Some links may be affiliated. This means I may earn a small commission from purchases made at no extra cost to you!
There are so many stunning places to visit in Africa. A continent that is typically overlooked and under appreciated, Africa has so many sights and wonders.
As a solo female traveler who lived in both East and west Africa, I’ve been awarded the privilege to see so many gorgeous places. The African continent is one of the most diverse places on earth and it’s meant to be seen!
From the cold mountains of Ethiopia to the blazing hot city of Lagos, Africa has so much to offer. It’s the second largest continent after Asia and has 54 countries.
With thousands of tribes and languages spoken, every world traveler should see this beauty for themselves.
Arusha, Tanzania- Places to visit in Africa
Located in Northern Tanzania near the border of Kenya is the wonderful city of Arusha. This is most likely where you’ll head to for safaris and other adventurous activities. Its one of my favorite places to visit in Africa!
I much prefer this city than the more popular Dar es Salaam. The air quality Is much better, the prices are more affordable, and there’s plenty of stuff to do. I’m a Caribbean island gyal, however there’s something that so special about the mountains.
Arusha is also a wonderful place for cycling and all adventure seekers. There’s an endless amount of hikes to do and waterfalls to explore, Arusha is chilly though so be sure to pack jackets and pants.
Lamu Island, Kenya
There are many amazing things to do and places to visit in Kenya. However Lamu Island has stolen the heart of many!
With bright green palm trees and blue water, Lamu is the place to go for clean beaches in Kenya. Learn about the historical context by visiting forts and museums and enjoy delicious food while chilling by the beach.
Volta, Ghana- Places to visit in Africa
Volta region is one of the prettiest areas of Ghana! It’s so much more peaceful than the bustling city of Accra. It is in this region that holds title to the tallest point in west Africa which I got the chance to climb!
This region has a very rich culture and I got the chance to visit many spiritual sights and plenty of waterfalls.
I took a tro tro from Accra to Volta that took a couple of hours and only costed a few bucks. Lodging there isn’t too bad and averages about $20-$30 per night on airbnb.
If you’re traveling to Ghana and want to be immersed in nature, head to Volta.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is one of the best places to visit in Africa! The weather is much cooler with a slight breeze so its a great chance to catch a break from the blazing sun.
Run to Boulder Beach to steal a peak at Penguins. You get a chance to swim in the water with them and take AMAZING photos.
The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden also has gorgeous rolling hills, and jaw dropping views.
Seychelles- Places to visit in Africa
Seychelles easily needs to be on the top of everyone’s list for places to visit in Africa. Dainty palms trees, good food, year round sun, and crystal clear beaches.
Located in East Africa and in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles offers a flawless African beach vacation.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
One of the biggest waterfalls in Africa and the world, Victoria falls has to be one of Africa’s prettiest sights.
Located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, this waterfall has a piece of magic (and rainbows.
Lake Manyara National Park
If you’re looking for a budget safari then Lake Manyara National park in Tanzania is for you! I went to the park with a couple of local friends and paid about $150 as a foreigner for a one day Safari.
This lake is where you can see hundreds of gorgeous pink flamingos. Pictures cannot do this beauty justice, truly.
That price wasn’t too bad as some safaris are about $300 per person for one day. I was able to see giraffes, monkeys, wildebeasts, a lion, and so much more!
Luxor, Egypt- Places to visit in Africa
Egypt has easily been one of my best trips by far and one of my favorite places to visit in Africa. The people were kind, the food was delicious, and there were so many things to do! Not to mention everything was extremely affordable.
I went to Luxor by taking an overnight sleep train for cheap but you can catch a flight. In Luxor, I visited the Luxor Temple, went on a hot air balloon ride, and sailed the nile river.
By far, one of my favorite vacations ever. I know I already said that, but it shows how much I enjoyed this city! My airbnb was only $13 per night and included daily breakfast and my host drove me to all my activities. 10/10 would recommend!
Namib Desert, Namibia
The Name dessert has to be one of the prettiest, mysterious, and majestic places on planet earth.
It’s known as the world’s oldest desert, has glorious sand dunes, and the most interesting looking trees you’ll ever see.
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania- Places to visit in Africa
This was one of my favorite activities in Tanzania and places to visit in Africa! I went on a beautiful sunny day and got the chance to see hundreds of Zebras, an elephant family, and a sleeping Lion.
This safari expedition is genuinely so amazingly gorgeous and a must visit for those coming to Tanzania.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is by far on the top of many people’s list when visiting East Africa. It’s crystal clear beach water, smiling faces, and great food are more than enough of an invitation.
Sometimes called spice island, this island produces lots of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper varieties. Zanzibar has a mixture of Arab Indian, and African cultures so learning about its history is quite interesting.
There is an endless abundance of fun things to do in Zanzibar. You can visit spice farms, swim with turtles, visit a monkey jungle, or just chill by the beach.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania- Places to visit in Africa
If you’re planning a safari in Tanzania, there’s a high chance you’ll be heading to the Serengeti! It has been awarded as an UNESCO World Heritage site for good reason.
There are millions and millions of animals on this safari. Make sure to have a high quality camera with extra batteries to not miss out on any portraits!
Danakil Salt Lakes, Ethiopia
Ethiopia should not be overlooked when planning a trip to Africa! They have some of the best food in the world, an ancient language, and pretty cool places to visit.
The Danakil Salt Lakes are probably one of the most visited tourist spot in the whole country. Seeing the different colors along with the lake’s different layers goes to show how mature and old the land is.
Kigali, Rwanda- Places to visit in Africa
Swing by the eastern side of the continent to see the cleanest city on the entire continent! It’s even been said the streets are so clean you can eat off the road!
Rwanda is a small country in East Africa but has made itself to be well known around the world. There are plenty of beautiful places to visit in Rwanda such as the Lake Kivu, Mukura National Park, and many safaris.
Giza Pyramids, Egypt
If you’re heading to Egypt, there’s a 99% chance you’re going to seeing the Giza Pyramids. Built thousands of years ago, the pyramids have been awarded as one of the seven wonders of the world for good reason.
You can feel the energy shift when you enter this sacred space. Its so amazing humans were able to accomplish something so amazing without modern technology.
There is also the Dakar and Saqara pyramids in Cairo so make sure you get a good tour guide and visit all these amazing sites and not just the Giza pyramids!
Nubian Meroe Pyramids Sudan- Places to visit in Africa
Everyone on the planet knows about the great Egyptian pyramids. But did you know there are more pyramids in Sudan than Egypt?
The most well known pyramids in Sudan are the Nubian Meroe. This ancient city held much importance in the past world. It was a major trading port due to its proximity to the Red Sea.
If you want to learn about the Ancient world and the best places to visit in Africa, make sure to explore all Sudan has to offer!
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
This national park is highly visited in the beautiful country of Rwanda. It’s covered in rain forest and contains a significant amount of the world’s living gorillas.
There’s plenty of research going on and housing of endangered species. Basically, by choosing to visit this sanctuary, you’re helping to keep these gorillas safe!
Chefchaouen, Morocco- Places to visit in Africa
Would you believe me if I told you this entire city is blue? If you ask locals why everything is blue, answers will vary from ancient history to mosquito repellant. Who knows, all YOU need to know is this place is a must visit!
Chefchaouen is a great place to get exotic North African textiles, lamps, and other souvenirs to bring home.
Abu Simbel, Egypt
Abu Simbel is another gorgeous site in Egypt. This is actually the image that’s on Egypt’s one pound bill. You can get to this area by heading to Aswan. Then you’ll need to book a tour as it’s about 3 hours away.
The drive there is painstakingly long and begins at about 4 am but it’s worth it! The views you’ll see are once in a lifetime and jaw dropping.
Madagascar- Places to visit in Africa
No, I’m not talking about the movie! Madagascar is the biggest island belonging to the African continent and has such an intriguing landscape.
It’s a must see place to visit in Africa. Baobab avenue features extremely tall baobab trees and feels like a movie.
As it is an island, the beaches here are absolutely gorgeous, you’d think you’re in the Maldives! If you’re craving nature centered adventure, visit the national parks of Ranomafana and Tsingy for some awesome views.
Aswan, Egypt
Visiting Aswan as an Afro Jamaican American was so interesting and enlightening! I got the chance to learn about the Nubian culture prevalent in Egypt and Sudan.
Because I have brown skin and an American accent, the people referred to me as Nubian American and it was so cute!
Head to Aswan if you want to see Abu Simbel, colorful buildings, and learn more about Nubian culture.
Uganda- Places to visit in Africa
Also known as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is located in East Africa and contains a beauty unlike any other. It is here you can access the beautiful Lake Victoria and go on epic safaris.
There are plenty of gorillas to see in Kibble National Park Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bring your cameras!
The country also has stunning waterfalls; over all the natural glory of this country is endless making it one of the best places to visit in Africa.
Do I need a Visa to visit Africa?
It all depends on your nationality. Seeing as I am a citizen of both Jamaica and the USA, my Jamaican passport covers a lot more African territory.
If my American passport needs a visa I will simply use my Jamaican passport that covers a lot of African countries visa free.
However, most Americans will need to get visas to visit popular African countries such as Egypt, Tanzania, Ghana, and Kenya. But other countries such as Senegal and South Africa are visa free for USA passport holders.
Best Time to Visit Africa?
The time to visit the African continent all depends on where you’re going and what you want to do. Remember, Africa is the largest continent on the globe and temperatures will vary.
If you want to go Zanzibar, it’s best to visit in between June and October. However if you want to explore South Africa is in between May and September because they’re the warmest months.
Be sure to do enough research for your African adventure such as visa research, weather, culture, or necessary immunizations.
What Should I Pack for Africa?
It all depends on where you’re going. If you’re heading to northern Tanzania or the mountains of Ethiopia, you need a jacket and long pants.
However if you’re in a modest conservative country like Uganda it’s important to pack loose, covering clothing.
Did you enjoy this article? Sharing is caring! Be sure to share this with family and friends or save to your Pinterest boards for later.