Africa offers an incredible blend of ancient and modern, wild and urban, places to visit with its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures. From the soaring sand dunes of the Namib Desert to the lush rainforests of the Congo Basin, the vast and varied continent offers a world of travel opportunities in 2024.
For adventurers seeking breathtaking natural scenery, few destinations can match the epic spectacle of the annual wildebeest migration across the Serengeti plains. City lovers will revel in the frenetic souks of Marrakesh, the thriving arts scene of Accra, and the vibrant renaissance underway in Kigali.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Africa in 2024:
South Africa
South Africa is an amazing place to visit. You can climb Table Mountain, see wild animals in Kruger National Park, or learn about the history of Robben Island. Enjoy the stunning views at Blyde River Canyon, drive along the Garden Route, or see the Drakensberg Mountains. Try going on a safari, tasting wine in Stellenbosch, or diving with sharks. Don’t forget to eat local foods like braai, bobotie, and bunny chow.
Kenya
Kenya is famous for its beautiful wildlife and natural scenery. Visit places like the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, and Lamu Island. See the Great Rift Valley, climb Mount Kenya, or relax on Diani Beach. Discover Kenya’s history along the Swahili coast and visit old sites like Fort Jesus. There are lots of exciting activities like flying in a hot air balloon, snorkeling in Watamu, or learning about Maasai culture. Try delicious Kenyan dishes like nyama choma, ugali, and samosas. There are also less-known areas to explore like the Lewa Conservancy, home to rare animals like black rhinos and Grevy’s zebras, offering a unique and cozy stay at Lewa Wilderness.
Tanzania
Tanzania is a top destination for anyone wanting to experience Africa’s wild beauty. You can go on safari in the Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is famous for its huge annual wildlife migration. You can also see the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, or climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Don’t miss the beautiful Zanzibar Island, the vast Selous Game Reserve, or the lovely Lake Manyara. Tanzania is rich in history too, with ancient Swahili city-states and Arab influences in Zanzibar. For fun go on spice tours in Zanzibar, or enjoy scuba diving. When it comes to food, taste the local ugali, nyama choma, and pilau.
Ghana
Ghana offers a mix of historical sites, lively culture, and beautiful beaches. Visit the Osu Castle, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, and Labadi Beach. Explore the historic Cape Coast, the natural beauty of Kakum National Park, and learn about Ghana’s history, including the transatlantic slave trade. Enjoy the Afrobeat music scene, try street food tours, and browse local markets. Foods to try include jollof rice, banku and tilapia, and kelewele. Don’t miss the Independence Arch, Jamestown Lighthouse, and the National Museum of Ghana for a deep dive into Ghanaian culture and history.
Rwanda
Rwanda is known for its stunning natural parks and wildlife. Visit Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, and relax by Lake Kivu which offers scenic boat trips and outdoor activities. Activities include gorilla trekking, canopy walks, and cultural village visits. Explore the lush Nyungwe Forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and Akagera National Park. Try Rwandan dishes like ugali, isombe, and brochettes. Visit Nyanza to see the Royal Palace and learn local myths at Ndaba Rock. For relaxation, check out the healing natural hot springs at Amashyuza.
Morocco
Morocco has some of the most beautiful gardens, historic mosques, and colorful towns in the world. Must-visit spots include Jardin Majorelle, Hassan II Mosque, and the blue city of Chefchaouen. Adventure awaits in the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, and the coastal town of Essaouira. Morocco’s history is rich with Arab, Berber, and European influences, evident in its ancient cities. Fun activities include camel trekking, exploring local markets (souks), and taking hot air balloon rides. Be sure to try Moroccan dishes like tagine, couscous, and pastilla. Morocco is not just famous for its culture; it’s also a great place for sports and crafts. You can make pottery in Marrakesh, taste wine in Meknes, or learn about Sufism.
Egypt
Egypt is known for its ancient wonders. The Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and the Valley of the Kings are just a few places where you can step back in time. Enjoy the beauty of the Nile River, the Red Sea, and the Siwa Oasis. Egypt’s history is fascinating, with stories of ancient civilizations, pharaohs, and hieroglyphs. Egyptian foods like koshary, molokhia, and falafel are delicious. Besides the well-known pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, explore other historical sites like the Saqqara necropolis, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. Egypt’s Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Mount Sinai are also worth a visit.
Zambia
Zambia’s Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, and the wildlife-rich Luangwa Valley, offer unforgettable natural experiences. Zambia is renowned for its walking safaris, particularly in the Luangwa Valley, where visitors can experience the wilderness up close. Adventurous travelers can go whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River or explore the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for a glimpse of the mighty Victoria Falls. Zambia’s natural beauty and commitment to wildlife conservation make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
In Zambia, the culinary journey complements the outdoor adventures. Visitors can try local dishes like nshima, a staple food made from ground maize, often served with meat or vegetable stews. Sampling local Zambian cuisine provides an authentic taste of the country’s culinary traditions.
Namibia
Namibia is full of amazing natural attractions. In Etosha National Park, you can see lots of wildlife around a huge salt pan perfect for self-drive safaris, especially during the dry season from May to October, when wildlife viewing is at its best. The Skeleton Coast and Fish River Canyon are also breathtaking places to visit. Don’t miss the beautiful dunes at Sossusvlei, the charming town of Swakopmund, or the striking Spitzkoppe rocks. Namibia has a mix of German colonial history and San Bushmen culture. For fun, try sandboarding in Swakopmund, hot air ballooning over Sossusvlei, or spotting wildlife in the wild. When it comes to food, taste some local braai, biltong, and potjiekos.
