Africa is a traveler’s dream continent – wild animals, captivating cultures and breathtaking architecture – all available for exploration. Often people think that all of Africa is made up of plains where lions and giraffes roam free – and while that’s true for some continents, Africa has so much more to offer. I’ve teamed up with other travel bloggers to bring you 23 dream destinations in Africa to add to your bucket list for 2023!
Don’t forget to check out the rest of the series – Dream Destinations in the USA, South America, Europe, Asia and Oceania!
23 Best Destinations to Visit in Africa
Africa is a traveler’s dream continent – wild animals, captivating cultures and breathtaking architecture – all available for exploration. Often people think that all of Africa is made up of plains where lions and giraffes roam free – and while that’s true for some continents, Africa has so much more to offer. I’ve teamed up with other travel bloggers to bring you 23 dream destinations in Africa to add to your bucket list for 2023!
Don’t forget to check out the rest of the series – Dream Destinations in the USA, South America, Europe, Asia and Oceania!
Chefchaouene, Morocco
In the northeast of Morocco lies a picturesque town with blue walls, on the side of a high mountain that looks like a pair of goat’s horns.
The breathtaking backdrop that overlooks the city of Chefchaouen in the Rif is enough to fulfill your desire for magnificent landscapes and unique Moroccan architecture. The city is a unique blend of cultures with its
blue-washed Jewish-inspired buildings, octagonal mosques and Spanish ruins. It remains an iconic shopping spot for tourists looking to invest in the country’s finest fabrics. You can also dine at the local restaurants, famous for their goat cheese dishes.
Chefchaouen is a slow paced city and to make the most of it best party, you have to wander aimlessly through the medina, slowly too, enjoying everything you see. Explore the narrow streets, stop for a glass of mint tea in the squares scattered around the city and observe local life. Visit the Kasbah Museum and learn some history.
A good way to end the day is to hike two kilometers to the Spanish Mosque on the hill opposite the medina of Chefchaouen. Your reward is stunning views of the Blue City and a beautiful sunset. We recommend staying at the Yasmina Hotel, near the main square. Interestingly, this particular region of Morocco is known to be a major cannabis producer.
Fes, Morocco
Fez is the oldest and most spiritually enchanting imperial city, not only in Morocco but also in all of Africa. The city is a tribute to the eminent King Moulay Idris, who was the first king of Morocco.
The old medina of Fez is an obvious starting and ending point of any trip to Fez. The old medina begins at Bab el Jloud, elaborately decorated. It is the most elegant introduction to ancient Fez.
Fez boasts a wide choice of comfortable and hospitable riads. Staying in a traditional Riad is the ultimate Morocco experience and where better than Fez to enjoy Moroccan hospitality? I loved staying at Riad Farah. It offers a comfortable and personalized experience for a reasonable price.
Once you’ve settled in, the first thing to do is book a guided tour of the old medina. It’s the best way to see everything the ground has to offer, in the shortest amount of time. Exploring the medina with a guide will ensure you don’t get lost and will also prevent horse riders and traders from bothering you.
Important sites to visit are the Chouara tanneries, the Bou Inania madrassa and the oldest university in the world, Kairouan. When it comes to traditional Moroccan cuisine, Riad Dar Roumana, located in the medina of Fez, is the best place to enjoy a tasty Moroccan lunch or dinner.
Merzouga, Morocco
Merzouga in Morocco is an absolute dream destination for the year 2022. This small desert town is located in the southeast of the country, almost on the border with Algeria, and is the gateway to the Sahara! Impressive and truly special is Erg Chebbi, a beautiful section of the Sahara where a huge landscape of sand dunes with heights of up to 200 meters inspires.
Already when approaching Merzouga, one is amazed by the high dunes of golden sand that are already accumulating behind the townhouses. For a visit, it is best to book a night in a romantic Berber tent and have an unforgettable time in the desert. Who likes, we ride a camel on the high dunes and we take a Quad. The sunsets, which can be admired from the top of a high sand dune, are also a real highlight.
In the evening, it is best to taste a tagine, a clay pot in which delicious meat and fish dishes or simply vegetables are prepared.
Another asset: the great hotels of the desert, which inspire by their design and their unique atmosphere. A real insider tip is the Kasbah Azalay, with a great swimming pool, excellent excursion possibilities and a perfect location at the edge of the sand dunes.
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech, Morocco is a dream destination in Africa for two reasons: first, shopping, and second, culture and experiences. You can get the best of both by visiting the colorful medinas. These are large, labyrinthine markets filled with the aroma of spices and traditional items such as leather goods, pottery and clothing.
When you’re not shopping, there are other epic things to do in Marrakech that will satisfy adventurous travelers. Take on the sand dunes on a quad bike or take a camel safari in the Sahara desert. You can even take hot air balloons and admire the beauty of this African country from the clouds. If you are more interested in culture and history, visit ancient imperial sites such as Erg Chebbi or Bahia Palace.
Many people choose to stay in the heart of the medinas in a Riad, a traditional Moroccan house. Others choose to stay at sprawling all-inclusive resorts, such as the Four Seasons, which are more secluded and relaxing than the busy hubs. You can also stay in normal hotels which give you the best of both worlds.
Abu Simbel, Egypt
At the southern end of Egypt is an incredible temple that often goes unnoticed. Abu Simbel, the temple complex of Ramesses II and his queen, Nefertari, is a colossal temple that will literally make your jaw drop. Visiting Abu Simbel is often an optional excursion on a Nile cruise, but buses can be booked individually in Aswan. Only certified tours can visit the temple as it is protected.
Abu Simbel has stood the test of time – it is 3,000 years old! The temple was built on this site because it was already considered a sacred place for Hathor, goddess of motherhood, joy and love. Originally completed around 1244 BC, the temple was covered in sand and lost to mother nature until 1813. Jean-Louis Burckhardt found the top of the temple. Italian explorer Giovanni Belzoni was able to enter the complex four years later.
In the early 1960s, the Aswan High Dam was built and scholars realized that the temples would be flooded. In order to avoid this, the entire temple was dismantled brick by brick and reassembled at the current location. If you look closely, you can see the lines where the temple was taken down. This was a huge (and impressive) feat of engineering!
Most buses leave Aswan around 4am, and they will drop latecomers. Waking up at 3am is well worth the lack of sleep to see this amazing temple.
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
One of the best dream destinations in Africa is the iconic Giza Pyramid. The pyramids are such an inspiring travel destination that has landed at the top of many bucket lists. It was my first solo trip abroad, and seeing the pyramids made me want to travel more. To say they changed my life is an understatement.
Located just outside of Cairo, Giza is an easy day trip for travelers. There are many tours or you can drive to the resort yourself. Be sure to lock your car and keep any valuables with you. This is the case for all tourist areas, wherever you go.
Each pyramid contains the remains of members of the Fourth Dynasty. This family ruled from 2600 to 2500 BC and all the pyramids were built during this time. The complex also includes the Great Sphinx. It is the largest monolithic statue in the world.
The pyramids and the Sphinx are so well known that many think they will be a disappointment. I can honestly say they were more impressive than I could have imagined. For a hotel with a view of the pyramids, check out the Marriott Mena House in Cairo.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking
An activity worthy of the list of things to do in Africa is to participate in a trek in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda. Would you believe that there are only two populations of these mountain gorillas left in the world, one found in Bwindi (and the other in Virunga, Democratic Republic of Congo). In fact, there are only 1,000 surviving mountain gorillas left in the world, with 17 families living in Bwindi.
Trekking to the gorillas can only be done as part of a guided tour and places sell out fast! Your day typically starts early, around 7am, at park headquarters, where local women greet you with a welcome dance before you set off on your small-group trek (usually 7 people per group). To reach the gorillas, you have to walk through dense forest and down steep, muddy hills, so it is advisable to be in good physical condition.
When you reach the gorilla family, you will be amazed to see these giant and majestic creatures up close. The average height of a silverback gorilla is 1.5m and can weigh up to 270kg! This is an opportunity to take pictures and watch the gorillas eat and the youngest play. You cannot get too close and your guide and a few rangers will be present at all times to ensure your safety. You have one hour with your family of gorillas before you have to return to park headquarters.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will never forget!
Masai Mara, Kenya
Probably Kenya’s most famous game reserve, the Masai Mara National Reserve is anything but a tourist destination. The extremely diverse ecosystem makes the Masai Mara one of the largest wildlife parks in the world. Countless species of plants and animals have made it their home.
The Masai Mara Game Reserve is one of the best safari parks in Kenya as it offers plenty of opportunities to spot the big five safari animals. Keep an eye out for leopards, lions, water buffaloes and more as they roam this idyllic landscape! The best time to visit the Masai Mara is during the Great Migration, from late July to mid-September. Millions of wildebeest and zebra make the journey from Tanzania to Kenya along the Masai River. It is one of Mother Nature’s most impressive coordinations – making it one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
To make your stay in the Masai Mara really special, you can take a hot air balloon ride. It’s a great way to see the sheer number of animals that live in the Mara. For an eco-friendly glamping experience, stay at Mara River Bush Camp. We could see hippos bathing in the river from our patio!
Serengeti National Park, Kenya
Serengeti National Park is one of the most beautiful places to go on safari when you visit Tanzania. The park is so big that it borders Kenya and the safari grounds also extend into this country, with the Masai Mara reserve.
The beauty of going to the Serengeti is that you can do it whatever your budget, because there are options for everyone. A budget safari in the Serengeti National Park will include the same locations as a luxury safari, the only difference being overnight accommodation.
To visit the Serengeti National Park, you will need at least two full days, regardless of arrival or departure. It takes almost a whole day to get to the Serengeti from Moshi or Arusha, the two main towns from which safaris are usually organized. If you’re on a luxury safari, you can head to Seronera Airstrip, a tiny airstrip in the middle of the park.
As far as animals are concerned, you will be spoiled at the Serengeti! Besides lions, cheetahs, leopards and antelopes, the Serengeti is famous for the great migration, when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, joined by zebras and other grazing animals, ascend towards the Masai Mara reserve and return at the end of the year, after the wet season.
Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Amboseli National Park is nicknamed “the homeland of the African elephant” because of the amazing places where large herds of elephants can be observed up close! In addition to elephants, Amboseli also offers incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.
It is located about 150 miles southeast of Nairobi. The park is approximately 400 square kilometers in area and has five different habitats to explore: wetlands with sulfur springs, savannah, forests, and the dry bed of Lake Amboseli. In 1991, Amboseli was declared a UNESCO-Mab Biosphere Reserve.
Because of the sheer amount of animals, you’ll never look at a zoo the same way again – you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another planet full of animals. Amboseli National Park is a dream come true for all animal lovers, but especially those who love elephants.
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park is the perfect place to experience bush life and is one of the best safaris in Africa. It is in a remote location in northern Zambia and you can stay in a number of camps located along the river that borders the national park, one of the best options being the Croc Valley Camp.
One of the best options is the Croc Valley Camp. Staying at this camp is an experience in itself as you can either camp in your own tent or stay in a luxurious tent right next to the river. It is also in these camps that you can have your meals, especially when a barbecue is organized, normally every evening.
There are no barriers around your accommodation, allowing wildlife to come and go and encounter them up close. Each camp offers its own vehicle and guide for a safari in the national park, where you can observe wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards, antelopes, hippos and many other animals, even if you am not sure to see them all, of course.
The best things to do in South Luangwa are to relax by the river soaking up the atmosphere and go on a game drive.
Victoria Falls, Zambia
The magnificent Victoria Falls in Zambia are a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Southern Africa. Located on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-Oa-Tunya or “the thundering smoke”, are the largest waterfalls in Africa. With a width of 5604 feet and a height of 364 feet, it is also the largest water curtain in the world.
Tours to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls begin in the small town of Livingstone. You can easily take a taxi to the entrance to Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park and, once inside, follow a series of hiking trails through the jungle. The trail to the Knife’s Edge walkway takes you to a bridge that connects two sides of a deep gorge and gives you an absolutely thrilling, up-close view of the waterfall. If you visit between March and June, prepare to get drenched in the sea spray!
If the adrenaline rush isn’t enough, book a trip to Livingstone Island, which sits right at the top of the falls. The excursion includes breakfast or lunch on the island and the opportunity to swim in the largest natural infinity pool in the world, right on the edge of Victoria Falls! The views are incredible and although not a trip for the faint of heart, it is well worth it.
There are plenty of other adrenaline-pumping activities in Livingstone, like bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge, rafting on the Zambezi or a microlight flight over Victoria Falls. If thrilling activities aren’t your thing, book a game drive or a walking safari through the national park, as you’ll get to see most of the ‘Big Five’.
Don’t forget to treat yourself to a meal at the Kubu Restaurant at the Royal Livingstone Hotel, which overlooks the Zambezi. For a comfortable and economical stay, head to the Tabonina Guesthouse in Livingstone, which has comfortable rooms and a swimming pool.
Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the perfect place to add to your list of things to do in Africa. In this national park, there are two of the coolest activities you can take part in. The first activity is gorilla trekking, which allows you to get up close with gorillas in their natural habitat. It is only possible to trek with gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and DRC. Permits are expensive, but the price is worth it as it helps conservation efforts and supports rangers who risk their lives to protect these animals. The gorilla population has been slowly increasing, and tourism is one of the reasons. Read this gorilla trekking packing list to be fully prepared for the trip.
Another activity to do in Virunga National Park is hiking the Nyiragongo Volcano. It’s the largest lava lake in the world, and it’s magical. Remember how popular lava lamps were in the 90s? Well, real lava is 100x cooler, and it’s great fun to watch the lava crack and pop.
For all local tips, contact the guide, John-Paul, at kivusafariesandtours@gmail.com. He is authentic and wants everyone to see the beauty of Goma. You can reach him by email, and he can recommend the best places to eat and where to stay based on our budget.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
One of the dream destinations to visit in Africa in 2022 is the Okavango Delta in Botswana, considered the jewel in the crown of Botswana safaris. The Okavango Delta is an incredible destination, with abundant wildlife, and this is partly due to the fact that the desert and the delta meet, providing endless opportunities to explore the natural wonders and among the most diverse wildlife of the planet, making the Okavango Delta a perfect destination for land and water safaris. One of the best things to do while visiting the Okavango Delta is to take a mokoro trip, as the Okavango is probably the best area in Africa for water safaris. The land safari also offers the chance to see a wide variety of species, including the continent’s largest population of African bush elephants.
Here you can get acquainted with the “Big Five”: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – and catch a glimpse of cheetahs, meerkats, hippos, Nile crocodiles, and even an almost extinct animal from the wild and rare to see, wild dogs. The Okavango Delta is located in the northwest of Botswana and can be accessed by 4X4 car. You can also drive to the small regional airport in Moan. If you are looking for all-inclusive lodge accommodation, Khwai Experidtions Camp offers all meals, beverages and animal reservations.
Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome and Principe is a small island nation located off the west coast of Africa in the Gulf of Guinea. These exotic shores are home to rainforests, volcanic coastlines and some of the world’s most dreamy deserted beaches.
Most visitors spend a few days in Sao Tome before flying to the smaller, yet more beautiful island of Principe. Of all the places to visit in São Tomé and Príncipe, the charming resort town of Bom Bom really hits the mark when it comes to the most laid-back beach life. The bungalows overlook the sea and you will rarely encounter another person strolling on the sand. You can snorkel from shore or take a boat trip to Agulhas Bay to explore wild and secluded bays.
Once famous for its cocoa production, the “Chocolate Islands” are dotted with photogenic ruins of old plantations that have been overrun by forest. You can visit some of these plantations and find out what life was like when they were in operation.
As the islands are relatively undeveloped, meals are usually taken at the hotel or resort. Fresh fish is always on the menu, as it is a staple on the island!
Tsingy of Bemaraha, Madagascar
The Tsingy de Bemaraha are located north of Morondava, on the west coast of Madagascar. It is one of the most unique national parks due to the huge landscape covered in sharp karst needles up to 100 meters high.
To access this natural wonder, you must hire a driver or drive a 4×4 as the dirt roads are not good enough for normal vehicles. There is a park entrance fee and a mandatory guide fee as you are not allowed to explore the area on your own.
But you will spend two eventful days discovering the Petit Tsingy and the Grand Tsingy. The latter is the highest and includes an amazing via ferrata, which will take you through suspension bridges, natural tunnels at the bottom of the Tsingy and climb to the top of the highest sharp needles for a view you will never forget.
Make sure you pack enough water, food and snacks in your hiking backpack to keep you energized throughout the day, and don’t forget your camera! Good hiking shoes or boots are also necessary for this adventure.
Harar, Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a fascinating country to visit, with some of Africa’s best cultural attractions. Those looking to see the Horn of Africa at its most vivid should place the Islamic holy city of Harar at the top of their Africa wish list.
The highlight of visiting Harar is exploring and getting lost in the ancient walled city, or Jugol. The Jugol is a maze of alleys and narrow streets, and here you will find hundreds of mosques, shrines and some interesting museums to visit. The Arthur Rimbaud museum, housed in a former merchant’s house, is worth a visit.
Coffee lovers will be in for a treat, as Harar is known for producing some of the best beans in the country. If you need something stronger, the Harar Brewery offers tours, and the clubhouse beer is always fresh and enjoyable.
Harar’s most famous attraction is the hyena man, who feeds these wild beasts at one of the city gates every night. Visitors are welcome, and for a small fee you can experience the harrowing experience of feeding a hyena.
For a unique stay in Harar, try one of Jugol’s cultural guesthouses. The Rowda Waber Guesthouse is simply fantastic. Head to Fresh Touch, just outside the city gate, for tasty Ethiopian dishes and great pizzas.
MAURITIUS ISLAND
For one of Africa’s dream destinations, look no further than Mauritius. Located on the southeast coast of Africa, Mauritius is famous for its abundance of picture-perfect beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, epic mountain peaks, and diverse cultural heritage.
With so many amazing places to visit in Mauritius, it is recommended that you spend at least a week on the island to fully experience what it has to offer. Rent a car to explore the beaches at your own pace. Some of the best include Trou aux Biches, La Cuvette, Le Morne and Gris Gris.
Head to Black River Gorges National Park to hike the hiking trails in search of scenic views and hidden waterfalls. Immerse yourself in the history and cultural heritage of the island as you stroll through the streets of the city of Port Louis.
You can also take a boat trip to Ile aux Cerfs, Mauritius’ most popular island, home to powdery white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and a wide range of water activities. If you are looking for a less touristy island, plan a visit to Ile d’Ambre or Ilot Bernache.
Although most people choose to stay along the coast, I recommend staying at Green Cottage Chamarel mainly because of its panoramic mountain views, excellent value for money and proximity to some of the natural attractions the most unique, such as the Chamarel Waterfall and the Seven Colored Earth Geopark.
Dakar, Senegal
Senegal’s capital, Dakar, perched on the westernmost tip of mainland Africa, has undeniable appeal. Its bright colors against a beige desert backdrop, upbeat local music, melodic calls to prayer, and laid-back bustle are sure to attract visitors.
Start the day with a walk along the Corniche to admire the Mosque of the Divinity and the African Renaissance Monument. Hit the beach or go surfing at Yoff Beach or Ngor Island. Hire a boat to explore further afield, visit Ile des Madeleines for birds and baobabs, or Ile de Gorée for a grim reminder of the region’s slave trade history.
For dinner, take a seat on a seaside patio and sample the local staple, Thieboudienne, a savory mix of jollof rice, vegetables and marinated local fish. Accommodation ranges from high-end luxury to cheap and cheerful, but for an average option, La Residence in the Almadies district comes highly recommended.
Those with more time and a sense of adventure can travel further afield, to the curiously colored Lac Rose (Pink Lake), the seaside arts community Toubab Dialaw, or even as far as Kedougou, across the country for hiking and a taste of local village life. Traveling outside the capital – and indeed within it – may require patience and a sense of humor to navigate the informal transport system and cultural contrasts, but for the careful traveler, the rewards are worth it.
Cape Town, South Africa
Nestled comfortably at the foot of the mountains and surrounded by beautiful beaches, Cape Town is an incredible city to visit in South Africa. Table Mountain is the icon of the city, towering over it powerfully like a protective big brother. You can climb it (a 4-hour hike of medium difficulty) or take the cable car for a breathtaking view of the city!
Stellenbosch, South Africa
One of the best wine regions in the world, if it isn’t already, Stellenbosch should be at the top of your list of destinations to visit in 2022. The town, which lies just 50 kilometers from Cape Town, is quite striking – with its Dutch architecture, tree-lined streets and a hive of cool restaurants and bars well worth the time to explore. However, it is the vineyards of the surrounding region that attract people. You can’t come to Stellenbosch without visiting a winery: there’s the wine, of course, showcased in extensive tasting menus, but the farms themselves are beautiful – they often feature expansive vineyards and gardens lush areas that you can explore. The Waterford Estate offers a decadent pairing of wine and chocolate, while the Stellenbosch Hills is utterly traditional and pairs wines with biltong. Be sure to visit Delaire Graff, Jordan and Boschendal, three other notable wine estates. South Africa is full of varied nature to explore. Be sure to spend some time in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. This mountainous reserve is a hiker’s delight, but if that all seems a little too energetic, there are plenty of relaxing riverside walks to enjoy as well. Keep an eye out for prolific local wildlife hidden amid the colorful fynbos, including berg adders, Cape cobras and Cape sugarbirds.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
THE kruger national park is one of the best nature reserves to go on safari – it’s huge! Even Google describes the park as a “massive game sanctuary” due to its gigantic size. Located about four and a half hours east of Johannesburg and one hour north of Swaziland, Kruger is one of South Africa’s top destinations.
Kruger features a wide variety of landscapes – from grassy plains to dense trees – which makes the diversity of animals immeasurable. With 11 entrances to the park, you have a choice of where to go. The most popular area (and the one with the most animals) is the southern part of the park. Many safari guides communicate with each other to find out where the animals are so that visitors can see as many of them as possible. This made it easier to track a pride of lions and we were able to spot an elusive leopard.
There are a number of places to stay in Kruger National Park, but for a more luxurious option you can stay at a private game reserve. Lion Sands Sabi Sands was an amazing experience with hippos and water buffalo joining you at the river for breakfast!
