Africa The ideal fusion of the ancient and the modern, the wild and the urban, the East and the West, even though it may not always be on the radar of the typical tourist. Selecting your trip in the second-largest continent might be challenging, with options ranging from Tanzania’s wildlife reserves to Cape Town’s stunning coastline. In order to assist you with your planning, U.S. News ranked the top destinations in Africa according to user votes, expert opinions, accessibility, cost, and variety of activities. Please vote for your favorite locations below to help us select the best destinations for next year.
Serengeti National Park
A safari journey through Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is the trip of a lifetime for those who are enthralled with the idea of encountering elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests up close. Although the cost will be high, traveling here offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the African savanna. Instead of staying at a posh safari lodge or tented camp, reserve a campsite in the park to save money. For the finest game watching circumstances, schedule your trip for January or February (calving season) or June to October (dry season and prime migratory time).
Victoria Falls
People who love the outdoors come from far and wide to see this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls is located in Mosi Oa Tunya National Park and spans the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is about twice as deep and wide as Niagara Falls. Plan a trip in April or May, after the region’s rainy season is over, to witness this natural wonder at its best.Devil’s Pool, Livingstone Island, and the Knife-Edge Bridge are well-liked viewpoints. Go whitewater rafting in the Zambezi River to see the falls from a fresh perspective while you’re not taking in the scenery from above.
Tanzania
Safari is the main reason travelers travel to Tanzania, but you would be remiss if you didn’t make time to see some of the other must-see attractions. Along with its animal-rich plains, Tanzania is home to otherworldly natural wonders like the huge crater of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the red-hued Lake Natron, and Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain and the world’s largest free-standing mountain. Hire a local tour operator to arrange a climbing trip up the continent’s most iconic peak for the ultimate adrenaline experience.
Mauritius
Travelers who want to experience a little bit of everything find Mauritius appealing. Although its white beaches and upscale resorts are its main attractions, this little island nation east of Madagascar also entices tourists with its diverse population, colorful festivals, and delicious teas and rums. Return to one of the island’s upscale villas to enjoy fresh seafood while taking in a traditional sega dance performance or the sunset over the Indian Ocean after a day of touring some of the island’s environmental reserves and tanning.
Masai Mara National Reserve
One of Kenya’s best places to watch wildlife is Masai Mara National Reserve, which is home to cheetahs, elephants, lions, wildebeests, hippos, and more. Explore the more than 373,000 acres of undulating grasslands in this protected area by booking a safari. (Tip: Search for businesses that employ guides who have earned certification from the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association.) Choose a hot air balloon safari or a horseback riding expedition for an added dose of adventure. Plan your trip during the Great Migration, which runs from July to October, to maximize your chances of seeing the big five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes) and other migratory species.
Zanzibar
Whether you’re looking for an amazing adventure or stunning white sand beaches, Zanzibar has something to offer everyone. When you relax on peaceful beaches like Matemwe and Kiwengwa after traveling to this Indian Ocean islands off the coast of East Africa, you’ll feel instantly at ease. After that, go to Stone Town, which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, you can see the remains of a palace from the 19th century and a cemetery connected to the previous Arab royals of Zanzibar. Additionally, a trip wouldn’t be complete without seeing Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and going on a spice tour in the countryside. Additionally, you’ll discover that this tropical getaway is surprisingly affordable.
Seychelles
The Seychelles, a collection of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, have long drawn tourists seeking a genuinely tranquil, off-the-beaten-path retreat. Enjoy your days relaxing on immaculate, uncrowded beaches like Anse Lazio and Anse Source D’Argent, which are among the world’s most stunning beaches. Or explore the Vallée de Mai nature reserve, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see its distinctive wildlife and plants. It’s best to save money and make reservations in advance because housing here can be costly, particularly at the upscale resorts.
Cape Town
This South African destination appeals to both ambitious and relaxed tourists with its many hiking paths, kilometers of breathtaking landscape, and gorgeous beaches (one of which is home to wild penguins). Although it won’t be cheap to get to Cape Town, once you’re there, your money will go a long way. Visit Nelson Mandela’s prison cell on Robben Island, ascend Table Mountain via the aerial cableway, and tour the renowned Constantia Valley wine region. Additionally, you should budget time to hike through the Cape of Good Hope, which is located on the southern tip of Africa, 40 miles south of Cape Town.
Cairo
With so much to see and do everywhere you look, Cairo may be overwhelming. You’ll quickly become enmeshed in the history and culture of this Egyptian metropolis, from the vibrant Khan El-Khalili bazaar in Islamic Cairo to the historic Pyramids of Giza and the charming Nile River. Even while winter has the best weather of the year (daytime highs of 60 to 70 degrees), it’s also the busiest time of year, so if possible, try going in the spring or fall when prices are lower, the weather is more tolerable, and the people are less.
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Kruger National Park
There are many creatures to see in this enormous game preserve in South Africa, including giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and lions. Compared to the Serengeti, Kruger National Park is easier to navigate and typically less expensive to visit thanks to its network of paved roads. However, because of its popularity, you’re more likely to run into crowds of people during game drives, particularly around May through October, which are the greatest months to see animals. For a more intimate experience, think about going to one of the park’s private game reserves. You should probably plan your vacation at least a year in advance to guarantee availability of lodging, flights, and tours.
