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Africa is a vast continent with the most diverse countries in the world. Filled with lush inland forests and picture-perfect beaches, Africa is a growing tourist attraction in itself. Here is the list of the best tourist attractions in Africa.
Each country has something unique to offer from tradition and culture to natural wonders the draw tourists from all over the world looking to experience their own piece of Africa.
To choose just one reason to visit Africa and select one attraction is impossible, there are many. To help you on your journey toward your own African adventure, here are just ten of the best tourist attractions in Africa. Of course, this list is by no means comprehensive; however, these should give you plenty of food for thought.
The Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Africa
Cape Town, South Africa
As far as the best tourist attractions in Africa go, Cape Town as a city and its surrounding area is very much the easiest and most accessible way to get a taste of Africa as a whole.
Cape Town is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, a colorful mix of people, cultures, tradition, history, nature, and food, is perhaps the best way to define the Mother City.
Here a tourist can explore top tourist attractions in Cape Town South Africa, everything from Robben Island to the iconic Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point, Cape Winelands, and Camps Bay, getting a taste of fresh mountain air and ocean breezes all year round. If you play your cards right, you might be able to attend one of the best music festivals in South Africa.
Best Time to Visit: Peak Season is from November to January. Secret Seasons (best time to be a local) are October and late February to March.
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Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and Zambia
The falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia are something everyone has heard about, and for many, what African dreams are filled with. Victoria Falls is a jointly owned tourist attraction and can be viewed and explored from either Zambia or Zimbabwe.
A majestic 108 meters high cascade of water, often called “The Cloud that Thunders” is not only one of the top tourist attractions in Africa but the world. Victoria Falls is a mesmerizing and awe-inspiring top ten tourist attractions in Africa that is a bucket list item for millions of people.
Best Time to Visit: February to May
Related Content | Discover the Ultimate Guide to Victoria Falls
Omo River Region, Ethiopia
The Omo River region of Ethiopia is one of the most remote and secluded places in the world. Vast expanses of this picturesque African plains are extremely difficult to reach. To visit this place to explore the depths of African culture barely touched by the world in the 21st century, you will have to use a specialist tour.
Historically, Ethiopia tends to heavily value their independence and unique culture by restricting external influence. However, it is slowly opening its doors to let the rest of the world experience its paradise. Once you visit Ethiopia, your view of Africa will be changed forever, and you will understand why it is of the main tourist attractions in East Africa.
Best time to visit: September to April – especially the very beginning of September and the end of April.
Related Content | Read the Best African Travel Guide
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro, or just “Kili” to many in the climbing fraternity, is a major tourist attraction in Africa. For those seeking an adventure holiday, a trek to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is perhaps the epitome of such a vacation.
Standing at 5,895 meters tall, it takes around 5 to 10 days to summit and returns back to the foot of the tallest mountain in Africa. The climb does not really require any specialist climbing equipment, but the right level of fitness is essential. Be warned of altitude sickness, this is a prevalent problem among those who attempt the climb.
Best times to visit: January to March, which is much colder with the potential of snow and June to October.
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The Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
When people think of Africa, they think of wild animals and safaris. The Massai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Africa, and every tourist has a dramatically different experience when they visit.
The Massai Mara is one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Africa, not just to see but experience the big 5 but because of the wildebeest migration. Continuing through the Maasai Mara National Reserve will lead you to the Serengeti National Park and Game Reserves in Tanzania.
There are many specialist tours of this impressive nature reserve and with a variety of game viewing experiences from regular overland vehicles to hot air balloons.
Best time to visit: The cold season from July to October is the best time to visit. This is peak season and can be costly.
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Virunga National Park, DR Congo
African wildlife is by far the number one tourist attraction in Africa, and each African nation has different animals to see.
The Congo and nearby Uganda are famous for its mountain gorillas, and the Virunga National Park is perhaps the best place in the world where these impressive beasts can be seen.
Established in 1925 as the very first national park in Africa, the park is also one of the top places in the world to see chimpanzees in the wild. Tourism to this beautiful region is growing and as well as seeing a wide variety of apes tourists. You can climb the slopes of the Nyiragongo Volcano and see the world’s largest pool of lava.
Best time to visit: April, May, October and November
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Okavango Delta, Botswana
One of the most breathtaking places on earth, the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO world heritage site, is one of the top tourist destinations in Africa.
This vast river delta at the foot of the massive Kalahari attracts thousands of tourists each year who want to experience the true beauty and wilds of Africa.
Many tourists explore the wild game hotspot by air either in light aircraft or hot air balloon, and the views are beyond comprehension. The land-based safaris offering some of the best game spotting experiences anywhere in the world, and many tourists simply wish they could stay a lot longer in the fantastic place.
Best time to visit: May to September
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Zanzibar, Tanzania
Just off the coast is an exotic archipelago with pristine beaches and warm oceans. This fantastic location is one of the top tourist destinations in Africa because, for some, it is the ideal place for the perfect, relaxing beach holiday.
With a vibrant history dating back to the 17th century, the destination has a magical blend of Arabic, Middle Eastern, Moorish, and Indian cultures and styles, making it unique like no other place in Africa.
Best time to visit: June to October
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Giza Necropolis, Egypt
A lot of people do not think of Egypt as being in Africa. In the Giza Necropolis, you will get to see the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Pyramid of Khafre.
Still, it is, and the Giza Necropolis has to be something on many travel bucket lists. The ancient Egyptian civilizations are brought back to life along the river Nile through pyramids and tombs. Not the Africa everyone immediately thinks of but certainly a part of Africa everyone should indeed visit.
Best times to visit: October to April when temperatures are cooler
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Kruger National Park, South Africa
South Africa is perhaps the most accessible of all African nations. While Cape Town attracts the majority of tourists, the Kruger National Park in the North of the country is often the starting point for a superb trek down the coast toward Cape Town.
This South African National Park is one of the top places in the world to spot all the Big 5 and top tourist attractions in South Africa. Visitors can obtain a permit to visit and take a self-drive safari. Still, the majority of visitors join an organized safari.
Best time to visit: Between April and September
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Concluding the Top Tourist Attractions in Africa
Africa has so many top tourist destinations, and each country, region, and the town will have its own hidden gems. To cover everything in one place would be difficult.
Visiting Africa is becoming easier with major airlines flying into most major African cities. There is a lot to see in Africa.
Whether you choose a grand tour starting at the bottom with South Africa and all the way up to Egypt, or if you merely cherry-pick the destinations of your choice, the continent welcomes you.
For many people, exploring Africa is a dream, and we would love to turn your vision into reality. We would love to hear your thoughts. What tourist attractions in Africa are on your bucket list, and which attractions exceeded your expectations?
FAQs for the Main Tourist Attractions in Africa
Cape Town, South Africa
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and Zambia
Omo River Region, Ethiopia
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
The Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Virunga National Park, DR Congo
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Giza Necropolis, Egypt
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Africa has several top tourist destinations. However, with about 25 million annual visitors visiting Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, it is considered the most notable tourist destination in Africa.
Perhaps the country with the most Tourist attractions in Africa is South Africa, as this is one of the fast-developing countries in terms of tourism diversity.
This is the most impossible question to answer. From pyramids to mountain ranges, people to places, and oceans the plains of Africa. Africa means something different to everyone, but the continent is well known for the Safaris.
In recent years, Africa has opened up in terms of tourism. Tourists today are a great deal more adventurous and independent. Safaris are still very popular, as are pure sunshine and sand beach holidays. Where tourists got is ultimately up to them. However, most tourist’s first visit is either to South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Morocco, or Egypt.
The definition of “best” can be subjective. However, for tourists, because of the robust infrastructure, booming tourism, and ease of travel to the country, South Africa is regarded as the best country to visit in Africa.
Beauty is more than skin deep. To answer this, you need to visit and get under the surface of the country you are visiting. Africa itself is perhaps the most perfect definition of beautiful that you will ever find. However, Ethiopia, Seychelles, South Africa, and Guinea, are known to be amongst the most beautiful countries in Africa.
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How could this list dare forget the Famous Serengeti plains, the top most largest wildlife attraction in the world, with an amazing scenic value. The famous largest seasonal wildlife migration.
Author
Hello Fadhili, that’s a great point! The Serengeti national park should be on the list. We’ll definitely include it in the next blog post update! 🙂
Love, Lydia
YOU ARE RIGHT — SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK IN TANZANIA SHOULD BE IN THE LIST ( BEST NATIONAL PARK IN AFRICA , ALSO AMONG SEVEN NATURAL WONDERS OF AFRICA)
Author
I second that, Tino! You can see our previous comment for reference.
who asked
Thanks for the article. Visiting more Africa countries is on my bucket list. Do you have an article focusing on the best countries to visit based on different regions (e.g., West coast/East Coast)?
Author
Hello Wayne, we do have a post on the best African countries to visit. However, it’s not ordered by region. If I were to pick one country per region, these are my recommendations:
The reason I chose these countries is they have a well-developed tourism industry and cater specifically to visitors. A tip for South Africa, stick to the tourist areas, and you’ll be fine. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Dear Wayne, if you want to visit East Africa, the dream place to visit is Uganda. You will surely discover why its called the “Pearl of Africa”.
Hi!
Thanks for sharing such a great post related to tourism,I also wanna know about some best things to do in Sharjah, So I request you to also post some instructive guidelines related to Tourism, as I have some great interest in such kind of things.
Author
Thanks for visiting our site. We only cover content about Africa so Sharjah wouldn’t be a good fit. If you do have any African-related questions, please let us know.
Love,
Lydia
This is ammazing.. too bad my trip was canceled earlier this year due to COVID 19
I would love to see more pictures. l am awed at the ones that l saw, my heart is beating.