AfricaTravelGo
Curated list

Top 50 destinations in Africa

This is a practical “where to go” shortlist across Africa—balanced across wildlife, culture, coast, and landscapes. Each entry includes quick context and a planning tip so you can shortlist faster.

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  1. 1. Marrakesh (Morocco)

    Marrakesh in Morocco

    Region: North Africa • Medina souks, riads, and desert gateways.

    Don’t miss: Jemaa el-Fnaa, Atlas day trips, Agafay/ Sahara excursions.

    Planning tip: Best in spring/fall for comfortable sightseeing.

  2. 2. Fez (Morocco)

    Fez in Morocco

    Region: North Africa • Labyrinthine old city and heritage crafts center.

    Don’t miss: Fes el Bali, tanneries, day trip to Meknes/Volubilis.

    Planning tip: Best in spring/fall for comfortable sightseeing.

  3. 3. Chefchaouen (Morocco)

    Chefchaouen in Morocco

    Region: North Africa • Blue-washed mountain town for slow travel.

    Don’t miss: blue lanes, Rif hikes, local markets.

    Planning tip: Best in spring/fall for comfortable sightseeing.

  4. 4. Cairo (Egypt)

    Cairo in Egypt

    Region: North Africa • Base for pyramids, museums, and Nile culture.

    Don’t miss: Giza Plateau, Egyptian Museum/Grand Museum, Islamic Cairo.

    Planning tip: Best in spring/fall for comfortable sightseeing.

  5. 5. Luxor (Egypt)

    Luxor in Egypt

    Region: North Africa • Open-air museum of temples and royal tombs.

    Don’t miss: Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Nile felucca.

    Planning tip: Best in spring/fall for comfortable sightseeing.

  6. 6. Aswan (Egypt)

    Aswan in Egypt

    Region: North Africa • Nile-side city with Nubian culture and calm pace.

    Don’t miss: Philae Temple, Nubian villages, Abu Simbel trip.

    Planning tip: Best in spring/fall for comfortable sightseeing.

  7. 7. Zanzibar (Stone Town) (Tanzania)

    Zanzibar (Stone Town) in Tanzania

    Region: East Africa • Historic Swahili coast plus beaches and spice farms.

    Don’t miss: Stone Town, spice tour, Nungwi/Kendwa beaches.

    Planning tip: Dry season usually means easier wildlife viewing.

  8. 8. Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

    Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

    Region: East Africa • Iconic savannah for big cats and the Great Migration.

    Don’t miss: migration drives, hot-air balloon, kopjes.

    Planning tip: Dry season usually means easier wildlife viewing.

  9. 9. Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)

    Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania

    Region: East Africa • Dense wildlife in a volcanic caldera.

    Don’t miss: crater floor safari, Maasai culture, Olduvai Gorge.

    Planning tip: Dry season usually means easier wildlife viewing.

  10. 10. Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)

    Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

    Region: East Africa • Africa’s highest peak; world-class trekking routes.

    Don’t miss: Machame route, Shira Plateau, summit attempt.

    Planning tip: Dry season usually means easier wildlife viewing.

  11. 11. Maasai Mara (Kenya)

    Maasai Mara in Kenya

    Region: East Africa • Classic safari landscape with dramatic river crossings.

    Don’t miss: big cats, Mara River, cultural visits.

    Planning tip: Dry season usually means easier wildlife viewing.

  12. 12. Amboseli (Kenya)

    Amboseli in Kenya

    Region: East Africa • Elephants with postcard views of Kilimanjaro.

    Don’t miss: elephant herds, swamps, photography.

    Planning tip: Dry season usually means easier wildlife viewing.

  13. 13. Nairobi (Kenya)

    Nairobi in Kenya

    Region: East Africa • Urban hub with wildlife parks and food scene.

    Don’t miss: Nairobi NP, Karen Blixen area, markets & cafés.

    Planning tip: Dry season usually means easier wildlife viewing.

  14. 14. Lake Nakuru (Kenya)

    Lake Nakuru in Kenya

    Region: East Africa • Rift Valley lake known for rhinos and birdlife.

    Don’t miss: rhino tracking, birdwatching, viewpoints.

    Planning tip: Dry season usually means easier wildlife viewing.

  15. 15. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda)

    Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda

    Region: East Africa • Mountain gorilla trekking in ancient rainforest.

    Don’t miss: gorilla permits, forest walks, Batwa heritage.

    Planning tip: Dry season usually means easier wildlife viewing.

  16. 16. Kampala (Uganda)

    Kampala in Uganda

    Region: East Africa • Lively capital near Lake Victoria and cultural sites.

    Don’t miss: Kasubi area, Lake Victoria, nightlife.

    Planning tip: Dry season usually means easier wildlife viewing.

  17. 17. Kigali (Rwanda)

    Kigali in Rwanda

    Region: East Africa • Clean, safe city and gateway to gorilla parks.

    Don’t miss: Kigali Genocide Memorial, cafés, day trips.

    Planning tip: Dry season usually means easier wildlife viewing.

  18. 18. Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

    Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

    Region: East Africa • Premium gorilla trekking with volcanic scenery.

    Don’t miss: gorillas, golden monkeys, Dian Fossey sites.

    Planning tip: Dry season usually means easier wildlife viewing.

  19. 19. Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)

    Addis Ababa in Ethiopia

    Region: Horn of Africa • High-altitude capital with museums and coffee culture.

    Don’t miss: National Museum, Merkato, cultural dining.

    Planning tip: Altitude changes temperatures; pack layers for evenings.

  20. 20. Lalibela (Ethiopia)

    Lalibela in Ethiopia

    Region: Horn of Africa • Rock-hewn churches and pilgrimage atmosphere.

    Don’t miss: Bete Giyorgis, church circuit, festival timing.

    Planning tip: Altitude changes temperatures; pack layers for evenings.

  21. 21. Simien Mountains (Ethiopia)

    Simien Mountains in Ethiopia

    Region: Horn of Africa • Dramatic escarpments, trekking, and endemic wildlife.

    Don’t miss: gelada baboons, trekking, views.

    Planning tip: Altitude changes temperatures; pack layers for evenings.

  22. 22. Cape Town (South Africa)

    Cape Town in South Africa

    Region: Southern Africa • Coastal city with mountains, wineries, and culture.

    Don’t miss: Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula, Winelands.

    Planning tip: Dry winter months often suit safaris; summers are greener.

  23. 23. Kruger National Park (South Africa)

    Kruger National Park in South Africa

    Region: Southern Africa • One of Africa’s best big-five safari areas.

    Don’t miss: self-drive, private reserves, night drives.

    Planning tip: Dry winter months often suit safaris; summers are greener.

  24. 24. Johannesburg (South Africa)

    Johannesburg in South Africa

    Region: Southern Africa • History-rich metropolis and art/food districts.

    Don’t miss: Apartheid Museum, Soweto, Maboneng.

    Planning tip: Dry winter months often suit safaris; summers are greener.

  25. 25. Garden Route (South Africa)

    Garden Route in South Africa

    Region: Southern Africa • Scenic road trip of beaches, forests, and lagoons.

    Don’t miss: Knysna, Tsitsikamma, whale season.

    Planning tip: Dry winter months often suit safaris; summers are greener.

  26. 26. Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia)

    Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe/Zambia

    Region: Southern Africa • World-famous waterfall with adventure activities.

    Don’t miss: Devil’s Pool (seasonal), heli flights, Zambezi cruises.

    Planning tip: Dry winter months often suit safaris; summers are greener.

  27. 27. Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe)

    Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe

    Region: Southern Africa • Elephant stronghold with diverse habitats.

    Don’t miss: waterhole safaris, walking, birding.

    Planning tip: Dry winter months often suit safaris; summers are greener.

  28. 28. Chobe National Park (Botswana)

    Chobe National Park in Botswana

    Region: Southern Africa • Riverfront wildlife viewing with huge elephant numbers.

    Don’t miss: boat safari, river sunsets, Savuti side-trip.

    Planning tip: Dry winter months often suit safaris; summers are greener.

  29. 29. Okavango Delta (Botswana)

    Okavango Delta in Botswana

    Region: Southern Africa • Wetland safari by mokoro, boats, and small camps.

    Don’t miss: mokoro trips, island walks, luxury lodges.

    Planning tip: Dry winter months often suit safaris; summers are greener.

  30. 30. Etosha National Park (Namibia)

    Etosha National Park in Namibia

    Region: Southern Africa • Salt pan landscapes and wildlife at waterholes.

    Don’t miss: Okaukuejo waterhole, self-drive, dry season viewing.

    Planning tip: Dry winter months often suit safaris; summers are greener.

  31. 31. Sossusvlei (Namibia)

    Sossusvlei in Namibia

    Region: Southern Africa • Towering dunes and stark desert photography.

    Don’t miss: Dune 45, Deadvlei, sunrise hikes.

    Planning tip: Dry winter months often suit safaris; summers are greener.

  32. 32. Windhoek (Namibia)

    Windhoek in Namibia

    Region: Southern Africa • Small capital with German colonial history and gateways.

    Don’t miss: craft markets, day trips, overland hub.

    Planning tip: Dry winter months often suit safaris; summers are greener.

  33. 33. Bazaruto Archipelago (Mozambique)

    Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique

    Region: Southern Africa • Tropical islands for diving, dhow cruises, and beaches.

    Don’t miss: snorkeling, dolphins, fresh seafood.

    Planning tip: Dry winter months often suit safaris; summers are greener.

  34. 34. Vilankulo (Mozambique)

    Vilankulo in Mozambique

    Region: Southern Africa • Main launch point to Bazaruto with laid-back vibe.

    Don’t miss: island trips, kitesurfing, markets.

    Planning tip: Dry winter months often suit safaris; summers are greener.

  35. 35. Nosy Be (Madagascar)

    Nosy Be in Madagascar

    Region: Indian Ocean • Island base for reefs, lemurs, and fragrant plantations.

    Don’t miss: diving, nearby isles, y-lang y-lang.

    Planning tip: Consider shoulder seasons for calmer weather and better value.

  36. 36. Avenue of the Baobabs (Madagascar)

    Avenue of the Baobabs in Madagascar

    Region: Indian Ocean • Iconic baobab-lined road for sunsets and photos.

    Don’t miss: sunset shots, local villages, dry-season travel.

    Planning tip: Consider shoulder seasons for calmer weather and better value.

  37. 37. Seychelles (Mahé/Praslin/La Digue) (Seychelles)

    Seychelles (Mahé/Praslin/La Digue) in Seychelles

    Region: Indian Ocean • Granite beaches, jungle trails, and island hopping.

    Don’t miss: Anse Source d’Argent, Vallée de Mai, snorkeling.

    Planning tip: Consider shoulder seasons for calmer weather and better value.

  38. 38. Mauritius (Mauritius)

    Mauritius in Mauritius

    Region: Indian Ocean • Beach resorts plus hikes, markets, and lagoon cruises.

    Don’t miss: Chamarel, Grand Baie, underwater waterfall viewpoint.

    Planning tip: Consider shoulder seasons for calmer weather and better value.

  39. 39. Accra (Ghana)

    Accra in Ghana

    Region: West Africa • Coastal capital with music, art, and food culture.

    Don’t miss: Osu, Jamestown, beaches.

    Planning tip: Plan for heat and humidity; coastal evenings can be cooler.

  40. 40. Cape Coast & Elmina (Ghana)

    Cape Coast & Elmina in Ghana

    Region: West Africa • History sites and beaches on the central coast.

    Don’t miss: castles, Kakum canopy walk, seafood.

    Planning tip: Plan for heat and humidity; coastal evenings can be cooler.

  41. 41. Dakar (Senegal)

    Dakar in Senegal

    Region: West Africa • Atlantic-facing city with art, islands, and nightlife.

    Don’t miss: Gorée Island, markets, music scene.

    Planning tip: Plan for heat and humidity; coastal evenings can be cooler.

  42. 42. Saly & Petite Côte (Senegal)

    Saly & Petite Côte in Senegal

    Region: West Africa • Beach town base for easy coastal escapes.

    Don’t miss: beaches, day trips, family stays.

    Planning tip: Plan for heat and humidity; coastal evenings can be cooler.

  43. 43. Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)

    Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire

    Region: West Africa • Modern skyline and lagoon city with vibrant culture.

    Don’t miss: Plateau, Cocody, nightlife.

    Planning tip: Plan for heat and humidity; coastal evenings can be cooler.

  44. 44. Grand Bassam (Côte d’Ivoire)

    Grand Bassam in Côte d’Ivoire

    Region: West Africa • Colonial seaside town for weekend getaways.

    Don’t miss: heritage district, beaches, museums.

    Planning tip: Plan for heat and humidity; coastal evenings can be cooler.

  45. 45. Lagos (Nigeria)

    Lagos in Nigeria

    Region: West Africa • Mega-city energy, beaches, and creative industries.

    Don’t miss: Lekki, art scene, food.

    Planning tip: Plan for heat and humidity; coastal evenings can be cooler.

  46. 46. Tunis & Carthage (Tunisia)

    Tunis & Carthage in Tunisia

    Region: North Africa • Mediterranean capital with Roman ruins and coastal cafés.

    Don’t miss: Carthage ruins, Sidi Bou Said, Bardo Museum.

    Planning tip: Best in spring/fall for comfortable sightseeing.

  47. 47. Djerba (Tunisia)

    Djerba in Tunisia

    Region: North Africa • Island beaches, markets, and whitewashed villages.

    Don’t miss: Houmt Souk, beaches, synagogue sites.

    Planning tip: Best in spring/fall for comfortable sightseeing.

  48. 48. Sal Island (Cabo Verde)

    Sal Island in Cabo Verde

    Region: West Africa • Sunny Atlantic island known for beaches, water sports, and easy logistics.

    Don’t miss: kiteboarding, salt pans, resort stays.

    Planning tip: Plan for heat and humidity; coastal evenings can be cooler.

  49. 49. Banjul & Kololi (The Gambia)

    Banjul & Kololi in The Gambia

    Region: West Africa • Compact river-and-coast destination with birdlife and relaxed beaches.

    Don’t miss: River Gambia cruises, Abuko Nature Reserve, beach breaks.

    Planning tip: Plan for heat and humidity; coastal evenings can be cooler.

  50. 50. Lamu Old Town (Kenya)

    Lamu Old Town in Kenya

    Region: East Africa • UNESCO Swahili town with dhow sails and car-free streets.

    Don’t miss: Lamu streets, dhow trips, Shela beach.

    Planning tip: Dry season usually means easier wildlife viewing.

Next steps

  • Use Travel Tips for visas, budget planning, safety basics, and SIM/payment guidance.
  • Open Country Guides for seasonality and itinerary structure.
  • If you’re planning a safari, prioritize dry-season travel and book popular parks early.

FAQ

FAQ

How many days do I need for Top 50 African travel destinations?

Most travelers get a strong first visit in 2–4 days. Add extra time if you want day trips, slower pacing, or a beach/safari extension.

What’s the best time to visit Top 50 African travel destinations?

Aim for the main dry/shoulder season to balance weather and prices. Check the page’s seasonality notes for month-by-month guidance.

Is Top 50 African travel destinations safe for tourists?

Safety is manageable with standard precautions: use registered transport at night, keep valuables low-key, and follow local guidance on neighborhoods and scams.