The Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Africa

Introduction

Africa is the second largest and second most populous continent in the world, with over 1.3 billion people calling it home. From sprawling savannas and tropical rainforests to mighty rivers and vast deserts, Africa’s incredible natural landscapes provide a dazzling array of destinations for travelers to explore.

The continent is also home to many vibrant modern cities, colorful markets, and remarkable historical sites that showcase its rich culture and heritage. Whether you want to go on a thrilling safari, relax on pristine beaches, experience warm hospitality, or learn about ancient civilizations, Africa has it all.

In this comprehensive blog post, we will cover the 10 best places to visit in Africa along with key information on when to go, how to get around, and what to see and do in each destination. From the mesmerizing pyramids of Egypt to the exotic spice markets of Morocco, these top African travel spots should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

To help you plan your perfect African adventure, here are some key tips to keep in mind:

• Best time to visit: The climate varies across Africa’s vast landscape, so do your research to find the ideal time for your chosen destinations. The dry season between June-October is best for wildlife viewing in many safari destinations.

• Visa requirements: Some African countries require visas for entry while others allow visa-free travel or visas on arrival. Apply well in advance where needed.

• Transportation: Domestic flights are readily available to major cities and sites. Overland travel by bus, train, or car rental is a popular budget-friendly option.

• Safety: Certain regions or borders may be unstable, so check government advisories. Use common sense precautions as you would anywhere.

• Health: Vaccinations against diseases like yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A are often recommended. Malaria prevention medication may be needed in some areas.

• Budget: You can plan an African trip on almost any budget. Go off the beaten path for lower costs or splurge on luxury lodges and guided tours.

Let’s dive in and explore the top 10 destinations you simply must visit on a trip to magical, diverse, and unforgettable Africa!

1- Cape Town, South Africa.

Resting between the towering Table Mountain and the glistening blue waters of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, Cape Town is often considered one of the most beautiful cities on Earth. South Africa’s cosmopolitan “Mother City” is a thriving port city with a fascinating history and an incredible variety of attractions waiting to be explored.

Cape Town enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it an ideal year-round destination. However, the best time to visit is from November to February, when the summer brings warm, dry weather perfect for sightseeing and beachgoing. March-May still sees comfortable temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit, while the winter months of June-August dip into the 50s.

Top Things to Do

No trip to Cape Town is complete without riding the cable car up Table Mountain for panoramic city views. Overlooking the lively Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, you can shop at local artisan markets, then take a boat to visit notorious Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. The Cape of Good Hope makes for a scenic day trip down the peninsula to see wild African penguins at Boulders Beach and the legendary dividing point between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Be sure to spend time admiring Cape Town’s colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, strolling the Company’s Garden green space, and sampling wines in the nearby vineyards of Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek. Don’t miss the chance to relax on the golden sand beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton, and Llandudno.

Getting Around

Fly into Cape Town International Airport, located just over 15 miles from the city center. Local taxis, Uber, the MyCiTi bus network, and rental cars provide easy transportation around town. The City Sightseeing bus makes stops at major attractions, while UBER boats even offer rides across the harbor.

With its striking natural beauty, cosmopolitan vibe, and diversity of attractions, Cape Town deserves its reputation as one of Africa’s most captivating cities.

2- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.

For an iconic African safari experience, look no further than Tanzania’s famous Serengeti National Park. This vast wilderness in northern Tanzania is renowned for its annual Great Migration, when over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles travel in search of grass and water. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Serengeti is also home to the Big Five - lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo - along with giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, and over 500 species of birds.

The best time to visit Serengeti is during the dry season from June to October when wildlife is concentrated around water sources and the grasses are short. This is prime time for witnessing the Great Migration river crossings. The rainy season from March to May still offers ample wildlife viewing with lush green scenery and lower crowds.

Safaris and Lodging

Most visitors explore Serengeti on a multi-day safari staying at the park’s luxe lodges or tent camps. These guided tours visit key areas of the park in customized 4x4 vehicles to seek out the best wildlife sightings. Top luxury operators include &Beyond, Singita, and Four Seasons. Budget camps and public camping are also available in certain zones. The main Seronera Airstrip offers quick access to the central Serengeti.

Wildlife Highlights

In addition to the Great Migration, safari goers can hope to spot the Big Five, along with cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, hippos, elands, topis, jackals, and over 500 species of birds. The granite kopjes scattered across the landscape provide habitat for leopards, hyraxes, monitor lizards, and servals. Lake Ndutu draws flamingos, while the Grumeti River hosts giant crocodiles and massive hippo pools. With over 1.5 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebra passing through annually, the Great Migration alone offers enough “wildlife porn” to fill memory cards for days.

3- Pyramids of Giza, Egypt.

As the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza should top any travel bucket list. Dating back 4,500 years, the monumental tombs of Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure have towered over the city of Cairo through the ages as iconic symbols of Ancient Egypt.

The Giza Necropolis complex, located just southwest of modern Cairo, also features the mysterious Great Sphinx and other ancient tombs and temples. Avoid the intense midday heat by visiting early in the morning or later afternoon. Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen and a hat, and respect the rules against climbing on the pyramids.

Visiting the Pyramids

Most visitors arrive via tour bus or taxi from Cairo. Private guides are helpful for navigating the complex and bringing the history to life. camel and horse rides offer classic photo ops with the pyramids in the background. The Solar Boat Museum near the Great Pyramid displays one of Khufu’s ancient funerary boats unearthed in 1954.

The panoramic views from the Giza Plateau are stunning at sunset. The Light and Sound Show offers an immersive evening experience. For a unique perspective, book a scenic flight over the pyramids through companies like Egypt Air.

Beyond the Pyramids

Also explore the Valley Temple and Great Sphinx, mysteriously guarding the plateau. The Sphinx may date even earlier to 2500 BC. In ancient Memphis, 20 miles south, see the colossal statue of Ramesses II at the open-air Memphis Museum. A trip to Egypt isn’t complete without a sailboat cruise down the Nile River to admire the temples of Luxor and Karnak.

After centuries of awe-inspiring travelers, the Giza Pyramids still rank among the world’s most magical ancient sites. Dreams of mummies, pharaohs, and exploration will surely follow you home.

4- Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe.

Known as “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls is the world’s largest waterfall and one of Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders. Located on the Zambezi River along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this massive waterfall system drops 354 feet into the Batoka Gorge, creating awe-inspiring views and deafening sound.

The best time to visit Victoria Falls is from April to June after the rainy season when the falls are at their full power. Visitors staying on the Zambia side typically have easier access to the falls themselves, while the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe offers more activities and accommodations. Make sure to obtain the necessary visas for both countries if crossing the border.

Activities at Victoria Falls

Popular activities include taking a guided tour through the rainforest to Devil’s Pool overlooking the falls’edge. Thrill seekers can book white water rafting on the Zambezi’s rapids or bungi jumping off the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge. More relaxing options include scenic helicopter flights over the falls or enjoying High Tea at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel. Guided hikes through the surrounding national parks offer fantastic wildlife spotting opportunities.

Don’t miss a visit to Livingstone Island to stand on top of the falls themselves and scout rainbows in the mist. Nighttime cruises down the Zambezi offer stunning sunset views. The town of Victoria Falls has a lively adventure scene with markets, restaurants, and hostels. Fall asleep hearing the falls’ distant roar.

Victoria Falls should rank at the top of any Africa travel itinerary for good reason - its raw natural power and beauty simply has to be experienced first-hand.

5- Tassili n’Ajjer, Algeria.

In the desolate Sahara of southeast Algeria lies the awe-inspiring Tassili n’Ajjer National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its thousands of prehistoric rock art paintings and unique Martian landscapes.

The best time to visit Tassili n’Ajjer is during the cooler months of November through March. Organized tours help navigate the remote terrain and highlight must-see sites.

Rock Art Treasures

There are over 15,000 rock art works dated from 10,000 BC to 100 AD depicting everyday life and spiritual rituals. Marvel at paintings of elephants, giraffes, herds, and hunters across cliff faces and cave walls. See millennia old engravings like the Dancing Women of Tamrit.

Dramatic Landscapes

The plateau landscapes look otherworldly with mushroom-shaped rock formations, arches, ravines, and oasis pools. The rainbow striped “Rainbow Rock” is a highlight. Look for endemic wildlife like Dorcas gazelles and desert crocodiles. The night skies shine brilliantly in the darkness far from light pollution.

Reaching Tassili n’Ajjer requires dedication, but those who undertake the journey will be richly rewarded with Sahara magic. Let Tassili n’Ajjer’s ancient artworks and martian landscapes transport you to another time and world.

6- Kruger National Park, South Africa.

For an exceptional safari experience, Kruger National Park tops the list. As South Africa’s most iconic national park, this wildlife haven spans nearly 2 million hectares with unparalleled diversity of animals and ecosystems. Home to the Big Five, Kruger offers incredible opportunities to spot lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo roaming freely through the savanna.

The best time to visit for wildlife viewing is during the dry winter months of May through September. The summer rainy season still offers lush green scenery and lower crowds. Visitors can choose self-drive safaris, guided tours, or luxury lodges staying inside the park. Popular camps include Skukuza Rest Camp and Berg en Dal.

Wildlife Highlights

In addition to the Big Five, Kruger is home to cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, giraffes, zebras, and over 500 species of birds. Keep an eye out for wild dog packs on the hunt, lazy lion prides lounging in the shade, and massive elephant herds marching to waterholes. Spotting elusive leopards hidden in trees or a rare rhino is always a thrill.

With a wide network of roads and trails, Kruger offers incredible accessibility and epic wildlife sightings around every corner. Stop at one of the park’s restaurants to share your stories over a braai barbecue. Nothing beats sitting around a nighttime campfire listening to the wild sounds of Kruger drifting through the darkness.

Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned veteran, Kruger National Park is sure to exceed your wildest expectations. Don’t miss it on your next South African adventure!

7- Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.

Referred to as the “8th Wonder of the World,” the Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most incredible natural wonders. This massive crater is the world’s largest intact caldera formed by a volcanic implosion millennia ago. The resulting depression became a natural sanctuary for an incredible density and diversity of wildlife.

The best time to visit Ngorongoro is during the dry season from June through October when animals congregate around watering holes on the crater floor. From December to March, the scenic crater rim is dotted with blooming flowers.

Visiting the Crater

Most people visit Ngorongoro as a day trip from Arusha, located about 2.5 hours away. Descend 600 meters down to the crater floor by vehicle or hiking trail. Guides are required for entry. Stop for lunch along the shimmering Lake Magadi, watching out for bathing hippos.

Wildlife Spotting

Ngorongoro teems with over 25,000 large mammals, including lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, wildebeest, zebra, flamingos and 500 bird species. You may spot a cheetah sprinting after prey or hyenas waiting for a vulture’s leftovers. The lush Lerai Forest harbors leopards and monkeys. The views from the crater rim at sunset over this African jewel are simply magnificent.

Whether part of a northern Tanzanian safari circuit or a standalone destination, Ngorongoro Crater is a can’t-miss experience on any trip to Africa. The views and density of unique wildlife found here are unmatched on the planet.

8- Djenné, Mali.

Considered one of the best-preserved historic towns in sub-Saharan Africa, Djenné is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its iconic Sudano-Sahelian architecture and Grand Mosque. This small town in central Mali dates back over 800 years with most of its buildings made from mudbricks, giving it a distinctive appearance.

The best time to visit Djenné is from November to February after the rainy season when temperatures are cooler and crowds are smaller. Mondays bring a lively weekly market.

Top Attractions

The highlight is the Grand Mosque, the world’s largest mudbrick structure dating to 1907. Tour the mosque and climb its turret for panoramic views over the city. Wander the old town’s narrow streets adorned with crenellated houses and granaries with handcrafted door designs.

Don’t miss the Djenné Archaeological Museum displaying terracotta statues and artifacts from ancient settlements like Djenné-Djenno. Attend the colorful festivals of Tapama in February or the Djenné Great Market festival in April to experience traditional music, crafts, and camel races.

Getting There

Reaching remote Djenné requires dedication but rewards cultural travelers richly. Fly or drive to Mopti first, then take the 2-hour boat journey down the Bani River past fishermen and hippos. Once there, explore the historic town center on foot, by donkey cart, or pirogue canoe.

With its timeless atmosphere and tranquility, Djenné transports visitors back to a legendary Timbuktu-era crossroads. Let this magical mudbrick town captivate you with its cultural treasures.

9- Seychelles.

For tropical island paradise, look no further than the Seychelles. This archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off East Africa seduces visitors with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and unique biodiversity. Grab your swimsuit and dive into island hopping bliss.

The Seychelles offer idyllic beach weather year-round with temperatures in the 80s Fahrenheit. The Northwest Monsoon from May to September brings some rain but fewer tourists.

Island Hopping

Base yourself on the main island of Mahé, then take day trips or ferries to explore outer islands like La Digue or Praslin. Hire boats or planes to reach more remote coral atolls. Top activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, sunbathing on beaches like Anse Source D’Argent, and hiking forest trails through Morne Seychellois National Park.

Don’t miss the exotic Coco de Mer palm and black parrots in the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai on Praslin. La Digue’s bike-friendly lanes feel frozen in time. Beach buffs flock to Beau Vallon on Mahé and Anse Lazio on Praslin. Dining on fresh Creole seafood is a must.

With lush jungle interiors, powdery beaches, thriving reefs, and laid-back vibes, the Seychelles deliver Indian Ocean fantasy. Let the gentle waves rock you into total tropical bliss.

10- Marrakesh, Morocco.

From the pulsating energy of Jemaa el Fna Square to the winding alleys of the medina, Marrakesh enthralls visitors with its exotic ambiance. As the cultural heart of Morocco, this imperial city is filled with Islamic architecture, colorful souks, and fragrant gardens perfect for exploration.

The best time to visit Marrakesh is during the cooler months of September to May, avoiding the intense summer heat. Spring brings pleasant temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit along with colorful flower displays.

Navigating Marrakesh

Dive right into the organized chaos of the medina, but hire an official local guide to ensure you don’t get lost in the maze of souks. Shop for carpets, lamps, spices, leathergoods, and crafts, stopping to sip refreshing mint tea or snack on tanjia stew and pastries.

Don’t miss Bahia Palace’s intricate tilework, then visit the ruins of El Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs. Photograph the Koutoubia Mosque’s 12th century minaret, and escape to the oasis-like Jardin Majorelle, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Climb the ramparts of the red sandstone Badi Palace for stunning views over the city.

Djemaa el Fna Square

As night falls on the Djemaa el Fna square, the real action begins. Snake charmers, henna artists, musicians, and street food vendors emerge under colorful lanterns and smoke-filled food stalls. Grab a spot at one of the outdoor restaurants surrounding the square to watch the nightly spectacle unfold.

With its intoxicating blend of sights, sounds, and aromas, Marrakesh will leave you dazzled and dreaming of your next visit.

Conclusion

Africa’s incredible diversity and beauty shine through in these top 10 destinations. From the power of Victoria Falls to the wildlife-packed plains of the Serengeti, this continent offers unparalleled experiences. Historic sites like the Pyramids of Giza and remote oases like Tassili n’Ajjer satisfy the deeply curious.

Vibrant urban hubs like Cape Town and Marrakesh mix cosmopolitan culture with natural splendor. The island paradise of the Seychelles provides the perfect tropical escape. Safaris in South Africa’s Kruger National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania bring you face-to-face with some of Africa’s most magnificent animals.

The destinations highlighted in this post are just a sampling of what Africa has to offer travelers. Whether you seek wildlife, beaches, city life, or cultural immersion, tailoring the perfect African adventure is possible.

Where will you choose for an upcoming trip to Africa? Have other favorite spots not mentioned? Share your top African destination recommendations and travel tips in the comments! After reading this post, your sense of wanderlust is sure to be ignited. Start planning to explore magical, life-changing Africa soon!

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