Boasting vast landscapes, rich cultural diversity, and impressive wildlife, the second-largest continent on Earth stands out as a top destination for travelers in the current year. These days travelers seem to love the continent and ignore all the bad narratives they see on TV and blogs. They have come to understand that the continent is not as bad as they hear.
Africa might not always be a primary consideration for the typical traveler, yet those who venture there get the opportunity to encounter an ideal fusion of ancient and modern, untamed wilderness and urban sophistication, as well as the harmony between East and West. Selecting your adventure on the second-largest continent, from the coastal allure of Cape Town to Tanzania’s game reserves, can be a challenging decision.
In this article, I will help you select or choose some of the best places to visit in Africa alone, with the family, or with your partner based on factors such as accessibility, affordability, a diverse range of activities, and expert opinions, the following evaluation takes into account these key aspects.
Best Places To Visit In Africa
Victoria Falls, Zambia
Outdoor enthusiasts flock from all over to see this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Victoria Falls, located in Mosi Oa Tunya National Park on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is about twice as deep and wide as Niagara Falls, making it one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls. Visit in April or May, after the region’s rainy season has ended, to see this natural wonder at its best. The Knife-Edge Bridge, Livingstone Island, and Devil’s Pool are all popular observation locations. When you’re not admiring the falls from above, try whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River to see them from a different perspective.
Table Mountain, South Africa
Table Mountain, a prominent landmark, elevates Cape Town into the ranks of the world’s finest beach cities, securing its place as one of the most photogenic destinations globally. Offering captivating cable car rides to its summit, visitors are treated to breathtaking views, making it an ideal vantage point for spectacular sunrises and sunsets. The panoramic perspectives from the mesa not only showcase the city’s coastal beauty but also unveil the convergence of nature and urban allure.
Moreover, Cape Town’s allure extends beyond Table Mountain, encompassing a vibrant cultural scene, historical landmarks, and diverse culinary experiences. The city’s accessibility and affordability further enhance its appeal, allowing travelers to explore iconic sites such as Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, or indulge in the bustling atmosphere of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. With expert opinions affirming its multifaceted charm, Cape Town emerges as a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of natural splendor and cultural richness.
Fish River Canyon, Namibia
The magnificent Fish River Canyon in Southern Namibia is one of the world’s largest canyons and is a wonderful, amazing sight to see. Fish River Canyon, one of Africa’s Natural Wonders, is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike the Fish River Canyon Trail, or you can take a spectacular overhead flight to observe the multicolored rock canyon contrasted with the vivid blue water of the river.
Cape Coast Castle, Ghana
Cape Coast Castle, a European-built fortress in Ghana, serves as a trading post and the headquarters of the British colonial administration until 1957. Initially constructed in 1652 by the African, Asiatic, and American Company of Sweden, the castle was later seized by the British in 1663. The British extensively rebuilt the castle in 1699 and periodically throughout the 18th century, expanding it landward and seaward.
The castle’s growth was driven by the increasing demand for African captives, with most of its trade revolving around the slave trade. The castle’s underground dungeon was a space of terror, death, and darkness, juxtaposed with the European living quarters and commanding heights. The dungeon was often the last experience enslaved people had before embarking on their journey to the Americas.
Cape Coast Castle, along with Elmina Castle, served as a principal depot for the slave trade, with around 30,000 enslaved Africans passing through the castles. Today, Cape Coast Castle is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the town that grew around the castle supplies labor to merchants, supplementing the castle’s own enslaved workers. The castle has been documented with terrestrial 3D laser scanning by the Zamani Project, creating a permanent record for research, education, restoration, and conservation.
Djemaa el Fna, Morocco
Djemaa el Fna, the world’s most thrilling town square, reminds you that you’re in Africa. In the sleepy heat of the afternoon, snake-charmers, henna-painters, storytellers, date-sellers, and orange juice merchants set up their stalls in the heart of Marrakech’s ancient city.
As night falls, the merchants are joined by tribal drummers, ladyboy dancers, and mobile restaurateurs who sell excellent grilled meats, bread, and salad while smoke rises over their stalls until far past midnight.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
The archipelago off the coast of Tanzania is semi-autonomous, making it a very unique African vacation. Zanzibar’s cities feature a unique mix of architectural styles, including Arabic, Middle Eastern, Moorish, and Indian influences. Zanzibar has multiple world-class beaches to pick from, as well as a vibrant and well-preserved heritage. Spend some time in Stone Town, the capital city, which is home to several wonderful museums and the 17th-century Old Fort.
Lalibela, Ethiopia
Lalibela, Ethiopia, is regarded as a pilgrimage destination. Lalibela is home to 11 monolithic, rock-cut churches, each of which is worth exploring. The majority of the population are Egyptian Orthodox Christians, and the majority of the churches are from the 12th and 13th centuries. If you only have time to visit one church in Lalibela, make it Bet Giyorgis, which is designed like a cross and spectacularly sculpted entirely from rock.
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Masai Mara National Reserve, home to cheetahs, elephants, lions, wildebeests, hippos, and other animals, is one of Kenya’s top wildlife viewing areas. Sign up for a safari to explore the 373,000-plus acres of rolling grasslands in this protected area. Choose a horseback riding tour or a hot air balloon safari for an extra dose of adventure. Visit between July and October to enhance your chances of seeing the big five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes) and other migration species. (Tip: Look for companies that have Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association-certified guides.)
Sossusvlei Dunes, Namibia
Sossusvlei means “water gathering place,” but you’ll need to carry your own if you don’t want to dehydrate while seeing Namibia’s most spectacular feature. The dunes formed over millions of years as a result of debris flowing from the Orange River into the Atlantic, being swept north by the surf, and then returning to land. Climbing the dunes provides stunning views of the Deadvlei, a ghostly expanse of dry, white clay interrupted by the skeletons of ancient camelthorn trees.
Merzouga, Morocco
Merzouga, despite its tiny size, is a famous Moroccan tourist attraction. Merzouga, located in the Sahara Desert, is bordered by massive dunes known as the Erg Chebbi. Berbers, a nomadic ethnicity, make up a large portion of the local population. You can take a camel safari into the dunes to observe the traditional Berber culture if you come. Aside from experiencing the nomadic desert lifestyle, you may also go birdwatching in the spring, when a vast variety of birds migrate through the area.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and the capital of the Gauteng province. Founded in 1886, the city is located in the Witwatersrand region, which has vast gold deposits. Johannesburg is the financial hub of South Africa and is the country’s chief industrial and financial metropolis. The city has a wide variety of architecture, from early Art Nouveau to post-modern buildings. Hillbrow, for example, contains many buildings constructed since the 1950s, including the Hillbrow Tower.
Johannesburg is also home to many notable buildings, such as the Carlton Centre, which is the tallest building in Africa. The city is a center for learning and entertainment for all of South Africa, with a thriving arts scene, well-established café culture, and Soweto, the country’s most populous township. Johannesburg is also a great place to learn about South Africa’s past and look to its future. The city is a must-visit for architects, with a contemporary vernacular for the many large buildings, mostly blocks of flats, which have been erected.
Djenne, Mali
Djenne is probably Mali’s most historically and architecturally interesting city. The city was an essential part of the trans-Saharan gold trade, and it is now a regional hub because of its magnificent weekly market, which draws citizens from all over the region. The Great Mosque, the world’s largest mud brick edifice, is by far the most stunning landmark in the city. The Islamic Mosque was built in the 13th century, although it wasn’t finished until 1907.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Etosha National Park is Namibia’s second-largest game reserve. It was built around the Etosha salt pan, where numerous animals congregate. As a result, the national park is a fantastic place to watch wildlife. Bring binoculars because you’ll be able to observe zebras, springbok, lions, giraffes, elephants, and other animals. Three rest camps are provided for tourist lodging, letting you witness these beautiful animals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Seychelles
The Seychelles, a group of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, has long drawn visitors seeking a tranquil, off-the-beaten-path getaway. Spend your days relaxing on pristine, crowd-free beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Source D’Argent, two of the world’s most gorgeous beaches. Alternatively, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Vallée de Mai nature reserve to see its distinctive flora and animals. Keep in mind that lodging in this area is pricey (especially at the luxury resorts), so save up and reserve ahead of time.
Cairo, Egypt
Cairo can be overwhelming because there is so much to see and do at every corner. From the busy Khan El-Khalili bazaar in Islamic Cairo to the ancient Pyramids of Giza and the gorgeous Nile River, you’ll quickly become absorbed in the history and culture of this Egyptian city. Though winter has the most beautiful weather (daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s), it is also the busiest season, so visit in the spring or fall when lodging prices are lower, temperatures are bearable, and people lessen.
Mountain gorillas, Rwanda
A close experience with the mountain gorillas of Rwanda’s rainforest will be with you for the rest of your life. Tours are available in the deep forest to track silverbacks and their troupes. The Nyungwe National Park, which covers more than 386 square miles in southwest Rwanda, is an isolated territory at an elevation of more than 6,000 feet. Tourists can interact with a wide variety of primates and explore East Africa’s highest canopy.
Spitzkoppe, Namibia
Spitzkoppe is a group of bald granite peaks located in the Namib Desert of Namibia. The granite is more than 120 million years old, and the highest outcrop rises about 1,728 meters above sea level. The most symbolic of them all is the pointed triangular mountain rising more than 1700 meters high. The stunning red rocks make for an otherworldly landscape to explore. Spitzkoppe is a paradise for hikers and rock climbers, and the view from the top is an incredible reward.
The area is also home to hundreds of rock paintings, including the so-called Bushmen’s Paradise, which is the most prominent place of discovery. Unfortunately, many paintings have been damaged by vandalism. The area has a restaurant and bar where visitors can enjoy an ice-cold beer after a walk or hike. To access Spitzkoppe, visitors need a 4×4, and the drive from Swakopmund is about 160 km. Spitzkoppe is well-serviced, and there are incredible campsites at the front gate where visitors can pay their entrance fee.
Accra, Ghana
The city grew into a prosperous trading center, and in 1877, it became the capital of the British Gold Coast colony. Today, Accra is the administrative, economic, and educational center of Ghana, with the head offices of all the large banks and trading firms, insurance agencies, and the general post office. The city is home to many notable buildings, including the Korle Bu General Hospital, which houses the Ghana Medical School, and the Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, and Methodist cathedrals1. Accra is also a center for learning and entertainment for all of Ghana, with a thriving arts scene, well-established café culture, and historical backgrounds. Visitors can explore the city’s rich history and culture by visiting the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, W.E.B. DuBois Center, and the National Museum of Ghana.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is located where the Okavango River joins the Kalahari basin. The delta is gorgeous to behold, and because it is a source of water, it is almost constantly surrounded by wildlife. The Okavango Delta is a famous safari destination with a breathtaking landscape. An aerial trip by plane is a terrific and unforgettable way to experience the Okavango Delta, allowing you to observe the flowing Okavango River as well as some of the larger game creatures.
Mount Mulanje, Malawi
The Mulanje Massif, at roughly 3,000 meters (9,850 feet), overshadows the verdant area that surrounds it. The Fort Lister Gap, a large gap eroded by the Phalombe and Sombani rivers, divides it in two.
The mountain is highlighted by massive rock basins and narrow gorges formed by fast-flowing streams. A challenging hike leads to breathtaking views.
Expect to see monkeys, hares, voles, and a carpet of lovely wildflowers after the rain along the way. Another distinguishing aspect is the abundance of butterflies.