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Africa is one of the most diverse continents in the world. With 54 countries, Africa is home to beautiful national parks and a wide range of cultures, cuisines, and languages. But how do you decide where to go? Don’t worry — that’s where we come in.
The 15 Best Places to Visit in Africa
As the second-largest continent, deciding where to go in Africa can be challenging. There is so much to see that it’s impossible to do it all in one trip.
We’re experts on Africa and will show you the best places in Africa to see, whether your goal is to go on safari, enjoy the nightlife, or experience new cultures and cuisines.
1. Zanzibar, Tanzania
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Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous island in Tanzania. It has a unique history different from the rest of Tanzania, with the perfect blend of Arab, Swahili, Indian, and Portuguese influences. It offers an opportunity to enjoy authentic Swahili cuisine.
Take a walk around Stone Town, where you can see historical buildings or get lost in ancient pathways. You can also spend some nights on the other side of the island at places like Paje Beach, which has many resorts and restaurants. There are always beach parties and events going on as well.
Read Next: The Best Time to Visit Tanzania in 2023
2. Cape Town, South Africa
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Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is located on the coast of South Africa and is home to Table Mountain, which provides stunning views of the city and ocean. You can visit one of the world-class restaurants, do some wine tasting, or enjoy the nightlife.
There is a lot of history in Cape Town as well. For example, you can visit Robben Island, the place where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in prison, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Read Next: The Best Time to Visit Cape Town in 2023
3. Cairo, Egypt
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As one of the largest cities in Africa, Cairo features luxury hotels and an opportunity to see the Nile River. Whether you eat at one of the riverside restaurants or take a boat tour down the river, there’s one crucial thing you shouldn’t miss: the Pyramids of Giza.
Located in Giza, just outside Cairo, the Pyramids are one of the seven wonders of the world. Tourists flock to Egypt from all over the world to see them. They are even accessible by Uber from Cairo.
4. Marrakesh, Morocco
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Marrakech offers an exciting glimpse into North African culture. You can find anything in its exotic and bustling markets, but make sure to haggle for the best price. Medina is where most tourists stay, and it is home to hotels and Airbnbs with unique architecture and designs.
It’s one of the most colorful cities you’ll ever visit, despite all the hustle and bustle. Whether you want to visit the museums or see some snake charmers in action, Marrakech is just a short flight away from Europe.
5. Mombasa, Kenya
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Mombasa is Kenya’s main coastal city. Most tourists prefer to stay in nearby Nyali or other adjacent areas as opposed to Mombasa itself. Mombasa’s main religion is Islam, and the region is full of Arab, Swahili, Bantu, Indian, and Portuguese influences.
In Mombasa itself, you can visit Fort Jesus or walk around the markets. Alternatively, you can take a trip to some of the more popular coastal towns and villages that make up the greater Kenyan coastal region.
Diani is close by but currently only accessible via a flight from Nairobi or a ferry from Mombasa. In the opposite direction, you can stay in Malindi or the sleepy beach town Watamu, which is around two to three hours by road from Mombasa.
6. Namibia
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If you’d like to escape the crowds and enjoy the beautiful scenery, Namibia is the place to go. One of its main attractions is the massive sand dunes in the coastal region.
Climbing the sand dunes can be a struggle, but it’s well worth it. You can also visit the Fish River Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the world (after the Grand Canyon). The country is also one of the safest in Africa.
7. Lagos, Nigeria
Victoria Island, Lagos / Lagos – June 23 2018: Landscape view of the street at dusk/ba55ey/Shutterstock
Lagos isn’t at the top of everyone’s travel list, but it’s still worth a visit. As one of the largest African cities, it will give you unique insights into the everyday lives of Nigerians.
The nightlife is one of the best in Africa, so you can party to your heart’s content. You can also enjoy the delicious cuisine Nigeria is so famous for. Nigeria is also a leader in dance and music, which visiting Lagos will give you first-hand exposure to.
8. Lake Victoria
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There’s a reason people call Lake Victoria the Pearl of Africa. As the second-largest freshwater lake in the world, it offers spectacular views. Most of the lake is in Tanzania and Uganda, but it also borders Kenya. Most people access it from Tanzania or Uganda.
Home to over 200 fish species, you can enjoy fresh fish that will delight your palate at some of the lakeside hotels and restaurants. There are plenty of tours operating in the region, regardless of which part of the lake you are staying at.
Read Next: The Best Time to Visit Kenya in 2023
9. The Seychelles
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The Seychelles is a country in the Indian Ocean consisting of 115 islands. Its capital is around 800 miles away from mainland Africa.
Most people visit the Seychelles to enjoy its pristine beaches and stay at one of its many resorts. The weather is excellent all year round, so it’s always a good time to go.
Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit Seychelles in 2023
10. Cape Verde
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On the opposite side of Africa, off the western coast, is Cape Verde, or Cabo Verde. Consisting of 10 islands (nine of which are inhabited), Cape Verde has a lot of Portuguese influence.
Its stunning scenery, year-round good weather, all-inclusive resorts, white sandy beaches, and friendly locals are some of the main reasons people visit.
11. Tunisia
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Tunisia, including the capital Tunis, has a lot to offer. You can start with the beautiful Mediterranean beaches – but that’s not all. You can also enjoy the Sahara, visit the archeological sites, wander around the markets, and enjoy the unique cuisine.
Hospitality is one thing that Tunisians are famous for. You’ll be able to make friends quite easily, although knowing some Arabic or French might be helpful.
12. Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali, Rwanda – September 21, 2018: a wide view looking down on the city centre with Pension Plaza in the foreground and Kigali City Tower in the background against a backdrop of distant blue hills/Jennifer Sophie/Shutterstock
Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda. Some call it the Dubai of Africa – it has well-paved, clean roads and an overall modern feel.
Visiting the Genocide Memorial to understand more about Rwanda’s history is a must. However, Kigali also has a thriving art scene and café culture, and you should also consider a visit to the Kimironko market.
13. Ethiopia
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Ethiopia has some of the best cuisines in Africa, featuring a wide range of spices and the injera, or the spongy Ethiopian flatbread made of teff flour. Ethiopia is also famous for its coffee.
There’s a lot to see in Ethiopia, starting with the busy capital city of Addis Ababa. Many people also visit the ancient ruins and historical sites, such as Lalibela and its rock-cut monolithic churches.
14. Mt. Kilimanjaro
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Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest freestanding mountain in the world. It attracts many visitors who attempt to climb it, many of whom go on multiple-day trekking trips.
It’s a truly stunning place, but it’s not for everyone. If you do decide to do it, you will get some fantastic photos and make long-lasting friendships with your climbing crew.
15. Safari Parks
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A visit to Africa would only be complete with a trip to one of the many safari game parks. You’ll get a chance to see lions, elephants, tigers, monkeys, and other animals up close in their natural habitats.
There are many national parks in Africa where you can go on a safari drive. Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, Kruger National Park in South Africa, and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania are all great choices.
Read Next: The Best African Safaris to Take in 2023
Things to Consider
Is this your first time visiting Africa? You should first understand that Africa is huge and diverse, so it’s best to focus on a specific region or visit one or two spots at a time. You can always make more trips later.
Air transport is the best way to reach Africa, but not all cities are well-connected. There are some direct flights from the US.
Still, only a few airlines, such as Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways, offer many connections between various African cities (usually with a stopover in cities like Addis Ababa and Nairobi). There are also regional carriers, such as ASKY Airlines in West and Central Africa.
Some African cities are not very safe. Examples include Johannesburg, Nairobi, Mombasa, and Lagos. In such cities, take an Uber when traveling around, especially at night.
Ask your travel agent, Airbnb host, or local friend about which neighborhoods are safe to visit, and don’t flaunt your valuables in the street. Remember that there may be multiple languages in a single country or region.
Learning Swahili might help you understand locals in Kenya, for example, but many people will speak to each other in their native tongues, of which there are over 70. Above all, keep an open mind and enjoy yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are you still nervous about your trip to Africa? Here are answers to some of the most common questions we see from readers.
What are the top 10 suggested countries to visit in Africa?
It’s hard to give a detailed list. However, you should consider starting with Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Namibia, Egypt, Morocco, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Senegal.
Where is the safest place in Africa?
Mauritius is the safest in Africa, according to the link text">Global Peace Index. Other safe countries include Ghana, Gambia, and Botswana.
What is the cleanest country in Africa?
Rwanda is the cleanest country in Africa. The government emphasizes maintaining clean streets, mainly to improve public perception; much of that is due to its history.
Which is the most stable country in Africa?
Botswana is the most stable country in Africa, although others, like Kenya, are also stable. Other countries, such as Ethiopia, have recently experienced civil war or unrest. Somalia is the most unstable country on the continent.
Which African country is good to live and work in?
If you plan on staying long-term, consider a country such as Kenya. Almost everyone in the major cities speaks English, and it has good infrastructure. South Africa, Botswana, Uganda, and Gambia are also good choices.
Our Favorite Places to Visit in Africa
There are many fantastic destinations in Africa, including South Africa, Kenya, and Namibia. But it’s easy to get overwhelmed when planning a trip to Africa. You can consider hiring a tour agency to take care of your accommodation and book a safari tour for you to make things simpler.
However, Africa offers a lot more than just safaris, so take the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture. So what are you waiting for — book your trip to Africa today!