Africa offers a variety of exotic destinations, beautiful nature, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The cities offer not only luxury resorts, but also wonderful places for walks and photos. Take, for example, Cape Town, which is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Here you can find green mountains and endless beaches. The capital of Morocco, Marrakesh, offers ancient markets and some of the most popular luxury resorts in the area – all in one place. Cairo in Egypt is one of the most popular tourist destinations for lovers of Egyptian culture. In cities like Johannesburg and Stone Town, time seems to have stopped and they manage to take you back in time.
In this article, we will mark 15 of the most liked and chosen by tourists destinations on this impressive with its culture continent.
1. Cape Town, South Africa
As expected, we start with Cape Town. The city is located at the foot of Table Mountain, but also on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, which promises many beach adventures. Be sure to visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden during your vacation. Just 30 minutes out of town you have the chance to see African penguins.
For lovers of historical heritage, Robben Island is the right stop. In addition, you will find many museums and galleries in the city. Of course, there are also great places to go shopping (if you want to spend time this way, visit Victoria and Alfred Waterfront). Against the exchange rate of European and American currency, even luxury hotels here are affordable.
2. Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakech is a great mix of historic ruins and modern urban style. You will definitely want to visit the medieval medina, where among the labyrinths of narrow streets you will come across many ancient markets with local goods. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, which is an integral part of the city’s landscape. For lovers of cultural events, there are many galleries and museums, including the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden.
3. Cairo, Egypt
Located on the banks of the Nile, Cairo never sleeps. Here the ancient Egyptian history and the modern development of the city as an economic center collide. It is also the largest city in Egypt, as well as a major tourist destination.
Mandatory stops here are the heart of the city – Tahir Square, as well as one of the largest museums the Egyptian Museum, where you can see many historical artifacts. When visiting Cairo and Egypt in general, you will surely want to capture panoramic bird’s eye views. Then the Cairo Tower is the right stop for you.
Not far away is the legendary Pyramid of Giza, which you can visit on a day trip.
4. Stone Town, Zanzibar
Stone Town has a long history as a commercial stop, but today it is not a major tourist destination. The city is extremely beautiful with a long beach located on the Tanzanian coast. It is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can still find long alleys and guesthouses with wide wooden doors preserved from that time. With over 200 years of history, Stone Town still retains its commercial essence with the bazaars, which you can find on almost every street.
5. Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, which has become an economical modern engine. The city is very reminiscent of New York with its huge skyscrapers and hectic daily life. One of the main attractions is the Apartheid Museum. Here you can find a huge number of first-class luxury hotels, shops, malls, and restaurants and enjoy an urban vacation.
6. Kigali, Rwanda
Want to see real gorillas in their natural habitat? Then Kigali, Rwanda is the right place for you. Known as one of the cleanest cities in the world, here is the Volcanoes National Park- one of the main tourist destinations.
The city has a rich history dating back 11,000 years ago. In Caplaki Craft Village you can buy handmade goods.
7. Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira is a famous port city, but also one of the most visited by tourists in Morocco. It is a great place for windsurfing, as the weather, there is often windy. The buildings preserved from the 18th century around the sea coast create a specific look of this place. The city itself is filled with narrow streets, galleries, and local shops. In many places, you can find small and secluded hotels.
8. Windhoek, Namibia
Windhoek is the largest city in Namibia, extremely clean, and carries the vibrations of a quiet small town. In many places, you will find the remains of German influence. You won’t need a car here, because almost all the fun places are within walking distance. The city is full of pretty restaurants, small guest houses, shops, and impressive Baroque cathedrals.
9. Durban, South Africa
The city is located on the shores of the Indian Ocean and is known as a favorite destination for surfers and lovers of sea sports. But Durban also has a rich cultural heritage with the influence of different cultures. The city is also the birthplace of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
While here, be sure to get to know the specific African plants in the Botanical Gardens and visit the Moses Mabhida Stadium, built specifically for the World Cup games.
10. Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya, a city with extremely well-developed infrastructure and historical landmarks. However, the place is best known as a way to get to know the wildlife of the continent by joining an organized safari.
In Nairobi National Park you can see lions, zebras and giraffes live. Giraffe Manor is also an interesting place where you can learn more about the behavior of giraffes.
11. Lagos, Nigeria
As the largest city in Nigeria, Lagos is also an economic, tourist, and financial center. There are also many concert halls where you can indulge in cultural events. An obligatory stop is the National Museum of Lagos, filled with historic artifacts and revealing more about African culture. If you are a fan of beach adventures then visit Victoria Island nearby, where you will find endless beaches and great conditions for sea sports.
12. Algiers, Algeria
Often referred to as “Paris of North Africa”, Algiers is rich in first-class shops, restaurants, and hotels. In everyday life and architecture, you can find details typical of Arab and European culture. The city is filled with narrow streets, untouched by the time of the Ottoman empire. The Ketchaoua Mosque dates back to the 17th century and is an integral part of the city’s landscape.
13. Accra, Ghana
Labadi Beach and Kokrobite Beach are just some of the wonderful beaches you can find in Accra, Ghana. This is the largest city and capital of Ghana. In many places, there are villas of local people who come here to spend a peaceful sunny vacation. The city is also rich in shops and wonderful restaurants with local delicacies.
A must stop for all tourists is Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. The park was created in honor of the first president of Ghana, there is a museum honoring his life. In addition, within the park, there is a large market for local goods.
14. Luxor, Egypt
Another African city that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List is Luxor. The city is located in the southern part of Egypt, on the banks of the Nile, and in the past was a seat of the Egyptian pharaohs, and up to this day, there are traces of its past greatness.
The Luxor and Karnak Temples are two of the main monuments preserved from that time. Another impressive attraction is the Valley of the Kings, where the pharaoh’s tombs are located.
15. Kampala, Uganda
Kampala is the political, industrial, economic, and cultural center of Uganda. It is said that the city was built on 7 different hills, similar to Italian Rome. The most famous landmark is Kasubi Tombs, where you will learn about much of the region’s cultural heritage. There are several mosques in the city that could also be of interest to tourists. Nature walks are possible in several parks.
Although Kampala is not a major tourist destination, the visit is worth it, because of the hope that hovers in the air – the belief that African cities can be modern enough and the citizens educated (for example, most people here speak English, something that in small African cities missing). The city definitely has a specific atmosphere that is worth seeing.
