Africa Travel Guide: Top Countries and Routes

Africa is a unique place on Earth that captivates the hearts of all its visitors.

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Africa is one of the world’s largest continents. It is considered the oldest inhabited territory on earth. The continent is full of diversity, ranging from its natural landscapes to its history and ethnicities. Visiting these countries will be an unforgettable experience. As John Hemingway says, “If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa.”

The continent is divided into two central regions, North Africa and South Africa. The more you go into the south, the more you can be in touch with wildlife. Southern African countries are famous for their forests, which host a variety of animal and plant species. At the same time, Northern countries are mostly connected with the Saharan Desert. Of course, both continental poles are rich in natural landscapes and historical artefacts. Without any haste, let us explore the best countries to visit in Africa and things to do there.

Whether you’re a curious traveller visiting the continent for the first time or an enchanted frequent visitor, Africa cannot fail to win your heart and soul. The continent’s wide range of natural landscapes, including rainforests, tropical coastlines, Deserts, mountains, green landscapes, and many more astonishing features, will make your visit to the continent a habit. Also being one of the oldest continents on earth, it has a wide range of historical landmarks like no other. Thus Africa stands out not only as a place with remarkable beauty, but also as one with a long, traceable history.

First, the Best Countries to Visit in North Africa:

1. Egypt

Egypt is a country with one of the world’s oldest civilisations. It is located at the northern pole of the African continent. It contains a variety of historical attractions that span different periods. Additionally, it has a cosmopolitan culture, with every city in the country embracing a distinct yet collective atmosphere. Its natural landscapes are also exceptional and variable.

Cairo

It is the capital of Egypt, and the places to visit there serve all tastes and cultures. The city is called “the city of a thousand minarets”. There are a significant number of mosques throughout the city. One of the places to visit to get an essence of Islamic history, preferably with a tour guide, is El Moez Street. It is open for tourists regardless of their religious background. And you can also head to Khan El-Khalili Street to take a break at one of the popular cafés (qahwa) and buy a variety of gifts and souvenirs.

Moving from the Islamic region to the Christian Coptic regions, Cairo has many churches as well. One of the places to visit on your Old Cairo tour is the Church Assembly, which includes several old churches. In addition, you can visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the oldest Jewish temple in Cairo, located in the alleys of Coptic Cairo. And emphasise the country’s religious unity: just to the north of the Coptic region lies the famous Amr Ibn Al-A’as mosque. It is a region where one can hear the Muslims’ Adan and the Christians’ church bells on the same day.

Moving back in history to ancient Pharaonic Egypt, you cannot visit Cairo without stopping by the Great Pyramids of Giza. They were considered one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. Historians did not answer the question of how they were built with such great accuracy. The pyramids are the tombs of the famous 3 kings, Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. To the south of the Great Pyramid lies the sphinx, another great Pharaonic monument. After your visit, you can enjoy a camel or a horse ride in the desert. Also, do not forget to stop at the Cairo Tower along the way and enjoy an exceptional city view.

Last but not least, as Cairo’s attractions are numerous, the city has several museums that reflect its history from ancient pharaonic times to the present. To state the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, the Coptic Museum, the Museum of Islamic Arts, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, and many more.

Luxor

Luxor contains one-third of the world’s ancient monuments. In 2018, President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi approved Luxor becoming the capital of arts and culture. It is composed of many temples, including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and the Temple of Deir el-Bahri.  Recently, the Egyptian government has celebrated the opening of the renovated Alkebash road. This road transformed Luxor into the largest open-air museum in the world by providing an attractive link between the Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and the Temple of Deir el-Bahri.

You can visit Luxor by train from Cairo and start your unforgettable trip to the ancient Egyptian world.

Dahab Town in South Sinai Governorate

Dahab is known for being one of the most visited diving destinations in the world. In addition, visitors enjoy the natural landscapes of the town, which range from desert to mountains to sea. There are many activities and places to visit in Dahab. Below, we will mention the top three destinations in town.

First, the Blue Hole area, one of Egypt’s natural landmarks and a must-visit destination, especially for sea lovers. It is called the “Graveyard of Divers” due to its widespread reputation as one of the most dangerous diving places in the world. It is said that divers are charmed by its wonders and try to break the record of reaching its deepest point, so that they lose the sense of time and run out of oxygen. It is worth noting that the blue hole’s depth reaches 120 meters and is among the deepest in the world.

Tourists who are not licensed professional divers can enjoy snorkelling accompanied by an experienced tour guide in the water. You can also enjoy the Bedouin setting by the sea, meditating on the water surrounded by the mountains.

Another destination is the Three Poles area. There are basically three holes in the water aligned to each other. Sea corals and underwater life surround each hole. It is an excellent place for snorkelling and diving as well. You can also enjoy sitting by the sea or riding Bedouin camels in the area.

From the three poles, you can book a Safari trip where you drive beach buggies by yourself in the middle of the mountains. The trip ends at a small oasis called Wadi Gani, where you are served Bedouin tea. You can also enjoy a short hiking experience in the mountains to take a memorable photo amid the rocky terrain, surrounded by green grass and date palms.

Port Said

The Gallant city of Port Said lies on the threshold of the Mediterranean Sea in Africa and the northern Suez Canal, which lies in Asia. The city was inaugurated in 1859 during the construction of the Suez Canal. Once you arrive there, you can take the free ferry to transport you between the two continents to Port Fuad town literally.

During your trip, you can enjoy the scenery of the Laurs flying around ships, which looks magical and exceptional. In Port Fuad, you walk through history and enjoy sightseeing the town among beautifully built houses. There is also the salt mountain area, where you can take photos among mountains that are made of salt and look like snow.

Take another trip on the ferry back to Port Said to walk among its free trade zone streets, where you can buy anything you wish at affordable prices. And do not forget to stop by and try their delicious, affordable seafood plates. We suggest two places for that purpose: the fish market in Port Said. It is where you can choose and buy fresh seafood and enjoy your meal freshly made by any of the shops there. This area is considered more common, and they offer fish at affordable prices.

On the other hand, if you wish to enjoy a more luxurious and private meal, you can go to Elborg, one of the best restaurants in Port Said.

Alexandria

The ancient Greek city on Egyptian ground was initially founded by Alexander the Great. It is said that the great leader Alexander the Great’s tomb is hidden in ancient Alexandria, and that archaeologists are still searching to this day. It is called “Bride of the Mediterranean” to celebrate its beauty and appealing nature. Alexandria’s treasures are never-ending. They range from historical artefacts on land and below the sea to natural landscapes.

Visitors to Alexandria would enjoy walking through the old town streets that reflect its cosmopolitan nature. Walking in Fuad Street, ElManshia, and Elraml station, for example, are all destinations where modern life meets the old, manifested in the streets themselves and the surrounding buildings.

Some places to visit in the old town include the New Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Alexandria National Museum in Fuad Street, Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Attarin area, Sidi Morsi Abo AlAbass Mosque in Bahari district, and finally the Citadel of Qitbay in Al Anfoshi. All these places are relatively close to each other and affordable to visit. Do not forget to take your lunch at one of the area’s famous fish restaurants, such as Fish Market, the Greek Club, Zephere, or Abuashraf.

Moving to modern Alexandria on the other side of the city, you can enjoy your day using the beach in one of the hotel beaches like Hilton, Tulip or Paradise INN ElMamoura. You can also dine in one of the restaurants by the sea, which serve food that would satisfy all tastes.

One of the landmarks to visit in the area is the Royal Jewellery Museum in Zizenia, which houses a collection of Jewels belonging to the Egyptian Royal Family. Another place to visit is Elmontaza Park, which features large gardens and a Royal palace, along with a number of hotels and restaurants.

2. Tunisia

Tunisia is located in North Africa. It is another country with a rich history and remarkable attractions. There are many destinations to visit, ranging from historical landmarks to natural landscapes.

Kairouan

It was announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. It was founded in 670 AD and served as the capital of Ifriqiya for five centuries. Not only that, but it was considered one of the most critical places in the Maghreb, the base of the Maghreb, and one of its holy cities. One of the most famous attractions in the city is the Zawiya of Sidi Saha, which was founded only 38 years after the death of the Muslim Prophet Mohomet. It is considered the first place of worship founded in the Maghreb.  The Zawiya of Sidi Sahab also contains the remains of one of the Prophet’s companions, Abu Djama.

Grand Erg Oriental

The Sahara Desert is located in Northeast Algeria. This location is exceptional for its unique sand formation that mimics sea waves. It is where you can enjoy a variety of adventurous activities or simply camp and meditate in the desert.

One of the places you can visit near the desert to boost your trip is the Middle East. It is a small mountain Oasis in the middle of the desert that has a beautifully carved canyon. Tourists can reach it through organised 4*4 car trips or by regular cars.

 Carthage

An ancient city that was once considered the most powerful political entity in the Mediterranean. It was founded by the Phoenician queen Dido in 814 BC. It had gone through long historical phases, culminating in modern times, making it an attractive destination for diverse historical landmarks. The city is located 15 kilometres northeast of Tunis. It is worth noting that the archaeological site of Carthage is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tunisia. Some famous places to visit there include the Acropolis of Byrsa, the Punic ports, the Punic Tophet, the necropolis, the theatre, the Amphitheatre, the circus, the residential area, basilicas, the Antonin baths, the Malaga cisterns, and the archaeological reserve.

3. Morocco

It is another North African country that lies on the Atlantic and Mediterranean Coasts. It goes down in history as the Kingdom of Marrakesh and then the Kingdom of Fes. Algeria borders Morocco to the east, Spain to the North, and the Western Saharan desert to the South.

 Chefchaouen

If you are looking to visit a city with a unique glow, Chefchaouen should be on your list, with its blue buildings. It is the perfect city for walking tours. It is where you can mingle with locals and enjoy delicious Moroccan food. One of the places to visit during your walk in the city is Ras El Maa Waterfall, which is located Northeast of the city’s gate.

Rif Mountains

The green mountain area provides tranquil scenery for visitors. The mountains are a perfect gateway to Chefchaouen. It is where bikers, hikers, and walkers enjoy an adventurous trip that serves all tastes.

Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque

You cannot visit Morocco without paying a visit to this unique architecture. It is the 2nd-largest African mosque still in operation and the 7th-largest in the world. It has a 210-meter minaret, considered the second-tallest in the world. It is the only mosque in Morocco that non-Muslims can access. The Mosque is located in Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah in Casablanca. Its building is built partially on land and partially over the ocean.

Al Hoceima National Park

It is a national park located in the suburbs of Al Hociema. It is considered the most significant natural reserve on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco. It has an impressive setting to witness, where trees, sea, and birds merge to create a beautiful scenery of peace and tranquillity. It contains endangered wildlife species and green scenery, including unique trees, palms, and olive trees. It is a perfect destination for hiking and mountain bike riding. The best time to visit the park is in summer, from June to September.

Atlas Mountains

Morocco’s highest peak in the Atlas Mountains is Mount Toubkal. If you are a hiking lover, you can start your hike from Imlil village, where you can find guest houses to stay in, hire a guide for your hike and rent any hiking equipment you need.

But if hiking isn’t your goal, Imlil village is a great place to enjoy the Atlas Mountains’ scenery. You can also stop by Imlil’s waterfall, a must-see natural landscape in Morocco.

Tangier

The city is an important port and trade centre in Morocco. It is considered a strategic entrance between Africa and Europe. The town was not under Morocco’s influence until the mid-20th century.  It is located at the western entrance of the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean.

Visitors can easily cross from Europe to Tangier on daily ferry trips that take about 1 hour each. Tangier is a beautiful city to walk through and enjoy sightseeing, as it has a vibrant blend of cultures that manifests in its people and landmarks. One of the best places to visit is the Kabash museum, St. Andrew’s Church, and the Grand Socco.

Second, the Best Countries to Visit in South Africa:

1. South Africa

It is a country located in the southernmost part of the African continent. It is considered the 23rd most populous nation in the world. South Africa is a country characterised by its multi-ethnic culture. Its constitution recognises 11 official languages, which is the fourth-highest number in the world. Its diversity and harmony were described by Nelson Mandela, “Each of us is as intimately attached to the soil of this beautiful country as are the famous jacaranda trees of Pretoria and the mimosa trees of the bushveld – a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world”.

Visiting South Africa will be a unique experience. It not only enjoys a diversity of cultures and backgrounds but also a diversity in nature and wildlife. In the South African safari, you will get to encounter the Big 5 in some national parks. It will be an unforgettable adventure to begin your year with.

Cape Town

“Visit Cape Tow, and history is never far from your grasp. It lingers in the air, a scent on the breeze, an explanation of the circumstances that shaped the Rainbow People. Stroll around the old downtown, and it’s impossible not to be affected by the trials and tribulations of the struggle. But, in many ways, it is the sense of triumph in the face of such adversity that makes the experience all the more poignant”, Tahir Shah, Travels With Myself.

It is a city located on the southwest coast of South Africa. There are many attractions in Cape Town, ranging from wildlife encounters to historical landmarks.

Among the best attractions is the Two Oceans Aquarium, located at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. It includes 3000 aquatic creatures, from tiny animals such as the Knysna Seahorse to large, more fearsome ones like the ragged-tooth shark.

Another famous attraction is the Aquila Private Game Reserve. It is where visitors enjoy a day trip or an overnight safari and the opportunity to experience the reserve’s natural flora and fauna by vehicle, quad bike, or horseback. The owner’s goal was to reintroduce the Big 5 (elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard) and other wild game to the Western Cape.

Last but not least, you can visit Robbin Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years. The island can be accessed by ferry from the Victoria & Albert Waterfront.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

It is a nature conservation park shared by South Africa and Botswana. The Park was established to protect animals migrating between the two countries. The park houses a variety of wild animals, including lions, birds of prey, cheetahs, hyenas, honey badgers, bat-eared foxes, meerkats, and small creatures like whistling rats and barking geckos. It will be an adventurous visit that will bring you into contact with wild nature. You can reach the park from Cape Town by renting a vehicle there, preferably a 4×4, to help you move smoothly through the park. And to stay the night,  there are camps near the park and lodges to stop over.