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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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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 .

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations 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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

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top 10 tourist destinations africa

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top 10 tourist destinations africa

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top 10 tourist destinations africa

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Africa Wanderlust

What are the Main Tourist Attractions in Africa?

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Africa is a vast continent with the most diverse countries in the world. Filled with lush inland forests and picture-perfect beaches, Africa is a growing tourist attraction in itself. Here is the list of the best tourist attractions in Africa.

top 10 tourist attractions in africa

Each country has something unique to offer from tradition and culture to natural wonders the draw tourists from all over the world looking to experience their own piece of Africa. 

To choose just one reason to visit Africa and select one attraction is impossible, there are many. To help you on your journey toward your own African adventure, here are just ten of the best tourist attractions in Africa. Of course, this list is by no means comprehensive; however, these should give you plenty of food for thought.

The Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Africa

Cape town, south africa.

As far as the best tourist attractions in Africa go, Cape Town as a city and its surrounding area is very much the easiest and most accessible way to get a taste of Africa as a whole. 

tourist attractions in south africa

Cape Town is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, a colorful mix of people, cultures, tradition, history, nature, and food, is perhaps the best way to define the Mother City.

Here a tourist can explore top tourist attractions in Cape Town South Africa , everything from Robben Island to the iconic Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point, Cape Winelands, and Camps Bay, getting a taste of fresh mountain air and ocean breezes all year round. If you play your cards right, you might be able to attend one of the best music festivals in South Africa .

Best Time to Visit: Peak Season is from November to January. Secret Seasons (best time to be a local) are October and late February to March.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and Zambia

The falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia are something everyone has heard about, and for many, what African dreams are filled with. Victoria Falls is a jointly owned tourist attraction and can be viewed and explored from either Zambia or Zimbabwe. 

tourist attractions in africa

A majestic 108 meters high cascade of water, often called “The Cloud that Thunders” is not only one of the top tourist attractions in Africa but the world. Victoria Falls is a mesmerizing and awe-inspiring top ten tourist attractions in Africa that is a bucket list item for millions of people. 

Best Time to Visit: February to May

Omo River Region, Ethiopia

The Omo River region of Ethiopia is one of the most remote and secluded places in the world. Vast expanses of this picturesque African plains are extremely difficult to reach. To visit this place to explore the depths of African culture barely touched by the world in the 21st century, you will have to use a specialist tour . 

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Historically, Ethiopia tends to heavily value their independence and unique culture by restricting external influence. However, it is slowly opening its doors to let the rest of the world experience its paradise. Once you visit Ethiopia, your view of Africa will be changed forever, and you will understand why it is of the main tourist attractions in East Africa.

Best time to visit: September to April – especially the very beginning of September and the end of April.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro , or just “Kili” to many in the climbing fraternity, is a major tourist attraction in Africa. For those seeking an adventure holiday, a trek to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is perhaps the epitome of such a vacation. 

main tourist attractions in africa

Standing at 5,895 meters tall, it takes around 5 to 10 days to summit and returns back to the foot of the tallest mountain in Africa. The climb does not really require any specialist climbing equipment, but the right level of fitness is essential. Be warned of altitude sickness, this is a prevalent problem among those who attempt the climb.

Best times to visit: January to March, which is much colder with the potential of snow and June to October.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

When people think of Africa, they think of wild animals and safaris . The Massai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Africa, and every tourist has a dramatically different experience when they visit. 

main tourist attraction in east africa

The Massai Mara is one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Africa, not just to see but experience the big 5 but because of the wildebeest migration. Continuing through the Maasai Mara National Reserve will lead you to the Serengeti National Park and Game Reserves in Tanzania.

There are many specialist tours of this impressive nature reserve and with a variety of game viewing experiences from regular overland vehicles to hot air balloons.

Best time to visit: The cold season from July to October is the best time to visit. This is peak season and can be costly.

Virunga National Park, DR Congo

African wildlife is by far the number one tourist attraction in Africa, and each African nation has different animals to see.

The Congo and nearby Uganda are famous for its mountain gorillas, and the Virunga National Park is perhaps the best place in the world where these impressive beasts can be seen. 

Established in 1925 as the very first national park in Africa, the park is also one of the top places in the world to see chimpanzees in the wild. Tourism to this beautiful region is growing and as well as seeing a wide variety of apes tourists. You can climb the slopes of the Nyiragongo Volcano and see the world’s largest pool of lava. 

Best time to visit: April, May, October and November

300*252

Okavango Delta, Botswana

One of the most breathtaking places on earth, the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO world heritage site, is one of the top tourist destinations in Africa.

top ten tourist attractions in africa

This vast river delta at the foot of the massive Kalahari attracts thousands of tourists each year who want to experience the true beauty and wilds of Africa. 

Many tourists explore the wild game hotspot by air either in light aircraft or hot air balloon, and the views are beyond comprehension. The land-based safaris offering some of the best game spotting experiences anywhere in the world, and many tourists simply wish they could stay a lot longer in the fantastic place.

Best time to visit: May to September

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Just off the coast is an exotic archipelago with pristine beaches and warm oceans. This fantastic location is one of the top tourist destinations in Africa because, for some, it is the ideal place for the perfect, relaxing beach holiday. 

tourist attractions in africa

With a vibrant history dating back to the 17th century, the destination has a magical blend of Arabic, Middle Eastern, Moorish, and Indian cultures and styles, making it unique like no other place in Africa.

Best time to visit: June to October

Giza Necropolis, Egypt

A lot of people do not think of Egypt as being in Africa. In the Giza Necropolis, you will get to see the Great Pyramid of Giza , the Pyramid of Menkaure , and the Pyramid of Khafre .

tourist attractions in africa

Still, it is, and the Giza Necropolis has to be something on many travel bucket lists. The ancient Egyptian civilizations are brought back to life along the river Nile through pyramids and tombs. Not the Africa everyone immediately thinks of but certainly a part of Africa everyone should indeed visit.

Best times to visit: October to April when temperatures are cooler

Kruger National Park, South Africa

South Africa is perhaps the most accessible of all African nations. While Cape Town attracts the majority of 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. 

tourist attractions in africa

This South African National Park is one of the top places in the world to spot all the Big 5 and top tourist attractions in South Africa. Visitors can obtain a permit to visit and take a self-drive safari. Still, the majority of visitors join an organized safari.

Best time to visit: Between April and September

Concluding the Top Tourist Attractions in Africa

Africa has so many top tourist destinations , and each country, region, and the town will have its own hidden gems. To cover everything in one place would be difficult.

Visiting Africa is becoming easier with major airlines flying into most major African cities. There is a lot to see in Africa. 

most popular tourist attractions in africa

Whether you choose a grand tour starting at the bottom with South Africa and all the way up to Egypt , or if you merely cherry-pick the destinations of your choice, the continent welcomes you.

For many people, exploring Africa is a dream, and we would love to turn your vision into reality. We would love to hear your thoughts. What tourist attractions in Africa are on your bucket list, and which attractions exceeded your expectations?

FAQs for the Main Tourist Attractions in Africa

Cape Town, South Africa Victoria Falls , Zimbabwe, and Zambia Omo River Region, Ethiopia Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania The Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya Virunga National Park, DR Congo Okavango Delta, Botswana Zanzibar, Tanzania Giza Necropolis, Egypt Kruger National Park, South Africa

Africa has several top tourist destinations. However, with about 25 million annual visitors visiting Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, it is considered the most notable tourist destination in Africa.

Perhaps the country with the most Tourist attractions in Africa is South Africa , as this is one of the fast-developing countries in terms of tourism diversity.

This is the most impossible question to answer. From pyramids to mountain ranges, people to places, and oceans the plains of Africa. Africa means something different to everyone, but the continent is well known for the Safaris.

In recent years, Africa has opened up in terms of tourism. Tourists today are a great deal more adventurous and independent. Safaris are still very popular, as are pure sunshine and sand beach holidays. Where tourists got is ultimately up to them. However, most tourist’s first visit is either to South Africa , Kenya , Tanzania , Morocco , or Egypt .

The definition of “best” can be subjective. However, for tourists, because of the robust infrastructure, booming tourism, and ease of travel to the country, South Africa is regarded as the best country to visit in Africa.

Beauty is more than skin deep. To answer this, you need to visit and get under the surface of the country you are visiting. Africa itself is perhaps the most perfect definition of beautiful that you will ever find. However, Ethiopia , Seychelles , South Africa , and Guinea , are known to be amongst the most beautiful countries in Africa.

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12 Comments

top 10 tourist destinations africa

How could this list dare forget the Famous Serengeti plains, the top most largest wildlife attraction in the world, with an amazing scenic value. The famous largest seasonal wildlife migration.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

Hello Fadhili, that’s a great point! The Serengeti national park should be on the list. We’ll definitely include it in the next blog post update! 🙂

Love, Lydia

top 10 tourist destinations africa

YOU ARE RIGHT — SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK IN TANZANIA SHOULD BE IN THE LIST ( BEST NATIONAL PARK IN AFRICA , ALSO AMONG SEVEN NATURAL WONDERS OF AFRICA)

I second that, Tino! You can see our previous comment for reference.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

Thanks for the article. Visiting more Africa countries is on my bucket list. Do you have an article focusing on the best countries to visit based on different regions (e.g., West coast/East Coast)?

Hello Wayne, we do have a post on the best African countries to visit . However, it’s not ordered by region. If I were to pick one country per region, these are my recommendations:

  • North Africa: Morocco
  • West Africa: Ghana
  • East Africa: Kenya (this is a tough choice since there’re so many great options)
  • Southern Africa: South Africa (same as East Africa, many great options)

The reason I chose these countries is they have a well-developed tourism industry and cater specifically to visitors. A tip for South Africa, stick to the tourist areas, and you’ll be fine. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

Dear Wayne, if you want to visit East Africa, the dream place to visit is Uganda. You will surely discover why its called the “Pearl of Africa”.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

Hi! Thanks for sharing such a great post related to tourism,I also wanna know about some best things to do in Sharjah, So I request you to also post some instructive guidelines related to Tourism, as I have some great interest in such kind of things.

Thanks for visiting our site. We only cover content about Africa so Sharjah wouldn’t be a good fit. If you do have any African-related questions, please let us know.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

This is ammazing.. too bad my trip was canceled earlier this year due to COVID 19

top 10 tourist destinations africa

I would love to see more pictures. l am awed at the ones that l saw, my heart is beating.

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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.

Giraffe on the savannah in Kenya

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.

Cape Town, South Africa

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 .

Dhow sailing off Zanzibar

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.

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

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.

Aerial view of Victoria Falls

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.

Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakesh

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.

Silverback gorilla in Rwanda

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

Deadvlei, Sossusvlei, Namib-Naukluft National Park

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 .

Camels in the Grand Erg Oriental, Tunisia

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.

Elephants against the spectacular backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro

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

Leopard cub in Kruger National Park

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

The Great Migration in the Masai Mara

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

Wildlife at the Ngorongoro Crater

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.

Bazaruto Archipelago

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.

Okavango Delta

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.

Kayakers exploring Lake Malawi

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

Turtle Beach, Watamu, Kenya

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.

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Top 10 Best Places To Visit in Africa in 2024

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).

Best Places To Visit In Africa - Serengeti National Park

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.

2,966 Serengeti Tours

2. Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)

Best Places To Visit In Africa - Masai Mara National Reserve

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.

1,731 Masai Mara Tours

3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)

Best Places To Visit In Africa - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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.

1,051 Bwindi Impenetrable Tours

4. Amboseli National Park (Kenya)

Best Places To Visit In Africa - Amboseli National Park

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.

909 Amboseli Tours

5. Kruger National Park (South Africa)

Best Places To Visit In Africa - Kruger National Park

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.

373 Kruger Tours

6. Okavango Delta (Botswana)

Best Places To Visit In Africa - Okavango Delta

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.

205 Okavango Delta Tours

7. Etosha National Park (Namibia)

Best Places To Visit In Africa - Etosha National Park

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.

119 Etosha Tours

8. South Luangwa National Park (Zambia)

Best Places To Visit In Africa - South Luangwa National Park

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.

79 South Luangwa Tours

9. Mana Pools National Park (Zimbabwe)

Best Places To Visit In Africa - Mana Pools National Park

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.

26 Mana Pools Tours

10. Mahale Mountains National Park (Tanzania)

Best Places To Visit In Africa - Mahale Mountains National Park

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

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8-Day Best of Kenya Luxury Safari

$2,530 to $3,795 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Ol Pejeta (Laikipia) , Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Amboseli NP, Nairobi Airport (End)

Amazing Memories Safaris

5.0 /5  –  180 Reviews

top 10 tourist destinations africa

6-Day Mid-Range Tanzania Safari Tour

$2,695 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

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

Kipok Africa Adventures

4.8 /5  –  47 Reviews

top 10 tourist destinations africa

7-Day Amboseli, Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Tour

$2,097 to $2,768 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Amboseli NP, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End)

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4.9 /5  –  90 Reviews

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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.

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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

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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.

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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 =-.

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10 Best Countries to Visit in Africa

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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.

Africa map

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

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.

Tunisia

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.

Uganda

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

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

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

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.

Morocco

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

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.

Kenya

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.

Egypt

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.

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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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations 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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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).

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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).

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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.

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10 Unforgettable Activities to Top Your Africa Bucket List

top 10 tourist destinations africa

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Africa is a vast continent—the second largest in the world, in fact. It comprises 54 countries, countless different landscapes, and a myriad of unique ethnic groups. With that in mind, it's almost impossible to pick a top 10 list of things to do in Africa, but we've come up with a few of the most iconic options for your vacation. From culinary tours to wildlife adventures, this is your ultimate African bucket list.

Go on Safari

TripSavvy / Chris VR 

The word "safari" means "to journey" in Swahili. Fittingly, going on a wildlife safari is one of the main reasons people travel to Africa. East and Southern Africa are the most popular safari destinations. In East Africa, ​you can witness the annual  Great Migration of millions of wildebeest from a hot-air balloon, or  track endangered mountain gorillas  through the rainforests of Uganda and Rwanda. Southern Africa offers plenty of opportunities for spotting the Big Five (in a game vehicle, on foot or from the water). Keep things affordable by booking a self-drive safari in South Africa or Namibia. ​

Relax on a Beach

North Africa 's beach resorts have attracted European sun-seekers to their shores for decades. But if you want to escape the crowds, head further south. Africa's east coast offers the beach-lover everything from budget huts on the idyllic Indian Ocean in Zanzibar, to ultra-luxurious private islands in the Seychelles. Africa's west coast is lined with thousands of miles of palm-fringed beaches. The currents make swimming a little challenging at times, but the surfing is fantastic. In South Africa, you can even bump into penguins on the beach or  go diving with great white sharks .

Hike a Mountain

Africa offers wonderful hiking and trekking opportunities. The obvious choices for mountain enthusiasts are  Mount Kilimanjaro , Mount Kenya, and Morocco's  Atlas Mountains . But South Africa's Drakensberg Mountains are an absolute delight for a half-day hike or a longer multi-day trek. Uganda's Rwenzori Mountains and Ethiopia's Simien Mountains are lesser known but offer several of Africa's highest peaks. If you don't feel the urge to conquer a mountain but love to walk, excellent hikes include the famous walking safaris in Zambia's  South Luangwa National Park .

Explore on Two Wheels

For those that enjoy a challenge, exploring Africa by bike is a great way to discover the continent. Riding a bike puts you in direct contact with the people, landscapes, and wildlife that make Africa special; while the slower pace allows you enough time to soak it all in. Whether you want the thrill of a cross-continent cycling adventure, or the more sedate excitement of half a day spent exploring Cape Town , there's an African bike tour that's perfect for you. There are also several motorbike tours  available, from motorcycle safaris in Tanzania to Triumph tours of the South African coast.

Make a Difference Volunteering

Volunteering lets you scratch below the surface and gain an appreciation of a culture very different from your own. Spending time teaching, working and living alongside a community also leads to a deeper understanding ​of yourself, what you take for granted and what you should appreciate back home. It's a great way to experience Africa at a level beyond a consumer or voyeur. There are lots of options, from helping out for a few days to volunteering for several months. Many of these programs are fundraising initiatives for charities, so expect to pay a fee for your experience.

Discover the Continent's History

The evolution of man starts in Africa and Tanzania's Olduvai Gorge is a great destination for anyone interested in our bipedal ancestors. A few million years later, the San in southern Africa were adorning caves with magnificent paintings. 5,000 years ago, the Egyptians were already busy building monuments and tombs that still stand today. During medieval times, the imperial cities of Fez  and  Marrakech  were in their prime and remain the highlights of modern Morocco. The slave trade left its mark on the coasts of both East and West Africa, while ​ Ethiopia's  mountains are home to carved Coptic churches.

Be Wildly Adventurous

High-octane adventure exists around every corner in Africa. At  Victoria Falls , you can  bungee off a bridge , swim up to the edge of the world's largest waterfall, or  white-water raft down some of the wildest rapids on Earth. Uganda and Ethiopia also offer first-class rafting. Senegal is known for its legendary surf spots, while Namibia is famous for sand-boarding and 4x4 adventures. You can scuba dive WWII wrecks in the Red Sea or snorkel alongside the world's largest fish in Madagascar . It's even possible to brush up on your skiing or snowboarding skills on the snow-capped peaks of Morocco's Atlas Mountains.

Shop in Local Markets and Bazaars

Visiting markets and bazaars in Africa is a wonderful way to see local artisans at work while simultaneously getting an authentic insight into a country's culture and food. Markets and bazaars also provide fantastic photo opportunities. Practice your bargaining skills and discover the fun side of stocking up on souvenirs. By shopping in markets and stores around town you also help the local economy. Each experience is unique, whether you're browsing for tagine pots in Fes, checking out the latest high-life CDs in Accra, or getting sandals made at a Maasai cattle auction in Tanzania.

Take a Culinary Tour

Culinary tours offer up a tasty combination of culture and history. In Africa, most tours center around Morocco and South Africa—two of the finest cuisines in the world. Most culinary tours involve shopping for ingredients at local markets, learning local recipes, and mastering techniques—and of course, a fair amount of wine tasting and dining in fine restaurants. Whatever country you choose to visit, make sure to try the local delicacies. From gemsbok steaks in Namibia to mopane worms in Botswana, some dishes are more weird than wonderful while others are downright delicious.

Attend a Festival

With thousands of ethnic groups in Africa—each celebrating their own rites of passage, religious festivals, and local harvests—there's generally music and food being shared on any given night of the week. But as a tourist and outsider, it's not always easy to gain access or to know about what's happening where. Luckily, there are several large festivals and cultural events that happen annually, where you can enjoy film, poetry, drama, and music in an organized setting. If sports are more your thing, make sure to experience the atmosphere of a local soccer match.

Article updated by  Jessica Macdonald .

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The 15 Best Beaches in Africa for Snorkeling, Surfing, and Remote Relaxation

With 18,950 miles of coastline, Africa is home to plenty of amazing beaches. Here are 15 of the best for snorkeling, sunbathing, surfing, and more.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

Africa has 38 countries that claim a coastline. That's a whole lot of beach to choose from. There's palm-studded postcard perfection in Mozambique, a historic site in Ghana, and grizzly cliffs that sunk many a ship trying to cross the wild South African seas during early colonization expeditions. There are smaller ocean islands, too. Several are ringed by soothing shores of soft golden gravel, embroidered by sparkling lagoons and iced with top-tier resorts. With such variety, it seems criminal to choose just 15 beaches.

Whether sanctifying ceremonies, ticking off a bucket-list dive, or simply surfing, sunbathing, and seeking memorable boogies in the glow of a beloved beach bar, there's an enchanting African seashore to do it.

Here are 15 of the best beaches in Africa for every kind of escape.

Mafia Island, Tanzania

Mafia Island is Tanzania's lesser-trodden island address. About 100 miles south of Zanzibar and sublimely serene, the entire atoll contains a fraction of the hotel beds (a mere 300 compared to Zanzibar's 10,000). Here, uncrowded beaches are practically guaranteed. The choicest are Butiama Beach near the charming capital, Kilindoni, or the southern shores of Chole Bay. Both offer cookie-crumb sands and tidal flats that see the waters withdraw and return in lengthy shore changes. Sometimes, swimming requires a good walk, but it's always richly rewarded. The island has a protected preserve safeguarding diverse marine life in vibrant reefs and elaborate trenches ideal for diving. Still, even scuba pros will willingly swap their oxygen tanks for regular old lungs to experience Mafia's tremendous seasonal visitors. Whale sharks are best observed with a simple snorkel and commonly encountered during the Kaskazi season, between October and February, when seasonal winds bring nutritious plankton in abundance for the striking fish to feed on.

Loango National Park, Gabon

This is a beach for the adventurous. With teeming forests, sweeping grasslands, and thriving estuaries, West Africa's Loango National Park not only has the most developed setup for tourists, but surfing hippos enjoy the immaculate beaches, too. Forest elephants and buffaloes also roam the shores, and the area is renowned for its brilliant bird life. Its unique avian species better belong in a Roald Dahl book, with names such as white-crested tiger herons, vermiculated fishing owls, and chocolate-backed kingfishers.

Cabo Ledo, Angola

Sealed off from international travel for decades following the brutal civil war, Angola is slowly becoming more accessible with peaceful politics and relaxed visa systems. Home to 1,025 miles of varying coastline habitats, it's a destination begging for rediscovery, and surfers emerged as the first intrepid guests. The easiest and prettiest beaches to hit are in Cabo Ledo. Located near a traditional fishing village in a broad bay two hours from the capital, Luanda, Cabo Ledo offers ample sandy shores, rolling rides optimized by easygoing beachfront resorts. Experts allege that the winter season between May and October provides the best consistency for great waves.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa

iSimangaliso means "place of miracle and wonder" in South Africa's regional language, isiZulu. Deserving of the title, this tranquil, tropical coastline stretches for 136 miles and is one of the most beautiful, abundant, and biodiverse areas in South Africa. Comprising several expansive beaches, the most convenient bathing options sit in the south at Cape Vidal and Sodwana Bay (which is also a scuba diving hub, with the continent's southernmost coral reefs). In contrast, the St. Lucia beaches are popular for day visits and conveniently complement a morning or afternoon spent on safari. However, unspoiled stretches lie further north for enhanced solitude. Black Rock, Bhanga Nek, Mabibi, and Kosi Bay are prime for secluded snorkeling and uninterrupted lounging. Tip: Visit in South Africa's summer season between October and March, and you may be able to track leatherback and loggerhead turtles with registered guides. It's a timeless wonder to see the creatures traveling up a steep beach to lay eggs, or if you're lucky, find hatchlings returning to sea.

Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Elevated beachside luxury is easy to find in this aquamarine paradise. Bazaruto is a fertile seascape containing a string of five gorgeous islands off the coast of Vilanculos (where airport access lies). Sharks, whales, rays, turtles, dolphins, and even the rare dugong swim these stunning seas alongside 2,000 fish species. Above water, you'll find a slew of sustainable stays that complement the wild waters. An exciting option among them is Kisawa Sanctuary , pegged as the only resort globally employing 3D printing technology to create natural building material (essentially a mixture of sand and seawater).

Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi

"Sea" may be a stretch, but this enormous inland pool of gin-clear water stretches as far as the eye can see and offers affordable lakeside leisure. Cape Maclear, an effervescent haven on Lake Malawi, is the sort of place where you can stroll straight from your suite onto the beach — or to a bar. Beyond the shores, there's kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling for the lake's vibrant cichlid fish. The immediate area also forms part of the Lake Malawi National Park, the world's first freshwater nature reserve.

Grand-Popo, Republic of Benin

The expansive sandy beaches of Grand-Popo are amazingly enticing, but sadly not suited for swimming, as the sea is typically rough with dangerous rip currents. Stick to the sand instead and discover a precious pocket of West African culture. Benin is the birthplace of the sacred religion of Vodun (better recognized as Voodoo in the West), and visitors flock to the festival, Fête du Vaudou, held on January 10 each year in nearby Ouidah. However, Grand-Popo is also the site of many celebrations. Visit at any other time of year to simply unwind below one of the many straw huts with wooden loungers dotted along the sand.

Margarida, Príncipe

Move over Madagascar. Once known as the Chocolate Islands, the two-island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe is referred to these days as Africa's own Galapagos, thanks to its isolated location some 130 miles off mainland West Africa. Perched on Príncipe, Margarida is a wild beach only reachable by boat or foot. Here, the warm water laps in emerald green waves, and it's easy to spot kingfishers trilling from the trees while wading in.

Bruce Beach, Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau

The Bijagós archipelago, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve located off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, is composed of 88 islands, but permanent inhabitants reside on roughly only 20 of them. The most significant population calls Bubaque Island home. Visitors will land at the old port and cross the entire peninsula (although bumpy, it's just over 10 miles in total) to reach the crisp waters of Bruce beach. Expect rustic beach camps, fantastically fresh ocean-to-plate fish, and everything (including the ferry ride in) to take its sweet time.

Elmina, Ghana

While beach holidays are generally a trivial, leisurely pursuit, many of Africa's shores are profoundly historical sites. Honor the land — and those who left it — with a visit to Elmina beach. Elmina's own St. George's Castle was founded by the Portuguese in 1482, making it the oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa. Nearby, the Cape Coast Castle Museum acknowledges the grim atrocities and consequences of slavery. In 2019, Ghana hosted a flux of tourists under the Year of Return initiative, and in 2020, they launched a follow-up project called Beyond the Return , a 10-year project of celebrating African Renaissance. After a firsthand confrontation with the castle's inhumane dungeons and a tour of the "Door of No Return," you'll never see the Atlantic Ocean in the same way again.

Anse Source D'Argent, Seychelles

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With picture-perfect natural wonder and a secluded landscape, this beach in the Seychelles is known for being one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Surrounded by lush palms and polished granite boulders, this pink sand strip leads to shallow, crystalline waters perfect for snorkeling or swimming. Make sure you bring a camera because you’ll want to snap the day away at this Edenic spot on La Digue Island. Part of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles archipelago, this island in the Indian Ocean is a popular destination full of ritzy resorts and hotels. Anse Source D’Argent, however, is set away from it all (you’ll probably want to rent a bike to get there), so you’ll really feel like you're in a tropical paradise while lounging on its rosy shores. 

Plage d'Agadir, Morocco 

Oliver Smalley / Ollie Smalley Photography/Getty Images

Morocco is more than just Marrakesh, and you won’t want to miss a trip to the southern destination of Agadir. The modern city grew from the ruins of an older town that was destroyed in an earthquake in the 1960s. Now, it’s one of Morocco’s most visited cities and we can see why. There’s plenty to see and do, from ancient ruins to the Souk El Hed overflowing with spices and local produce. But the laidback, resort-like beaches are the real draw, particularly the Plage d’Agadir. This tropical beach is surrounded by aquamarine waves, backed by gorgeous peaks, and covered in shimmering, bronze sand. With 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s a popular spot for sunbathing and water sports. Or, you can relax at one of the several outdoor cafes and restaurants along the seaside promenade.  

Camps Bay Beach, South Africa 

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Camps Bay Beach is known for its buzzy scene and celebrity sightings. The European social set descends on this party destination in Cape Town every summer, not only for the white sands and chilly, blue waters, but also the clubs and hotels that lie in the shadow of the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Leave your beach read at home because the rowdy atmosphere is the whole point at this beach. In between club hopping and reservations at trendy restaurants, take time to appreciate the South African scenery. From aerial mountain cableway trips and whale-watching to safaris and wine tours, there are plenty of ways to appreciate Cape Town beyond the shoreline, too.  

Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique

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The small coastal village of Ponta do Ouro lies near the southern border of Mozambique. The name translates to the Tip of Gold, which is a perfect description for the lustrous beach that hugs the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Ponta is a bustling destination popular with families year-round, but the real draw of this beach town is found under the water. Ponta is one of the most popular diving destinations in Africa, if not the world. The warm waters are filled with reefs, sharks, turtles, dolphins, and rays, and are crystal clear for any underwater photographers in need of their next photo op. Head here between September and April for the famous shark diving season which also coincides with this destination's summertime, when the waters are the perfect diving temperature.  

Skeleton Coast, Namibia

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This brutal, remote part of the Namibian coast is not for sunbathers and scuba divers. But, more adventurous beachgoers can’t miss the once-in-a-lifetime experience found on this southwestern African stretch of protected coastline, sometimes referred to as “the end of the earth.” The rough Atlantic waters are famous for crashing ships — the wrecks of which can still be seen lodged in the beach’s desolate sands. There are also several wild species that roam the eerie, fog-covered coast like beach lions, hyenas, and fur seals. This 6,300-square-mile wilderness full of predators and giant sand dunes feels post-apocalyptic and yields pictures just as raw and captivating. You can explore the Skeleton Coast by booking a safari with one of several local operators, or tour the wasteland on your own in a 4x4 vehicle — if you dare.  

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The Best Places to Visit in Africa

S et out on an adventure through a large world filled with captivating encounters. Africa, which is sometimes called the "cradle of humanity," has a lot to offer in the way of breathtaking experiences, amazing animals, and rich cultural traditions. Africa entices visitors with its throbbing pulse thanks to its vast landscapes and famous sites like the Great Pyramids of Giza, the magnificent Victoria Falls, and the Serengeti National Park.

Diverse Wonders

A walk across the African continent feels like stepping into a myriad of universes. The roar of lions echoes in the savannas while gorillas murmur stories in lush rainforests. Yet, the vibrancy isn't limited to its fauna. Amidst the wildlife symphonies, tales of Maasai warriors come alive in Kenya, and the vibrant Marrakech markets in Morocco tantalize your senses.

Wildlife Safaris

Africa's heartbeat resonates with the footfalls of its wild inhabitants. Embarking on a wildlife safari here isn't merely a tourist activity; it's an intimate dance with nature. As elephants majestically stride and zebras gallop, every luxury or budget safari offers a front-row seat to nature's magnificent theater.

Cultural Immersion

But to truly feel Africa, one must merge with its cultures. Delight in its tales by engaging with the locals, from witnessing ceremonies that date back centuries to haggling in bustling bazaars. Africa's generosity extends beyond its landscapes – its people make every journey memorable with warm embraces and vibrant stories.

Natural Beauty

Unspoiled, breathtaking, and vast – Africa's landscapes are the stuff of legends. Whether it's marveling at the snowy embrace of Mount Kilimanjaro or losing oneself in the dense green abyss of the Congo Basin, Africa promises to sweep you off your feet with its untouched splendor.

Popular Tourist Destinations

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: Beyond just a park, Serengeti is where life thrives. It's an unending spectacle of nature, with a mosaic of creatures, big and small, painting a vivid picture of Africa's essence.

Victoria Falls, Zambia & Zimbabwe : A testament to nature's power, these cascading falls hum a soothing lullaby, offering a sight that imprints itself on every soul.

Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt : Time travel exists, and it's here. Standing tall against the test of time, these pyramids are a silent narrative of ancient civilization's genius.

Cape Town, South Africa : A city where nature meets urban charm. With the stoic Table Mountain backdrop and historical tales of Robben Island, Cape Town is where stories intertwine.

Marrakech, Morocco : Meandering through Marrakech is like flipping through a colorful storybook. Every alley whispers tales of the past while vibrant souks beckon with treasures.

Final Thoughts

Africa, with its myriad faces, promises an odyssey that transforms. It isn't just about the places one sees but the emotions one feels. From its creatures' wild calls to its people's captivating tales, every African adventure attracts itself into the heart, urging one to return. Dive into this timeless land and let Africa reveal its soul to you.

Best Places to Visit in Africa

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Top 10 tourist attractions in Africa, according to Americans

Devil's Pool, Livingstone, Zambia

  • Devil’s Pool in Zambia is one of the highest-rated attractions by U.S. tourists.
  • Other popular attractions include Robberg Nature Reserve, Mount Kilimanjaro, Lion's Head, Volcanoes National Park, and Victoria Falls.
  • These attractions offer a variety of experiences, from wildlife watching to historical exploration to beach relaxation.

Africa is a continent with a rich history and culture, and it is home to some of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. From the ancient pyramids of Egypt to the stunning beaches of Zanzibar, there is something for everyone in Africa.

Recommended articles

Americans are increasingly choosing Africa as their vacation destination, and with international travel increasing by 200% since 2022 alone, the wanderlust for global experiences has flourished.

In this article, we'll take a look at the top 10 tourist attractions in Africa, according to American tourists. These attractions, based on findings from Casago , offer a variety of experiences, from wildlife encounters to ancient ruins to cultural immersions.

1. Devil's Pool, Livingstone, Zambia

Devil's Pool is a natural infinity pool located on the edge of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Visitors can swim in the pool and take in the breathtaking views of the falls.

2. Seronera, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Seronera is a central area of Serengeti National Park, one of Africa's most popular safari destinations. Visitors can see a variety of wildlife in Seronera, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras.

3. Amphitheatre of El-Jem, El-Jem, Tunisia

The Amphitheatre of El-Jem is a Roman amphitheatre located in the city of El-Jem, Tunisia. It is one of the largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world.

4. Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Robberg Nature Reserve is a coastal nature reserve located near the town of Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Visitors can hike along the coastline, swim in the ocean, and see a variety of wildlife, including whales, dolphins, and penguins.

5. Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest dormant volcano in the world. It is a popular destination for hikers and climbers.

6. Lion's Head, Cape Town Central, South Africa

Lion's Head is a mountain located in the city of Cape Town, South Africa. It offers stunning views of the city and Table Mountain.

7. Volcanoes National Park, Ruhengeri, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is a national park located in the northwestern province of Rwanda. It is home to a population of mountain gorillas, one of the most endangered animals in the world.

8. Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls. Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It is the largest waterfall in the world by volume of water flowing.

9. Abu Simbel Temple Complex, Abu Simbel, Egypt

The Abu Simbel Temple Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southern Egypt. It consists of two massive rock-cut temples built by the Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II.

10. Temple of Karnak, Luxor, Egypt

The Temple of Karnak is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Luxor, Egypt. It is one of the largest religious complexes in the world.

These are just a few of the many amazing tourist attractions in Africa. With its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and abundant wildlife, Africa has something to offer every traveller.

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Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Africa: Best Places To Visit in 2024

Africa, the “Mother Continent,” is all about biological wonders and incredibly varied cultures.

From the extraordinary wildlife, ethereal geographic features, and thriving arts and crafts, to its pharaohs, tombs, and pyramids, with some facets of adrenaline-pumping activities, everything will leave you in awe exploring the region.

If it’s your first time going to Africa, and you don’t know which places are worth it, here is the list of the top 10 tourist attractions in Africa!

Key Takeaways:

  • Some of the top tourist attractions in Africa include Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the Pyramids of Giza and Nile in Egypt, and Cape Town in South Africa.
  • African countries with some of the best scenic landscapes are found in Tanzania, especially at Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar.
  • African places to enjoy the best wildlife are in Okavango Delta in Botswana, Kruger National Park, and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

image showing some of the top ten tourist attractions in africa

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Top Tourist Attractions in Africa

1. victoria falls, zimbabwe, and zambia.

top 10 tourist destinations africa

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Africa is the Victoria Waterfalls! Believe it or not, Victoria Waterfalls is not just a waterfall but a tourist town positioned along the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia, brimming with natural beauties.

As might be expected, there is nowhere else in the city to have a good start but with the main attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the smoking waterfalls, Victoria Waterfalls! Not like any other, there are countless activities you can engage in in the area, including riverboat cruises, picnics at the edge, and helicopter flights over the waterfalls.

If you’re brave enough and want some adrenaline rush, jump into the open air at the Victoria Falls Bridge with bungee jumping 111 meters above, the 95-m long gorge swing, the 425-m high zip lining, and the flying fox.

The city hailed as Africa’s ‘adventure capital,’ speaks a lot about what to explore more than its highlight waterfalls— there’s the infinity pool-like Devil Pool on top of the falls, the cinematic Rain Forest, and the National Park’s close encounter experience with its wildlife, especially the rhinos, birds, and elephants.

If you love to experience the best of the Victoria Waterfalls, visit between February and May. January is also workable if you like cheaper and discounted travel deals.

2. Capetown, South Africa

top 10 tourist destinations africa

If you have seen African tourism posters over the internet, it must have been the magnificent and astounding Table Mountain of Cape Town, situated on the coastline of South Africa.

The city is one of the best places to visit in Africa for first-timers as you can immerse yourself in a little bit of everything—from African food, culture, and architecture to its wildlife, beaches, and outdoor activities.

Start by exploring the city’s most prominent one, the table-like Table Mountain! Take the hiking trails, explore the flora and fauna, and take beautiful photos when you reach the top. Going down, I bet you’d like to try out the cableway to get the best 360-degree view of Cape Town.

To experience unique seascapes, take kayaking adventures on the Atlantic Sea and watch the wild African penguins flock together at Boulders Beach. You may also try aquatic playground activities like water biking at False Bay, water-skiing, tubing, and canoeing at Elgin River Lodge.

Cape Town is also a molder of African arts and creativity with its Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Arts, Norval Foundation, and Robben Island Museum, just waiting for you to explore.

Experience the beauty of Cape Town from March through May and between September and November, when weather is favorable and tourist places are not as crowded as during peak seasons.

3. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

top 10 tourist destinations africa

If you’re a venturer, it’s time to hit the African mountain trail! An African trip wouldn’t be complete without a hiking or trekking experience at Africa’s tallest mountain at 5895 meters above ground, Mount Kilimanjaro.

Along the trails, take the opportunity to experience a lot of hot springs and waterfalls like the Chemka and Kikuletwa Hot Springs and the Materuni Waterfalls, and admire the beauty of the Chaka Crater Lake.

At Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, prepare to stumble upon various bird species, hyenas, baboons, elephants, blue monkeys, black-faced monkeys, and more. Just beware of these playful monkeys, as they may snatch your food or your bags.

Hike Mount Kilimanjaro during September, when the weather is best, so you can admire the best and the clearest view from above.

4. Okavango Delta, Botswana

top 10 tourist destinations africa

Unlike the usual savannahs or national parks in Africa to sightsee the wildlife as their highlight, the Okavango Delta is a stunning freshwater wetland rich in fauna and flora!

A few highlights of visiting Okavango would be the Mokoro ride sailing the wetlands of Okavango, the motorboat safari, and the game drives in Botswana, all while seeing thousands of mammals and their fights.

You can also try out some bush walks around the delta while looking at the animals using your binoculars, especially the lions and herds of elephants.

The Okavango Delta is best for wildlife viewing from July to October, even though these months have higher accommodation rates.

5. Kruger National Park, South Africa

top 10 tourist destinations africa

If you haven’t seen a leopard before, Kruger National Park in South Africa will never fail you! With an estimated 1000 leopards in the park, there’s a high chance of seeing these animals along with thousand others like zebras, elephants, lions, buffalo, and over 500 species of birds.

You can take on the wilderness trails by driving around the savannah and parking to view the animals, guided walks, game drives, mountain biking, 4×4 adventure trails for the rarely seen areas, and much more.

The best time to visit Kruger National Park is between May and October, when the bushes are thinning out for a better view of the wildlife.

6. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

top 10 tourist destinations africa

It’s time to wear your desert camouflage outfit and safari pith helmet for a wild experience at Africa’s most prominent wildlife conservation, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya! It’s incredible how you can see wild animals up close, including those elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalos, zebras, white and black rhinos, and so much more.

As Kenya’s most extensive wildlife viewing site, it is one of the main tourist attractions in Africa with lots of safari activities you can engage with—from nature walks, photography, and game drives, to riding horses, 4×4 jeep, and hot-air balloons.

If you want something to slow down the pace and loosen up, you may bring your own tents and camp in the middle of Kenya’s wilderness and meet some of the ethnic groups in Maasai.

Sadly, the peak seasons of July to October are uncontrollably higher in price. Still, it is where you can witness the Great Migration, so I suggest you save money for this!

7. Zanzibar, Tanzania

top 10 tourist destinations africa

Your Zanzibar island trip will be your best bolt of freedom away from the hustle and bustle of urban life! This island in Tanzania across the Indian Ocean is a land paradise mixed with the old city splendor, wildlife, and white sandy beaches you have been dreaming of.

In the town proper, you can take some walking and biking tours. The Stone Town Walking Tour is the most popular, and you get more in love with well-known sites like the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the Freddie Mercury Museum.

As you explore life outside the town, you’ll see the beauty of the Zanzibar coastlines. Take a soak and sunbathe in the crystal clear turquoise waters of Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve and Kendra Beach, or just relax by the fine white sands of Nungwi and Paje beaches.

Of course, your stay at Zanzibar would be complete with the Safari tour for a close-up wildlife experience! Expect to see many land animals like elephants, lions, buffalo, crocodiles, red colobus monkeys, cheetahs, and sea creatures like dolphins and marine turtles.

Want something extreme? Many tourists are trying out the Skydive Zanzibar , and you should try it too! For $445 per head, you can have the best skydive of your life, looking at the magnificent view of Zanzibar from above. The package includes a long video, photos, and a 30-second Instagram reel, so it’s worth the bucks.

To experience the best of Zanzibar, head over during June through October, when the skies are clear, perfect for exploring the beaches, the safari, and the thrilling skydiving.

8. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

top 10 tourist destinations africa

If you’re traveling to Africa, don’t miss out on the chance to roam around one of the top tourist countries in Africa, Egypt, and witness the immaculate pyramids believed to be for aliens!

Your top priority when you go to the Giza Plateau is to position at the “panoramic point” and witness the beauty and take a snapshot of all pyramids — the Guinness World Record Pyramid of Giza and the two other Menkaure and Khafre.

For a better experience, consider going inside the pyramids for at least three hours and visiting the famous Sphinx and the Valley Temple. There are various tour packages available, so you have a professional guide you around the Necropolis.

To end your day with a bang, watch the whole Giza Plateau covered in rainbow lights at night with their sounds and lights show!

Visit the pyramids of Giza during the mornings between December and February for more comfortable weather.

9. Marrakesh, Morocco

top 10 tourist destinations africa

With warm weather, lively markets, Moroccan monuments, palaces, hammams, and stunning landscapes, Marrakech is a treat to both eyes and taste buds!

Beyond question, you’ll get astounded by the beauty of the surrounding landscapes of Marrakech. There are the Agafay and Jbilets deserts, where you can ride a camel, a buggy, or a hot air balloon; the famous Atlas mountains, where you can hike, bike, or try canyoning;

Of course, a trip to Morocco would be complete with trying out their mouth-watering flavors at Jemaa El-Fnaa, especially their street foods like kefta, snail soup, bastille, sheep’s head, and orange juices. In fact, CNN Travel mentioned Marrakech as one of the best Moroccan cities for street food, along with Fez and Essaouira.

10. River Nile, Egypt

image showing nile river of egypt

Going to Egypt is truly a highlight of your African trip because more than its pyramids, there’s the mythical Nile river you can see.

Wouldn’t it be a remarkable feat to swim or dip in the longest river in the world? Absolutely, yes! The Nile is a beauty, although it is not 100% safe to swim, as aside from reptiles sleeping behind these waters are parasitic worms that can cause Schistosomiasis.

But don’t worry! You can try other amusing activities on the Nile River, like a full-packed 4-day Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor. During this trip, you’ll tour many historical landmarks like the Temples of Philae and Queen Hatshepsut, the Valley of the Kings, the High Dam, Colossi Memnon, and many more!

There are also thrill-seeking outdoor recreations like jet boating, bungee jumping, white water rafting, quad biking, and horse riding.

What Are the Best Places to Visit in Africa For First-Timers?

Africa is a continent of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Guinness World Record attractions. And if you’re a first-timer, you’ll surely fall in love with the Mother Continent!

If you’re looking for some laid-back places in Africa and want to spend the days relaxing and sightseeing, head to Tanzania! It has many geological wonders where you can detox from the city rush with its pristine white beaches, a large concentration of wildlife, mountains, waterfalls, and charming old towns.

Moreover, if ancient structures and historical artifacts interest you, Egypt is the place to be! In this desert state are the ancient pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, famous Egyptian pharaohs, and the Nile Valley.

For National Geographic fans, take on the brave and wild experience at South Africa’s most famous game reserves like Kruger National Park, Madikwe Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, and others.

The best time to visit Africa is from June to October or the warmer season, when many places are dry and the wildlife experience is at its peak. But it is advisable to research the country you plan to stay in to make the most of your vacation.

South Africa is the best contender if you are looking for a great experience with wildlife, majestic sceneries, and breathtaking landscapes. It is also home to vibrant cities like Cape Town.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is considered one of Africa’s most visited tourist attractions Because of its mystical civilization and unique architectural structures. The Great Pyramid of Giza Continues to captivate tourists with its historical and yet mysterious history.

Africa is fortunate to possess numerous awe-inspiring locations that capture the world’s attention. Still, none quite compare to Delta in Botswana. With stunning vistas and vibrant waterways supporting abundant wildlife, Delta Botswana provides an unforgettable adventure and an exceptional destination.

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Enoch Omololu is a traveller, culinary tourist, and money expert. He is the co-founder of Only Earthlings and established the popular Savvy New Canadians platform. Enoch has been featured in Business Insider, Forbes, Best Life Online, GOBankingRates, Penny Hoarder, Globe and Mail, Yahoo, and CBC News.

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The World’s Top 10 Beer Destinations for 2024

The World’s Top 10 Beer Destinations for 2024

words: Olivia White

Published: February 29, 2024

illustration: Kaitlin Brito

It’s safe to say that the craft beer boom has now reached nearly every corner of the globe. But with experimental and innovative releases coming from countless producers every year, determining which cities are worth a beer-inspired visit is no small feat — especially if you’ve already ticked off well-known suds hubs like Brussels and Munich or San Diego and Asheville.

This year’s list of the best beer destinations recognizes cities with up-and-coming craft scenes, many of which have exploded in recent years. Additionally, it celebrates historic and iconic beer cities with new and improved attractions set to welcome visitors for the first time.

From strolling through the streets of the “Paris of South America” to motorbike brewery tours in Vietnam, here are the 10 best beer destinations for 2024.

10. Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa is one of the top beer destinations for 2024.

Defined by decades of mass production, craft brewing in South Africa is still relatively nascent, with the first craft outfit, Mitchell’s Brewery, opening in Knysna in 1983. Come 2008, the number of craft operations across the country had grown to 20, but now that number is well over 200, with many residing in Johannesburg, South Africa’s third-largest city.

One of Joburg’s most popular destinations for beer drinkers is Mad Giant Brewery , which sprung up as a garage operation in 2014. Since then, the brewery has expanded significantly, moving into its current downtown residence in August 2016. Head to the taproom for crisp, low-ABV brews marked by notes of tropical fruits and citrus.

9. Athens, Greece

Athens, Greece is one of the top beer destinations for 2024.

Beer production in Athens dates back to 3300 B.C. And while the modern era has been mostly defined by mass-produced lagers from companies like AB-InBev and the Heineken Company, finding quality craft beer is getting easier and easier, much as it is to encounter a world-class cocktail .

Production on the current site of Athineo Microbrewery , in the Rouf neighborhood, stretches back to 1965, when Athenian Brewery, now owned by Heineken, started brewing Amstel. By 2015, that production had shifted to other parts of the country, and Athenian reimagined the space as Athineos, a microbrewery, museum, and laboratory. While not “craft” in the independently owned sense of the term often favored stateside, the brewery places an emphasis on small, experimental batches, with many made using 100 percent Greek barley. After a refreshment, don’t leave without checking out the space’s museum, which outlines the history of beer production from ancient Babylonia to present day.

Next up, and just a short walk from the Acropolis, is Strange Brew . The bottleshop and taproom features 10 handles charged with proprietary pours (brewed “nomadically” at multiple facilities around the country), as well as a rotating selection of local guest beers. Strange Brew’s flagship, the Jasmine IPA, is a must-try, offering aromatic tropical fruits and relaxing jasmine notes.

If sampling as many local beers as possible is a priority, fire up Untapp’d and check in to Barley Cargo . The beer hall, decorated with beer-stacked open crates, serves over 350 styles from over 140 Greek microbreweries, as well as dozens of international producers. If hunger strikes, a convenient tasting menu has been designed to pair perfectly with a beer in hand.

8. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina is one of the top beer destinations for 2024.

Beloved for its wide stretching boulevards, regal cultural institutions, and world-class architecture, Buenos Aires is well deserving of its nickname, the “Paris of South America.” And while Argentina may be better known for wine, the country has a craft beer scene that’s blossomed impressively over the past two decades. In 2010, there were roughly 70 breweries scattered across the country. Now, there are thousands and the industry is expected to continue growing by nearly 10 percent year-over-year until 2028.

Among the sea of large-scale domestic producers that line the shelves of beer retailers in the city, visitors can also indulge in craft offerings at the city’s numerous breweries, microbreweries, and tasting rooms. At Bierlife , which occupies a rustic, colonial-era former home in San Telmo — the city’s oldest neighborhood — guests can choose from 50-plus taps, then enjoy their pours in the bar’s shaded biergarten.

Over in the Colegiales neighborhood, Strange Brewing dishes out dozens of experimental brews, ranging from sour ales with strawberry and coconut, to Argentine interpretations of New England IPAs, oatmeal stouts, and light lagers. For relaxation, don’t miss out on Tēdelūpulo , Argentina’s first beer spa, offering treatments like malt and hop oil massages as well as blind beer tastings.

7. Minneapolis, Minn., United States

Minneapolis, Minn., United States is one of the top beer destinations for 2024.

The American Midwest is practically synonymous with beer production, led by cities like Milwaukee and Chicago. But tucked away in Minneapolis are over 40 craft breweries, representing approximately a quarter of Minnesota’s total producers, with each pushing to make brewing a more innovative and creative space.

Leading the charge is Modist Brewing and head brewer Kiegan Knee, who received a nod from VinePair last year for his experimental brewing techniques. In a custom-built brewhouse, Knee conceives beers from a singular desired flavor, leading to recipes like Pineapple Passionfruit Fruited Sours, Double Marshmallow & Vanilla Dark Lagers, and a number of hemp-based seltzers.

A short 10-minute drive leads to Fair State Brewing Cooperative , the first cooperatively owned brewery in Minnesota, and only the third to open in the United States. Founded by Evan Sallee, Niko Tonks, and Matt Hauck, guests are able to buy into Fair State’s Member-Owner Program , which allows for beer lovers to help design recipes, pick berries for brews, and volunteer to support the brewery. To date, the brewery has put forth creations such as Bonk City, a double IPA made with Columbus Cryo hops, and Biggie Jumbo, a double stout with rich chocolate notes.

If you’re not tied to a summer excursion, the annual April Minnesota Craft Beer Festival typically serves more than 400 brews from over 100 producers in the state. Get your tickets soon — in the past, every festival has sold out.

6. Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown, New Zealand is one of the top beer destinations for 2024.

With over 200 breweries for just 5 million people, there’s no shortage of great beer in New Zealand. And with the highest concentration of bars and restaurants in the country — and quite a few breweries of its own — quality craft beer abounds in Queenstown, on the nation’s South Island.

Drinking with a view seldom comes close to the scenes found at Canyon Brewing , with an outdoor beer garden situated on the edge of — as the name suggests — a canyon. While savoring the sight, sip on a hazy IPA or the Farm Hand Saison, made with homegrown pilsner malt, honey, and foraged elderflower. The brewery’s restaurant defies culinary categorization, with dishes ranging from wood-fired edamame beans with Korean chili powder to beef rump steak with chimichurri butter.

For über-local brews, Cargo Brewery produces a collection of fresh-hop beers using the yields from an on-site hop farm, which are sold at the cellar door and at brewery events. Cargo Brewery also produces lagers, pilsners, IPAs, and ales, and this year plans to open a beer hall that will serve as an events space and production venue for beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks.

To hit as many spots as possible without the hassle of planning, turn to Queenstown Beer Tours , hosted by Kiwi-born Lewis Benseman, who was raised in the city. The five-hour Craft Beer Brewery Tour includes three stops, an interactive brewery tour, and 13 tastings. For an additional culinary aspect, consider the Craft Beer Brewery and Food Tour; while the Private Brewers Day Out may be more your speed if you’re looking to sample some gin and sake as well.

5. Albuquerque, N.M., United States

Albuquerque, N.M., United States is one of the top beer destinations for 2024.

Since Santa Fe Brewing opened its doors in 1988, craft brewing has taken off in New Mexico, with over 40 establishments now operational in Albuquerque. With its original location some 65 miles away, Santa Fe Brewing expanded to the city in 2015. Saddle up to its bar in Green Jeans Food Hall, the city’s original shipping-container marketplace, for hazy IPAs to Mexican-style lagers and even an Imperial Java Stout.

Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. , the first Native American, woman-owned brewery in the United States, delivers some of the best beer to be found in the city. Co-founded by Shyla Sheppard and Missy Begay, Bow & Arrow rotates its beer offerings seasonally. Typical selections include malt-forward, barrel-aged imperial stouts, and dry-hopped farmhouse ales that spend extended periods in cask. The quality on display at Bow & Arrow earned the brewery a nod from the James Beard Foundation in January 2024 as a semi-finalist for “Outstanding Bar.”

For history buffs, Canteen Brewhouse holds the distinction of Albuquerque’s longest continually operating brewery, while Gravity Bound Brewing Company leads on the sustainability front as the city’s most eco-friendly producer.

4. Charlotte, N.C., United States

Charlotte, N.C., United States is one of the best beer destinations for 2024.

Following the outbreak of Covid-19, Charlotte experienced an influx of new residents. According to CLT Alliance , a Charlotte-based business networking company, 113 people moved to the greater Charlotte area everyday from mid-2021 to mid-2022. And while the city plays younger sibling to Asheville and Raleigh, Charlotte’s craft beer scene is thriving, with over 70 breweries in the region.

NoDa Brewing Company , one of the city’s original craft outposts, opened in 2011 and has since expanded to a second location. Now it even has an outpost in the city’s airport. At the O.G. location , 12 year-round releases are featured alongside a collection of seasonal and limited-time brews. Over at NoDa Brewing Company, the newer of the two, 16 brews pour from the taps year-round joined by rotating seasonal selections. Since it’s North Carolina, sampling Cheerwine Ale — a wheat ale made with the state’s favorite soda brand — is a must.

For a more experimental experience, stop in for a pint at Pilot Brewing Company, a small-batch nano-brewery with no flagship beers and no core ranges. The team instead prefers to rotate selections as often as possible, currently offering 14 proprietary and two “co-Pilot” beers; two non-alcoholic brews; four ciders; and two hard seltzers. Pilot Brewing Company was also named the 1023 North Carolina Brewery of the Year at the NC Brewers Cup Competition.

3. Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi, Vietnam is one of the best beer destinations for 2024.

Beer production in Vietnam dates back to the 19th century, and the nation now consistently ranks in the top 10 beer-consuming countries worldwide. While labels like Saigon Beer and Hanoi Beer occupy most of the market, a vibrant craft scene is flourishing in Hanoi, mostly led by Furbrew .

Opened in 2016, it was the city’s first independent craft brewery, originally located in The 100 Garden, a beer garden located in the Tây Ho District. Since then, Furbrew’s expanded to a 1,000-liter brewhouse, with selections spanning some 20 taplines, and cans and bottles also on offer. For a wider selection, return to The 100 Garden, which supplements Furbrew beers with a selection of other Vietnamese brews flowing through 31 taps.

At Standing Bar, located on Truc Bach Lake in the city’s Old Quarter, 19 taps rotate brews from across Vietnam alongside a food menu that changes daily. Hop in the car and head 15 minutes north to enjoy one of 20 beers on tap at Turtle Lake Brewing Company, while listening to live music along Tay Ho lake.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Vietnam without a ride on the back of a motorbike. The Hanoi Beer Tour combines that experience with a five-hour guided tour, complete with food and a history and culture lesson on Hanoi.

No matter what, drinking bia hoi is a must in the city. While not “craft,” the daily-brewed and briefly matured brew is the backbone of beer consumption in the city, delivered to suppliers daily and typically served in a frosted glass with large chunks of ice.

2. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is one of the top beer destinations for 2024.

British Columbia’s booming beer scene boasts some 250 craft breweries — most of which opened their doors in the last 10 years, with approximately 70 calling Vancouver home.

The highest concentration of breweries and brewpubs can be found on the east side of the city, affectionately nicknamed “Yeast Van.” The industrial area, which runs from Powell Street to Commercial Drive, contains around 15 breweries, the first of which — Storm Brewing — opened in the 1990s. At Parallel 49 Brewing, Yeast Vancouver’s largest brewery, enjoy the plethora of urban street art while sipping one of the more than 10 brews offered. Fancy visiting as many breweries as possible in the area? Join the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail on a four-day exploration through the city’s beer scene.

Outside of Yeast Vancouver, no visit to the city is complete without a trip to Steamworks Brewing, the only steam-operated brewery in Canada. If you’re traveling with others who don’t share the same affinity for beer, hit up the Vancouver Urban Winery which shares a space with the Belgard Kitchen , a restaurant spotlighting Canadian ingredients alongside a selection of wine, cocktails, and, of course, draft beer.

1. London, England, United Kingdom

London, England, United Kingdom is one of the best beer destinations for 2024.

With its trademark pub culture, London seems like an obvious beer destination, but the city has never allowed itself to get comfortable, and continually pushes the boundaries of what it means to brew great beer. And with over 100 commercial breweries operating in the city — and more pubs than anyone could check out in one visit — there’s certainly no shortage of suds.

To break from the beaten tourist path, head to southeast London for a galavant down the Bermondsey Beer Mile. The stretch of road (that’s actually closer to two miles long) is rife with breweries, bars, and bottle shops, all nestled in former railway arches. Expect anything from traditional English ales — at Southwark Brewing , they’re served straight out of the cask — to stouts, IPAs, and even some honey-based brews. Need a break from beer? Kanpai, the U.K.’s first sake brewery and taproom, is located along the strip and serves 10 sakes on tap alongside a collection of Kanpai collaboration beers. Pro tip: Saturdays are the best day to visit the “mile,” as most of the breweries and pubs open at the same time.

Starting this year, stout drinkers will no longer have to venture up to Dublin for an “official” pint of Guinness. Set to open late 2024 in Covent Garden, Guinness at Old Brewer’s Yard is bringing production back to a part of the city where brewing dates back to 1722. Diageo, the brand’s parent company, plans for the microbrewery to focus on limited-edition beers while offering visitors a guided tour of the premises. Additionally, the 50,000-square-foot operation is set to become the southern U.K. hub for “Learning for Life Bartending and Hospitality,” Diageo’s training program. Eventually, 100 London-based students will graduate from the program annually.

While the English capital’s summer weather is notoriously unreliable, the London Beer Festival is a guaranteed August fixture, giving guests the chance to sample over 800 beers from more than 100 breweries. Located on Tobacco Dock in Wapping, approximately 16,000 drinkers flock to the festival each year for brews, cocktails, spirits, wine, and vibrant live music. Remember to pack that umbrella, just in case!

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Money blog: Britons in two salary groups have lost more from 'stealth tax' than they've gained from NI cut - use our pay calculator

National insurance is going down but people on the lowest incomes, or those earning between £55,000 and £131,000 are worse off after government tax changes. Read the Money blog for all the latest consumer news - and listen to a Daily podcast on the budget as you scroll.

Thursday 7 March 2024 07:56, UK

  • Pay calculator : Are you really getting more in your pay packet? National insurance cut vs income tax threshold freeze
  • Spring budget - what was announced?
  • Nationwide criticises chancellor over lack of help for first-time buyers
  • Mixed reaction to scrapping of tax break for holiday lets
  • Councils warn of 'frightening prospect for communities' amid service cuts
  • Savings Guide : ISAs have become valuable again - here's where you can get the best fixed rates

Virgin Money has agreed to a takeover by Nationwide Building Society in a deal worth around £2.9bn, the companies have announced.

Nationwide, one of Britain's largest mutually owned lenders, would remain a building society under terms of the deal.

It said the merger would allow it to offer a wider range of products and services to its members and increase its scale and financial strength.

While nothing has been finalised, the offer on the table would see the two brands continue to be run as separate entities, with the Virgin Money brand retained for around six years.

National insurance is falling by a further two percentage points following the budget, so workers will pay 8% of their earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, instead of 10% currently and 12% before last autumn.

Therefore, from April, and on the face of it people will see their take-home pay rise.

But tax thresholds - the amount you are allowed to earn before you start paying tax/NI, or before people who earn more start paying the higher rate of tax - will remain frozen this year and all the way to 2028.

This means people end up paying more tax than they otherwise would - because their pay may rise with inflation but the thresholds don't keep up. That phenomenon is known as "fiscal drag" and it's often called a "stealth tax" because it's not as noticeable immediately in your pay-packet.

But our monthly pay calculator is able to work our whether the government has given you a tax cut or rise over the last year.

Enter your salary to the nearest £1,000 to see how much better or worse off you are overall, once the national insurance cut and income tax threshold freeze balance out against one another.

The low threshold of £12,570 at which people start paying income tax has been in place since April 2021. The Office for Budget Responsibility says that if it had increased with inflation as normal, it would be set at £15,220 for 2024-25.

Workers would have earned an extra £2,650 tax-free each year. 

The higher threshold would have been more than £61,000 if thresholds had kept up. So, someone on a £60,000 salary will be paying the 40% income tax rate on almost £10,000 more of their earnings by 2024-25.

That would cost an extra £2,000 over the course of a year, more than offsetting the gains from cuts to national insurance.

Overall, workers are better off if they earn between £32,000 and £55,000, or more than £131,000, but everyone else will be paying more in 2024-25 than they would have done if the government had raised the tax thresholds as normal.

If your salary falls below the line here, you're saving money - if it's above, you're losing out...

Someone on a £50,000 salary is best off, by £752 a year.

That's because they benefit from the maximum amount of lower national insurance before falling into the high tax bracket.

But someone on £16,000 a year will pay £607 more in total.

Their income level means national insurance savings are limited, but they are paying 20% in income tax on an additional £2,650 of earnings.

The calculations don't account for any more complex tax deductions or credits for different groups of people, for example student loans, pensions or childcare.

It's also worth saying that the income tax threshold freeze is set to continue until 2028 - meaning most Britons will lose out in future years unless tax cuts are announced.

Britons are currently facing the highest tax burden for 70 years - though internationally, the UK is not among the highest taxed nations.

Each Thursday we look at a different savings option, explain the pros and cons and reveal the best deals on the market (see table below for that).  This week we're talking about fixed rate ISAs. Here's more from  Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes ...

As interest rates have risen, cash ISAs have become really valuable once again as savers are fully utilising their personal savings allowance.

Being able to squirrel away up to £20,000 into a tax-free savings account is great.

Unfortunately, the ISA allowance is set to remain at £20,000 for the eighth year in a row from the new tax year on 6 April 2024, so make sure you make the most of this year's allowance as well as next year's. Once the end of the tax year passes, if you've not used your allowance, you've lost it. Use it or lose it!

Best deals available

It's been a bit of a mixed bag over the last few weeks, since our last instalment, with top fixed-term ISA rates falling earlier in the year but improving again more recently, as we head into the midst of the ISA season.

Virgin Money is offering the best ISA available - paying 5.25% tax free, fixed until maturity on 31 March 2025. As the name suggests, you do need to have a current account with Virgin Money to be eligible to open the Virgin Money one-year fixed rate cash ISA exclusive issue 11. 

You can open a current account now in order to be eligible and you don't need to transfer your existing current account over or make any regular payments into the current account. But it does need to have an active balance, so you'll need to put in at least £1. So, a few things to be aware of and a few hoops to jump through.

The longer-term ISA rates are lower than the shorter term, but that is a clear indication that the base rate is expected to fall over the next few months and years, so it could still be a good time to lock up some of your cash for the longer term, to hedge against falling interest rates.

Click here to look at the best fixed rate ISAs on Savings Champion

Jeremy Hunt announced in his array of measures yesterday that tax relief for furnished holiday lets will be scrapped to improve the availability of long-term rentals.

People have had their say on the move - with mixed responses.

Amit Patel, adviser at Trinity Finance , says it would be "welcomed with open arms" by people living in holiday destinations who want to get on the property ladder.

The move is "long overdue", added  Graham Cox, founder at the Self Employed Mortgage Hub .

He said places such as Cornwall and Devon had some of the lowest wages and highest house prices in the country, driven by non-locals snapping up homes for holiday lets.

"The priority has to be enabling the housing needs of the local population," Mr Cox says.

But Rohit Kohli, director at The Mortgage Stop , says it was "another blow to landlords who seem to be cannon fodder for this government".

He said the budget did nothing to encourage more building and contained "a complete lack of imagination and ideas".

Michelle Lawson, director at Lawson Financial,  similarly called the budget "another tax raid on landlords". 

"This isn't going to generate more properties for holiday towns at all, it is just an easy tax win to put money in the coffers," she say.

Local authorities are starting the financial year in a "precarious position" - and yesterday's budget has done little to help, the Local Government Association has said. 

"It is disappointing that the government has not announced measures to adequately fund the local services people rely on every day," said chair Shaun Davies. 

He warned it is "unsustainable" to expect councils to "do more for less" with budgets continually squeezed. 

"Councils of all political colours are starting this financial year in a precarious position, and having to scale back or close a wide range of local services, so the continued squeeze in public spending in the years ahead is a frightening prospect for communities," he said. 

We have reported in the Money blog how most councils in England with responsibility for social care are putting council tax up by the maximum 4.99% from April. Those without that responsibility can raise it 2.99% - again, most are expected to do so.

Birmingham City Council, which has declared effective bankruptcy, has been given permission to hike council tax by 21% over two years due to a black hole caused partly by equal pay claims and a botched IT systems rollout. Nottingham City Council is also having to take an axe to services due to its perilous financial state.

(Council tax has been frozen by the devolved government in Scotland, while rises in Wales range anywhere from 3% to 21%. Northern Ireland uses a rating system instead of council tax, and rises are also expected here.)

Back on the budget, Mr Davies said he was pleased to see an extension to the Household Support Fund, which helps households facing hardship. 

Still, he said the extension is only for a short period and the government should use the next six months to come up with a successor to the scheme. 

Economists at a left-leaning thinktank have criticised Jeremy Hunt's budget. 

Danny Sriskandarajah, chief executive of the New Economics Foundation, says he is confused about why, given the state of societal issues such as homelessness and the price food, the chancellor "chose to offer tax cuts which will benefit the richest fifth of households 12 times more than the poorest", referring to the national insurance cut. 

"The public do not want tax cuts, they want their kids to learn in schools which are not falling down , they want their loved ones to be able to get an operation without spending years on an NHS waiting list," he says. 

Given the effort the chancellor exerted in creating some fiscal headroom for himself, Mr Sriskandarajah says it is "worrying" he used that headroom for tax cuts, "rather than investing in vital [public] services". 

What does he suggest would work instead? 

He says: "Raising taxes on the very wealthiest and borrowing sensibly would allow us to make smart investments in public services, supporting families and the green industries of the future."

Lydia Prieg, who is head of economics at the thinktank, described Mr Hunt's budget as "a levelling down tax cut".

Today's tax cuts will "tear our regions and nations further apart", she says.

"Combined with last autumn's cuts to national insurance, the chancellor's 2p cut today will cost the government £100bn over the next five years. This is more than double the amount that will be spent on levelling up the UK over 13 years," she explains. 

Small business owners have had mixed reactions to the budget, with most disappointed there wasn't more in it to help them.

"Groundhog day. A grey, dull and drab budget from a robot-like chancellor," said financial adviser Samuel Mather-Holgate, one of 22 businesses that spoke to Newspage.

"The lack of stimulus to business and the wider economy is surely a sign the white flag of election defeat is waving."

Jeremy Hunt missed an opportunity to raise personal allowances, cut VAT and introduce tiered corporation tax, he said.

But Amit Patel, adviser at Trinity Finance, said Mr Hunt was reducing pressure on small businesses by increasing the VAT threshold from £85,000 to £90,000.

The national insurance cut, which appeared to be the chancellor's flagship policy, will be "swamped by pending increases to council tax", said Ben Foster, chief executive at SEO Works.

Kate Allen, owner of Finest Stays, said the government was deterring homeowners from renting out second homes, leaving properties unoccupied.

"Pulling the furnished holiday lettings regime out of the hat like a despondent bunny rabbit won't raise anything like the sums intended, and will damage the tourism economy across our coastal communities," she said.

Managing director at Corerco, Andrew Montlake, said the budget was a "damp squib" for property and especially first-time buyers - a view shared by Mark Robinson, managing director at Albion Forest Mortgages.

But perhaps the uneventful budget was a "blessing in disguise", suggested Ben Perks, managing director at Orchard Financial Advisers.

"It seems this is a budget that focused on stability, and swap rates should react positively to this," he said, adding this may result in better rates for borrowers.

Jeremy Hunt avoided a "bond market strop out" by keeping to his fiscal rules, says Hargreaves Lansdown's head of money and markets.

The market response to the budget was "fairly muted" with the chancellor's speech "notably short of surprise rabbits",  Susannah Streeter said.

It was also "short of a big bazooka to kickstart investment", while concerns remain about the lack of funding for public services and infrastructure, Ms Streeter added.

"Jeremy Hunt didn't have a lot of space to offer treats for voters, but the spread he's laid out has pleased some investors, particularly for consumer-focused shares," she said.

 Those hoping to get onto the property ladder may have been disappointed by today's budget announcement. 

There were hopes the chancellor could scrap the Lifetime ISA penalty for first-time buyers purchasing homes over £450,000 - an issue that has particularly affected buyers in the South East, where homes are more expensive. 

Under the current rules, you can only use a Lifetime ISA to purchase properties costing £450,000 or less. If you withdraw the money from your account not for the purpose of buying a home, and if you are under 60, you'll pay a withdrawal charge of 25%. 

Campaigners argue either the withdrawal charge should be scrapped, or the maximum house cost should increase to reflect rising house prices. 

But there was no mention of this in the budget.

Victor Trokoudes, founder and CEO of smart money app Plum, said the budget "had little to offer younger generations who are struggling with their personal finances and missing out on the economic security available to older generations". 

He added: "The chancellor wasn't clear on what reforms are coming for ISAs, beyond a British ISA. 

"It was surprising that there was no reform of Lifetime ISAs to stop penalising people unnecessarily who have a change in circumstances and to increase the property price limit."

Check how your age, lifestyle and relationship status will affect your bank balance after Jeremy Hunt's budget today.

Put your details in the table below and find out if these developments make you richer or poorer...

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top 10 tourist destinations africa

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  1. Best Places to Visit in Africa for 2023-2024

    Seychelles. #7 in Best Places to Visit in Africa for 2023-2024. A grouping of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles has long attracted those looking for a truly relaxing, off-the-beaten ...

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    Africa is one of the best travel destinations in the world. Here, you can enjoy crystal blue beaches, majestic wildlife, and a wealth of culture and history. This article will look at ten countries to visit across the continent. Tourism in Africa increased by 2% in 2014, according to the UN World Tourism Organization report of that year.

  3. 10 Destinations to Top Your Africa Bucket List

    Phone +255 27 297 0404. Web Visit website. 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.

  4. Top 10 Destinations in Africa for a First-Time Visitor

    Marrakesh, Morocco. Those interested in the unique culture and history of North Africa will find plenty of both in the most famous of Morocco's four Imperial Cities. Marrakesh was founded in 1062 by the Almoravids and in the centuries since has gathered a fabulous collection of mosques, palaces, tombs, and museums.

  5. 10 Main Tourist Attractions in Africa to Top Your Bucket List in 2022

    The Massai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Africa, and every tourist has a dramatically different experience when they visit. Maasai Mara, Kenya. The Massai Mara is one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Africa, not just to see but experience the big 5 but because of the wildebeest migration.

  6. 30 of Africa's most amazing places to visit

    An entire village on stilts in Ghana. Mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Africa is filled with amazing sights for travelers. Here are 30 of the best places to visit.

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    16. Fish River Canyon (Namibia) [SEE MAP] geoftheref / Flickr. The incredible Fish River Canyon in Southern Namibia is one of the world's largest canyons, and it is a spectacular, breathtaking scene to behold. As one of the Natural Wonders of Africa, Fish River Canyon is one of the nation's most popular attractions.

  8. The Best Places to Go in Africa in 2024

    Rwanda. Go for: a historically significant anniversary, gorilla treks, and culinary innovation. Meza Malonga. Meza Malonga. Beyond famed gorilla treks, 2024 is the year Rwanda unveils lesser-known ...

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    Namibia is an amazing nature and wildlife destination. 7. Lagos, Nigeria. Lagos is the most populous city in Africa with over 15.3 million people living on the mainland and its offshore islands, including the upscale Victoria Island, Lagos Island, and the curved Banana Island, all connected by bridges.

  10. 16 Best Places to Visit in Africa

    Maun is the gateway town to the delta, and this is a good place to organize more budget-focused canoe and land safaris. 15. Discover the Beauty of Lake Malawi. Spanning three countries, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania, Lake Malawi is the third-largest lake on the African continent at 29,600 square kilometers.

  11. Top 10 Best Places To Visit in Africa in 2024

    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 ...

  12. The 50 Most Beautiful Places in Africa

    The Best Places to Travel in April, From Osaka to Marrakech. By Caitlin Morton. Places to Stay. 13 Unforgettable Hotel Pools Around the World. By Jamie Spain. Home to 54 countries, Africa has ...

  13. Top Destinations in Africa

    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% ...

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    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.

  15. 10 Best Countries to Visit in Africa (+Map)

    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. 9. Tunisia. Long a popular tourist destination, Tunisia can be found wedged in between Algeria and Libya on North Africa's Mediterranean coastline.

  16. Here are the best African destinations to visit in 2023, according to CNN

    January 4, 2023 10:30 AM. Tanzania. Business Insider and the Africa Collective initiative it supports present the best travel destinations in Africa for 2023 according to CNN. Tourism sectors all across the world are projected to bounce back hugely in 2023. The original list contains 23 destinations with only 4 African countries making it to ...

  17. Africa's top 10 most visited tourist attractions in 2021

    Sahara Dunes. 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.

  18. 10 Best Destination Countries in Africa

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

  19. 10 Amazing Activities to Top Your Africa Bucket List

    Fittingly, going on a wildlife safari is one of the main reasons people travel to Africa. East and Southern Africa are the most popular safari destinations. In East Africa, you can witness the annual Great Migration of millions of wildebeest from a hot-air balloon, or track endangered mountain gorillas through the rainforests of Uganda and Rwanda.

  20. Top Destinations in Africa for 2024: 7 Hidden Gems

    Tanzania uganda Sierra Leone kenya nairobi safari gorilla trekking Ethiopia lalibela addis ababa south africa africa sub-saharan africa. The best countries to visit in Africa in 2024, from Tanzania and its incredible Zanzibar beaches to Uganda & its underrated safaris to Hermanus, South Africa, a hidden gem on the Western Cape. These travel ...

  21. 15 of the Best Beaches in Africa

    The 15 Best Beaches in Africa for Snorkeling, Surfing, and Remote Relaxation. ... The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2023. The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2019. The 100 Best Hotels in the World.

  22. The Best Places to Visit in Africa

    Popular Tourist Destinations. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: Beyond just a park, Serengeti is where life thrives. It's an unending spectacle of nature, with a mosaic of creatures, big and ...

  23. Top 10 tourist attractions in Africa, according to Americans

    Top 10 tourist attractions in Africa, according to Americans. Victor Oluwole. October 6, 2023 11:39 AM. Devil's Pool, Livingstone, Zambia. Devil's Pool in Zambia is one of the highest-rated attractions by U.S. tourists. Other popular attractions include Robberg Nature Reserve, Mount Kilimanjaro, Lion's Head, Volcanoes National Park, and ...

  24. Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Africa: Best Places To Visit in 2024

    Key Takeaways: Some of the top tourist attractions in Africa include Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the Pyramids of Giza and Nile in Egypt, and Cape Town in South Africa. African countries with some of the best scenic landscapes are found in Tanzania, especially at Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. African places to enjoy the best wildlife are in ...

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    10. Johannesburg, South Africa Credit: Mad Giant Brewery / Simon Hurry. Defined by decades of mass production, craft brewing in South Africa is still relatively nascent, with the first craft ...

  26. Money blog: Millions being dragged into paying more tax

    National insurance has fallen by a further 2p, so workers will pay 8% of their earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, instead of the 12% it was before autumn. But tax thresholds - the amount you ...