Africa Tourism

This guide provides a comprehensive overview for travellers seeking to explore Africa's rich heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant cultures.

Popular Destinations

Kenya is renowned for its diverse wildlife and the annual Great Migration in the Maasai Mara.

South Africa offers a mix of cultures, wildlife, and scenic beauty.

Morocco: A blend of Arab, Berber, and French cultural influences.

Egypt: Home to ancient civilisations and iconic monuments.

Uganda is famous for gorilla trekking and diverse landscapes.

Wildlife Safaris in Africa

Africa is synonymous with wildlife safaris. The continent's national parks and reserves are teeming with diverse species:

Maasai Mara, Kenya: Witness the annual wildebeest migration.

Kruger National Park: Spot the Big Five in a vast reserve.

Okavango Delta: Experience water-based safaris in a unique ecosystem.

Chobe National Park: Renowned for its large elephant population.

Etosha National Park: Features salt pans and abundant wildlife.

Ecotourism

Africa is increasingly embracing sustainable tourism:

Mozambique: Prioritises marine conservation, attracting eco-minded tourists.

Rwanda: Offers visa-free travel for all Africans, promoting regional tourism.

Sierra Leone: Developing eco-tourism with initiatives like the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

African Culture And Festival

Africa's cultural heritage is rich and varied, with a mix of iconic music, energetic festivals and historical sites as given below:

Traditional Music and Dance: Experience vibrant performances across the continent.

Art and Craftsmanship: Explore local markets for handmade goods.

Festivals: Attend events like the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

Historical Sites: Visit ancient cities like Timbuktu in Mali.

Delicious African Cuisine

Africa has a diverse range of Cuisine that reflects the vast culture and regional variations. Here are some examples of the best dishes to try in Africa.

North Africa: Couscous, Tagine, Chermoula (marination of seafood)

South Africa: Bunny chow (hollowed bread filled with curry), Bobotie, Braai

East Africa: Ugali (maize porridge), Sukuma Wiki (a leafy vegetable dish), Swahili dishes like vegetable curry

West Africa: Jollof rice, Fufu, Egusi soup, Red Red (creamy stewed native beans), Moin Moin (steamed black-eyed peas and cornmeal), Akara (fried black-eyed peas). 

Central Africa: Ndolè (a stew made with a wide variety of vegetables), Moambé (chicken with palm oil). 

Best Time to Visit

For a safari and wildlife experience, the best time to visit Africa is generally between May to September. At this time, animals gather in groups around the water sources. This makes it easy to spot them. However, the best time also depends on region to region. 

How to Reach?

By Air: Many airlines offer direct flights to Africa from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Major international airports include: 

OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg, South Africa)

International Airport (Egypt)

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi, Kenya)

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos, Nigeria)

By Sea: Cruises and cargo ships travel to African ports like Cape Town, Durban, Alexandria, and Tangier, though this is less common for general travel.

By Road: You can enter Northern Africa by road from Europe via Spain to Morocco. Road travel is also possible between African countries, especially in East and Southern Africa, using buses, cars, or guided tours.

How to Get Around In Africa? (Neighbouring Countries)

Africa tourism offers a wide variety of transport options that cater to different travel styles and budgets:

Buses and Minibuses: Widely available and affordable for overland journeys, especially common in East and Southern Africa.

Trains: Limited routes are available, such as the scenic Blue Train in South Africa or the standard-gauge railway between Nairobi and Mombasa.

Car Hire: Ideal for self-drive safaris in countries like Namibia and South Africa. Cross-border travel is possible with proper documentation.

Ferries and Boats: Common on major lakes (e.g. Lake Victoria) and rivers (e.g. the Nile), and also used in island nations like Madagascar.

Tip: When travelling between neighbouring countries, always check visa requirements, border regulations, and health-related entry rules.

Stay Options in Africa

Tourism in Africa offers a range of accommodation options that cater to the needs and preferences of travellers. Tourists can choose from Luxury resorts and beach villas to hostels and budget lodges. High-end lodges in places like Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania can cost $300 to $1,000 per night onwards, often including meals and game drives. Mid-range hotels and guesthouses range from $50 to $150 onwards. Budget lodges and hostels are widely available from $10 to $40 per night onwards. Whether you're exploring the savannah, relaxing on Zanzibar’s beaches, or staying in a city like Cape Town, there's accommodation for every budget and travel style.

Safety And Permit Information

Africa tourism continues to grow in popularity, and many destinations are considered safe for travel. However, taking sensible precautions ensures a smooth experience:

Safety Guidelines:

Stick to official travel advisories from reliable sources.

Keep valuables handy in urban areas.

Use reputable guides and tour operators, especially for safaris and treks.

Avoid travelling after dark in remote areas.

Follow local customs, especially in conservative regions.

Permits:

Wildlife Permits: Special permits are required for activities such as gorilla trekking (in Rwanda and Uganda) or entering protected reserves.

Photography: Drones are often restricted in many countries, and permits may be required.

Cultural Sites: Some historical or tribal areas require local permission or a guide.

Essential Tips 

Planning for tourism in Africa is an adventure in itself. Here are helpful tips to make the journey memorable:

Health Preparation: Check vaccination requirements (e.g. yellow fever, hepatitis A/B) and carry some basic medications.

Local SIM Cards: Widely available and helpful for navigation and communication.

Tipping Etiquette: Expected in many service industries; amounts vary by region.

Packing Essentials: Lightweight, neutral clothing, sun protection, insect repellent, reusable water bottle, travel insurance.

Cultural Respect: Modest dress is appreciated in conservative areas. Learn a few greetings in the local African language.

Stay Connected: Download offline maps and translation apps.

Africa tour guide

Africa is an amazing tourist destination and it offers travelers a number of opportunities to enjoy your trip. From exciting wild safaris to beautiful beaches, a myriad of cuisines, several cultural activities, tourist attractions, and more, you can never lack something exciting to do on your African holidays.

If you are planning to visit the continent, the above Africa travel guide shows you some of the t things to enjoy. However, with so many exciting things to enjoy, it is probably a good idea to plan your trip with a tour guide to Africa.