Africa is a mesmerising continent. Its natural beauty, contrasting landscapes, various cultures and of course, incredible wildlife make an adventure to Africa one you’ll never forget. The continent is also huge though – with 54 countries – so if you’ve never visited, you may be a little lost as to where to start.
When choosing a country to go to, you’ll want to consider factors like price, safety, what’s on offer to see and do, and the unique attractions of the nation. And if going it alone isn’t your style, G Adventures runs small group tours in Africa where everything will be organised for you – from local homestays to safaris and treks, depending on what you’re after.
Here are some of my top picks for African countries that need to be on your bucket list.
1. South Africa
Images courtesy of G Adventures
South Africa is one of the most typical destinations tourists choose to visit while in Africa. And it’s easy to see why: it’s the perfect mixture between exotic wildlife, stunning landscapes, magnificent coastlines and cosmopolitan flair.
Be sure to explore Cape Town, a lively city surrounded by breathtaking beaches and mountains. Beyond Cape Town, you can’t miss the savannah safaris, the Garden Route (one of the most stunning coastal drives in the world) and the vineyards of Stellenbosch.
One of the most amazing things about South Africa is the landscape. It creates the atmosphere of several different environments merged into one nation: the savannah, the bush, the steep mountains, the beaches and the plains. It’s in these plains where South Africa holds its most exciting attraction.
Foodies will be in paradise in South Africa too. Due to its rich cultural diversity, South African cuisine has something to suit every taste. Whether you’re after Indigenous dishes, Modern European cuisine or Asian food, you’ll be sure to find it here. And if you’re a meat lover, don’t leave without trying the braai – a rich barbecued meal.
2. Kenya
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If you’ve ever seen the Lion King, chances are when you think of Africa, you’re thinking about Kenya. Vast savannahs, lone acacias against an infinite, a wildlife-filled red horizon, and snow-capped mountains.
But Kenya is much more than just its postcard-like scenery: it is the home to proud indigenous peoples such as the Maasai, the Samburu, the Turkana, Swahili and the Kikuyu, many of them who still live honouring their traditions and keeping a safe distance from the globalised world.
If you’re lucky enough to go in September to October you’ll be able to witness the Great Migration, where wildlife travel between Serengeti and Masai Mara Park Reserve, in Tanzania and Kenya respectively. If you’re travelling outside this magical period there is no missing the country’s mesmerising, turquoise coastline off the Indian Ocean.
3. Tanzania
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For a safari-focused African holiday, Tanzania is a definite must-visit. It’s one of the most popular destinations on the continent, and for good reason: when it comes to wildlife-viewing, it is one of the most scenic destinations in the world, mainly because of the wide variety of species to witness.
It’s also home of the famous Mt Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa and one of the world’s highest free-standing mountains. There’s plenty of excursions on offer if you’d like to climb it and get a privileged view of the African savannah.
Tanzania could be the place for you if you’re keen to experience quality safaris, witness wildlife migration, see stampedes of wildebeest and chimpanzees swinging through the treetops, or even just see the ancient baobab trees in Ruaha National Park.
4. Rwanda
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Rwanda may be small in size but the landlocked nation is rich in its potential for great adventures.
Despite a stormy past, nowadays Rwanda is one of Africa’s most stable countries with a very promising future. Tourism is a key contributor to Rwanda’s economy with its abundant treks and unique wildlife. Make sure you visit the large Lake Kivu in Western Rwanda if you’re in mood for relaxation, or the Parc National des Volcans if you’re keen on seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Don’t leave without visiting (or if you’re up for a challenge, trekking through) the Nyungwe Forest in the south. The forest is one of Africa’s oldest and largest protected mountain rainforests, home to one of the largest concentration of chimpanzees and other primates species.
Experience Africa for yourself
Africa is a destination everyone should experience in their lifetime. The sense of adventure, the culture, the food, the raw nature, and coming face to face with numerous majestic animals is an experience that will likely change you forever.
Get out of your comfort zone, test your limits and experience all that this remarkable continent has to offer.
You won’t regret it.
