Africa travel guide

Seychelles

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 

Serengeti National Park

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

Kruger National Park

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

Ancient Egyptian Landmarks in Luxor

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

Okavango Delta

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.

Victoria Falls

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. 

Great Migration

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.

Simien Mountains

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.

Garden Route 

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. 

Southern Africa

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. 

Central Africa

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. 

Moroccan Adventure 

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.

Cage Diving in Gansbaai, South Africa 

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. 

Skydiving in Swakopmund, Namibia

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.

Hike Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania 

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. 

Camp with the Elephants, Botswana 

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. 

Dishes to try

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.

Drinks to try

Pinotage – Bold wine blending flavours of red and purple fruits.  

Amarula – Cream liqueur distilled from the African marula.

Expect to spend between £137 and £320 / $150 and $350 per day per person in Africa on a mid-range basis. Expect general costs of £913 / $1,000 per day if you’re travelling on a luxury basis.

Average Daily Costs 

• Hotel 
  • Mid-Range Accommodation – £45 – £91 / $50 – $100
  • Luxury Accommodation – £137 – £274 / $150 – $300
• Food – £9 – £22 / $10 – $25
• Public Transport – £137 – £182 / $150 – $200
• Attractions – Costs vary depending on country and type of attraction
• Tours – £456 – £730 / $500 – $800

Safety

Crime levels range from moderate to severe, depending on where you are. Regardless, take caution when using an ATM, and avoid less touristy areas.

Border regions can be turbulent at times. Avoid driving at night, especially across central, Western, and Eastern Africa, as roaming wildlife can cause potential accidents.

Health

There are health measures to have in place as you plan a trip to Africa. Consult your GP about vaccinations you’ll need depending on the countries you’re visiting, and bring anti-malarial medication.

Generally, you shouldn’t drink tap water or bathe in rivers and lakes unless otherwise indicated.

Tipping

Tipping, as you travel Africa, changes continuously. Expected in some countries and optional in others. If unsure, generally, it’s 10% of your bill. 

Tips for travelling

1. Get a SANParks Wildcard to get a year’s worth of unlimited entry to more than 80 National Parks in Southern Africa.
2. While currencies do differ, a majority of African countries will accept clean dollars not older than 2006.
3. If you have an unlocked phone, pick up local SIM cards from most countries’ airports, alternatively invest in a universal SIM or eSIM. 
4. Many regions in Africa remain quite conservative, so with that in mind, always dress modestly. 
5. Africa consists of 54 countries, so keeping a list of local emergency numbers for each you intend to visit is beneficial.

How to see the best for free

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.  

Packing

Packing for your Africa trip? Don’t forget… 

• A pair of trainers to explore cities and landmarks. 
• Your favourite water bottle to stay hydrated during tours.
• A universal travel adapter so your devices stay charged.
• Your trusty travel backpack to keep your items safe.
• A pair of hiking trainers for excursions into nature.
• Mozzie repellent. Lots of it.

Travel insurance

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.

Suggested guidebooks

• Grab Fodor’s Complete Guide to African Safaris.
• Check out Rough Guides for their collection on Africa.
• For insider insight, get the Lonely Planet Africa Guide.

Interesting facts

• Throughout Africa, there are an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 languages spoken.
• The University of Karueein in Morocco dates back to 859 AD.
• The wealthiest man in history, Mansa Musa of Mali, had a net worth of US$400 billion.
• Africa is home to the world’s largest, tallest, and fastest animals.

Time zone

Africa, as the world’s second-largest continent, spans six time zones, namely:

• Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+0)
• East Africa Time (GMT+3)
• Central Africa Time (GMT+2)
• West Africa Time (GMT+1)
• Cape Verde (GMT-1)
• Mauritius & Seychelles (GMT+4)

Electricity and adapters

Electricity is 230Vac and 50Hz. The adapter types you’ll find are C, D, M, and N. Invest in a universal travel adapter.