Africa is one of the best travel destinations in the world. Here, you can enjoy crystal blue beaches, majestic wildlife, and a wealth of culture and history. This article will look at ten countries to visit across the continent, after travel is allowed again of coarse.. these destinations are definitely bucket list worthy.
Visa requirements are not as stringent between countries of the same regional bloc. Visitors only need a valid passport. For countries that do require a visa, the application fee can be hefty, starting at an average price of $50. This cost, along with flight and accommodation costs, leaves African tourists with an expensive travel bill.
Despite these barriers, African tourists still make their way to top destinations across the continent. These include South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Botswana.
From city excursions to safaris and beach getaways, Africa accommodates any traveler. Below are travel destinations across the continent that are a must-visit for any avid African traveler: (this list is in no particular order)
1. Botswana

If you’re looking for a great safari getaway, Botswana is the perfect destination to visit. Bordered by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, Botswana is home to the Okavango Delta. The delta is one of the most sought after wilderness destinations in the world. Its location is in the Kalahari Basin. Here you can experience an array of wildlife and vegetation.
If you love culture and heritage, you can explore San history at the Tsodilo Hills. You can visit the villages of the San people, and see rock paintings that have existed for thousands of years.
Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges to budget guesthouses and camping grounds, For more information on accommodation, visit the Botswana Tourism website.
Information on visa requirements is available on the Republic of Botswana Government website. You’ll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever.
If you choose to drive to Gaborone from Johannesburg, the trip will be over 340 kilometers. Air Namibia offers flights to Gaborone from Windhoek. Travelers from Harare can book flights to Gaborone with Air Botswana.
2. Kenya

Kenya is an ideal destination for family holidays, safaris, and beach holidays. The best time to visit is between October and March.
Lamu is a beautiful place to visit if you’re looking for a wellness retreat. Here, you can enjoy yoga retreats, stunning beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere. You can get to the island in a dhow ferry from Manda Island.
At Malindi and Watamu, you can explore the diversity of marine life nestled in coral reefs. You can also enjoy bird watching at Lake Nakuru. Amboseli National Park is a fantastic place to visit if you love wildlife. You can also enjoy the stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro.
If you’re a culture and history enthusiast, the Gede Ruins in Watamu will give you much insight about the island’s heritage. Knowing how to speak some Swahili, which is Kenya’s official language, is very helpful. You’ll find it easier to connect with locals.
You can apply for your visa online. A single entry visa costs $51. Passport holders from South Africa don’t need a visa for a period of fewer than 30 days. Visitors from certain countries, including Ghana, Mauritius, and Zambia, also don’t need a visa into Kenya. For more information, check on the Tourism Kenya website or consult with a travel agent. evisa
3. Lesotho

Lesotho is the perfect destination for a nature retreat. You can immerse yourself in the majestic Maloti Mountains, and see the best wildlife. Adventure lovers can enjoy a ski trip during the country’s winter season.
The main attractions to visit are the parks and reserves. You can explore a variety of bird life at the Sehlabathebe National Park. You can also visit the Sani Pass, which is a world heritage site. The pass sits on the Drakensberg escarpment between Lesotho and South Africa. It is 2,874 meters above sea level.
The Ts’enhlanyane National Park is a scenic park that has an array of wildlife, birds, and flora. Its location is at the foot of the Holomo Pass at the Maloti Mountains.
The Bokong Nature Reserve overlooks the magnificent Lepaqoa Waterfall and Valley. It is the perfect place for a wellness retreat and hiking.
You don’t need a visa if you’re a passport holder from:
- South Africa
- Swaziland
- Botswana
- Zimbabwe
- United States of America
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Austria
- Sri Lanka
- Fiji
A single entry visa costs $150. For more information on visa requirements, visit the Lesotho embassy in your country. Lesotho uses Loti as its currency. The value of the Loti is the same value as the South African Rand. ATMs are only available in Maseru.
Travelers from the SADC region can take a flight to Maseru. If you’re in South Africa and want to travel by road, you can drive to the Maputsoe or Ficksburg Border Posts. These are open 24 hours a day. evisa Lesotho
4. Morocco

Travelers describe Morocco as a country that has an African and European feel to it. It has a mixture of North African and European culture because of its proximity to Europe.
To experience authentic Moroccan culture, you must visit the Djemma el Fna market. Its location is in Marrakesh’s Medina quarter. Djemma el Fna is a shopper’s paradise where you can purchase anything from fashion to artworks. You can also enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine sold at the food stalls.
You can learn about Berber culture and history from the variety of available tours. The Berber tour is a camel and desert tour that you can do to learn about Morocco’s nomadic populations. You can choose from single day trips to 16-day excursions.
You’ll love learning about traditional pre-Saharan life when visiting Ait Benhaddou. It is a fortified village located along a former caravan route close to Marrakech. You’ll be able to see how ancient architects constructed houses within defensive walls. The village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you’re a music lover, you’ll enjoy the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music. Artists from around the world gather to celebrate Africa’s cultural beauty and diversity. The festival is a 10-day celebration that takes place between May and June. Artists such as Bjork and Ben Harper have previously graced the stage.
Visitors excluded from needing a visa are those from the European Union. Other nationals will need a visa before entering the country. For more information on visa requirements, visit the Moroccan embassy in your country.
5. Zanzibar

Zanzibar is one of Africa’s island paradises. You’ll enjoy crystal clear waters and great food on the island. There are tons of other islands around the archipelago that you can explore.
You’ll need a visa to enter Tanzania, either from the Tanzanian consulate or on arrival, at the cost of $50.
Pemba Island is Tanzania’s hidden gem located about 100 kilometers from Zanzibar. It receives fewer visitors than Zanzibar, which makes it an excellent option for a relaxing getaway.
Pemba is still a major spice producer on the Zanzibar archipelago. It depends on agriculture for income more than tourism. You can chat with locals to learn more about the island’s agriculture sector. They can also tell you more about the abundant fruit and spice trees.
A holiday on the island will not be complete without a dive in its waters. You’ll enjoy the sights of healthy coral reefs and diverse species of marine life. For a relaxed afternoon, you can talk a walk on white sandy shores and enjoy a swim in the warm Indian Ocean. The island has earned the nickname “The Green Island” because of its lush beauty.
Pemba has a population of about 350,000 people. You can explore the culture and heritage of the island by visiting the main town, Chake Chake. People are friendly and more than happy to interact. You can strike up a conversation with locals to learn more about their culture and heritage. Make sure to learn some Swahili as that’s the primary language of the island. When you walk around, you’ll see the unique architecture of houses. The island consists of square mud houses with thatch roofs. You’ll also enjoy the tastes of the island as villagers sell a variety of fruits from ox-drawn carts.
6. Ghana

Hailed as West Africa’s golden child, Ghana deserves its place in the sun. One of Africa’s great success stories, the country is reaping the benefits of a stable democracy in the form of fast-paced development. And it shows: Ghana is suffused with the most incredible energy.
With its welcoming beaches, gorgeous hinterland, rich culture, vibrant cities, diverse wildlife, easy transport and affable inhabitants, it’s no wonder Ghana is sometimes labelled ‘Africa for beginners’.
It’s easy to come here for a week or a month, but no trip can be complete without a visit to Ghana’s coastal forts, poignant reminders of a page of history that defined our modern world.
Travel north and you’ll feel like you’ve arrived in a different country, with a different religion, geography and cultural practices. The beauty is that this diversity exists so harmoniously, a joy to experience and a wonder to behold in uncertain times.
7. Rwanda

Rwanda has earned the nickname “Land of a Thousand Hills” for its stunning scenery. Its mountainous landscape is breathtaking, and it’s home to six active volcanoes.
A visit to the East African nation isn’t complete without exploring the Volcanoes National Park. Here, you’ll see the park’s famous attraction, mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. You’ll also enjoy a variety of flora.
You can enjoy great water activities at Lake Kivu. It is Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth largest lake in Africa. Boat tours, kayaking, and fishing are available at the lake.
If you’re a tea or coffee lover, Rwanda is the place to enjoy these hot beverages. Explore tea farms and learn more about this industry by going on a tea plantation tour. You can book these tours through travel agents or Rwanda Tourism.
Visas cost $30, and you can apply for one at the Rwandan consulate in your country.
8. São Tomé e Principe

São Tomé e Principe is Africa’s smallest state situated in the Gulf of Guinea in western Africa. If you’re looking for a quiet retreat, this island is the perfect destination.
You’ll enjoy beautiful beaches and excellent diving spots. On a dive, you’ll see the island’s diverse marine life. The best sites for diving are Ilheu das Rolas, located in the south of the island, and Ilha da Santana. You can book diving trips with the island’s leading diving agency, Club Maxel.
Whale watching is a favorite activity to do on the island between July and September. You can see these majestic creatures at Ilha das Cabras and Lagoa Azul.
If you love hiking, you can trek through the island’s exotic jungle to reach the top of Pico de São Tomé. It is the island’s highest point above sea level at 2,024 meters and is the island’s oldest volcano.
You’ll need a visa from the São Toméan embassy before entering the country. You’ll also need to produce yellow fever and malaria certificates upon arrival. Airlines that fly to São Tomé e Principe include TAP Portugal and Air Angola. To start planning your trip, visit the São Tomé e Principe website.
9. South Africa

South Africa accommodates all types of travelers. From city getaways to safaris and beach holidays, the country is an ideal destination.
You can enjoy the natural beauty of the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park in KwaZulu-Natal. An interesting fact is that the park is home to Africa’s most extensive estuarine system. You’ll walk on old coastal dunes and beaches that stretch to the Kosi Bay on the Mozambican border. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park in the Wild Coast is home to South Africa’s highest mountain range. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The county has 9 provinces you can visit for different experiences. You can immerse yourself in the culture and history of South Africa in different ways depending on what tickles your fancy.
You’ll need a visa from the South Africa consulate before arrival. For updated visa information, visit the South African Department of Home Affairs.
10. Seychelles

If you’re planning a romantic getaway or a wellness retreat, be sure to head to Seychelles. The island-nation consists of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean. The outer islands of Seychelles offer beautiful beaches and an array of wildlife. The main ones are Alphonse and Desroches.
If you want to immerse yourself in nature and total relaxation, the island is a must-visit. You can dive and explore untouched coral reefs, and see a diversity of marine life. You can enjoy fishing and sailing activities. Best of all, you can swim in the island’s crystal blue waters.
Seychelles has a rich culture consisting of a diverse population. The Seychellois came from Africa, Asia, and Europe. They brought with them unique traditions, languages, and cuisines. Creole, French, and English are the dominant languages spoken on the island. Local cuisine is delicious, consisting of fish, spices, and tropical fruit.
You don’t need a visa to enter Seychelles, only a passport. You’ll also need return or onward tickets, proof of accommodation and enough funds for the duration of your stay. Immigration will process your paperwork at the Seychelles International Airport.
We know this list doesn’t even scratch the surface when it comes to bucket list worthy destinations. comment below with your bucket list African travel destination.