Top Travel Destinations In Africa

March 20, 2023

Africa, as many individuals around the world know, is the second largest continent in the world. Its fifty-four registered African Union countries mean the second largest population on Earth lives here. Home to strikingly beautiful animals and unique flora to this portion of the globe, there are countless reasons for the countless tourists who flock to these parts every year for the opportunity to see what all the buzz is about. Following is a compilation of the top places to check out while considering all Africa has to offer.

Cairo, Egypt

The first stop, Cairo, is the capital of Egypt and makes for a strong starting point in Africa. Well known across the world, Cairo is home to many awe-striking attractions. Topping these would be the Great Pyramid of Giza and the accompanying pyramid complex, generally accepted to have been commissioned by Khufu, the second pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty. Infamous constructions also commonly sought out near Cairo are the Sphinx formations. These structures have been around since the 26th century and are treasures to the 9,500,000 citizens who live in Cairo, along with the Egyptian Museum that houses artifacts of Tutankhamun and more.

After visiting Cairo, it's time to head east for our next top travel destination in Africa.

Tanzania

Tanzania, located in East Africa, is home to a large collection of impressive attractions, some of which are human-made and others incredible, naturally-occurring phenomena. Tourists would do well to start in Dar Es Salaam, a city in Tanzania with rich historical sites, such as the Kariakoo Market, a popular site for shopping since establishment back in 1974, and the Askari Monument, which acts as a memorial for the brave soldiers who lost their lives during the first World War. Another spectacular destination for newcomers to Tanzania is Bongoyo Island, the most popular of four islands, particularly for snorkeling and sunbathing. It is reachable by private boat or ferry. Although there are many engaging locations to visit in Tanzania, none are as breathtaking as the Great Migration, a spectacle of over one million wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, cheetah, and more. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Although Tanzania is an excellent place to stay, the next destination offers a hiking route known world-wide.

South Africa

An oft-discussed destination in Africa is the country of South Africa, which is world-renowned for a few reasons. Cape Town, the port city of South Africa, is a cultural hub for travelers looking to see popular landmarks, one of which is often Table Mountain. Overlooking the city, Table Mountain is a nice hiking and climbing hill with a flat surface, providing a clear view. Another hot-spot for visitors is Kruger National Park, a game reserve where guests can see the controlled, safe environment via safaris that offer the chance to see elephants, lions, storks and more. Finally, South Africa is home to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela served eighteen out of his twenty-seven-year prison sentence prior to the fall of apartheid. Robben Island is now a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site.

With all of the wonder that South Africa has to offer it will be difficult to leave, however, just a little north is a country that may be just as incredible.

Botswana

Botswana is next on the list as a key tourism hub, a country just north of South Africa. There are many attractions here including the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a vast conservation area and wildlife preserve shared by their neighbor to the south. The park is fifteen thousand square miles and provides an unfenced region for animals which is necessary to their survival in this desert-like plain.

Gcwihaba, an underground labyrinth of caverns and pits where globetrotters may see stalagmites and stalactites as well as leaf-nosed bats, a native species, is also intriguing. Moreover, the Tsodilo hills make for a day of history and exercise as archaeological research shows indigenous communities have lived in these parts for over 100,000 years, proved by the ninety thousand-year-old tools, pottery, and beads. Hiking and hill climbing are fun activities for such challenging terrain.

Botswana has its hidden gems and inviting parks, but the upcoming destination has some of the best marine life in Africa no one wants to miss.

Kenya

Although southern Africa makes for a great stop during travels, it is important to venture to the east as well; here visitors will find Kenya, a country right on the coast of the Indian Ocean. A population of over forty-eight million makes Kenya a busy place with lots to do. Known as a safari departure point, Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is a hub for tourism. Whitewater rafting is a joyful way to spend time here, as well as checking out the heritage of rock art, some of which has lasted over seventy thousand years.

Marine parks also play a significant role in tourism attractions, with four major contributors. Each is packed with marine life, comprised of vibrant flora and countless species of fauna. However, some prefer the mainland for entertainment, which is perfect for safari’s allowing access to infamous animals, such as lions and giraffes.

The following destination is perfect for those who wish to relax and simply enjoy the view that Africa has to offer.

Malawi

Malawi is a magnificent country landlocked in southeastern Africa, with the beautiful Lake Malawi in its center. At an altitude of approximately three thousand feet above sea level, there is a diversity in the landscape here providing forest reserves and magnificent waterfalls. A popular attraction for tourists is bird watching, a unique and inclusive activity often overlooked as a fun pastime. For those uninterested in bird watching, other hobbies for sightseers include trekking across the beautiful plain, wind gliding on the lake, fishing, and kayaking. Lastly, horse riding is an ideal way to finish a stay in Malawi as a relaxing but engaging recreation that is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for many.

Who wouldn't want to stay in Malawi permanently? Although it may be tempting, do not miss the chance to see what this next southern African country delivers.

Zambia

Zambia, located in southern Africa, maintains a population of approximately 16,500,000. Although Zambia is not the largest country in Africa and is landlocked, it is still home to a vast and beautiful water body. A gorgeous focal point is Victoria Falls, where guests have the chance to spend an afternoon swimming below the falls, an unparalleled opportunity unique to this region of the world. Remote areas of Zambia provide a peaceful stay and ability to view sites such as the Zambezi River filled with gorgeous water and the original acacia tree.

Zambia has a lot of beauty to offer the world, but none can outshine the following country's vibrant flora and fauna.

Lesotho

Lesotho is a high-altitude southern African country home to the substantial history of past kings and a strong people. Regarded as a destination in the sky, there is plenty to do in Lesotho, including horseback riding and sightseeing. Common places to visit while in the country include the Katse Dam and the Maletsunyane Falls. The falls are incredible to witness, especially after rains during the late fall to mid-winter months. Not only are the falls an incredible spectacle to be a part of, but the drive there makes for an enjoyable view as well.

There is another cultural destination in Africa coming up next, and it will entice any aspiring wanderer.

Morocco

Morocco is a crowned jewel in northern Africa sitting on the border of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. A huge population of thirty-five million citizens makes for a country soaked in religion and unique culture, perfect for travelers looking to expand their mindset and explore new places. Casablanca is a great place to start with treasured landmarks, such as the Hassan II Mosque, the thirteenth largest mosque in the world and a height of 690 feet. Other spots superb for guests are Fes, a culture capital with plenty of vibrantly tiled buildings and beautiful structures, as well as Marrakech, which is a beautifully gardened region with a dense population.

Though Tanzania has been touched on already, the final destination is so unique that it deserves separate recognition.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro, as stated, is located in Tanzania. Known as the largest mountain in Africa and the tallest mountain not connected to a range on Earth at 19,341 feet. However, it is not a traditional mountain and is, in fact, a dormant volcano with three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Though the latter two are extinct, Kibo, the highest of the three, is considered dormant and theoretically, could erupt again, although the last major eruption was roughly 360,000 years ago.

Kilimanjaro is a major climbing destination and enclosed as a national park. The first recorded successful climbers were Ludwig Purtscheller and Hans Meyer in 1889. An unforgettable experience welcomes bold adventurers from across the globe to attempt to climb and reach the summit of this scenic and challenging site, most commonly the highest point at Uhuru Peak on Kibo's crater rim, for the opportunity of a lifetime. Specific climb dates per nationality and fitness programs are available to those who wish to secure the highest chance at a successful summit.

Be sure to visit these destinations on your next visit to gorgeous Africa!

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