Africa is a place for adventurers, thrill-seekers, foodies and solo travellers. Really, there’s the perfect city for everyone. Here’s our top picks of the best places to visit in Africa, at least once in your lifetime.
From safari parks with roaming wild animals to cosmopolitan cities and dense jungles to sandy deserts, this beautiful continent has so much to offer. Consider this your 2020 Africa travel bucket list…
The Best Places to Visit in Africa
1. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a dream location to visit: endless natural beauty and clifftop views, pastel pink neighbourhoods and turquoise waters.
Hike Table Mountain National Park, learn about the country’s history and see penguins up-close. Cape Town is also home to amazing wine and food.
2. Giraffe Manor, Kenya
Giraffe Manor is a boutique hotel in one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings, with safari-style rooms. The most fascinating thing about Giraffe Manor is its herd of resident Rothschild’s giraffe, who visit morning and evening in the hope of treats. Yep, you can have breakfast with giraffes here.
The hotel doubles up as a giraffe sanctuary with a breeding programme that aims to reintroduce pairs of the giraffes back into the wild.
3. Marrakech, Morocco
You can’t miss out on Marrakech when it comes to winter sun destinations. This ancient walled city is home to mosques, palaces and lush gardens.
It’s known as The Red City thanks to the colour of the brick walls surrounding the city. Plus, the medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Temperatures are positively balmy. For a city that ticks all the boxes, this is a top choice.
4. Lagos, Nigeria
The largest city in Nigeria, Lagos has an exciting food and cultural scene. Explore vibrant crafts at Lekki Market, or float through the Epe mangroves – one of the best-kept secrets of Lagos. Take a 30 minute boat ride through the lush green groves and spot monkeys and alligators along the way.
You’ll find plenty to see and do in this busy city.
The spectacular Asilia Highlands lodge is a beautiful place for a relaxing holiday in Africa. Dome suites strike a perfect balance between a true wilderness experience and a luxury escape. Domes have wood-burning stoves and mountain views.
Adventures include game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater, community and cultural visits, hiking along Maasai cattle trails or talks with a lion researcher.
6. Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Gorilla spotting? We’re in! Virunga National Park is one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet. It’s home to the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas. Trekking here is easily one of the best things to do in Africa. It’s full of lush rainforest and has received even more attention since the documentary Virunga.
7. Cairo, Egypt
Cairo is Egypt’s most popular city and for good reason. There is such a huge wealth of history here that leaves visitors with so many things to do in Cairo.
From the famous pyramids of Giza to Islamic art museums and beautiful mosques, you won’t be bored here. It’s one of the best places to visit in Africa time and time again.
Co-founder of Big 7 Travel, Sarah created the company through her passion for championing the world's best food and travel experiences. Before her career in digital media, where she previously held roles such as Editor of Food&Wine Ireland, Sarah worked in the hospitality industry in Dublin and New York. Contact [email protected]
