13 African Countries You Never Knew You Wanted to Visit But Do Now
Algeria
Algeria, in North Africa, is the largest country on the continent and is easily accessible from Europe. It’s mostly known for its red-desert Sahara landscapes but also boasts a beautiful, Mediterranean coastline.
Must visit: The El Hamma Garden, Rue Mohamed Belouizdad, Belouizdad, Algeria, +213 660 60 60 60
Djibouti
Djibouti is a small country filled with more than one would expect. The fascinating landscape hosts extinct volcanoes, salt lakes, canyons, and more and there are also many options for activities like diving and hiking.
Must visit: The Gulf of Tadjoura
Ghana
Ghana is a bustling country with a rapidly-growing economy, meaning it’s quite developed compared to some of its sister countries. Ghana’s attractions are diverse and range from beaches and wildlife to vibrant restaurants, clubs, and five-star hotels.
Must visit: Kokrobite Beach, Kokrobite, Greater Accra Region, Ghana is a lively beach town.
Kenya
Each year during the great Serengeti migration, thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes trek their way through parts of Kenya. Travelers can visit the Masai Mara and the Serengeti to see this amazing occurrence.
When and where to go: In July and August the animals travel through the Masai Mara National Reserve, which is where you want to be to see all the action.
Masai Mara National Reserve, Sekenani Main Gate, Kenya, +254 798 721170
Madagascar
The island of Madagascar is located off the southeast coast of Africa and is best known for its signature animal, the lemur, and towering baobab trees. The island also boasts dramatic landscapes ranging from rainforest to desert and is extremely diverse.
Must see: Avenue of the Baobabs, Menabe, Toliara Province, Madagascar is a must-see spot where approximately 20 baobab trees, some up to 800 years old, line a dirt road.
Malawi
Malawi is home to Africa’s third largest lake, the magnificent Lake Malawi. The lake is the ideal destination to have a relaxing holiday filled with exciting activities like snorkeling, diving, and canoeing. Apart from its lake, Malawi has loads more on offer from hiking its highlands to visiting its wildlife reserve, Majete.
Must do: A visit to Malawi is incomplete without a trip to Lake Malawi.
Morocco
Morocco should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. This culturally-rich country offers something for everyone: ancient cities are spread far and wide while the desert landscapes are waiting to be explored.
Must see: The Ksar, a set of buildings in Aït Benhaddou, is a prime example of architecture typical of southern Morocco.
© Ruslan Kalnitsky/Shutterstock
Namibia
From wildlife spotting in Etosha National Park to ghost hunting in Kolmanskop, Namibia is a country with a whole lot to offer. Make sure to book enough time here to see it all.
Must see: When picturing Namibia, images of The Namib Dessert immediately spring to mind. The country is famous for its red dunes, many of which are the size of mountains.
Republic of Congo
As far as ecotourism is concerned, the Republic of Congo tops the list. The country’s thick forest is home to large herds of elephant, troops of chimps, and a large population of gorillas. The Congo is definitely an off-the-beaten-track, adventure holiday destination.
Must visit: Conkouati-Douli National Park, Republic of the Congo
Tanzania
Tanzania, home to Mount Kilimanjaro, is probably the best place in the world to go on safari. Africa is known for its wildlife, but Tanzania is unlike any other country on the continent.
Must visit: Make sure to visit the Zanzibar Archipelago for an unforgettable tropical holiday.
Tunisia
If the thought of historic sites feels exciting, Tunisia is a must visit. The North-African country also has a Mediterranean climate, a beautiful shoreline, and blue and white buildings that are characteristic of the picturesque town of Sidi Bou Said.
Must see: Sidi Bou Said, Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia should definitely be on a must-see list. The town has been visited by many artists including Paul Klee and Henri Matisse.
Uganda
Ever imagined seeing gorillas in the wild? That’s exactly what visitors to Uganda may witness. The country is also home to the Big Five as well as the Rwenzori Mountains, one of the tallest mountain ranges in Africa.
Must-visit: Book a three-day Mountain Gorilla Tracking Safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Western Region, Uganda, +256 755 271418
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, bordering South Africa, is the African bushveld one would imagine it to be. Hwange National Park is the largest reserve in the country and home to the largest surviving wild-dog population on the planet.
Must-see: The Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world—not due to length, but its overall water mass. The waterfall’s lively sound can be heard from miles away, needless to say make sure to take a rain coat.
