You know I love Africa, right? You should already be planning your trip of a lifetime with The Grown-up Travel Company after all.
From wildlife safaris to cultural immersions, Africa offers some of the most diverse and rewarding travel experiences in the world. As the continent continues to grow in popularity among tourists, deciding where to go in Africa can be overwhelming.
Here are 10 of the best places to travel in Africa in 2024 for an unforgettable trip.
The 10 Best Places to Travel in Africa in 2024
Key Takeaways
| Best Safaris | Top Cultural Sites | Adventure Destinations | Relaxing Beaches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serengeti, Tanzania | Marrakech, Morocco | Sossusvlei, Namibia | Zanzibar, Tanzania |
| Masai Mara, Kenya | Cairo, Egypt | Victoria Falls | Seychelles |
| Kruger, South Africa | Lalibela, Ethiopia | Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania | Mauritius |
Experience Epic Wildlife Safaris
Africa is renowned for its abundant and unique wildlife. Safaris give you the chance to see iconic African animals like lions, elephants, rhinos, and more up close in their natural habitats.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti is perhaps Africa’s most famous safari destination. Nearly 2 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate across the Serengeti plains and grasslands each year in search of food and water. Witnessing the Great Migration is a bucket-list experience.
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Bordering the Serengeti, the Masai Mara offers equally impressive safaris. The Mara River provides year-round water, attracting high densities of lions, cheetahs, elephants, and hippos. You’ll also spot Masai tribespeople herding cattle across the open plains.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
At over 7,500 square miles, Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves. Its savanna terrain provides the perfect ecosystem for lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and more. Kruger offers excellent infrastructure like roads and lodges.
Immerse Yourself in Diverse Cultures
From bustling cities to remote villages, Africa is culturally rich and diverse. Immersing yourself provides insight into distinct traditions, faiths, languages, food, music, and art.
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech perfectly blends historical architecture with modern energy. Lose yourself in the medina’s winding alleyways. Listen to musicians in Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Shop for artisan goods at the souks.
Cairo, Egypt
Cairo juxtaposes ancient wonders and modern landscapes. Marvel at the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Wander through the maze-like Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Visit the renowned Egyptian Museum.
Lalibela, Ethiopia
In Lalibela, churches take your breath away. This historic town is home to 11 rock-hewn churches, each carved from a single slab of granite. Take a guided tour through 800-year-old passageways and admire the stunning architecture.
Satisfy Your Thirst for Adventure
From the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro to the sand dunes of Namibia, Africa presents non-stop adventures. Challenge yourself physically and take in spectacular landscapes.
Sossusvlei, Namibia
Sossusvlei is a huge salt pan surrounded by towering red dunes. Climbing “Big Daddy,” towering over 1,000 feet, rewards you with phenomenal desert views. Guided quad bike tours and balloon rides provide different perspectives.
Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Breathtaking Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, straddles the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Take a swim at the top or view the thundering cascades from below. Opt for whitewater rafting or bungee jumping for added thrills.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak is Africa’s highest point at 19,341 feet. Hikers can trek to the summit or simply enjoy the scenery on shorter routes. Witness how lush rainforests transform into icy landscapes.
Relax on Pristine Beaches
With endless coastlines and islands dotting the Indian Ocean, Africa’s beaches compete with any destination. Spend days lounging on soft sand and snorkelling in turquoise waters.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
The Zanzibar archipelago off Tanzania offers a quintessential tropical paradise. Laze on beaches lined by palm trees, drink fresh coconut water, explore the historic Stone Town, and feast on local seafood like grilled prawns.
Seychelles
Scattered across the Indian Ocean northeast of Madagascar, the 115 islands of Seychelles are ringed by untouched white-sand beaches with gorgeous azure waters. Hike jungle trails, snorkel or dive colourful reefs, or relax at your beach resort.
Mauritius
The island of Mauritius impresses with its world-class beaches, lagoons, and reefs. Stay in a beachfront bungalow, charter a catamaran, and trek through forests to secluded waterfalls. Diving and snorkelling reveal bountiful sea life.
Diverse Types of Travel Experiences
Across its many countries and landscapes, Africa provides every type of travel experience imaginable. Discover which interests you most.
Wildlife Safaris
Get up close with Africa’s iconic wildlife – lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, hippos, zebras, buffalo, wildebeest, and more. Track animals across open savannas or thick jungles.
Cultural Immersions
Interact and learn from some of Africa’s 3,000 distinct ethnic groups. Experience traditional music, dance, food, rituals, crafts and architecture. Stay in a village homestay.
Adventure Activities
Get your adrenaline pumping while taking in dramatic landscapes – climb Mount Kilimanjaro, sandboard Namibia’s dunes, hike through jungles to see gorillas, raft on the Zambezi River below Victoria Falls.
Relaxing on Beaches
With endless coastlines dotted with pristine islands, Africa’s beaches rival any destination. Relax in beachside villas, charter boats, feast on fresh seafood, and enjoy water sports.
Start Planning Your Dream Trip
Offering unmatched diversity, Africa should be at the top of every traveller’s wish list. Use this guide to start planning where your African adventure will take you. With endless destinations, activities, landscapes and cultures – the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
If it’s safaris you’re into, then naturally you need look no further than the fantastic Grown-up Travel Company!
Have you travelled in Africa before? Share your own favourite destinations and tips in the comments!
