As a travel writer, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many of Africa’s hidden gems, and I’m excited to share my top 12 recommendations with you. From the bustling markets of Marrakech to the sandy beaches of Zanzibar, there’s something for every type of traveler on this list.
So pack your bags, grab your camera, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Africa. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a new adventure, these destinations are sure to inspire and delight.
Places to visit in Africa
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
For those who are captivated by the idea of having up-close encounters with zebras, elephants, giraffes, and wildebeests, a safari tour in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is the ideal excursion. Although the cost is high, traveling here offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the African savanna. Choose to stay at a budget campground in the park rather than an upscale safari resort or opulent tented camp to save money. For the finest conditions for game viewing, try to arrive in January or February (calving season) or between June and October (dry season and prime migratory time).
Victoria Falls, Zambia
Outdoor enthusiasts come from far and wide to see this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls is located in Mosi Oa Tunya National Park and spans the boundary between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is about twice as deep and wide as Niagara Falls. When the region’s rainy season ends in April or May, you can witness this natural beauty at its best. Devil’s Pool, Livingstone Island, and the Knife-Edge Bridge are well-liked viewpoints. If you want to see the falls from a different perspective when you’re not enjoying the vista from above, consider going whitewater rafting in the Zambezi River.
Table Mountain, South Africa
In Cape Town, South Africa, Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain that dominates the city and is a well-known landmark. With more than a million tourists visiting each year, it is a major tourist destination. Stunning views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding landscapes may be seen from the plateau summit of the mountain. Hikers can ascend Table Mountain; among the more historic and picturesque routes is the Platteklip Gorge path. For those who would rather climb the mountain more quickly, there is a cable car available. As a component of the Table Mountain National Park, Table Mountain is renowned for its abundant biodiversity, which includes about 8,200 plant species, of which fynbos make up 80%. The goal of conservation activities on the mountain is to save its fragile habitat for the next generations.
Djemaa el Fna, Morocco
Djemaa el Fna, the most vibrant town square in the world, makes you feel as though you are in Africa. In the languid afternoon hours of Marrakech’s old city, vendors of orange juice, storytellers, henna artists, snake charmers, and date dealers set up their booths. Tribal drummers, ladyboy dancers, and mobile restaurateurs join the merchants as night falls, offering mouthwatering grilled meats, bread, and salads while smoke billows above their stalls far past midnight.
Ait Benhaddou, Morocco
The amazing city of Ait Benhaddou is located in Morocco on the edge of the High Atlas Mountains. Ait Benhaddou, also called Mud Brick City, is a historic fortified halt that served as a refuge for travelers between the Sahara and the city of Marrakesh. When you visit Ait Benhaddou, you may see the Mausoleum of Ben-Haddou, see the mud buildings, and explore the old Granary at the top of the hilltop settlement.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Whether you’re looking for stunning white sand beaches or an incredible experience, Zanzibar has something to offer everyone. Sitting on serene beaches like Matemwe and Kiwengwa after traveling to this Indian Ocean islands off the coast of East Africa, you’ll feel instantly at rest. After that, go to Stone Town, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. There, you can see the remains of a palace from the 19th century and a cemetery connected to the former Arab kings of Zanzibar. And a trip wouldn’t be complete without seeing Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and going on a spice tour around the region. Additionally, you’ll discover that this tropical getaway is surprisingly affordable.
Seychelles
The Seychelles, a collection of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, have long drawn travelers seeking a genuinely tranquil vacation away from the main road. One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Anse Lazio, and Anse Source D’Argent are perfect places to spend your days relaxing without any crowds. Alternatively, explore the Vallée de Mai nature reserve, which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see its distinctive wildlife and plants. Remember that hotels are pricey here, particularly at the upscale resorts, so plan and save money.
Cairo, Egypt
Cairo may be incredibly overwhelming because there is always something new to see and do. Soon you will be fully immersed in the history and culture of this Egyptian metropolis, from the ancient Pyramids of Giza to the gorgeous Nile River, to the busy Khan El-Khalili bazaar of Islamic Cairo. While winter brings the nicest weather all year round (think 60s and 70s for daytime highs), it’s also the busiest time of year. If you can, try to visit in the spring or fall when prices for lodging are lower, the weather is more tolerable, and there are fewer people about.
Sossusvlei Dunes, Namibia
The name Sossusvlei means “the gathering place of water,” but if you want to avoid dehydration at Namibia’s most notable attraction, you’ll need to pack your own.
The debris that flowed from the Orange River into the Atlantic, was swept north by the surf, and then returned to land over millions of years is what gave rise to the dunes.
Awe-inspiring vistas can be seen while climbing the dunes, such as the Deadvlei, a ghostly stretch of white, dried clay broken up by the skeletons of old camelthorn trees.
Mountain gorillas, Rwanda
You will always remember your up close and personal experience with the mountain gorillas in the Rwandan rainforest. Numerous companies provide tours that track the deep forest’s silverbacks and their troupes.
Covering more than 386 square miles in southwest Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is a remote area at a height of nearly 6,000 feet. Travelers can experience the highest canopy in East Africa and interact with a wide variety of primates.
Spitzkoppe, Namibia
You will always remember your up close and personal experience with the mountain gorillas in the Rwandan rainforest. Numerous companies provide tours that track the deep forest’s silverbacks and their troupes.
Covering more than 386 square miles in southwest Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is a remote area at a height of nearly 6,000 feet. Travelers can experience the highest canopy in East Africa and interact with a wide variety of primates.
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Around 2650 BC, 2.5 million limestone blocks were used to build the Pyramid of King Cheops, the most well-known building at Giza, which is located close to Cairo. The orientation of its sides is precisely north, south, east, and west.
Constructed by Cheops’ son, the Chephren pyramid shares similarities in size and features entrances to a burial chamber that retains the colossal granite sarcophagus belonging to King Chephren.
Mycerinus’ pyramid is smaller than the other two, and there are several tombs and smaller pyramids all around the three.