Best Places to Visit in Africa: Where to go? (African Travel Destinations)
Looking for the best places to visit in Africa? Here's a snapshot of the 10 Best Travel Destinations in Africa now.
Africa is a big continent with 54 countries! So, choosing the best travel destinations in Africa can be a little overwhelming. That's why we compiled this list of top places to visit in Africa to get you started. As per Lonely Planet, Forbes, National Geographic, CNN, et al, here's where to go in Africa today.
Best Travel Destinations in Africa
5 Best African Countries to visit |
5 Best Places to visit in Africa |
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5 Best African countries to visit
1. Namibia
One of the best countries to visit in Africa, Namibia was on CNN's list of Best Places on Earth for 2020. This safe Southern African country is popular with travellers of all ages.
Why visit Namibia in Southern Africa?
Namibia is an extraordinary travel destination. It offers outstanding wildlife viewing in Etosha as well as surreal desert scenery.
Namibia also has one of the lowest population densities on the planet. This makes it a great place to escape the crowds. In 2020 it will also be easier to reach remote areas due to infrastructural improvements.
Best travel destinations in Namibia
The Namib Desert - to escape the rush of modernity and soak up night skies free of light pollution. Etosha Park is a must for African wildlife safaris.
2. Madagascar
The exotic island of Madagascar was one of Getaway's Top 12 Travel Destinations for 2020. It's also on the Insider's ironic list of 40 Places to Visit in 2020 before they become crowded with tourists.
Why visit Madagascar?
To get off the beaten track. To see endangered lemurs and other rare creatures in the rainforests of Madagascar. To experience something different from home and spend a few lazy days on one of the secluded beaches.
Best places to visit in Madagascar
Lemur Island and Nosy Be in northern Madagascar. The reforestation community tourism project near Ranohira.
3. South Africa
South Africa was also featured on Getaway's Top 12 Travel Destinations in Africa for 2020. And, it ranks as one of the cheapest travel destinations in the world.
Why visit South Africa on your safari?
It's an affordable travel destination that offers travellers diverse experiences. A cornucopia of cultures, activities, biodiversity, landscapes, wildlife and more. It's also one of the few African countries where it's easy to do a malaria-free Big 5 safari and beach holiday in one. According to Audley South Africa is one of the best places to visit (April 2020). Particularly for sunny (not too hot) weather and African safaris.
Best places to visit in South Africa
Cape Town, the Cape Winelands and the Garden Route in the Western Cape Province. The region offers fantastic nature, scenery, and an array of activities. Kruger Park and malaria-free game reserves in the Eastern Cape for Big 5 safaris.
4. eSwatini (Swaziland)
The small landlocked country of eSwatini was one of Lonely Planet's 10 Best Countries to Visit in 2020. Elle also features eSwatini on its top 15 Best Holiday Destinations to Visit in 2020.
Why go to eSwatini (Swaziland)?
In Swaziland, you'll get an authentic taste of African culture. Time slows down and local tradition lives on here. Swaziland is a small (manageable) country. It is easy to get to from South Africa, yet unique enough to make it well worth visiting. Add to its cultural richness, beautiful mountain scenery, and exciting outdoor activities and you will see - Swaziland is a winner.
Best places to visit in Swaziland
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Hlane Royal Park, Mkhaya and Mbuluzi Game Reserve for wildlife. Malolotja Nature Reserve/Mountains for exceptional hiking trails. For Swazi cultural experiences and outdoor activities - Ezulwini Valley. For traditional arts and crafts workshops - Malkerns Valley.
5. Tanzania
If you're looking for a classical African safari then Tanzania is near impossible to beat. We at African Budget Safaris rate Tanzania as one of the best places to go on safari in Africa next year. It is one of our Best Travel Destinations in Africa.
Why visit Tanzania on your African safari?
Tanzania is one of the original African safari destinations, along with Kenya. It sports high wildlife concentrations and iconic African plains scenery. The wildlife safari industry is well-established and Tanzania's tourism infrastructure is extensive.
The Nothern Safari Circuit is amongst the best places for wildlife viewing in Africa. The region hosts several superb safari parks, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Park included. Also, you can catch East Africa's Great Migration (or Wildebeest Migration) in Tanzania.
Where to go on safari in Tanzania
Serengeti Safaris provide the quintessential African wildlife adventure. Think–rolling savannahs teeming with wild animals and the annual Great Migration. The Southern Safari Circuit of Tanzania is a less-visited gem for wildlife safaris. These parks are sought-after by safari aficionados because they are so vast and wild. Until recently Southern Tanzania was too expensive for budget safaris. But, now affordable private tours make the southern parks accessible to budget travelers.
5 Best Places to Visit in Africa - travel destinations
A few of the Best Travel Destinations in Africa - from beaches and deserts to game parks and scenic areas.
1. Zanzibar Islands, Tanzania
Zanzibar Island is one of Lonely Planet's 10 Best Value Destinations. It is also one of CNBC's 10 best places to vacation on a budget.
Why go to Zanzibar Island?
Gorgeous beaches and exotic spices. Culture, history, and cheap food in Stone Town. Affordable beach resorts and lodges. Beautiful sunsets.
One of the reasons we love Zanzibar is because it combines so well with Big 5 safaris in Tanzania. It's easy to visit Zanzibar as well as Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater on one budget safari. So, you can enjoy a blissful beach holiday and see plenty of safari animals in one. Plus, if you time it right you can catch the famous Great Migration in Serengeti.
Zanzibar Island itself is one of Africa's top beach destinations. Highlights include fantastic scuba diving and snorkelling, along with traditional dhow sailing trips.
Best places to visit in Zanzibar
Explore the cobbled alleyways of old Stone Town and head northeast for sandy beaches. If you're looking for a more hidden beach holiday, go the extra mile and visit Pemba Island.
2. Cape Town & the Cape Winelands, South Africa
According to Forbes, Cape Town is one of the 20 Best Places to Visit (2020). Of course (being based in Cape Town) we at African Budget Safaris agree.
Why visit Cape Town?
Cape Town is worth visiting for its picturesque scenery and cosmopolitan flair. It has a mild climate and countless things to do - especially for nature and adventure lovers. Table Mountain, Boulders Beach penguins, Kirstenbosch Gardens and Cape Point are must-sees.
Then the Cape Winelands and Big 5 game reserves near Cape Town add to its appeal. Cape Town is South Africa's most popular city for many good reasons after all.
The Cape Winelands, South Africa
Lonely Planet has rated the Cape Winelands as one of its 10 Best Value Destinations for 2020. This wine region is a stone's throw from Cape Town so you don't miss out. Although the Cape Winelands is an easy day trip from Cape Town, it makes an even better weekend getaway.
Why visit the Cape Winelands in 2020?
Inexpensive local wines and wine-tasting tours. It is an oenophile paradise. Sumptuous lunch feasts in idyllic wine farm settings. The wine tram and outdoor activities. All make a compelling case for visiting the Cape Wine Route. The charming historical towns of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are also a real treat. Stops include side-walk cafes, restaurants, quaint shops, and art galleries.
In the Cape Winelands, you'll find high-quality accommodation at excellent prices. There are also lots of outdoor, cultural and family activities for all budgets.
3.Malindi, Kenya
If you're looking for Africa's best beach destinations this one is for you. Malindi in Kenya is the place to be, according to Airbnb's 20 Travel Destinations for 2020.
Why go to Malindi?
This seaside village is trending because of its pretty beaches and natural heritage. It also has an interesting local culture - a fusion of African, Arabic, and European influences. Add fresh seafood, lovely scenery, and good diving and ta-da, Malindi is in demand. Insider tip: nearby Watamu Beach is less-visited and worth considering for diving. It also has some cheaper accommodation options. But, there are fewer bars, things to do and restaurants.
4.Kalahari Desert, South Africa, and Botswana
Trust National Geographic to shine a spotlight on one of the world's few Dark Sky Sanctuaries. The remote Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa is not your ordinary travel destination.
Why go to the Kalahari Desert?
To see the stars and spend your nights in one of the darkest places on earth. One of the greatest pulls of this semi-desert region is the absence of manmade stuff. The limited number of things to do also makes for a nice change. The Kalahari is famous for its black-maned lions, traditional San (bushmen) and meerkats. Oh, and the endless stretches of rust-red dunes topped with hardy shrubs.
Where to visit the Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari is massive (over 900 000 km²) and spans South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. In South Africa, go to Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park. In Botswana, visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
5. Kruger & Greater Kruger Park, South Africa
Our (biased) vote for the best travel destination goes to Kruger Park in 2020. That's because Kruger is still the king of budget Big 5 safaris in South Africa. It is one of Africa's best national parks and is massive. As more private game reserves join Greater Kruger it continues to expand, offering more affordable safaris.
Why go to Kruger Park in 2020?
To see the Big 5 of Africa without spending a fortune on your wildlife safari. For endangered wild dogs, all kinds of buck, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras and the list goes on. One of the best things about Kruger Safaris is that there are so many safari options. Guided, private, self-drive, 4x4, walking, etc, and many accommodation options for all budgets.
Chat with a travel pro at African Budget Safaris. We can help you find the best budget Kruger Safari or we can tailor-make one for you.
There you have it, the Best Travel Destinations in Africa. At the end of the day, deciding where to go in Africa comes down to who you are and what you want to experience. The best way to figure out where to go in Africa this year (and beyond) is to talk to a friendly expert. We are here to help you find the right safari trip to the best places to visit in Africa, for you.
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