When it comes to choosing an African destination for your next vacation, the options can seem overwhelming. With 54 countries spanning a vast continent rich in natural and cultural wonders, how do you decide where to go? As someone who has spent significant time traveling across Africa, I’ve put together this guide to what I believe are the best African countries to visit.

I focused on destinations that offer a variety of landscapes, activities, and sights so there’s something for everyone. From safari locales teeming with wildlife to vibrant modern cities full of energy, you’ll find diversity in these picks. I also considered safety, infrastructure, affordability, ease of travel, and lack of crowds.

So grab your passport and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of these spectacular African countries.

South Africa

With its incredible natural diversity, modern cities developed tourist infrastructure, and complex history, South Africa emerged as my number-one choice for an all-year African destination.

Kruger National Park

When it comes to epic safari experiences, you can’t beat the massive Kruger National Park in South Africa’s northeast. Home to the Big 5 along with cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, and over 500 bird species, wildlife sightings here will blow you away no matter when you visit. The park’s size means plenty of uncrowded roads to self-drive or spots for guided game drives.

Cape Town

Cape Town impresses visitors with its stunning setting between the ocean and Table Mountain, top-notch food and wine scene, and wealth of outdoor adventures. Tour Cape Point, relax on pristine beaches, hike Table Mountain, sample wines in Stellenbosch, or join the vibrant city life. With a Mediterranean climate, Cape Town offers temperate weather year-round.

Cultural Attractions

Learn about South Africa’s tumultuous history at the Apartheid Museum and Robben Island in Johannesburg and Cape Town, visit vibrant townships, or explore coastal cities like colorful Port Elizabeth and subtropical Durban. The mix of African, European, and Asian influences creates a diverse and fascinating culture.

With an excellent tourism infrastructure, good flight connections, and options for any budget, South Africa is at the top of my list for an unforgettable African vacation any time of year.

Morocco

For a trip to Africa with a distinct flair, Morocco can’t be beat. This northwestern country blends Berber, Arabian, and European influences in its architecture, food, and culture for a truly unique experience.

Fes & Marrakech

In energetic cities like Fes and Marrakech, you’ll discover maze-like medinas filled with snake charmers, vendors hawking crafts and food, and towering mosques that give a taste of the exotic. Haggle in the souks under rays of sunlight piercing through latticework rooftops.

Sahara Desert

Venture into the Sahara on a camel trek or 4X4 to spend a night camping under the stars in the world’s largest desert. Watching sunrise or sunset paint the empty sand orange is an iconic African experience.

The High Atlas

The snow-capped High Atlas mountains provide cool escapes in summer when the desert heats up. Trek through tiny mountain villages seemingly stuck in time or relax in hot springs in this off-the-beaten-path region.

Though Morocco has more distinct seasons than tropical destinations, its range of environments means you’ll find perfect conditions year-round. November through March sees ideal weather for the Sahara while April through June is best for the Atlas Mountains.

Tanzania

On a continent full of safari stars, Tanzania soars to the top as my pick for East Africa for its unparalleled wildlife, gorgeous landscapes, and tribal culture.

Serengeti National Park

It simply doesn’t get better than seeing one of the planet’s last remaining wildlife spectacles unfold on the Serengeti plains. Immense herds of wildebeests migrate in search of grass accompanied by lions, hyenas, and zebras in this nature documentary come to life. Visit for the migration peaks from July through October or enjoy lower crowds and prices the rest of the year.

Ngorongoro Crater

Descend into this ancient volcanic caldera in search of everything from black rhinos to flamingos around a soda lake on guided drives or walks. Due to its unique microclimate, wildlife viewing in “Africa’s Eden” stays consistent year-round.

Zanzibar’s Beaches

After going on safari, relax on the blindingly white beaches and turquoise waters of tropical Zanzibar, an archipelago just off Tanzania’s coast. Explore historic Stone Town, take a spice tour, or dive into colorful reefs. December through March sees hot, rainy weather while June through October brings more moderate temperatures.

With relative political stability, well-developed safari circuits catering to all budgets, and Kilimanjaro hikes available when less wildlife is on display, Tanzania checks the boxes for an iconic African adventure any time you visit.

Namibia

For jaw-dropping desert landscapes, adrenaline-pumping activities, and exotic wildlife without the crowds of some other safari hotspots, add Namibia to your African dream list.

Sossusvlei Sand Dunes

Watch the sun rise over imposing burnt orange sand dunes in the world’s oldest desert, drawing vibrant contrasts against the blue sky and white salt flats. The popular Sossusvlei makes for picture-perfect moments year-round though winter and spring feature more moderate temperatures.

Adrenaline Activities

Get your blood pumping in the dunes with quad biking, sandboarding, skydiving over the desert, or sliding down massive sand slopes. Thrill-seekers flock here for good reason!

Etosha National Park

Track endangered black rhinos and elephants traipsing across Etosha’s stark landscapes dotted with watering holes on self or guided drives. Winter offers cooler, dry weather ideal for game viewing though animals congregate at water sources year-round. Just be prepared for extremely hot spring and summer months.

With well-developed infrastructure focused on low-impact tourism, stunning untamed landscapes, and super unique wildlife, Namibia appeals to adventure-seekers craving wide-open spaces far from the crowds.

Rwanda

Though small in size, Rwanda packs a huge punch with its wild primates, beautiful topography of lakes, forests, and volcanoes, and deeply meaningful genocide history.

Mountain Gorillas

Rwanda protects half the world’s remaining population of endangered mountain gorillas, making it the perfect place to fulfill a lifelong dream of looking into the eyes of our distant cousins. Guided treks allow you to literally touch the stuff of legends. Peak seasons run from June through September and late December through February.

Volcanoes National Park

Track golden monkeys, hike lava flows, climb the Virungas’ steep volcanic peaks, or gaze at towering Afro-alpine plants as clouds swirl in this magical national park. The climate here stays relatively consistent throughout the year, though travel is easier during drier months.

Kigali

Rwanda’s modern capital showcases how far the country has come since the 1994 genocide with its sparkling clean streets, copious cafes, and world-class genocide memorials that provide important context. Kigali offers an easily navigable base for venturing out into Rwanda’s natural wonders.

For such a small country, Rwanda’s mix of rare wildlife, stunning vistas that earned its nickname “the land of a thousand hills” and complex history make it a can’t-miss addition to your Africa itinerary any time of year.

Last Verdict

From lounging on Zanzibar’s white sand beaches to chasing Rwanda’s mountain gorillas through lush forests to exploring the giant red dunes of Namibia’s desert, adventures await across this incredible continent year-round.

Which of these best African countries to visit most intrigues you? With so many wonderful countries to choose from across Africa’s diverse landscapes, pinpoint the experiences and activities that appeal most as you narrow down the endless options.

Tropical beaches or epic deserts? Thrilling wildlife sightings or fascinating history? Modern cities or tribal villages? Africa truly offers all of these possibilities for an unforgettable, potentially life-changing journey whenever you decide to visit.

So start daydreaming about your ideal African getaway. Whether you crave basking with elephants and lions on an iconic safari, tapping into the ancient medinas of Moroccan cities, or setting off on a gorilla trek through the Rwandan mountains, these amazing destinations aim to impress all year with their wealth of natural beauty, exotic cultures, and soul-stirring adventures.

FAQs

What is the best country in Africa to live in?

According to quality-of-life metrics like safety, infrastructure, and human rights protections, the top African nations for expats include Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, and Ghana.

What is the best month to visit Africa on safari?

The classic advice is to visit during the drier winter months from June to October, though the best time depends on your safari destination. Find animals congregated at watering holes in Tanzania’s Serengeti from July to October, enjoy private wildlife sightings in South Africa’s Kruger year-round, or catch baby animals in Kenya’s Maasai Mara in December.

What is the most dangerous country in Africa?

Due to conflict, the Central African Republic, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudanese Darfur, and the Democratic Republic of Congo rank among Africa’s most dangerous countries based on violence and crime rates. Tourism is not currently advisable.

Is Egypt safe to visit?

Once you take normal safety precautions for travel in any major country, popular Egyptian tourist sites like the Pyramids of Giza, temples along the Nile, Red Sea resort towns, and cruises along the Nile remain relatively safe for visitors who use transfers arranged by hotels and reputable agencies. Avoid crowded venues and protests.

Can you drive into Africa?

While road-tripping to countries like Morocco and Tunisia in northern Africa poses no issues, driving into sub-Saharan countries presents immense challenges due to security concerns, bureaucracy at borders, and poor roads. It’s not recommended for tourism. If overlanding through Africa, join an organized tour instead of driving yourself.