20 Of The Best Places To Travel In Africa In 2024

If you’re here, then it’s settled, you’re a travel enthusiast. But what about Travel to Africa? Are you eager to explore the world’s richest continent, or are you looking to return for more unforgettable experiences?

Here’s a rundown of 20 of the best places to travel in Africa in 2024, based on data from the web— with their history and peculiarity, and wonderful activities that people generally do there.

These are just a few of Africa’s top tourist locations, for your bucket list!

1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Location: Arusha Region, Tanzania

The Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous and iconic wildlife sanctuaries in the world. It is the most coveted of Tanzania’s top National Parks.

It is home to the annual Great Migration, one of the largest natural events on Earth, where millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle travel across the Serengeti plains in search of new grazing land.

Unique and incredible things to do here:

  • Go on a safari to see the Serengeti’s incredible wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and rhinos.
  • Visit the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest caldera, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including black rhinos, elephants, and lions.
  • Take a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti plains for a bird’s-eye view of the Great Migration.

Interesting Facts & Figures

  • Over 500,000 people visit the Serengeti National Park each year.
  • It is the most popular tourist destination in Tanzania.
  • The Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

Location: Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia and Zambezi National Park, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world by the volume of water flowing over it. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa.

Unique and incredible things to do here:

  • Take a helicopter or microlight flight over Victoria Falls for a stunning aerial view.
  • Go white water rafting or kayaking on the Zambezi River below Victoria Falls.
  • Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and watch the sunset over Victoria Falls.
  • White water rafting
  • Kayaking
  • Nature walks

Interesting Facts & Figures

  • Over 1 million people visit Victoria Falls each year.
  • It is the most popular tourist destination in Zambia and Zimbabwe.
  • Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

3. Cape Town, South Africa

Location: Western Cape, South Africa

Cape Town is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Africa. Tourists get the unique opportunity to explore iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, and Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Unique and incredible things to do:

  • Take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain for stunning views of Cape Town and its surroundings.
  • Visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, and learn about the history of South Africa’s fight for democracy.
  • Take a walk along Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a popular tourist destination with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Real tourist statistics:

  • Over 4 million people visit Cape Town each year.
  • It is the second most popular tourist destination in South Africa, after Kruger National Park.
  • Cape Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa.

4. Pyramids Of Giza, Egypt

Location: Giza, near Cairo, Egypt

History: Built over 4,500 years ago, the pyramids are a testament to ancient Egyptian civilization.

The Great Pyramid is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  In 2021, Giza welcomed over 14 million tourists (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities).

Must-Visit:

  • Explore the Sphinx and Valley Temple.
  • Take a camel ride around the pyramids.
  1. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Location: Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa.

Kruger National Park is one of the largest and most popular game reserves in Africa. Established in 1898, it is one of Africa’s oldest and largest game reserves.

For Safari enthusiasts, the Kruger National Park is also one of the most popular safari destinations in the world. Over 2 million people visit Kruger National Park each year.

You’ll meet an incredibly wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo.

Unique and incredible things to do here:

  • Go on a safari to see Kruger’s incredible wildlife.
  • Visit the Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon in the world.
  • Take a hot air balloon ride over the Kruger National Park for a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife.

6. Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania

Location: Off the coast of Tanzania

The Zanzibar Archipelago is a group of islands off the coast of Tanzania. Known for its spice trade, Zanzibar has a rich blend of African, Arab, and European influences.

Zanzibar is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and rich culture. If you’re a scuba diver looking for greater experiences, by all means, visit Zanzibar.

Unique and incredible things to do here:

  • Go Scuba diving in Zanzibar and her sister Islands like the Pemba Island. The region happens to be one of the most popular scuba diving destinations in Africa.
  • Relax on Zanzibar’s beautiful beaches and swim in the crystal-clear waters.
  • Visit Stone Town, the historic center of Zanzibar City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Take a spice tour around Zanzibar’s colossal spice farms. Learn about some of the world’s most used spices and take special cooking lessons directly on the farms to discover the best of East African food.

Interesting Facts & Figures about Zanzibar

  • It is the second most popular tourist destination in Tanzania, after the Serengeti National Park.
  • Zanzibar is one of the most popular beach destinations in Africa.
  • Over 500,000 people visit Zanzibar each year.

7. Chobe National Park, Botswana

Location: Chobe District, Botswana

Chobe National Park is one of the largest national parks in Africa and is known for its large elephant population. It is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including lions, hippos, crocodiles, and antelope.

Unique and incredible things to do:

  • Take a boat cruise on the Chobe River and see elephants swimming and bathing.
  • Go on a game drive and see Chobe’s incredible wildlife up close.
  • Visit the Savuti Marsh, a unique ecosystem that hosts a lot of wildlife.

Interesting Facts & Figures

8. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta is a unique wetland ecosystem in Botswana. It is fed by the Okavango River, which flows from Angola into the Kalahari Desert.

The Okavango Delta is a piece of hot cake, famous for its variegated wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and antelope.

Unique and incredible things to do here:

  • Take a mokoro boat ride through the Okavango Delta and see wildlife up close.
  • Visit the Moremi Game Reserve, a protected area within the Okavango Delta.
  • Go on a helicopter safari and see the Okavango Delta from above.

 

Interesting Facts & Figures

  • Over 100,000 people visit the Okavango Delta each year.
  • It is the most popular tourist destination in Botswana.
  • The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most beautiful places in Africa.

9. Tsingy De Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar

Location: Menabe Region, Madagascar

People say Madagascar is the 8th continent, not for its Geographic isolation from Africa, but for its uniqueness– being home to some of the rarest animal species in the world. If you’re curious about wildlife in the universe, by all means, visit Madagascar.

The Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its limestone karst formations. The stingy are sharp limestone pinnacles that can reach up to 40 meters in height.

The Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a territory for a multitude of wildlife, including lemurs, chameleons, and birds.

Must-do tourist activities here:

  • Hike through the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park and see the incredible limestone karst formations up close.
  • Visit the Tsingy de Bemaraha Special Reserve, a protected area within the national park.
  • Go on a boat cruise on the Tsiribihina River and see wildlife from the water.

Interesting Facts & Figures

10. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Location: Ngorongoro District, Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the world’s largest intact caldera. The crater is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo.

Unique and incredible things to do:

  • Go on a game drive through the Ngorongoro Crater and see wildlife up close.
  • Visit the Olduvai Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where early human fossils have been found.
  • Take a hot air balloon ride over the Ngorongoro Crater for a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife.

Interesting Facts & Figures

  • Over 600,00 people visit the Ngorongoro Crater each year.
  • It is a popular tourist destination for tourists from all over the world.

There goes your top 10 must-visit places in Africa this coming 2024! Add these to your bucket list.

Here are some more amazing places to visit in Africa in 2024, with relevant images:

11. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular safari destinations in the world. It is a heaven for lovers of wild beasts and the Great Migration, an endless, majestic voyage of wild beasts —which cuts across Tanzania and Kenya.

On your safari tours, you’ll come close to incredible animals like lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and leopards.

The annual wildebeest migration takes place between July and October.

Must-do tourist activities here in Kenya:

  • Go on a game drive through the Masai Mara National Reserve and see wildlife up close.
  • Visit the Mara Triangle, a protected area within the national reserve.
  • Go on a hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara National Reserve for a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife.

12. Lake Malawi National Park, Malawi

Lake Malawi is the third-largest lake in Africa and one of the deepest lakes in the world.

It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and UNESCO describes the National Park as an area of exceptional natural beauty with the rugged landscapes around it contrasting with the remarkably clear waters of the lake.

Lake Malawi is a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Speaking of fishing, the area hosts many hundreds of cichlid fish, nearly all of which are endemic to Lake Malawi.

Remember to practice sustainable fishing!

Must-do Tourist Activities on Lake Malawi National Park:

  • Visit the Likoma Island, a beautiful island in Lake Malawi.
  • Go snorkeling or scuba diving in the clear waters of Lake Malawi and see a variety of marine life.
  • Take a boat trip on Lake Malawi and enjoy the stunning scenery.

13. Rainbow Mountains, Morocco

The Rainbow Mountains are a unique geological formation in Morocco. The mountains are made up of a variety of colorful rocks, which give them their name.

The Rainbow Mountains are a popular tourist destination for photographers and hikers.

Must-do tourist activities here:

  • Hike through the Rainbow Mountains and see the incredible colors of the rocks up close.
  • Take a photo of the Rainbow Mountains at sunset or sunrise to capture their magical colors.
  • Visit the nearby Berber villages and learn about the local culture.

14. Dogon Country, Mali

The Dogon Country is a region in Mali that is known for its unique culture and architecture. The Dogon people are known for their cliffside villages and their traditional masks. The Dogon Country is a popular tourist destination for people interested in learning about African culture.

Incredible things to do here:

  • Visit the cliffside villages of the Dogon people and see their unique architecture.
  • Learn about the Dogon people’s culture and traditions.
  • See the Dogon people’s traditional masks.

If you’re planning for International Travel in 2024, here are 9 great tips for a more authentic travel experience.

15. Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

The Simien Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning scenery and its population of gelada baboons. The Simien Mountains are also home to a variety of other wildlife, including mountain nyala, Walia ibex, and Ethiopian wolves.

Unique and incredible things to do:

  • Hike through the Simien Mountains and see the incredible scenery, including the Ras Dashen mountain, the highest peak in Ethiopia.
  • Visit the gelada baboon population and see these fascinating creatures up close.
  • Take a photo of the Simien Mountains at sunset or sunrise to capture their magical beauty.

16. Dahab, Egypt

Location: Sinai Peninsula, Egypt.

Originally a Bedouin fishing village, now a popular diving destination. Dahab attracted over 1 million visitors in 2021 (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities).

Dahab is peculiar for The Blue Hole, a renowned diving site that attracts thousands of scuba divers around the world.

Things you just can’t miss:

  • Dive or snorkel in the Blue Hole.
  • Explore the Desert of Sinai on a camel safari.

17. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Etosha National Park is a large national park in Namibia, reputed for its salt pan, which is one of the largest in the world. The park has now become the top tourist attraction of Namibia with more than 140 000 visitors recorded annually.

Beyond the salt pan, Tourists visit Etosha National Park to experience a diversity of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes.

Unique and incredible things to do:

  • Visit the Etosha salt pan and see the animals that come to drink from the waterholes.
  • Go on a game drive through the Etosha National Park and see wildlife up close.
  • Visit the Okaukuejo waterhole and see the animals that come to drink at night.

 

18. Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa

Addo Elephant National Park is one of South Africa’s proud National Parks,  reputed for hosting arguably the largest population of elephants in the world.

If you’re a fan of these giant creatures, you should be visiting South Africa’s Addo Elephant National Park in 2024. About 120,000 people check out this park every year.

The park is also home to a variegation of other impressive wildlife, including lions, rhinos, and buffalo.

Things you can’t miss here:

  • Go on a game drive through the Addo Elephant National Park and see elephants up close.
  • Visit the Shamwari Game Reserve, a private game reserve within the Addo Elephant National Park.
  • Take a helicopter safari over the Addo Elephant National Park and see the wildlife from above.

19. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Location: Southwestern Uganda, at the junction of the plain and mountain forests.

Just realized we haven’t talked about Gorillas so far. Thankfully, there’s the Bwindi National Park, which is popular for the 400 Bwindi Gorillas and Mountain Gorillas.

The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns 1. It is also home to many types of birds and butterflies.

Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world.

Stuff you can’t miss here:

  • Go on a gorilla trekking tour and see mountain gorillas up close.
  • Visit the Mubwindi Swamp, a unique ecosystem within the national park.
  • Take a hike through the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and enjoy the stunning scenery.

20. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Location: Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania

We’re ending the list with a place that’s known as Africa’s roof – The Kilimanjaro. A dormant volcano, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak, a place that attracts around 50,000 climbers/hikers each year.

As you hike the largest free-standing mountain in the world (20,000 ft), you’ll experience multiple climatic zones, from tropical rainforest to arctic ice cap.

Visiting Kilimanjaro is different from hiking other mountains in the world, such as the Seven Magic Mountains in Vegas, because almost every kind of ecological system is found on the mountain: cultivated land, rain forest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and an arctic summit.

Did you know?

Nearly every climber who has summitted Uhuru Peak has recorded his or her thoughts about the accomplishment in a book stored in a wooden box at the top.

Activities you can’t miss here:

  • Trek to the summit for a sunrise view.
  • Explore the diverse flora and fauna along the trails.

Need help planning your trip to Africa? Check out our Top planning tips for your next trip abroad.

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Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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Don't Miss The Northern Lights The Northern Lights is one of Iceland's main attractions, also known as aurora borealis! They are known to be elusive as there must be perfect conditions to see them, such as less or almost no clouds, no light pollution, and flaring activity in the magnetosphere. It is a natural display of light that can only be seen between the months of winter, from September to March. The attraction is only visible in the northernmost parts of the world. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the green, gold, and purple waves dancing in ribbon-like formation. There is no telling when they will appear, or for long they will appear in the sky; however, there are probabilities to ensure you see them. Guides in those areas do have an understanding of the appropriate vantage points. 2. Give Horseback Riding A Shot Icelandic horses are different from normal horses worldwide with their muscular build and short legs! They are quite popular for their reliability. They are sturdy and smaller in their size and are often confused with ponies instead of horses. Going horse riding across the ice is a perfect way to experience the country and the riding. The breed is actually from Scandinavia and has evolved differently across the ages. 3. Visit The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a lake filled with glaciers; this should be on your bucket list if you visit Iceland. Some icebergs make a sound as they crunch and impact each other. You can take a zodiac boat ride or stay on the shoreline, where you can watch the seals dip into the lake. You can walk down to Diamond Beach from the Lagoon with jet-black sand and glistening icebergs creating a stunning visual of the natural landscapes. 4. Go Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates Image Source One of the best snorkeling spots in Iceland visits Silfra Fissure, where you will experience a dramatic visual representation of a glacier melt-water-filled rift. The tectonic plates between Eurasia and North America are drifting apart. You will find yourself a dry suit, a guide, and snorkeling equipment with an entrance fee to Silfra starting from $119. You also get cookies and hot chocolate once you have completed the activity. 5. Tour The Golden Circle Image Source The most sightseeing route, you must take a tour of the Golden Circle as it consists of the 3 major attractions, namely Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Thingvellir National Park. These locations are accessible from Reykjavik, the capital city. Thingvellir National Park is a natural beauty and is quite important as the tectonic plates of Eurasia and North America are drifting apart in this very area. The location has waterfalls, deep gorges, and lava fields. The Gullfoss waterfall is 105 feet tall and cascades down two rocky tiers getting the name "Golden Falls." Visitors often find a rainbow over the waterfall, making it a beautiful visual. 6. Voyage Into Ice Caving And Glacier Hiking Image Source Frozen landscapes are scattered across Iceland with floating icebergs, ravishing blue ice caves, and extensive glaciers. It is the winter months when you can see Iceland in all its glory when the environment reflects sparkling snow and obscure darkness. The glaciers are the perfect frozen attractions you can access if you love hiking. It is something that can be performed throughout the year. You must wear crampons to walk the ice so that you encounter the indomitable giants up close! Do not miss the ice caves just below the Katla volcano, with a variant of color in blue and white, creating a more gorgeous experience than you can ever have. However, ice caves are safer in winter as there is less risk of collapsing or falling rocks causing serious injuries. To experience the ice caves, the best time to visit Iceland is in the winter months! 7. Hop Into Natural Hot Pool Image Source Strokkur is the perfect place to start if you want to hop into a natural hot pool! The hot springs go up to 65 feet every 5 minutes, along with mud pools and steaming fumaroles surrounding it! The abundance of volcanoes has created geological activities such as mud pools, hot springs, and volcanic vents; as the land of Iceland is only a few million years hence, it is still alive. The erupting hot springs and mud pools are a perfect escape for tourists, and it helps them relax. The natural hot pools will ensure that relaxation is part of your itinerary after trying trekking or snorkeling. 8. Enjoy The Westfjords View Image Source Are you a nature person? Most people travel to North and South Iceland, which is common for most. Don't you want to experience something off-road and unique? Let me highlight some attractions that fulfill your craving for mysticism, magic, and folklore. A cultural hub, Westfjords is engrossed in natural beauty, such as Hornstrandir with bird cliffs, Dynjandi waterfalls, Arnarfjordur Bay, Flatey Island, and Bolafjall mountain. The staggering beauty of the locales is fascinating and boasts of cultural history. 9. Swing Into The Blue Lagoon Spa Image Source A geothermal spa in Iceland has become popular as The Blue Lagoon, which has one of the most beautiful surroundings and an atmosphere that relaxes your senses. It is closer to the airport, so with a busy itinerary, you can easily visit the place. Blue Lagoon tours and the Shuttle bus to the Lagoon make it an easier place to visit. It is, however, an expensive experience. Hence, you can choose other areas, such as the Myvatn Nature Baths and Secret Lagoon. 10. Ramble On To Lake Myvatn In North Iceland Image Source The area of Lake Myvatn is geo-thermally active. Therefore, hot pools and nature baths are spread across one of the largest bodies of water in Iceland. After a long day of exploring the beauty of Iceland and performing activities, enjoying the geothermal lake is the perfect way to end your day! It is also a cool place for bird spotting, as there are 58 species. One of the biggest collections of flora and fauna, the lake is a beautiful place to visit where you can see Dimmuborgir. These volcanic rock formations are haunting and alluring while the name is equally exquisite, "Dark Fortress." 11. Take A Food Tour Walk In Reykjavik Image Source You have to enjoy the crowd in Reykjavik with its delicious food and the exciting nightlife. The nightlife continues till 4 AM as in the summer. You can enjoy yourself to your heart's content as you can see that it's bright as daylight outside, even during the middle of the night. The city has authentic places to visit eateries, ensuring a beautiful personal experience. You should try the modern and traditional classic items popular in Iceland, skyr and Icelandic lamb soup. The soup represents what Iceland truly means! You can walk down Laugavegur Street, where you can find perfect places for food and drinks. Take advantage of the Icelandic Lamb hot dog you can try in one of the original food stalls from 1937. You can visit Cafe Loki, situated across from Hallgrimskirkja church, where you can try various Icelandic delicacies. You can't miss Rye Bread Ice Cream! I would also recommend Black Death or the special beer drinks that are well-known across Iceland. 12. Go Whale Watching On A Cruise Image Source Whale watching is one of the best experiences when you visit Iceland, especially because there are various species of dolphins, porpoises, and whales. There are tours from Husavik, Akureyri, and Reykjavik; hence, you can visit one of these places to access the abundant animal traffic. There is a probability of watching killer and fin whales; however, there is a higher chance of humpback and minke whales. 13. Get A View Of The Fagradalsfjall Volcano Eruption From A Helicopter Image Source One of the hottest fissure openings in Iceland is Fagradalsfjall Volcano which you can visit by flying around in a helicopter. The tour is 20 minutes, and a guide will tell you all about the active volcano. On tour from the helicopter, you can see the aquamarine waters, which are based on Faxafloi Bay, and pass over Reykjavik city, getting a bird's eye view. 14. Try Snowmobiling From Reykjavik Image Source It is in the Gullfoss waterfall to try a snowmobile tour based on the second-largest glacier, Langjokull. The glacier is snowy, and snowmobiling is a perfect way to feel the glide across the landscape. Conclusion So, what do you think? Ready for a trip to Iceland? The places I have listed will satisfy you if you are a travel bug. Experiencing amazing Iceland will ensure you see all the places that tickle your fantasy and experience nature at its best. Iceland has a mysticism to it, so visiting quaint little towns, remote lighthouses, mountains, thermal pools, and eateries across town are different ways to explore the city's culture and ethnicity. Comment down below about the place out of this list that you find the most interesting or is already on your bucket list to visit. Read Also: You Won’t Believe The Best Things To Do When In Fiji! Top 12 National Parks In Florida That You Must Visit Is Machu Picchu Closing In 2023? Know It All Here!