Destinations To Discover First When Exploring Africa

where to go 1st when traveling to africa

Africa is a continent full of diverse cultures and landscapes, with 54 countries to choose from, each offering a unique experience. The prospect of choosing a starting point can be daunting, but here is an introduction to some of the top destinations for first-time visitors to Africa.

Marrakesh, Morocco: Founded in 1062, Marrakesh is home to a rich collection of mosques, palaces, tombs, and museums. The walled city, known as the medina, offers a vibrant maze of stalls selling spices, handicrafts, and traditional Moroccan tea.

Cape Town, South Africa: Frequently voted as one of the world's most beautiful cities, Cape Town offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. The city is surrounded by the ocean and Table Mountain, with white sand beaches, scenic drives, and historical landmarks such as Robben Island.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia: One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls spans the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, with the Zambezi River plunging over a 354-foot drop. The falls offer breathtaking views, and the surrounding area provides opportunities for activities like white-water rafting and swimming in the Devil's Pool.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: As the highest peak in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro is a challenging but achievable climb for those with a good level of fitness. The journey takes you through five different climate zones, from rainforest to alpine desert.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the annual Great Migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope. It boasts the highest concentration of plains game in Africa, making it one of the best places to spot lions, leopards, and other members of the Big Five.

Okavango Delta, Botswana: The Okavango Delta is a seasonal floodplain fed by the Okavango River, bringing life to the Kalahari Desert. It offers incredible biodiversity, with over 160 mammal species and 530 bird species. Exploring the delta by traditional dugout canoe is a popular way to experience its beauty.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda: Located on the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Volcanoes National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. With just over 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild, this park provides a chance to get up close to these endangered primates.

These destinations offer a mix of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and adventurous activities, providing a range of options for first-time visitors to Africa.

Characteristics Values
Best time to visit June to October (dry season)
Where to go Botswana, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
What to do Safari, hiking, wildlife spotting, cultural activities, water sports, snorkelling, scuba diving, bungee jumping, stargazing, rafting, boating, birdwatching, hot air balloon safari, guided bush walk, wine tasting
Where to stay Cottar’s 1920s Camp, Emboo River Camp, Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Giraffe Manor, Chobe Game Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Chobe Bakwena, Pangolin Chobe Hotel, Mombo Camp, Mma Dinare Camp, 4 Rivers Camp, Shinde Camp, Camp Moremi, Xugana Island Lodge, Setari Camp, Mopiri Camp, Mogotlho Safari Lodge, San Camp, Jack’s Camp, Camp Kalahari, Planet Baobab, Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Dunia Camp, Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Bougainvillea Safari Lodge, Gibb’s Farm, Chumbe Island, Zanzibar Coffee House, Flatdogs Camp, Jollyboys Backpackers, The Victoria Falls Waterfront, Royal Livingstone Resort, Avani Victoria Falls Resort, Sindabezi Island Lodge, Shawa Luangwa Camp, Mpala Jena, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Nkosi Guest Lodge, Ilala Lodge Hotel, The Victoria Falls Hotel, The Hide, Camp Hwange, Somalisa

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Safaris: Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and more

Safaris are a popular activity for visitors to Africa, with many countries offering unique experiences. Here is a guide to some of the best destinations for a safari trip:

Kenya

Kenya is a fantastic place to go on safari, whether it's your first time or you're a veteran. The Masai Mara National Reserve is a popular starting point, where you can spot the Big Five and witness the Great Migration between July and October. Kenya has numerous other parks to explore, including Samburu National Reserve and Meru National Park, which are home to rare subspecies such as the reticulated giraffe and Somali ostrich. The Great Migration is a spectacular event where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River from the Serengeti in Tanzania. Kenya also offers a chance to interact with local communities, such as spending time in a Maasai village or going on walks with the Samburu people. The best time to visit Kenya for a safari is from June to October and January to February.

Tanzania

Tanzania is another popular choice for safaris, offering sensational scenery and fantastic game viewing. The Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater are highlights of the Northern safari circuit, while the Southern and Western circuits provide a more remote wilderness experience. The Serengeti is famous for its endless plains and is home to large numbers of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and elephants. The Ngorongoro Crater, a giant collapsed volcano, offers the opportunity to see the Big Five in a complete ecosystem. Tanzania also has dramatic volcanic landscapes, such as the Great Rift Valley and hot springs. The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari is from June to October and January to March.

Botswana

Botswana is known for its low-impact, upmarket tourism and is one of Africa's last wilderness areas. The Okavango Delta, the world's largest inland delta, offers game drives, boat safaris, and mokoro (wooden dugout canoe) trips. Chobe National Park is renowned for its large elephant population and other wildlife such as giraffes and zebras. The Makgadikgadi salt pans are another highlight, where you can interact with meerkats. Botswana has strict regulations on the impact of visitors, focusing on low-impact and high-quality experiences. The best time to visit Botswana for a safari is from June to October.

Namibia

Namibia offers a unique safari experience with its desert habitat and impressive landscapes, such as the huge orange sand dunes at Sossusvlei. Etosha National Park is Namibia's primary safari destination, known for its dense wildlife population, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and rhinos. Damaraland, in the west, is home to desert-adapted elephants and lions. Namibia is also ideal for self-driving safaris, with well-maintained roads and reasonably priced rental vehicles. Other activities include kayaking with seals off the coast of Swakopmund and sandboarding in the Namib Desert. The best time to visit Namibia for a safari is from June to October.

South Africa

South Africa offers a diverse range of experiences, from safaris to wine tasting and exploring cities like Cape Town. Kruger National Park is the most popular safari destination, offering the chance to see the Big Five and other wildlife. The Eastern Cape, at the end of the Garden Route, has several malaria-free reserves, such as Shamwari Game Reserve and Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. South Africa restricts the number of vehicles in its parks and reserves, providing a quieter viewing experience. The best time to visit South Africa for a safari is from May to September.

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Ancient cultures: Egypt, Ethiopia, and Morocco

Ancient cultures are a huge draw for travellers to Africa, with Egypt, Ethiopia, and Morocco offering a wealth of history and culture to explore.

Egypt

Egypt is a treasure trove of ancient history, with its rich and powerful ancient civilisation spanning nearly 3000 years. The Nile River was the lifeline of ancient Egypt, allowing for the development of a settled agricultural economy and a sophisticated, centralised society. The ancient Egyptians built some of the world's most famous structures, such as the pyramids of Giza and the temples at Thebes. They also left a lasting legacy in art, architecture, and literature, with their distinctive style and iconography.

A trip down the Nile River on a traditional felucca is a great way to explore ancient Egypt, taking in the ancient monuments of Luxor and Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and the temples of Edfu, Philae, and Kom Ombo.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia has a long and fascinating history, with the ancient Greek historian, Diodorus Siculus, claiming that the culture of ancient Egypt originated in Ethiopia. Ethiopian languages, Amarigna and Tigrigna, have preserved essential elements of the ancient hieroglyphic language, providing valuable insights into ancient Egyptian civilisation.

Ethiopia is also home to some of the oldest human fossils, with the discovery of "Dinknesh" (or "Lucy"), an Australopithecus afarensis species dating back 3.2 million years.

Morocco

Morocco is a country steeped in history and culture, with Marrakesh, one of its four Imperial Cities, offering a wealth of ancient sights. Founded in 1062, Marrakesh boasts a collection of mosques, palaces, tombs, and museums. The walled city, known as the medina, is a maze of narrow streets filled with stalls selling spices, jewellery, and handcrafted goods.

Morocco is also home to ancient Roman ruins, such as Volubilis, and medieval medinas in cities like Fez and Meknes, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage.

With their rich history, fascinating cultures, and abundance of ancient sites, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Morocco offer travellers a unique glimpse into the past.

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Beach vacations: Zanzibar, Bazaruto Archipelago, and Watamu

Africa is a continent with 54 countries to choose from, each with its own unique culture and history, as well as countless spectacular destinations, ranging from game reserves to beaches, mountains, and cities bursting with colour and culture.

If you're looking for a beach vacation, there are several options in Africa that offer stunning coastlines, diverse marine life, and a range of activities to enjoy. Here are three popular beach destinations in Africa:

Zanzibar

Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, is known for its pristine beaches with white sands and crystal-clear waters. The island offers a variety of beach experiences, from secluded coves to lively beach bars. It is also a popular destination for water sports such as snorkelling and diving, with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life to explore. Zanzibar has a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to boutique hotels, many of which offer direct beach access and stunning ocean views.

Bazaruto Archipelago

The Bazaruto Archipelago is a group of islands off the coast of Mozambique, known for its untouched natural beauty. The islands boast pristine beaches, rolling sand dunes, and clear azure waters. Bazaruto is a popular destination for swimming, sailing, snorkelling, and deep-sea fishing. It is also possible to swim with dolphins and witness the annual migration of humpback whales from July to September. The archipelago offers a range of accommodation options, including luxury villas and resorts.

Watamu

Watamu is a small town on the coast of Kenya, renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and diverse marine life. The area is home to stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine wildlife. Watamu Marine National Park is a popular destination for snorkelling and diving, with crystal-clear waters and a diverse range of marine life, including fish, sea turtles, and even whale sharks. In addition to beach activities, Watamu offers cultural experiences such as exploring the Gedi Ruins, an ancient Swahili village, and the Bio-Ken Snake Farm, which houses the largest collection of snakes in East Africa.

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Malaria-free: Morocco and South Africa

Morocco and South Africa are two malaria-free destinations in Africa. Here is some more information about each country:

Morocco

Morocco is a captivating destination that attracts a wide variety of visitors with its diverse natural landscapes, rich culture, and interesting history. Here are some key things to know when visiting Morocco:

  • Islam is the state religion, and it is important to be respectful of religious norms and customs, such as dressing modestly and being mindful of areas that non-Muslims are not allowed to enter.
  • The monarchy is highly respected, and it is illegal to speak ill of the Moroccan king.
  • Eating is traditionally done with the right hand only, as the left hand is considered unclean.
  • Beachwear should be limited to the beach, and modest dress is expected when exploring cities, towns, and villages.
  • English speakers are common in major tourist areas, but learning some basic Arabic or French phrases can be helpful when venturing to less-visited parts of the country.
  • Marrakech is a popular destination, known for its souks, historical attractions, and stunning gardens. However, there is much more to explore in Morocco, including beautiful beaches, mountains, and charming cities like Essaouira and Ouarzazate.
  • Casablanca, the economic capital, is a bustling city with attractions such as the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world.
  • Morocco is known for its traditional crafts, equestrian art, and delicious cuisine, including the national dish, couscous.

South Africa

South Africa offers a range of experiences, from breathtaking natural landscapes to cultural hotspots and adventurous activities. Here are some highlights:

  • Cape Town, flanked by the ocean and overlooked by Table Mountain, offers cultural attractions, world-class restaurants, and beautiful beaches. It is also a great base for exploring the surrounding Cape Winelands, known for their gourmet cuisine and award-winning wines.
  • South Africa is known for its abundance of activities, including hiking, horse riding, game viewing, and water sports. The country is also a top destination for safari experiences, with a high density of the Big 5 (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard).
  • The country has a generally temperate climate, with plenty of sunshine and mild winters, making it an ideal destination for outdoor exploration.
  • South Africa is known for its friendly and hospitable people, who are always eager to share their favourite places and recommendations with visitors.
  • The country offers excellent value for money, with affordable accommodation and dining options, making it a cost-effective choice for travellers.
  • Beyond Cape Town, there are other notable destinations, such as the Garden Route, known for its natural beauty, and the Eastern Cape province, home to Jessica Macdonald, TripSavvy's Africa Expert.

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Mountainous regions: Kilimanjaro, Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara

Africa is home to some of the world's most impressive mountain ranges, and the following are some of the most popular mountainous regions to visit on the continent.

Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano in Tanzania, is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. With its three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, Kilimanjaro stands at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters) above sea level. It is also one of the few mountains that can be climbed without specialized equipment or training, making it a popular destination for hikers and climbers. The mountain is part of the Kilimanjaro National Park and offers a unique opportunity to experience five different climate zones, from rainforest to alpine desert, during the ascent.

Atlas Mountains

The Atlas Mountains, a mountain range in North Africa, stretch across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, separating the Sahara Desert from the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. With a length of 1,600 miles (2,500 kilometers), the range includes several peaks over 13,000 feet (4,000 meters), with the highest being Toubkal in central Morocco at 13,671 feet (4,167 meters). The Atlas Mountains are known for their cool temperatures and sunny summers, with an average temperature of 25°C. The area is primarily inhabited by Berber populations and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, many of which are endangered or extinct.

The Sahara

The Sahara, the largest hot desert in the world, spans across North Africa, covering large parts of Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Western Sahara, Sudan, and parts of southern Morocco and Tunisia. It is a vast expanse of rocky plateaus, sand dunes, stone plateaus, gravel plains, dry valleys, and salt flats. The Sahara is known for its extreme temperatures, low rainfall, and high sunshine duration, making it a challenging but captivating destination for adventurers. Several cities are located within or on the fringes of the Sahara, including Nouakchott in Mauritania, Tamanrasset in Algeria, and Timbuktu in Mali.

Frequently asked questions

There are many options for first-time travellers to Africa. Here are some of the best places to visit:

- Kruger National Park, South Africa.

- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.

- Cape Town, South Africa.

- Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

- Okavango Delta, Botswana.

- Marrakesh, Morocco.

- Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Rwanda is the easiest African country to visit due to its visa-free/open-door policy. It has everything a traveller might need, including hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and sights to see.

The peak safari season is around July to August, but travelling during the 'shoulder season' (March and September) can be great value for money as there are fewer people around and wildlife sightings are still good.

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