Sunsets in hues of gold, landscapes that defy the imagination, and wildlife that will leave you speechless – this is Africa. Explore with this Africa travel guide.
With landscapes that range from the endless dunes of the Sahara to the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti, if you can be certain of one thing, it’s that a trip to this vast continent will come with its own fair share of adventure.
Africa is wondrously wild, unabashedly untamed, and gloriously beautiful. From the landmarks of Egypt to the jungles of Uganda and the coastlines of South Africa, Africa knows no equal – period.
Welcome to your guide on travelling to Africa. I’ve got you covered, from the best time to visit, how to get there, things to do and places to see, and suggested stays.
Heck, I’ve even thrown in itineraries and a smorgasbord of tips you need to know before you go.
The best time to visit differs from south to east to north. Visit Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa from July to October.
Head out to Malawi and Zambia from May to November.
Choose June for the Great Migration in East Africa and February for gorilla trekking in the central regions.
Here are some of the niftiest resources to turn you into an expert Africa travel planner.
Some of the best African vacations happen in South Africa. Its collection of nature reserves and national parks, home to the Big Five, brings you closer to nature than ever. Stay at Palala Boutique Game Lodge and Spa.
Read more: The perfect 2-week South African itinerary
Tanzania offers epic wilderness experiences to include in your trip. Here you’ll also find the continent’s most captivating beaches along the Indian Ocean in Zanzibar. Stay at The Nest Boutique Resort.
Read more: Things to do in Tanzania
Thanks to its natural beauty, lush jungles, and mountain ranges, Rwanda is an enthralling destination. Seeing gorillas as you trek through the remote Volcanoes National Park is beyond belief. Stay at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
If you’re travelling in Africa, don’t skip Egypt. Showcasing a kaleidoscope of cultures, the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and the breathtaking sands of the Sahara desert, what’s not to love? Stay at Jolie Ville Hotel and Spa.
Read more: Top things to do in Egypt
Packing for your Africa trip? Don’t forget…
When you’re travelling to Africa (an entire continent), it’s important that you insure your travels, personal safety, and health. Think of health concerns such as Malaria and Yellow Fever, safety issues such as potential traffic accidents, and, unfortunately, theft or muggings.
I always get cover from AXA Travel Insurance.
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Seychelles is a pristine coastal paradise playground.
Spend days exploring the capital of Victoria, lounging on Anse Source D’Argent on La Digue, or head underwater snorkelling. An absolute must is taking a guided tour to meet the giant tortoises on the island of Curieuse.
Read More: 2 Weeks in Seychelles
You can’t imagine Tanzania without picturing the unbridled beauty and wilderness of the Serengeti National Park. There’s simply no better way to experience all the park offers than on a multi-day Serengeti safari.
Read More: Tanzania and Zanzibar Travel
Ever heard of the Big Five?
While there might be other places in Africa to see these captivating beasts, viewing them within the Kruger National Park during your South Africa itinerary is exceptional. A day of trekking these animals on a game drive is bucket-list-worthy.
Read More: Things to Do in South Africa
The ancient city of Thebes, now known as Luxor, holds some of the most wondrous remnants of Egyptian landmarks. As the world’s largest open-air museum, with must-visits such as the Tomb of Tutankhamun, the Colossi of Memnon, and Karnak Temple, to name a few. Why not see the best of Luxor on a full-day trip?
Read More: Egypt Travel Guide
Botswana offers a different take on what you’d expect from an African wilderness experience in the mesmerising Okavango Delta. Set out on an authentic Mokoro canoe day tour in search of hippos and, of course, the Big Five.
No African trip would be complete without witnessing the magnificence of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The largest and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Beyond sightseeing, indulge in whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River, bungee jump off the bridge connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe and head out on a horseback safari around the falls.
Witnessing one of nature’s most captivating spectacles, the Great Wildebeest River Crossing of the Mara River from Tanzania to Kenya, is an eight-day adventure like no other. Seeing the wildebeest and other migrating animals cross waters is thrilling and a must-see, which peaks in July.
Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains offer pure hiking nirvana, where the sprawling landscapes give way to the Nubian desert sands into Sudan. Resting at the summit of the Rift Valley, you’ll have ample hiking trails to follow and the chance to spot the endemic Gelada Baboons on a day trip from Addis Ababa.
If you need some inspiration as you travel to Africa, here are some top suggested itinerary picks. These focus on the four most distinct regions of the continent to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Two weeks
Cape Town – Stellenbosch – Mossel Bay – Wilderness – Knysna – Plettenberg Bay – Addo Elephant Park
Schlepp out from Cape Town to taste stellar wine and explore South Africa’s wild coastlines.
Two weeks
Kruger National Park – Chobe National Park – Victoria Falls – Windhoek – Namib Desert – Robben Island – Cape Town
Southern Africa at its very best – wildlife, desolated deserts and vibrant cities.
Two weeks
Réserve de la Lopé – Brazzaville – Nouabalé-Ndoki Park – Kinshasa – Parc National des Virunga – Luanda – Lubango
Delve into the heart of Central Africa on this two-week trip.
Two weeks
Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Fes – Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Marrakesh – Essaouira
Jaunt between mystical towns and cities as you see the best of Morocco.
Regardless of what you plan to include in your Africa trips, these are some of Africa’s hidden gems you shouldn’t skip.
Visit Gansbaai to cage dive in one of the world’s premier spots to head underwater and get up close and personal with the Great White Shark.
If you intend to see the Namib Desert, you might as well do it in the best way possible. Tandem skydiving in Swakopmund offers the chance to see this part of Africa from a unique perspective.
The tallest mountain on the continent, even if you’re just the teeniest bit of a hiker, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a must. It’s by no means an easy climb, but the rewards are beyond words.
As you track elephants across Botswana, the Elephant Sands Camp is the place to go. Set near a watering hole, there’s everything from basic campsites to fully-equipped cabins.
If you’re wondering how to travel to Africa on a tight budget, opt for these free options.
Go on a hike of Lion’s Head overlooking Cape Town. Then do a scenic drive of the Swartberg Pass.
Visit the Medina of Marrakesh and wander through one of Morocco’s most historic sites.
Head on an insightful walkthrough of the Kigali Genocide Museum in Rwanda.
Mshikaki – Skewered meat grilled over open coals.
Cape Malay Curry – Chicken dish comes served with rice.
Piri Piri Prawns – Seafood staple with either fries or rice.
Pinotage – Bold wine blending flavours of red and purple fruits.
Amarula – Cream liqueur distilled from the African marula.
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