Despite its great tourist potential, many African places remain unexplored treasures waiting to be discovered. In recent years, however, there has been a growing understanding of the benefits of visiting African countries, both for travelers looking for new experiences and for the locals who welcome them with open arms. Among these sites, some stand out as the best African countries to visit.
One of the most major benefits of visiting African countries is the opportunity to immerse oneself in a diverse range of cultures. Africa is home to thousands of ethnic groups, each with their own distinct traditions, dialects, music, and cuisine.
The UK’s Bradt Guides recently selected the top African countries to visit, including the elaborate beadwork of the Maasai tribes in East Africa and the stunning Egyptian pyramids.
Bradt Guides, founded in 1947, is a leading travel guide publisher, and their 2024 list includes 15 of the world’s best destinations to visit.
Three of these 15 countries are African, with all of them located on the East African subcontinent.
1. Uganda
According to Bradt Guides, some of the reasons to visit this East African tourism hotspot include the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is home to endangered mountain gorillas and provides a rare opportunity for intimate encounters.
Murchison Falls is where the Nile River squeezes through a tight gorge, resulting in a surging cascade.
The snow-capped summits of the Rwenzori Mountains are suitable for trekking experiences.
In addition, the Queen Elizabeth National Park offers safaris to observe lions, elephants, and even unusual tree-climbing lions in Ishasha.
2. Madagascar
Madagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island, is known for its remarkable biodiversity, indigenous flora and wildlife, and stunning beaches. It boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a 4,800-kilometer coastline, which includes the world’s third-largest reef.
The Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, with its strange limestone formations, is one of several reasons to visit this island nation.
It is the only location on the earth where lemurs, seven types of Baobab trees, and a diverse range of color-changing chameleons can be found.
Madagascar is home to an estimated 70% of the world’s 250,000 endemic plant and bird species.
Furthermore, the Malagasy have some of the most diverse customs. The blend of African, Arab, and Indonesian influences produced 18 distinct ethnic groups, each with its own culture and customs.
3. Zanzibar
The Zanzibar archipelago off Africa’s east coast has already been identified as one of Bradt’s top winter sun destinations for 2024.
our nation made our list because of its attractive combination of pure white beaches, maritime adventures, wildlife, and culture.
Sauti za Busara, one of East Africa’s largest music events, takes place in February in Stone Town, the capital. It is located in the Old Fort and showcases all types of African music, including Tanzanian pop, hip-hop, and traditional Taarab.
Zanzibar is the gateway to Tanzania’s mainland, offering beach to forest adventures. A stay here is great for exploring the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Areas, as well as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
You will also see some of the world’s most distinctive wildlife and stunning scenery.