands interact with audiences through content. He enjoys writing helpful content and inspiring people to become the best versions of themselves.

FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA

Thanks for signing up for our daily insight on the African economy. We bring you daily editor picks from the best Business Insider news content so you can stay updated on the latest topics and conversations on the African market, leaders, careers and lifestyle. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!

Glovo pulls out of Ghana market citing profitability challenges

10 african countries with the most intelligent people - report, 5 interesting facts about nigeria’s second richest man as he marks 71 years, ireland considers halting visa-free travel for south africa, the us asserts that it is a better option for africa than russia and china, malak el masry speaks on championing entrepreneurship and art in africa, junta led burkina faso suspends more foreign media over killings coverage, 10 african countries with the strongest merchant marine fleet, who are africa's biggest esports teams.

Nigeria suspends a Chinese business over discrimination charges

PHOTOS: Inside the hostel in Rwanda set to house migrants from the UK in July

10 African countries with the greatest soft power influence over the world in 2024

Congo is spending 22% of its scarce revenue on security - minister.

Cookie policy

Wanderlust Movement | A South Africa Travel Blog

100 of the Best Places You Can Visit in Africa

November 10, 2017 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on November 1, 2022 by Lauren Melnick

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

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

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

Best Places to Visit in Mozambique

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

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

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

Best Places to Visit in Rwanda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Places to Visit in Kenya

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

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

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

Best Places to Visit in Ethiopia

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

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

Best Places to Visit in Morocco

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

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

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

Best Places to Visit in Tanzania

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Lauren Melnick

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

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

Reader Interactions

November 17, 2017 at 10:41 am

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

December 22, 2017 at 2:28 pm

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

December 23, 2017 at 11:39 pm

That’s great to hear Mike!

June 9, 2019 at 12:02 am

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

June 24, 2019 at 2:48 pm

Agree! There’s always something new to discover 🙂

November 27, 2019 at 12:57 pm

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

May 8, 2022 at 3:04 pm

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

October 12, 2023 at 5:16 pm

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Love The Content?

• Vacation Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do
• Things to Do
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Best of the Best Destinations

You’ve probably got one or two of these destinations on your list of dream vacays. What can we say? People love them—and for very good reason.

The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.

These are the Most Visited Countries in Africa

As the second-largest continent on the planet, Africa has a lot to offer international travellers. While you might be guilty of thinking “safari” as soon as you read Africa, you will be pleasantly surprised to know there is much more to discover on this continent. To help you plan your trip, we’ve listed the most visited countries in Africa. We’ll explain why you should visit them, what they have to offer, and a few things you could skip, too!

The most visited countries in Africa

The most visited country in Africa is Morocco . This Northern African nation saw a whopping 12.3 million visitors in 2019, making it the most visited country on the entire continent.

So just what is it that makes Morocco so appealing? The culture of Morocco is sure to be a big drawcard, considering there is nowhere in the world quite like it. The sights, sounds and colours of the medina is enough to leave you mesmerised. Then there’s the food – oh the food! Think tagines, plenty of spice and endless sweet pastries to finish off the day.

Some of the highlights of Morocco include Marrakesh , one of the most chaotic and charismatic cities in the world. Then, of course, there is Fes , a historic city with so much culture you could spend a week here and not scratch the surface. If you’re taking a tour of the country, consider stopping by Essaouira as well. This beautiful beach town has a European feel to it, with all the rugged charm of Northern Africa.

In 2019 there were an impressive 11.3 million visitors to Egypt, making this the second most visited country in Africa. The main draw cards in Egypt are of course the Egyptian pyramids, the pharaoh’s tombs and the Luxor temple dating back thousands of years.

3. South Africa

For years I have been in love with South Africa . It was my first visit that sealed my fate! I now call South Africa home, having moved to Cape Town back in November 2019. This country comes in third on the list, but it is the front runner for safari-goers. South Africa remains the most popular choice for a safari, where you can spot the big five and spend some time out in the wilderness. As for the total visitors? There were 10.5 million visitors to South Africa in 2019!

Next up is Tunisia, with 8.3 million visitors making their way to the Northern African country in 2019. Tunisia is famous for its ancient cities, the Saharan desert and its hot desert temperatures. It has also been dubbed by some as the “next Morocco”, for being slightly less under the radar and a more affordable option just a short flight from many of Europe’s major cities.

5. Zimbabwe

There are many reasons to visit Zimbabwe, but most of them start with safari and end with the Victoria Falls. This landlocked country in Southern Africa is still one of the most popular choices for safari goers in search of the big five. The game viewing in Zimbabwe is second to none, but the Victoria Falls are unlike any other. As one of the world’s largest waterfalls, they extend some 1,708 metres in length.

6. Côte d’Ivoire

With beach resorts and rainforests as far as the eye can see, the Côte d’Ivoire (also known as the Ivory Coast) is a popular choice, especially for European travellers. With a French-colonial legacy, the country has long been a favourite for travellers in search of the sea, sun, and beautiful temperatures found in West Africa.

Uganda has been living in the shadow of Rwanda, which has quickly become the top choice for mountain gorilla viewing. But it is here in Uganda where you can have the same experience for much less, given the less-developed nature of the country. It is (perhaps to contrary belief) safe to visit Uganda and visitors will be delighted by how much raw beauty lies within the country borders.

Over in East Africa, I’m sure it will come as no surprise Kenya tops the list for the most visited country. This is where one of the most famous films on the continent, Out of Africa, was filmed. The Maasai Mara has become one of the most popular choices for safari-goers and after visiting last year, I can sure see why!

9. Mauritius

If you’re looking for a more tropical getaway when visiting Africa or perhaps a destination to tag on to your safari, look no further than Mauritius. Here you will find beautiful beaches, mountainous treks and world class diving.

10. eSwatini

Landlocked in the centre of South Africa, eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) has long existed in the shadow of South Africa. However if you’d prefer a more under the radar destination, this is it. Here you can venture out on a safari for a fraction of the cost, as well as enjoy as many camping and day hikes as you can imagine! This rounds out our list of the most visited countries in Africa. Now that you know where to go – what are you waiting for?

Like this? Now read:

The Ultimate Africa Bucket List

The 20 Best Safari Lodges in Africa

The Best Animal Encounters in Africa

Follow us on Instagram to see new adventures!

Safari Style

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Los Angeles

Plan a trip

First trip solo

Packing guide

20 Best Places for Solo Female Travel

Travel after a break up

20 Places in your 20’s

WAYS TO TRAVEL

Solo travel

Adventure travel

Luxury travel

Learn a language

Become a blogger

• You are here:

Top 10 Best Places To Visit in Africa in 2024

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of more than 20 guidebooks to African destinations.

Africa is home to dozens – make that hundreds – of national parks, game reserves and other safari destinations. Every last one of them has something to offer, whether it be a cast of charismatic large mammals dominated by the Big Five, the opportunity to track gorillas or chimpanzees, or more subtle pleasures such as looking for rare birds or colorful butterflies. But for first-time visitors wondering exactly where to go, the highlights on the list below stand out as perhaps the ten best places to visit in Africa.

African Safari Tours

1. serengeti national park (tanzania).

Topping many safari-goers’ list of best places to visit in Africa, the Serengeti is Tanzania’s oldest and largest national park. It is inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage Site largely on account of hosting the world’s most spectacular annual wildlife migration, comprising up to 2 million wildebeest, as well as tens of thousands of zebra. The expansive plains host Africa’s largest lion population, estimated at 3,000 individuals. It is probably the most reliable place in East Africa for cheetah, while leopards are regularly observed in the central Seronera Valley. Other common wildlife includes elephant, buffalo, giraffe, spotted hyena, bat-eared fox and a wide variety of antelope.

• When to visit Serengeti: There’s no bad time. June to October offers great general wildlife viewing and an opportunity to catch the wildebeest migration. The wildebeest calve in the southern Serengeti from late January to February. Many repeat visitors favor April and May, when the countryside is at its greenest, rack rates drop, and tourist volumes are lowest.
• Where to stay: There are dozens of mid-range to upmarket lodges and tented camps in the Serengeti, as well as several campsites.

2,543 Serengeti Tours

2. Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)

Essentially the Kenyan counterpart to the Serengeti, the smaller Masai Mara is equally rewarding when it comes to wildlife viewing. Big cats are the star residents. Prides of up to 20 lions hog the spotlight, but it is also a very good place to see cheetah and leopard, along with elephant, buffalo, giraffe and – with a bit more luck – black rhino in the Mara Triangle. The Masai Mara comes into its own over late July to early October, when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest arrive from the Serengeti to cross the Mara River, the most spectacular part of the annual migration.

• When to visit Masai Mara: Wildlife viewing is good throughout the year. Be there between August and October to be reasonably certain of catching the wildebeest migration. Any other time is preferable if low tourist volume is more important to you.
• Where to stay: Dozens of mid-range to upmarket lodges and tented camps are scattered in and around the Masai Mara. Several campsites can be found on its borders. And there are exclusive camps and lodges in the private and community conservancies that border the main reserve.

1,323 Masai Mara Tours

3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)

In two words: mountain gorillas. This lushly forested Ugandan national park is one of the best places to visit in Africa if you want to see these gentle giants – the world’s largest primate, weighing in at up to 200kg – in their misty mountain homes. Staring into the liquid brown eyes of a giant silverback is undoubtedly the highlight of almost all visits to Bwindi . But it is also an excellent place to see forest dwellers such as yellow-backed duiker, l’Hoest’s monkey and a full 23 bird species endemic to the Albertine Rift, among them the gorgeous African green broadbill.

• When to visit Bwindi: Gorilla tracking runs all year, but the drier months of June to August and December to February are best.
• Where to stay: Each of the four gorilla-tracking trailheads is served by a selection of upmarket and mid-range lodges.

844 Bwindi Impenetrable Tours

4. Amboseli National Park (Kenya)

The world’s tallest freestanding mountain and heftiest terrestrial mammal are the key attractions of Amboseli National Park . It is from here that one obtains the most inspiring views of snow-capped Kilimanjaro as it towers above the animal-rich plains of East Africa. Amboseli hosts the world’s longest-running elephant study, established in 1975, and it is one of the best places to visit in Africa to see interaction between elephants, which are unusually relaxed around vehicles and impressively tusked here. It is also a great birding destination thanks to its combination of seasonal marshes and semi-arid acacia savannah.

• When to visit Amboseli: Any time, but the dry months (June to October and January to February) offer the best wildlife viewing.
• Where to stay: Several mid-range and exclusive lodges and camps operate within and around the national park.

680 Amboseli Tours

5. Kruger National Park (South Africa)

One of the best places to visit in Africa for a self-drive safari, the incomprehensibly vast Kruger National Park would require at least two weeks to explore in its entirety. Most people focus on the south, due to its proximity to Johannesburg, but the more remote north is where to go if you want to get off the beaten track. Kruger supports 147 mammal species, the most of any African national park, including prodigious populations of all the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino), together with cheetah, hippo, zebra, giraffe, warthog, baboon and 20-plus antelope species. It is also home to 517 recorded bird species.

• When to visit Kruger: Any time, but wildlife viewing is best over the Dry season from May to September, and improves as the season progresses.
• Where to stay: An impressive network of affordable and well-equipped rest camps offer camping and hutted accommodation. More luxurious are the many exclusive private lodges set in various concessions within the park and the private reserves that line its western boundary.

377 Kruger Tours

6. Okavango Delta (Botswana)

The vast inland delta created by the Okavango River as it sinks into the sands of the Kalahari Desert ranks among the best places to visit in Africa for close encounters with elephants, big cats, hippos, crocodiles and other aquatic wildlife. Most alluringly explored in a professionally poled mokoro dugout canoe, the Delta’s real attraction is its primal sense of wilderness.

• When to visit Okavango: Any time, but July to October is best for wildlife viewing.
• Where to stay: The delta is fringed by dozens of upmarket lodges, most of which operate within their own concession.

203 Okavango Delta Tours

7. Etosha National Park (Namibia)

Namibia’s flagship reserve, Etosha is dominated by the vast, saline and normally dry pan for which it is named. The pan is lined by a series of perennial waterholes – some floodlit at night – that attract large herds of antelope, giraffe and other grazers during the Dry season. It is also one of the more reliable parks in Africa for black rhino, which occur here alongside lion, leopard and elephant but not buffalo. Etosha is unusually well geared towards self-drive safaris.

• When to visit Etosha: Wildlife viewing is good throughout the Dry season of May to October, and peaks over July to September.
• Where to stay: In addition to the affordable government-run rest camps sited within the park, several more exclusive camps and lodges stand just outside it in the private reserves that lie to the east and south of the park.

93 Etosha Tours

8. South Luangwa National Park (Zambia)

One of the best places to travel in Africa for a gritty walking safari, South Luangwa National Park is also renowned for its excellent night drives. Most lodges here offer expertly guided wildlife walks, but the real deal is a multiday trek between semi-permanent fly camps, soaking up the sights and scents of the bush without the distraction of a running engine. Although rhinos are absent, this is otherwise an excellent reserve, and it comes with an especially high chance of intimate leopard sightings.

• When to visit South Luangwa: This park is the archetypal Dry-season reserve, and is best avoided during the rains (December to March). Peak wildlife-viewing months are July to October.
• Where to stay: Several mid-range and exclusive lodges and camps border the national park. Many also operate fly camps within it.

63 South Luangwa Tours

9. Mana Pools National Park (Zimbabwe)

Mana Pools is one of the best places to travel in Africa for the adventurous. It is definitely where to go if you are looking for a safari destination that places no restriction on unguided and guided walking. Better still, it offers the thrilling opportunity to canoe through one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness wetlands in the form of the forest-fringed Zambezi River. Whether you paddle or walk, expect to see an abundance of elephants, hippos, buffalos, crocodiles and water-associated birds. It also harbors healthy populations of lion and leopard.

• When to visit Mana Pools: The Dry season of June to October is best.
• Where to stay: The park is serviced by several small, exclusive camps.

24 Mana Pools Tours

10. Mahale Mountains National Park (Tanzania)

One of the most remote parks in East Africa, Mahale protects a stretch of jungle-draped Rift Valley escarpment verging on the staggeringly beautiful Lake Tanganyika. Home to 800 chimpanzees, it is one of the best places to visit in Africa if you want to get close to humankind’s closest living relative in the wild. The chimpanzees of Mahale were habituated by Japanese researchers in the 1960s, and are so relaxed that it isn’t unusual to have a full-grown adult brush casually past, only a few inches away from you. Other primates and birds are also well represented, and the setting is absolutely sublime.

• When to visit Mahale Mountains: Chimp sightings are most reliable from July to October, when the chimps favor the lower slopes. You may need to walk a lot further to find them at other times.
• Where to stay: The park is serviced by one mid-range national park rest camp and two small luxurious tented camps.

Mahale Mountains Tours

Want To Go on an African Safari?

Click on the button below to compare African safaris offered by top-rated tour operators.

About SafariBookings

SafariBookings is the largest online marketplace for African safari tours. Easily compare offers from top-rated tour operators. Make decisions like a pro by using our 103,673 reviews and 223 destination guides. More About Us

Safaris by Type

• Luxury Safaris
• Budget Safaris
• Gorilla Trekking
• Chimp Trekking
• Family Safaris
• Private Safaris
• Group Safaris
• Photo Safaris
• Overland Tours
• Camping Safaris
• Fly-in Safaris
• Walking Safaris
• Birding Safaris
• Self-drive Safaris
• Canoe Safaris

Most Popular Blog Posts

• Best Time for African Safari
• Best Safari in South Africa
• Family Safari in South Africa
• African Safari Tips
• Game Reserves Near Cape Town
• What to Pack for a Safari
• Best African Safari Parks
• Top 5 Best African Honeymoon Safaris
• Top 5 Best Tanzania Family Safaris
• Best Places to See Cheetahs in Africa
• How Much Does an African Safari Cost?
• Best Places To Visit In Africa in 2024

Blog Categories

6-Day Majestic Tanzania - Mid-Range

$2,650 to $3,340 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End)

Unlimited Expeditions: The Soul of Tanzania

4.9 /5  –  440 Reviews

4-Day Masai Mara Full Board Luxury Tour- 4x4 Jeep Safari

$1,601 to $2,149 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Luxury Lodge

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End)

Apodiformes Adventures

4.8 /5  –  174 Reviews

12-Day Amazing Mid-Range Safari and Beach Holiday

$3,354 pp (USD)

You Visit: Moshi (Start) , Arusha (City) , Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Stone Town (Zanzibar) , Nungwi (Zanzibar) , Zanzibar (End)

Serengeti Smile

5.0 /5  –  209 Reviews

27 Best Places to Visit in Africa

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Bucket Lists

Updated On: February 8, 2024

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

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

Best Places to Visit in Africa

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

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

1. Mount Kilimanjaro – Tanzania

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

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

2. Serengeti National Park – Tanzania and Kenya

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

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

3. Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya

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

4. Lake Nakuru – Kenya

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

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

5. Ngorongoro Crater – Tanzania

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

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

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

6. Virunga National Park – Rwanda and Uganda

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

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

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

7. Lalibella – Ethiopia

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

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

8. Table Mountain – South Africa

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

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

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

9. The Namib Desert – Sossusvlei Namibia

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

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

10. Okavango Delta – Botswana

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

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

11. Fish River Canyon – Namibia

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

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

12. Victoria Falls – Zambia and Zimbabwe

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

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

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

13. Chobe National Park – Botswana

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

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

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

14. Lake Malawi – Malawi

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

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

15. Kruger National Park – South Africa

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

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

16. Great Pyramids at Giza – Egypt

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

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

17. White Desert – Egypt

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

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

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

18. Where the White and Blue Nile Meet – Sudan

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

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

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

19. The Souks of Marrakech – Morocco

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

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

20. Fez – Morocco

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

21. Blue Nile Gorge – Ethiopia

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

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

22. Karnak Temple Complex – Egypt

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

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

23. Valley of the Kings – Egypt

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

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

24. Abu Simbel – Egypt

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

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

25. Zanzibar – Tanzania

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

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

26. Seychelles

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

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

27. Madagascar

Image by  Cifer88  from  Pixabay

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

When to Visit Africa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More about Travel to Africa:

• 16 Amazing Things to do in Tanzania
• Stunning Photos to Inspire You to Visit Morocco
• Kenya Safari – the Masai Mara Experience

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

16 Best Spring Break Destinations To Visit in 2024

30 Beautiful and Best Hikes in the World

18 Most Beautiful Mediterranean Islands to Visit in 2024

About The Planet D

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

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beautiful pictures, I really like!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Places to Go in Africa in 2024

By CNT Editors

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

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

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

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

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

Accra, Ghana

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

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

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

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

Johannesburg, South Africa

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

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

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

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

Go for: biodiversity, castaway vibes, and water sports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

North KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Go for: major game lodges off the beaten path

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

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

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

Okavango Delta, Botswana

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rabat, Morocco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sierra Leone

Go for: ecotourism, glamping, and fantastic birding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

10 Best Countries to Visit in Africa

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on April 28, 2024

Home to much more than just safaris, beaches, and the pyramids, Africa is both the second-largest and second most-populous continent on Earth. Its 54 mainland countries and island nations all boast their own unique history, heritage, and culture, and this is, in part, what makes traveling around Africa so fascinating.

While beautiful beaches and rugged cliffs line its long coastline, its vast interior encompasses everything from mountains and deserts to tropical rainforests and the Nile river. Scattered around these diverse landscapes, you’ll find astonishing historical sites, secluded villages, and huge metropolises.

Home to a vast array of different cultures and languages, Africa offers an intoxicating mix of old and new, as many of its age-old traditions and customs still survive to this day. Renowned for its amazing wildlife, Africa’s outstanding natural beauty makes it a delight to explore, and its riveting historical and cultural sights mean there is something for everyone to enjoy.

10. Namibia

Nestled away in the southwest of the continent, Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Africa. This is because much of it is made up of arid, desolate landscapes and the unforgiving Namib Desert. Formerly a German colony, it only gained its independence from South Africa in 1990, so some colonial-era architecture can still be seen in its capital, Windhoek.

Most people, however, visit for its brilliant national parks, which are home to breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and incredible wildlife. In Etosha National Park, for instance, you can catch glimpses of lions, elephants, and black rhinos roaming around the Kalahari. Another popular destination among tourists is the Skeleton Coast, which has lots of spooky but strangely scenic shipwrecks dotted along its dangerous Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Although it is often overlooked in favor of Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, Namibia and its incredible national parks are hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.

Long a popular tourist destination, Tunisia can be found wedged in between Algeria and Libya on North Africa’s Mediterranean coastline. Due to its fabulous warm weather, inviting beaches, and well-developed tourism industry, lots of Europeans come here to lounge on its golden sands and swim in the sea.

There is much more to Tunisia than just sun, sea, and sand: the country is also littered with impressive archaeological sites that date back millennia. This is because, throughout its history, it has been ruled by everyone from the Carthaginians, Romans, and Ottomans to the Arabs and later on French. Of its many historical sights, the stunning Roman amphitheater in El Jem and the remnants and ruins of Carthage are the undoubted highlights.

In addition to this, it also has the Atlas Mountains for you to explore, as well as the lively coastal cities of Sfax, Sousse, and Tunis – its vibrant capital. If all this wasn’t enough, the endless sands of the Sahara beckon you on with their alluring dunes, troglodyte dwellings, and secluded desert oases.

Home to not only the continent’s tallest mountain range and the source of the Nile, land-locked Uganda also borders the largest lake in Africa. While its tourism industry and infrastructure are quite undeveloped in comparison with neighboring Kenya and Tanzania, this makes its spectacular landscapes all the more exciting to explore.

Long overlooked by visitors to the continent due to its tumultuous and tragic past, Uganda is slowly regaining its title of the ‘Pearl of Africa.’ This is in large part because it is one of only three countries in the world where you can see mountain gorillas in the wild. Seeing the majestic creatures up close in the cloud rainforests of the Rwenzori Mountains is an amazing experience, and is simply a must when in Uganda.

Besides trekking through the dense undergrowth, you can also go white-water rafting down the Nile or go on safari to spot the Big Five. With so much stunning scenery on show and so much wildlife for you to spot, it is well worth heading to Uganda now before it becomes even more popular.

7. Mauritius

While Mauritius certainly takes some getting used to, visitors invariably come away astounded at the incredible beaches, mountains, and waterfalls on show. Located over 1,000 kilometers to the east of Madagascar, its remote setting means it is home to some of the rarest plants and animals in the world.

As such, trekking through its mountainous interior really is a treat as flocks of brightly colored birds swirl above the tropical rainforest canopy. Tucked away among the dense foliage, you’ll come across steep ravines, plunging gorges, and sparkling waterfalls. All in all, the volcanic landscapes certainly make for some of the most picture-perfect scenes imaginable.

Lying alongside the inviting waters of the Indian Ocean are idyllic white sand beaches for you to lounge on, and lots of fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling can be had offshore. Due to the diverse make-up of its population and unique cultural heritage, Mauritius is also renowned for its delicious and varied cuisine. You can try some of its brilliant French, Chinese, or East African inspired dishes in any one of the sleepy, laidback fishing villages that dot its shores.

6. Tanzania

With so much to see and do in Tanzania, it can be hard to know where to start. The north of the country alone is home to the marvelous Ngorongoro Crater and the world-famous Serengeti, both of which are must-visits if you want to go on safari and see the Big Five. Here too, you will also find the snow-topped Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest peak.

Indeed, this wonderful part of East Africa is blessed with a myriad of different landscapes, each more arresting than the last. Its Indian Ocean coastline, for instance, is lined by magnificent beaches and the nation’s largest and most vibrant city, Dar Es Salaam. Just offshore, you can also find the awe-inspiring Zanzibar archipelago, which boasts many glorious beaches and is a popular tourist destination in its own right.

One of the most linguistically and culturally diverse countries in Africa, Tanzania is also home to some very important and impressive archaeological sites that date back millennia. With three of Africa’s Great Lakes found partly within its confines, Tanzania certainly has something for everyone, whether you’re into history and nature or culture and wildlife.

5. Seychelles

Lying some 1,500 kilometers to the east of mainland Africa, Seychelles is the continent’s smallest and least populous country. Made up of 115 islands, with the vast majority of them being uninhabited, the archipelago is incredibly beautiful and is surrounded by the glittering waters of the Indian Ocean.

While the paradise islands are lined with gorgeous beaches, their interiors are quite mountainous and coated in lush rainforest. Due to their remote location, they are home to all kinds of unique fauna and flora, and most of them are now designated nature reserves. Offshore, the colorful coral reefs and abundant marine life makes Seychelles an unforgettable place to go scuba diving or snorkeling.

On Mahe, the largest of the islands, you can find lots of luxury resorts, bars, and restaurants, as well as the nation’s capital, Victoria. From here, you can easily take a boat trip to some of the more secluded islands and beaches that lie nearby.

A magical place to visit, Morocco is home to a mesmerizing array of beautiful old cities, medinas, and souks. These lie along the country’s scenic Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines or tucked away amongst the Saharan dunes and High Atlas mountains.

The continent’s north-westernmost country has long attracted different peoples and cultures to its shores, and its rich heritage now draws on African, Arabic, Berber, and Western influences. This amazing diversity is on show wherever you go, with Essaouira, Fez, and Marrakech being some of its most popular tourist destinations.

Besides exploring the lively Djemaa El Fna and gorgeous mountain city of Chefchaouen, visitors can lounge on one of the country’s lovely beaches or head off into the Sahara. With so many different sides to it, Morocco is definitely one of the most spectacular countries to visit in Africa.

3. South Africa

Occupying the southernmost tip of the continent, South Africa boasts some of the best and most well-run national parks and game reserves in Africa. Of these, Kruger is undoubtedly the most well known and most visited, with Addo Elephant National Park also being a popular draw.

Known as the ‘Rainbow Nation’ due to its multicultural population, South Africa’s cities are fascinating to visit, as each of them has its own particular look, feel, and identity. While Johannesburg teems with life, Cape Town is more laidback in nature and is overlooked by the spectacular Table Mountain, with the wonderful wineries of Stellenbosch lying nearby.

Home to not only the towering Drakensburg Mountains but the arid Kalahari Desert and lush Garden Route, South Africa truly is a delight to explore. To top it all off, both its Atlantic and Indian Ocean coastline are riddled with stupendous scenery and fabulous beaches. Many adventure seekers go diving with great white sharks offshore.

One of the best places in the world to see wildlife up close and personal, for many people, Kenya is the home of safari. Its endless savannah and arid deserts teem with life as lions, elephants, and buffalo roam alongside herds of antelope, flocks of flamingos, and the occasional black rhino.

Its dramatic landscapes are also home to some of the continent’s most famous peoples and cultures, such as the Maasai, Kikuyu, and Swahili, who each have their own rich languages and traditions. In stark contrast to their age-old ways of life, Kenya is also where you can find one of the continent’s most happening cities – its thriving and teeming capital, Nairobi.

Alongside its open plains are freshwater lakes and forests, and the Great Rift Valley cuts through from north to south. Coupled with the beautiful Indian Ocean coastline, this all makes Kenya one of the best countries to visit – not just in East Africa, but the continent as a whole.

Renowned for its ancient monuments and archaeological sites that include the Giza Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley of the Kings, Egypt is unlike any other country on Earth. Once home to one of the world’s greatest civilizations and cultures, history is on show wherever you go, with tombs and temples lying alongside statues and obelisks, all intricately carved.

Located in the northeast corner of the continent, Egypt is bordered by the Mediterranean and Red seas, with the Sahara Desert to the south and west of it. Running through Egypt is the Nile river, which is the life source of the country.

While many people come to see its historical monuments or explore all that Cairo has to offer, just as many come for its fantastic Red Sea beaches. With so much history and culture for you to delve into, and so much stunning desert and coastal scenery on show, Egypt really does have something for everyone to enjoy.

Share this post:

10 Most Famous Big Game Safari Destinations

24 Best Places to Visit in Africa

10 Best Places to Visit in Uruguay

Discover the Hvalsey Church in Greenland

8 Best Mozambique Beach Resorts

10 Best Luxury Resorts in the Maldives

10 Best Places to Visit in Mongolia

15 Best Countries to Visit in Asia

15 Best Things to Do in Mongolia

10 Best Places to Visit in Kazakhstan

Reader interactions, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

10 Best Destination Countries in Africa

Tourism in Africa is an important economic activity. The tourist characteristics of Africa lie in the wide variety of points of interest, the diversity, and variety of landscapes, as well as the rich cultural heritage. According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), Africa could “more than double the number of tourist arrivals from 50 million in 2010 to 134 million in 2030.”

Approximately 57.8 million Tourists traveled to Africa in 2016, with 4.4 million more than in 2015. This is “a strong rebound, after lower performances in 2014 and 2015, following health, geopolitical, and economic problems,” summarizes WTO in its annual report published on 15 August.

An Analysis of Seat Capacity for the Top Ten International Airports in Africa, produced by ForwardKeys reveals that there has been stand-out performances from Tunisia and Egypt, which are recovering from the outcomes of the revolution, up 33.5% and 24.8%, respectively. In addition, Morocco and Tunisia received a huge boost in arrivals from China, up 450% and 250%, respectively, after they relaxed visa restrictions. The one disappointment is Nigeria, which has seen a 0.8% drop in the wake of recession in 2016, caused by a collapse in the oil price to a 13-year low.

Historic vestiges such as the Egyptian pyramids, the rock churches of Ethiopia, the South African Robben Island Prison where Nelson Mandela stayed for 27 years, or the island of Gorée in Senegal, a symbol of the memory of the slave trade in Africa, as well as safari parks and other grandiose landscapes (Victoria Falls, Sahara desert) are all assets that make the African continent an increasingly coveted tourist destination.

In addition, many initiatives have been launched in recent years to encourage more tourists to visit the continent. This includes progress in visa facilitation and regional cooperation with the introduction of e-visas and single visas. A single visa is sufficient for all member-countries of the Southern African Development Community, for example.

Speaking to Africa.com, Moroccan Professor, Khalid El Messaoudi, an expert in urban development, tourism and environment, thinks that Africa has a rich tourist potential which can explain the dynamism of the sector on the continent.

“Tourism in Africa has grown since the last decade of the twentieth century. The rate of arrivals is in rise thanks to the natural characteristics of the continent and the “virginity” of its regions, making it a destination of many types of tourism. Africa is a great destination of  safari and wildlife tourism where tourists can watch animal species in their natural habitats and experience a unique excitement that can only be found in Africa. The continent welcomes, also, a great number of sports trips because of the rough terrain and diversity of climate in addition to the density of its water network (falls, rivers, and lakes). Africa is also a destination for historical tourism where there is a rich history and memories of the primitive life,” explains Dr. El Messaoudi.

However, much remains to be done to truly boost the growth of this industry in Africa, starting with the development of adequate and functional transport infrastructure and services. According to Dr. El Messaoudi, Africa should develop its infrastructure and promote security and democracy, in addition to adopting modern marketing strategies based on leading research centers in the field. African countries, according to the same expert, must also encourage South-South cooperation to promote the local tourism on the continent.

Here are Africa’s top ten destination countries as published by ForwardKeys, based on the international arrivals from January to July 2017.

South africa.

With 6.5 million international tourists, South Africa appears as the first destination of the African continent by 18% of international arrivals in Africa. South Africa is experiencing a steady rise in tourism. The discovery of national parks and other animal reserves with excellent reception facilities remains one of the main arguments for the stay, but the country has many other attractions. The beauty of the countryside, the magnificent exteriors, the sunny climate, the cultural diversity – all of these reasons have made the country one of the fastest-growing destinations in the world in terms of leisure and business.

South Africa is very diverse in terms of climate, culture, tourism activities and infrastructures meeting the needs of each tourist niche, economic, and cultural tourism, adventure, sport and paleo-tourism. The country hosts a great diversity of cultures, ranging from the Zulus who resisted the European conquest to the San nomads of the Karoo Desert. Each culture has evolved to develop its own music, its own forms of art and traditional rites, while the descendants of settlers have evolved on the basis of variations of their European roots.

According to the South African Ministry of Tourism, China was, in 2016, the market of having grown the most in the tourism sector of the country. With a 38% growth compared to 2015, the Chinese market is now one of the most important for South African tourism, behind the usual leaders of Great Britain, the United States, and Germany. The growth in the number of tourists arriving from China is mainly linked, according to Derek Hanekom, the Minister of Tourism, to the improvement of the visa process.

In 2017, tourism is strengthening its position as the engine of the South African economy. The attractiveness of the country is expected to continue to strengthen in 2018, thanks to the efforts of professionals in the sector to offer tourist-varied experiences at an affordable price.

According to ForwardKeys, the country has reached 13% of international arrivals from January to June 2017, which means that it has been able to recover and improve its tourism after the negative outcomes of the revolution.

Tourism is Egypt’s largest foreign currency resource and one of its main sectors of activity with revenues of around $7 billion per year, higher than the transfer of Egyptian emigrants abroad. However, the sector was weakened by the attacks targeting tourist sites in 1997 and 2004, and also  between 2010 and 2014 due to the political instability of the country.

Now, the situation is becoming more and more suitable thanks to the efforts made by Egyptian authorities to attract more tourists. Egypt recorded $1.6 billion in tourist revenues from approximately 1.7 million tourists who visited the country in the first three months of 2017, compared with about 1.2 million tourists during the same period last year, Tourism revenues in the country recorded about $1.5 billion from January to March of last year.

The Germans are first on the list of tourists with 227,000 visitors, an increase of 35% compared to the same period last year. The Ukrainians come in second, followed by British tourists.

Morocco has a relatively comfortable place in terms of tourism on a continental scale as part of the leading trio of South Africa and Egypt. A total of 4.6 million tourists visited Morocco between January and June 2017, an increase of 9% compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Air Transport, Crafts and Social Economy. The country has received 11% of international arrivals in Africa from January to July 2017, while arrivals of Moroccans living abroad increased by 3%.

In the case of emerging tourism markets, Morocco is maintaining its upward trend, said the ministry of tourism, pointing out that China recorded a 565% growth, while Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Brazil posted increases of 46%, 42%, 27% and 41%, respectively.

The total number of nights spent in classified accommodation establishments increased by 18% during the first six months of 2017 (22% for non-resident tourists and 8% for residents), the ministry said.

The two tourism centers, Marrakech and Agadir, alone accounted for 60% of the total overnight stays at the end of June, with an increase of 19% and 18%,, respectively.

Other destinations also posted good performances, particularly the cities of Fez and Tangier, with increases of 38% and 29%, respectively.

International tourism is an essential economic sector for the Republic of Mauritius, the small island country in the Indian Ocean which has few natural resources.

Tourist arrivals to Mauritius are increasing month after month, and after a good start in 2017, growth forecasts have been revised upwards.

Some 1,350,000 visitors are expected to have arrived in Mauritius by the end of 2017. According  to ForwardKeys, there is already an increase of 6% between January and June 2017, compared to the same period in 2016. About 1,275,227 tourists travelers enjoyed spending their holidays  under the hot Mauritian sun.

Mauritius is a multicultural country with a population coming from several communities: Asian, African and European. Thus, the country has an abundance of people who have come from many corners of the world with their own cultures.

Tourism in Tunisia is one of the important sectors of Tunisia’s economy and a source of foreign exchange for the country. Tourism has a ripple effect on other economic sectors, such as transport, communications, crafts, commerce, and construction.

According to ForwardKeys, Tunisia has welcomed 6% of the international tourists coming to Africa, but with noticeable progress. Tunisia, therefore, is overcoming the outcomes of the revolution on the activity of the sector. The year-to-year variation has reached 33,5 between January and June according to the same source.

Approximately 1,776,976 tourists entered the Tunisian territory on 10 June 2017, according to figures published by the Tunisian National Tourist Office (ONTT), nearly 500,000 tourists more than in 2016. This is largely thanks to the return of French and German tourists. Indeed, compared to the year 2016, approximately 46% of tourists were French and 33% German. Moreover, English tourists also returned to Tunisia with a 16% increase in arrivals from England.

In fact, the geographical position of Tunisia south of the Mediterranean basin, with 1,300 kilometers of mainly sandy coasts, a warm Mediterranean climate in summer and mild winter, a rich civilizational heritage (eight sites inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List), and, above all, a low cost of tourism make this country one of the main destinations for European tourists in Africa and the Arab world.

The tourism sector of Kenya is taking off after a drop in tourist arrivals in recent years. From January to June 2017, the country received 6% of international  arrivals to Africa.

On the Kenyan Coast, the tourism sector is struggling to lift its head after the crisis triggered by repeated attacks by Islamic Shebabs in the region between 2012 and 2013. Until last year, European countries and the United States advised travelers not to go to the coast. As a result, to attract customers, hotels and travel agencies have had to lower their prices and diversify their offers. Additionally, the Kenyan Government has strengthened security at tourist sites.

There is a noticeable increase in the number of Chinese visitors to Kenya in the first six months of 2017. While about 69,000 Chinese tourists have arrived in the country in 2016, the local authorities are expecting that number to double in 2017, according to the Tourism Marketing Agency in Kenya. The same agency has explained that  China will be the largest market source of Kenyan tourism in three years. At present, the United States is the largest source market for tourism in Kenya, followed by Great Britain, India, and China.

Algeria is the fourth North African country after Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia in terms of international arrivals to the continent by 5%. The local authorities are not satisfied with this figure. Therefore, recently, travel agencies and hotel infrastructures announced before the end of the year of the establishment of a national confederation, the aim of which is to awaken the Algerian tourist industry and attract more foreigners to the destination of Algeria. These different concerns were at the heart of this 18th International Tourism Fair in Algiers. For the participants of this fair, it was an opportunity to further promote their products to Algerians.

In 2017, Algeria recorded more than 2 million tourists, an increase of 19% compared to 2015, but the high cost of hotel infrastructures and the lengthy visa issuance procedures are often obstacles to the take-off of the sector.

Algeria is the largest country on the African continent, famous for its main tourist attractions, the Sahara, the second largest desert in the world. It is also a destination for lovers of prehistoric and ancient vestiges. Visitors can also enjoy the very mild and temperate Mediterranean climate, in addition to a very hospitable population.

With 4% of international arrivals to the continent, according to the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), the number of tourists visiting the country is expected to double to 2 million by the end of 2017. Tanzania is one of the preferred travel destinations for safari enthusiasts, and one can understand this desire to visit. These vast expanses are populated by one of the largest concentrations of wild animals in the world -Zebras, wildebeests, monkeys, antelopes, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, buffalos, gazelles, pink flamingos. By falling head-to-head with the wildlife of Tanzania, the traveller feels, before all else, the feeling of his smallness. This destination is a living treasure that explorers have always dreamed of seizing, formerly by means of a gun, today by the more peaceful one of a camera. Indeed, visiting Tanzania is most often done through safaris.

An economically-developing country, mistreated by the opportunism of the colonial powers, Tanzania has some of the most beautiful animal reserves on the African continent. Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, or the Ngorongoro Crater quickly forget the sadness of the cities of the country. The visitor will also be seduced by Zanzibar, the most famous of the islands of Tanzania.

Ethiopia has reached 3% of international arrival to Africa in the period between January to July, according to ForwardKeys.  The country has been able to receive  918,000 tourists during the first seven months of 2017, an increase of  5.7% compared to 2016 (3.32 billion USD, the third source of revenue after agriculture and industry). New international links, expanded airport capacity in Addis Ababa, increased international hotel chains in the capital, and increased business and diplomatic tourism are all factors explaining growth. With nine sites classified as UNESCO Heritage, Ethiopia aims to become, by 2020, one of the top 5 tourist destinations in Africa (2.5 million tourists).

Ethiopia has a very interesting tourist profile with the capital, Addis Ababa, and its ancient palaces, Lalibela, the monastic city classified as World Heritage of Humanity, famous for its 11 churches carved in the rock in the twelfth century; Bahar Dar, Lake Tana and its 37 islands; the ruins of the City of Aksum, which represents ancient Ethiopia; the fortified historic town of Harar Jugol and its 82 mosques, three of which date back to the 10th century and the walls built between the thirteenth and sixteenth century, and its 11 medieval stone churches dating from the 13th century, and its 102 sanctuaries, etc.

The wealth and excellent conservation of the historic monuments of Addis Ababa have also enabled the country’s capital to participate in the “victory” of Ethiopia in tourism. Addis Ababa, the capital, is housing various international and regional organizations, including the headquarters of the African Union (AU), as well as the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

Nigeria remains the biggest surprise. The Study of Seat Capacity for the Top Ten International Airports in Africa, conducted by ForwardKeys, shows that Lagos is seeing substantial declines in both domestic and international capacity, reaching only 2% of the total of international arrivals. This decrease can be explained by the ravaging effect on the lack of security mainly in the north of the country, the collapse of the oil price, in addition to the fall in dollar exchange, which has also had a negative impact on the sector of tourism in the country.

Nigeria remains a business destination rather than a tourist attraction. It is one of the biggest economic powers in Africa. However, the country is culturally diverse and can become a leading tourist destination thanks to the number of attractions for tourists such as the  historical sites, the colorful festivals, and the diversity of cultures. Lagos, the capital, is the largest city on the continent, with more than 15 million inhabitants, a huge metropolis, and one of the musical capitals of Africa, where one can experience astonishing achievements. In fact, travelling in Nigeria is also necessarily a musical experience: Afro-beat was born here and is exported all over the world; juju, Nigerian hip-hop, refers to African music. The city counts a multitude of box nightclubs and music clubs.

Moreover, Kano, south of the Sahara, is one of the oldest cities on the continent, founded more than 1,000 years ago. In addition to other sites, the city has a strong tourist potential that can be improved so as to overcome the decline of the sector in the country. Authorities are now doubling their efforts to promote the industry of tourism in the country.

Media Partners Upcoming Events

Brvm investment days 2024, welcome to fmas:24, the finance magnates africa summit, mega ceramica nigeria, mega clima nigeria, nigeria buildexpo.

15 Best Countrıes to Vısıt in Afrıca

This post may contain affiliate links which means we may get a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our disclosure for details.

"Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission."

In this tour guide, we will be opening you up to some of the best countries to visit in Africa. Those looking for the promise of an adventure and the best mother nature has to offer can expect the trip of a lifetime in Africa. From the Blue Nile and Victoria Falls to the ancient ruins and impressive UNESCO heritage, these African countries will leave you culturally-inspired on your first trip. But before you talk yourself out of visiting this magnificent continent, keep reading to discover the 15 best countries to travel in Africa that should be on your bucket list in 2020.

There is something for everyone in every African destination. While some getaways may be suited for those looking for the ultimate rest and relaxation and life as a local, other African destinations guarantee a non-stop adrenaline rush for the adventure seekers.

Whatever your reason might be, traveling to Africa guarantees an experience like no other. Are you still unsure of the best places to visit in Africa? Here are the top 15 best African vacations we recommend for your next trip.

Top 3 Best African Countries to Visit

South africa.

South Africa is perhaps the most extraordinary African destination because some parts of it look like just another place in the US or Europe. Yet, the country has everything you would expect from a typical African country and more.

Nature is unparalleled thanks to iconic natural wonders like Table Mountain, while the wildlife in Kruger National Park is considered one of the richest in the continent. Its major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg are the most cosmopolitan in Africa, while the towns can come across as unbelievably rural. Overall, the country is a bucket-list destination for so many reasons.

As the meeting point of Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East, Egypt’s significance in the history of mankind is undeniable. Many prehistoric kingdoms once occupied the area, so it is possible to find their traces all around the country. The UNESCO world heritage site of the iconic pyramids is just one example.

Besides the unique historic background, Egypt is one of the top diving destinations in Africa due to its coastline along the Red Sea. You do not have to worry about applying for your visa in advance since Egypt has a visa on arrival for visitors.

While many African destinations are becoming brimming with tourists, Ethiopia remains unspoiled even today. Its landscape has elements of both tranquility and adventure.

Erta Ale is an active volcano, which is one of the few left in the world. Witnessing the boiling lava spurt out of its crater is an experience you can never forget. Besides Erta Ale, the country offers a journey in history through monolithic churches, ancient obelisks, and Lake Tana that sources the Blue Nile.

Once you visit Ethiopia, you will see why it is one of the best African countries for your vacation.

The Best Country in Africa: Claimed 4-10 Spot

Tanzania always takes the top spot in many tourism-related lists. Its beach destinations like Zanzibar and Pemba are among the best beach and diving spots in the world. Serengeti National Park is often considered the best safari destination in Africa since it witnesses a mass wildebeest migration from surrounding parks.

While Tanzania’s landscape is unparalleled, some of the rewarding views can only be reached after long climbs. For instance, Mount Kilimanjaro has the highest peak in Africa at nearly 6000 meters, so climbing its summit can take months of preparation and planning, but it will be well worth it.

Madagascar is one of the most peaceful countries in Africa. Surrounded by the coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, it is a prime diving destination full of world-class diving facilities and luxurious resorts. Once you leave the touristy areas, you will come across quaint fishing towns, baobab trees lined up for kilometers, and national parks abundant in lemurs.

US and UK passport holders need a visa to visit Madagascar. Get your visa hassle-free from iVisa .

Although Malawi is a landlocked country, it is one of the most popular diving and beach destinations in Africa. The country owes it to the grand Lake Malawi that comprises diverse fresh-water marine life. Various beach towns around the lake offer activities like watersports, diving, fishing, and hiking.

The lake is also a great water source for wildlife, particularly leopards and antelopes. In addition, the country is known to have the friendliest people in the world, which will make your trip even more enjoyable.

Mountain gorillas have become endangered over the past few decades; luckily, Uganda’s nature still provides them with the ideal habitat of the tropical forest. Owing to the source of the River Nile Uganda has a large amount of water, which is vital for the gorillas along with various other mammals and birds. 

The country also offers a broad range of activities like traditional art festivals, volcano hikes, kayaking, and rafting.

Botswana has a long-established reputation for having the most stable economy in Africa, which consequently makes it one of the safest in the continent. It is also a prime safari destination with a large area of land dedicated to wildlife.

The semi-arid Kalahari region and Makgadikgadi Pans are occupied by various antelopes and predators that have long adapted to dry climate. In contrast, the north of the country has a more subtropical climate with an abundance of water sources in Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta. Overall, the country has a huge variety of wildlife due to the diverse climate and vegetation and is one of the best countries to visit in Africa.

Victoria Falls has been proclaimed as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world for having the largest mass of free-falling water. Because of the political dispute in Zimbabwe, tourists have shifted their focus towards Zambia that also borders the falls. 

The nearby town of Livingstone provides several affordable accommodation options for travelers. Aside from Victoria Falls, Zambia attracts tourists to its safari parks and nature reserves that are known for having some of the densest wildlife populations in Southern Africa.

Blending in Mediterranean and Arabic cultures, this northern African country has a different vibe than the rest of Africa. Nestled between the Sahara Desert in the east and the Atlantic Ocean in the west, the country offers authentic attractions combining the desert, the ocean, and the cities. 

Morocco has the best cities in Africa to visit; Marrakesh, Fez and Casablanca are vibrant and chaotic, while small cities like Chefchaouen have eccentric architecture and crafts scene. Making her one of the best countries to visit in Africa.

#11-15 Best Countries to Visit in Africa

Ghana is a country that was born from its ashes. It was under British rule for a long time as the Gold Coast, followed by years of military rule. Today, the gold resources made Ghana the economic power of West Africa. The colonial architecture is still prominent with iconic castles and forts. 

The country also has extensive ruins of the ancient Ashanti Kingdom, surrounded by rainforests, lakes, mountains, and sandy beaches. A tourist visa is required for most visitors and is valid for up to 90 days. iVisa can save you time and help you expedite your visa application process.

Along with Tanzania’s Serengeti, Masai Mara National Park in Kenya witnesses a mass animals congregating and migration of wildebeest , which makes it a phenomenal safari destination in East Africa. Yet, Masai Mara is only one of the 60 national parks in the country. 

Besides these parks, the wonders of Kenya range from pristine beaches on the Swahili Coast to historic forts and mosques in cities like Mombasa. Whether you are into history or nature, Kenya has it all in one package and is usually considered the best country in Africa.

With a small but developing tourism industry, Senegal is one of the best-kept secrets of Africa. It is also home to a thought-provoking slave-trade history, which everyone should find out to learn from past mistakes. Goree Island was once renowned as a major slave-trade fort, although it is now an area full of museums and colonial remains. 

Besides the tragic history, Senegal is the heart of wildlife in West Africa with national parks that support ecotourism. These parks are home to rare mangrove and baobab trees, as well as endangered species like the West African lions.

The sheer size of Namibia has much to be desired from the untamed wilderness and rich wildlife of this beautiful country. Unique attractions include large dunes, iconic salt pans like Sossusvlei and Etosha, desert-adapted wildlife, and the Fish River Canyon, which is the largest in Africa. 

Although the small cities like Windhoek and Swakopmund might seem deprived of activities at first look, they have a surprisingly rich German colonial architecture. Namibia is one of the African countries to visit without a visa if you are a US or UK citizen.

Cape Verde is a small archipelago in Northwest Africa. Thanks to Portuguese influence, vibrant beach towns, and volcanic landscapes, Cape Verde is considered the Brazil of Africa. The prominent ecotourism scene provides visitors with lots of hiking and water sports. 

The capital Sao Vicente hosts a carnival in February, which is nothing short of Brazil’s Rio Carnival and it is the best time of year to travel to Africa since it is the cooler part of the year. Psst! Cape Verde is a foodie’s paradise! 

Conclusion: The Best African Countries for Vacation

The best countries to visit in Africa are not limited to these 15; the continent is full of unexplored regions. In this article, we tried to highlight countries from every geographical region of Africa, offering a diverse selection of unique activities in Africa. 

You just might be consumed by wanderlust after your first adventure travel to our motherland. No matter which attraction appeals to you the most, visiting Africa is truly an eye-opening experience. Don’t be put off by your fears (or what you see on tv) and start planning today!

The FAQ’s for the Best Countries to Travel in Africa

According to the 2019 Peace Index, the three most peaceful countries in Africa are Mauritius, Botswana, and Malawi. Using this information as a guide, these countries are safe to visit. For a comprehensive list of the safest countries in Africa read this guide the 15 safest African countries to visit.

The best African countries to visit depends on what you are expecting from your trip. For those interested in wildlife, the ideal destinations are Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa. However, Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius in southeast Africa are renowned for marine life. West Africa is known for its distinct colonial architecture.

Many countries in Africa are ideal to visit all-year-round; however, most of them experience distinct dry and mild winter months, followed by hot and rainy summers. June to September is often the best time to visit for wildlife viewing because animals tend to congregate around water sources, which makes them easier to spot.

Countries in Central and East Africa still struggle with civil wars and political disputes. Somali, South Sudan, Central African Republic, and Congo might not be safe to visit especially during political turmoil, ongoing violence and threats of terrorism. 

You may also enjoy:

Maputo 2024: best of maputo, mozambique travel and …, 138 comments.

Nice article and well researched facts. I am a Cameroonian by birth, but current US citizen for 22 years. I have visited several countries in North America, South America, Europe, African, Middle East, and Asia. So lets just say I’m well traveled. I have lots of Nigerian friends in Cameroon, Nigeria as well as here in the US. Personally I have been to Nigeria 3 times in the past eight years, staying 2 to 3 weeks each time I visited. Being to Abuja, Lagos, port harcourt, yenagoa, oweri and calabar. My best friend from high school (she was born in Cameroon, her parents still trading in Cameroon till date) lives in Oweri with her husband and two kids. Facts- Nigeria has billionaires, rich culture, music, and hard working people. BUT, when we’re talking about tourism, Nigeria has no place on the Map. This blog is specific for travel advice for those wishing to vacation in Africa. Anyone who’s attempted traveling understands the check list you go thro when planning international trips- visa requirement, local laws, safety, site seeing, healthcare, local currency are top priority. NO ONE hops in a flight from the US to Africa to enjoy fancy 5 star hotels in Lagos or Abuja ?. People visit Africa for the game, safari, to hang out with the locals, enjoy history, nature and culture. Now those Nigerians rambling about why Nigeria is not on the list, please tell me which one of you can go home and hang out with the locals in you own town or village? Can you eat food prepared by your own cousin? If Nigeria was the best country in Africa like some of you claim why the brain drain, all your talented professionals including yourself are permanently migrating to other countries due to insecurity, witch craft, corruption, greed, high crime rate in Nigeria. chiii!!!, wunna really try ohh??? neh nehnehneh not on the list Wattin nija get to offer on tourism??? No electricity (generator noise and pollution from fuel will give you migraines) No running water ( if you dare to go carry plenty of flagyl and bactrim) wash your hands with bottle water Food is very expensive and poorly preserved Everyone tries to scam you (including the authorities) The people are not welcoming (if you don’t speak their language, they’ll not help you) I can go on and on…….. You Nigerians don’t go to sleep with both eyes closed when you go home to visit your family- FACT * I’ll not recommend my home country Cameroon either. We have electricity, running water, good food, but poor conditions of touristic attractions, poor health care.

Hi Selgie, thanks for sharing your thoughts about Nigeria. It’s always a breath of fresh air to have someone as traveled as you share your unbiased take on a country. Please reach out to us if you’d like to be a contributor to this website.

xo ~ Louisa

Iam not here to say more or less, if you are a Nigerian and you have never lift Nigerian before. Please ? is better you don’t say less of Nigeria. Am a Nigerian and I have travelled to alot of countries. I have been treated like a no body. You don’t get freedom that you get from Nigeria. Even the outsiders who lives in Nigerian have never been treated they way the treat we Nigerian in their own country. Forget what is going on now in Nigeria. Nigeria is a country where you get to explore your life itself. Which doesn’t happen I other countries. You think I’d all about killings and no light??. Is better I stay with high economy and no light Dan being treated like a problem to others. So if you are in Nigeri and have never lift there before don’t belittle your country because you see beautiful nature. Forget about the nature go and try leaving over den you will know. We Nigerian like running away from Nigeria thinking the other countries are better, the face worst than what Nigerian is facing. You won’t know because is not everything the post online. But Nigerian likes to show everything to the world and that is why we make it seem we face more. Explore other countries and see for yourself . Forget about going to another African country. Try going to other countries and see how they will make your life’s a leaving hall just because you are black. Nigeria is a home for all. Let me see who will tell me their country is better than Nigeria. Freedom is number 1. If Nigeria is so bad as you people think or see online, that means no single soul should have been left in it until now. When it comes to food ? we are game, when it comes to life we are there . When it comes to explore we are in. And you people did not add it to the list. Una get mind ooo.

Can’t take this list seriously without Zimbabwe’s inclusion. One of the most beautiful countries in Africa containing one of the world’s natural wonders Victoria Galls. How it doesn’t make this list is beyond me.

Hi Alice, please read our previous comments above about why certain countries did not make the list. Most people are VERY passionate about where they come from. If you can share more detailed information about why Zim should be on the list, it’d go a long way in our next review/update.

What’s interesting in your article is that you cite political tensions in the country from almost two decades ago. The country has moved on and I think your article must reflect sentiments on the ground. You asked for detailed information, here you go:

Zimbabwe, with attractions in almost every region, has a very developed tourism industry and is the 5th most visited country in Africa (Statista, 2019, link below). Hwange National Park, in the west of the country, has one the highest concentrations of elephants, African painted dogs and lions in the world. The Eastern Highlands, with three mountain groups (Nyanga, Bvumba and Chimanimani) is an ecoregion home to distinct grasslands, woodlands and forests and has the second highest waterfall in Africa. Lake Kariba, to the north, the world’s largest man-made lake has a large concentration of gamefish, particularly tigerfish, fish eagles patrolling its shorelines and big game on the southern Matusadona National Park. Gonarezhou National Park, to the south, has large tracts of pristine wilderness and lives up to its name which means “Place of the Elephants” with plenty more game. The most well known and Instagrammable feature of the park is the Chilijo Cliffs.

In-between and across the country, Zimbabwe boasts five World Heritage Sites: (1) Victoria Falls (of course) which can be seen all year (both wet and dry seasons) from the country’s vantage points. The town’s airport capacity, which tripled in 2016 to handle 1.7m passengers annually, makes it more accessible. The Victoria Falls Marathon has one of the most scenic routes in Africa. (2) Mana Pools National Park, one of the world’s wildest and best preserved ecological areas, is also a designated Ramsar wetland of international importance. The park is home to a remarkable concentration of elephants, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, lions, hippopotami, African painted dogs and Nile crocodiles. (3) Great Zimbabwe, a medieval city inhabited from the 9th century to the 15th century which gave the country its name. Across an area of 7.3 sq km, these ruins are the second largest in Africa after the pyramids in Egypt. (4) Matobo National Park has over 3,000 registered San rock art sites (one the highest in the world) with Bambata Cave being a major archeological site. People have interacted with these hills for over many millennia, fostering strong local religious beliefs and an almost uninterrupted association between humans and their environment over the past 100,000 years. That association continues to this day with white rhino walking safaris, popular in the park, are very much a spiritual experience. (5) Khami, a ruined city was once the capital of the Kingdom of Butua between the 15th and 17th centuries. The site has beautifully decorated 6m high walls which bear checkerboard designs across their entire length.

I could go on and include the National Art Gallery in Harare which has remarkable Shona sculpture collections. It may come as a surprise but Pablo Picasso was most certainly influenced by Zimbabwe’s Shona stone sculptures (the gallery’s first director was a close friend of his). However, I’ll stop here and encourage you to examine Picasso’s artwork to notice the striking similarities with Shona art. Thanks.

statista.com/statistics/261740/countries-in-africa-ranked-by-international-tourist-arrivals

Hi Matthew, thanks for taking the time to share concrete reasons on why Zimbabwe should be on the list of the best countries to visit in Africa. This will definitely go a long way in our review/update.

I love my country Nigeria but the problem we have is our leaders

Thanks for chiming in, Don!

Leaders are problem of every country

Fez is not a small city!! It’s the second most populated city in Morocco, after Casablanca.

Yep, you’re right!

So my sweet country Cameroon will not even near this list abi??????

You never know. Big changes could happen.???

Proudly South African here and thank you for your beautiful well researched article. I was browsing through for other best African countries to visit I have been to almost all the Southern African ones and this article was really helpful. Great work!

Hi Noxy! We are glad you found this article helpful 🙂

Inspire of Nigerias flaw, I want yall who thought it isn’t a safe place to give me Instances of any of your family members shouting save me on the phone from Nigeria to me, we’re here we live here, there’s the same insecurity here as at other countries, you want to tell me only popes and reverend fathers lives in Kenya? And nobody could ever get hurt there?, Nigeria greatness shouldn’t be suppressed just because most of yall watch too much local news, if you really wanna Diss a country? Go there first, Nigeria is heaven on earth, even God and Satan had their worst times in heaven, that’s exactly what’s going on here, your article shows alot of discrimination and BS!

“Heaven on earth?” I humbly disagree. If you took the time to read the article or the bio section of the writers, you’ll get a better perspective. And please watch your words! FYI: This is an open platform, and curse words will not be tolerated.

Hi, I found this article immensely beautiful and comprehensive. Thanks so much.

I want to urge my fellow Nigerians, that are ridiculing the author’s wise decision to exclude Nigeria from the list to be more honest with themselves.

Even we that live here want to get out. We hate the fear, the cost of living, the insecurity.

How can one be so blinded by sentiments to say Nigeria should be on the list?

I am a Nigerian, and I have lived here all my life. I can tell you categorically, Nigeria is NOT a safe place to visit.

The daily news are horrible. Not to talk about the insane rise in money rituals, kidnapping, bomblast…

Oh common, let’s call a spade a spade.

Nigeria is a GREAT country. No doubt. But our leaders have made it a hell hole for us.

The corruption, wickedness and greed has brought us to where we are today.

I’m currently serving (NYSC) in Kwara state, and I made the decision that I would not travel back home till I’m done, why?

The roads are horrible.

All my bones ached badly, and for a journey that should take 4 hours, it took us 8 good hours. It was that bad, travelling from Ilorin to Patigi.

Since I got here, I have not been able to keep up with my online business that much, because there is NO LIGHT.

How is that okay?

No light, no water.

I suffered terribly the time I got here. I am just getting used to the situation of things and all. But that doesn’t mean things are getting better. They’re getting worse.

The bloodshed is much. The internet fraud is huge. Nigeria currently isn’t the best place to visit in Africa. Except you have the resources to stick to the luxurious places, have a tight security etc, and how is that for fun. It could as well pass for a formal function.

You lose the pleasure and joy when you are so damn security conscious.

I know stories. I don’t just want to say more.

I believe we will be better soon. I believe Nigeria will rise to become one of the most sought for in the world. I do. But till then, keep awake, and try to stays safe.

PS: I’m having thoughts of leaving Nigeria to another African country. Which would you suggest? I’m looking at a place with lots of potential, good living conditions, and economy.

Hi Meshack, thanks for your feedback and personal insight on your life in Nigeria. I hope everything gets better soon.

Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, and Malawi. If you’re open to moving outside of Africa, Canada is a great place for skilled immigrants. CanadaWiz has some helpful information.

xo – Louisa

Where can Nigeria travel to and live with peace

There are so many African countries you can move to. I am a Nigerian and I can relate to the recent happenings in the country.

You can stay in Visa free countries like Ghana or Benin Republic. I would recommend Benin because I met some Nigerians there in Dantokpa market (igbos) and Fidjrosse too. However, Benin is francophone but some understand english especially when you live among the Nigerians.

Hi Magdalene, thanks for providing personal suggestions to Osayande! We appreciate when our readers help each other out.

Good talker. Hope you get a million bucks for defaming and ridiculing your own nation. Corper you say? Have you thought of a reason to make your LCDA very important and do the work? Have you made any reasonable innovation and invention in your undergraduate days? Have you submitted a paper for review in the national newspaper to show how you really care for your country? I’d rather you haven’t. When you do it, teach people to do it too. That’s how we all learn to make the nation a better place

Bros, you just said rubbish. Absolute nonsense! What are taking about? Who is defacing which country? This country has no image within and outside of it. Everything said in the post you commented on are spot on. Where is the enabling environment for anything in Nigeria. You sound like one of the privileged few who don’t even know what’s up with the majority. This country is beyond redemption, everything is wrong! Everything! And you here talking rubbish. Paper kor paper ni. A country that celebrates mediocrity?? You amaze me.

I am surprised that D.R.Congo is classified an unsafe country to visit. But I can remind people here that it is not true and that 80% of the country is peaceful and quiet. Only 20% in NE region where there is some rebels groups created by the same people refusing others to come, so that they can continuous to stealing minerals without being noticed.

Am so impressed by your article. But sadly Liberia isn’t part.

Hello Mackula, I’ve heard great things about Liberia. What’s some note-worthy information about Liberia that you can provide to our readers about why we should list it as one of the best countries to visit in Africa in the next round?

By analysis Liberia should be among the 15 best African countries to visit, despite the past security problems we had, Liberia is now a peaceful nation and a beautiful nation to visit. Let me take you to Robertsport where you have the lake Piso sharing a sandy beach with the Atlantic ocean, and not forgotten one of the nation most beautiful lake in Bomi, the blue lake and many other. I will appreciate you going back to your listing.

Sadly these didn’t add tchad?

Loved to read the different comments about African Countries… Broadens my horizons too although I am a born and bred African myself… Proudly Namibian! I felt a lack of exposure to my beautiful and deffinitely unique country in the recomondations you made. So I would like to extend a friendly welcome to all who are interested in visiting the vast modern ànd ancient country of Namibia in future. With a small population of just over 2 million come experience space and freedom wherever you travel in this country of total contrasts and history. The Namib desert, oldest in the world, nestled right against the rich sealife of the Atlantic Ocean… excellent, well experienced safari companies to choose from to bring you to all the big 5 wildlife, rivers, tropical scenery, rock formations, historical places and modern fun and enjoyment that you crave for when on holiday. Our roads and guesthouses/farms are of the best on the continent and friendliness & politeness are our top charateristics! Allmost all who visits Namibia wants to come back and stay for good. Make a good and informed choice my fellow travellers! Ciao. Petro

Loved to read the different comments about African Countries… Broadens my horizons too although I am a born and bred African myself… Proudly Namibian! I felt a lack of exposure to my beautiful and deffinitely unique country in the recomondations you made. So I would like to extend a friendly welcome to all who are interested in visiting the vast modern ànd ancient country of Namibia in future. With a small population of just over 2 million come experience space and freedom whereever you travel in this country of total contrasts and history. The Namib desert, oldest in the world, nestled right against the rich sealife of the Atlantic Ocean… excellent, well experienced safari companies to choose from to bring you to all the big 5 wildlife, rivers, tropical scenery, rock formations, historical places and modern fun and enjoyment that you crave for when on holiday. Our roads and guesthouses/farms are of the best on the continent and friendliness & politeness is our top charateristics! Allmost all who visits Namibia wants to come back and stay for good. Make a good and informed choice my fellow travellers! Chau

Hello Pedro, wow! You’ve sold me on Namibia. Fantastic work! I agree that Namibia is a great place to experience several African cultures. According to the 2021 Global Peace Index by the Vision of Humanity organization, the best part is ranked # 10 among the safest African countries, so that’s an added benefit.

Rwanda also should be in this list

Hello Mwezi, I love Rwanda and completely agree it should be on the list. We’ve taken note of that and will compare it to the other countries on the list when we update the post.

I can see African are trying as a continent. But I don’t know why Nigeria is not among the lists…

Hello Prince, please see our previous comments. Cheers, Lydia!

Pls try adding Nigeria, she’s one of the most colorful and beautiful places in west Africa

Hi, Mide thanks for the request to add Nigeria to this list of the best countries to visit in Africa. It’s no doubt that Nigeria is a colorful and beautiful country in Africa. Per requests, we looked into potentially adding Nigeria to this list.

However, hearing about things like kidnapping, ransom, and armed robbery on the Lagos-Kaduna train – this makes you raise an eyebrow about safety as a solo tourist. Please see our previous comments about why Nigeria did not make the list.

Great little List. With so many countries it is certainly difficult to narrow it down. I think you have done a tremendous job.

Rightfully SA is often seen as the gateway to Africa and is at the top of the list. I personally think Namibia is very beautiful and a unique country in this big world and for travellers who are coming to SA it is easy to combine these 2 countries if you are spending a few weeks in Southern Africa.

Be sure to take a trip up to Vic Falls too.

What do u think that ivory coast is not also part of those top vacation country plse u need to revisits this listing.

Hello Rodrigue, I appreciate your feedback and we’ll access it to the other countries when we update the post.

oh i really love going to africa well i haven’t been to other countrie like kenya or ethiopia but i do love ghana and i had alot of fun in nigeria(benin kingdom..lagos..abuja etc.)so i was wondering why isn’t nigeria included?…my point is nigeria lacks electricity and has bad roads but is still one of the best country in africa and their culture is delightful i mean i can’t stop thinking you have something against that country…i mean why else would you not include africa number one country???

Hello Alex, I agree with you that Nigeria has a rich culture. However, I would say several other countries have a great culture like Nigeria and have the necessary amenities to have a comfortable vacation, hence why Nigeria isn’t on the list. I hope that helps!

Nigeria is full of corruption

eish the way people hate zimbabwe hahah, its in the top 10 most visited countries every year with 2million plus visitors and you dont include it in your list ,despite politics more people still visit zimbabwe annually and the only country in southern africa which receives more visitors than zimbabwe is south Africa ,anywhere its your opinion …..

Which African countries is best to go for vacation with the family of 6, age 3, 4 and 7 and two adults, and how many days is good to stay considering the fact that one will not have any help but we want to enjoy the best of other African country,

Hello Tony, that’s super exciting that you’re looking to visit Africa with your family! For a family-friendly location, I would say Botswana, Ghana, and Morocco are good locations to consider.

Hi. Somalia is africa specially hon of africa. Somalia has many things such as two Rivers,largest sea in Africa. Form and land Animals. In time of security lang tine was bad but now is more Stable 100%.

Hello Ahmed, we appreciate your comment. I’m certain Somalia’s security is getting better, however, it’s still ranked at the bottom of the list and is currently at 158 out of 163 countries in the world for global peace so it still has a long way to go.

Nigeria should be among the top three to visit in Africa And you fail to mention it among the top 15

Nigerians are warm welcome people and Nigeria has a great destinations to explore #VisitNigeria

Hi Omotosho, thanks for taking the time to leave a comment about Nigeria not making this list of the 15 best countries to visit in Africa. We do agree that Nigeria is a beautiful country with welcoming people and an amazing destination to explore. But when you hear about kidnapping and Boko-haram and the current state of security, transportation conditions… it’s obvious that traveling solo as a tourist might not be the smartest idea (outside of Lagos and Abuja). Please see our previous comments about why Nigeria did not make the list.

You guys are unbelievable , you couldn’t even add Nigeria in the top 5

Nigeria????? Nigerians are not warm welcoming people. I am a Veteran of the US Army. I live in America; needless to say every Nigerian I have met was rude, arrogant, and let’s not leave out very shunning. The only reason why passage is allowed to Modern day Africans is because of our enslaved ancestors, we as Americans come from our enslaved ancestors called “AFRICANS.” Nigerians please stop looking down on Black America; when you do that you show ignorance. To look down on Black Americans is to look down on yourself, and please stop judging Black Americans we have it hard enough. Shalom.

Hello Levarn,

I’m so sorry to hear about your experience. Hopefully, I can make it up to you! 🙂 Regardless of the country or nation, there are good people everywhere and not-so-good ones. I bet you’ve had a negative experience with specific Nigerians you’ve encountered. So here’s my challenge to you! Please send us an email with the number of Nigerians you had in your not-so-good list, and I’ll connect you with twice as many Nigerians what will make you feel like family. How about that? Are you up for the challenge?

Why is Togo not part of the list

Hi, Takpeidin please read the details about each country that made the list as one of the best countries to visit in Africa and give us a few compelling reasons why Togo should be on the list.

I’ve been reading your sh***thing replies to people who asked why Nigeria isn’t on that list, and I feel like purging rn, you’re undeniably biased and you have a thing against a country you read about it flaws online and never been there, Google is your friend, get a book, watch documentaries and broaden your knowledge about Nigeria and forget the boko haram BS, that in northern Nigeria and its an insurgency it doesn’t even say you must find your way into it, Nigeria is the best place anyone can visit cos I don’t even know where to start, I’m from the South West and I can’t imagine how surprised you are that you’re being brain washed when you come here, enjoy your boring Botswana and Ghana in peace then

I swear. It seems they forgot why is called the Giants of Africa. Abi the thought it was just a given name. You people should better come to your right senses about Nigeria oooo.

It will be nice if Nigeria would be include in the list’, but with those stupid leaders we have, that can’t happen

It’s too bad! Nigeria and Congo DR have soooooo much potential!

It will be nice if Nigeria would be included,’ but with those stupid leaders we have, that can’t happen

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Amos. If a few traveling and safety concerns could be addressed, Nigeria would undoubtedly be a hot spot for travelers and tourists.

Could you please recommend Uganda’s Unique mountain gorillas, note that Uganda is a home of half of the world’s apes (mountain gorillas). And the source of the Nile!

Thanks for the suggestion, Alex! We really appreciate your feedback.

But Victoria falls is more beautiful on the Zimbabwean side not Zambia

Ha, I completely agree Blessing! Great job rooting for Zimbabwe . It’s definitely an area we need to include when we update this post.

What about Madagascar??

Hello Noela, Madagascar is one of those countries we tend to forget since it’s not on the mainland. However, I completely agree with you! It will be a great addition to the list! We’ll be sure to do that when we update the post.

Love, Lydia

What about Benin? And for food what would rank as the countries you visited with best food in Africa?

You forget to mention the smiling coast of Africa the Gambia. Beautiful country, friendly people nice beaches Gambia is one of the safest and peaceful country in Africa

Hello Gagum,

I have heard many great things about The Gambia – the food, the beaches, and the people, plus it’s affordable. I’ve added it to our list when we visit West Africa. We’ll definitely include it in our post once we update it.

You state that Namibia is a country that “leaves plenty to be desired.” But the statement of leaving plenty (or, alternatively, much) to be desired is used to express that something is lacking; it’s insufficient. It needs work. Did you mean to say it HAS much to be desired? That would make far more sense in relation to your recitation of the variety of offerings the country brings.

Hi Brian, thanks for catching that. I’ve just updated the post. I really appreciate you taking the time to drop a comment.

Namibia is great the way it is. Do not need a lot of people coming in or thru

Your comment about Namibia; namely, “the sheer size of Namibia leaves plenty to be desired from the untamed wilderness and rich wildlife of this beautiful country,” was surely meant as a compliment but the phrase “leaving plenty (or alternatively, much) to be desired” is really an expression that something is inadequate, insufficient; lacking. It’s a soft insult to express something needs improvement rather than stated that something is flawed, but it is by no means a laudatory statement.

GREAT information! My husband and I would love to travel to Africa with our two kids (16 yr old & 10 yr old). We want to experience all of it, the culture, the safari, the beach, sightseeing, and shopping. What do you suggest?

Hello KG, thanks for reaching out! If this is your first time visiting Africa, then I’ll recommend either South Africa, Kenya, or Zanzibar for two reasons:

• They either don’t require a visa or getting one is super easy -> use iVisa.com to get your visa.
• Planning your trip from the US is easy. You can plan the major parts of your trip before you get there. Use Booking.com for your hotel and TripAdvisor for your activities.

Tips: I recommend having only your must-have activities planned out, so you have some flexibility when you get there.

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

I am located in California US … and I am planing a family trip of 6 adult and 4 kids to Africa … never been that far from home and I was doing research on the best place to go … Africa is so big and I want us especially the kids to experience the culture … your article was very help but I’m still unsure how to plan a great and safe trip … can you tell me about Ghana … I want a safari but I also want the interact with the locals and shopping.

Hello AJ, thanks for reaching out! I’m glad you find out post helpful. I have not personally visited Ghana but my sister has so am sure I can get the information you need from her and share it with you. Ghana is great for experiencing the real African culture. However, it doesn’t have the best safari experience. East and Southern Africa have the best safari on the continent with Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe taking the lead in those regions.

So, it really depends on what you want to do. If going on a safari is on your must-do list and you want some culture, I would recommend Kenya or Botswana . You’ll be able to get both for the price of one. If you have any other questions, please feel free to respond to the comments here. We can also take the conversation via email or over the phone. Just say the word! 🙂

Try Gambia, peaceful and relaxing. Friendly people..check out on YouTube the BAG FAMILY in the Gambia or blaxit

The Gambia is great! However, keeps in mind it’s a small country, so if you plan to spend more than a week, you may run out of activities to do with the kids.

Proudly Kenyan!… we love visitors and are very hospitable. Najivunia!

Hello Najivunia, I couldn’t agree more! We got back from our East African trip a few days ago and enjoyed our stay in Kenya . You are very hospital people, and I loved the food and activities. I gained 20 lbs in 6 weeks!!! Now, I have to hit the gym, but it was well worth it.

P.S. – You’ll have to watch your back because your sister country, Tanzania , is really upping their game. But they have a ways to go. BTW, the view of Mt. Kilimanjaro is still better from Kenya 😉

great country,i would love visit kenyan in the future.

Nigeria should surely be on this list?

Hello Dr. Peter, I respectfully disagree. This is the third comment I’ve received about adding Nigeria to the list so I want to list a few reasons why Nigeria didn’t make the cut:

• Getting a visa to Nigeria is a pain; they want you to come physically to the embassy to get a visa. For anyone living out of state, that’s time and money that get expensive. The last time we visited, we had to use an agency to get our visa and it cost us $350 each. In contrast, we applied for our visa online for Kenya! It was stress-free and we got approval in less than 48 hours and it only cost us only $50 when we applied directly to the Kenyan embassy. For a hassle-free visa experience, iVisa can help you get most visas to Africa . Also, the Nigerian embassy in D.C and New York were not operational for several months; 5 months the last year. I’m not sure what the current status is.
• A lot of places in Nigeria do not have basic services that American or international travels will expect without paying a fortune for it. For example, lack of steady electricity, bad roads, even the US Uber app doesn’t work (as of the last time we traveled) so we had to have a friend help us order Uber using their own “local” app.
• Lack of security is huge. I don’t feel safe traveling to Nigeria with all the insecurity. I would advise against traveling to Nigeria especially now with more unemployed youth. It was bad before but now, it’s getting worse.

So, the next time someone else says “Nigeria should be on the list,” please provide 3 reasons why it’s better than the other counties on this list. Thanks!

You are being sentimental, Uber, Bolt and Opay rides all work in Nigeria so that’s a big lie, in terms of electricity Nigeria doesn’t have constant electricity but it depends on the city you visited that’s if you actually did, Nigeria is one of the countries with the best roads in Africa and one of the most expensive roads we are y’all of roads that each Kilometer costs #6.2 billion naira that’s more than $15 million dollars per kilometer, I bet all those countries you listed above apart from Egypt and South Africa can afford the Lagos Island bridge the longest in west Africa, imagine Lagos as the smallest state in Nigeria has the fourth Largest Economy in Africa if it were to be a Country it would be richer than those countries you mentioned.. Talking of insecurity All the countries in Africa has same problem of insecurity, so why exaggerating it and pointing it to one country, non of the Countries mentioned above has better a Military than Nigeria, Nigeria has the best Land Army in the world, Nigeria is one of the best countries in Africa you don’t need to be a Nigerian for you to all this fact, to see their rich culture and huge development in Nigeria, you had a girlfriend their that broke your heart better express your anger to her rather than generalizing and saying bad things about her country..

Hi James, before I respond to your comment please share valid stats on where you got this information from: 1. “Nigeria is one of the countries with the best roads in Africa” 2. “All the countries in Africa has same problem of insecurity” 3. “Nigeria has the best Land Army in the world” 4. “you had a girlfriend their that broke your heart better express your anger to her”

Lolzz. Truth is, as a Nigerian ,living in Nigeria ( Abuja ,city center) for that matter, I don’t even feel remotely safe, and I discourage my family and friends from visiting till further notice. We need to be honest.

Getting a visa in Nigeria depends on so many things and can’t really say much about that for now. For security all countries has this same issues, incredible India has challenges with security but people still visit there. It is important you get a good tour guide and he plan all for you to make it lovely. Nigeria is still the best country you can visit in Africa…

Hmm Makanjuola, you have a point. With a “good tour guide,” I see the possibility of a tourist visiting Nigeria and feeling mildly safe. But this still doesn’t level up the playing field for Nigeria to make the cut. This is definitely a hot debate as most readers believe that their home country/motherland deserves to make the list. But being objective with the information we have, Nigeria is not one of the best countries to visit in Africa as discussed above/previous comments. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

Well I totally disagree with you on this. Firstly, you said “the Nigerian embassy in DC and New York weren’t functional last year”. Well, we all know how bad the pandemic was for the tourism industry last year. The Nigerian embassy in DC was not functional obviously due to COVID-19. Secondly,There are Places in Nigeria with basic amenities as good as places in the USA. Maybe you haven’t been to the newly built Eko Atlantic in Lagos, Nigeria. There are also places like VI and ikoyi where tourist can stay. I wouldn’t deny that we lack of electricity is a great deal in Nigeria in some parts of Nigeria, but then, there are still places where we have it in abundance. And we also have other electricity facilities to satisfy the needs and convenience of tourists. I bet you won’t go to a place as a tourist and be allowed to stay without electricity. The Transportation app Uber works so well and taxify app which is also an alternative works so well here too and are very much affordable. You also talked about security issues. The truth is;there are security issues everywhere in the world. However, the way they’re been manage differs and the location also matters. And for your information, There are states with no security issues in Nigeria. Example is lagos. Nigerian youths are also known for their hardwork and excellence. in the sense that, we do not need to be employed to be relevant. They venture into small scale and tech businesses that help them survive. If it was as bad as you stated, everyone living here would be dead by now and people from citizens of the US, Europe, etc wouldn’t be coming here to become an expatriate. My point is, Nigeria is also a competent African country for tourists to visit. Here are some beautiful places you can visit in Nigeria as a tourist??

Agbokim Waterfalls Agodi Gardens Andoni Elephant Sanctuary Aso Rock Bar Beach, Lagos Benue River Biu Plateau Bina Footprint Chad Basin Cross River National Park Emotan Statue Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls Ezeagu waterfalls Gashaka Gumti National Park Gurara Waterfalls Ibeno Beach Idanre Hill Ikogosi Warm Springs Isaac Boro Park Kainji Dam Kainji National Park Kamuku National Park Lake Chad Mambilla Plateau Mandara Mountains Millennium Park (Abuja) Mount Patti National Arts Theatre National War Museum, Umuahia National Stadium Abuja New Afrika Shrine Ngwo Pine forest Niger River Oban Hills Obudu Cattle Ranch Obudu Plateau Ogbunike Caves Okomu Forest Reserve Okomu National Park Old Oyo National Park Olumo Rock Oron Museum Osun-Osogbo Port Harcourt Tourist Beach Queen Amina Statue Sir Lugard Empire Hill Sukur Cultural Landscape Tinapa Resort Yankari National Park Zuma Rock

Hi Tosin, thanks for the open dialogue about Nigeria. Although we stand by our decision about Nigeria not making the cut for being one of the best countries to visit in Africa (re: our points above), Nigeria is a country that is rich and diverse with so much to offer. You’ve made a great argument and even took it a step further by sharing unique places tourists should visit in Nigeria. At this point, we’ll leave it up to people to read this post and your comment before deciding if they should/should not travel to Nigeria.

I totally agree with you. Nigeria should not even come close to this list. And yes,I am Nigerian. Anyone that cares about staying alive whike on vacation should please try these African countries listed. Don’t even dream of Nigeria.

I appreciate your honesty! I’m glad another Nigerian can be brutally honest to provide invaluable feedback for our readers. Thank you!

Hello Oge Chidube, I appreciate your blunt statement. However, your comment is quite exaggerated. I am also a Nigerian. I stumbled on this page, in my attempt to take a vacation. I have visited many other pages and i can say that the issue of insecurity is not peculiar to Nigeria alone; It’s a global menace. Please, let honesty be honesty. Meanwhile, I respect the opinion of africawanderlust about why Nigeria did not make “their” list. Let’s leave it up to people to make their findings beyond this page and decide. I wish everyone a safe and pleasant trip.

I really like Kenya and Tanzania, others like Morocco, Egypt, Madagascar, Ethiopia and Cape Verde look super cool too, but yes so many beautiful countries, the great lakes region looks awesome as well, it’s unfortunate that some countries have political and economic issues as I’ve known many great people from countries like Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan, and others, i think Kenya would be my 1st pick to visit

Hello Troy, thanks for your comment! I completely agree with you. We just came back from our East African trip literally 6 days ago, and Kenya was one of the countries we visited. We went hiking, snorkeling, and the usual tourist activities. It was very easy lovely.

Kenya is a great choice but if you plan to work from Kenya while you’re visiting, consider the time difference. We live on the West Coast, and it was brutal for us to work from Kenya (using PST time zone) because we had an extended trip (6 weeks). For that reason, I would recommend people go to Morocco instead if they’ll be working on their trip. The time difference will work in your favor.

Great article guys! I’m glad to see my country, Ethiopia in the list?. I’ve also always wanted to visit other countries in Africa and this article was very helpful.

Thanks, Meski. Glad you found this article helpful.

I made a promise to my 78 year old mother that I would take her to Africa before she or I died. I’m 59 & she’s 78, this will be our first time traveling to the Mother Land from New Orleans Louisiana. Your article provided me with pertinent details about each area of the continent has to offer its tourist. Due to both of our physical mobility issues I am lending more towards Ghana. With the historical slave trade documented evidence I think this would be the best choice for my family.

Hi Cheryl, I’m so glad you found this article helpful. Please keep us updated on your trip to Ghana. We’d love to hear your feedback.

Hi Lydia, I just saw your article and I love it. Weldone .Please what about Nigeria?

I’m glad you like our content, Conny. Please see my previous comment about Nigeria. Thanks!

What about Nigeria?????

Hello James, Nigeria is not one of the easiest or safest African countries so I wouldn’t recommend it to most people only if you have a trusted family member that can help you with all the quirks before and after your arrival.

You do not know anything about Nigeria obviously. Pls I strictly recommend you do a good research thoroughly, before writing any article about any country here. I’m sorry to say, but it’s a shame you’re exceedingly outdated ?

Hello Jethro, I can tell how enthusiastic a lot of folks are about Nigeria. However, here’re the facts! The 2021 Global Peace Index was just released, and Nigeria is ranked 146 out of 163 countries globally. Put differently, it’s ranked the bottom 6th of all countries in the world based on peace. So I know Nigeria has a lot of culture and great food and people, but we can’t underemphasize the safety of the people considering visiting the country. We want our readers to be informed to make an educated decision about the African country that best fits their needs.

South Africa is on another level believe me!

I couldn’t agree more, Noel!

Very cool! You guys do a great job with your selections, pictures, and information.

Do you also post on Instagram?

Thanks! James

Hello James,

We’re glad you enjoyed our post. Here’s our Instagram account . We’re still working on posting consistently. Thanks for the friendly reminder. We’ll be sure to do that in March when we’re on our trip to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda.

Guys, I just came across your site and article. Absolutely LOVE all that you’ve shared 🙂 We’d like to visit the continent in 2021 and really can’t decide where to go to given what’s going on around the world… You article has given us a lot of excitement though 🙂

Thanks for sharing your thought! Yeah, we love traveling around the world and also experiencing other countries’ cultures. However, Africa is in its own class since there are so many things to do, so there’s always something for everyone.

If you’ll enjoy a safari, any of the Southern African countries is the way to go. I would go with Botswana since it’s safe and is ranked one of Africa’s best safari places.

If you like the beach, then Eastern Africa is where you should look. Tanzania and Kenya have great beaches; however, my first choice will be Zanzibar in Tanzania. It will take tour breath away.

If you enjoy culture, then you’re looking at West Africa. There’s a lot to learn about colonization and the slave trade, and a more exciting part of history. Ghana and the Gambia are great choices, but Ghana is the way to go!

If you like the outdoors, then you’ll enjoy North Africa. Morocco is a good first place to visit. You can do dunes bugging, which is a lot of fun, and walk around the street markets.

I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Please note that the Picture under Egypt is for the Pyramids of Giza, not the Karnak Temple. Please fix it.

Great article though.

OMG! Thanks for catching this. Fixed now 🙂

what about algeria?

Hello Mohamed,

We haven’t personally been to Algeria yet, however, due to the current usability of the region, we wouldn’t be adding it to our list of best African countries to visit at this time. Please let us know if you have any other questions.

This is a great article. I love your website. I have a question. Which country would you recommend for someone who is visiting Africa for the first time? We are not keen on North Africa nor Wildlife. Senegal? Ethiopia? Someplace which is more cultural and where we can get the real African motherland vibe? Thank you 🙂

Hello Gopi,

If you’re visiting Africa for the first time, I recommend you visit a place that’s safe, has good transportation, and reliable internet. Most African countries are full of culture so you can’t go wrong there. If it was my first time and I don’t know a local in that country, I’ll go to Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, or Cape Town. Hope this helps! Please us know if you have any other questions.

We’re about to plan a trip to Eastern Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda) in early March so we’ll have some more updated information.

Hi what of Nigeria

Hello Enny, please see my previous comments about Nigeria. Thanks!

Don’t mind dose Nigerians claiming Rights 2 b listed dere, I luv d fact is not dere so dat Naija should sit up , we are only were known 4 just population nd business (be it music, Nollywood, trading e.t.c) nd notin more . Infact most of our Nigerians population are densely in 4 major areas , namely Lagos, Abuja , Kano nd Port Harcourt .The indigene of a state usually move to better towns like Port Harcourt nd Lagos . So how would dey recommend it 4 any1 to spend Vacation, when the citizens can’t even stay in there own state of origin . SO DON’T MIND THEM

Thanks for chiming in, Robert!

We’re glad you enjoyed the read Odusanya! Please let us know how we can enhance your travel experience.

Hello Am justice

Hello Justice, it’s nice to meet you! How can we be of help or assistance?

Tunisia should be in this list. Even in Top 5. I was there in January 2020. Have beautiful places like Tunis, carthage, el-kef, tabatka, ain dirham, sousse, hammamat. And the food is just so tasty. Not to mention the wonderful people who are so friendly and helpful.

Hello Jasem,

I completely agree with you. Tunisia is beautiful and it has very friendly people like most places in Africa since that’s the culture. We’ll be sure to include it as one of the additional places when we expand to the top 20 best African countries to visit. Keep the feedback coming.

Please what is your cost then

Hello Okafor,

Can you please expand on your question for clarity? I want to make sure I’m providing you with the most accurate information.

I absolutely loved Zimbabwe, and from there you can take a tour to Botswana for safaris near the border, best time of my life, the border also takes you to Zambia, the problem is Zimbabwe requires visas for most countries and it’s difficult to obtain, Also enjoyed Southafrica, but as you say it’s more a western city. Democratic Republic of Congo was plagued by war but original.

Africa is the best destination trip you can take, congrats on the very accurate comments you make.

Thanks for the comment, Ciervo! I’m glad you enjoyed your trip to Zimbabwe and you had a trip of a lifetime! That’s a great tip about visiting Botswana when you’re in Zimbabwe. We did the same thing from South Africa and the Botswana visa on arrival was easy, the country is clean, and they are a zero-free corruption country. We enjoyed ourselves when we visited so I highly recommend it. What’s your next African vacation destination?

Someone listed alot of places that could be tourist centers in Nigeria. Like seriously??? Aso rock?? What exactly can one do in Aso rock??? And most of the places listed are not even kept in good shape. Nigeria has lots of potential but that’s not enough to put it on this list. Our roads are in horrible states, i don’t even want to mention the daily kidnapping and killings. Oh please! Thanks to the publisher for excluding Nigeria from the list. Maybe sometime in the future, when the country becomes what it’s supposed to be.

Hey I love Kenya! It definitely deserves where u put it

Follow Us Around the World

Our next destination.

Fez, Morocco

• South Africa
• Understanding

12 Top rated tourist attractions in Africa

Top-rated tourist attractions in Africa are a key driver for tourism for which the world knows the content. The diversity in them grounds your liking for Africa, to say the least.

Africa is and will always be a thriving tourism destination filled with beautiful beaches, lush interior forests, vast game parks, and breathtaking scenery. True to its scintillating nature, international travellers flocked the continent even with the coronavirus pandemic.

Data by Statista shows that 1.04 million tourists flew to Africa in 2021. While this number looks insignificant, it is a huge milestone since travel restrictions remained in place for the better part of 2021.

Also read:  Sonangol returns to African Energy Week 2022 as platinum sponsor

What is the Number One Travel Spot in Africa? Which are the Top-rated Tourist Attractions in Africa? Lake Retba, Senegal Kruger National Park, South Africa River Nile, Egypt Lekki Conservative Centre, Nigeria Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe The Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya Table Mountains, South Africa Sahara Dunes, Morocco Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Pyramids of Egypt Lake Abbe, Ethiopia/Djibouti Zanzibar, Tanzania

What is the Number One Travel Spot in Africa?

Cape Town, one of the most popular and top-rated tourist attractions in Africa. The city in South Africa treats visitors to different experiences through its popular tourist spots which include:

• Robben Island
• Table Mountain National Park
• Cape Winelands
• Table Mountain
• Long Street

It is impossible to pick just one reason to travel to Africa or just one site. They’re many. To support you as you go off on your African trip.

Also read:  AfDB’s “Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation” wins award

Which are the top-rated tourist attractions in africa.

The beauty of these attractions is that they spread out to every corner of Africa. Thus, it doesn’t matter where exactly you are in Africa; there will always be something to work up your wanderlust spirit. In addition, you learn more about the heritage of different countries.

Here are the to-go-to spots while in Africa.

Lake Retba, Senegal

A beautiful lake sits about 30 kilometres from Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. Lake Retba, or ‘Lac Rou’ as the locals call it, draws day-tripping tourists worldwide. The lake is one of the few pink-coloured lakes in the world, and it gets its color from a pigment produced by the bacteria covering it.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

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

Also read:  South Africa’s Tiger Brands to roll out solar power at manufacturing sites

The Park is one of the topmost attractions to spot all the Big Five and top tourist attractions in South Africa. 

River Nile, Egypt

River Nile in Egypt is not only the longest river in the world but one of the top-rated tourist attractions in Africa. It’s second to the Amazon River with a record of being the world’s longest river.

Every year, the River Nile welcomes many tourists. While visiting the Nile, you can also use the opportunity to see the John Speke monument, the first explorer, to find its source. The Nile is one of the seven wonders of Africa and is mentioned in several myths and legends. No wonder it is one of the topmost attractions in Africa.

Lekki Conservative Centre, Nigeria

In the heart of Lagos, Nigeria’s most bustling city is the Lekki Conservativation Ares. Established in 1990, the area attracts tourists year after year. The Conservative Centre is home to the longest canopy walk in Africa.

Also read:  Russia-Ukraine grain deal promises to benefit Africa

You can look down at nature from the canopy walk, thrill, and have fun moving up and down your body. At amazing trees, the chirping of birds warms your eyes.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, deep within a rainforest, Victoria Falls sits in splendour. The largest waterfall in the world, its waterfall at about 12,800 cubic meters per second, producing the sounds of thunder. Victoria Falls is also home to a variety of colourful birds. Great scenery for taking photos. 

The Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is one of the topmost tourist attractions in Africa. Every tourist has a different experience when they visit the reserve during safaris.

See and experience a variety of game views, such as the Big Five and the wildebeest migration. Continuing through the Masai Mara will lead you to the Serengeti National Park and some of the Game Reserves in Tanzania.

Table Mountains, South Africa

A beautiful, flat-topped mountain overlooks the South African city of Cape Town. This mountain is a prominent tourist attraction, pulling up to 4.2 million people annually.

Also read:  How easy is it to do cross border trade in Africa?

Tourists love the mountain for its serenity, to hike, and take rides in the beautiful cable cars, among others. The mountain is among the new seven wonders of nature. It is a safe place to be. 

Sahara Dunes, Morocco

A trip to the Sahara Dunes, Morocco, should be on your bucket list. Morocco offers one of the safest places to view the Sahara desert.

The Sahara is one of Africa’s topmost attractions and among the largest desert in the world. Camels and Nomads are common sights for visitors. The sand dunes are aesthetic and look great. 

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Nothing compares to Mount Kilimanjaro among the top-rated tourist attractions in Africa. It is by far the highest mountain in Africa and one of Africa’s magnificent sights. It is the highest mountain in Africa (19340ft).

Every year, Kilimanjaro draws thousands of tourists who come to explore the talked-about Kilimanjaro. The mountain is a part of the Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania. Hikers will have a great time at Kilimanjaro! 

Pyramids of Egypt

According to history, these masonry structures are man’s greatest architectural accomplishments dating back to the 26th century.

Also read:  Largest fertiliser-producing countries in Africa and their output

They are the only surviving wonder of the world that was erected on a rocky plateau on the western end of the Nile, close to Gizah in Northern Egypt. The pyramids of Egypt offer a fantastic sight to tourists; visiting them is a life-changing experience.

Lake Abbe, Ethiopia/Djibouti

Lake Abbe is an alkaline lake that lies within the Ethiopian-Djibouti border. It spans about 15km wide and 14km long. It is one of the six lakes connected around this hot area and receives water from the Awash River. The lake offers soothing scenery and is home to a variety of flamingos that gather around the river,

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Off the coast is a romantic archipelago with pristine beaches and warm oceans. Zanzibar is one of the topmost attractions in Africa. It is the ideal spot for the perfect, relaxing beach holiday. The destination has a magical mixture of Arabic, Middle Eastern, Moorish, and Indian cultures, making it remarkable, like no other place in Africa.

See Africa Today

See Africa Today is the only travel-oriented website giving you content focused on the beauty of Africa. One of the worlds unique pleasures is the ability to travel to Africa, and many travelers have the opportunity to do so, but for the rest of the world, Africa is still a very far off continent. We aim to dispel the myth that Africa is a dangerous continent and use storytelling to showcase the unique land mass that has so much to offer the world.

Related Posts

AfDB appoints Ambassador Jalel Trabelsi as Special Envoy for Middle East and North Africa and Gulf Region

Carbon tax on fossils fuels and transport could generate additional development financing for Africa

Angola TAAG and Air France sign agreement

US MCC to fund community projects in 3 Mozambican provinces

China Minmetals completes acquisition of copper mine in Botswana

Translate this page, read the latest.

The President of the African Development Bank Group Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (www.AfDB.org) has appointed career diplomat Ambassador Jalel Trabelsi as...

FurtherAfrica Partners Network

Subscribe to furtherafrica.

Enter your email address to receive new articles on your email.

Email Address

© 2021 FurtherMarkets

FurtherAfrica is a FurtherMarkets Limited platform

Welcome back.

Login to your account below

Remember Me

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription.

Tswalu, South Africa: the ultimate destination for a luxury safari

Share this article

Motse accommodation at Tswalu private reserve in South Africa. Photo / Supplied

At Tswalu in South Africa , diamond tycoon Jonathan Oppenheimer has created the kind of luxury safari that most of us can only dream about, writes Catherine McGregor

It was when the mountains caught fire that we started to worry. A summer storm had rolled in over the Korannaberg ranges and lightning was slashing through the vast desert skies, setting the hillside alight before quickly being extinguished by the torrential rain. On the verandah, the clink of ice in our pre-dinner cocktails was being drowned out by the roar of thunder. It was time to go inside.

The summer rains bring life to the Kalahari Desert, the arid sandy savanna that straddles the border of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. At Tswalu Kalahari reserve in South Africa the rain can transform the parched land literally overnight. The landscape, once barren, is suddenly carpeted by thick tufted grass, spiky gemsbok cucumbers and tiny yellow dubbeltjie (little devil) flowers. For visitors, the odd lightning strike is a small price to pay for such abundance.

READ MORE: The luxury safari that’s better than winning Lotto

Located on the southern edge of the Kalahari, not far from the Botswana border, Tswalu is a truly unique safari experience. The property has been owned since 1999 by the billionaire Oppenheimer family, who once controlled the majority of South Africa’s diamond industry through their controlling stake in De Beers and now use their immense wealth to support their conservation and philanthropic efforts. Tswalu is not only South Africa’s largest private wildlife reserve, but arguably its most remote, at around 10 hours’ drive from either Cape Town or Johannesburg. Isolated and ultra exclusive, Tswalu just might be the ultimate destination safari.

The distance by road doesn’t bother most guests, since hardly any of them drive. Tswalu has its own private airport and offers a direct charter air service from both Johannesburg or Cape Town. For Tswalu’s mega wealthy clientele, flying in is a no-brainer. That airstrip is a game-changer, says Nigel Pace, Tswalu’s head of hospitality. “Yes, we’re really remote – but in terms of access, we’re actually easier to get to than places like Kruger or Sabi Sands.”

After touchdown, guests are collected by their drivers and depart for one of three luxury camps dotted across the vast reserve. Motse, Tswalu’s original camp, features nine guest suites, or legae (“home” in the local Setswana language) and has the feel of a relaxed-chic boutique hotel. The recently opened Loapi is a collection of six extraordinarily beautiful tented camps , each with a dedicated homathi (house manager) and chef. All six Loapi residences are located at least 100m from each other, with no communal or shared guest areas or services, allowing for an incredibly private stay.

My stay was at Tarkuni, an exclusive-use homestead designed for multi-generational families or parties of friends. Tarkuni accommodates up to 10 guests in five suites, each with their own private verandah, arranged around a living area featuring a spectacular double-height fireplace. Upstairs is a spa treatment suite and games room; out the front is a swimming pool and waterhole where baboons and antelope regularly come to drink.

With a total maximum of 40 guests in an area almost twice the size of urban Auckland , it’s hardly surprising that the word “private” comes up so much at Tswalu. If you’re staying at Loapi and Tarkuni, you can quite easily avoid ever seeing another soul, save for your own small team of staff. On top of that, every booking guarantees you a private 4×4 safari vehicle, including a dedicated guide and tracker, for the duration of your stay. More than anything, it’s this that puts Tswalu a cut above most other luxury safari experiences.

Having your own vehicle doesn’t only give you privacy – it makes each game drive a totally personalised experience. Want to focus on tracking lesser-known sub-species like the desert black rhino? No problem. Want to stay out all day? Can do. Tswalu’s guides and trackers know the reserve like the back of their hands, and are trained to create for you the most memorable safari experience possible. As your stay continues, your priorities can change, and the value of a private vehicle only increases. With your own vehicle, you’ll never find yourself stuck with day-one newbies who need the safari basics explained or want to stop to photograph every passing kudu – although if that’s something you still want to do, that’s absolutely okay too.

A Tswalu safari is as unique as the land itself. The aridity of the Kalahari means you won’t see any elephants or hippos here, and the sheer size of the reserve can sometimes make spotting animals a challenge. Don’t arrive expecting a Kruger-style wildlife buffet, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see plenty of amazing sights, like a lioness and her cubs contentedly chowing down on a zebra carcass at the edge of a water hole. For 10 minutes we sat quietly in our vehicle, snapping photos from just a few metres away, as the desert sun slowly set behind the horizon.

While it isn’t the place to spot the Big 5 around every corner, Tswalu boasts a remarkable number of species that are rarely seen elsewhere. Along with more common species like oryx, wildebeest, cheetah, buffalo, zebra and giraffe, the reserve is a wonderful place to see rare and endangered species including the Kalahari black-maned lion, desert black rhino and African wild dog. Tswalu offers a lucky few the chance to see the Temmick’s pangolin, one of the world’s most elusive mammals; if you get the chance to accompany the resident pangolin scientists on a nocturnal research outing, grab it.

Tswalu is also home to multiple colonies of meerkats, who have become used to human visitors through a painstaking habituating process. These charmingly gregarious creatures are best spotted in the early morning as they leave their burrows for the day, or at dusk, when they return. Like all wild creatures, however, no viewing is ever guaranteed. Despite the best efforts of Tswalu’s tracking team, we sadly didn’t see any meerkats on our visit. It’s a tribute to the power of the Kalahari landscape that our sunrise walk to the burrows, and the Jeep-side breakfast afterwards – magicked seemingly out of thin air by our guide – remains one of my favourite memories of our stay.

Along with preserving wildlife, making memories is what Tswalu is all about. On our drive back to the homestead, our guide told us that bush dining is one of the experiences guests request most often – whether that means a fully hosted braai with butler service and a mobile kitchen for a group, or a secluded gourmet picnic for two (with a staff vehicle positioned nearby, just in case). Other once-in-a-lifetime experiences include a night under the stars in one of Tswalu’s “star beds”, private camps whose level of luxury puts most other glamp-outs to shame.

There’s one special Tswalu experience that towers above all others, and that’s dinner at Klein Jan, the incredible on-site restaurant founded by Michelin-starred South African chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen. It’s the sort of dining experience that relies in part on the element of surprise – so if eating here is on your bucket list, look away now. The magic begins when you pull up outside what appeared to be a ramshackle farmhouse in the middle of nowhere. This is actually the Klein Jan entrance building, where we sat on the stoep, or verandah, and drank cocktails as the thunderstorm rolled in.

We were guided through the farmhouse and into a door on the side of what looked like a disused water tank. Suddenly we were descending a staircase wrapped around a waterfall, then led through more jewel-box spaces and into a spectacular glass-walled dining room. While Klein Jan is open to non-guests for lunch – people fly in and out just to spend a few hours eating here – dinner is for Tswalu guests only, and is included with every two-night stay. The tasting menu at Klein Jan is a journey through both South African culinary history and the natural world of the Kalahari, utilising such unfamiliar ingredients (at least to me) as fever berry, xigugu (a traditional corn and peanut paste), kaiings (crackling) and boerbok (South African goat). As we ate, lightning carved through the sky, the landscape fleetingly illuminated before being plunged back into the inky black darkness of a desert night.

The next morning dawned clear and bright, the previous evening’s torrential rain already absorbed by the thirsty red sand. For our last experience, we were going horse riding – a prospect that initially had me slightly anxious, but which, I was assured, was perfectly safe in this part of the reserve. After the exhilaration of the previous few days, a quiet hour on horseback was the ideal end to our stay. With no engine noise or whirr of camera shutters, we could hear the Kalahari’s birds bursting into song in celebration of the rain. Above, the desert sky was enormous and blue; around us, the ochre sand was stippled with summer green. At our dismounting site, the riding guides removed our horses’ saddles and bridles. As we climbed into our Jeep for the last time, the horses set off at a gallop, back across the savannah and towards home.

For more things to see and do in South Africa, see southafrica.net

Latest from Travel

5 European train journeys that'll make you rethink air travel

Take the train not a plane for a more enjoyable journey.

Big payout for couple who suffered non-reclining seats in business class

NZ is getting a new Great Walk but booking a spot comes with a catch

Buy a remote Scottish island (with pub) for less money than an Auckland home

‘Dark delights’ of Great Barrier Island

These Are 10 Most Travel-Friendly Countries In Africa To Explore

A frica is a vast continent home to over a billion people and some 56 countries. It is diverse, and it is ancient. It is a place that everyone should visit if they have the chance. Plus, North Africa is extremely different from Sub-Saharan Africa and is often treated separately.

This article will only mention travel-friendly countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and not those of North Africa (like Morocco and Egypt). The list of travel-friendly nations in Africa can change over time (e.g., Ethiopia was one of the best destinations in Africa before the civil war broke out there three years ago).

South Africa: The Most Developed Country In Africa

South Africa stands out from much of the rest of Africa for being well-developed in many respects (development is spread unevenly). The country is the top destination in Sub-Saharan Africa and is home to some of the best national parks in Africa to visit (such as the famous Kruger National Park ).

South Africa is diverse and boasts many incredible attractions - from the quaint coastal city of Cape Town to the dramatic Garden Route.

Kenya: Superb National Parks & Pristine Beaches

Kenya is one of the most developed nations in East Africa and is one of the most popular destinations on the African continent. Kenya boasts reasonable infrastructure for the region and has some of the greatest national parks in the region (such as Maasai Mari - the northern extension of the Serengeti ). The Serengeti is one of the most incredible places to see African wildlife.

Related: What To Know When Visiting Kenya's Most Famous Safari Destination

Tanzania: The Setting Of The Lion King

Disney's The Lion King was set in the Serengeti of Tanzania. Like Kenya, Tanzania is a very welcoming nation with some of the top national parks in Africa. One of the gems of Tanzania is the autonomous island of Zanzibar. Zanzibar is a remarkable tropical beach destination with an influence from historic Arab traders.

Namibia: The Best Place In Africa For A Road Trip

Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Here, travelers explore the vast open deserts and countless hidden gems of the Kalahari Desert and the Atlantic Coast. See shipwrecks, the incredible Etosha National Park (which offers some of the most affordable safaris in Africa ), ghost towns (such as Kolmanskop ), and more.

Namibia, like South Africa, is one of the best places to rent a 4WD and explore the nation on a self-guided road trip.

Related: A Self Driving Tour Is The Best Way To See Namibia

Botswana: Home Of Herds Of Elephants

Botswana is one of the most stable countries in Africa and has long been a favorite for remarkable road trips. Botswana is home to an exceptionally large number of elephants, and the country takes conservation very seriously. On the downside, Botswana is also known to be one of the more expensive destinations in Africa.

Rwanda: The Jewel In The Heart Of Africa

Rwanda is one of the safest and most well-run countries in Africa (even if it has a traumatic past). Today, it is one of the top destinations to see the lush interior of Africa and go Mountain Gorilla trekking. Rwanda is a more expensive destination but one that is well set up for receiving international visitors.

Related: Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park: Things To Do in One of Africa’s Oldest Rainforests

Senegal: One Of The Most Stable Countries In West Africa

Most of the popular tourist destinations in Africa are in the East and the South of the continent. Few people bother to visit West Africa, and many of the nations of that region suffer from instability. Senegal is one of the most stable and travel-friendly countries in West Africa and offers a peek into a less-visited part of Africa.

Seychelles: A Tropical Island Paradise

Not all of the countries of Africa are actually on the continent. The Seychelles is a small island nation just off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is one of the world's premier tropical island resort destinations that manages to draw visitors from across the world. It is also one of the safest countries in Africa to visit.

Zambia: See The Largest Waterfall In The World

Zambia may not be high on many people's lists, but it is a rewarding country with a very friendly population. In the north, visitors can see the awe-inspiring Bat Migration, while in the south, on the border with Zimbabwe, visitors can see Victoria Falls - the largest waterfall in the world .

The gateway is the town of Livingstone, and it is one of the few African cities where it is possible to see zebra and even elephants wandering down the streets.

Victoria Falls is the world's largest waterfall. However, most people don't know that the Denmark Strait Cataract is the tallest waterfall in the world (and it's found deep underwater!) .

Eswatini (Swaziland): The Forgotten Gem Beside South Africa

South Africa is also a great base to explore other countries in Southern Africa - such as Lesotho and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Eswatini is a tiny country that few bother to visit. It is located just next to South Africa, and its people are extremely welcoming to foreigners. It is arguably one of the forgotten gems of Africa and definitely worth seeing when looking for less touristy places in Africa to visit.

Discover why Eswatini is one of the hidden gems in Africa that's worth visiting before planning a vacation to the African continent.

• Celebrities
• Beauty & Health
• Relationships & Weddings
• Food, Travel, Arts & Culture
• International
• Pulse Picks
• Celebrity Picks
• Pulse Influencer Awards

These are the 7 best African cities to live in 2024

The list is according to the Numbeo Quality of Life Index for 2024.

In the dynamic landscape of African cities, some stand out for their quality of life, offering residents a blend of opportunities, amenities, and cultural richness.

Recommended articles.

These cities exemplify the diversity and dynamism of urban life in Africa. Each has its unique charm and appeal, making them top choices for residents seeking a high quality of life on the continent .

According to the Numbeo Quality of Life Index for 2024, here are the seven best African cities to live in:

• Cape Town, South Africa : Nestled between mountains and sea, Cape Town is enchanted by its natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, and diverse neighbourhoods.
• Pretoria, South Africa:  Known as the "Jacaranda City," Pretoria boasts a pleasant climate, leafy suburbs, and a strong economy, making it an attractive choice for residents.
• Durban, South Africa:  With its golden beaches, warm climate, and bustling waterfront, Durban offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle and a thriving business environment.
• Johannesburg, South Africa:  As Africa's economic powerhouse, Johannesburg dazzles with its skyscrapers, cultural diversity, and energetic vibe, attracting professionals and entrepreneurs alike.
• Nairobi, Kenya:  Kenya's capital is a melting pot of cultures and ideas, with a burgeoning tech scene, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to stunning wildlife reserves.
• Cairo, Egypt:  With its rich history, iconic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza, and bustling markets, Cairo remains a captivating destination that blends tradition and modernity.
• Lagos, Nigeria:  Africa's busiest city, is a hub of commerce, innovation, and creativity. It pulsates with energy and offers endless opportunities for those willing to embrace its vibrant chaos and

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: [email protected]

NNPCL set to end fuel scarcity by May 1 with 1.5 billion litres of products

Lawmaker tackles report questioning tinubu’s stance on electoral reforms, 'there was no shoot out' - efcc denies shooting yahaya bello protesters, tinubu's stance on electoral reform questioned ahead of 2027 polls, you’re here to study  —  canada introduces new work hour rules for nigerian students, ex-governor narrates how bandits sacked him from his 10,000 hectares farmland, fuel scarcity: lasg warns petrol stations against causing traffic gridlock, here’s why jamb won’t announce 2024 utme top scorer, icpc boss urges nigerians to take pride in honest work, pulse sports.

Biden assures Zelensky of rapid arms support amid escalating Russia tensions

Russian Deputy Defence Minister, Ivanov detained for accepting large bribes

Teacher told everyone her man abandoned her for another woman — the truth was worse

Woman suffering incurable disease finally gets her wish to choose how she dies.

Money latest: State pensions 'could be in doubt for future generations'

A pensions expert has told Money that if he was 20 today, he would be "sceptical" about the promise of a state pension. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news below, plus leave a comment in the box.

Tuesday 30 April 2024 10:02, UK

• State pensions could be in doubt for future generations, expert warns
• Higher food prices and shortages warning - as new Brexit checks begin
• Royal Mail pausing £5 charge for post carrying counterfeit stamps
• Tesco offering up to £50 in points through 'Clubcard Challenges' campaign

Essential reads

• Swap rates are the reason mortgage rates are rising - what are they?
• Gameboys, Sindy dolls, designer shoes, 1950s furniture: The items in your attic that could be worth a small fortune
• Money Problem : 'A company isn't abiding by written warranty for dodgy building work - what can I do?'  
• '£2,000 landed in my account' - The people who say they're manifesting riches
• Train strikes in May - everything you need to know

Ask a question or make a comment

By James Sillars , business reporter

The index rose by 0.3% to 8,174 points at the open.

Only real estate stocks were proving any kind of drag.

Among the companies leading the gainers was HSBC.

It climbed by more than 2.6% in London after the Asia-focused bank announced a rise in shareholder awards despite a slight drop in quarterly profits.

The share price reaction also reflected news that chief executive Noel Quinn is to retire - read the full story of that here ...

Among the other gainers in early dealing was Whitbread.

The Premier Inn owner's annual results revealed a sharp rise in annual profits but also a new focus on hotel investment at the expense of its restaurant brands.

That was placing 1,500 jobs at risk, it warned - read the full story here ...

By Jess Sharp , Money team

We first came across Tom McPhail when he posted this on X... 

The pensions expert appeared to be suggesting state pensions were at risk of disappearing.  

After speaking to him on the phone, he confirmed that was exactly his concern, warning something needed to be done sooner rather than later to avoid a "catastrophic" situation.  

He described state pensions as a social contract – each generation pays taxes and national insurance, which funds the pensions of today's older people, and they hope the following generation will do the same for them.

But with population growth slowing, there's a worry there may simply not be enough people to keep the system afloat in the future.  

"There's a significant demographic shift going on in the UK. It started before the Second World War, cohorts of people born in the 1930s have been experiencing significantly longer lives than was the case prior to that, so people now in their 80s are living quite a lot longer," he said. 

"But at the same time, we've got fewer children coming through. And so this exacerbates the shift in the age of the population."

He said if he was 20 today, he would be "sceptical" about the promise of a state pension because he isn't sure how it's going to be paid for.  

At the moment, the state pension system costs around £120bn a year and more than half of retired people rely on it to make up at least 50% of their income, he added.  

Over the next 50 years, Tom predicts the proportion of GDP the state spends on older people will increase from around 16% to 25%.  

"I hesitate to use the word unsustainable, but it will certainly start to look challenging," he said.  

"If we suddenly switched off the state pension or significantly reduced it, people would be in trouble, so the government can’t do that. 

"You can't keep on progressively ratcheting up a more and more generous state pension. The costs of state pensions is going to become increasingly difficult for the younger cohorts to bear."

He pointed to a few ways to potentially salvage the state pension – policy change, more babies being born or people working until they are in their 70s.  

"Politicians are going to have to make decisions about how to get out of this kind of political bind," Tom added. 

"Time and time again it's just kick the can down the road on the pension question, just put a sticking plaster on it and let the next government deal with the problem. 

"You can't keep doing that. So I would really like to see, on the other side of this forthcoming general election... whoever's in power, in collaboration with whoever's in opposition, to just really open it up to some honest conversations about where the demographics are going to take us." 

He does note there is one piece of good news: "This happens quite slowly, so we do have time on our side." 

Basically, swap rates dictate the pricing of fixed-rate mortgages.

Lenders, such as banks and building societies, borrow in order to lend.

They borrow from financial markets and often these transactions are made using Sterling Overnight Index Average (SONIA) swap rates, which can move around.

By contrast, most domestic mortgages are set on what is known as a "term" rate – in other words, the borrower knows how much interest they will be paying for a set period of time.

To avoid a situation where the SONIA rate goes above the rate it is charging borrowers, which would leave the bank or building society lending at a loss, the lender will seek to enter a "swap" arrangement which protects them from such a situation.

Under such agreements, two parties exchange cash flows with each other. The lending bank will swap the variable payments it may make to service a mortgage (which is fixed to the SONIA rate) for payments at a fixed rate. This insulates the lending bank from unexpected increases in the SONIA rate.

Once a deal is struck based on the swap rate, mortgage providers set their fixed deals for customers, with their own profit margin priced in.

How are swap rates decided?

Swap rates are based on what the markets think will happen to interest rates in the future.

When they go up, so do the rates being offered on the high street, as we have seen in the last week or two amid uncertainty over whether forecasts for a summer base rate cut are accurate.

Read other entries in our Basically... series:

Train drivers will stage a fresh wave of strikes and overtime bans in May, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of Aslef union at 16 rail companies will walk out on different days from 7 to 9 May. Additionally, all members will refuse to work any overtime from 6 May to 11 May.

Here is a full list of the services affected by strikes and when.

Rail strike dates

Tuesday 7 May

Strikes will affect c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway.

Wednesday 8 May

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Thursday 9 May

Strikes will affect LNER, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express.

Overtime ban dates

From Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May union members will not work overtime.

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, means some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

How do strikes and overtime bans affect services?

Strikes tend to mean services on lines where members are participating are extremely affected or cancelled entirely, whereas overtime bans often lead to reduced services.

How can I stay in the loop?

You can use the National Rail's  journey planner  to see when trains are running.

Be sure to check it close to when you plan to travel, as it will be updated regularly.

Why are the strikes still happening?

Aslef rejected a two-year offer of 4% in 2022 and another 4% this year, saying this was way below inflation, and was linked to changes in terms and conditions.

Aslef says train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

Royal Mail is temporarily waiving a £5 charge for unsuspecting members of the public who receive post sent with a fake stamp.

The company said it was developing a new scanner in its app which will let customers scan stamp barcodes and check whether they are recognised counterfeits.

While this takes place, the £5 charge for people who receive the post will be paused, Royal Mail said.

It added that it would work to ensure the sender of items posted with counterfeit stamps are charged instead of the recipient where possible.

Royal Mail chief commercial officer Nick Landon said new security measures alongside its barcoded stamps have "led to a 90% reduction" in counterfeits.

"We want our customers to buy stamps with confidence and always recommend that customers only purchase stamps from post offices and other reputable high street retailers," he said.

Tesco Clubcard users have the chance to secure up to £50 in points over the next six weeks as part of its new "Clubcard Challenge" initiative.

Three million Clubcard holders will be invited to take part in the campaign. If they accept, they'll receive 20 challenges that Tesco says will be "personalised just for them" - of which they can choose up to 10 to complete.

The supermarket giant said it was working with AI company EagleAI to offer the "hyper-personalised" promotion.

Challenges will involve spending a certain amount on a range, such as its BBQ food offering, or type of product, such as plant-based food. Customers who complete the "challenges" will be handed extra Clubcard points.

Lizzie Reynolds, group membership and loyalty director at Tesco, said the company was "very excited" to see how its customers responded.

Let us know what you think of this in the comments box above.

Strikes at Heathrow Airport are taking place over the next few weeks, with the first one already under way.

Staff at the UK's biggest airport are set to walk out during the early bank holiday in May, with their union warning planes could be "delayed, disrupted and grounded".

Click here to find out when all the strikes are, what disruption is expected and which airlines are affected...

The average price paid for comprehensive motor insurance rose 1% in the first quarter of the year, according to industry data indicating an easing in the steep rises seen last year.

The latest tracker issued by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) showed a 1% increase on the previous three months to £635.

That was despite the average claim paid rising 8% to reach a record of £4,800, the body said.

The ABI said the disparity showed that its members were "absorbing" additional costs and not passing them on.

Nevertheless, the average policy was still 33%, or £157, higher between January and March compared to the same period last year.

Read the full story here ...

Getir , the grocery delivery app, has abandoned a European expansion that is set to result in the loss of around 1,500 jobs in the UK.

Sky News had previously revealed that the Turkey-based company, which means "to bring" in Turkish, had  successfully raised money from investors to fund its withdrawals  from the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.

It had already departed other countries including Italy and Spain.

The exits were prompted by growing losses linked to the company's rapid expansion.

Waitrose is launching an exclusive range of products with popular chef Yotam Ottolenghi today. 

The Israeli-British chef is famous for his Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired food, and has worked with the supermarket to release products including a pasta sauce, spice blend and shawarma marinade. 

It is the first time Ottolenghi has partnered with a supermarket in such a way. 

The full range will be available in Waitrose shops, Waitrose.com and Ottolenghi.co.uk from today, while a selection of products will be available from the supermarket on Deliveroo and Uber Eats. 

An introductory 20% off offer is being launched until 18 June. 

The range includes: 

• Ottolenghi Miso Pesto 165g (£4)
• Ottolenghi Kalamata Olive & Harissa Sauce  350g (£4.50)
• Ottolenghi Pomegranate, Rose & Preserved Lemon Harissa 170g (£5)
• Ottolenghi Green Harissa 170g (£5)
• Ottolenghi Aleppo & Other Chillies Blend (£3.95)
• Ottolenghi Sweet & Smokey Blend (£3.95)
• Ottolenghi Citrus & Spice Blend (£3.95)
• Ottolenghi Red Chilli Sauce (£4.50)
• Ottolenghi Shawarma Marinade (£4)

Ottolenghi said he had "always been super eager to get our flavours onto people's dinner plates nationwide, not just in London, without having to cook it from scratch every single time". 

He added: "I hate to admit it but the pasta sauce already features heavily in my home kitchen, when no one is looking."

The cost of bread, biscuits and beer could increase this year due to the impact of the unusually wet autumn and winter on UK harvests.

Research suggests that production of wheat, oats, barley and oilseed rape could drop by four million tonnes (17.5%) compared with 2023.

The wet weather has resulted in lower levels of planting, while flooding and storms over winter caused farmers more losses.

The predictions come just as the rate of price increases on many food items begins to slow as inflation falls.

The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) analysed forecasts from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHBD) and government yield data.

It found a "real risk" of beer, biscuits and bread becoming more expensive if the poor harvest increases costs for producers, according to its lead analyst Tom Lancaster.

Beer prices could be affected because the wet weather is still disrupting the planting of spring crops such as barley, the ECIU said.

And potatoes might also see a price hike in the coming months, with growers warning of a major shortage in the autumn due to persistent wet weather.

By Emily Mee , Money team

When I think about the toys of my childhood - my pink Barbie car, my Gameboy Micro, my collection of Pokemon cards - I can't tell you where they went. 

Maybe they were shipped off to a charity shop at some point... Or perhaps they're in the attic? 

While my hot pink Gameboy Micro is lost to the void of time (or a cardboard box somewhere in my mum's house), other versions of it are selling on eBay for £100 or more. 

And there are Pokemon cards selling for anything from a tenner to hundreds or even thousands of pounds. 

It's possible you also have items at home that are a collector's dream. 

Gumtree says its collectables category is already proving to be a "hotbed of activity" this year, with listings up 22% in 2024 so far. 

Its most popular items include rare stamps, coins, war memorabilia and Pokemon cards. 

Spring is often the most popular time for buying and selling collectibles, with demand spiking in March and April. 

We've enlisted the help of TV presenter and collectables expert Tracy Martin to give an idea of what could make you an easy buck. 

Old toys making a 'retro comeback'

Tracy explains that while trends change, vintage toys tend to stand the test of time. 

"Toys are always going to be popular because they tap into nostalgia, our childhood memories," she says, explaining that adults like to buy the toys they used to have. 

Perhaps you were into cars, and you've got some old diecast vehicles from Matchbox, Corgi or Dinky Toys. 

A quick look on toy auction site Vectis.co.uk shows a Corgi Toys "James Bond" Aston Martin estimated to sell for between £600 to £700 - while others are likely to fetch £50 to £60. 

Sindy dolls are also particularly sought after - particularly those from the 1960s - and Barbie dolls from the 1990s too. 

Pokemon cards have seen a "massive surge", Tracy says, with people paying "thousands and thousands of pounds" for good unopened sets. 

She's even seen examples of people paying £16,000 upwards. 

Another up-and-coming market is games consoles, such as Gameboys, vintage consoles and PlayStations, which are making a "retro comeback".

What else could earn you some cash?

Tracy says there's currently a surge in people wanting to buy "mid century" furniture, which is dated to roughly 1945 to 1965 and typically uses clean lines and has a timeless feel. 

Vintage Danish furniture is sought after, particularly tables and chairs with good designer names such as Wegner, Verner Panton and Arne Jacobsen.

Prices range from the low hundreds into the thousands.

People will also look out for vintage framed prints by artists such as Tretchikoff, J.H. Lynch and Shabner - these can range in price from £50 upwards to a few hundred pounds plus. 

Vintage clothes, handbags and shoes can fetch a good price - but you can also invest in modern pieces. 

Tracy suggests looking out for good classic designs with high-end designer names such as Gucci, Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton. 

Modern designers such as Irregular Choice, Vendula and Lulu Guinness are also collected. 

Collaborations with designers and celebrities can do well as they're often limited edition. 

For example, Tracy says the H&M x Paco Rabanne maxi silver sequin dress retailed at £279.99 last year but now sells for in excess of £600. 

When it comes to shoes, "the quirkier the design the better" - so look out for brands such as Irregular Choice and Joe Browns. 

Converse and Dr Martens collaborations also do well, depending on the design and condition, as well as Adidas and Nike limited edition trainers. 

What's the best way to sell?  

Tracy recommends to always research before selling your items, as they might perform better on different platforms and you can also get an idea of how much they sell for. 

For example, Vinted can be a good place to sell clothes and shoes, while other items might be better suited for sale on Gumtree, eBay or Etsy. 

Tracy's favourite way to sell is through auction - especially if there are specialist sales. 

Vectis is one of the biggest and most popular for toy selling. 

Interests in different periods and items can go up and down, but for the time being vintage pieces from the 1980s and 90s are popular. 

How much you'll be able to get from an item often takes into account its rarity, condition, whether it reflects a period in time, and if it's got a good name behind it. 

You never know - you might be sitting on a treasure trove. 

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free