Planning a trip to Africa?
This guide covers the best countries to visit in Africa, when to travel, and the destinations truly worth adding to your itinerary.
Africa is one of the most powerful and diverse places you can travel. Within a single trip, landscapes shift dramatically. From wide open savannahs and red desert plains to lush deltas, coastal towns, and vibrant cities full of life and culture.
Jump to: Popular Africa Tours • Africa Travel Guides • Africa Destinations • Travel Questions • Visa • Vaccinations • Best Time • Cash • Phone • Insurance
Some destinations feel vast and untamed, like Botswana’s Okavango Delta or Namibia’s desert landscapes. Others are rich in history and energy, like Cape Town, Marrakech, or Zanzibar. And then there are places that quietly take your breath away - a sunset over the bush, elephants crossing a river, or a sky so full of stars it doesn’t feel real.
From safaris and wildlife encounters to coastlines, culture, and once-in-a-lifetime landscapes, these Africa travel guides will help you plan where to go, when to visit, and what not to miss.
Explore Africa by country and region below, with detailed guides, itineraries, and the experiences that are actually worth planning your trip around.
Africa Destinations
Africa Travel Guides
Popular Africa Tours
Common Africa Travel Questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Africa?
It depends on the country. Africa isn’t one destination, and visa rules vary a lot. Some countries offer visa-free entry or visa on arrival, while others require an eVisa or embassy application before you go. Always check official government sites for your specific passport before booking flights.
Do you need vaccinations for Africa?
Some countries require proof of vaccinations, especially Yellow Fever if you’re travelling between certain regions. Other recommended vaccines can include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine boosters.
Check official health advice for your destination before you go, and always refer to your destination’s government website for the most accurate requirements.
When is the best time to visit Africa?
It varies by region, but generally:
- East & Southern Africa (safari regions): Dry season (June to October) for the best wildlife viewing
- North Africa (Morocco, Egypt): Spring and autumn for milder temperatures
- Coastal areas: Year-round, but check rainy seasons
If you’re planning a safari, timing matters more than anything else.
Do you need cash in Africa?
Yes. Cards are accepted in cities, hotels, and larger restaurants, but cash is essential for markets, tips, small shops, and rural areas.
ATMs are available in most cities, but don’t assume you’ll find one everywhere.
Can you use your phone in Africa?
Yes, but don’t rely on roaming. It’s expensive and not always reliable, especially once you’re outside major cities.
Using an eSIM is the easiest option so you have data as soon as you land. I use Airalo because you can set it up before your trip and it works across multiple countries without needing to swap SIM cards.
Is travel insurance necessary for Africa?
Yes. This is not a destination where you want to skip it. Medical facilities can be limited in remote areas, and evacuation costs can be extremely high if something goes wrong.
Always have travel insurance before you go. I always book mine in advance so I know I’m covered, especially for destinations like this. It’s worth comparing options to find what works best - you can check out EKTA Travel Insurance or compare other providers before booking.