Africa is a land of superlatives and contrasts, a great tourism destination with diverse attractions and enriching experiences for everyone. From the most breathtaking landscapes, to fabled islands there is a lot to experience during your holiday. The continent boosts of diverse cultures and traditions in its over 54 countries as well as the largest and most diverse wildlife concentrations on earth.
From the majestic mountains like Kilimanjaro Mountains to amazing world wonders like the Great pyramids, Africa has something for everyone to explore and experience on a holiday.
As a continent, Africa is made of 54 countries, each with distinct attractions worth sharing with the rest of the world but here are 5 best African countries to visit in 2024;
Kenya
Regardless of how you plan to spend your time, Kenya is one destination full of contrast and diversity. A visit to the magical Kenya is a great opportunity to explore and experience the country’s irresistible natural beauty characterized by breathtaking landscapes, extensive savanna plains, winding rivers, dense forests, deep blue ocean, majestic mountain peaks, National Parks, Reserves, deserts and wetlands to spectacularly scenic white sand beaches.
Kenya is amazingly a preferred African safari destination offering unmatched wilderness experiences including the wildebeest migration safari, one of the seven wonders of the world. The great wildebeest migration alone consists of the largest movement of land animals on plane earth! A safari in Kenya involves exploring the country’s top tourist sites including the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Tsavo West and East National Park, Amboseli National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Elgon National Park, Laikipia, Mombasa and more.
Among the top wildlife species you will encounter in Kenya include; African elephants, cape buffaloes, lions, rhinos, giraffes, wildebeest, rhinos, hippos, rhinos, zebras, cheetahs, civets, waterbucks, serval, primates like yellow and olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and more.
Namibia
Namibia is a land of infinite opportunities and diversities. From its beautiful scenery to diverse wildlife, this southern African country is worthy visiting. The country remains one of the most beautiful destinations on the African continent and it will capture your imaginations ensuring that you can leave Namibia but Namibia will never leave your memories.
Namibia is one of Africa’s treasured destinations, boasting of its diversity and notably, it is an ideal place for photography safaris. Namibia boasts of its remarkable landscapes characterized by steep sand dunes and remotely located protected area like Etosha National Park, Namib-Naukluft National Park and others. It is also the capital of self-drive safaris on the African continent.
On Namibia safaris, expect to come across the big 5 game –rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes. These share the same habitat with multitude of unique antelopes, honey badger, giraffes, hyenas, oryx, and wild dogs.
Rwanda
Located in East-Central Africa, Rwanda is a compact landlocked country and a preferred gorilla trekking destination. This remote country has four national parks; the Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest and Gishwati Mukura National Park.
Located in the Virunga Mountains, the Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is the most popular destination for gorilla trekking, a popular adrenaline adventure that you can only experience in Africa. This park is most visited mainly for mountain gorillas and treks to these apes begin at Kinigi with a briefing about gorilla trekking guidelines.
Akagera National Park –situated in Eastern Rwanda and is a home to all the big 5 game and 550 species of birds. This park offers the best of guided game drives/wildlife viewing excursions, birding, hot air balloon safaris, nature walks, boat cruise on Lake Ihema, sport fishing and cultural tours in the surrounding areas.
Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks –the best locations that offer the unforgettable primate encounters, especially the chimpanzees. Besides, they inhabit other primates such as l’hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and diversity of forest birds.
Rwanda is also a special birding hub in Africa boasting of species such as the Dusky crimson wing, blue headed sunbird, hammerkops, Handsome francolins, Rwenzori turacos, purple breasted sunbirds, Red-chested sunbird, African jacanas, African fish eagles, shoebill storks, African paradise flycatchers, African grey hornbills, spot-breasted ibis, and others.
Uganda
Uganda, the landlocked country shelters diverse attractions and is a destination that is dependent on nature. Uganda’s top destinations or attractions include the source of the Nile River, national parks such as Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo, Kibale Forest, Lake Mburo, Semuliki, Bwindi, Mgahinga, Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Mt. Elgon National Park.
On a safari in Uganda, there are plenty of exciting experiences awaiting you to enjoy in this outstanding destination. These include premier gorilla trekking within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO world heritage site hosting almost half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas. Gorilla Trekking can also be done in the Mgahinga National Park in South Western Uganda.
Other popular adventures that you can engage in while in the Pearl of Africa include traditional safaris in savanna national parks, chimpanzee tracking in various tropical rain forests, golden monkey tracking, bird watching, nature walks, forest walks, volcano hiking, whitewater rafting and more.
Tanzania
Located in East Africa, Tanzania is not just a country but a treasured African safari destination. Priding itself of the majestic Kilimanjaro Mountain, the great migration safaris in Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and the finest beaches along the Indian Ocean and the sun-kissed Zanzibar Archipelago etc, Tanzania is still among the top safari destinations in Africa and it is indeed a land of contrasts. The best places to start your vacation from while on holiday in Tanzania include Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater or Conservation Area, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Nyerere National Park and more. Tanzania has dedicated 25% of its land to wildlife parks and conservation areas and the country is wholeheartedly committed to preservation of Africa’s great wilderness and diverse range of species.
While on Tanzania safari, expect to engage in the rewarding experiences such as game drives, volcano hiking/climbing, great migration (from June to September/October), nature walks, mountaineering, hot air balloon safaris, chimpanzee tracking and birding.
Wildlife safaris are the pride of Africa. Visiting any of the above countries will offer you a lifetime opportunity of encountering the untamed wildlife of Africa. Whether you choose to go south or East, you will not get disappointed visiting any of the above African countries.
