Africa: The Ultimate Travel Guide

The 2nd largest continent after Asia, Africa is the world’s hottest continent. Yet there is nowhere like it on Earth for geographical diversity. From tropical beaches and dusty market towns to safari adventures and historical endeavours, Africa has it all. Discover more about the Ancient Civilisations that emerged here, including the Ancient Egyptians and the Phoenicians. Experience the clash between the ancient and the modern as you shop, dine and explore in cosmopolitan cities across the continent.

The breathtaking natural environment and rich cultural history ensure a visit to Africa is a once in a lifetime travel opportunity. Africa covers 6% of the earth’s total surface and it encompasses around 54 countries. The continent has a population of 1.3 billion people, which is around 16% of the entire global population. The largest country by size is Algeria, but the most populated country is Nigeria. Discover more about Africa, with our handy travel guide; with top tourist attractions, underrated places, Instagram-worthy destinations and more!

Table of Contents:

Country Travel Guides

Top tourist attractions in Africa

One of the top attractions in Africa are the Giza Pyramids featured here
Pyramids of Giza

Some of the top tourist attractions in Africa include:

#1 Pyramids of Giza

With the oldest built in 2613-2498BC, Egyptian pyramids are one of the seven wonders of the Ancient world. A true marvel of human ability, there are many conspiracies about the pyramids and how they were built, and it is not very difficult to understand why. Explore inside these ancient tombs, snap a photo with the sphinx or check out Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum.

#2 Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

Half of the world’s population of wild mountain gorillas live deep in the jungles of Uganda. As a result, people from around the world visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for the chance to spot these majestic creatures up close and in their natural habitat.

#3 Victoria Falls

Named after Queen Victoria, the Victoria Falls comprises 1700 metres of thundering cascades, and they are considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The local name for the falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya, which translates as the smoke that thunders. Some recommend that you visit in Zimbabwe for the best possible view, but others prefer Zambia for the full experience.

#4 Great Migration, Tanzania

The great migration is often referred to as ‘the greatest wildlife show on earth’, and having the opportunity to witness this is truly a life-changing moment. As millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelle travel at least 3, 000 km; this circuit takes the animals from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Kenya’s Masi Mara in the south.

#5 Sossusvlei Dunes, Namibia

With burnt oranges, dazzling reds and smooth pinks, the Sossusvlei Dunes offers a seemingly endless unique landscape. Nestled in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the most famous is Dune 45. At 170 metres high, climbing to the peak offers the chance to witness the breathtakingly beautiful Namib Desert.

#6 Kruger National Park, South Africa

Safari means journey in Swahili, and a visit to the Kruger National Park in South Africa promises a wildlife experience like no other. This world-renowned national park is SA’s oldest and largest, at 20, 0000 square metres, or 5 million acres.

#7 Mount Kilimanjaro

This one is not for the faint-hearted! Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 19. 341 ft., and it is the tallest mountain in Africa. A visit to the peak is only possible after 5-7 days of hard trekking and climbing through diverse climate and topography, from dense rainforest to alpine desert zones.

#8 Zanzibar, Tasmania

With its clash of cultures, pristine beaches, and warm turquoise waters, Zanzibar is a paradise amongst the Spice Islands. This archipelago is a UNESCO cultural heritage site, with the old Stone Town dating back centuries.

#9 Masai Mara Kenya

Masai Mara is Kenya’s national game reserve, and it is home to an array of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, zebra and hippos. This is a popular safari choice, with many visitors choosing to see the sights from a hot-air balloon ride. If you are hoping to see the Great Migration, you will need to visit between July and October.

#10 Seychelles

Consisting of 115 islands, Seychelles is one of the most luxurious holiday destinations in the world. It is popular amongst honeymooners, with Prince William and Kate choosing this location for their post-nuptial holiday. It is hardly a surprise when you consider the white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters with world-class scuba diving and the delicious creole cuisine.

The 5 underrated places in Africa

Durban pictured here in twilight  is a wildly underrated beautiful spot in Africa
Durban, South Africa

If you are looking to stay away from the typical tourist destinations, some of Africa’s hidden gems include:

#1 São Tomé and Príncipe

Rainforests, beaches and insane rock formations that have been produced through the volcanos here thousands of years ago. Worth a visit for the landscapes alone!

#2 Durban, South Africa

Durban is a city edged by a beach promenade famous for its water sports. It offers a mix of culture defined by its African, Indian and colonial influences.

#3 Mombasa, Kenya

As the oldest city in Kenya, it’s no surprise that this place its known for its historical significance. Amazing street food and jaw-dropping beaches are another reason to visit.

#4 Timbuktu, Mali

Timbuktu dates back to the 1100s and it pretty famous. It is home to some of the oldest mosques in Africa (although they are accessible only to Muslims). It is an extremely significant sight for students of Islam with its university daring back to 1100, and over 60 libraries full of old manuscripts.

#5 Lake Malawi, Malawi

This massive lake is the third largest – and the second deepest – lake in Africa. There’s dozens of places along the lake that deserve a visit, and no shortage of things to do here. Anyone interested in biology will love it here – it is home to thousands of species of animals.

Most Instagrammable Places in Africa

The Victoria Falls in Africa looking like an instagrammable place
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe / Zambia

With such diverse landscapes and so many historical landmarks, so many spots in Africa are popular on Instagram. Some examples include:

Fun Facts about Africa

Did you know?

  • Africa is known as the Cradle of Humankind, and it is believed to have been the first place for homo sapiens to emerge.
  • Half of the world’s diamonds are found in southern and central Africa.
  • Before colonisation, Africa consisted of over 10, 000 individual states.
  • Today, between 1500- 2000 languages are spoken across the continent.
  • Sahara is the world largest hot desert.
  • South Africa is home to the highest bungee jumping in the world.