Are you interested in visiting Africa and looking for the best tourist attractions on the continent? Then this article on Best African tourist destinations - Top African holiday destinations is what you have been searching for. 

Africa is a continent blessed with beautiful and amazing places that appeal to visitors and locals. The continent has a great diversity of countries, each offering unique experiences to tourists. From verdant green forests to stunning beaches, Africa is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. South Africa is one of the few places that offers a truly wholesome experience, having been influenced by cultures from around the world. Botswana in Southern Africa is a shining star for tourism, while Zimbabwe provides an authentic African experience for every budget. Kenya is famous for its picturesque landscape which exceeds expectations for a breathtaking holiday destination, and Tanzania offers an unforgettable experience. Zambia has Victoria Falls which is a must-see tourist attraction locally known as "Mosi-Oa-Tunya". Uganda is a place where you can lose yourself in the wilderness of Africa. With its amazing views, wildlife, rich culture, and delicious cuisine, Africa has always been a top destination for travelers and fun-seekers worldwide. If you're looking for an adventure, why not consider a trip to Africa?

Table of Contents 

1. List of 15 Best African Tourist Destinations 

2. Best Africa Tourist Destinations 

3. Conclusions

List of 15 Best African Tourist Destinations

1. Giza Necropolis, Egypt

2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

3. Victoria Falls, Zambia & Zimbabwe

4. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

5. Cape Town, South Africa

6. Marrakech, Morocco

7. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

8. Fish River Canyon, Namibia

9. Zanzibar, Tanzania

10. Sandervalia National Museum, Guinea

11. Drakensberg, South Africa

12. Okavango Delta, Botswana

13. Kalahari Central, Botswana

14. Lower Zambezi, Zambia

15. Seychelles

Best African Tourist Destinations 

1. Giza Necropolis, Egypt

The Giza Necropolis also known as the Giza Pyramid Complex is located in Egypt. The Giza Pyramid houses other pyramids: the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, along with their associated Pyramid Complexes, and the Great Sphinx. These pyramids are said to have been built between c.2600- and c.2500 BC. Giza Necropolis is a large area near Giza with many tombs and burial sites. The name originates from an ancient Greek word nekropolis which means “city of the dead”. 

Giza Pyramid is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Egypt with millions of visitors yearly. It is advisable to hire a tour guide who is knowledgeable about the history and insights about the pyramid when visiting to have the best experience. While Giza Necropolis is considered a safe travel destination, female tourists are often advised to stay vigilant, especially at night.

Accommodation

There are various accommodation options from cheap hotel rooms to 5-star hotels and apartment-style accommodations for tourists to lodge in during their visits. Accommodation price typically ranges from about 39 USD to 500 USD per night depending on your preference.

Average Trip Cost

A solo trip to Egypt can cost anywhere from 900 USD to about 4,000 USD depending on the length of the trip, time of the year, and activity preferences. 

2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti National Park is located in northern Tanzania established in 1951. It is referred to as a World Heritage Park swarming with wildlife. The park has over 2 million ungulates, 4,000 lions, 1000 leopards, 550 cheetahs, and 500 species of birds. 

The Serengeti is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is considered a place for a picture-perfect safari and a destination that fulfills one’s dreams. When planning to visit the Serengeti, there are many activity options available like experiencing the great migration, balloon safari, game drives, bird watching, going on nature walks, and having bush dinners. The Serengeti is an extremely safe place to visit and it is guarded by wildlife wardens and park rangers. 

Accommodation

The park has a variety of camps and accommodation options to offer tourists the full safari experience. The Serengeti Luxury+ Lodges are from 600 USD to 2,000 USD per night for one person, the Serengeti Luxury Lodges range from 400 USD to 800 USD per night for one person, while the Serengeti Mid-range Lodges are from 300 USD to 600 USD per person for one night, and the Budget Campsite offering an affordable and original safari experience.

Average Trip Cost

The average trip cost for tourists visiting Serengeti National Park can be from 2,500 to 7,500 USD.

3. Victoria Falls, Zambia & Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls is one of the world’s largest waterfalls standing at an altitude of about 915m with a width of 1,708m and is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Water sprays from the waterfall can be seen at a distance of 30km from the Lusaka Road, Zambia, and 50km from the Bulawayo Road, Zimbabwe. 

The Victoria Waterfalls is the largest waterfall in the world. The thundering sound of the waterfall reminds one of how wonderful nature is. The waterfall presents a spectacular view of breathtaking beauty and magnificence on the Zambezi River, forming a natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. There are so many activities you can do when you visit Victoria Falls, like white water rafting, going on the Victoria Falls Bridge, visiting the Elephant’s Walk Shopping and Artists Village, and visiting the Victoria Falls Snake Park.

You can decide to get the full experience by taking the available helicopter flight over the Fall. If you love experiencing adventures and like to feel the adrenaline rush, then visiting Victoria Falls is perfect for you. Peak surge periods are around March and April when you can experience the full glory of the Fall. It is best to visit the Fall during the early hours of the day. The Fall is generally considered a safe destination for tourists.

Accommodation

There are different accommodation options from 3-star hotels and cheaper campsites to 4-star and 5-star hotels. 

The price of these hotels can vary from about 21 USD to about 200 USD per night.

Average Trip Cost

Tourists should budget from 800 USD to 2,000 USD per person depending on the duration of their stay.

4. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Masai Mara National Reserve, located in the southwestern part of Kenya (Narok County) is an area of preserved savannah wilderness. The national game reserve is locally referred to as “The Mara”. The Mara features a wide array of wild and rugged landscapes, warm and welcoming people, and an exciting assemblage of creatures like the lion, leopard, cheetah, African buffaloes, black and white rhinos, and African bush elephants. 

Masai Mara also hosts the Great Migration, which makes it one of the Seven Wonders of Africa and one of the Ten Wonders of the World. It is one of the most famous safari destinations in the world. It is very safe for tourists to visit the game reserve. Entry fees are 70 USD for a non-east African adult resident staying inside the reserve, 80 USD for those staying outside the reserve, and 40 USD for children.

Accommodation

There are several lodges and tented camps available for tourists to stay while visiting. These start lodges are from 76 USD per night.

Average Trip Cost

A trip to Masai Mara is said to be anywhere between 995 USD to about 6,000 USD per person depending on the duration and time of the visit.

5. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is the capital city of South Africa. Cape Town otherwise known as “Mother City” is the country’s oldest city. The city is centered around Table Mountain, one of the seven wonders of the world and popularly known for its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and award-winning food. 

Cape Town is considered one of the best tourist destinations for visitors all over the world. It is a generally safe destination for holidays and tourism.

When visiting Cape Town, there is a wide variety of places and activities to explore like visiting the Cape of Good Hope, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Greenmarket Square, Lion’s Head Peak, Bo-Kaap, Table Mountain National Park, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, Victoria and AlfredWaterfront, and Robben Island Museum. If you are willing to explore cuisine options then consider trying some of the local dishes like Bobotie, Chakalaka, Cape Malay Curry, Bunny Chow, Braai, Peppermint Crisp Tart, and other delicious foods available.

Accommodation

There are different types of accommodation available for visitors to stay in Cape Town from 3-star hotels to 5-star hotels. The price for these hotels can be anywhere from 90 USD per night upwards.

Average Trip Cost

Tourists should budget for 2,500 USD to about 7,000 USD depending on the duration of the trip.

6. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is one of the four imperial cities in Morocco and also a major economic center and home to mosques, palaces, and gardens. The city lies west of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. The city is considered to be extremely safe, even at night.

Marrakech has a vibrant and bustling energy and it is regarded as the melting pot. From having contemporary spins on local foods like Pastilla, Tagine, Harira, and Couscous to fusion restaurants that merge Moroccan tastes and global influences, Marrakech is a great place to explore different cuisines. When visiting the city, there are a lot of places to explore like the Tombs of Saadians, Musee Yves Saint Laurent, Bahia Palace, and Lalla Takerkoust. The city also has special festive and cultural places such as the Palais des Congres and the Splendid Royal Theater.

Accommodation

Marrakech has different accommodation options from cheap hotels to mid-range and luxury accommodations. The average price for hotels is 68 USD, prices may be higher or lower depending on your preference.

Average Trip Cost

Marrakech is considered a budget-friendly destination, one week trip for one person can cost 500 USD or more.

7. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain on the African continent with a height of 5,895m. It is a dormant volcano in Kilimanjaro it has 3 volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. 

The mountain is a major hiking and climbing destination for tourists from around the world. The Tanzanian government has invested in road infrastructure to improve accessibility to the mountain due to the mountain’s population as a tourist destination. The mountain can be accessed through seven official channels which can take days to complete the climb: Lemosho, Lemosho Western-Beach, Machame, Marangu, Mweka, Rongai, Shira, and Umbwe.

Climbing the mountain can be a dangerous activity but there are safety measures that are placed by the authorities. It is said that more than 50% of hikers who try to complete the climb fail due to various reasons but it is a great challenge to attempt the climb. 

Accommodation

There are different types of accommodation and lodges close to the mountain. The prices can be as low as 13- 64 USD per night or higher.

Average Trip Cost

The price for the climb ranges from 2,900 USD to 3,600 depending on the route taken and this price includes the cost of oxygen, tents, hotel accommodation, guides, porters, park permits, and taxes.

8. Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Fish River Canyon is the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia and the largest Canyon in Africa located in the southern part of Namibia. 

The Fish River Canyon hiking trail is one of the more popular hiking trails in Southern Africa.  The huge scope and tough terrain have drawn many visitors from all over the world to experience hiking. The Fish River Hiking Trail can only be conducted during April – September and it is important to know that during the summer month, the Canyon hike is closed due to the extremely high temperatures and the high risk of flash flooding. The Fish River is 800 kilometers long and thus the longest river in Namibia. The Canyon has various accommodations and lodges where tourists can stay during their visit.

Accommodation

Hotel accommodations start from about 148 USD per night.

Average Trip Cost

The cost of hiking the Fish River Canyon is about N$1,500 which includes hiking permits, shuttle prices, entrance fees, and conservation fees.

9. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar also known as Spice Island is an archipelago of over 50 islands and islets in the semi-autonomous part of Tanzania. It is a breathtaking spot to escape from the stress of the world if you are looking for a peaceful yet active escape. If your tourist destination of choice includes having crystal clear water and clean sandy beaches, then Zanzibar should be considered.

Zanzibar is a unique tropical island and is becoming a well-known tourist destination all over the world because of the best tourist activities and natural features. The presence of nice beaches, Diving & Snorkeling spots, with plenty of tourist activities like Horse riding quad biking, and sky diving is one of the reasons Zanzibar is a great tourist destination. You can decide to take part in any of the activities or visit historical sites or safaris while in Zanzibar. The cuisine is a mix of African, Indian, and Arabian flavors that appeal to all kinds of palates like the Urojo Soup, Mishkaki, ChipsMayai, Vitumbua, and Mandazi.

Accommodation

There is a huge range of accommodation options from simple boutique hotels, to all-inclusive resorts and backpacker hostels. The prices can range from around 16 USD per night to about 500 USD per night.

Average Trip Cost

A trip to Zanzibar can cost from 400 USD to 1,100 USD per person depending on the activities and preferences.

10. Sandervalia National Museum, Guinea

Sandervalia National Museum is Guinea's national museum that was opened in 1960 and is situated in Conakry. The museum tells the history of Guinea and contains a nice cross-section of secular and sacred items. The museum holds a modest display of artifacts drawn from various regions of the country, along with relics, a sacred forest display, and statues from the colonial era.

Even though the museum seems largely empty, there is a room filled with masks and musical instruments from different parts of Guinea and a model showing the style of housing of different regions of the country. Tourists get to experience the history of Guinea through the museum.

Accommodation

You get hotel accommodation close to the museum for 26 USD per night or more 

Average Trip Cost

The cost of visiting the museum is not specified but there is an artisan gallery with various items such as fabrics, traditional costumes, wooden statues, and Tuareg leather being exhibited for sale in the museum. 

11. Drakensberg, South Africa

Drakensberg Mountain lies in South Africa. The mountain is one of the most extensive collections of rock art in the world. It rises to more than 11,400 feet and extends roughly northeast to southwest for 700 miles parallel to the southeastern coast of South Africa. The Drakensberg is part of the Great Escarpment that separates the extensive high plateaus of the South African interior from the lower lands along the coast. 

There are many game reserves, parks, and other activities in the Drakensberg. Some of the activities include the Drakensberg Canopy Tour, MTB and Running Nature Trail, Visiting the Underberg Studio, Hot Air Ballooning in Kemberg, Trout Fishing at Glengarry, Khotso Horse Trails, Visiting the Old Hatchery Restaurant, Visiting the Amphitheater Golf Club, Seeing the Battlefield Routes, and Visiting the Cobham State Forest. It is important to avoid hiking during bad weather conditions and stick to a group.

Accommodation

There are hotel accommodations in Drakensberg at prices as low as 48 USD per night. 

Average Trip Cost

The average cost for a trip can be from 1,200 USD to about 2,500 USD depending on the duration of the trip.

12. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Okavango Delta located in northern western Botswana is one of Africa’s last great sanctuaries, an immaculate and rich wilderness home to vast amounts of wildlife. 

The Okavango Delta is both a permanent and seasonal habitat for a lot of wildlife which is now a popular tourist attraction. The delta has a lot of wildlife like lions, leopards, African buffalo, African bush elephants, rhinoceros, giraffes, hippopotami, zebras, and so many other species. The delta has hosted over 400 bird species and 71 species of fish. 

Visiting the Okavango is about experiencing an unspoiled wilderness. Botswana continues to share one of the world’s last truly wild places through tourism. The main activities offered in the delta include game drives, safaris, bush walks, and boat cruises. The activities are designed to immerse tourists in the nature and culture of the delta. It is also a safe tourist destination.

Accommodation

There is a wide range of accommodation options available with prices ranging from 120 USD to about 9,500 USD.

Average Trip Cost

The safari experience can vary from 2,600 USD to 4,500 USD depending on the duration.

13. Kalahari Central, Botswana

Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the largest, most remotely situated reserve in Southern Africa. The reserve was created in 1961 as a place of sanctuary for the Bushmen to live in.  The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is Botswana’s biggest reserve and is situated in the middle of the Kalahari Desert. It is not only one of Africa’s largest reserves but one of the largest in the world at about 53,000 km2 and covering two-thirds of Botswana. 

The Central Kalahari Reserve hosts the South African giraffe, African bush elephant, spotted hyena, blue wildebeest, springbok, and so many others. The reserve is considered safe for everyone including solo female tourists. Activities for tourists to participate in while visiting include game drives, nature walks with Basarwa, wilderness drives, and cultural-based dances.

Accommodation

Hotels in the Kalahari Central range from 62 USD to 282 USD per night 

Average Trip Cost

The trip can cost from 350 USD to about 1,200 USD per person.

14. Lower Zambezi, Zambia

Lower Zambezi National Park is a wildlife sanctuary that lies on the north bank of the Zambezi River in southeastern Zambia. The park was established in 1983 and covers an area of 4,092 km2. It lies opposite the famous Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, so the whole area on both sides of the Zambezi River is a massive wildlife sanctuary.

Lower Zambezi National Park is surrounded by a much larger game management area (GMA); there are no fences between the park and the GMA and both animals and people are free to roam across the whole area. An appeal of the Lower Zambezi Park and its surrounding GMA is its remote location. There are no paved roads and tourists are less likely to come across other tourists. It is a very safe tourist destination.

While the park is developing and rapidly gaining popularity as the game bounces back, its beauty still lies in its unchanged wilderness state. The diversity of animals is not as wide as the other big parks but the opportunities to get close to wildlife wandering in and out of the Zambezi channels are amazing. Seasonal fishing, boating, and canoeing are popular activities in this park, especially guided kayaking through the channels. The park Hosts approximately 50 mammal species and 400 bird species as well as spectacular trees, flowers, and grasses.

Accommodation

Accommodation prices vary from 92 USD to about 580 USD per night 

Average Trip Cost

A tour package can cost from 1,600 USD to about 4,000 USD 

15.  Seychelles

Seychelles is the smallest and least populated country in Africa and the tropical paradise has over time become a favorite destination for weddings, honeymoons, and tourism. The island is the world’s only granite island in the mid-ocean. Even though there are petty thieves on the island, it is generally considered a safe place for tourists.

Seychelles is an archipelago of different islands, so you can visit different islands while there and experience the immaculate beaches, coral reefs, and numerous beautiful places. 

A staple dish on the island is fish and other dishes that you should try are Coconut curry, Shark chutney, Breadfruit, and Cassava cake. There are many activities you can engage in when visiting this beautiful and serene island like kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, surfing, and bird watching. Some of the places you should visit while in Seychelles include Mahe Island, Praslin Island, La Digue Island, Bird Island, Silhouette Island, Aride Island, Cousine Island, Anse Lazio, Cathedral of Our Lady Of Immaculate Conception, Beau Vallon Beach, and Seychelles National History Museum.

Accommodation

Hotel prices range from about 68 USD to 878 USD per night 

Average Trip Cost

A trip to Seychelles can cost from 1,500 USD to about 10,000 USD per person depending on preferences.

Conclusion 

Africa is blessed with beautiful landscapes for tourists to explore and experience the wonders of the continent. From Zanzibar in Tanzania to Marrakech in Morocco or Drakensberg in South Africa to Giza Necropolis in Egypt, there is an endless list of amazing places for tourists to explore. Africa is becoming more popular as a tourist attraction. This list of Best Africa Tourist Destinations- Top African Holiday Destinations talks about some of the best places to visit in Africa.