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Region · 54 countries

Africa

Safaris, the Nile's monuments and beaches on the Indian Ocean islands are the main draws, and each country needs its own plan.

See the countriesPlanning guides

Africa has more than 50 countries, so a trip usually covers one region or two or three countries. Egypt is the choice for the Nile and the pyramids at Giza. Ethiopia suits travelers who want highland scenery and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. In southern Africa, Botswana's Okavango Delta and South Africa's national parks draw people who come for wildlife. Mauritius and the Seychelles, Indian Ocean islands, suit a beach stay after a safari or a slower trip with little driving.

Travel between regions takes time, so a first trip works best with one region or two countries. Each country sets its own entry rules and visa process, and they differ widely, so check them before you book. The best season depends on where you go. Dry months suit wildlife viewing in many southern and eastern parks, while Egypt is more comfortable in cooler months.

Top destinations in Africa

Africa travel guides

The questions every first trip to the region starts with.

Kenya eTA explained

Who needs it, what it costs and how early to apply.

Read the guideEgypt visa on arrival and e-Visa

Which to choose, fees and the Sinai stamp.

Read the guideBest time to visit Morocco

Spring, autumn and the desert months.

Read the guideBest time to visit Egypt

Cairo, the Nile and the Red Sea, season by season.

Read the guideHow much cash to carry

Morocco and four more countries: where cash still rules.

Read the guideTravel insurance

Cover for safaris, light aircraft and evacuation.

Explore

Where to stay in Africa

All stay guides
Courtyard with ornate arches and a poolMarrakechWhere to stay in Marrakech: medina riad or new town hotelsandy beach at sunsetCape TownWhere to stay in Cape Town: four bases around Table Mountaingreen grass field with trees and brown concrete buildingHurghadaWhere to stay in Hurghada: town, marina or a resort baythe sun is setting over the beach with palm treesDiani BeachWhere to stay in Diani Beach: north, central, south or Ukunda

Itineraries across the region

A scenic coastal view with a white sand beach4 daysCape Town in 4 days: an order that survives wind and cloudA 4-day Cape Town itinerary: Table Mountain, Robben Island, Cape Point, Boulders and Kirstenbosch, ordered so a closed cableway or ferry costs you nothing.Bustling marketplace filled with various goods and shoppers3 daysMarrakech in 3 days: palaces, souks and the Majorelle gardenA three-day Marrakech plan: the Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the souks, then Jardin Majorelle or a day in the Atlas, with prices.a large building with a clock on the side of it1 dayRabat in one day: Kasbah, Hassan Tower, Chellah and a museumA one-day Rabat route: Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, Chellah and one museum, with checked prices and hours, a Tuesday plan and a rain swap.

Before you go

For any trip in Africa

eSIM for AfricaRegional and country plansRead the guideTravel insuranceInclude air evacuationRead the guideVisas and entryeTAs, e-Visas and visa on arrivalRead the guideMoney on safariCash for tips, cards at lodgesRead the guide

All Africa destinations

Africa FAQ

When is the best time for a safari in Africa?

For Kenya and Tanzania, the dry months from July to September, plus January and February. South Africa's Kruger is best in the dry winter, from May to September.

Do I need a visa to travel in Africa?

It depends on the country. Kenya uses an eTA, Egypt sells visas on arrival and online, Morocco and South Africa are visa-free for many passports. Check each country page.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Africa?

Many countries in West and Central Africa require a certificate at entry, and others ask for one if you arrive from a risk country. Check each country's rules and see a travel clinic.

Which African country is best for a first trip?

Morocco and Egypt are easy to reach from Europe, and South Africa combines cities, wine country and safari with good roads. Kenya and Tanzania are the classic safari choices.

Can I combine Kenya and Tanzania on one safari?

Yes. The Maasai Mara and the Serengeti are one ecosystem, and flights and road crossings link them. Each country needs its own entry authorization.

DestinationsWhere to go, when to go and how to get around in 221 countries. Every practical fact shows the date we checked it and who checked it.Where to stayNeighborhoods walked end to end: who each area suits, how far it is from the airport train, and the hotels we would book ourselves.PlanVisas and entry rules, travel insurance, eSIMs and rail passes, explained in plain words and rechecked when the rules change.EventsFestivals, concerts and tours with confirmed dates, rooms near the venue and the fastest way on to the next city.StoriesField reports and data stories from the road. We time the queues, count the costs and say what changed since last year.

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Africa

MarrakechRabatToubkal National ParkMaasai MaraCape WinelandsDiani BeachMombasaNairobiAswanSharm El SheikhAll Africa

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