Are you planning your next vacation and wondering what are the best countries to visit in Africa? Africa, the world’s second-largest and second-most-populous continent, is a land of captivating contrasts, rich history, and breathtaking beauty. From the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro to the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, Africa offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience for every kind of adventurer.
What Are The 10 Best Countries To Visit In Africa?
Whether you’re seeking a thrilling safari adventure, a relaxing beach vacation, or a cultural immersion experience, Africa has something for everyone. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 countries to visit in Africa, offering a taste of the diverse experiences this magnificent continent has to offer:
South Africa
Best Time to Visit: May to September for dry weather and prime safari season; whale watching along the coast is best from June to December.
Things to Do: Embark on a thrilling safari in Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife reserves. Go wine tasting in the Stellenbosch Winelands. Explore Cape Town, a vibrant city boasting stunning scenery, Robben Island, and Table Mountain. Learn about the country’s complex history at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.
Where to Eat: Savor Cape Malay cuisine in Cape Town, a fusion of Malay, Dutch, and indigenous African flavors. Sample South African wines, some of the finest in the world. Enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbecue) with friends or family.
Where to Stay: Choose from luxurious safari lodges in Kruger National Park, boutique hotels in Cape Town, or charming guesthouses in the winelands.
Kenya
Best Time to Visit: June to October for the Great Migration; December to February for warm weather on the coast.
Things to Do: Witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration in the Masai Mara National Reserve, where millions of wildebeest and zebra embark on an annual journey. Go on a thrilling hot air balloon ride over the savanna for breathtaking views. Visit a traditional Maasai village and learn about their unique culture. Relax on the pristine beaches of Mombasa or Diani Beach.
Where to Eat: Sample Kenyan street food like mandazi (fried dough) or chapati (flatbread). Enjoy fresh seafood dishes on the coast. Savor a traditional Kenyan meal of ugali (cornmeal porridge) and sukuma wiki (collard greens).
Where to Stay: Luxurious tented camps in the Masai Mara offer an immersive safari experience. Beachfront resorts in Mombasa and Diani Beach cater to those seeking relaxation. Budget-friendly lodges and guesthouses are also available.
Morocco
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November for pleasant weather. Avoid the scorching heat of the summer months.
Things to Do: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Marrakech, a labyrinthine city with bustling souks, historical palaces, and delicious street food. Hike or ride camels through the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes in the Sahara Desert. Explore the ancient city of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historic medina and leather tanneries.
Where to Eat: Sample traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine (stew) and couscous in a riad (traditional Moroccan house turned hotel). Enjoy fresh mint tea, a staple beverage in Morocco. Indulge in sweet pastries like baklava for dessert.
Where to Stay: Stay in a riad for a truly authentic Moroccan experience. Luxury desert camps offer a unique way to experience the Sahara Desert. Modern hotels are also available in major cities.
Tanzania
Best Time to Visit: June to October for the Great Migration in the Serengeti National Park; December to February for warm weather on the coast. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is best attempted during the dry season (December to February or June to September).
Things to Do: Witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration in the Serengeti National Park, a spectacle that has to be seen to be believed. Challenge yourself by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa (not for the faint of heart!). Relax on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, an island paradise with a rich history. Explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a diverse range of wildlife.
Where to Eat: Savor fresh seafood dishes like grilled octopus or coconut curry on the beaches of Zanzibar. Sample Tanzanian staples like ugali (cornmeal porridge) and mchicha (spinach) with meat or fish stew. Enjoy a cup of strong Tanzanian coffee, a popular way to start the day.
Where to Stay: Luxurious tented camps in the Serengeti offer an unforgettable safari experience. Beachfront resorts in Zanzibar cater to those seeking relaxation. Budget-friendly lodges and guesthouses are also available in most areas.
Botswana
Best Time to Visit: May to September for dry weather and prime safari season; the Okavango Delta is best experienced from March to May when the floodwaters are at their peak.
Things to Do: Embark on a luxurious safari in the world-renowned Okavango Delta, a unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife. Go mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) rides through the waterways for a unique perspective. Explore the Chobe National Park, famous for its large elephant herds. Witness the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World (shared with Zambia).
Where to Eat: Enjoy gourmet meals prepared by top chefs at luxurious safari lodges. Sample Botswanan cuisine like seswaa (pounded salted meat) or pap (cornmeal porridge) at local restaurants.
Where to Stay: Luxurious safari lodges in the Okavango Delta offer unparalleled service and stunning views. Budget-friendly options like guesthouses and campsites are also available in some areas.
Namibia
Best Time to Visit: April to October for dry weather and pleasant temperatures; the Skeleton Coast is best explored from December to March.
Things to Do: Explore the otherworldly Namib Desert, a landscape of towering sand dunes, dramatic canyons, and unique wildlife. Witness the Sossusvlei, a stark desert landscape with iconic red sand dunes. Drive along the Skeleton Coast, a shipwreck graveyard with a fascinating history. Go stargazing in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, one of the darkest places on Earth.
Where to Eat: Sample Namibian cuisine like oshiwambo (millet porridge) or mopane worms (a local delicacy) at local restaurants. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes like oysters or lobster along the coast.
Where to Stay: Choose from luxurious desert lodges with stunning views, comfortable guesthouses in towns, or campsites for a more adventurous experience.
Rwanda
Best Time to Visit: June to August and December to February for dry weather with comfortable temperatures for gorilla trekking.
Things to Do: Embark on a life-changing experience by trekking to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Explore the vibrant capital city of Kigali, a hub of art, culture, and history. Visit a traditional Rwandan village and learn about the country’s unique culture. Go on a chimpanzee trekking adventure in Nyungwe National Park.
Where to Eat: Savor Rwandan staples like matoke (steamed green bananas) and brochettes (skewers of grilled meat or fish). Sample local Rwandan coffee, known for its rich flavor. Enjoy fresh juices made from tropical fruits.
Where to Stay: Choose from comfortable lodges and guesthouses near Volcanoes National Park, boutique hotels in Kigali, or eco-lodges offering a sustainable travel experience.
Ethiopia
Best Time to Visit: September to May for pleasant weather; avoid the rainy season from June to August.
Things to Do: Explore the ancient rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hike the Simien Mountains, a breathtaking mountain range with stunning scenery and unique wildlife. Visit the historical city of Gondar, once the capital of the Ethiopian Empire. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Addis Ababa, the capital city.
Where to Eat: Sample Ethiopian cuisine like injera (sourdough flatbread) served with stews of vegetables, lentils, or meat. Enjoy a cup of Ethiopian coffee, brewed in a traditional jebena (clay pot). Indulge in sweet pastries like baklava for dessert.
Where to Stay: Choose from historic hotels in cities like Gondar, comfortable lodges near the Simien Mountains, or modern hotels in Addis Ababa. Budget-friendly guesthouses are also available in most areas.
Seychelles
Best Time to Visit: May to November for dry weather and calm seas; December to April can be hot and humid with occasional rain showers.
Things to Do: Relax on the pristine beaches of Mahé, the largest island, or explore the secluded beaches of other islands like Praslin and La Digue. Go snorkeling or scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful marine life. Hike through lush rainforests and explore hidden waterfalls on some islands. Go island hopping and discover the unique beauty of each island in the Seychelles archipelago.
Where to Eat: Savor fresh seafood dishes like grilled fish or lobster curries. Sample Seychellois cuisine with Creole influences, featuring tropical fruits, spices, and fresh ingredients. Enjoy tropical cocktails made with local rum and fresh juices.
Where to Stay: Choose from luxurious beachfront resorts offering all-inclusive packages, charming guesthouses on smaller islands, or self-catering villas for a more independent experience.
Zambia
Best Time to Visit: May to September for dry weather and the best views of Victoria Falls; October to April can be wet with the falls at their most powerful.
Things to Do: Witness the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, from the Zambian side. Embark on a thrilling safari adventure in South Luangwa National Park, known for its abundance of wildlife, including lions, leopards, and elephants. Go white-water rafting on the mighty Zambezi River for an adrenaline rush. Explore the cultural heritage of Livingstone, a town named after the famous explorer.
Where to Eat: Savor Zambian cuisine like nshima (cornmeal porridge) with relish (stewed vegetables or meat). Sample fresh fish dishes from Lake Kariba. Enjoy a Zambian beer or a refreshing cup of local coffee.
Where to Stay: Choose from luxurious lodges with stunning views of Victoria Falls, comfortable safari camps in South Luangwa National Park, or guesthouses in Livingstone offering a budget-friendly option.
Safe Travels
This list just scratches the surface of the best countries to visit in Africa and the incredible experiences Africa has to offer. From the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife to the rich cultures and warm hospitality, Africa is a continent that will leave a lasting impression on any traveler. So, start planning your African adventure today and discover the magic for yourself!