10 Best Places to Visit in Africa

Cairo has so much to offer to its visitors as there is so much to see and do. 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 capital’s history and culture before long. Though winter offers the most pleasant weather of the year, it’s also the busiest season, so consider visiting in spring or fall when room rates are lower and attraction crowds thin out.

With numerous hiking trails, miles of dramatic scenery and stunning beaches (including one with wild penguins), Cape Town caters to both adventurous types and laid-back travelers. The city is accessible from all parts of the globe and it is possible to find convenient, budget-friendly lodging. Once there, consider taking the aerial cableway up Table Mountain, visit Nelson Mandela’s jail cell on Robben Island, explore the world-renowned Constantia Valley wine region and attend one of the city’s many festivals.

The UNESCO heritage site is a breathtaking site to admire. Located between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is roughly twice as deep and wide as Niagara Falls, making it one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. To see the natural wonder at its prime, plan a visit here in April when the area’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 swimming or whitewater rafting in the Zambezi River to admire the falls from a different angle.

The island offers something for everyone, whether you’re in search of beautiful beaches or an unforgettable adventure. After trekking to this Indian Ocean destination off of the eastern coast of Africa, you’ll instantly feel at ease as you lounge on quiet beaches like Matemwe and Pongwe. Once you’ve gotten your fill of the archipelago’s beaches, visit Zanzibar City’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Stone Town, where you’ll find the ruins of a 15th-century palace and a graveyard with ties to Zanzibar’s former Arab royals. No trip would be complete without taking a spice tour in the countryside and exploring Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park.

Tourists head to Tanzania to enjoy a safari trip, but there is more to see and do like the country’s other treasures. In addition to its animal-filled plains, Tanzania boasts other natural wonders, including red-hued Lake Natron, Ngorongoro Conservation Area’s expansive crater and Mount Kilimanjaro – the tallest mountain in Africa. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, book a climbing excursion up the continent’s famous mountain through a local tour operator.

If you haven’t come face to face with elephants, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest, then a safari through Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is the perfect adventure for you. The price will be steep, but a journey here affords an unforgettable experience. To save some money, book one of the park’s campgrounds instead of staying at a high-end safari lodge. Plan on arriving in January, February or between June and September for the best game-viewing conditions.

The island nation in the Indian ocean appeals to vacationers in search of a bit of everything. Though its main draws are its powdery sands and luxe resorts, this small island east of Madagascar equally charms visitors with its French colonial architecture, friendly locals and tasty teas and rums. After a day of exploring and soaking up some sun, retreat to one of the island’s premier properties to savor fresh seafood while watching a traditional sega dance performance or the sun set over the Indian Ocean.

This massive South African game preserve is a perfect place to see a variety of animals, ranging from lions to rhinos to elephants to giraffes. Additionally, the park’s network of paved roads makes it easier to navigate than Serengeti, but its popularity – especially from April to September (the best months for wildlife viewing) – means you’re more likely to encounter hordes of visitors during game drives and at in-park accommodations. To ensure lodging, flight and tour availability, finalize your trip plans at least a year in advance.

A grouping of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles has long attracted those looking for a truly relaxing getaway. Spend your days lounging on pristine, crowd-free beaches like Anse Volbert and Anse Lazio. 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.

Like other historic Moroccan cities, Marrakech is vibrant with life: traditional 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 or head to a bar and relax. During your visit, keep an ear out to hear the striking tones of the nearby mosques’ calls to prayer.