best african countries to visit in october

Where to Go on an African Safari in October

October is a good time for a safari in East or southern Africa. Although it can be very hot, the wildlife viewing in Botswana, Zambia and Namibia is fantastic in October. In South Africa, this shoulder month brings lovely weather; perfect for a holiday here. It’s also the end of the Dry season in Kenya and Tanzania. This means great wildlife viewing here too, but note that some parks might be busy in October.

Best Time per Country

Flag of zimbabwe zimbabwe in october.

• Excellent wildlife viewing at the end of the Dry season
• Sunny days and blue skies
• The first rains bring relief and settle the haze
• Although it is high season, only Victoria Falls gets busy
• It gets very hot in low-lying areas

Flag of Zambia Zambia in October

• Wildlife viewing is excellent at the end of the Dry season
• There are very few mosquitoes
• It is mostly sunny and dry
• It gets uncomfortably hot in some areas

Flag of South Africa South Africa in October

• The first rains bring relief and settle the dust after a long Dry season
• Wildlife viewing is still good as the rains have only just started
• Mild weather
• Lots of sunny days with little rainfall
• Wildlife viewing is better in the Dry season

Flag of Uganda Uganda in October

• It is low season and gorilla permits are easier to get than in high season
• Gorilla trekking is good throughout the year
• There is regular rainfall and road conditions might deteriorate
• Forest paths become slippery and hiking can be challenging
• The Dry season is generally better for wildlife viewing

Flag of Tanzania Tanzania in October

• Lovely weather with lots of sunshine
• There are very few mosquitoes around
• It’s high season and some parks can be crowded

Flag of Rwanda Rwanda in October

• Akagera is still dry at the beginning of the Wet season and wildlife viewing is good
• It is low season and gorilla permits are easier to get than in peak season
• Excellent conditions for chimp trekking
• It rains a lot and forest paths are slippery

Flag of Namibia Namibia in October

• Blue skies and sunny days
• Although it is high season, most parks don’t get too busy
• Etosha NP and Sossusvlei can get very busy

Flag of Kenya Kenya in October

• Wildlife viewing is easy
• There isn’t much rainfall and days are mostly sunny
• You have a chance of seeing the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara NR
• There are almost no mosquitoes
• Some parks get crowded in the high season

Flag of Botswana Botswana in October

• Very good wildlife viewing at the end of the Dry season
• It is sunny and it rarely rains
• Although it is high season, it doesn’t get crowded (except Chobe NP)
• Chobe NP gets very busy
• It can be uncomfortably hot

Visiting month

Best safari parks to visit in october.

See below for an overview of the best parks to visit in Africa by country. Please note that the listings focus on the most popular parks only and are not comprehensive.

Flag of Botswana Botswana

Best parks & reserves in october.

Moremi GR Excellent

Okavango Delta Excellent

Chobe NP Good

Makgadikgadi Pans NP Good

Flag of Kenya Kenya

Amboseli NP Excellent

Lake Nakuru NP Excellent

Masai Mara NR Excellent

Samburu NR Good

Flag of Namibia Namibia

Skeleton Coast NP Excellent

Etosha NP Good

Namib-Naukluft NP Good

Flag of Rwanda Rwanda

Akagera NP Good

Flag of South Africa South Africa

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR Good

Kruger NP Good

Phinda GR Good

Sabi Sand GR Good

Flag of Tanzania Tanzania

Lake Manyara NP Excellent

Ngorongoro Crater Excellent

Nyerere NP Excellent

Serengeti NP Excellent

Flag of Uganda Uganda

Murchison Falls NP Good

Flag of Zambia Zambia

Kafue NP Excellent

Lower Zambezi NP Excellent

South Luangwa NP Good

Flag of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe

Hwange NP Excellent

Mana Pools NP Excellent

All Parks & Reserves

Safari highlights in october.

October is a great month to go on safari. Nature doesn’t follow a script and some highlights will be totally unexpected. However, there are many iconic seasonal events that can be planned for. Read on if you’re looking for some ideas of where to go on safari in October.

Animals Amass in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, Zambia

If you can handle the heat, October is a fantastic time to explore Zambia’s parks. It is the end of the Dry season and, as the heat soars, animals are desperate for water. You can see huge herds of buffalo and elephants concentrating in South Luangwa NP. Wildlife viewing is equally impressive in Lower Zambezi NP. Canoe trips are especially exciting at this time as you may see thirsty animals approaching the water while navigating hippo pods. The first thunderstorms come as a relief. The soaring temperatures drop, the dust gets washed away and the hazy sky clears.

Start of the Bat Migration in Kasanka, Zambia

Kasanka NP is home to the world’s largest mammal migration, the Kasanka bat migration. Little is known about where the bats come from, but in late October every year, more than 8 million straw-colored bats descend on a patch of swamp forest. The timing corresponds with a variety of trees bearing fruits after the first rains. With a wingspan of about 1m/3ft, the fruit bats are enormous. Watching them leave their roost to fill the sunset sky is a sight to behold, but watching them return at dawn, jostling for space in the trees, is possibly more spectacular.

Unusual Animal Gatherings in Etosha, Namibia

Etosha NP offers a very special wildlife-viewing experience in October. You can witness the much-photographed image of a variety of animals together at a waterhole. It isn’t unusual to see up to 10 species drinking together. Each of the waterholes is unique and has its own vibe. Some are known to be frequented by black rhinos, while others are favored by lions, who come to drink and hunt. If ever there was an opportunity to sit and watch all the action come to you, this is it. You don’t even need a lot of patience to get fantastic photos here.

Perfect Time for a Holiday in South Africa

October is overall a great month for a South African holiday. The country has plenty to offer; great safari parks, beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, fantastic hiking trails and much more. While there is no bad time to go to South Africa, it can be tricky to choose the best time overall. The winter months offer wonderful wildlife viewing, but the cold weather isn’t ideal to really enjoy all the country has to offer. October is the perfect compromise. The shoulder month marks the beginning of summer with lovely weather, but wildlife viewing is still good as animals haven’t dispersed yet.

• Indian Ocean Islands
• Cape Winelands
• Garden Route
• Kruger National Park
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Gorilla Trekking
• Great Migration
• Family Travel
• Accommodation
• Traveller’s tales
• The Bucket List
• Postcards From Africa
• Cape Town Restaurant Guide
• Cape Winelands Restaurant Guide
• Johannesburg Restaurant Guide
• Special Features
• Our Home Safari
• Africa’s Photographer of the Year
• Photography & Videos
• Let’s start planning

African Travel in October

Travel Tips

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With travel restrictions becoming easier to navigate, now is the perfect time to plan an African adventure. And if spontaneity is your middle name, then why not book a holiday right now. Destinations which normally require a booking at least a year in advance, have availability. So if you can travel at short notice, now is an ideal time to take advantage of excellent rates and unheard of exclusivity.

So, without further ado, here are our top destinations and places to stay for African travel in October.

1. Chobe National Park, Botswana

Chobe National Park in Botswana is world-famous for its enormous elephant herds and is therefore known as the ‘Land of the Gentle Giants’. The region is also rich in fauna and flora, with the floodplains attracting a wide variety of wildlife.

As Botswana’s third-largest and first national park, Chobe is a must on any African explorer’s itinerary, particularly for those with a passion for wildlife photography!

Our favourite property: Desert & Delta Chobe Game Lodge

Chobe Game Lodge is the only permanent lodge inside the Chobe National Park. However, its position on the banks of the Chobe River is the real drawcard. This area has the highest concentration of wildlife than anywhere else on the continent, and therefore the Chobe Game Lodge is the perfect base from which to explore it.

Game drives ensure up-close and uninterrupted wildlife viewings. And to take full advantage of the location, you can also go out on boat safaris on the Chobe River. Chobe Game Lodge is committed to sustainability and community upliftment and has many inspiring projects on-site that support these causes and initiatives.

2. Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

Downstream from the mighty Victoria Falls, you’ll find Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, a wildlife conservation haven. It’s an underrated destination, offering vast and unspoilt landscapes teeming with wildlife. If you’re looking for a quiet and exclusive safari experience and enjoy walking or canoe safaris, then this is for you.

Our favourite property: Time & Tide Chongwe Camp

Chongwe River Camp has a passion for sharing the ambience of Africa with those eager to drink it in. This award-winning camp captures the natural serenity the continent has become famous for. As a result, guests come here to indulge their senses and to view wildlife and nature in one of its many magical environments.

3. Kruger National Park , South Africa

The Big 5 safari mecca of Southern Africa, the Kruger National Park, tops nearly every African bucket list. The Kruger region hosts many private concessions, as well as exclusive experiences such as night and walking safaris, and following the animals off-road are also on the menu — all things that aren’t allowed in the much busier public parks.

Kruger is great year-round. However, visiting in October means avoiding the busiest peak season. More importantly, it’s the time of year when newborn animals make their appearance!

Our favourite property: Silvan Safari

Inspired by the spirit of the trees surrounding it, Silvan Safari invites guests on a journey of rediscovery. Here they can connect with Africa’s wilderness, revive their spiritual link to the earth, and leave forever transformed.

Guest can enjoy staying in one of 6 luxurious and spacious standalone suites. While guests leave forever changed by this experience, they also form part of a much bigger journey in which Silvan partners with local communities, thereby uplifting and protecting these wildlife havens for generations to come.

4. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

This incredible wildlife sanctuary is known as one of the greatest globally, and it’s very apparent why. South Luangwa National Park is densely packed with wildlife, including over 400 bird species, offering an epic safari experience. However, it’s best known as ‘the birthplace of the walking safari’.

In October, a visit to South Luangwa gives guests the chance to see a high concentration of wildlife brought closer together by the dry season. Animals congregate in the areas where water sources are, therefore offering fascinating sightings.

Our favourite property: Chinzombo Safari Camp

Unparalleled luxury on the shores of the Luangwa River is what you can expect at Time + Tide Chinzombo. The canopy of ancient trees overhead provides an immensely tranquil and intimate setting within nature. A range of activities in this prime location include plenty of safari opportunities. And, on select evenings, guests can spend a night under the stars, covered only by a mosquito net.

5. Maasai Mara , Kenya

The Maasai Mara park is host to part of one of the most spectacular shows on earth, the Great Migration. This annual event sees millions of wildebeest, followed by gazelle and zebra, make their way across the plains. And wherever they go, the predators follow!

October is among the best times to visit the Maasai Mara, as this is when the wildebeest congregate on the plains before they begin to move south into the Serengeti. As you’d expect, the herds and all animals on their heels make for excellent game viewing. The opportunity to witness this unique natural phenomenon makes the Maasai Mara one of the best destinations for African travel in October.

Our favourite property: Angama Mara

This luxury African safari camp is located high above the floor of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, thereby overlooking the breathtaking Maasai Mara. Accommodation is in spacious tented suites stretched out over two rocky outcrops, treating guests to panoramic views. Each suite has a glass front overlooking the plains below. And all suites have spacious viewing decks, and in-room dining and lounging facilities. Moreover, safaris are tailor-made here, with activities including hot air balloon safaris, walking safaris, game drives, and Maasai village visits.

Travel to Africa in October!

African travel in October offers a variety of experiences as diverse as the continent itself. If you’re ready to explore, our team of African Travel Experts  are on hand to get the ball rolling. If you are planning further ahead, why not look at our African Travel Calendar to decide the perfect time to visit your ideal destination. 

Contact us  to bring your African dream to life.

If you liked this blog, you therefore might also like:

• Our Top Ten Places To Stay In Kenya
• “My private East Africa safari during Covid” – Guest Review
• The Best Time to Travel in Africa: Your Ultimate African Travel Calendar

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About the author 

Brad Mitchell

With a deep-set love of the outdoors and making moments count in all aspects of life, nothing makes Brad happier than taking in sunrises and sunsets. He can often be found either running, surfing or playing sports somewhere in Cape Town. Having grown up a stone's throw from Kruger, Brad jumped at the chance to live in the Cape and has never looked back since! With a background in all things Marketing, he is driven by creativity and turning crazy ideas into real-life actions!

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15 Best Countrıes to Vısıt in Afrıca

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In this tour guide, we will be opening you up to some of the best countries to visit in Africa. Those looking for the promise of an adventure and the best mother nature has to offer can expect the trip of a lifetime in Africa. From the Blue Nile and Victoria Falls to the ancient ruins and impressive UNESCO heritage, these African countries will leave you culturally-inspired on your first trip. But before you talk yourself out of visiting this magnificent continent, keep reading to discover the 15 best countries to travel in Africa that should be on your bucket list in 2020.

There is something for everyone in every African destination. While some getaways may be suited for those looking for the ultimate rest and relaxation and life as a local, other African destinations guarantee a non-stop adrenaline rush for the adventure seekers.

Whatever your reason might be, traveling to Africa guarantees an experience like no other. Are you still unsure of the best places to visit in Africa? Here are the top 15 best African vacations we recommend for your next trip.

Top 3 Best African Countries to Visit

South africa.

South Africa is perhaps the most extraordinary African destination because some parts of it look like just another place in the US or Europe. Yet, the country has everything you would expect from a typical African country and more.

Nature is unparalleled thanks to iconic natural wonders like Table Mountain, while the wildlife in Kruger National Park is considered one of the richest in the continent. Its major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg are the most cosmopolitan in Africa, while the towns can come across as unbelievably rural. Overall, the country is a bucket-list destination for so many reasons.

As the meeting point of Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East, Egypt’s significance in the history of mankind is undeniable. Many prehistoric kingdoms once occupied the area, so it is possible to find their traces all around the country. The UNESCO world heritage site of the iconic pyramids is just one example.

Besides the unique historic background, Egypt is one of the top diving destinations in Africa due to its coastline along the Red Sea. You do not have to worry about applying for your visa in advance since Egypt has a visa on arrival for visitors.

While many African destinations are becoming brimming with tourists, Ethiopia remains unspoiled even today. Its landscape has elements of both tranquility and adventure.

Erta Ale is an active volcano, which is one of the few left in the world. Witnessing the boiling lava spurt out of its crater is an experience you can never forget. Besides Erta Ale, the country offers a journey in history through monolithic churches, ancient obelisks, and Lake Tana that sources the Blue Nile.

Once you visit Ethiopia, you will see why it is one of the best African countries for your vacation.

The Best Country in Africa: Claimed 4-10 Spot

Tanzania always takes the top spot in many tourism-related lists. Its beach destinations like Zanzibar and Pemba are among the best beach and diving spots in the world. Serengeti National Park is often considered the best safari destination in Africa since it witnesses a mass wildebeest migration from surrounding parks.

While Tanzania’s landscape is unparalleled, some of the rewarding views can only be reached after long climbs. For instance, Mount Kilimanjaro has the highest peak in Africa at nearly 6000 meters, so climbing its summit can take months of preparation and planning, but it will be well worth it.

Madagascar is one of the most peaceful countries in Africa. Surrounded by the coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, it is a prime diving destination full of world-class diving facilities and luxurious resorts. Once you leave the touristy areas, you will come across quaint fishing towns, baobab trees lined up for kilometers, and national parks abundant in lemurs.

US and UK passport holders need a visa to visit Madagascar. Get your visa hassle-free from iVisa .

Although Malawi is a landlocked country, it is one of the most popular diving and beach destinations in Africa. The country owes it to the grand Lake Malawi that comprises diverse fresh-water marine life. Various beach towns around the lake offer activities like watersports, diving, fishing, and hiking.

The lake is also a great water source for wildlife, particularly leopards and antelopes. In addition, the country is known to have the friendliest people in the world, which will make your trip even more enjoyable.

Mountain gorillas have become endangered over the past few decades; luckily, Uganda’s nature still provides them with the ideal habitat of the tropical forest. Owing to the source of the River Nile Uganda has a large amount of water, which is vital for the gorillas along with various other mammals and birds. 

The country also offers a broad range of activities like traditional art festivals, volcano hikes, kayaking, and rafting.

Botswana has a long-established reputation for having the most stable economy in Africa, which consequently makes it one of the safest in the continent. It is also a prime safari destination with a large area of land dedicated to wildlife.

The semi-arid Kalahari region and Makgadikgadi Pans are occupied by various antelopes and predators that have long adapted to dry climate. In contrast, the north of the country has a more subtropical climate with an abundance of water sources in Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta. Overall, the country has a huge variety of wildlife due to the diverse climate and vegetation and is one of the best countries to visit in Africa.

Victoria Falls has been proclaimed as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world for having the largest mass of free-falling water. Because of the political dispute in Zimbabwe, tourists have shifted their focus towards Zambia that also borders the falls. 

The nearby town of Livingstone provides several affordable accommodation options for travelers. Aside from Victoria Falls, Zambia attracts tourists to its safari parks and nature reserves that are known for having some of the densest wildlife populations in Southern Africa.

Blending in Mediterranean and Arabic cultures, this northern African country has a different vibe than the rest of Africa. Nestled between the Sahara Desert in the east and the Atlantic Ocean in the west, the country offers authentic attractions combining the desert, the ocean, and the cities. 

Morocco has the best cities in Africa to visit; Marrakesh, Fez and Casablanca are vibrant and chaotic, while small cities like Chefchaouen have eccentric architecture and crafts scene. Making her one of the best countries to visit in Africa.

#11-15 Best Countries to Visit in Africa

Ghana is a country that was born from its ashes. It was under British rule for a long time as the Gold Coast, followed by years of military rule. Today, the gold resources made Ghana the economic power of West Africa. The colonial architecture is still prominent with iconic castles and forts. 

The country also has extensive ruins of the ancient Ashanti Kingdom, surrounded by rainforests, lakes, mountains, and sandy beaches. A tourist visa is required for most visitors and is valid for up to 90 days. iVisa can save you time and help you expedite your visa application process.

Along with Tanzania’s Serengeti, Masai Mara National Park in Kenya witnesses a mass animals congregating and migration of wildebeest , which makes it a phenomenal safari destination in East Africa. Yet, Masai Mara is only one of the 60 national parks in the country. 

Besides these parks, the wonders of Kenya range from pristine beaches on the Swahili Coast to historic forts and mosques in cities like Mombasa. Whether you are into history or nature, Kenya has it all in one package and is usually considered the best country in Africa.

With a small but developing tourism industry, Senegal is one of the best-kept secrets of Africa. It is also home to a thought-provoking slave-trade history, which everyone should find out to learn from past mistakes. Goree Island was once renowned as a major slave-trade fort, although it is now an area full of museums and colonial remains. 

Besides the tragic history, Senegal is the heart of wildlife in West Africa with national parks that support ecotourism. These parks are home to rare mangrove and baobab trees, as well as endangered species like the West African lions.

The sheer size of Namibia has much to be desired from the untamed wilderness and rich wildlife of this beautiful country. Unique attractions include large dunes, iconic salt pans like Sossusvlei and Etosha, desert-adapted wildlife, and the Fish River Canyon, which is the largest in Africa. 

Although the small cities like Windhoek and Swakopmund might seem deprived of activities at first look, they have a surprisingly rich German colonial architecture. Namibia is one of the African countries to visit without a visa if you are a US or UK citizen.

Cape Verde is a small archipelago in Northwest Africa. Thanks to Portuguese influence, vibrant beach towns, and volcanic landscapes, Cape Verde is considered the Brazil of Africa. The prominent ecotourism scene provides visitors with lots of hiking and water sports. 

The capital Sao Vicente hosts a carnival in February, which is nothing short of Brazil’s Rio Carnival and it is the best time of year to travel to Africa since it is the cooler part of the year. Psst! Cape Verde is a foodie’s paradise! 

Conclusion: The Best African Countries for Vacation

The best countries to visit in Africa are not limited to these 15; the continent is full of unexplored regions. In this article, we tried to highlight countries from every geographical region of Africa, offering a diverse selection of unique activities in Africa. 

You just might be consumed by wanderlust after your first adventure travel to our motherland. No matter which attraction appeals to you the most, visiting Africa is truly an eye-opening experience. Don’t be put off by your fears (or what you see on tv) and start planning today!

The FAQ’s for the Best Countries to Travel in Africa

According to the 2019 Peace Index, the three most peaceful countries in Africa are Mauritius, Botswana, and Malawi. Using this information as a guide, these countries are safe to visit. For a comprehensive list of the safest countries in Africa read this guide the 15 safest African countries to visit.

The best African countries to visit depends on what you are expecting from your trip. For those interested in wildlife, the ideal destinations are Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa. However, Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius in southeast Africa are renowned for marine life. West Africa is known for its distinct colonial architecture.

Many countries in Africa are ideal to visit all-year-round; however, most of them experience distinct dry and mild winter months, followed by hot and rainy summers. June to September is often the best time to visit for wildlife viewing because animals tend to congregate around water sources, which makes them easier to spot.

Countries in Central and East Africa still struggle with civil wars and political disputes. Somali, South Sudan, Central African Republic, and Congo might not be safe to visit especially during political turmoil, ongoing violence and threats of terrorism. 

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Nice article and well researched facts. I am a Cameroonian by birth, but current US citizen for 22 years. I have visited several countries in North America, South America, Europe, African, Middle East, and Asia. So lets just say I’m well traveled. I have lots of Nigerian friends in Cameroon, Nigeria as well as here in the US. Personally I have been to Nigeria 3 times in the past eight years, staying 2 to 3 weeks each time I visited. Being to Abuja, Lagos, port harcourt, yenagoa, oweri and calabar. My best friend from high school (she was born in Cameroon, her parents still trading in Cameroon till date) lives in Oweri with her husband and two kids. Facts- Nigeria has billionaires, rich culture, music, and hard working people. BUT, when we’re talking about tourism, Nigeria has no place on the Map. This blog is specific for travel advice for those wishing to vacation in Africa. Anyone who’s attempted traveling understands the check list you go thro when planning international trips- visa requirement, local laws, safety, site seeing, healthcare, local currency are top priority. NO ONE hops in a flight from the US to Africa to enjoy fancy 5 star hotels in Lagos or Abuja ?. People visit Africa for the game, safari, to hang out with the locals, enjoy history, nature and culture. Now those Nigerians rambling about why Nigeria is not on the list, please tell me which one of you can go home and hang out with the locals in you own town or village? Can you eat food prepared by your own cousin? If Nigeria was the best country in Africa like some of you claim why the brain drain, all your talented professionals including yourself are permanently migrating to other countries due to insecurity, witch craft, corruption, greed, high crime rate in Nigeria. chiii!!!, wunna really try ohh??? neh nehnehneh not on the list Wattin nija get to offer on tourism??? No electricity (generator noise and pollution from fuel will give you migraines) No running water ( if you dare to go carry plenty of flagyl and bactrim) wash your hands with bottle water Food is very expensive and poorly preserved Everyone tries to scam you (including the authorities) The people are not welcoming (if you don’t speak their language, they’ll not help you) I can go on and on…….. You Nigerians don’t go to sleep with both eyes closed when you go home to visit your family- FACT * I’ll not recommend my home country Cameroon either. We have electricity, running water, good food, but poor conditions of touristic attractions, poor health care.

Hi Selgie, thanks for sharing your thoughts about Nigeria. It’s always a breath of fresh air to have someone as traveled as you share your unbiased take on a country. Please reach out to us if you’d like to be a contributor to this website.

xo ~ Louisa

Iam not here to say more or less, if you are a Nigerian and you have never lift Nigerian before. Please ? is better you don’t say less of Nigeria. Am a Nigerian and I have travelled to alot of countries. I have been treated like a no body. You don’t get freedom that you get from Nigeria. Even the outsiders who lives in Nigerian have never been treated they way the treat we Nigerian in their own country. Forget what is going on now in Nigeria. Nigeria is a country where you get to explore your life itself. Which doesn’t happen I other countries. You think I’d all about killings and no light??. Is better I stay with high economy and no light Dan being treated like a problem to others. So if you are in Nigeri and have never lift there before don’t belittle your country because you see beautiful nature. Forget about the nature go and try leaving over den you will know. We Nigerian like running away from Nigeria thinking the other countries are better, the face worst than what Nigerian is facing. You won’t know because is not everything the post online. But Nigerian likes to show everything to the world and that is why we make it seem we face more. Explore other countries and see for yourself . Forget about going to another African country. Try going to other countries and see how they will make your life’s a leaving hall just because you are black. Nigeria is a home for all. Let me see who will tell me their country is better than Nigeria. Freedom is number 1. If Nigeria is so bad as you people think or see online, that means no single soul should have been left in it until now. When it comes to food ? we are game, when it comes to life we are there . When it comes to explore we are in. And you people did not add it to the list. Una get mind ooo.

Can’t take this list seriously without Zimbabwe’s inclusion. One of the most beautiful countries in Africa containing one of the world’s natural wonders Victoria Galls. How it doesn’t make this list is beyond me.

Hi Alice, please read our previous comments above about why certain countries did not make the list. Most people are VERY passionate about where they come from. If you can share more detailed information about why Zim should be on the list, it’d go a long way in our next review/update.

What’s interesting in your article is that you cite political tensions in the country from almost two decades ago. The country has moved on and I think your article must reflect sentiments on the ground. You asked for detailed information, here you go:

Zimbabwe, with attractions in almost every region, has a very developed tourism industry and is the 5th most visited country in Africa (Statista, 2019, link below). Hwange National Park, in the west of the country, has one the highest concentrations of elephants, African painted dogs and lions in the world. The Eastern Highlands, with three mountain groups (Nyanga, Bvumba and Chimanimani) is an ecoregion home to distinct grasslands, woodlands and forests and has the second highest waterfall in Africa. Lake Kariba, to the north, the world’s largest man-made lake has a large concentration of gamefish, particularly tigerfish, fish eagles patrolling its shorelines and big game on the southern Matusadona National Park. Gonarezhou National Park, to the south, has large tracts of pristine wilderness and lives up to its name which means “Place of the Elephants” with plenty more game. The most well known and Instagrammable feature of the park is the Chilijo Cliffs.

In-between and across the country, Zimbabwe boasts five World Heritage Sites: (1) Victoria Falls (of course) which can be seen all year (both wet and dry seasons) from the country’s vantage points. The town’s airport capacity, which tripled in 2016 to handle 1.7m passengers annually, makes it more accessible. The Victoria Falls Marathon has one of the most scenic routes in Africa. (2) Mana Pools National Park, one of the world’s wildest and best preserved ecological areas, is also a designated Ramsar wetland of international importance. The park is home to a remarkable concentration of elephants, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, lions, hippopotami, African painted dogs and Nile crocodiles. (3) Great Zimbabwe, a medieval city inhabited from the 9th century to the 15th century which gave the country its name. Across an area of 7.3 sq km, these ruins are the second largest in Africa after the pyramids in Egypt. (4) Matobo National Park has over 3,000 registered San rock art sites (one the highest in the world) with Bambata Cave being a major archeological site. People have interacted with these hills for over many millennia, fostering strong local religious beliefs and an almost uninterrupted association between humans and their environment over the past 100,000 years. That association continues to this day with white rhino walking safaris, popular in the park, are very much a spiritual experience. (5) Khami, a ruined city was once the capital of the Kingdom of Butua between the 15th and 17th centuries. The site has beautifully decorated 6m high walls which bear checkerboard designs across their entire length.

I could go on and include the National Art Gallery in Harare which has remarkable Shona sculpture collections. It may come as a surprise but Pablo Picasso was most certainly influenced by Zimbabwe’s Shona stone sculptures (the gallery’s first director was a close friend of his). However, I’ll stop here and encourage you to examine Picasso’s artwork to notice the striking similarities with Shona art. Thanks.

statista.com/statistics/261740/countries-in-africa-ranked-by-international-tourist-arrivals

Hi Matthew, thanks for taking the time to share concrete reasons on why Zimbabwe should be on the list of the best countries to visit in Africa. This will definitely go a long way in our review/update.

I love my country Nigeria but the problem we have is our leaders

Thanks for chiming in, Don!

Leaders are problem of every country

Fez is not a small city!! It’s the second most populated city in Morocco, after Casablanca.

Yep, you’re right!

So my sweet country Cameroon will not even near this list abi??????

You never know. Big changes could happen.???

Proudly South African here and thank you for your beautiful well researched article. I was browsing through for other best African countries to visit I have been to almost all the Southern African ones and this article was really helpful. Great work!

Hi Noxy! We are glad you found this article helpful 🙂

Inspire of Nigerias flaw, I want yall who thought it isn’t a safe place to give me Instances of any of your family members shouting save me on the phone from Nigeria to me, we’re here we live here, there’s the same insecurity here as at other countries, you want to tell me only popes and reverend fathers lives in Kenya? And nobody could ever get hurt there?, Nigeria greatness shouldn’t be suppressed just because most of yall watch too much local news, if you really wanna Diss a country? Go there first, Nigeria is heaven on earth, even God and Satan had their worst times in heaven, that’s exactly what’s going on here, your article shows alot of discrimination and BS!

“Heaven on earth?” I humbly disagree. If you took the time to read the article or the bio section of the writers, you’ll get a better perspective. And please watch your words! FYI: This is an open platform, and curse words will not be tolerated.

Hi, I found this article immensely beautiful and comprehensive. Thanks so much.

I want to urge my fellow Nigerians, that are ridiculing the author’s wise decision to exclude Nigeria from the list to be more honest with themselves.

Even we that live here want to get out. We hate the fear, the cost of living, the insecurity.

How can one be so blinded by sentiments to say Nigeria should be on the list?

I am a Nigerian, and I have lived here all my life. I can tell you categorically, Nigeria is NOT a safe place to visit.

The daily news are horrible. Not to talk about the insane rise in money rituals, kidnapping, bomblast…

Oh common, let’s call a spade a spade.

Nigeria is a GREAT country. No doubt. But our leaders have made it a hell hole for us.

The corruption, wickedness and greed has brought us to where we are today.

I’m currently serving (NYSC) in Kwara state, and I made the decision that I would not travel back home till I’m done, why?

The roads are horrible.

All my bones ached badly, and for a journey that should take 4 hours, it took us 8 good hours. It was that bad, travelling from Ilorin to Patigi.

Since I got here, I have not been able to keep up with my online business that much, because there is NO LIGHT.

How is that okay?

No light, no water.

I suffered terribly the time I got here. I am just getting used to the situation of things and all. But that doesn’t mean things are getting better. They’re getting worse.

The bloodshed is much. The internet fraud is huge. Nigeria currently isn’t the best place to visit in Africa. Except you have the resources to stick to the luxurious places, have a tight security etc, and how is that for fun. It could as well pass for a formal function.

You lose the pleasure and joy when you are so damn security conscious.

I know stories. I don’t just want to say more.

I believe we will be better soon. I believe Nigeria will rise to become one of the most sought for in the world. I do. But till then, keep awake, and try to stays safe.

PS: I’m having thoughts of leaving Nigeria to another African country. Which would you suggest? I’m looking at a place with lots of potential, good living conditions, and economy.

Hi Meshack, thanks for your feedback and personal insight on your life in Nigeria. I hope everything gets better soon.

Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, and Malawi. If you’re open to moving outside of Africa, Canada is a great place for skilled immigrants. CanadaWiz has some helpful information.

xo – Louisa

Where can Nigeria travel to and live with peace

There are so many African countries you can move to. I am a Nigerian and I can relate to the recent happenings in the country.

You can stay in Visa free countries like Ghana or Benin Republic. I would recommend Benin because I met some Nigerians there in Dantokpa market (igbos) and Fidjrosse too. However, Benin is francophone but some understand english especially when you live among the Nigerians.

Hi Magdalene, thanks for providing personal suggestions to Osayande! We appreciate when our readers help each other out.

Good talker. Hope you get a million bucks for defaming and ridiculing your own nation. Corper you say? Have you thought of a reason to make your LCDA very important and do the work? Have you made any reasonable innovation and invention in your undergraduate days? Have you submitted a paper for review in the national newspaper to show how you really care for your country? I’d rather you haven’t. When you do it, teach people to do it too. That’s how we all learn to make the nation a better place

Bros, you just said rubbish. Absolute nonsense! What are taking about? Who is defacing which country? This country has no image within and outside of it. Everything said in the post you commented on are spot on. Where is the enabling environment for anything in Nigeria. You sound like one of the privileged few who don’t even know what’s up with the majority. This country is beyond redemption, everything is wrong! Everything! And you here talking rubbish. Paper kor paper ni. A country that celebrates mediocrity?? You amaze me.

I am surprised that D.R.Congo is classified an unsafe country to visit. But I can remind people here that it is not true and that 80% of the country is peaceful and quiet. Only 20% in NE region where there is some rebels groups created by the same people refusing others to come, so that they can continuous to stealing minerals without being noticed.

Am so impressed by your article. But sadly Liberia isn’t part.

Hello Mackula, I’ve heard great things about Liberia. What’s some note-worthy information about Liberia that you can provide to our readers about why we should list it as one of the best countries to visit in Africa in the next round?

By analysis Liberia should be among the 15 best African countries to visit, despite the past security problems we had, Liberia is now a peaceful nation and a beautiful nation to visit. Let me take you to Robertsport where you have the lake Piso sharing a sandy beach with the Atlantic ocean, and not forgotten one of the nation most beautiful lake in Bomi, the blue lake and many other. I will appreciate you going back to your listing.

Sadly these didn’t add tchad?

Loved to read the different comments about African Countries… Broadens my horizons too although I am a born and bred African myself… Proudly Namibian! I felt a lack of exposure to my beautiful and deffinitely unique country in the recomondations you made. So I would like to extend a friendly welcome to all who are interested in visiting the vast modern ànd ancient country of Namibia in future. With a small population of just over 2 million come experience space and freedom wherever you travel in this country of total contrasts and history. The Namib desert, oldest in the world, nestled right against the rich sealife of the Atlantic Ocean… excellent, well experienced safari companies to choose from to bring you to all the big 5 wildlife, rivers, tropical scenery, rock formations, historical places and modern fun and enjoyment that you crave for when on holiday. Our roads and guesthouses/farms are of the best on the continent and friendliness & politeness are our top charateristics! Allmost all who visits Namibia wants to come back and stay for good. Make a good and informed choice my fellow travellers! Ciao. Petro

Loved to read the different comments about African Countries… Broadens my horizons too although I am a born and bred African myself… Proudly Namibian! I felt a lack of exposure to my beautiful and deffinitely unique country in the recomondations you made. So I would like to extend a friendly welcome to all who are interested in visiting the vast modern ànd ancient country of Namibia in future. With a small population of just over 2 million come experience space and freedom whereever you travel in this country of total contrasts and history. The Namib desert, oldest in the world, nestled right against the rich sealife of the Atlantic Ocean… excellent, well experienced safari companies to choose from to bring you to all the big 5 wildlife, rivers, tropical scenery, rock formations, historical places and modern fun and enjoyment that you crave for when on holiday. Our roads and guesthouses/farms are of the best on the continent and friendliness & politeness is our top charateristics! Allmost all who visits Namibia wants to come back and stay for good. Make a good and informed choice my fellow travellers! Chau

Hello Pedro, wow! You’ve sold me on Namibia. Fantastic work! I agree that Namibia is a great place to experience several African cultures. According to the 2021 Global Peace Index by the Vision of Humanity organization, the best part is ranked # 10 among the safest African countries, so that’s an added benefit.

Rwanda also should be in this list

Hello Mwezi, I love Rwanda and completely agree it should be on the list. We’ve taken note of that and will compare it to the other countries on the list when we update the post.

I can see African are trying as a continent. But I don’t know why Nigeria is not among the lists…

Hello Prince, please see our previous comments. Cheers, Lydia!

Pls try adding Nigeria, she’s one of the most colorful and beautiful places in west Africa

Hi, Mide thanks for the request to add Nigeria to this list of the best countries to visit in Africa. It’s no doubt that Nigeria is a colorful and beautiful country in Africa. Per requests, we looked into potentially adding Nigeria to this list.

However, hearing about things like kidnapping, ransom, and armed robbery on the Lagos-Kaduna train – this makes you raise an eyebrow about safety as a solo tourist. Please see our previous comments about why Nigeria did not make the list.

Great little List. With so many countries it is certainly difficult to narrow it down. I think you have done a tremendous job.

Rightfully SA is often seen as the gateway to Africa and is at the top of the list. I personally think Namibia is very beautiful and a unique country in this big world and for travellers who are coming to SA it is easy to combine these 2 countries if you are spending a few weeks in Southern Africa.

Be sure to take a trip up to Vic Falls too.

What do u think that ivory coast is not also part of those top vacation country plse u need to revisits this listing.

Hello Rodrigue, I appreciate your feedback and we’ll access it to the other countries when we update the post.

oh i really love going to africa well i haven’t been to other countrie like kenya or ethiopia but i do love ghana and i had alot of fun in nigeria(benin kingdom..lagos..abuja etc.)so i was wondering why isn’t nigeria included?…my point is nigeria lacks electricity and has bad roads but is still one of the best country in africa and their culture is delightful i mean i can’t stop thinking you have something against that country…i mean why else would you not include africa number one country???

Hello Alex, I agree with you that Nigeria has a rich culture. However, I would say several other countries have a great culture like Nigeria and have the necessary amenities to have a comfortable vacation, hence why Nigeria isn’t on the list. I hope that helps!

Nigeria is full of corruption

eish the way people hate zimbabwe hahah, its in the top 10 most visited countries every year with 2million plus visitors and you dont include it in your list ,despite politics more people still visit zimbabwe annually and the only country in southern africa which receives more visitors than zimbabwe is south Africa ,anywhere its your opinion …..

Which African countries is best to go for vacation with the family of 6, age 3, 4 and 7 and two adults, and how many days is good to stay considering the fact that one will not have any help but we want to enjoy the best of other African country,

Hello Tony, that’s super exciting that you’re looking to visit Africa with your family! For a family-friendly location, I would say Botswana, Ghana, and Morocco are good locations to consider.

Hi. Somalia is africa specially hon of africa. Somalia has many things such as two Rivers,largest sea in Africa. Form and land Animals. In time of security lang tine was bad but now is more Stable 100%.

Hello Ahmed, we appreciate your comment. I’m certain Somalia’s security is getting better, however, it’s still ranked at the bottom of the list and is currently at 158 out of 163 countries in the world for global peace so it still has a long way to go.

Nigeria should be among the top three to visit in Africa And you fail to mention it among the top 15

Nigerians are warm welcome people and Nigeria has a great destinations to explore #VisitNigeria

Hi Omotosho, thanks for taking the time to leave a comment about Nigeria not making this list of the 15 best countries to visit in Africa. We do agree that Nigeria is a beautiful country with welcoming people and an amazing destination to explore. But when you hear about kidnapping and Boko-haram and the current state of security, transportation conditions… it’s obvious that traveling solo as a tourist might not be the smartest idea (outside of Lagos and Abuja). Please see our previous comments about why Nigeria did not make the list.

You guys are unbelievable , you couldn’t even add Nigeria in the top 5

Nigeria????? Nigerians are not warm welcoming people. I am a Veteran of the US Army. I live in America; needless to say every Nigerian I have met was rude, arrogant, and let’s not leave out very shunning. The only reason why passage is allowed to Modern day Africans is because of our enslaved ancestors, we as Americans come from our enslaved ancestors called “AFRICANS.” Nigerians please stop looking down on Black America; when you do that you show ignorance. To look down on Black Americans is to look down on yourself, and please stop judging Black Americans we have it hard enough. Shalom.

Hello Levarn,

I’m so sorry to hear about your experience. Hopefully, I can make it up to you! 🙂 Regardless of the country or nation, there are good people everywhere and not-so-good ones. I bet you’ve had a negative experience with specific Nigerians you’ve encountered. So here’s my challenge to you! Please send us an email with the number of Nigerians you had in your not-so-good list, and I’ll connect you with twice as many Nigerians what will make you feel like family. How about that? Are you up for the challenge?

Why is Togo not part of the list

Hi, Takpeidin please read the details about each country that made the list as one of the best countries to visit in Africa and give us a few compelling reasons why Togo should be on the list.

I’ve been reading your sh***thing replies to people who asked why Nigeria isn’t on that list, and I feel like purging rn, you’re undeniably biased and you have a thing against a country you read about it flaws online and never been there, Google is your friend, get a book, watch documentaries and broaden your knowledge about Nigeria and forget the boko haram BS, that in northern Nigeria and its an insurgency it doesn’t even say you must find your way into it, Nigeria is the best place anyone can visit cos I don’t even know where to start, I’m from the South West and I can’t imagine how surprised you are that you’re being brain washed when you come here, enjoy your boring Botswana and Ghana in peace then

I swear. It seems they forgot why is called the Giants of Africa. Abi the thought it was just a given name. You people should better come to your right senses about Nigeria oooo.

It will be nice if Nigeria would be include in the list’, but with those stupid leaders we have, that can’t happen

It’s too bad! Nigeria and Congo DR have soooooo much potential!

It will be nice if Nigeria would be included,’ but with those stupid leaders we have, that can’t happen

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Amos. If a few traveling and safety concerns could be addressed, Nigeria would undoubtedly be a hot spot for travelers and tourists.

Could you please recommend Uganda’s Unique mountain gorillas, note that Uganda is a home of half of the world’s apes (mountain gorillas). And the source of the Nile!

Thanks for the suggestion, Alex! We really appreciate your feedback.

But Victoria falls is more beautiful on the Zimbabwean side not Zambia

Ha, I completely agree Blessing! Great job rooting for Zimbabwe . It’s definitely an area we need to include when we update this post.

What about Madagascar??

Hello Noela, Madagascar is one of those countries we tend to forget since it’s not on the mainland. However, I completely agree with you! It will be a great addition to the list! We’ll be sure to do that when we update the post.

Love, Lydia

What about Benin? And for food what would rank as the countries you visited with best food in Africa?

You forget to mention the smiling coast of Africa the Gambia. Beautiful country, friendly people nice beaches Gambia is one of the safest and peaceful country in Africa

Hello Gagum,

I have heard many great things about The Gambia – the food, the beaches, and the people, plus it’s affordable. I’ve added it to our list when we visit West Africa. We’ll definitely include it in our post once we update it.

You state that Namibia is a country that “leaves plenty to be desired.” But the statement of leaving plenty (or, alternatively, much) to be desired is used to express that something is lacking; it’s insufficient. It needs work. Did you mean to say it HAS much to be desired? That would make far more sense in relation to your recitation of the variety of offerings the country brings.

Hi Brian, thanks for catching that. I’ve just updated the post. I really appreciate you taking the time to drop a comment.

Namibia is great the way it is. Do not need a lot of people coming in or thru

Your comment about Namibia; namely, “the sheer size of Namibia leaves plenty to be desired from the untamed wilderness and rich wildlife of this beautiful country,” was surely meant as a compliment but the phrase “leaving plenty (or alternatively, much) to be desired” is really an expression that something is inadequate, insufficient; lacking. It’s a soft insult to express something needs improvement rather than stated that something is flawed, but it is by no means a laudatory statement.

GREAT information! My husband and I would love to travel to Africa with our two kids (16 yr old & 10 yr old). We want to experience all of it, the culture, the safari, the beach, sightseeing, and shopping. What do you suggest?

Hello KG, thanks for reaching out! If this is your first time visiting Africa, then I’ll recommend either South Africa, Kenya, or Zanzibar for two reasons:

• They either don’t require a visa or getting one is super easy -> use iVisa.com to get your visa.
• Planning your trip from the US is easy. You can plan the major parts of your trip before you get there. Use Booking.com for your hotel and TripAdvisor for your activities.

Tips: I recommend having only your must-have activities planned out, so you have some flexibility when you get there.

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

I am located in California US … and I am planing a family trip of 6 adult and 4 kids to Africa … never been that far from home and I was doing research on the best place to go … Africa is so big and I want us especially the kids to experience the culture … your article was very help but I’m still unsure how to plan a great and safe trip … can you tell me about Ghana … I want a safari but I also want the interact with the locals and shopping.

Hello AJ, thanks for reaching out! I’m glad you find out post helpful. I have not personally visited Ghana but my sister has so am sure I can get the information you need from her and share it with you. Ghana is great for experiencing the real African culture. However, it doesn’t have the best safari experience. East and Southern Africa have the best safari on the continent with Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe taking the lead in those regions.

So, it really depends on what you want to do. If going on a safari is on your must-do list and you want some culture, I would recommend Kenya or Botswana . You’ll be able to get both for the price of one. If you have any other questions, please feel free to respond to the comments here. We can also take the conversation via email or over the phone. Just say the word! 🙂

Try Gambia, peaceful and relaxing. Friendly people..check out on YouTube the BAG FAMILY in the Gambia or blaxit

The Gambia is great! However, keeps in mind it’s a small country, so if you plan to spend more than a week, you may run out of activities to do with the kids.

Proudly Kenyan!… we love visitors and are very hospitable. Najivunia!

Hello Najivunia, I couldn’t agree more! We got back from our East African trip a few days ago and enjoyed our stay in Kenya . You are very hospital people, and I loved the food and activities. I gained 20 lbs in 6 weeks!!! Now, I have to hit the gym, but it was well worth it.

P.S. – You’ll have to watch your back because your sister country, Tanzania , is really upping their game. But they have a ways to go. BTW, the view of Mt. Kilimanjaro is still better from Kenya 😉

great country,i would love visit kenyan in the future.

Nigeria should surely be on this list?

Hello Dr. Peter, I respectfully disagree. This is the third comment I’ve received about adding Nigeria to the list so I want to list a few reasons why Nigeria didn’t make the cut:

• Getting a visa to Nigeria is a pain; they want you to come physically to the embassy to get a visa. For anyone living out of state, that’s time and money that get expensive. The last time we visited, we had to use an agency to get our visa and it cost us $350 each. In contrast, we applied for our visa online for Kenya! It was stress-free and we got approval in less than 48 hours and it only cost us only $50 when we applied directly to the Kenyan embassy. For a hassle-free visa experience, iVisa can help you get most visas to Africa . Also, the Nigerian embassy in D.C and New York were not operational for several months; 5 months the last year. I’m not sure what the current status is.
• A lot of places in Nigeria do not have basic services that American or international travels will expect without paying a fortune for it. For example, lack of steady electricity, bad roads, even the US Uber app doesn’t work (as of the last time we traveled) so we had to have a friend help us order Uber using their own “local” app.
• Lack of security is huge. I don’t feel safe traveling to Nigeria with all the insecurity. I would advise against traveling to Nigeria especially now with more unemployed youth. It was bad before but now, it’s getting worse.

So, the next time someone else says “Nigeria should be on the list,” please provide 3 reasons why it’s better than the other counties on this list. Thanks!

You are being sentimental, Uber, Bolt and Opay rides all work in Nigeria so that’s a big lie, in terms of electricity Nigeria doesn’t have constant electricity but it depends on the city you visited that’s if you actually did, Nigeria is one of the countries with the best roads in Africa and one of the most expensive roads we are y’all of roads that each Kilometer costs #6.2 billion naira that’s more than $15 million dollars per kilometer, I bet all those countries you listed above apart from Egypt and South Africa can afford the Lagos Island bridge the longest in west Africa, imagine Lagos as the smallest state in Nigeria has the fourth Largest Economy in Africa if it were to be a Country it would be richer than those countries you mentioned.. Talking of insecurity All the countries in Africa has same problem of insecurity, so why exaggerating it and pointing it to one country, non of the Countries mentioned above has better a Military than Nigeria, Nigeria has the best Land Army in the world, Nigeria is one of the best countries in Africa you don’t need to be a Nigerian for you to all this fact, to see their rich culture and huge development in Nigeria, you had a girlfriend their that broke your heart better express your anger to her rather than generalizing and saying bad things about her country..

Hi James, before I respond to your comment please share valid stats on where you got this information from: 1. “Nigeria is one of the countries with the best roads in Africa” 2. “All the countries in Africa has same problem of insecurity” 3. “Nigeria has the best Land Army in the world” 4. “you had a girlfriend their that broke your heart better express your anger to her”

Lolzz. Truth is, as a Nigerian ,living in Nigeria ( Abuja ,city center) for that matter, I don’t even feel remotely safe, and I discourage my family and friends from visiting till further notice. We need to be honest.

Getting a visa in Nigeria depends on so many things and can’t really say much about that for now. For security all countries has this same issues, incredible India has challenges with security but people still visit there. It is important you get a good tour guide and he plan all for you to make it lovely. Nigeria is still the best country you can visit in Africa…

Hmm Makanjuola, you have a point. With a “good tour guide,” I see the possibility of a tourist visiting Nigeria and feeling mildly safe. But this still doesn’t level up the playing field for Nigeria to make the cut. This is definitely a hot debate as most readers believe that their home country/motherland deserves to make the list. But being objective with the information we have, Nigeria is not one of the best countries to visit in Africa as discussed above/previous comments. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

Well I totally disagree with you on this. Firstly, you said “the Nigerian embassy in DC and New York weren’t functional last year”. Well, we all know how bad the pandemic was for the tourism industry last year. The Nigerian embassy in DC was not functional obviously due to COVID-19. Secondly,There are Places in Nigeria with basic amenities as good as places in the USA. Maybe you haven’t been to the newly built Eko Atlantic in Lagos, Nigeria. There are also places like VI and ikoyi where tourist can stay. I wouldn’t deny that we lack of electricity is a great deal in Nigeria in some parts of Nigeria, but then, there are still places where we have it in abundance. And we also have other electricity facilities to satisfy the needs and convenience of tourists. I bet you won’t go to a place as a tourist and be allowed to stay without electricity. The Transportation app Uber works so well and taxify app which is also an alternative works so well here too and are very much affordable. You also talked about security issues. The truth is;there are security issues everywhere in the world. However, the way they’re been manage differs and the location also matters. And for your information, There are states with no security issues in Nigeria. Example is lagos. Nigerian youths are also known for their hardwork and excellence. in the sense that, we do not need to be employed to be relevant. They venture into small scale and tech businesses that help them survive. If it was as bad as you stated, everyone living here would be dead by now and people from citizens of the US, Europe, etc wouldn’t be coming here to become an expatriate. My point is, Nigeria is also a competent African country for tourists to visit. Here are some beautiful places you can visit in Nigeria as a tourist??

Agbokim Waterfalls Agodi Gardens Andoni Elephant Sanctuary Aso Rock Bar Beach, Lagos Benue River Biu Plateau Bina Footprint Chad Basin Cross River National Park Emotan Statue Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls Ezeagu waterfalls Gashaka Gumti National Park Gurara Waterfalls Ibeno Beach Idanre Hill Ikogosi Warm Springs Isaac Boro Park Kainji Dam Kainji National Park Kamuku National Park Lake Chad Mambilla Plateau Mandara Mountains Millennium Park (Abuja) Mount Patti National Arts Theatre National War Museum, Umuahia National Stadium Abuja New Afrika Shrine Ngwo Pine forest Niger River Oban Hills Obudu Cattle Ranch Obudu Plateau Ogbunike Caves Okomu Forest Reserve Okomu National Park Old Oyo National Park Olumo Rock Oron Museum Osun-Osogbo Port Harcourt Tourist Beach Queen Amina Statue Sir Lugard Empire Hill Sukur Cultural Landscape Tinapa Resort Yankari National Park Zuma Rock

Hi Tosin, thanks for the open dialogue about Nigeria. Although we stand by our decision about Nigeria not making the cut for being one of the best countries to visit in Africa (re: our points above), Nigeria is a country that is rich and diverse with so much to offer. You’ve made a great argument and even took it a step further by sharing unique places tourists should visit in Nigeria. At this point, we’ll leave it up to people to read this post and your comment before deciding if they should/should not travel to Nigeria.

I totally agree with you. Nigeria should not even come close to this list. And yes,I am Nigerian. Anyone that cares about staying alive whike on vacation should please try these African countries listed. Don’t even dream of Nigeria.

I appreciate your honesty! I’m glad another Nigerian can be brutally honest to provide invaluable feedback for our readers. Thank you!

Hello Oge Chidube, I appreciate your blunt statement. However, your comment is quite exaggerated. I am also a Nigerian. I stumbled on this page, in my attempt to take a vacation. I have visited many other pages and i can say that the issue of insecurity is not peculiar to Nigeria alone; It’s a global menace. Please, let honesty be honesty. Meanwhile, I respect the opinion of africawanderlust about why Nigeria did not make “their” list. Let’s leave it up to people to make their findings beyond this page and decide. I wish everyone a safe and pleasant trip.

I really like Kenya and Tanzania, others like Morocco, Egypt, Madagascar, Ethiopia and Cape Verde look super cool too, but yes so many beautiful countries, the great lakes region looks awesome as well, it’s unfortunate that some countries have political and economic issues as I’ve known many great people from countries like Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan, and others, i think Kenya would be my 1st pick to visit

Hello Troy, thanks for your comment! I completely agree with you. We just came back from our East African trip literally 6 days ago, and Kenya was one of the countries we visited. We went hiking, snorkeling, and the usual tourist activities. It was very easy lovely.

Kenya is a great choice but if you plan to work from Kenya while you’re visiting, consider the time difference. We live on the West Coast, and it was brutal for us to work from Kenya (using PST time zone) because we had an extended trip (6 weeks). For that reason, I would recommend people go to Morocco instead if they’ll be working on their trip. The time difference will work in your favor.

Great article guys! I’m glad to see my country, Ethiopia in the list?. I’ve also always wanted to visit other countries in Africa and this article was very helpful.

Thanks, Meski. Glad you found this article helpful.

I made a promise to my 78 year old mother that I would take her to Africa before she or I died. I’m 59 & she’s 78, this will be our first time traveling to the Mother Land from New Orleans Louisiana. Your article provided me with pertinent details about each area of the continent has to offer its tourist. Due to both of our physical mobility issues I am lending more towards Ghana. With the historical slave trade documented evidence I think this would be the best choice for my family.

Hi Cheryl, I’m so glad you found this article helpful. Please keep us updated on your trip to Ghana. We’d love to hear your feedback.

Hi Lydia, I just saw your article and I love it. Weldone .Please what about Nigeria?

I’m glad you like our content, Conny. Please see my previous comment about Nigeria. Thanks!

What about Nigeria?????

Hello James, Nigeria is not one of the easiest or safest African countries so I wouldn’t recommend it to most people only if you have a trusted family member that can help you with all the quirks before and after your arrival.

You do not know anything about Nigeria obviously. Pls I strictly recommend you do a good research thoroughly, before writing any article about any country here. I’m sorry to say, but it’s a shame you’re exceedingly outdated ?

Hello Jethro, I can tell how enthusiastic a lot of folks are about Nigeria. However, here’re the facts! The 2021 Global Peace Index was just released, and Nigeria is ranked 146 out of 163 countries globally. Put differently, it’s ranked the bottom 6th of all countries in the world based on peace. So I know Nigeria has a lot of culture and great food and people, but we can’t underemphasize the safety of the people considering visiting the country. We want our readers to be informed to make an educated decision about the African country that best fits their needs.

South Africa is on another level believe me!

I couldn’t agree more, Noel!

Very cool! You guys do a great job with your selections, pictures, and information.

Do you also post on Instagram?

Thanks! James

Hello James,

We’re glad you enjoyed our post. Here’s our Instagram account . We’re still working on posting consistently. Thanks for the friendly reminder. We’ll be sure to do that in March when we’re on our trip to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda.

Guys, I just came across your site and article. Absolutely LOVE all that you’ve shared 🙂 We’d like to visit the continent in 2021 and really can’t decide where to go to given what’s going on around the world… You article has given us a lot of excitement though 🙂

Thanks for sharing your thought! Yeah, we love traveling around the world and also experiencing other countries’ cultures. However, Africa is in its own class since there are so many things to do, so there’s always something for everyone.

If you’ll enjoy a safari, any of the Southern African countries is the way to go. I would go with Botswana since it’s safe and is ranked one of Africa’s best safari places.

If you like the beach, then Eastern Africa is where you should look. Tanzania and Kenya have great beaches; however, my first choice will be Zanzibar in Tanzania. It will take tour breath away.

If you enjoy culture, then you’re looking at West Africa. There’s a lot to learn about colonization and the slave trade, and a more exciting part of history. Ghana and the Gambia are great choices, but Ghana is the way to go!

If you like the outdoors, then you’ll enjoy North Africa. Morocco is a good first place to visit. You can do dunes bugging, which is a lot of fun, and walk around the street markets.

I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Please note that the Picture under Egypt is for the Pyramids of Giza, not the Karnak Temple. Please fix it.

Great article though.

OMG! Thanks for catching this. Fixed now 🙂

what about algeria?

Hello Mohamed,

We haven’t personally been to Algeria yet, however, due to the current usability of the region, we wouldn’t be adding it to our list of best African countries to visit at this time. Please let us know if you have any other questions.

This is a great article. I love your website. I have a question. Which country would you recommend for someone who is visiting Africa for the first time? We are not keen on North Africa nor Wildlife. Senegal? Ethiopia? Someplace which is more cultural and where we can get the real African motherland vibe? Thank you 🙂

Hello Gopi,

If you’re visiting Africa for the first time, I recommend you visit a place that’s safe, has good transportation, and reliable internet. Most African countries are full of culture so you can’t go wrong there. If it was my first time and I don’t know a local in that country, I’ll go to Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, or Cape Town. Hope this helps! Please us know if you have any other questions.

We’re about to plan a trip to Eastern Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda) in early March so we’ll have some more updated information.

Hi what of Nigeria

Hello Enny, please see my previous comments about Nigeria. Thanks!

Don’t mind dose Nigerians claiming Rights 2 b listed dere, I luv d fact is not dere so dat Naija should sit up , we are only were known 4 just population nd business (be it music, Nollywood, trading e.t.c) nd notin more . Infact most of our Nigerians population are densely in 4 major areas , namely Lagos, Abuja , Kano nd Port Harcourt .The indigene of a state usually move to better towns like Port Harcourt nd Lagos . So how would dey recommend it 4 any1 to spend Vacation, when the citizens can’t even stay in there own state of origin . SO DON’T MIND THEM

Thanks for chiming in, Robert!

We’re glad you enjoyed the read Odusanya! Please let us know how we can enhance your travel experience.

Hello Am justice

Hello Justice, it’s nice to meet you! How can we be of help or assistance?

Tunisia should be in this list. Even in Top 5. I was there in January 2020. Have beautiful places like Tunis, carthage, el-kef, tabatka, ain dirham, sousse, hammamat. And the food is just so tasty. Not to mention the wonderful people who are so friendly and helpful.

Hello Jasem,

I completely agree with you. Tunisia is beautiful and it has very friendly people like most places in Africa since that’s the culture. We’ll be sure to include it as one of the additional places when we expand to the top 20 best African countries to visit. Keep the feedback coming.

Please what is your cost then

Hello Okafor,

Can you please expand on your question for clarity? I want to make sure I’m providing you with the most accurate information.

I absolutely loved Zimbabwe, and from there you can take a tour to Botswana for safaris near the border, best time of my life, the border also takes you to Zambia, the problem is Zimbabwe requires visas for most countries and it’s difficult to obtain, Also enjoyed Southafrica, but as you say it’s more a western city. Democratic Republic of Congo was plagued by war but original.

Africa is the best destination trip you can take, congrats on the very accurate comments you make.

Thanks for the comment, Ciervo! I’m glad you enjoyed your trip to Zimbabwe and you had a trip of a lifetime! That’s a great tip about visiting Botswana when you’re in Zimbabwe. We did the same thing from South Africa and the Botswana visa on arrival was easy, the country is clean, and they are a zero-free corruption country. We enjoyed ourselves when we visited so I highly recommend it. What’s your next African vacation destination?

Someone listed alot of places that could be tourist centers in Nigeria. Like seriously??? Aso rock?? What exactly can one do in Aso rock??? And most of the places listed are not even kept in good shape. Nigeria has lots of potential but that’s not enough to put it on this list. Our roads are in horrible states, i don’t even want to mention the daily kidnapping and killings. Oh please! Thanks to the publisher for excluding Nigeria from the list. Maybe sometime in the future, when the country becomes what it’s supposed to be.

Hey I love Kenya! It definitely deserves where u put it

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Where To Go In Africa In October

Where to go in east africa in october, where to go in southern africa in october, south africa in october: cape town, zambia in october.

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itineraries

Although we tailor-make all our trips we have reproduced a number of popular itineraries here

Map of Africa

• ZAMBIA & MALAWI
• SOUTH AFRICA
• SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE

INDIAN OCEAN

Suggested itineraries in October

The ultimate walking safari exploring zimbabwe's wilderness.

Walking safaris are the most unique way to discover the African landscape; with the fragile ecosystem underfoot walking helps you...

Classic South Africa: A Wildlife & Wine Lovers' Tour

If you want to soak up the most spectacular stretch of South Africa’s coastline and spot the Big Five in...

Best-of-the-Best South Africa: A Short but Exquisite Tour

Being short on time doesn't mean you have to miss out on the best of the best. This itinerary showcases...

South Africa in Style: Cape, Kalahari & Safari

When you visualise South Africa, do you dream of epic star-filled skies, charming colonial heritage and unparalleled game spotting –...

Starlit South Africa: The Dream Luxury Honeymoon

Your honeymoon: where memories that last a lifetime are made and the trip that has to be nothing short of...

South Africa with the Kids: A Zero Jet Lag Family Holiday

Exploring the world through children’s eyes can be a magical experience and South Africa is an absolutely fantastic family holiday...

Gourmet South Africa - The Cape, Garden Route & Safari

One of the best ways to get to know South Africa is by sampling its local specialities and remarkable wines...

Self-drive South Africa: An Epic Road Trip

Experience all the romance and adventure of an epic road trip, whilst staying in the lap of luxury as you...

A Classic Botswana Circuit – Wildlife & Waterways

Looking for an African wildlife adventure that won’t break the bank? Pack those khakis and binoculars and head off on...

A Grand Safari Migration – Follow in the Footsteps of Botswana’s Giants

This epic safari will transport you from the mighty Chobe River to the magical waterways of the Okavango and end...

Safari in Style – The Ultimate Botswana Safari

Imagine sipping an ice-cold G & T in your plunge pool whilst watching a breeding herd of elephant splashing and...

Safari with the Kids - A Luxurious Family Holiday to Botswana

A safari with kids can seem daunting but in Botswana, careful thought and planning has gone into making sure that...

A Safari of Discovery - Botswana Off-the-beaten-track

Walking with the Kalahari Bushmen, floating on a viewing hide watching the great African Zebra migration and canoeing or walking...

The Perfect Botswana Honeymoon

The Okavango evokes images of still waters, waterlilies with a back drop of elephant and ridiculously beautiful sunsets – a...

Namibia Express: Sossusvlei, Damaraland & Etosha

This compact Namibia journey manages to pack the hotspots of Sossusvlei, Damaraland and Etosha into just 7 nights, capturing the...

Namibia: Deserts, Dunes, Wildlife & Coastlines

This sweeping tour of Namibia leaves no stone unturned. From climbing the heady heights of Dune 45 at Sossusvlei to...

Starry-Eyed Namibia: The Ultimate Romantic Getaway

Enjoy a great big dreamy dollop of romance with this 13-day exclusively guided holiday. With its divine landscapes, luxurious lodgings...

Namibia with the kids in tow 

Travelling with the kids can often feel like a daunting task! Our family friendly safari promises to keep the kids...

Namibia in Style: A heady mix of safari, dunes & culture

This Grand and wholly indulgent tour is crafted to showcase Namibia’s finest lodgings in the most remote and eye-wateringly beautiful...

Namibia Off The Beaten Track

Ever dreamt of climbing the world’s highest free-standing dunes, trekking across the moonlike Namib Desert or tracking the rare and...

Beach Bliss on the Magical Island of Benguerra

This romantic and idyllic beach holiday works perfectly in combination with a safari or on its own for those wanting...

Best-of-the-Best Mozambique at Santorini & Benguerra

This super stylish Mozambique beach holiday combines the beautiful Santorini Mozambbique and Azura Benguerra. The holiday begins with an international...

Cultural Mozambique – A Historical Journey in the Footsteps of Vasco da Gama

This fascinating holiday takes you on a journey into the historical world heritage site of Ilha de Mozambique in the...

Sublime Island-Hopping in the Quirimbas Archipelago

This exotic island-hopping experience is, in our view, the ultimate way to experience Mozambique’s pristine and unspoilt Quirimbas Archipelago in...

A Blockbuster of Southern Africa – Cape Town, Okavango Delta & Victoria Falls

Ever dreamt of climbing Table Mountain or gliding through the Okavango on a mekoro or drinking Earl Grey tea overlooking...

Beach, Wildlife & Waterfalls - An epic holiday to South Africa, Botswana, Zambia & Mozambique

If you have time on your hands and are seeking an unforgettable African adventure which leaves no stone unturned, look...

From Namibia to South Africa - Whales, Dunes, Shipwrecks & Wildlife

Take a spectacular coastal expedition beginning in Namibia at the greatest dunes on Earth in Sossusvlei and ending along the...

An African Extravaganza: Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe & Mozambique

This once-in-a-lifetime holiday is a celebration of Africa’s most prized hotspots. A sweeping journey from the highest dunes in Africa...

Events in October

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Where to go in Africa in October

One of the best months for a safari and beach holiday.

October is one of the best times to be in Mauritius or visit Seychelles, and coupled with this month falling  at the very end of the dry season in all the National Parks and reserves across Southern and East Africa - it makes a safari and beach holiday an irresistable combination. 

Quick 'At a Glance' Summary

• The migrating wildebeest return to the Serengeti
• Daily whale watching opportunities in Hermanus
• Widely considered to be THE best time to visit Mauritius and Seychelles
• Exceptional game viewing in Zambia and Zimbabwe's Nationals Parks

October is widely considered to be one of the best months to travel to the tropical island of Mauritius. The weather is pleasantly warm and this is the driest month in terms of rainfall, so you do not get the humidity which is prevalent in other months which have higher rainfall. 

Divers and snorkelling fans will love the clear calm waters and resulting excellent underwater visibility during this month, as October is towards the end of the south-east trade wind season, and earlier on in the season the winds can churn up the waters.

The migrating wildebeest herds normally now start to make their way down south again, so the northern Serengeti plains are once again the scene of dramatic river crossings as the wildebeest cross back from the Mara into the Serengeti. 

In the Southern Circuit, this is one of the  best times to visit the Selous and Ruaha Game Reserves, as the wildlife congregate around the waterholes and rivers and the vegetation is dry, making for superb and easier sightings.

The migrating wildebeest and zebra start to depart the Mara plains on their long trek back towards the Southern Serengeti plains in Tanzania, but the general game is still here, so this is a lovely time to be on safari in the Mara if you want good game viewing but with slightly fewer crowds.

Samburu has warm, sunny days and great game viewing along the Ewaso Nyiro River due to this being at the end of the dry season. Amboseli continues to remain dry, so the wildlife viewings around the swamps and marshlands remains consistently good.

October is one of the best times to visit the Kenyan coastal hotels and resorts if you are keen to dive or snorkel with whale sharks, as the seas are clear with great visibility and the first of the migratory whale sharks are arriving.

October is truly an exceptional time for game viewing across any of the National Parks in Zambia, as it is right at the tail end of the dry season so the wildlife around the permanent waterholes and rivers is amazing for sightings.  Temperatures can get very hot towards the end of the month, however, and can easily reach the mid to high 30 degrees C (up to 95 degrees F) - and not all camps have air conditioning!

October is right at the end of the dry season in Hwange National Park. The many waterholes are still gathering places for animals, while the now very dry vegetation makes them easier to spot.  The first rains may arrive towards the end of the month, bringing a new freshness to everything.  October can feel very hot, however, just before the start of the rains. 

South Africa

This is an excellent time to be in Hermanus for whale watching.

The daytime and night-time temperatures on safari are increasing, and the bush is becoming very dry, so game viewing around the permanent waterholes and rivers continues to dominate.  In October there may be thunderstorms, which bring a welcome relief to the dust and dry heat.

Temperatures in Cape Town continue to climb, and the chances of rain get less every day.

It can be busy in October, however, due to the half-term holidays, so early planning is advised.

15 Best Countries to Visit in Africa Right Now

Home | Travel | 15 Best Countries to Visit in Africa Right Now

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Last update: 06/01/2024

If you’re interested in discovering the  best countries to visit in Africa  right now, keep reading. In this guide, you’ll find the top  places in Africa open for tourism , along with entry requirements.

While many  countries have opened for tourism , not all  countries in Africa are open to travel . Check this list to see where the  best vacations in Africa  are amidst the pandemic.

We’re updating this list regularly, so check back at any time to see where you can travel to next.

Countries in Africa reopening to tourists

This map shows which  countries in Africa are open to tourists  right now.

• Countries in Africa open without entry restrictions
• Countries in Africa that require a negative pre-trip PCR test result
• Countries in Africa that require quarantine (more than 24h)

Below, you’ll find our list of travel restrictions in Africa. Remember, certain countries may have different entry requirements based on nationality or origin.

You can also check our specific guides on:

Where Americans can travel

Where UK Citizens can travel

Where Canadians can travel

Where Australians can travel

Where Europeans can travel

Where Norwegians can travel

Check where to get a quick PCR test for travel near you

Where to get a quick PCR test for travel in the United States

Where to get a quick PCR test for travel in the United Kingdom

Where to get a quick PCR test for travel in Canada

List of countries in Africa open for tourism

List of countries in africa where you can travel without quarantining.

Before we list the top  countries open for travel in Africa , I want to remind you of the importance of  COVID-19 travel insurance . Even if this insurance isn’t an entry requirement (it is for most African countries), it’s a good idea to have it.

5% OFF your travel insurance

Also, countries that required travelers to have a valid tourist visa before the COVID-19 pandemic still have that rule in place. You can check below whether you need a travel visa.

Finally, remember that some  places in Africa open to travel  may enter a lockdown phase in the future. We’ve written specific guides to all the countries that are open in Africa, so you can check the latest information about entry restrictions, quarantine and testing requirements, curfews, and open attractions.

15 Best places to visit in Africa

Below are the best countries to visit in Africa . Keep reading to learn what makes them a top destination, as well as any travel restrictions or entry requirements .

1. South Africa

South Africa is one of the best places to visit in Africa. It’s full of beautiful natural landscapes, including serene beaches and national parks. Tourists usually visit the metropolitan areas of Cape Town and Johannesburg, the “City of Gold.”

If you’re interested in ecotourism or you’d like to experience a different culture, South Africa won’t disappoint.

As of October 1, 2020, it’s one of the best countries in Africa to visit . It began accepting all nationalities on November 11.

Tourists must present a medical certificate with a  negative COVID-19 PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of departure.  As long as they present this medical certificate, they will not need to quarantine upon arrival in South Africa.

All travelers must download the  COVID Alert SA mobile app .

For more information, check our guide on South Africa reopening to tourists .

A trip to Egypt is one of the best vacations in Africa. Here, you can see the Giza Necropolis, the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. The coastlines along the Mediterranean and the Red Sea attract visitors from around the world.

Egypt is also one of the  countries in Africa open for tourism .

Most tourists must submit a negative PCR test result issued within 72 hours of arrival. However, some countries can submit a result issued within 96 hours of travel. Also, travelers must complete a health form when they arrive, and they must have COVID-19 travel insurance, like  this one .

You can get more information about  Egypt reopening for travel   in our specific guide .

3. Tanzania

Tanzania is an amazing land of ancient fossils, natural landscapes, and wildlife, making it one of the  best countries to visit in Africa .

Many tourists take the time to do a circuit including Zanzibar, Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro and other national parks in the northern part of the country. Tanzania is also one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa.

As of June 2020,  Tanzania is one of the countries in Africa open to tourists.

Travelers to Tanzania must complete an  online Health Surveillance Form  within 24 hours prior to arrival. They will then receive a Unique Health Code, which they must present to officials on arrival. Travelers must also present a medical certificate for a negative RT-PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival.

On arrival in Tanzania, travelers will undergo rapid testing, which costs $25 per traveler. If they test positive, they will have to quarantine in a quarantine hotel at their own expense.

For more information, check our guide on  Tanzania reopening its borders .

4. Ethiopia

Ethiopia is known for its food, but it’s also one of the most interesting countries in Africa. The nation is full of World Heritage Sites, national parks, and important historical and religious sites.

Starting September 23, 2020,  Ethiopia is one of the countries in Africa open to travel.

Travelers must present a digital negative RT-PCR test result that was obtained within 5 days (120 hours) of arrival in Ethiopia.

Travelers must also complete a Passenger Health Registration Form.

For more information, check our guide on  Ethiopia travel requirements .

Malawi is a top destination in Africa, thanks to its stunning landscapes. One of the most popular spots is Lake Malawi, where you can participate in water sports or visit the national park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Malawi is one of the countries in Africa open to tourists , but only by air.

All travelers must have a medical certificate for a negative PCR COVID test result that was obtained within 72 hours of arrival in Malawi. They must also complete Travel Surveillance Forms, which they will be given on board their flight or in the airport terminal building.

Travelers with a valid certificate for a negative test result must self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days from their arrival in Malawi and may be tested on arrival.

For more information, visit our guide on  is Malawi open for travel .

Uganda is one of the top countries in Africa for ecotourism.

You can kayak along the Nile River or take a cultural tour. There are plenty of forests and national parks where you can see leopards, elephants, cheetahs, and more. However, Uganda is best known as one of the top places in the world for gorilla trekking.

Besides, Uganda is another  place in Africa open for tourism  regardless of nationality.

Visitors must submit a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of their flight. At the airport, they’ll go through a medical evaluation.

For more information, visit  this website .

7. Botswana

Botswana is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa . There are lots of landscape photography opportunities, particularly in the Okavango Delta region.

Botswana is one of the  places in Africa open for travel  without nationality restrictions.

Tourists must submit a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of their flight. If they don’t present this certificate, they’ll have to self-isolate for 14 days upon their arrival.

For more information, check our guide on  Botswana is open for travel .

Zambia is one of Africa’s best countries , thanks to its friendly locals, abundant wildlife, and gorgeous landscapes.

A vacation in Zambia can be laid-back, or you can be adventurous and join one of the many safari tours in the country. In fact, this is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa and it is a quite safe country.

It’s also one of the  countries in Africa open for tourism .

All travelers must have proof of a negative PCR test from within 72 hours prior to departure. Upon arrival in Zambia, all travelers will undergo a health screening and have to complete a  Traveler Health Questionnaire .

Travelers from countries that are not considered “high-risk” and have a valid negative PCR test result do not have to quarantine upon arrival.

Travelers from “high-risk” countries must undergo PCR testing at their own expense on arrival in Zambia, either at the airport or within 48 hours of entry. They must also quarantine for 14 days from their arrival, although they can end their quarantine early if they receive a negative result from their arrival test.

You can also visit our guide on Zambia open for tourism for more information .

Morocco is one of the best countries to visit in Africa , as it appeals to a variety of interests. Be sure to explore the mountains, sand dunes, and beaches around the country. The cities of Marrakesh and Casablanca are home to important mosques and incredible attractions.

Morocco is one of the countries where you can travel , but travel restrictions depend on if you’re traveling from a country on List A or List B.

Travelers from List A countries  must present either a vaccination certificate or a certificate for a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to boarding.

Travelers from List B countries  must submit a certificate for a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 48 hours prior to boarding and either a vaccination certificate or a completed  affidavit , and a voucher for payment for 10 days of quarantine at a  designated hotel  with PCR testing on day 9 of the quarantine period.

Also, all travelers must submit a  Public Health Passenger Form .

You can find more details on our guide on Morocco reopening for travel .

Kenya offers the possibility to participate in ecotourism, making it one of the best countries to visit in Africa . There are dozens of national parks and natural areas where you can experience the incredible landscape and see animals in the wild.

Since August 1, 2020, Kenya has been one of the  places open to travel in Africa .

All travelers must have a  negative PCR test result that was obtained within 96 hours of travel to Kenya.  The test result must be digitally verified through the  Trusted Travel Initiative . All travelers must also complete an online  Travelers Health Surveillance form  prior to travel. Once they arrive in Kenya, travelers must submit daily updates on their health to the  Jitenge app   for 14 consecutive days.

Travelers from regions and countries that are on  this list  are exempt from quarantine on arrival in Kenya as long as they have a valid negative PCR test result and do not exhibit symptoms of COVID-19.

You can check our guide on Kenya open for travel  for more details .

11. Namibia

Namibia is another top tourist country in Africa for ecotourism.

Along with its national parks, Namibia offers lots of opportunities for sports and activities, such as windsurfing, kayaking, and hiking. It’s also a popular place among photographers, thanks to its beautiful landscapes.

Starting on September 1, 2020, Namibia is a  place in Africa open to travel .

All international travelers must have proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to entering Namibia. 

You can find more information on our guide on  Namibia is open for tourism .

12. Seychelles

One of the best places to travel to in Africa is Seychelles . Its beaches are the perfect backdrop for watersports, hikes, and wildlife viewing.

All travelers, even if they are vaccinated, must have a medical certificate for a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours before departure. They must also submit a  health travel authorization application  online before departure.

International travelers must have valid  travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage  and a reservation at a  certified accommodation .

Check our guide on Seychelles reopening for travel for more information .

13. Tunisia

With its combination of natural beauty and cultural attractions, Tunisia is one of the best African countries.

Tunisia has lots of ancient ruins and religious sites to explore, as well as gorgeous beaches and warm, sunny weather to enjoy.

As of November 16, 2020, Tunisia has been a country in Africa open for tourists from all countries.

Currently, all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, must present  proof of a negative PCR test result from within 72 prior to travel  and complete an  online questionnaire . They must also download the Tunisian government’s  Track and Trace app .

Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for 10 days from their arrival at a  government-approved hotel  and take a PCR test between day 7 and day 10 of their quarantine period.

Vaccinated travelers are exempt from quarantining at a government-approved hotel as long as they provide proof of vaccination, but they must still self-isolate at their residence for 10 days from their arrival.

Check our guide on is Tunisia open for tourism for more information .

14. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is one of the nicest countries in Africa, with its majestic mountains, ancient ruins, and wondrous geological structures. Be sure to visit Victoria Falls and one or more of the eight national parks in the country.

Since October 1, 2020, Zimbabwe has been one of the  places in Africa open to travel  without nationality restrictions.

All travelers must have a medical certificate for a negative PCR test that was obtained within 48 hours departure. The negative test result must be verified through the Trusted Travel Initiative.

Travelers from countries that are considered COVID-19 hotspots must quarantine for 10 days from their arrival in Zimbabwe. They must also undergo COVID-19 testing within 48 hours of arrival in Zimbabwe, and on days 3, 5, and 10 of their quarantine period. The government of Zimbabwe has not yet declared which countries it considers COVID-19 hotspots.

Travelers must also present a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 48 hours of departure in order to leave Zimbabwe.

You can check our guide on  Zimbabwe travel restrictions for more information .

Rwanda is one of the best African countries to visit  if you love the outdoors.

Rwandans respect the wild animals here, and you can visit the King’s Palace Museum and see traditional singers croon for the cows. There are also lots of volcanoes, waterfalls, and rainforests to explore, and it’s a popular place for Gorilla trekking, too.

As of August 1, 2020, Rwanda is one of the  countries in Africa open to travel  without nationality restrictions.

All travelers must present a medical certificate with a negative RT-PCR result issued within 72 hours of departure for Rwanda. They must also complete a  Passenger Locator Form  and upload their test result certificate.

All travelers will take a second RT-PCR test, which costs $60, on arrival in Rwanda. They must then stay in a  designated transit hotel  and wait 24 hours to receive the results of that test. If this test is negative, travelers can explore Rwanda freely.

For more information, check our  guide on Rwanda reopening to tourists .

Other countries in Africa open for travel

While there are other  countries open for tourism in Africa , the 15 destinations above are the safest places to visit in Africa. However, if you want to explore other less touristy options, you can check which other countries are open in Africa and entry requirements below .

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is another country in Africa that is open for tourists of all nationalities.

Travelers to Burkina Faso must present a negative PCR test no later than five days after arrival. Otherwise, they’ll have to pay for a test at the airport ($150) and quarantine for 14 days.

For more information, check  this Ministry of Health document .

Cape Verde is another destination in Africa, allowing visitors of all nationalities since October 12, 2020.

Travelers must submit a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival. They don’t have to quarantine, but they should complete  this registration .

Those who want to move between islands must submit  this form  and a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure.

You can go to  this website  for more information .

Central African Republic

The Central African Republic is another country in Africa you can visit.

Traveler must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and undergo a medical examination, which may include a PCR test at the  Institut Pasteur .

For more information, consult  this website .

Chad is also accepting travelers of all nationalities.

Tourists are required to submit a negative PCR test certificate within seven days of arrival.

If they’re staying longer than one week, they’ll have to self-isolate for one week at their accommodation. On the last day of their quarantine, they will retake the PCR test.

For more details, check  this website .

Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been open to all nationalities since August 15, 2020.

Travelers must submit a negative PCR test result within seven days of arrival. They should also register for a second test with the  Institut National de la Recherche Biomédicale  ($45) and take it once they reach their destination. The results take about 24 hours, during which tourists must quarantine.

For more details, check out  this website .

Gabon is another country in Africa open to tourists. As of June 30, 2020, commercial flights are very limited.

Tourists must submit a PCR test upon arriving at the airport. The results take about 48 hours, during which they must quarantine. If they receive a negative result, they’ll get a 14-day certificate of free movement. They must take another PCR test if they want to renew it after 14 days.

You can visit  this website  for more information .

The Gambia is one of the countries in Africa that is open for tourism. As of October 16, 2020, the country is open for tourism without nationality restrictions, but flights are very limited.

Travelers must submit a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arriving. If they don’t have a test result, they must undergo a medical examination and adhere to a 14-day quarantine.

You can find more information on  this website .

Ghana is another country in Africa open to travelers.

Tourists must submit a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of their departure and complete a  Health Declaration Form .

Also, travelers must pay for a mandatory rapid test ($150), which they’ll take at the airport. They’ll get the results in 30 minutes and, if they’re negative, they can bypass quarantine.

Liberia is another place in Africa you can visit , and it has been open to tourists since July 22, 2020.

Travelers are required to download the  Lib Travel  mobile app and use it to purchase a PCR test ($75) that they’ll take upon arrival. They can also pay for it at the United Bank for Africa (UBA) once they arrive.

Tourists who receive a negative result must self-isolate and track their symptoms on the app, if any, for 14 days. Check  here  for exceptions.

Unlike other African countries with open borders, Liberia requires anyone leaving the country to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours of their departure.

As of June 16, 2020, Mali is open to tourists of all nationalities.

Travelers must present a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of arriving. They should also fill out this  Coronavirus Disease Surveillance Form .

For more information, check the  Ministry of Health and Social Affairs website .

Mauritania is one of the places in Africa open for tourism  to travelers who present a negative PCR test within 72 hours of their trip.

For more information, check  this website .

Mauritius is another country in Africa that has reopened to tourists.

Tourists must submit a negative PCR test certificate within seven days of their departure. They should also quarantine for 14 days at one of  these accommodations . Upon arrival, they’ll complete this  Passenger Self Declaration Form  and this  Passenger Locator Form .

Once they land in Mauritius, they’ll take a PCR test on their day of arrival, their 7th day in the country, and their 14th day.

You can find more information on the  official tourism website .

Nigeria is also open for travelers, but it’s not one of the safest countries in Africa right now.

Tourists must present a negative PCR test certificate within 72 of their departure. They will take a second test after being in Nigeria for seven days, and they must quarantine until the results arrive.

To board their flight, travelers must use  this form  to register and pay for the second test and upload the results of their first test.

Republic of the Congo

The Republic of the Congo is also open regardless of your nationality.

Travelers are required to submit a negative PCR test within 72 hours of their flight. If they don’t, they will undergo a test at the airport and self-isolate until they receive a negative result (up to 14 days).

Sierra Leone

As of June 15, 2020, Sierra Leone is one of the countries open for tourism.

Travelers must fill out this  travel authorization form  and submit a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arriving in Sierra Leone.

They’ll also have to pay for any additional PCR or rapid tests they take at the airport. If they receive a positive result, they’ll have to immediately self-isolate. All other tourists may travel freely with a negative result.

You can check  this website  for more information .

Somalia is open for tourism by air regardless of nationality.

Visitors must submit a negative PCR test certificate within 96 hours of arrival. Otherwise, they must self-isolate for 14 days.

Given the social and political instability and terrorist attacks in Somalia, we don’t recommend traveling there .

There aren’t nationality restrictions to visit Sudan. However, all travelers must submit a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arriving in Sudan.

If they show COVID symptoms, tourists may also undergo temperature checks and medical evaluations at the airport.

Togo is another country in Africa open without nationality restrictions .

Tourists must present a negative PCR test within seven days of their departure. They should also fill out  this form  and pay for the mandatory PCR test they’ll take at the airport. It takes about 24 hours to receive the results, during which travelers should self-isolate.

Togo also requires tourists to download the  TOGO SAFE mobile app  and purchase  COVID-19 travel insurance .

These are the  current countries in Africa open for tourism , although the list may vary as the COVID situation develops. We’ll update the list if anything changes.

If you have any questions about a specific African country, leave us a comment and we will be happy to help.

Safe travels!

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Where To Go

Many of Africa’s iconic experiences are seasonal in nature so take the guesswork out of planning your safari with our Travel Calendar: simply search by month or experience & find out the best time to travel to Africa for your requirements.

Africa in October

October is a great month for an african safari: find out where to go with safari online – your one-stop safari service..

October is the dramatic finale to the safari season across the southern half of Africa. It’s the last dry month before the summer rains begin and destinations in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia are recording their most productive wildlife viewing . Water is scarce and great concentrations of animals can be seen at places such as the Chobe River, Hwange Park and the South Luangwa, attracting large number of predators. If you want to witness the last of the great herds – especially of elephant and buffalo – then October is the month for your southern African safari.

October’s climate can be challenging in safari country – prepare for hot, dry and often humid weather – but the malaria risk is very low and the sensational game viewing makes up for any discomfort. And what better way to unwind after an exciting safari than to laze on a sunny beach? Mozambique’s endearing Bazaruto Archipelago and Tanzania’s Zanzibar Island both deliver a classic Indian Ocean holiday while Lake Malawi, despite lying hundreds of miles from any ocean, has golden-sand beaches, hideaway resorts and the most relaxed atmosphere you’ll find on the continent.

Zimbabwe | Chobe | Gorilla Trekking | Zambia | Bazaruto Archipelago | Lake Malawi | Zanzibar

1. Hwange & Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

It’s hot & dry with animals gathered at water: ideal conditions for predators.

WHY GO? Experience and enjoy a range of water and land safari activities in Zimbabwe’s best wildlife destinations at their most exciting. WEATHER? Pack for hot, dry & sometimes humid conditions. The temperature ranges between 16°C (64°F) at night and mid-30s (93 – 95°F) during the day. COMBINATIONS? Popular Victoria Falls lies a morning’s drive from Hwange while fly-in Gonarezhou National Park is Zimbabwe’s best-kept safari secret.

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s heavyweight reserve and home to many thousands of elephants and buffalo as well as antelope and zebra; it’s especially good in October as there are only a few water sources available and the concentration of animals is impressive. It’s a similar scene at Mana Pools on the Zambezi River where large herds have gathered, attracting big cats and wild dogs in a wildly beautiful landscape.

There is plenty of well-established safari accommodation available and you’ll enjoy expertly-led game drives at both destinations but at Mana Pools you can also explore on foot and by canoe – the complete safari experience.

INSIDER TIP: “Put together a strategic fly-in package & get the best value out of a Zimbabwe safari.”

Other Great months for Hwange & Mana Pools : July, August & September.

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Zimbabwe Safaris

2. Chobe River & Savuti, Botswana

Finish a day of excellent wildlife watching with a cold drink & sunset – the safari way.

WHY GO? The seasoned safari-traveller’s choice, October has the greatest concentrations of herds of elephants and other big animals at water. WEATHER? Botswana is at its driest in October and arguably its hottest (expect temperatures somewhere between 18°C (64°F) and 35°C (95°F). COMBINATIONS? An island camp deep in the Okavango Delta or a riverside lodge at Victoria Falls for a comprehensive experience with a variety of safari activities.

Botswana is at its driest in October but the result is some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife on the continent. Enormous herds of elephant, buffalo and antelope jostle for space at the Chobe River , itself full of hippos and crocodiles and an epic birding destination. Lions, hyenas and wild dogs launch repeated attacks on the thirsty animals and you can view it all by vehicle or boat in the company of local guides.

Savuti is an area that lies south of the Chobe River and has long been the destination of choice for wildlife photographers and film-makers; its dry-season waterholes are the only ones for miles around and attract a mixture of savannah and Kalahari animals as well as their predators. Savuti is particularly good for the big animals such as elephant, lion and giraffe as well as Africa’s rarer predators: cheetah, leopard and wild dog.

INSIDER TIP: “Ask us about our excellent value-for-money package for a high season safari in Botswana.”

Other Great months for Chobe : July, August & September.

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Botswana Safaris

3. Gorilla Trekking, Uganda & Rwanda

There is some rain but go in October for shoulder-season rates & more availability.

WHY GO? Travel during the shoulder-season for gorilla trekking – more permits are available plus take advantage of lower accommodation rates. WEATHER? It’s a bit warmer than the last few months with night time average temperature around 11°C (52°F) and days getting up to 23°C (73°F). COMBINATIONS? Stay in Uganda for wildlife, birdwatching & chimpanzee trekking or fly to Kenya & watch the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara.

It’s October in the rainforests of Rwanda and Uganda and the rainy season has arrived. It’ll gradually get wetter with rain lasting until the end of November so go as early in October as you can.

Don’t be discouraged by the rain – the gorillas certainly aren’t: October marks the end of the rainforest’s long dry season and gorilla sightings are still good, and you can also go birdwatching and wildlife spotting in the forests. Moreover, if you go in October you can take advantage of cheaper ‘shoulder-season’ accommodation rates and there’s more availability of trekking permits. You’ll need to choose which country to go to: Uganda has more value-for-money accommodation and its gorilla trekking permit is cheaper; Rwanda provides more higher-end accommodation and more exclusive tourist services such as private transfers.

INSIDER TIP: “Uganda is good for an easy safari add-on: visit the Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks for game viewing and chimpanzee safaris.”

Other Great months for Gorilla Trekking : January & February; June, July, August & September.

Contact the Consultant

Uganda Safaris

4. Lower Zambezi & South Luangwa, Zambia

October is a prime month for walking safaris in Zambia –you’ll also explore by 4X4 & boat.

WHY GO? Heavyweight wildlife; variety of land & water safari activities: walking safaris and dazzling carmine bee-eaters in South Luangwa. WEATHER? October is very hot and dry in Zambia's game reserves but it’s when animal concentrations around water are at their most intense. COMBINATIONS? It’s a short flight from either destination to Victoria Falls but also consider a beach holiday at Lake Malawi, the friendly heart of Africa.

Zambia’s reputation as one of Africa’s top safari destinations has largely been built on its best two reserves: the Lower Zambezi and the South Luangwa .

Both are dominated by a river system and offer excellent, up-close big game viewing all year round but it’s in October, at the very driest and most desperate time of year that these destinations are at their most exciting. Great herds of elephants and buffalo gather at the remaining water while hippos and crocodiles lie exposed below river banks covered in pink and purple carmine bee-eaters. It’s classic predator country – especially lion and leopard – and safari activities include day and night game drives, boat cruises and canoe adventures plus walking safaris in South Luangwa, long recognised as among the best in Africa.

INSIDER TIP: “Design an itinerary with different lodges & locations for the most comprehensive wildlife viewing experience.”

Other Great months for Zambia : July, August & September.

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Zambia Safaris

5. Bazaruto & Quirimbas Islands, Mozambique

October is a hot month to be on safari – reward yourself with a tropical island.

WHY GO? It’s a tropical beach that’s easy to reach: white-sand family resorts & honeymoon hideaways just a short flight from Johannesburg. WEATHER? Bazaruto is warm in October - the daytime average is 24°C (75°F) with the ocean not far behind at 23°C (73°F) – and there may be some rain. COMBINATIONS? Bazaruto combines easily with a big game safari in Botswana or Zimbabwe – it makes a great honeymoon and Indian Ocean destination !

A handful of islands lying off Mozambique’s Indian Ocean coast, the Bazaruto Archipelago is both easy to reach and rewarding as a holiday destination and best experienced in combination with a safari.

The gateway to the islands is mainland Vilanculos – which lies little more than an hour’s flight from Johannesburg – and, since each island has its own character, Bazaruto is as comfortable with families as it is with honeymooners. Activities include snorkelling and diving, horse riding, dhow cruises and water sports; October also marks the start of Bazaruto’s whale shark season – a bucket-list event for divers.

INSIDER TIP: “On a budget? Beach lodges on the mainland offer competitive rates & much the same activities as their island counterparts.”

Other Great months for Bazaruto : June, July, August & September.

Travel in October

Mozambique Safaris

6. Lake Malawi, Malawi

Providing all the fun of the ocean but set at the warm heart of Africa: it’s Lake Malawi.

WHY GO? A unique beach holiday that combines easily with neighbouring Zambia in peak game viewing season. Variety of activities are at their best. WEATHER? Travel to Malawi during its long dry winter, before the rainy season starts. In this period, the risk of malaria is at its lowest. COMBINATIONS? It’s surprisingly easy to combine Lake Malawi with a safari in Zambia’s legendary South Luangwa as well as Victoria Falls.

It’s no secret that October is a hot month in southern Africa and that’s what makes a beach holiday such a great combination after a safari. Lake Malawi provides just about everything anyone could want on such a holiday: there is snorkelling and diving, water sports and sailing as well as hammocks slung between palm trees and feet-in-the-sand beach bars.

A destination long renowned for its relaxed and friendly culture, Lake Malawi has a range of accommodations to suit families, honeymooners and nature-lovers and can be combined with nearby nature reserves that are currently making a name for themselves in wildlife conservation.

INSIDER TIP: “Established safari operators in Zambia often have sister camps in Malawi – ask us about great package with easy travel logistics.”

Other Great months for Malawi : July, August & September.

Malawi Safaris

7. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Snorkelling with dolphins is just one of the amazing activities waiting for you on the Spice Island.

WHY GO? East Africa’s classic Indian Ocean experience and its unique and eclectic culture offers great value in combination with a safari. WEATHER? October is warm – the average high is 30°C (86°F) and the average low-temperature is 23°C (73°F) and there’s a possibility of a bit of rain. COMBINATIONS? Zanzibar naturally forms part of a larger Tanzania itinerary including the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and the Serengeti.

A position at the crossroads of several cultures gives Zanzibar its unique and eclectic culture; its setting in the Indian Ocean also means white-sand beaches and coral reefs with water that in October is a balmy 26°C (79°F). This is the perfect place to mix tours and discoveries with ocean activities such as diving and snorkelling.

There is a range of accommodation suitable for all types of travellers and that includes the most discerning: private islands near Zanzibar offer luxurious accommodation with an exclusive, hideaway feel.

INSIDER TIP: “The famous wildebeest migration is on the go: combine Zanzibar with the Masai Mara or northern Serengeti for the best sightings.”

Other Great months for Zanzibar : June through September (cooler & dry) or December & February (hot & mostly dry).

Tanzania Safaris

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Safari Online have been nothing but professional and incredible from the time we made our first enquiry to the last day of our stunning holiday. Nothing was too much trouble for Walter. We are now starting to plan our next family Safari for 2019. Guess who we will be booking with??? Safari Online we hope you are ready!!!!!

Our 28-day itinerary took us to South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. A magnificent and unforgettable adventure. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently from the flights, transfers, rides, connections, etc. Absolutely wonderful! Can’t thank them enough!

Our experience with Safari Online was excellent. After becoming very frustrated trying to search for a safari destination on our own, we turned to Karina for help and she was a lifesaver.  We had an amazing safari adventure at the lodge–the experience of a lifetime–and are so grateful for her help. We literally couldn’t have done it without her!

Would highly recommend. Safari online asked questions when booking and were efficient and knew exactly what we were looking for in terms of accommodation and animals were wanted to see. Gave advice on a few little extras with no pressure, which we did and am very grateful which make trip even more exciting. Would definitely recommend booking with them.

Communication was excellent – I asked A LOT of questions and did a ton of research myself and Walter was extremely patient with me and very responsive. he was straight forward and extremely professional. Tour itself was excellent – an incredible experience and one never to be forgotten. Everything was spot on.

Our mom grew up in Central and South Africa so we had visited the continent many times. My sister and I wanted to take our teens and husbands to Africa to experience the magic. We had a limited budget but big and specific expectations and by some miracle Walter was able to manage both.

We have been to Africa for 24 of the last 27 years so know a bit about what is involved. Walter has arranged the details for the last couple of years, and has done a superb job. He is always quick to respond and comes up with answers immediately……..no evasive tactics, always head-on!

Excellent service and they supplied good suggestions for our holiday they also organised all internal flights and arranged check in for us so we had no worries while on holiday. We have had a most memorable holiday staying at wonderful places thanks to Sabrina and Safari Online. Would recommend Safari Online to organise your holiday.

Safari Online understood our needs and was able to present us with sensible options to choose from. It was evident that this tour operator has knowledgable and experienced agents who can arrange a seemless tour. We were provided with a professional online itinary which was comprehensive and easy to use, knew exactely what to expect, and encountered no stumble blocks along the way.

From the very first contact we’re very happy about the respond time and quality of information from safari-online.com. Based on the received first tailor-made quote, which is a weblink with all the details about the flights, photos of the lodges etc. we knew that this is “our” partner for this trip. Our expectations were excelled!!!

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Is October the best safari month?

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When is the best time to go on safari?

Several of our safari experts view October as the best month for a safari in Africa . Their reasons include:

in Southern Africa , it’s the height of the dry season, with the first short rain season only commencing in mid-November. This means the vegetation is sparse - so wildlife is easier to see. Also, there is little or no standing water - meaning that animals are forced to gather near permanent water sources like rivers and waterholes, making them easier to find. Predators wait at the few remaining water sources, so this is your best chance to see lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas making a kill. Wild dog (painted wolf) puppies have recently left the safety of their dens and are more easily found nearby as they gain fitness and confidence to range with the pack. October is often hot and dusty, but the wildlife viewing can be exceptional - making the discomfort well worth it.

the enthralling Mara River crossings during Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara are ongoing, AND the crowds of the peak safari season have left, meaning that you have a better chance of fewer vehicles affecting your experience. Although these are the final weeks of this great annual river-crossing spectacle, the crossings season frequently extends beyond mid-October. This safari report-back was from a safari in the second half of October.

Victoria Falls - the smoke that thunders - still has enough water dropping 100m to the chasm below to create a scenic spray - but not the drenching thick mist of the high water season that obscures the view from the ground of this iconic natural wonder. Courageous visitors to Livingstone Island (Zambia) can swim out to Devil’s Pool (late August-December) to enjoy a thrilling view from the lip of the Falls. Vic Falls is the ideal short vacation or add-on to your October safari. There is never a bad time to visit Victoria Falls !

October is in the middle of the dry season in Congo-Brazzaville, making that lowland gorilla trekking safari top of the list for many at this time of year. The true safari connoisseur will also search the Odzala-Kokoua forests, plains and river systems for forest elephants, bongos, dwarf crocodiles, huge flocks of grey parrots and green pigeons, and other iconic wildlife encounters.

high October temperatures make this an ideal month for a bush-and-beach combo safari. Imagine soaking away the safari dust at a coastal or inland white-sand beach as you kick back and relax under an umbrella, your favourite beverage in hand.

October is a relatively low-risk month for malaria because of the lack of standing water, although precautions should still be taken.

Which of our ready-made safari trips are at their best during October?

The list below provides a few examples of our many ready-made safaris at their best in October every year. If none meets your wishes, start the discussion with one of our safari experts to find your October safari of a lifetime.

The above ready-made packages are just a taste of October-friendly safaris on offer

If none of the above meets your needs why not discuss your requirements with one of our safari experts?

Start the discussion

We live here, in Africa, and have been doing this since 1991. Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early / late or a few kilometers off course and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?

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The Best Places to Go in Africa in 2024

By CNT Editors

This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2024 —find more travel inspiration here .

This past year saw a surge of travel throughout destinations in Africa , with air travel across the continent approaching prepandemic levels . Safari camps from South Africa to Kenya were fully booked, and travelers lingered in popular destinations like Cape Town and Zanzibar well past peak season. What does this mean for the year ahead?

A wave of hotly anticipated luxury resorts —many of which were in the works long before grinding to a halt in the pandemic—are finally ready to throw open their doors, new air routes are making parts of the continent more accessible than ever, and popular events and festivals are enticing visitors to explore regions they may not have contemplated before. Yes, there are plenty of thrilling safari camps in the pipeline that we’re excited about, from iconic corners of Botswana to a less-visited park in Mozambique , but there’s also a compelling food movement in Accra , a milestone anniversary in Rwanda , a monumental new cultural landmark in Morocco ’s capital city of Rabat, and so much more to look forward to. Could this be the year Johannesburg pries visitors away from Cape Town with a cool new city hotel and a dynamic dining scene, or when sunseekers take another look at Mauritius instead of the Maldives ? Might you sail into Madagascar on an adventurous new cruising itinerary or consider adding Sierra Leone to your travel plans? Frankly, the hardest part will be choosing. Below are the best places to go in Africa in 2024. — Sarah Khan

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Accra, Ghana

Go for: the heart of a pan-African cultural renaissance, Indigenous pop-up dinners, Afrobeats

Accra continues to draw travelers with a surge of cool new pop-up restaurants, museums, and the pilgrimage-worthy music festival, AfroFuture (previously Afrochella).

Accra has steadily been cementing its reputation as the continent’s capital of cool, and a reimagining of pan-African heritage has ignited the city’s foodies. Leading the way is the Ghana Food Movement , a network of food change makers intent on surfacing the sexy in sustainable dining. With the May 2024 opening of its Link-up Kitchen in the buzzing Osu neighborhood, this meeting place–cum–test kitchen will house the Movement’s popular Dine and Dance series, where young chefs highlight local ingredients in multicourse dinners before getting down to beats by local DJs. The hub will also host pop-ups featuring up-and-coming chefs and Indigenous menus, such as those offered by Abena Offeh-Gyimah, whose food tours spotlight heirloom ingredients and a “reconnection to ancestral ways of eating.” This year also sees chef Selassie Atadika of Midunu resuming her Nomadic Dinners celebrating African ingredients , as well as quarterly chocolate tastings of her gorgeous bonbons inspired by flavors like beriberi chili and Cape Malay spice. After dinner, you’ll find the balmy West African capital’s electric club scene spoils you for choice. And while the Grammys have just come to the party (the awards will feature a Best African Music Performance category for the first time, in 2024), locals have been lighting it up at festivals like Chale Wote Street Art Festival (August) and AfroFuture (previously Afrochella ; December) for years. Should you find time to sleep, the December 2023 opening of the 145-room Hilton Accra Cantonments marks the brand’s debut in Ghana.

Looking ahead: A state-of-the-art cultural institution is coming just outside the city as well. Enriched by voices from the diaspora, an overdue zeitgeist to reclaim African narratives finds a physical home in the Pan African Heritage Museum , which has begun construction and will open in 2025 or 2026. Located on 10 lush acres in Winneba (40 miles from Accra), the space’s first offerings will include a music amphitheater, a youth innovation center, and a food court. Like all its planned exhibits (you can digitally preview the collection), these will both showcase and connect the continent’s rich history and cultures to its contemporary global might. — Lee Middleton

Johannesburg, South Africa

Go for: hot tables, an art center, and new hotels from beloved brands

The Voco Johannesburg is one of several hotels offering high design in the South African city—and in 2024, it will be joined by the Park Hyatt Johannesburg.

Johannesburg is a gold rush city, built on a sense of gritty determination and unbridled optimism. And though the city battles infrastructure challenges and social inequality, it’s impossible to ignore the positive energy infusing South Africa’s economic capital. That’s evident in a resurgent restaurant scene rapidly giving Cape Town a run for its money. Cape stalwart the Pot Luck Club expanded with a new location here in 2023, as did Insta-worthy British café EL&N London , marking its only African outpost. For a more continental culinary journey, book a table at Gigi , the new outing by celebrated local chef Besele Moses Moloi . Make your base in the artsy suburb of Rosebank, where the upscale Park Hyatt Johannesburg will open in late 2024 with decor by Yabu Pushelberg. Until then, Voco Johannesburg Rosebank —the first of the Voco subbrand from IHG in Africa—offers Art Deco glamour and an enviable in-house art collection (ask for a guided tour). It’s just a short taxi ride to artist Roger Ballen’s engaging new Inside Out Centre for the Arts , a striking exhibition space and educational center opened in March 2023.

Rosebank is less than 30 minutes from the international airport on the high-speed Gautrain. United and Delta fly direct from the US, Cathay Pacific and LATAM relaunched flights in 2023, and Air Algérie and Saudia have brand new routes to the city. Come June 2024, Lufthansa will add a direct flight from Munich , and in July 2024, Qantas will fly its A380 from Sydney to the city for the first time, nearly doubling capacity. — Richard Holmes

Go for: biodiversity, castaway vibes, and water sports

Miavana in Madagascar exemplifies the island's allure with water sports, adventures through baobab forests, and jaw-dropping views.

In 2024, it will become easier to travel between remote destinations across Madagascar, thanks to a new flight circuit and cruise itineraries.

An otherworldly land of undiscovered species and bizarre biological riches, the rugged, remote Indian Ocean isle of Madagascar has always promised to upend visitors’ senses and logistical prowess. Happily, the latter is changing as the pioneers responsible for some of the continent’s finest conservation tourism offerings are upping the ante on the world’s fourth largest island. Located inside the essentially unvisited Namoroka National Park, Namoroka Tsingy Exploration Camp’s mid-2024 opening will make seven luxury safari tents your portal to a landscape of baobabs jutting from the formations of limestone knives known as tsingy and populated by lemurs that haven’t learned to fear people.

More of a coastal explorer? Look no further than Masoala Forest Lodge , which recently launched a Blue Lagoon Expedition trip in 2022. Paddling the breathtaking rainforest- and mangrove-fringed Antongil Bay, kayakers en route to a magical island campsite will share pellucid waters with migrating humpback whales and schools of reef fish. If that’s a touch too rugged, Time + Tide’s Miavana —arguably the Platonic ideal of exclusive island luxury—is launching a kiteboarding center and new mainland excursions (think quad biking through baobab forests), in January 2024 and March 2024 respectively, for those who enjoy a splash of adrenaline in their bliss cocktail.

Finally—and critically—2024 sees access to the Red Island expanding. Masoala Forest Lodge and Madagascar Classic Collection are starting a new flight circuit that will link choice remote destinations, like Andasibe, Namoroka, and Masoala parks, and luxe cruise lines like Silversea , Lindblad , Swan Hellenic , and Seabourn have added the country as a port of call on new voyages. — Lee Middleton

Go for: Indian Ocean waters, a museum, and dazzling beach villas

The island nation of Mauritius is entering a new golden era, with expanded cultural offerings and the unveiling of renovated resorts, like Lux Belle Mare, that beg travelers to visit again, and again.

Mauritius’s heyday as a destination in the 1980s conjures images of striped parasols, a tanned Stéphanie de Monaco on water skis, and all of Europe’s jet set holed up in the few—but fabulous—hotels. Fast-forward three decades and the Indian Ocean island has even more to land itself on your travel list: A dynamic cultural scene and new wave of hospitality are unfolding on its shores. In the capital of Port Louis, the years-in-the-making Intercontinental Slavery Museum , located inside a restored 1700s military hospital, opened in September 2023, marking the nation’s first monumental step in making amends for its long colonial history. Culture buffs are also gravitating to the recently opened House of Digital Art (HODA) nearby: Old meets new in this historic Port-Louis building, housing a cutting-edge array of contemporary art installations. Mauritius has always been renowned for its dreamy seaside resorts, but encouraging visitors to venture away from the beaches is the forthcoming Socio Tribeca in late 2024—heralding the launch of a new hotel brand from the Lux Collective—which promises to be an impressive contemporary hotel with its finger on the pulse of the island. Muse Villas , a newcomer seeking to offer an elevated resort experience, enables travelers to stay on their own private islet. Meanwhile, legendary resorts Lux Belle Mare and Paradis Beachcomber just unveiled massive restorations in October, and Hotel Riu Palace Mauritius , a kitesurfers’ paradise, will emerge from its own facelift in May 2024. But beyond the well-trodden coastline of Mauritius, this may be the year its little sister, Rodrigues, a speck of an island an hour-and-a-half flight east, gets its due. It’s long been a well-kept secret among even the most in-the-know travelers, but now a clutch of reimagined properties is adding a touch of luxury gloss: The island’s two historic hotels, Play Mourouk and Cotton Bay Resort & Spa , are reopening after months of renovation and reinvention (the first as of November 1, 2023; the latter in 2024). — Anissa Macaulay

Go for: epic wildlife restoration, a pristine coastline, standout safaris

Just as Mozambique enters a new era as a destination, the country's Gorongosa National Park has done the same through rewilding efforts that travelers can witness firsthand at Muzimi Lodge—the first and only luxury tented camp in the area, opening in 2024.

While the past few years of conflict and COVID-19 temporarily suppressed this Southern African gem—known for its 1,500 miles of pristine coastline , vast terrestrial wildernesses, and vibrant Afro-Portuguese culture— Mozambique will bounce back in 2024.

On the mainland, the country’s revival is most famously evidenced at Gorongosa National Park , where rewilding efforts have resulted in a more than 700 percent increase in large mammals from 2008 to 2018, restoring both ecological and economic hope to this magical land of fever trees and meandering rivers. Experience the conservation success story firsthand from the comfort of Muzimu Lodge , the park’s first and only luxury tented camp, whose official 2024 opening will be accompanied by its introduction of a new walking safari-fly camp experience to Gorongosa Mountain’s summit. For those on a tighter budget or timeline, head south to Ponta Membene , where 24 new self-catering chalets—brilliantly located on a spit of coastal dune forest less than three hours from Maputo—and e-bike coastal safaris, currently in a trial phase, hope to broaden access to the spectacular Maputo National Park . Finally, hardcore travelers can head to the Niassa Special Reserve, where Anderson Expeditions is resuming a life-changing seven-night adventure tracking wildlife (by foot, game drive, and canoe) within a private concession with one of the industry’s finest guides. Supporting the Niassa Carnivore Project ’s Mpopo Trails Camp, the expedition represents the future of sustainable community-led tourism. The forthcoming opening of Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira —featuring sea views from the private island sanctuary’s 40 pool villas; snorkeling with manta rays; and a spa from the award-winning brand—will follow (official opening date to be announced).

Topping it all off, Mozambique’s once-arcane entry requirements have been radically simplified with the addition of 28 countries to its visa exemption list—including the US. — Lee Middleton

North KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Go for: major game lodges off the beaten path

In the country's far east, KwaZulu-Natal's Babanango Game Reserve—home to the Big Five—is a lesser-visited alternative to South Africa's Kruger National Park.

Madwaleni River Lodge, which opened in September 2023 in KZN's Babanango, is just one of the reasons to visit the destination in the year ahead.

This year brings with it multiple new reasons to bypass South Africa ’s iconic Kruger National Park and head instead into the scenic Zululand hills of northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the country’s easternmost province. If you’ve traveled here before, you may have been to &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve , known for species such as cheetahs, black rhinos, and pangolins. Phinda Forest Lodge , one of six properties on the reserve, reopens after an extensive refurbishment, with a new family suite and a reimagined pool, in December 2023. It comes on the heels of the Madwaleni River Lodge ’s opening in September 2023, in Babanango Game Reserve —there, from a private deck overlooking the White Umfolozi River, you might spot elephants cooling off in the water. (Their recent reintroduction completed the reserve’s Big Five population.) The reserve has been rewilded over the past five years, a project driven by community trusts who own parts of the reserve. Next up, the long-awaited Homestead will welcome guests to the Nambiti Private Game Reserve in early 2024. The 12-suite lodge is set to have electric vehicles and private butler service. With suites starting at $7,500 a night, though, its rates are double those of comparable properties—time will tell what kind of bang it offers for the buck. Looking to combine these camps with a luxe seaside escape for the ultimate bush-and-beach combo? The new-ish Sala Beach House is the chicest option—when it opened on Thompson's Bay in 2022, Sala plugged a gap in the market for a modern luxury boutique beach hotel on KZN’s appropriately nicknamed Dolphin Coast. — Heather Richardson

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Go for: a watershed moment for exclusive camps in a unique landscape

African Bush Camps opened Khwai Lediba this past year—a drop in a sea of new safari lodges that make a visit to the Okavango Delta more desirable than ever.

In 2024, the team behind North Island Okavango (pictured), which has just three suites perched on an island in the Delta, will add a new build to their portfolio.

Go. Go now. Because if you’ve always dreamed of discovering Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where seasonal floodwaters transform parched sands into a filigree of shimmering channels, right now is when you’ll be spoiled for choice. A surge in demand, coupled with a proactive approach to developing community-owned concessions, has led to a flush of new lodges across the world’s largest inland delta.

Take Sitatunga Private Island , or Natural Selection’s North Island Okavango , where just three tented suites rest on an island beneath wild ebony trees. Natural Selection will add to their portfolio in May 2024 with a new build: Tawana . Set in the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve, this partnership with the chief of the local Batawana tribe will offer eight thatched suites amid the grasslands lining the perennial Gomoti River. Each stay is at least 1,000 square feet in size and comes with a private plunge pool and terrace.

Water is gold in the Delta, and this past year, African Bush Camps (ABC) opened the riverside Khwai Lediba . But our eye is really on Atzaro Okavango , slated for a March 2024 debut: It’s the third Icon camp in the Delta for ABC, with 10 lagoon-side suites promising impressive levels of Delta luxe and a strong sense of place through design (both markers of the Icon portfolio).

If you’re feeling adventurous, look east to the untapped Mababe marshlands and the brand-new Wilderness Mokete (opening mid-2024) for a fresh look at under-canvas exploration—out with plush campaign-style furnishings and in with geometric lines and contemporary decor. But be quick: Mokete will only stand for two years before being replaced by a new-build permanent camp set to open in 2026. — Richard Holmes

Rabat, Morocco

Go for: new cultural outposts, a music festival, and shiny hotels

Cool music festivals? Big-name architecture? Luxury hotels? Morocco's capital of Rabat has all that and more, and 2024 brings a wave of newness.

The Moroccan capital of Rabat may be one of the country’s four imperial cities, but it’s long been bypassed by travelers drawn to the timeworn beauty of places like Marrakech , Fez , and Tangier . That may change this year, as the city is in the midst of a cultural and artistic reinvention. One of the most talked about attractions: the forthcoming Mohammed VI Tower, designed to be LEED Gold and HQE-certified and projected to be the tallest and only spire of its kind in Africa. But perhaps even more exciting is the new Grand Theatre of Rabat opening nearby. One of legendary architect Zaha Hadid’s unfinished masterpieces, it will incorporate an 1,800-seat theater, an experimental performance space, and a 7,000-person amphitheater, along with green spaces and a restaurant. It is set to be the largest venue of its kind in both Africa and the Arab world and will host symphony, ballet, opera, and philharmonic performances (all of the above are anticipated before 2023 comes to a close). Another hotly anticipated cultural foray is the 2024 return of the Mawazine festival , coming back this summer after a COVID-19-induced hiatus—there’s no word on a lineup yet, but in the past Africa’s largest festival has drawn A-listers like Rihanna and Mariah Carey.

A flurry of high-profile hotel openings will make for a soft landing in the city while you’re there: The newly opened Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé and Conrad Rabat Arzana both herald a new era of modern luxury in the historic city; now, the buzz is centered around the hotly anticipated Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr , opening in late 2023, as well as a the planned Ritz-Carlton Rabat Dar Es Salam . — Harriet Akinyi

Go for: a historically significant anniversary, gorilla treks, and culinary innovation

Meza Malonga in Kigali is a celebration of Afro-fusion, drawing on chef Dieuveil Malonga's travels to 48 African countries.

In addition to great dining at Meza Malonga, Rwanda promises new trekking, houseboat cruising, and even craft beer in 2024.

Beyond famed gorilla treks, 2024 is the year Rwanda unveils lesser-known adventures and plenty of new reasons to hire a guide, hop in a Land Cruiser, and traverse the four national parks. Nyungwe National Park , freshly anointed with UNESCO World Heritage status, is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, renowned for its chimpanzee trekking, cycling, and hiking. The new Cyinzobe trail —a thrilling three-day, 15.5-mile hike, reveals breathtaking views of three cascading waterfalls, and the Kamiranzovu river. With lodging limited to six wooden A-frame cabins, you’ll have the rainforest almost to yourself. Spend your days learning about wild orchids, spotting silver monkeys and gray-cheeked mangabey, and marveling at some of the 345 bird species inside the park—30 of which are Albertine Rift endemics. Kingfisher Journeys invites adventurers to explore Rwanda’s uncharted white water rivers for the first time—there are 30 intermediate-grade rivers in the country for pioneering descents—led by expert rafting guides. In November 2023, the Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga introduces luxury houseboat cruising with a three-day voyage on the emerald waters of Lake Kivu—one of the African Great Lakes. Kayaking, swimming, cycling, hiking, and cultural immersion in local villages on small islands await.

And at Meza Malonga in Kigali, Congolese-born chef Dieuveil Malonga boasts Afro-fusion cuisine inspired by his travels to 48 African countries. The culinary marvel—voted a Champion of Change winner by World’s 50 Best —will open an expansive innovation lab in Musanze in August, where he’ll train young chefs and offer unique accommodations for food enthusiasts. The newly opened Kweza Craft Brewery , Rwanda’s first craft brewery, is fully female-owned and operated using 85% locally sourced ingredients, with an aim to once again empower women in what was historically a female-led craft.

As Rwanda commemorates the 30th anniversary of the devastating Tutsi genocide in 2024—marked by the poignant lighting of the flame of remembrance on April 7 at the Kigali Genocide Memorial —these new openings and experiences showcase just how far the country has come. — Alicia-Rae Light

Sierra Leone

Go for: ecotourism, glamping, and fantastic birding

Sierra Leone is a country on the rise, with new flights, a first ever ecotourism circuit, and national park lodges coming in 2024—visit before everyone else you know catches on.

The small West African nation of Sierra Leone has been working on a new tourism-centered vision. A recent visa on arrival program has already simplified the process of getting there. And, in 2023, a solar-powered airport near the capital, Freetown, opened a new terminal with a fivefold increase in capacity. In the year ahead, new international flight routes are expected to make the country even more accessible, with flights to Nigeria and South Africa first in line.

Perhaps the most exciting development is Sierra Leone’s push to safeguard and showcase its diverse wildlife, with new experiences for travelers. Spearheaded by Freetown-adjacent Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary , the initial phase of the country’s first ecotourism circuit opens in 2024 (keep an eye on the Tacugama website for details). It will offer first-ever accommodations at two important sites: A pair of one-bedroom ecolodges are slated to open at southeastern river island of Jaibui, where the elusive Pygmy Hippo lives, by spring 2024, and tent stays at Loma Mountains National Park will follow. Loma is home to Mount Bintumani, the tallest peak in West Africa west of Mount Cameroon, with an astounding array of rare animal and bird species like the bizarre-looking white-necked rockfowl, “ the avian Holy Grail ” for birdwatchers. In 2024, construction will begin on a world-class research and innovation center at Tacugama, with an exhibition hall dedicated to Sierra Leone’s national animal, the chimpanzee.

A host of new accommodations elsewhere in the country offers access to Sierra Leone’s coastline. Jethel Garden Eco-Resort opens in December 2023 near Freetown at Tasso Island , an important stop on the country’s slave trade history route. Further south, a previously inaccessible chain of remote sandbar islands in the Atlantic, Turtle Islands , is adding new accommodations and better boat transfers with project Tomatribe, which includes glamping-style bell tents opening by the start of 2024.

More is coming out of Sierra Leone in the next few years: The Peninsula City , a public-private partnership in conjunction with W Hotels, is building a resort and marina city just south of Freetown, and Sherbro Island City , a long-term initiative funded by Sierra Leone’s brand ambassador Idris Elba, has plans to transform this tropical island into the “Afro-dynamic eco-city.” — Yulia Denisyuk

Go for: a rich history, scuba diving, and improved access

Just because the island of St. Helena is remote, doesn't mean you won't find elevated stays—grab a room at Mantis St. Helena in Jamestown.

Increased flight connectivity means it no longer requires an arduous boat ride to reach the isle—or the world-class snorkeling and diving it offers.

A volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean, St. Helena is a British overseas territory about the same size as Walt Disney World Orlando , with a population under 4,500.

Until the first commercial flights touched down on the island in 2017, the remote isle could only be reached via a five-day boat journey from South Africa. Weekly flights from Johannesburg eventually made that journey easier, despite a pandemic pause, which ended in 2022. As of November 2024, St. Helena departures will be even more frequent, taking off twice a week from Cape Town throughout the summer and effectively making the island much easier to visit. The reason to go? To get that remote island feel , while still taking advantage of the infrastructure—which rivals the neighboring islands of Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.

There’s a rich history to dig into once you land. Uninhabited when the Portuguese arrived in 1502, St. Helena was later claimed by the Dutch before becoming a British territory—today, residents, known as Saints, have ancestral links to Britain but also to China , Madagascar, India , and West Africa . Tours detail the island’s past, from its enslaved African population to Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile and death. In the historic capital Jamestown, the Mantis St. Helena remains the smartest hotel on the island. Whale sharks visit St. Helena’s clear waters from December to March; tour operators like Sub-Tropic Adventures run trips to swim with the gentle marine giants. Snorkelers might spot turtles and devil rays, and there are several wrecks to explore by scuba. On land, trails cut through lush forests and up rugged hillsides; at the end, you might find a distinctive British red postbox with a notebook in which to leave a comment. — Heather Richardson

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Best Time To Visit Africa

A handy weather guide to Africa

The  best time to visit Africa  depends on the countries you want to visit, the time of the year, and if you are keen on going on one of the  big five Africa safaris . Here is an overview of  Africa destinations  to help you plan the perfect  African tours .

The Great Migration

Botswana offers the best game viewing experiences during the dry months of June to October. In October, while temperatures can rise up to 40 ° C during the day, they can drop below 10 ° C at night. The months of April and May are also suitable for a  Botswana  safari, although you have experience the occasional bout of rain as well.

• Best time to visit:  June to October
• Watch out:  Nights can be cold and chilly during the peak season, especially in the drier areas

The best time to travel to Kenya is between mid-December to mid-March and from June to October. The country experiences heavy rainfall between April and June, and shorter spells of rain in November and December. However, with various parts of  Kenya  being accessible at different months, you can actually travel in Kenya throughout the year.

• Best time to visit:  July to October
• Watch out:  Expect chilly weather conditions in higher altitudes

Seasons in  Lesotho  are diametrically opposite to ours. While in winter, temperatures can dip to -15°C, summer days are uniformly pleasant at 30 ° C. Lesotho also experiences the occasional thunderstorm during the summer months. Spring and autumn are the best time to travel to Lesotho, with April and May being the ideal months.

• Best time to visit:  May to October
• Watch out:  Great game-watching opportunities, but nights can be as cold as -12°C

In  Malawi , the weather is distinctly different between summer, winter and the rainy season. While May to July are the cooler months, Malawi experiences warm weather between August and September. Road conditions are poor during the rainy months from the end of September until April, making it difficult to travel in Malawi. With the weather being generally quite warm throughout the year, we recommend travel to Malawi between the months of May to August or September.

• Best time to visit:  June to August
• Watch out:  Days are warm and cloudless but nights can be cold

Mauritius experiences warm and sunny weather with few variations between seasons. Beach holidays in  Mauritius  are possible at any time of the year, although there are possibilities of heavy storms in January and February. As the country is located in the southern hemisphere, expect dry weather with low humidity between the months of May to November.

• Best time to visit:  September to January
• Watch out:  The summer months typically get heavy rainfall with occasional thunderstorms

Moroccan weather can be unpredictable from October through February and can vary from one year to the next; some winters are moderate and others are wet and cold. Generally, the months April, May, October and early November are the best time to visit  Morocco  for a more comfortable, temperate climate.

• Best time to visit:  September and October
• Watch out:  October is a busy month for tourism so please confirm your travel plans much in advance

In  Mozambique  too, the dry and wet seasons are distinctly different from one another. The dry weather lasts from April to September and is generally the best time to travel to Mozambique. As you travel inland, or to the south, the weather can be quite hot and humid during the rainy season.

• Watch out:  Due to strong winds in August, visibility can be poor in some areas

The sun shines down on  Namibia  throughout the year! Set in the southern hemisphere, Namibia can be quite cold in the dry winter months, with temperatures often dipping below the freezing point. The time between June to October is best for Namibia safaris.

• Best time to visit:  April to June
• Watch out:  By the end of June, temperatures as well as the amount of greenery begin to decrease steadily

Rwanda and Uganda

It is best to travel to  Rwanda  and  Uganda  during the long dry season between May to October or in the short dry season between December to March. Traveling in the rainy season is also possible as rainfall generally occurs in short, violent bursts. If you are interested in gorilla trekking, do keep in mind that  Volcanoes National Park  experiences plenty of rainfall throughout the year.

• Watch out:  This being the dry season, food is harder to find in Nyungwe, so chimp families often retreat further into the forest.

The climate of Seychelles is determined by the winds that blow through the country! The North-West trade winds bring warm and humid weather between the months of October to March, while in January and February, the country receives a lot of rainfall.  Seychelles  experiences cool and dry weather between May to October, making these the best months for travel.

• Watch out:  These are the busiest months for tourism in Seychelles

South Africa

The climate varies significantly between regions, so the best time to travel in South Africa depends on what you wish to do. As the country is in the southern hemisphere, seasons in South Africa are opposite to ours. While Springtime, between August and October, is the ideal time for safaris, you can actually travel to South Africa all around the year. During the school holidays, between mid-December to mid-January, as well as in Easter, a large amount of local tourists flock to popular destinations. Thus, it is best to avoid traveling in popular  South African destinations  at this time.

• Best time to visit:  May to October in the north and eastern parts; October to November and February to March in the Southern Cape region
• Watch out:  Between May to August in the north and eastern parts, expect cool and dry weather with temperatures dipping below -12°C at night.

Tanzania  is great for year round travel, so before you plan your trip, consider which activities and experiences are important to you. April and May are the least suitable months for travel to Tanzania as it rains heavily during this time.

• Watch out:  It can get quite cold in the higher altitudes

The  best time to travel to Zambia  is during the cool and dry months of May to August. The temperature is pleasantly mild at this time and it is also a great time for game viewing. In the hot and dry season, temperatures can rise up to 40 ° C, although this is also a great time for a safari in Zambia. While it is difficult to reach remote areas during the rainy season, this is also the best time for bird watching.

• Watch out:  While the days are warm and cloudless, nights can be chilly!

The best time to visit Zimbabwe is between the cool, dry months of May and August. While the temperature is generally around 20 ° C during the daytime, nights are usually cooler. In the higher regions of  Zimbabwe , temperatures can drop below freezing point. These months are also considered the best for  safaris in Zimbabwe .

• Watch out:  Pack warm winter clothes for morning game drives since temperatures can dip as low as 6°C

Best time to see the Victoria Falls

With the summer rains just ended, the Victoria Falls are at their impressive best during the months of March and April. Expect to be thoroughly drenched by the spray from this show-stopper if you are visiting during this time. It’s also the ideal time for a scenic helicopter ride in the Victoria Falls, flying over the gushing cascade of water. The months of July and August are also considered the best time to visit Victoria Falls. Water levels are still impressive during this time and you can also visit the Devil’s Pool at the edge of the cliff and Livingstone Island located mid-river.

The Best Time to travel to Africa

Do you have more questions about the best time to visit Africa?  Africa tours  need to be planned well, especially if you wish to include several countries and experiences, such as safaris and beach holidays, into your itinerary. Let us experts plan the  best African safari tours  and advise you on the best time to visit Africa. Tell us your Africa travel dream and we will design your private and tailor-made Africa tour to match all your interests and preferences.

The Best Time to go to Africa For A Wildlife Safari

Wondering what’s the  best time to visit Africa for a wildlife safari ? It can be overwhelming to decide when to go on a safari vacation in Africa, especially if you plan to visit multiple destinations. Our well-traveled experts can help you with their insights and recommendations, based on your interests. Whether you want to witness the  Great Migration in Africa , trek through the Kalahari Desert or glide along on a canoe in the Okavango Delta, our experts can curate the  best African safari tours  tailored exclusively for you.

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Come away with us to a wild, wild land. Such is the pull of the best African safari parks that we guarantee you’ll be coming back for more. Hauntingly beautiful, Africa’s timeless landscapes have inspired safari dreams for centuries.

Best time for Safaris

Whether it is classic safaris in world-renowned national parks, luxury safaris in remote destinations, drive-through tours in Kruger, or world class game viewing in Zimbabwe with the best guides, African safari tours can be life-changing. Plan the ideal wildlife safari in Africa by combining a visit to several countries and include unique experiences in your itinerary. Discover the best time for safaris in Africa by region.

Things To Do

From rolling savannas to thundering waterfalls and hundreds and thousands of animals roaming freely through vast, timeless landscapes, Africa tours offer fascinating bucket-list experiences. Discover the top ten highlights of Africa, as recommended by our destination experts. From the Great Migration in the Serengeti to a luxury safari on the Okavango Delta, discover bucket-list Africa!

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Planning To Visit Africa? Here Are The Best 10 Countries

Are your planning your next vacation and wondering what are the best countries to visit Africa? Then keep reading!

Camilla Amadi • May 8, 2024

Are you planning your next vacation and wondering what are the best countries to visit in Africa? Africa, the world’s second-largest and second-most-populous continent, is a land of captivating contrasts, rich history, and breathtaking beauty. From the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro to the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, Africa offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience for every kind of adventurer.

What Are The 10 Best Countries To Visit In Africa?

Whether you’re seeking a thrilling safari adventure, a relaxing beach vacation, or a cultural immersion experience, Africa has something for everyone. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 countries to visit in Africa, offering a taste of the diverse experiences this magnificent continent has to offer:

South Africa

Best Time to Visit : May to September for dry weather and prime safari season; whale watching along the coast is best from June to December.

Things to Do: Embark on a thrilling safari in Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife reserves. Go wine tasting in the Stellenbosch Winelands. Explore Cape Town , a vibrant city boasting stunning scenery, Robben Island, and Table Mountain. Learn about the country’s complex history at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.

Where to Eat: Savor Cape Malay cuisine in Cape Town, a fusion of Malay, Dutch, and indigenous African flavors. Sample South African wines, some of the finest in the world. Enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbecue) with friends or family.

Where to Stay: Choose from luxurious safari lodges in Kruger National Park, boutique hotels in Cape Town, or charming guesthouses in the winelands.

Best Time to Visit: June to October for the Great Migration; December to February for warm weather on the coast.

Things to Do: Witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration in the Masai Mara National Reserve, where millions of wildebeest and zebra embark on an annual journey. Go on a thrilling hot air balloon ride over the savanna for breathtaking views. Visit a traditional Maasai village and learn about their unique culture. Relax on the pristine beaches of Mombasa or Diani Beach.

Where to Eat: Sample Kenyan street food like mandazi (fried dough) or chapati (flatbread). Enjoy fresh seafood dishes on the coast. Savor a traditional Kenyan meal of ugali (cornmeal porridge) and sukuma wiki (collard greens).

Where to Stay: Luxurious tented camps in the Masai Mara offer an immersive safari experience. Beachfront resorts in Mombasa and Diani Beach cater to those seeking relaxation. Budget-friendly lodges and guesthouses are also available.

Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November for pleasant weather. Avoid the scorching heat of the summer months.

Things to Do: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Marrakech, a labyrinthine city with bustling souks, historical palaces, and delicious street food. Hike or ride camels through the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes in the Sahara Desert. Explore the ancient city of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historic medina and leather tanneries.

Where to Eat: Sample traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine (stew) and couscous in a riad (traditional Moroccan house turned hotel). Enjoy fresh mint tea, a staple beverage in Morocco. Indulge in sweet pastries like baklava for dessert.

Where to Stay: Stay in a riad for a truly authentic Moroccan experience. Luxury desert camps offer a unique way to experience the Sahara Desert . Modern hotels are also available in major cities.

Best Time to Visit: June to October for the Great Migration in the Serengeti National Park; December to February for warm weather on the coast. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is best attempted during the dry season (December to February or June to September).

Things to Do: Witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration in the Serengeti National Park, a spectacle that has to be seen to be believed. Challenge yourself by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa (not for the faint of heart!). Relax on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, an island paradise with a rich history. Explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a diverse range of wildlife.

Where to Eat: Savor fresh seafood dishes like grilled octopus or coconut curry on the beaches of Zanzibar. Sample Tanzanian staples like ugali (cornmeal porridge) and mchicha (spinach) with meat or fish stew. Enjoy a cup of strong Tanzanian coffee, a popular way to start the day.

Where to Stay: Luxurious tented camps in the Serengeti offer an unforgettable safari experience. Beachfront resorts in Zanzibar cater to those seeking relaxation. Budget-friendly lodges and guesthouses are also available in most areas.

Best Time to Visit: May to September for dry weather and prime safari season; the Okavango Delta is best experienced from March to May when the floodwaters are at their peak.

Things to Do: Embark on a luxurious safari in the world-renowned Okavango Delta, a unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife. Go mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) rides through the waterways for a unique perspective. Explore the Chobe National Park, famous for its large elephant herds. Witness the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World (shared with Zambia).

Where to Eat: Enjoy gourmet meals prepared by top chefs at luxurious safari lodges. Sample Botswanan cuisine like seswaa (pounded salted meat) or pap (cornmeal porridge) at local restaurants.

Where to Stay: Luxurious safari lodges in the Okavango Delta offer unparalleled service and stunning views. Budget-friendly options like guesthouses and campsites are also available in some areas.

Best Time to Visit: April to October for dry weather and pleasant temperatures; the Skeleton Coast is best explored from December to March.

Things to Do: Explore the otherworldly Namib Desert, a landscape of towering sand dunes, dramatic canyons, and unique wildlife. Witness the Sossusvlei, a stark desert landscape with iconic red sand dunes. Drive along the Skeleton Coast, a shipwreck graveyard with a fascinating history. Go stargazing in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, one of the darkest places on Earth.

Where to Eat: Sample Namibian cuisine like oshiwambo (millet porridge) or mopane worms (a local delicacy) at local restaurants. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes like oysters or lobster along the coast.

Where to Stay: Choose from luxurious desert lodges with stunning views, comfortable guesthouses in towns, or campsites for a more adventurous experience.

Best Time to Visit: June to August and December to February for dry weather with comfortable temperatures for gorilla trekking.

Things to Do: Embark on a life-changing experience by trekking to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Explore the vibrant capital city of Kigali, a hub of art, culture, and history. Visit a traditional Rwandan village and learn about the country’s unique culture. Go on a chimpanzee trekking adventure in Nyungwe National Park.

Where to Eat: Savor Rwandan staples like matoke (steamed green bananas) and brochettes (skewers of grilled meat or fish). Sample local Rwandan coffee, known for its rich flavor. Enjoy fresh juices made from tropical fruits.

Where to Stay: Choose from comfortable lodges and guesthouses near Volcanoes National Park, boutique hotels in Kigali, or eco-lodges offering a sustainable travel experience.

Best Time to Visit: September to May for pleasant weather; avoid the rainy season from June to August.

Things to Do : Explore the ancient rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hike the Simien Mountains, a breathtaking mountain range with stunning scenery and unique wildlife. Visit the historical city of Gondar, once the capital of the Ethiopian Empire. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Addis Ababa, the capital city.

Where to Eat: Sample Ethiopian cuisine like injera (sourdough flatbread) served with stews of vegetables, lentils, or meat. Enjoy a cup of Ethiopian coffee, brewed in a traditional jebena (clay pot). Indulge in sweet pastries like baklava for dessert.

Where to Stay: Choose from historic hotels in cities like Gondar, comfortable lodges near the Simien Mountains , or modern hotels in Addis Ababa. Budget-friendly guesthouses are also available in most areas.

Best Time to Visit: May to November for dry weather and calm seas; December to April can be hot and humid with occasional rain showers.

Things to Do: Relax on the pristine beaches of Mahé, the largest island, or explore the secluded beaches of other islands like Praslin and La Digue. Go snorkeling or scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful marine life. Hike through lush rainforests and explore hidden waterfalls on some islands. Go island hopping and discover the unique beauty of each island in the Seychelles archipelago.

Where to Eat: Savor fresh seafood dishes like grilled fish or lobster curries. Sample Seychellois cuisine with Creole influences, featuring tropical fruits, spices, and fresh ingredients. Enjoy tropical cocktails made with local rum and fresh juices.

Where to Stay: Choose from luxurious beachfront resorts offering all-inclusive packages, charming guesthouses on smaller islands, or self-catering villas for a more independent experience.

Best Time to Visit: May to September for dry weather and the best views of Victoria Falls; October to April can be wet with the falls at their most powerful.

Things to Do: Witness the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, from the Zambian side. Embark on a thrilling safari adventure in South Luangwa National Park, known for its abundance of wildlife, including lions, leopards, and elephants. Go white-water rafting on the mighty Zambezi River for an adrenaline rush. Explore the cultural heritage of Livingstone, a town named after the famous explorer.

Where to Eat: Savor Zambian cuisine like nshima (cornmeal porridge) with relish (stewed vegetables or meat). Sample fresh fish dishes from Lake Kariba. Enjoy a Zambian beer or a refreshing cup of local coffee.

Where to Stay: Choose from luxurious lodges with stunning views of Victoria Falls, comfortable safari camps in South Luangwa National Park, or guesthouses in Livingstone offering a budget-friendly option.

Safe Travels

This list just scratches the surface of the best countries to visit in Africa and the incredible experiences Africa has to offer. From the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife to the rich cultures and warm hospitality, Africa is a continent that will leave a lasting impression on any traveler. So, start planning your African adventure today and discover the magic for yourself!

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Best Countries to Visit in October

Here is the list of 18 best countries to visit in october.

November is the beginning of Autumn in Japan. Fall foliage starts during this month and leaves turn golden. Skies are generally clear with little rainfall, and about 9 rainy days. The weather is mild and comfortable with average temperatures ranging from 15-22 degrees celsius, which is great for outdoor activities like sightseeing, trekking and exploring beaches. Since this is the shoulder season, the crowd is relatively less and the prices for accommodation and travel also go down. Top Places: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone

October is the official beginning of Autumn in the Northern parts of Italy. The initial days of the month experience delightful weather conditions, and average high temperature drops to 21 degrees Celsius. The southern regions of Italy experience colder temperatures but weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Since it is not peak-season, You will also get better deals on travel, activities and accommodation, and the crowd will be lesser in most of the tourist attractions around Italy Top Places: Rome, Tuscany

Spain is one of the best countries to visit in October with the fall season, and the streets are covered in  yellow and orange leaves. The weather is comfortable with average temperature around 21 degrees celsius, and hence, perfect for outdoor activities like sightseeing.  Coastal areas like Costa Del Sol can still be in your itinerary during this time. Since this is a shoulder season, the cost of accommodation and travel, as well as the crowds will be lesser. Top Places: Barcelona, Madrid, Seville

Known as the Indian summer, the month October, witnesses a lowering of temperature in Canada. The eastern and central parts of Canada have cooler temperatures at around 16 degrees during the day and nights get colder around 3 degrees. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing before the winters. You will also get better deals on travel, activities and accommodation, and the crowd will be lesser since this is not the peak season Top Places: Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa

5. New Zealand

November is the spring season in New Zealand. The weather is warmer and longer than winters with average temperatures ranging from 17-21 degrees celsius with regional variations, making it an ideal month for outdoor activities like trekking and hiking in Southern Alps, and also to visit the beaches. Since October falls before the peak-season rush, you will be able to get more budget-friendly options for travel and accommodation, as well as lesser crowds. Top Places: Auckland, Wellington, South Island

6. Thailand

Monsoon season in Thailand comes to an end in October is the perfect time to visit the north and central Thailand. The temperatures are mild, air is a little less humid, with low rainfall and average temperatures ranging between 24-28 degree Celsius. This makes Thailand one of the top countries to visit in October for outdoor activities like trekking, and for visiting beaches in the Andaman Coast. The cost of accommodation and travel, as well as the crowds will be lesser in October Top Places: Phuket, Krabi

7. Australia

October in Australia is the spring season, making it one of the best times to travel to the country. The weather is warmer and longer than winters, with average temperatures around 18-22 degrees celsius and low chances of rainfall. The weather is  outdoor activities like trekking, hiking and water sports like diving and snorkeling. Since October is before the peak-season rush, you will get more budget-friendly options for travel and accommodation, as well as lesser crowds. Top Places: Melbourne, Sydney, Tasmania

8. South Africa

South Africa experiences the spring season and is one of the best countries to travel in October. The weather is pleasant with average temperature around 18-26 degrees celsius and chances of rainfall are less. This is an ideal time for outdoor activities like trekking, sightseeing, and wildlife safaris at the National Parks. The tourist rush has not kicked in and this means lower cost for accommodation,travel and activities and lesser crowd at popular attractions. Top Places: Cape Town, Stellenbosch

October is fall season in Greece, with the northern winds cooling up after the extreme summer heat. The weather is pleasant with clear skies, less wind, and occasional rain. The average temperature ranges between 8-22 degrees celsius, and is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the Greek islands and beaches.  Since October falls before the peak-season rush, you will be able to get more budget-friendly options for travel and accommodation, as well as lesser crowds. Top Places: Santorini, Athens

10. United States of America

October falls in the beginning of winters, but is still a good time to visit the USA. states like Florida remain warm, but North as well as the North-East tend to get chilly around this time. The average temperature can range from -1 to 24 degrees celsius depending on the state, and is ideal for outdoor activities where the weather is warmer. USA remains one of the best countries to visit in October due to the lower cost of travel, and since the places are less crowded Top Places: Florida, New York

With pleasant weather and lower crowds, Peru is a must-visit country in October. The coastal and desert regions in Peru remain warm, with slight fog and average temperatures of 15-20 degrees celsius. The Andean zone warms up during the day with temperatures around 21 degrees and weather is ideal for outdoor activities like trekking and hiking. You will be able to get more budget-friendly options for travel and accommodation, as well as lesser crowds in Peru during October Top Places: Huaraz, Machu Picchu, Mancora

Egypt experiences pleasant weather in Ocotber with the start of the winter season. Tempertures range from 23-33 degrees celsius. It is also an ideal time for outdoor activities like trekking, snorkeling, and sightseeing. In Cairo and the Nile Delta Region, winter months are cold,but the Southern part of Egypt remains warm. Since it is the peak season, tickets, activities and accomodation will be more costly, and the top tourist attractions will be more crowded. Top Places: Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria

Octoberber is during the autumn season, and Mexico has an average temperature of around 20 degrees celsius in the northern parts and about 30 degrees celsius in the southern regions. The coastal waters become significantly cooler and is an ideal time for outdoor activities like trekking, beaches and for celebrations like the Fiestas de Octubre. Since it is the holiday season, cost of travel and accomodation, as well as crowds would be higher. Top Places: Mexico City, Cancun and Riviera Maya

14. Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the best countries to visit in October, especially the Northern and Southern Provinces. In October Vietnam experiences autumn season, the weather becomes suitable for outdoor activities. The temperature varies at around 25-30 degree celsius and there's lesser chance of rainfall in the North and South. Hanoi’s Liberation Day is a major celebration. You will also get better deals on travel, activities and accommodation, since it falls outside tourist-season. Top Places: Hoi An, Hanoy, Halong Bay

15. Morocco

In October, Morocco experiences the fall season where the days are shorter but the sun is very warm. Fall is a pleasant and dry season with temperature ranging from 17-27 degree Celsius which makes it a perfect time for outdoor activities like sightseeing and for cultural activties like Erfoud Date Festival. It is also a great season to go for a hiking expedition. Since it is not the peak tourist season in October, the cost of accomodation and travel will be cheaper. Top Places: Marakkech, Casablanca

16. Portugal

Portugal is one of the most beautiful to visit in October . It is the Autumn season and layers of colourful, velvety leaves cover the country. The average temperature ranges from 12-19 degrees celsius, making this is one of the ideal time to travel for sightseeing, day tours and other outdoor activities. Since this is the shoulder season, the number of travellers to the country is relatively less and therefore the prices for accommodation and travel are also lesser. Top Places: Lisbon, Porto, Algrvae

17. Mauritius, Mauritius - Indian Ocean's Island Paradise.

Known For : Black River Gorges National Park Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel Scuba Diving in Mauritius

Mauritius is one of the best countries to visit in October. The temperature in October soars up to 25 degrees Celsius during the day whereas the average temperature is usually around 20-23 degrees Celsius. October is the dry month with occasional light showers. Hence, you can take a leisurely walk along the beach and enjoy Mauritius breeze in its true essence. The weather is suitable for outdoor activities.  Since it is not the peak tourist season in October, the cost of accomodation and travel will be cheaper.

Best Time: July to October (winter)

146 Mauritius Attractions

18. Turkey - A Land of Culture with Modern Twist

Weather in Turkey in autumn promises warm temperatures and blue skies though days start to get shorter. The beginning of September might still be hot, but it does start to get colder from mid-September although land and sea temperatures remain warm. This creates conditions which are similar to the months of spring but with shorter days. Autumn is a great time to explore the ancient sites, cities and the turquoise coast, as the crowds are fewer and the prices are lower. Top Places:  Istanbul, Antalya, Bodum

Which of these countries have you visited in October. Share your experiences in the comments section below:

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Best places to visit in japan.

Known as the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan's civilization dates as far back as 30,000 years. Today, the archipelago seamlessly blends its rich history with its ultra-modern present. And while its capital, Tokyo, is a must-visit for first timers, Japan has so much more to offer travelers of all types, from cherry blossoms to white sand beaches to soothing onsen (hot spring spas). U.S. News took into account cultural attractions, culinary options and accessibility (among other factors) to bring you the best places to visit in Japan. Have a favorite? Vote below to help decide next year's ranking.

Izu Peninsula

This metropolis is a feast for the senses. Neighborhoods like Ginza and Akihabara buzz with flashing lights and larger-than-life shopping, while Meiji Shrine and the Tokyo Imperial Palace give you a look into Japan's storied past. There are also a number of green spaces like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which acts as a place to escape from the chaotic, concrete jungle. What's more, Tokyo is regularly regarded as a top foodie city thanks in part to its abundant Michelin-starred restaurants (the most you'll find in any city in the world), so come hungry.

Travelers most interested in Japan's history and traditions should head to Kyoto. Centrally located on the archipelago, Kyoto has long been considered the cultural capital of Japan. Here, you'll find more than 1,000 Buddhist temples and 400-plus Shinto shrines (you can't miss the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha), including a whopping 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can also stroll through geisha districts like Gion and Miyagawacho, admire classic wooden architecture and visit traditional teahouses before checking out more modern attractions, such as the Kyoto Aquarium.

Nikko is the place to go to see lavish architecture surrounded by nature. Head to Nikko National Park, one of Japan's oldest national parks, to enjoy an up-close look at traditional structures situated alongside mountains, lakes, waterfalls and hot springs. The park is especially beautiful in fall when its trees display vivid shades of yellow, red and orange. The 103 Edo-era (1603–1868) temples and shrines in Nikko include world-renowned sites like Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple.

Situated about 35 miles southwest of Kyoto, this port city is worth a visit for its food alone. One of the city's most famous dishes, the tasty pancake-like okonomiyaki (which means "grilled as you like it" in Japanese), is made with batter, cabbage and your choice of meat and other toppings. After you've gotten your fill of the delectable local cuisine, explore the flashy Dotonbori neighborhood, check out the reconstructed 16th-century Osaka Castle or head to contemporary sights like Universal Studios Japan and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

As Japan's second most populous city, Yokohama is often touted as a more approachable and more affordable alternative to Tokyo (located 22 miles northeast). As one of the country's first ports to open to international trade, Yokohama features unique culture fusions, including a sizable expat population, Western-style buildings in the Yamate area and the largest Chinatown in Japan (it has more businesses than residents). While here, visitors can explore Minato Mirai 21, the city's modern central district teeming with skyscrapers and shopping malls, and visit museums ranging from the Cup Noodles Museum to the Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum.

More than 160 islands comprise Okinawa, a top destination for snorkeling and diving. The Japanese prefecture boasts proximity to multiple coral reefs teeming with fish, manta rays and hammerhead sharks that you can access from beautiful beaches like those found on Okinawa's Kerama Islands. These 20-plus islands are also ideal places to see migrating whales between January and March. Back on the main island, visitors will find one of the world's largest aquariums, several castle ruins and a museum that focuses on Okinawa's unique history and culture. And on the less developed Iriomote Island, adventurous travelers can hike to awe-inspiring waterfalls.

Spared from World War II air raids and the major natural disasters that have affected other Japanese cities, Kanazawa on the western coast is home to some of the country's best-preserved architecture from the Edo period. Sites like Kanazawa Castle, Seisonkaku Villa and Myoryuji temple are popular among visitors, as are the Higashi Chaya geisha district and Nagamachi Samurai District. Plus, no trip to Kanazawa would be complete without a visit to the resplendent Kenrokuen Garden. With its water features, bridges and a variety of flowering trees that add beauty to any season, Kenrokuen is often described as the perfect garden.

Nestled in the mountains of the Gifu prefecture, Takayama is ideal for visitors looking for a rural retreat with a dose of history. Start your visit with a rickshaw ride through the well-preserved old town, which features sake breweries, traditional residences and shops that date back to the feudal ages. Then, head to the Hida Folk Village, a former farming village with 30 gassho-style houses. When you've worked up an appetite, indulge in must-try local specialties including Hida beef and Takayama ramen. To further immerse yourself in Takayama culture, visit during the Takayama Festival, held for two days every spring and fall.

The country's tallest mountain and one of its most iconic landmarks is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. For centuries, Japanese artists and poets have been inspired by Mount Fuji's almost perfectly round form. The Fuji Five Lakes region at the foot of this UNESCO World Heritage Site makes a great base for the thousands of climbers who visit each year. Enjoy the area's museums and amusement park during the warmer months. Or, arrive in winter to soak in the onsen and ski Mount Fuji's slopes.

Located on Kyushu (Japan's third-largest island), Fukuoka offers travelers a mix of urban sprawl, sandy coastlines and ancient temples and shrines. Can't-miss sights include Tochoji Temple – home of the largest sitting wooden Buddha in Japan – and Nokonoshima Island, which features colorful flower fields and beautiful views of the surrounding bay. Fukuoka is also known for its incredible Hakata ramen, so be sure to try this tasty dish at one of the city's many food stalls. Plan your visit around one of Fukuoka's lively festivals, such as the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, which takes place throughout the first half of July.

Head to the smallest of Japan's four main islands if you're looking to get off the beaten path. Shikoku is best known for its 88 Temple Pilgrimage – a nearly 750-mile loop that covers sacred sites around the island. Whether you're trekking this path or creating your own, you'll encounter Shikoku's natural beauty (think: forest-covered mountains and an unspoiled coastline). Meanwhile, the city of Kochi features cheap eats and a well-preserved castle. If you're visiting in mid-August, add Shikoku's cultural pinnacle, Awa Odori, to your itinerary. One of the most famous festivals in Japan, this dance celebration in the city of Takushima is a must-do.

Mountainous Hakone is one of Japan's most popular hot spring destinations. Nestled within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the town features 17 different hot springs, plus a hot spring theme park with unique baths like one with coffee and another with mulled wine. After you've dried off, visit one of Hakone's art museums, such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the Okada Museum of Art or the Hakone Museum of Art. No Hakone vacation would be complete without enjoying spectacular views of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashinoko and the Komagatake Ropeway.

After an earthquake caused significant damage to the city in 1995, Kobe rebuilt itself into a thriving cosmopolitan city. You'll want to remember to bring your appetite when you visit. Kobe is famous for its namesake beef, as well as its sake. It's also considered one of Japan's most attractive cities, with sleek architecture and beautiful green spaces like Sorakuen Garden. For some of the city's best views – especially at sunset – go to the top of Mount Rokko or ride the Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway. End your evening exploring Nankinmachi (Kobe's compact Chinatown) or dining at one of Kobe Harborland's waterfront restaurants.

For many, Hiroshima brings up memories of war, as the city is where the world's first atomic bomb attack occurred in 1945. But today, Hiroshima is a city of peace, with the vast Peace Memorial Park as the center for monuments and memorials like the  the Children's Peace Monument and the UNESCO-certified Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Bomb Dome). It is also a city of great beauty. Travelers can take a scenic stroll through Shukkeien Garden, peruse the exhibits at the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art or visit Sandankyo Gorge to hike or boat past its beautiful waterfalls, caves and coves.

Tourists flock to the island of Miyajima (formally named Itsukushima) for its prime attraction: Itsukushima Shrine and its postcard-worthy torii gate. To see the shrine at its most picturesque, try to visit during high tide, when the gate appears to float on the water. Since the island is just a 30-minute ferry ride from Hiroshima, it makes for a great day trip. However, visitors may want to stay the night at a charming ryokan (Japanese-style inn) to experience Miyajima at its most serene and walk by the illuminated shrine at night.

An outdoor-lover's delight, Matsumoto is just 22 miles east of Kamikochi, an awe-inspiring valley in the Hotaka mountain range. But though it serves as a gateway to the Japanese Alps, this city in central Japan should not be skipped over. As the birthplace of contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, known for polka dots and pumpkins, Matsumoto pays her tribute at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art. Meanwhile, those who prefer more ancient masterpieces can visit Matsumoto Castle, one of the oldest and grandest castles in the country.  

Japan's first permanent capital is famous for housing the Great Buddha, a nearly 50-foot-tall bronze statue of Buddha. You'll find this jaw-dropping national treasure in Nara's Todaiji temple, which is the one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. While on the temple grounds, explore the deer-filled Nara Park and the ornate Kasuga Taisha shrine. Also save time for visiting Yakushiji Temple, one of Japan's oldest temples that dates back to A.D. 730.

This peninsula situated 62 miles southwest of Tokyo makes a great getaway from the busy city. It is popular among locals and tourists alike thanks to its relaxing hot springs and stunning beaches. These, along with various museums and ryokans, can be found in cities like Atami and Shimoda on the Izu Peninsula's eastern coast. During spring visits, travelers will also want to check out Kawazu's vibrant pink blooms at the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. Meanwhile, on the southern and western coasts, vacationers will find more rugged yet equally scenic coastlines, such as Cape Irozaki and Dogashima.

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written by Joanne Owen

updated 10.06.2024

Looking for somewhere special to holiday in October? Look no further! From soaking up Southern Europe's last sun in less-crowded conditions, to uncovering culture in Cuba and blissing out on Zanzibar's beaches, here we present the best holiday destinations in October. As a bonus, there are options for different budgets and breaks to suit every type of traveller.

1. Rome, Italy

2. kyoto, japan, 3. bangkok, thailand, 4. kolkata, india, 5. lisbon, portugal, 6. santorini, greece, 7. istanbul, turkey, 8. marrakech, morocco, 9. cape town, south africa, 10. buenos aires, argentina, 11. cusco, peru, 12. havana, cuba, 13. new york city, usa, 14. dubai, uae, 15. sydney, australia, 16. reykjavik, iceland, 17. florence, italy, 18. kathmandu valley, nepal, 19. zanzibar, tanzania, 20. mexico city, mexico, travel ideas for italy, created by local experts.

8 days  / from 2646 USD

Experience the hit TV show 'The White Lotus' in Sicily

Stay in beautiful Taormina with gorgeous views of Mount Etna and discover Sicily, including famous filming locations. Go on exclusive wine tastings, discover the Greek theater in Taormina with a private guide, visit other Sicilian towns and enjoy the crystal clear water on this week-long trip.

8 days  / from 3289 USD

Enchanting Italian Lakes

Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, with this self-drive trip!

16 days  / from 3289 USD

From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

From the atmospheric canals of Venice and the picturesque coastline of Cinque Terre, to the trendy designer boutiques of Milan and the Renaissance-infused streets of Florence, Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive trip.

5 days  / from 1615 USD

Florence: A Trip Back In Time

Florence. A mere mention of the name conjures up grand images of Renaissance romance, awe-inspiring art and astonishing architecture. Come and see for yourself.

4 days  / from 1026 USD

Eternal Rome for the Weekend

Welcome to this whirlwind tour of Rome, also known as the Eternal City. Rome is one of the most photogenic cities on earth, so make sure you pack your camera.

6 days  / from 2700 USD

Wine and food in Tuscany

Stay at a beautiful hotel in San Gimignano, a medieval hill town half way between Florence and Siena. Tuscany is known for its wines and food and that's what you'll be exploring on this itinerary - several wine and food pairings await. All hand-picked by your local travel specialist.

Mild weather and smaller crowds make Rome one of the best destinations in October © Shutterstock

Why visit: pleasant weather and fewer tourists

Average temperature: 15-22°C (59-72°F)

Travel time from UK: 2.5-3 hours

Average daily budget: £100-£150

If you’ve long been longing to visit Rome , October is a great time to uncover its ancient history without the stifling crowds (and heat) of the summer months. 

From pottering around the Pantheon in relative peace, to al fresco dining on the city’s best pizza, visiting in the Eternal City in autumn means you can enjoy all the best things to do in Rome in very pleasant conditions. 

Add to this the soft, golden light of autumn and the city's glorious gardens displaying dazzling hues of red and orange, and October amounts to a top time to take a  city break. Looking for a longer holiday? October is also a marvellous month to enjoy day trips from Rome . 

Lastly, if you love your grub, note that October is harvest season, which means you’ll get to savour seasonal dishes featuring mushrooms, pumpkins and chestnuts. It's also a great time to sample Italian wines as the grape harvest draws to an end.

Where to stay: for a beautiful boutique experience Hotel Farnese   — an aristocratic residence turned into a comfortable hotel — boasts balconies, handmade furniture and great views of the Vatican. 

Meanwhile, if you’re travelling on a budget, try great-value  Hotel Major Aventinus . It’s just across the Tiber from Trastevere and offers rooms with views of the garden or street.

Old Town, Kyoto, Japan © Shutterstock

Why visit: stunning autumn foliage, festivals and outdoor activities

Average temperature: 13-23°C (55-73°F)

Travel time from UK: 11-12 hours

Average daily budget: £80-£120

Renowned for its spectacular autumn foliage, October is an enchanting time to visit Kyoto , with locations like Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera, and the Philosopher's Path particularly beautiful.

Being shoulder season, October is also a quieter time to experience Kyoto’s temples and gardens in more serene style, with temples like Tofuku-ji and Eikando especially famous for their breath-taking autumn foliage.

October also sees Kyoto stage a couple of memorable festivals, among them the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Ages). Celebrated on 22 nd October, this features a grand parade with participants dressed in historic costumes.

October’s milder weather also makes it a top time to hike the surrounding mountains, such as Mount Hiei, or the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

All that considered, it’s clear why Japan’s cultural heart is very likely to win you over .

Where to stay: boasting a prime location in the centre of Kyoto, Kyo Maimai , which is also close to the World Heritage Toji Temple, offers a terrace, air conditioning, garden views and a balcony.

Want your own place? Located in the centre of Kyoto, 2km from Kyoto Station, Sky Kyoto holiday home has garden views, an inner courtyard and quiet street views.

Wat Phra Kaeo, Bangkok, Thailand © apiguide/Shutterstoc k

Why visit: post-rainy-season lushness and fewer tourists

Average temperature: 24-32°C (75-90°F)

Average daily budget: £50-£90

Heading to Bangkok — capital of Thailand ­ — for a holiday in October will enable you to experience the city’s rich culture, vibrant markets, and stunning temples in a more relaxed and comfortable environment, with the added benefits of fewer tourists and better travel deals.

This being the end of the rainy season, the city’s parks and gardens are lush and green. At the same time, as October sees slightly cooler temperatures — an average range 24-32°C (75-90°F) — visiting top temple attractions like Wat Pho and Wat Saket is far more comfortable, and rewarding.

For the same reason, this is a great month to visit floating markets like Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa. Or how about cruising the Chao Phraya River and exploring Bangkok’s historic canals?

When it comes to food, seasonal fruits like rambutans, longans, and mangosteens are in October, and smaller crowds make it easier to navigate street food markets.

On the subject of grub, foodies will be well and truly tantalised by our customisable Bangkok Gourmet itinerary.

Where to stay: if you’re a foodie seeking someplace stylish to stay, try  Shanghai Mansion in Chinatown. 

Travelling as a family? Check-out  Beanstalk Bangkok in the Silom area.

Kumartuli clay idol for Durga Puja in Kolkata © Shutterstock

Why visit: fab food, warm weather and unforgettable festivals

Average temperature: 24-31°C (75-88°F)

Travel time from UK: 11-13 hours

Average daily budget: £50-£150

One of India's four great urban centres, Kolkata is known as the  foodie capital  of India for very good reason. It’s also an immensely rewarding October holiday destination for culture vultures.

And the reasons? Durga Puja — the most important festival of the year for Bengali Hindus — is celebrated here in spectacular style in the Hindu month of Ashvin, which falls in September or October.

Known elsewhere in  India  as Dussehra, this 10-day festival marks the slaying of the buffalo demon Mahisasura by the ten-armed goddess Durga. 

More generally, it symbolises the victory of good over evil, and comes to an exhilarating climax with thousands of lavish papier-mâché Durga idols parading through the city’s streets before being immersed in the Hooghly River. 

Where to stay: for five-star finery and top service in the centre, check-out  The Oberoi Grand . 

Or, if you fancy immersing yourself in nature, consider Vedic Village Spa Resort . It boasts glorious grounds and gorgeous bungalows away from the city.

Lisbon sunset © Shutterstock

Why visit: culture and culinary treats in comfortable temperatures

Average temperature: 15-23°C (59-73°F)

Average daily budget: £60-£100

Thanks to its architectural charm, fine food and wine, and waterfront location, Lisbon is a great year-round holiday destination. But, given that the picturesque Portuguese capital is hardly a secret, travellers who prefer smaller crowds might want to holiday here in October.

The weather in Portugal in October is pleasantly mild, with an average temperature range of 15-23°C (59-73°F). Pretty much ideal for sightseeing the likes of the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, and the Alfama district, and going off the tourist trail . 

While the water will be pretty cool, Lisbon's nearby beaches like Cascais and Estoril are still pleasant for a stroll or a relaxing afternoon.

It’s also a great time to take to the great outdoors. For example, you could hike Arrábida Natural Park, which is just a short drive from Lisbon.

If that wasn’t enough, holidaying in Lisbon in October means you’ll get to enjoy seasonal dishes featuring chestnuts and mushrooms, and freshly harvested wine on a wine-tasting tour. Given the the wines of Portugal are truly world-class, this is a not-to-be-missed experience.

Where to stay: for a luxurious experience, stay in Hotel Avenida Palace , one of Lisbon’s grandest hotels. 

Looking to bed down in the Alfama district? Might we suggest Solar Dos Mouros ? Each of the 12 rooms in this townhouse has fantastic views of the river or the castle.

Santorini sunset © Shutterstock

Why visit: warm weather and fewer tourists

Average temperature: 17-24°C (63-75°F)

Travel time from UK: 4-4.5 hours

Average daily budget : £80-£130

Visiting the Greek island of Santorini in October means you’ll get to enjoy its best beaches and hikes — such as the trail from Fira to Oia along the caldera — far from the madding crowds of summer.

While the weather in October will have cooled, the average daily range of 17-24°C (63-75°F) means you can enjoy beautiful strolls and al fresco dining on an island that’s known for its staggeringly awe-inspiring sunsets.

What’s more, the sea remains warm enough for swimming, snorkelling, and other water activities.

October is also grape harvest season, making it a perfect time to visit the island’s wineries and taste local wines.

With fewer tourists, it’s also a wonderful month to explore the archaeological sites of Akrotiri and Ancient Thera without the peak season crowds.

Where to stay: famed for its stunning sunsets, Oia is the premier destination for admiring views of the caldera and the island's legendary sunsets. Many accommodation facilities are perched on the cliffs, offering unparalleled views of the Aegean Sea and the caldera.

On a tighter budget? Located close to Fira, Karterados provides a more budget-friendly alternative to the capital but still offers easy access to its attractions.

Istanbul, Turkey © Seqoya/Shutterstock

Why visit: cuisine, culture and all that jazz (quite literally!) 

Average temperature: 13-20°C (55-68°F)

Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a uniquely diverse holiday destination. Though no longer the capital of Turkey , it remains the country’s vibrant economic, intellectual and cultural heart.

The latter is especially apparent in October, when the city hosts the International Istanbul Film Festival, and the Akbank Jazz Festival.

What’s more, the summer tourist rush has ended in October, resulting in fewer crowds at popular attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. At the same time, with an average temperature range of 13-20°C (55-68°F), sightseeing conditions are comfortable.

Where to stay: for boutique style, the award-winning Georges Hotel is loccated in a majestic historical building in Galata, the heart of modern day Istanbul. The rooftop restaurant and bar offer spectacular views over the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.

Meanwhile, Hotel Ibrahim Pasha is just a 2-minute walk from the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts. Its roof-top terrace offers views of the Blue Mosque, and the service is top-notch.

Koutoubia mosque, Marrakech, Morocco © Migel/Shutterstock

Why visit: culture and adventure in warm weather conditions

Average temperature: 16-28°C (61-82°F)

Travel time from UK: 3-3.5 hours

Though seeing an average temperature range of 16-28°C (61-82°F) — far more conducive to exploring Morocco than during the heady heights of summer — October is outside Marrakech’s  peak tourist season. 

As a result, popular attractions — among them the UNESCO-listed Medina, Bahia Palace, El Badi Palace, Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Saadian Tombs and Majorelle Garden — are less crowded and offer a more peaceful, immersive experience.

The cooler temperatures and smaller crowds also make exploring Marrakech’s labyrinthine souks more pleasurable. 

The same goes for enjoying outdoor activities, like taking a day trip to hike the nearby Atlas Mountains, or enjoying exhilarating quad biking and horse-riding excursions in the surrounding desert and countryside.

It’s also a great month to mix visiting Marrakech with a desert stay . 

Finally, October sees the city host the Marrakech International Film Festival and the Al Haouz Folklore Festival, the latter of which is an excellent way to   experience traditional Moroccan music and dance. 

Where to stay : want an upscale, trendy experience? Head to the hip-and-happening Hivernage district, which is home to a host of stylish hotels, among them Hivernage Secret Suites & Garden .

Or, for a taste of tradition — and style — in Northern Medina, try Riad l'Oiseau du Paradis

Llandudno beach, Cape Town, South Africa © Shutterstock

Why visit: adventure, spring beauty and whale-watching 

Average temperature: 11-21°C (52-70°F)

Warm and sunny, the weather in Cape Town in October sees the South African city in spring mode. As such, it’s a special time to head north of Cape Town to the West Coast National Park, where wildflower season will be at its peak. 

Related, October a top month to meander Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens — they’ll be in full bloom, and often play host to open-air concerts at this time of year.

If you’re into adventure, embark on a unique moonlit kayaking adventure around Simon's Town. Get lucky, and you might see magical bioluminescent plankton illuminating the waters. Or how about climbing Cape Town’s iconic Lion's Head?

Another special reason to visit Cape town in October is that fact that this is peak whale-watching season around these parts. Just a short drive from Cape Town, Hermanus is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, or you could spot southern right whales from cliff tops or on boat trips from Cape Town.

Where to stay: nestled in a lush garden estate in the heart of the city, the luxurious Mount Nelson is a 5-star icon of Cape Town.

Alternatively, located in the Bo Kaap district of Cape Town, the 4-star boutique hotel Rouge on Rose is located within easy walking distance of the city centre and the V&A Waterfront.

Tango dancer in Cafe Tortoni, Buenos Aires, Shutterstock

Why visit: spring weather, outdoor adventure and cultural festivals

Average temperature: 13-22°C (55-72°F)

Travel time from UK: 13-14 hours

Seductive and cultured, Buenos Aires is an undeniable jewel in Argentina's fascinating crown. And, since the weather in October heralds the start of spring, it’s the ideal time to visit Buenos Aires to see the city in glorious livery, courtesy of its blooming jacaranda trees.

The mild-to-warm temperatures also lend themselves to well to outdoor activities, including strolling the city's parks, biking riverside trails, and enjoying a leisurely boat ride in the Tigre Delta.

On that note, it’s also a great time to take a two-destination trip to blend outdoor adventuring in Bariloche with uncovering culture in Buenos Aires .

Staying on the subject of culture, October sees various festivals and events taking place throughout the city. Take your pick from from tango festivals and food fairs, to art exhibitions and Día de la Raza (Columbus Day).

And all this outside the summer peak season, which means more space and freedom to explore, and the potential to bag yourself a bargain on flights and accommodation.

Where to stay: with the friendliness and ambience of a hostel and the comforts of a hotel — including en-suite bathrooms and a decked swimming-pool — Circus Hostel is in the thick of Telmo barrio.

Meanwhile, located in Microcentro — the political and historic heart of Buenos Aires — NH Collection Buenos Aires Centro Histórico is hard to beat when it comes to bedding down in luxurious style.

Sacred Valley, Peru © Shutterstock

Why visit: fiery festivals, and fewer crowds in the Sacred Valley

Average temperature: 5-20°C (41-68°F)

Travel time from UK: 15-17 hours (with layovers)

Average daily budget: £40-£70

Sitting in a shoulder season between Peru's May to September dry season and the region’s November-to-April wet season, October sees Cusco experience pleasantly mild, often-sunny weather, with smaller crowds descending on its top attractions.

All the better for trekking the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, and exploring the Sacred Valley – Cusco is the gateway to all these wonders of the world.

If that wasn’t enough, taking a holiday in Cusco in October also offers visitors the chance to experience notable cultural celebrations. Sitting top of that tree is the "Lord of the Earthquakes" festival (Senor de los Temblores). 

Celebrated on 18th October, this colourful affair commemorates the city's patron saint through processions, music, dancing and fireworks.

Where to stay: in a prime location in the centre of Cusco, MOAF Cusco Boutique Hotel features 3-star accommodation close to Wanchaq Train station. The service is very friendly, and the breakfasts are pretty great, too.

Also centrally located (Wanchaq Train station is 1.4 km away), Hotel Paradis Suite Cusco offers concierge services, a restaurant and bar, and an indoor pool.

Street drummer in Havana, Cuba © Shutterstock

Why visit : warm weather and sizzling culture

Average temperature: 23-30°C (73-86°F)

Travel time from UK: 9-10 hours

If you’re travelling from fast-cooling climes, October is a great month to head to Havana to feel the heat of the sun and heady cultural experiences.

Though October sits at the end of  Cuba’s rainy season, it tends to experience less rainfall than the peak rainy months of May to September. 

In general, the weather is warm and tropical, with occasional brief showers, and far fewer visitors than peak-season December. This makes exploring Havana’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Havana ( Habana Vieja ) — one of the best things to do in Cuba — much more pleasurable. 

In addition, October sees Havana brim with vibrant cultural events, including the Havana International Ballet Festival.

Lastly, while Havana itself doesn’t have beaches, it’s within reach of plenty of beauties . You could even consider taking a multi-destination holiday that covers the culture and beaches of Cuba, from Havana to Varadero . 

Where to stay: the best places to stay in Havana (and Cuba more widely) aren't usually listed on the usual accommodation booking platforms, so get yourself The Rough Guide to Cuba for expert intel.

Brooklyn Bridge, New York City © Taiga/Shutterstock© Taiga/Shutterstock

Why visit: autumn hues, street parades, film and food festivals

Average temperature: 10-18°C (50-64°F)

Travel time from UK: 7-8 hours

Average daily budget: £150-£200

While there’s no bad time to visit the Big Apple, there are a few good reasons to consider taking a holiday here in October.

First up, this month sees New York City in peak fall foliage mode, which makes meandering the likes of Central Park, Prospect Park and the High Line all the more pleasant.

As for other special reasons to visit, the second Monday in October sees NYC host one of the largest Columbus Day parades in the world. Expect marching bands, floats, and cultural performances along Fifth Avenue. 

Or, if you visit at the end of the month, you’ll get to see NYC mark Halloween in extravagantly spooky style — from its Village Halloween Parade, to haunted house tours.

Film buffs and foodies should note that October sees the city host the New York Film Festival, and the New York City Wine and Food Festival.

Where to stay: for an iconic stay in mid-town Manhattan try  The Algonquin , New York’s legendary literary hangout.

Or, for a chic stay in hip-and-happening Williamsburg, check out  The McCarren . Located just off the main Williamsburg strip, overlooking McCarren Park, it boasts a seasonal outdoor pool and has a rooftop lounge with Manhattan views.

Jumeirah Beach, Dubai © Pixabay

Why visit: perfect conditions for beach holidays mixed with exploration and golf

Average temperature: 25-35°C (77-95°F)

Travel time from UK: 6.5-7.5 hours

October is an excellent time to visit Dubai for several reasons. Firstly, the month sees the city shift from scorching summer heat to more moderate temperatures — all the better for spending longer on the beach, going golfing, or booking desert safaris and yacht cruises.

Such conditions are also better for strolling through traditional souks and visiting historic and cultural sites like Al Fahidi Fort and the Dubai Museum.

Of course, you can also shop ‘til you drop, and indulge in upscale experiences in October, too. Dubai isn’t short of award-winning fine dining restaurants, and upscale hotels offering. rejuvenating spa treatments.

It's also worth knowing that while Dubai is synonymous with grown-up luxury holidays, it shouldn't be overlooked as a family holiday destination . Its water parks and theme parks (including Legoland) are surefire winners with kids of all ages. On that note, discover things every family must do in Dubai .

Where to stay: to keep things (relatively) cheap, try Rove Dubai Marina .

In the market for an all-out upscale experience? Look into staying in the 5-star Atlantis The Palm . Located on Jumeirah Island, it boasts a private sandy beach with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, plus an underwater aquarium and complimentary access to the Aquaventure water park and the Lost Chambers Aquarium. 

Sydney Opera House © Shutterstock

Why visit: outdoor activities in spring climes

Average temperature: 14-22°C (57-72°F)

Travel time from UK : 22-24 hours

Average daily budget: £120-£170

October marks the beginning of spring in Sydney , which means mild temperatures, blooming flowers and perfect conditions for outdoor activities. 

On that subject, you could hike spectacular coastal trails, kayak Sydney Harbour, or go on bushwalk in the nearby Blue Mountains National Park for breath-taking views and encounters with native wildlife.

It’s also a top month for beach lovers to soak up sun and surf at Sydney's famous beaches. From iconic Bondi Beach and family-friendly Manly Beach, to picturesque Coogee Beach, there's a sandy stretch to suit every taste.

Where to stay : for five-star service in the Central Businsse District, take a look at InterContinental . This former Treasury building offers stunning views of the Botanic Gardens, Opera House and harbour. 

Travelling on a budget? You could consider staying in BASE Backpackers . This huge, modern, 360-bed hostel offers well-furnished rooms and dorms.

Northern Lights over Iceland © Shutterstock

Why visit: watch whales and the Northern Lights with fewer tourists

Average temperature: 1-7°C (34-45°F)

Average daily budget : £80-£120

With longer nights and clearer skies, October marks the beginning of the Northern Lights season in Iceland . 

Given that seeing the northern lights is one of the best things to do in Iceland — and a bucket list experience for many a traveller — it’s clear why Reykjavik is a wonderful place to head to for your October holiday.

In addition, October falls between the peak summer tourist season and the winter holiday season, which means fewer crowds and a broader choice of more affordable accommodation.

Despite being on the cusp of winter, October in Reykjavik is pretty mild compared with the upcoming months — all the better for exploring the city on foot, visiting landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja Church and Harpa Concert Hall, and enjoying epic hikes and trips to geothermal hot springs .

Lastly, October is an excellent time for whale watching excursions from Reykjavik's Old Harbor. Expect to see humpback whales, minke whales and orcas as they migrate through Icelandic waters.

Where to stay:  bright and well-located, Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel has stylish rooms and a cinema, plus whale-watching tours are right on the doorstep.

We also recommend Hotel Ísland — it's cosy, with an excellent on-site spa and wellness services.

Uffizi, Florence © Shutterstock

Why visit: mild climes, fine wine and small crowds

Travel time from UK: 2-2.5 hours

Average daily budget: £90-£130

If you’re looking for a perfect weekend away this autumn, or a longer October holiday that's loaded with culture and fine wine, think about Florence — a glorious destination Rough Guides’ readers hailed one of the most beautiful cities in the world .

October brings mild temperatures to Florence, making it comfortable for exploring the city's historic streets as the city is suffused in warm autumn tones.

At the same time, October is far less crowded than it is through May-September, which makes visiting popular attractions and the best museums in Florence , such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, all the better. 

Into fine wine and food? October is the peak of the wine harvest season in Tuscany , and Florence serves as an excellent base for exploring the region's renowned vineyards and wineries.

For more ideas, read our guide to unforgettable things to do Tuscany , and take inspiration from our customisable Wine and Food in Tuscany trip .

Where to stay: to treat yourself to a centrally-located spot — and on-site spa treatments — stay in Corte dei Sogni Boutique Hotel & spa .

Located next to the Ponte Vecchio, Hotel Hermitage is another handsome offering. It offers panoramic views of Florence’s historic centre from its rooftop terrace, and traditoinally-styled rooms.

Bandipur Bazaar, Nepal © Shutterstock

Why visit: epic white-water rafting 

Average temperature:  20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)

Travel time from UK:  10 to 12 hours

Average daily budget:  £40 to £80 

Nepal  is one of the best places in the world to go white-water rafting, and the best season to do that is from mid-October to November. The same is true of kayaking.

At this time, the rapids are exciting, but more manageable than during the monsoon. 

Two highlights are the Bhote Koshi, the steepest and hardest of the country’s raftable rivers, and the Upper Kali Gandaki descent. The latter of which is a thrilling route that can easily be added to a trek in the Annapurna region.

Where to stay: for spectacular scenery, consider staying in  Tashidelek Guest Lodge & House . Located in in Dhulikhel, with access to a garden, terrace, and tour desk, the mountain views are spectacular.

More romantic style,  Boutique Heritage Home is an oasis of calm close to the Durbar Square temples.

Nakupenda beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania © Shutterstock

Why visit: blissful beach holidays with moderate crowds

Average temperature : 22-30°C (72-86°F)

Travel time from UK: 11-12 hours 

October is part of Zanzibar's dry season, which means warm-to-hot sunny weather, and minimal rainfall — ideal for enjoying a blissful holiday on truly beautiful beaches , with excellent conditions for snorkelling, diving, and swimming in clear turquoise waters.

October also falls between the peak tourist seasons of July to September, and December to February. As a result, you’ll get to enjoy said beaches and top historic attractions with fewer crowds hampering your style.

If you can drag yourself away from stretching out on the soft sand, don’t miss exploring Stone Town, Zanzibar's historic capital. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its fascinating architecture, such as the Sultan's Palace, the Old Fort, and the House of Wonders.

Where to stay: for a luxury stay with a private beach, try Sandies Baobab Beach Zanzibar .

To relax in style, Amaan Beach Bungalows has an on-site spa and wellness centre.

Day of the Dead costumes © Brett Welcher/Shutterstock

Why visit: Day of the Dead and outdoor adventure

Average temperature: 12-22°C (54-72°F)

October sees Mexico City build up to the country’s most iconic festivals — Día de los Muertos ( Day of the Dead ). While the main celebrations don’t happen until the end of the month and into early November, the preceding weeks see the city come alive with colourful decorations and parade preparation. 

At the same time, as October marks the transition from the rainy season to the dry season, the weather here is generally mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring iconic attractions. These include the Zócalo (main square), the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral, all while enjoying smaller crowds compared to peak tourist season.

October is also an excellent time to explore the surrounding areas of Mexico City on day trips. Visitors can visit the archaeological site of Teotihuacan to climb the Pyramid of the Sun, tour the colorful canals of Xochimilco on a trajinera (traditional boat), or hike the scenic landscapes of the Desierto de los Leones National Park.

Whether you opt to take an immersive October holiday focussed on Mexico City , or fancy mixing the city with exploring the Yucatan and its Caribbean beaches, taking a holiday to Mexico in October has a whole lot going for it.

Where to stay: for a four-star experience in the historic centre, head to Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico . This gorgeous hotel features historic architecture and two upscale authentic Mexican restaurants.

For a more modern stay in Colonia Juarez — something of a hipster heaven — try NH Collection Mexico Reforma .

Still undecided? Use our handy travel idea platform to kickstart curating your perfect October holiday

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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By Jana Brnáková and Hana Leakey | January 5, 2023

Last update: June 3, 2024

These are the prettiest, most tourist-friendly, all-around best places in Africa that are ideal for first-time visitors to the continent

As the second largest continent by both area and population, Africa is certainly worth experiencing. It’s a place abundant in incredible hiking opportunities, Unesco World Heritage Sites, and cities where there’s so much going on, you won’t know where to look first. If you’re planning your first trip to Africa, you might find the number of options daunting, so we’ve lined up our five best countries — and specific places of interest — that you should visit. They’re all tourist-friendly, safe, and seriously stunning.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Caplaki Craft Village (@caplakiofficial)

Rwanda is a small landlocked country in the middle of Africa. For the last 25 years or so, it’s worked hard to reinvent itself as a modern, thriving society . Its geographical and political center, Kigali, has spotless streets and a low crime rate. It’s no longer a place you drowsily pass through on your way to the safari or a national park; it’s a capital that boasts a vibrant restaurant, café and nightlife scene, galleries and sports events, and its own little quirky “craft village” called Caplaki. You might well feel right at home quicker than you thought you would.

Outside of the capital, Volcanoes National Park is one of the places that attract the most tourists, becoming the first national park in Africa in 1925. It’s a large area of preserved wilderness, home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys — two primates that it strives to protect. On this note, Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to saving gorillas from extinction, has her resting place in the Park. Her life was later documented in the 1988 feature film Gorillas in the Mist , which was nominated for and won a number of awards.

The Park is also great for trekking and hiking. Mount Karisimbi is an inactive volcano on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and, at 4,507 meters, is also the highest peak in Rwanda. A little further south of Karisimbi lies Lake Kivu, the largest lake in Rwanda, with its emerald green waters and views of the surrounding mountains.

By African standards, Ghana is a relatively small country by area. Yet, it’s a notable nation for its economic stability and considerable biodiversity, and it’s a safe place in which to experience authentic Sub-Saharan Africa for the first time.

European influence has contributed to Ghana’s rich history; for example, it’s the reason there are several forts and castles here, mostly dotted along the coast of the Gulf of Guinea . The Cape Coast and Elmina Castles are perhaps the most famous. Since its foundation in 1482, Elmina Castle stands as a major landmark, roughly in the middle of the country’s coastline. Throughout the centuries, it’s seen a lot — it was constructed as a trading post and later became an important place for the slave trade.

Heading inland just a touch, you’ll come across Kakum National Park. It’s an area of tropical rainforest, home to numerous species of animals. In 1931, it became a reserve, before being upgraded to national-park status in 1992. Aside from its very obvious natural beauty, Kakum offers a 350-meter-long canopy walkway — the grandest entrance into the forest for sure. It’s one of only three canopy bridges in the whole of Africa.

A little further up lies the town of Kumasi and its Kejetia Central Market. With an incredible total of 11,000 stalls and stores, it’s the largest open-air market in West Africa, selling everything from kente cloths to jewelry to food. With a bit of luck, you’ll come across fufu , sticky dumplings; and waakye , a traditional dish made from rice and beans.

It might be the tiniest mainland African country, but The Gambia has a lot going for it. Its balmy temperatures all year round make it an ideal getaway, especially since it’s also known for its fine beaches.

Its shape is unusual — the border outlines the River Gambia, making it a narrow, somewhat squiggly country. It’s only up to 50 kilometers wide, but 480 kilometers long, surrounded almost entirely by Senegal . As the story goes, the territory of The Gambia was decided by a British warship that navigated up the river and shot out cannonballs; the British claimed the land that fell within range of the shots.

So, what is there to see? There’s plenty around the river — aside from the beaches, this is what most people come to The Gambia for. Kunta Kinteh Island (officially James Island), a Unesco World Heritage Site, sits right in the middle of it. Unfortunately, it’s suffering from erosion and is now approximately a sixth of its original size, so you best see it sooner rather than later! Since the river takes up a significant portion of the country’s length, a boat trip will uncover many more of its beautiful natural sights. And if you set out early in the morning, you can watch as the jungle awakens — an unforgettable spectacle.

Botswana is in Southern Africa and has an area about the same size as that of France . It’s one of the most developed nations in Africa, which means fewer concerns and considerations to be had here as a first-time visitor to the continent; and its low population density makes it a real haven for wildlife and nature.

Take the Makgadikgadi Pan, for example, which is one of the largest salt pans in the whole world. It’s the only remnant of the once-large Lake Makgadikgadi, which dried up thousands of years ago.

Meanwhile, the Okavango Delta continues to fill up every year. It’s one of the few inland deltas in the world, and in 2013, it was named one of the seven natural wonders of Africa. It also became the 1000th place to be inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2014. Every year during the rainy season, the Delta takes in the water from the highlands of Angola . For months afterward, the area swells up to three times its normal size. The wildlife has been forced to adapt to the frequent flooding — it’s not unusual to spot cheetahs and lions taking a dip.

Mount Kilimanjaro might be just the most famous natural wonder in Africa. This dormant volcano in northeastern Tanzania reaches a height of 5,895 meters — the tallest peak on the continent. There are six pathways up the mountain through the surrounding National Park. Some are more challenging than others, but on average, reaching the summit takes about seven days. Not exactly a walk in the park in the metaphorical sense — ascending Kilimanjaro requires quite a lot of preparation and commitment, but if you’ve got what it takes, it’s an experience of a lifetime.

A few hundred kilometers northwest across the rumpled plains of Tanzania lies the renowned Serengeti National Park. The area spans 30,000 square kilometers and bleeds over into neighboring Kenya , making its name — which means “endless plains” — pretty much spot-on. The Park is the setting for the biggest migration of mammals in the world.

And of course, what better way to reward yourself after an expedition than with a relaxing beach break? Zanzibar is one of the most visited places in Tanzania, and this is mainly down to its picture-perfect white-sand beaches reminiscent of the Maldives or Seychelles, only Zanzibar is a cheaper destination. Its eclectic cultural heritage, endemic wildlife and the bustling night market in the city are all other unmissable things that keep the tourists coming; rest assured that if you’re visiting Africa for the first time, this archipelago is very much used to catering to others just like you.

Do you want more travel inspiration? Visit Kiwi.com Stories .

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Underrated Africa: 10 Cities To Visit Besides Cairo And Cape Town

W hen travelers think of visiting a city in Africa, there are two that might immediately spring to mind. The Egyptian capital of Cairo in Northern Africa and the incredible coastal city of Cape Town in South Africa are probably the most popular cities in Africa to visit.

But beyond these two beautiful urban centers, there are many amazing lesser-known cities in Africa to explore. Anyone planning a trip to an African country might want to rethink their itinerary to include one of these lively cities with plenty to do and see. Here are some of the best African cities to visit (underrated ones that aren't Cairo or Cape Town).

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Cities To Visit In South Africa Before The Year Ends

Tunis, Tunisia

Tunis is the vibrant capital of Tunisia in North Africa . While there are plenty of things to do in Tunisia , checking out this historically rich and visually stunning city is one of the most idyllic. Tunis sits on the Mediterranean Sea across from Sicily and Sardinia, offering warm summer days of sunshine at a much more reasonable price point than these Italian islands.

Travelers visiting North Africa's hidden gem can stay in high-end boutique hotels or Airbnb for a reasonable cost and enjoy exploring the historical museums and ruins around the city.

• Best Month To Visit: April to May or October to November
• Top Attraction: Medina of Tunis

It's always a good idea to check travel warnings or restrictions from one's home country's government website before departure to ensure travel plans go smoothly. Check for land borders to avoid crossing or potential areas where travel insurance will not cover travelers.

Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Visitors will find lots of things to do in Zanzibar (Unguja), which is an island off the coast of mainland Tanzania that is famous for its pristine white sand beaches and interesting historical sites. Visiting Stone Town is perhaps among the most underrated activities here; it's an interesting part of Zanzibar City and is an old trading center with mosques, narrow alleys, and the Old Fort.

Stone Town has fantastic gelato at Mama Mia Gelato Italiano, but there is also a solemn past to discover in the city. The Slave Market Memorial in Zanzibar commemorates the terrors of the slave trade market that once existed there ( closed in 1873 ).

• Best Month To Visit: December to February or June to October
• Top Attraction: Old Fort

Windhoek, Namibia

Namibia is often overlooked because of its popular neighbor, South Africa. But this southwest African nation is worth spending at least a week exploring, with it being one of the best underrated cities in Africa to visit.

Besides the budget-friendly safari in Namibia's Etosha National Park , travelers will want to dedicate a few days to exploring the fascinating city of Windhoek. Windhoek is Namibia’s capital and is located in the central region of the country in the Khomas Highlands. It's perhaps among the most beautiful cities in Africa, thanks to its picturesque cathedral that dominates the cityscape.

• Best Month To Visit: July to October
• Top Attraction: Namibia Craft Centre

Related: From Marrakech To Cape Town: 10 Incredible Africa Cities To Visit This Spring

Tangier, Morocco

Morocco is among the most popular travel destinations in Africa and is easily accessible from European countries like England, Spain, and Portugal. But while Marrakesh remains a top attraction, don’t overlook Tangier. This Moroccan port city on the Strait of Gibraltar is among the many lesser-known African cities to visit and is the ultimate gateway from Europe to Africa.

Whitewashed buildings and coastal views make this a great choice for a summer (or shoulder season) holiday. Plus, there are a number of interesting facts about Tangier in Morocco that travelers will find intriguing to know before they visit this beautiful African city.

• Best Month To Visit: May or September
• Top Attraction: Hercules Cave

Accra, Ghana

Accra is the capital of Ghana and is located in West Africa on the Atlantic Coast. Known as one of the trendiest, coolest cities in Africa, Accra, Ghana, is a destination for nightlife, contemporary art, and entertainment.

An important spot to visit in Accra is the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park which honors the memory of the first president of Ghana who advocated for the country’s independence.

• Best Month To Visit: October to April
• Top Attraction: Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

Mutare, Zimbabwe

Mutare is a beautiful city in Zimbabwe, close to the border with Mozambique. It’s worth visiting for its picturesque streets lined with blossoming florals and a year-round temperate climate.

Besides visiting the Mutare Museum, travelers can stroll through the Vumba Botanical Gardens and Reserve and go hiking for a day in the Eastern Highlands as part of a tour.

• Best Month To Visit: March to November
• Top Attraction: Mutare Museum

Related: Top 10 Natural Attractions in South Africa’s Cape Town

Mombasa, Kenya

Kenya is well known for the city of Nairobi and the beautiful safari experiences of the Masai Mara. But travelers shouldn’t miss a chance to visit the coastal city of Mombasa, just a 4.5-hour train ride from Kenya. The train journey is affordable ($10 for economy or $30 for first class) and offers scenic views of the Kenyan countryside along the way.

Once in Mombasa, travelers are treated to beaches on the Indian Ocean, a picturesque Old Town, and unique historical sites to explore.

• Top Attraction: Old Town

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and is a well-developed administrative center for finance, commerce, culture, and art. The sprawling city is a fast-paced economic hub that has a distinctly different feel to many of the top African cities on this list.

It’s worth spending a few days exploring the markets, visiting the National Museum, and visiting Mount Entoto.

• Best Month To Visit: October to March
• Top Attraction: Merkato (Market)

Related: 10 Unique Destinations In Ethiopia That Fly Under The Radar

Kigali, Rwanda

Rwanda is considered one of the best and safest cities in Africa for solo female travelers. It has a low petty crime rate, but travelers should also check regional travel advisories from their government before departing for a trip.

Former war-torn Kigali emerged to be one of Africa's most inviting cities ; it is the vibrant capital of Rwanda and is also a wonderful jumping-off point for explorations like trekking and gorilla conservation in Rwanda .

Besides learning about the nation’s history at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, travelers visiting Kigali should set aside time to explore and shop at the Caplaki Crafts Village in Masterpiece Hall.

• Best Month To Visit: April to June
• Top Attraction: Kigali Genocide Memorial (museum)

Durban, South Africa

Durban is a beach city in South Africa on the Indian Ocean. Indian and colonial influences here have given way to a unique culture unlike anywhere else in the country.

Durban is home to the largest Indian population in a city outside of India, so it's worth visiting on a trip to South Africa for the culture and cuisine alone. Some might say it's worth skipping Cape Town for Durban .

• Best Month To Visit: April to September
• Top Attraction: Suncoast Casino, Hotels and Entertainment

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• There is an outbreak of mpox in 25 out of 26 provinces, including urban areas, in the DRC.Mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo438 Updated   Mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo June 10, 2024 There is an outbreak of mpox in 25 out of 26 provinces, including urban areas, in the DRC. Read More >>
• There is an outbreak of chikungunya in the Malé and Hulhumalé regions of Maldives. Mosquitoes spread the virus that causes chikungunya.Chikungunya in Maldives761 Chikungunya in Maldives May 28, 2024 There is an outbreak of chikungunya in the Malé and Hulhumalé regions of Maldives. Mosquitoes spread the virus that causes chikungunya. Read More >>
• Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Country List : Afghanistan, Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen, Indonesia, Sudan, Mali, Botswana, Zambia, Republic of the Congo , Burundi, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Tanzania, including Zanzibar, Guinea, Mauritania, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Angola, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra LeoneGlobal Polio734 Global Polio May 23, 2024 Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Destination List: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, including Zanzibar, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe Read More >>
• There are confirmed and suspect cases of diphtheria in several regions in Guinea. Vaccination against diphtheria is essential to protect against disease. If you are traveling to an affected area, you should be up to date with your diphtheria vaccines.Diphtheria in Guinea751 Diphtheria in Guinea April 23, 2024 There are confirmed and suspect cases of diphtheria in several regions in Guinea. Vaccination against diphtheria is essential to protect against disease. If you are traveling to an affected area, you should be up to date with your diphtheria vaccines. Read More >>
• There is an outbreak of chikungunya in Timor-Leste.Chikungunya in Timor-Leste759 Chikungunya in Timor-Leste April 05, 2024 There is an outbreak of chikungunya in Timor-Leste. Read More >>
• Yellow fever cases remain elevated in Nigeria, after an outbreak was first reported in November 2020. Travelers to Nigeria should take steps to prevent yellow fever by getting vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and taking steps to prevent mosquito bites.Yellow Fever in Nigeria392 Yellow Fever in Nigeria March 28, 2024 Yellow fever cases remain elevated in Nigeria, after an outbreak was first reported in November 2020. Travelers to Nigeria should take steps to prevent yellow fever by getting vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and taking steps to prevent mosquito bites. Read More >>
• There is an outbreak of diphtheria in Niger. If you are traveling to an affected area, you should be up to date with your diphtheria vaccines.Diphtheria in Niger752 Diphtheria in Niger February 25, 2024 There is an outbreak of diphtheria in Niger. If you are traveling to an affected area, you should be up to date with your diphtheria vaccines. Read More >>
• There is an outbreak of diphtheria in several states in Nigeria. Vaccination against diphtheria is essential to protect against disease. If you are traveling to an affected area, you should be up to date with your diphtheria vaccines.Diphtheria in Nigeria 740 Diphtheria in Nigeria February 16, 2024 There is an outbreak of diphtheria in several states in Nigeria. Vaccination against diphtheria is essential to protect against disease. If you are traveling to an affected area, you should be up to date with your diphtheria vaccines. Read More >>

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• There are outbreaks of Oropouche fever in parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Cuba. Travelers to affected areas should take steps to avoid bug bites. Country List : Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, CubaOropouche Fever in the Americas758 Updated   Oropouche Fever in the Americas June 05, 2024 There are outbreaks of Oropouche fever in parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Cuba. Travelers to affected areas should take steps to avoid bug bites. Destination List: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Peru Read More >>
• Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Country List : Afghanistan, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gabon, India, Indonesia, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo , Senegal, Somalia, Republic of South Sudan, Sudan, Tajikistan, Togo, Yemen, Zambia, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Mauritania, Lebanon, Equatorial Guinea, Syria, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Burkina Faso, Turkey, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Libya, Burundi, Romania, Malaysia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Philippines, Austria, BelarusGlobal Measles743 Global Measles May 28, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia Read More >>
• The Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is one of the world’s largest mass gatherings. Mass gatherings, such as Hajj or Umrah, can increase the risk for infections such as meningococcal disease.Meningococcal Disease in Saudi Arabia - Vaccine Requirements for Travel During the Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages146 Meningococcal Disease in Saudi Arabia - Vaccine Requirements for Travel During the Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages May 20, 2024 The Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is one of the world’s largest mass gatherings. Mass gatherings, such as Hajj or Umrah, can increase the risk for infections such as meningococcal disease. Read More >>
• Dengue is a risk in many parts of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to Asia and the Pacific Islands can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Country List : Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Singapore, Fiji, SamoaDengue in Asia and the Pacific Islands429 Dengue in Asia and the Pacific Islands May 16, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to Asia and the Pacific Islands can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Laos, Samoa, Singapore, Sri Lanka Read More >>
• Dengue is a risk in many parts of Africa and the Middle East. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to Africa and the Middle East can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Country List : Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Ethiopia, MauritiusDengue in Africa and the Middle East428 Dengue in Africa and the Middle East May 16, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Africa and the Middle East. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to Africa and the Middle East can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritius, Sudan Read More >>
• Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Country List : Colombia, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Guadeloupe, Martinique (France), Costa Rica, French Guiana (France), Mexico, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, Uruguay, Curaçao, Guyana, HondurasDengue in the Americas427 Dengue in the Americas May 16, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, French Guiana (France), Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Martinique (France), Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay Read More >>
• There have been reports of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in people traveling to the United States from Tecate, in the state of Baja California, Mexico.Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Mexico 756 Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Mexico March 12, 2024 There have been reports of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in people traveling to the United States from Tecate, in the state of Baja California, Mexico. Read More >>
• An outbreak of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid fever in Pakistan is ongoing. Extensively drug-resistant infections do not respond to most antibiotics.XDR Typhoid Fever in Pakistan397 XDR Typhoid Fever in Pakistan June 16, 2023 An outbreak of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid fever in Pakistan is ongoing. Extensively drug-resistant infections do not respond to most antibiotics. Read More >>
• Some travelers who have spent time in Mexico have been infected with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Newport. Salmonella Newport in Mexico732 Salmonella Newport in Mexico March 29, 2023 Some travelers who have spent time in Mexico have been infected with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Newport. Read More >>

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The World Bank Group is committed to fighting poverty in all its dimensions. We use the latest data, evidence and analysis to help countries develop policies to improve people's lives, with a focus on the poorest and most vulnerable.

Around 700 million people live on less than $2.15 per day, the extreme poverty line. Extreme poverty remains concentrated in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, fragile and conflict-affected areas, and rural areas.

After decades of progress, the pace of global poverty reduction began to slow by 2015, in tandem with subdued economic growth. The Sustainable Development Goal of ending extreme poverty by 2030 remains out of reach.

Global poverty reduction was dealt a severe blow by the COVID-19 pandemic and a series of major shocks during 2020-22, causing three years of lost progress. Low-income countries were most impacted and have yet to recover. In 2022, a total of 712 million people globally were living in extreme poverty, an increase of 23 million people compared to 2019. 

We cannot reduce poverty and inequality without also addressing intertwined global challenges, including slow economic growth, fragility and conflict, and climate change.

Climate change is hindering poverty reduction and is a major threat going forward. The lives and livelihoods of poor people are the most vulnerable to climate-related risks.

Millions of households are pushed into, or trapped in, poverty by natural disasters every year. Higher temperatures are already reducing productivity in Africa and Latin America, and will further depress economic growth, especially in the world’s poorest regions.

Eradicating poverty requires tackling its many dimensions. Countries cannot adequately address poverty without also improving people’s well-being in a comprehensive way, including through more equitable access to health, education, and basic infrastructure and services, including digital.

Policymakers must intensify efforts to grow their economies in a way that creates high quality jobs and employment, while protecting the most vulnerable.

Jobs and employment are the surest way to reduce poverty and inequality. Impact is further multiplied in communities and across generations by empowering women and girls, and young people.

Last Updated: Apr 02, 2024

Closing the gaps between policy aspiration and attainment

Too often, there is a wide gap between policies as articulated and their attainment in practice—between what citizens rightfully expect, and what they experience daily. Policy aspirations can be laudable, but there is likely to be considerable variation in the extent to which they can be realized, and in which groups benefit from them. For example, at the local level, those who have the least influence in a community might not be able to access basic services. It is critical to forge implementation strategies that can rapidly and flexibly respond to close the gaps.

Enhancing learning, improving data

From information gathered in household surveys to pixels captured by satellite images, data can inform policies and spur economic activity, serving as a powerful weapon in the fight against poverty. More data is available today than ever before, yet its value is largely untapped. Data is also a double-edged sword, requiring a social contract that builds trust by protecting people against misuse and harm, and works toward equal access and representation.

Investing in preparedness and prevention

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that years of progress in reducing poverty can quickly disappear when a crisis strikes. Prevention measures often have low political payoff, with little credit given for disasters averted. Over time, populations with no lived experience of calamity can become complacent, presuming that such risks have been eliminated or can readily be addressed if they happen. COVID-19, together with climate change and enduring conflicts, reminds us of the importance of investing in preparedness and prevention measures comprehensively and proactively.

Expanding cooperation and coordination

Contributing to and maintaining public goods require extensive cooperation and coordination. This is crucial for promoting widespread learning and improving the data-driven foundations of policymaking. It is also important for forming a sense of shared solidarity during crises and ensuring that the difficult policy choices by officials are both trusted and trustworthy.

Overall, with more than 60 percent of the world’s extreme poor living in middle-income countries, we cannot focus solely on low-income countries if we want to end extreme poverty. We need to focus on the poorest people, regardless of where they live, and work with countries at all income levels to invest in their well-being and their future.

The goal to end extreme poverty works hand in hand with the World Bank Group’s goal to promote shared prosperity. Boosting shared prosperity broadly translates into improving the welfare of the least well-off in each country and includes a strong emphasis on tackling persistent inequalities that keep people in poverty from generation to generation.

Our work at the World Bank Group is based on strong country-led programs to improve living conditions—to drive growth, raise median incomes, create jobs, fully incorporate women and young people into economies, address environmental and climate challenges, and support stronger, more stable economies for everyone.

We continue to work closely with countries to help them find the best ways to improve the lives of their least advantaged citizens.

Last Updated: Oct 17, 2023

How the Pandemic Drove Increases in Poverty | Poverty & Shared Prosperity 2022

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Find out what the World Bank Group's branches are doing to reduce poverty.

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COVID-19 Dealt a Historic Blow to Poverty Reduction

The 2022 Poverty and Prosperity Report provides the first comprehensive analysis of the pandemic’s toll on poverty in developing countries and of the role of fiscal policy in protecting vulnerable groups.

Umbrella Facility for Poverty and Equity

The Umbrella Facility for Poverty and Equity (UFPE) is the first global trust fund to support the cross-cutting poverty and equity agenda.

IDA: Our Fund for the Poorest

The International Development Association (IDA) aims to reduce poverty by providing funding for programs that boost economic growth.

As the World Bank’s behavioral sciences team within the Poverty and Equity Global Practice, eMBeD uses behavioral sciences to fight global poverty and reduce inequality.

High-Frequency Monitoring Systems to Track the Impacts of COVID-19

The World Bank and partners are monitoring the crisis and the socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19 through a series of high-frequency phone surveys.

An Adjustment to Global Poverty Lines

The World Bank uses purchasing power parities (PPPs) to estimate global poverty. With the release of 2017 PPPs, we’ll start using in Fall 2022 new poverty lines to determine the share of the world population in poverty.

Systematic Country Diagnostics

The SCD looks at issues in countries and seeks to identify barriers and opportunities for sustainable poverty reduction.

Poverty Podcast

Join us and poverty specialists as we explore the latest data and research on poverty reduction, shared prosperity, and equity around the globe in this new World Bank Group podcast series.

Correcting Course to Accelerate Poverty Reduction

Mari Pangestu, World Bank Managing Director of Development Policy and Partnerships, speaks about how we must respond to current challenges in ways that do not further impoverish the poor today and focus on creating ...

Stepping Up the Fight Against Extreme Poverty

To avert the risk of more backsliding, policymakers must put everything they can into the effort to end extreme poverty.

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