Africa Travel Guide: 2025's Best Destinations, Events, Attractions and More

by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Sun January 12, 2025

As adventure and heritage travel trends grow, the continent of Africa as a whole is becoming increasingly popular among travelers who want to explore without the crowds. These tourists are considering destinations across the vast continent, from South Africa to Tunisia.

With one of the largest deserts in the world to the sprawling Okavango Delta and misty cloud forests that nurture wild mountain gorillas, Africa also has incredible biodiversity that’s a big draw for tourists who want to experience these wonders firsthand.

Travel to Africa is only expected to grow, so take a peek at our travel guide to see what new destinations you might want to add to your 2025 bucket list.

Best Destinations in Africa

How do you choose the best destinations to visit on the second-largest continent in the world? We’ve got you covered.

Some of the best destinations in Africa are the most well-known. For example, South Africa is popular for its luxury and safari offerings, and Egypt is iconic with its incredible historical monuments, while Morocco is treasured for its beauty and culture. Yet, these are only three of Africa’s amazingly diverse countries.

We recommend some emerging destinations, too. For safaris, Malawi and Zambia are just as spectacular as South Africa. For historical monuments and heritage travel, the countries of Western Africa are becoming more popular with travelers — especially those who belong to the African diaspora and want to reconnect with their ancestors. Countries like Botswana, meanwhile, offer bucket-list opportunities and luxury experiences with an eye toward a sustainable future.

Best Attractions in Africa

The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, Egypt.

The African continent is home to some incredible natural wonders, from animals we know and love — like lions and elephants — to Victoria Falls, Mount Kilimanjaro, the vast Sahara, and some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet.

It’s also known for its historical monuments: While the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt might be the most well-known, Africa offers some of the oldest human-made structures and earliest evidence of human life on the planet.

Both its natural and historical wonders are why UNESCO has designated 108 sites across sub-Saharan Africa to protect and preserve for future generations — from the biodiverse Okavango Delta to the Historic Town and Archaeological Site of Gedi in Kenya, one of the most important Swahili cities for seven centuries.

It’s impossible to list all the best attractions in Africa, but know that with a little research, you’ll find a wealth of opportunities to discover, learn, and interact with new cultures anywhere you choose to visit.

Must-See 2025 Events in Africa

Africa hosts plenty of festivals and events each year, and we recommend researching the place you’d like to visit, as many cultures and cities host their own annual celebrations.

That said, the following three festivals draw people from across the globe. First, the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music in Morocco brings together musicians of all faiths to celebrate sacred music traditions.

In Ghana, the Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival, commonly known as Panafest, is a 10-day celebration held every two years for Africans and those of the African diaspora to promote and enhance unity.

And South Africa’s annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival assembles some of the best global jazz musicians.

Meanwhile, a family-friendly multicultural event sparking positive change for Africa and the wider world is the MTN Bushfire festival, held each year in Eswatini. Incredible performances range from poetry and puppetry to live DJs and dance parties.

Best Places for Families in Africa

Adventures by Disney, South Africa, Family tours

Many of the destinations and attractions listed above are great for families with children and teenagers, offering plenty of opportunities for young ones to engage with and learn about the world around them.

Namibia’s Sossusvlei salt pan, Zambia’s Victoria Falls, the Serengeti’s Great Migration, and Botswana’s Okavango Delta are just a few destinations to consider when traveling with kids. South Africa is also known for its great safari opportunities and safety.

Best Places for Couples in Africa

Couples will find plenty to enjoy across the African continent. History buffs can reconnect with a Nile River cruise, stepping into ancient history together from Luxor to the Valley of the Kings. Nature lovers will find it challenging to choose where to visit in Africa, but active couples will enjoy trekking to see gorillas or taking a camel ride to a remote resort in the Sahara. Luxury travelers will adore the wealth of offerings from Morocco to South Africa, including high-end lodges and some of the most unique accommodations on Earth. Plus, there are some amazing beach resorts in Mauritius.

Best Places for Group Travel in Africa

Africa is ideal for group travel. Tour operators and cruise lines offer great opportunities for families, friends, or colleagues to connect across the continent, from Egypt and South Africa to Mauritius and everywhere in between. Since safaris are often bucket-list trips, we recommend the more, the merrier; South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana are a few top-tier safari destinations.

Solo travelers who don’t want to go it alone can find all manner of tour styles and destinations to enjoy with a guided group tour, too.

Best Places for Solo Travel in Africa

Solo travel is a great way to see the world, but safety is definitely a priority for those heading out on their own.

Tourists worried about traveling completely on their own should consider booking with a a tour operator that offers trips specifically for solo travelers. With a group of other solo travelers, you’ll be able to visit the souks (marketplaces) in Marrakech or enjoy a South African safari while making memories with new friends.

For those really going solo, we recommend Malawi for a safari vacation. It has long been known as the “warm heart of Africa” for its welcoming and friendly culture. Lake Malawi and the nation’s many game reserves are great spots for adventure and wildlife photography, plus, the country is close to Zambia, so intrepid travelers can find their way to Victoria Falls.

Best Foodie Destinations in Africa

As a large continent with many different cultures, Africa is a haven for foodies who love to discover new dishes and flavors. Those heading to Marrakech or Fez will find themselves discovering tagine, a spiced stew made in a clay pot of the same name. In Egypt, travelers can savor fare like falafel, kebabs, and baba ghanoush.

Those interested in a bit of spice history can’t miss the UNESCO-designated Stone Town of Zanzibar. It’s a great place to discover the island’s thousand-year-old trading history, where cultures came together from Asia, Africa and, later, Europe. The island itself is known for producing cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, and coconut.

Best Places for Adventure Travel in Africa

There’s quite a long list for the best places for adventure travel in Africa.

To start, there’s Tanzania, home to breathtaking Mount Kilimanjaro — a beloved destination for intrepid mountaineers. Travelers willing to hike and trek in cloud forests for the chance to spot gorillas in the wild will love Botswana. Cape Town and Durban in South Africa, meanwhile, are both known for great surfing opportunities. And, of course, we recommend Morocco for those who would like to experience life in a vast desert.

Best Places for Sports Enthusiasts in Africa

Sports enthusiasts will find much to enjoy across Africa. The country’s inhabitants love soccer, and travelers can find soccer matches from South Africa to Morocco. Countries like South Africa are also home to rugby and basketball teams.

In July 2025, Morocco will host the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for soccer. The African Nations Championship will be held in February across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. In September, Rwanda will be the first African nation to host the Road World Championships , a global cycling event. Women’s basketball fans will enjoy the Women's AfroBasket tournament in Cote d’Ivoire this summer.

Unique to Africa

Africa is home to some of the world’s greatest wonders, both prehistoric and legendary. With its range of diverse ecosystems, the continent boasts unique environments that foster biodiversity, with many species that can only be found in this special part of the globe. Friendly and flavorful cultures provide glimpses into the ancient past and provide opportunities for growth.

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