Let the planning begin!
Africa has the most countries in the world, 54, spanning global languages, cultures, and terrain. From the Great Pyramids of Giza to Victoria Falls, to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, there is something for everyone in Africa. This guide will help you pick an African destination, whether it’s your first time or you’re a repeat traveler.
But first things first: before picking a destination, make sure you have a yellow fever vaccine and card, which are required for most African countries. You can get a yellow fever vaccine at your local travel clinic or use the Centers for Disease Control’s search function.
Your passport is the next important thing. Make sure you have at least two blank pages available for stamps and visas left in your passport, and ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your departure date. Once this is cleared, the planning can begin.
The Best Destinations for Food & Culture
You don’t have to travel far to experience good food and culture in Africa. With Senegal being the westernmost country on mainland Africa, a direct flight from JFK will bring you to the vibrant capital of Dakar. Visit the largest statue in Africa, the African Renaissance Monument, standing at 171 feet tall. Take a ferry to Goree Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learn about its role in the transatlantic slave trade. Catch a traditional Senegalese wrestling “lutte” match.
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Experience “teranga” hospitality, the Senegalese philosophy of generosity and community, and enjoy the national dish, ceebu jen, a richly-seasoned fish, rice, and tomato dish. Sail on Lake Retba, also known as Lac Rose or the Pink Lake, and then head north to Saint Louis, the former capital of French West Africa and another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Egypt, home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, is another stellar destination for food and culture. In Cairo, visit the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza. The Egyptian and National Museum of Egyptian Civilization are filled with precious preserved artifacts. And don’t leave the city before experiencing an elegant dinner cruise on the Nile River, which is a must.
After experiencing Cairo, head south to Aswan to learn more about the Nubians and their villages. Sail down the Nile on a felucca and take a dip! You can’t leave Aswan without visiting Philae and Abu Simbel Temples. The contrast between Cairo and Aswan is stark, making for a well-rounded itinerary.
Benin in West Africa is another country well worth visiting and too often left off travelers’ lists. Known as the birthplace of Vodun (voodoo), Benin offers a unique opportunity to learn about this religion. In Ouidah, visit the Sacred Forest and the Python Temple. Ouidah also played an important role in the transatlantic slave trade. Here you will find the Door of No Return, now a monument, once a horrifying passage that led slaves to ships headed to the Americas. Sail through Ganvie, a stilt village that began as a place to hide from slavery and is now a thriving lake village, often nicknamed the “Venice of Africa”.
In Porto Novo, the capital of Benin, enjoy museums and a sail down the Adjarra River, also known as the Black River. Learn how the community makes a living through weaving and other artistry. No trip to Benin is complete without visiting the palaces of Abomey and learning about the all-female military unit known as the Agojie. Agojie was the inspiration for the film “The Woman King.”
The Best Destinations for Beach Lovers
You haven’t seen water so blue until you have swum in the waters of the Indian Ocean. Although the flight will be long, it will be worth it. The Seychelles is the smallest country in Africa and has the smallest capital in the world, Victoria. Bring out the snorkeling gear to see the beautiful marine life. Beau Vallon and Anse Royal beaches are waiting for you!
You’ve already flown this far, so you might as well explore another nearby African country: Mauritius. If you’re looking for luxury, look no further. This culturally diverse country is a luxury lovers’ paradise. Turquoise waters, clear lagoons, and beautiful scenery make Mauritius the ideal place to relax. If a little bit of hiking is more your speed, waterfall treks and coastal trails are available here. Don’t let the long flight deter you from this paradise. The beautiful beaches of Le Morne, St. Felix, and Mont Choisy are some of the most spectacular on earth.
If you are not up for the long flight to Eastern Africa, West Africa has beautiful beaches worth visiting. See the white sand beaches of River No. 2 in Sierra Leone. With long stretches of beach, the likelihood of you having a piece of paradise to yourself is very high. If you are into surfing, you can catch some waves at Bureh Beach, outside of the capital of Freetown. The best time to surf in Sierra Leone is from March to October.
The Best Destinations for Safaris
When people think about the African continent, safari is probably the first thought that comes to mind. There are so many places to see animals in their natural habitats. Kenya is the birthplace of safaris. Every year, animal lovers flock to the Masai Mara to experience the Great Migration, as animals leave the Serengeti in Tanzania to migrate to the green pastures of Kenya. Although there is no specific date, the window of opportunity to spot this annual migration is between July and September. If you are in Kenya outside of this window, you can still see animals by visiting Nairobi National Park, the only National Park within a capital city in the entire world. A shuttle from the city center will bring you here to enjoy a game drive.
Outside Kenya, Kruger National Park in South Africa is home to the Big Five (buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinos) and is the largest reserve in the country. With lodging ranging from campgrounds to luxurious bungalows, there are accommodations for all budgets. With limited light pollution, starry nights are the best here. Pack your best safari outfits and prepare yourself for an experience of a lifetime.
If elephants are your favorite animals, you must visit Chobe National Park in Botswana, which has the highest concentration of elephants in Africa. A day trip here can be arranged from Zambia or Zimbabwe. Cruise along the Chobe River while you watch elephants bathing and lathering their bodies in mud as they try to cool off from the heat. After the river cruise, drive through the park and catch giraffes necking, zebras grazing, and many more animals prancing around.
No matter where you choose to travel in Africa—be it a safari in Kenya, a beach getaway in the Seychelles, or a cultural excursion in Egypt—this continent promises something for everyone.
