Richard Mullin once famously said, “The only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa, for he has so much to look forward to.” Visiting Africa for the first time is indeed exciting, with 54 diverse countries to explore. From nature reserves to stunning beaches, majestic mountains, and vibrant cities full of culture, the possibilities are endless. However, selecting where to begin your adventure on the world’s second-largest continent can be a bit overwhelming. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 10 incredible destinations perfect for first-time travelers.
For those drawn to the rich culture and history of North Africa, Marrakesh in Morocco is a must-see. As one of Morocco’s famous Imperial Cities, Marrakesh has a history dating back to 1062 when it was founded by the Almoravids. Over the centuries, it’s accumulated an impressive array of mosques, palaces, tombs, and museums. Key historical sites include the Saadian Tombs, where members of the ruling Saadian dynasty are interred, as well as the El Badi and El Bahia palaces and the historic Ali Ben Youssef Medersa.
Immerse yourself in Marrakesh’s charm by wandering through its original walled city, known as a medina. Navigate the maze of narrow streets lined with spice stalls, sparkling slippers, beautiful lamps, and vibrant fabrics. Sip on mint tea in the souks, haggle over souvenirs, or watch artisans using time-honored crafting techniques. For a truly authentic experience, book a stay at a traditional Moroccan riad.
Switch continents and head to Cape Town for a cultural experience in one of the world’s most picturesque cities. Surrounded by ocean on two sides and dominated by the majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town offers something for everyone. Explore art galleries, museums, and music venues, or indulge in South Africa’s culinary delights, drawing from the region’s abundant produce and wines.
Admire nature’s beauty at Camps Bay or Blouberg beaches or take a drive along the scenic Cape Peninsula. Cape Town’s historical landmarks hold their own charm, too. Visit Robben Island to see Nelson Mandela’s prison, or explore the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood for a taste of Islamic culture. Delve into the apartheid era with a township tour for a deeper understanding.
If natural wonders intrigue you, Victoria Falls is a perfect starting point. Regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, Victoria Falls straddles Zimbabwe and Zambia. Here, the Zambezi River dramatically plunges over a 354-foot drop. Though not the highest or widest, it is the largest waterfall, with more than 500 million liters flowing over the edge during peak season.
You can see the waterfall’s spray from 30 miles away, inspiring its indigenous name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, or The Smoke That Thunders. On the Zimbabwean side, Victoria Falls National Park offers trails leading to fantastic views. If visiting the Zambian side, fewer viewpoints are available, but adrenaline seekers can swim in the Devil’s Pool right on the edge.
For those seeking adventure, Mount Kilimanjaro is a must-visit. Near Kenya’s border in Tanzania, it stands as Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. At 19,341 feet high, Kilimanjaro is accessible to those with good fitness levels—no specialist equipment or training required for the climb! Choose a reputable tour operator, like Thomson Treks, known for a 98% success rate.
Opt for a longer route with a gradual ascent to avoid altitude sickness. This trek will take you through diverse climate zones, from rainforest to alpine desert. At the summit, you’ll find snow and ice—a surprising sight for first-time visitors!
Tanzania is also home to the iconic Serengeti, near Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. Both parks are famed for hosting the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope traverse the plains from December to July. The Serengeti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for Africa’s highest concentration of plains game. It’s a top spot to encounter lions, leopards, and occasionally rhinos.
Another treasure trove of biodiversity is Botswana’s Okavango Delta. This seasonal floodplain rejuvenates with water from the Okavango River, covering 8,500 square miles at its peak. Explore this lush labyrinth by traditional dugout canoe or camp on one of the uninhabited islands for an extraordinary wilderness experience. Listen for calls from the area’s 160 mammal species, including the Big Five and endangered wild dogs.
Volcanoes National Park, on the borders of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, spans 60 miles of the Virunga Mountains. Here, you can witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat—an opportunity not to be missed. With just over 1,000 gorillas left in the wild, these extraordinary primates are among our closest relatives, sharing over 98% of our genetic makeup.
The park houses 10 gorilla troops familiar with human interaction. Secure a permit well in advance for this unforgettable experience, trekking through misty cloud forests. Be sure to visit the Karisoke Research Center, where renowned primatologist Dian Fossey conducted her work.
The Nile, Africa’s longest river, travels through 11 countries en route to the Mediterranean Sea. Egypt is a prime destination for Nile river cruises, offering views of some of the nation’s iconic ancient landmarks. Cruises typically travel between Luxor and Aswan, visiting monuments like Luxor and Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and temples like Edfu, Philae, and Kom Ombo.
Choose from various cruise ships, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious accommodations. A professional Egyptologist can enhance your journey by sharing historical insights and mythological tales.
While the Sahara is Africa’s most famous desert, Namibia’s Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert boasts spectacular landscapes. Majestic ochre dunes rise in breathtaking formations crafted over millennia by Atlantic winds. Some dunes even contend for the title as the tallest in the world.
The dunes are photographer’s paradise, especially at dawn and dusk when their silhouettes contrast against the vibrant sky. Many visitors love an early morning climb up Dune 45 for a stunning sunrise view.
Lastly, Madagascar is renowned for its extraordinary wildlife, including lemurs. But Nosy Be island, off the northwest coast, offers some of Africa’s finest beaches. Choose from pure white sands like the stunning Andilana beach. Nearby islets are also home to beautiful beaches.
If basking in the sun isn’t enough, Nosy Be provides plenty of adventures. Dive or snorkel among pristine reefs or swim with whale sharks on a tour. On land, visit Lokobe National Park for a close encounter with Madagascar’s charismatic lemurs.
