10 Best Places To Visit In Africa For First-Timers
Visiting Africa for the first time? You’re in for a treat!
People come to Africa to enjoy unprecedented nature experiences that last a lifetime.
The world’s richest continent amazes visitors with incredible historical architecture, endless vegetation, unbelievable wildlife, and underwater diversity like nowhere else in the world.
What are the best places to visit in Africa for first-timers? We’ve put together 10 locations that we believe are ideal for everyone visiting Africa for the first time.
We’ve selected these destinations based on safety, security, and the availability of activities that cater to all interests.
1. Cape Town, South Africa
Geographically speaking, Cape Town is right at the bottom of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The city is located at the northern end of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa.
It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean, making it a popular destination for beach lovers.
Cape Town is a melting pot of cultures. It's perfect for first-timers because of its diverse experiences – nature, history, and vibrant culture, all in one place.
You'll feel the buzz of history, starting from the indigenous Khoi-San people to the Dutch settlers and beyond.
Historical Landmarks and Museums
The city is also home to several historical landmarks and museums, including the Castle of Good Hope and the District Six Museum. Visit Robben Island, one of the most historic islands in Africa, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.
Stroll through Bo-Kaap's colorful streets and feel the culture around you.
Table Mountain, standing tall, offers a breathtaking view of the city and the ocean. You can't miss the Cape of Good Hope, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans kiss.
Top Activities for first-timers:
Enjoy Camps Bay and its popular attractions, including the Camp's Bay Beach, the Theatre on the Bay, or the luxury Spa at The Twelve Apostles.
Take a cable car ride up Table Mountain.
Explore the historical Robben Island.
Wander through the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood.
2. Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh is a city located in North Africa, at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. The unique culture and history will leave you captivated.
Historical Landmarks and Museums
Dive into Marrakesh's past by exploring the Koutoubia Mosque and the Saadian Tombs. The Bahia Palace is a hidden gem, showcasing stunning architecture.
You can explore the city’s medina, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to several historical landmarks, including the Saadian Tombs and the Bahia Palace.
The city’s souks are filled with spices, textiles, and other local goods.
Why Marrakesh?
For a first-timer, it's a cultural delight. The markets, or souks, are an explosion of colors, scents, and sounds.
Top Tourist Activities
Explore the vibrant Jardin Majorelle.
Hot air balloon rides and camel treks.
Haggle for treasures at the Medina Souks.
Respectfully visit the Koutoubia Mosque.
3. Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. The mesmerizing Victoria Falls straddles Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Geographically, it's a jaw-dropping waterfall between the two countries.
The falls are located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and offer visitors a breathtaking view of the Zambezi River.
Why Victoria Falls?
For first-timers, it's a bucket-list-worthy encounter with nature's power and beauty.
Top Fun Things to do here:
Daredevils can try the Devil's Pool, a natural infinity pool on the edge.
Take a serene Zambezi River Cruise for wildlife viewing. You can easily spot hippos and Crocs.
Take helicopter rides with the Flight of Angels.
Bungee jumping
White water rafting
Remember to Wear a raincoat – the falls can get you wet!
4. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world, and Tanzania’s most visited National park.
Geographically, it is a vast savannah that stretches as far as the eye can see. The park is home to several hundreds of species of animals, including the Big 5: lions, elephants, and giraffes.
Get ready for the ultimate safari experience. Witness the Great Migration – thousands of animals on the move from Tanzania to Kenya.
An astounding number of animals cross the Mara River from Tanzania's Serengeti plains into Kenya's Masai Mara Reserve between July and October. It's an amazing sight that you shouldn't miss!
The Great Migration is the biggest wildlife activity in the world. The best months to visit Tanzania to experience the Great Migration are January through February.
So book your trip to Tanzania now.
More Fun Things to Do in the Serengeti
For first-timers, Visiting the Serengiti is a front-row seat to the wonders of the animal kingdom.
You can enjoy several outdoor activities, such as game drives and hot air balloon rides. Safety tips for first-timers include being aware of wildlife and following the instructions of park rangers.
Take a hot air balloon safari for a bird's-eye view or explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural haven for diverse wildlife.
Witness the Great Migration.
Float above the animals in a hot air balloon.
Explore the Ngorongoro Crater. The crater was formed around 2 to 3 million years ago when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself, creating a massive caldera.
The Ngorongoro Crater is often referred to as a natural enclosure or "Eden" due to its distinct ecosystem and high concentration of wildlife.
5. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar sits in the Indian Ocean, just off Tanzania's coast 22 miles off the coast of East-Central Africa. It's a group of islands known for its warm weather and beautiful beaches.
With over 1.7 million tourists visiting Zanzibar in 2023, it is without a doubt a great place for first timers to witness the best that Africa has to offer.
Away from nature, wildlife and scuba diving, Zanzibar’s got incredible luxury resorts for truly amazing vacation experiences.
And as far as safety goes, Zanzibar is a safe tourist hotpot in Africa.
The main island, Unguja, is also known as Zanzibar. Zanzibar’s islands is surrounded by giant coral reefs and boasts a rich cultural heritage.
Zanzibar's Stone Town has narrow streets and old buildings that tell stories of the past. You can explore spice farms, learning about the spices that grow here.
Why Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is good for first-timers because it combines history, nature, and relaxation. You get to see old places, try different Zanzibari foods (and spices), and enjoy the beauty of the islands or beaches.
You can explore the island’s cultural and natural attractions or places of interest:
Stone Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Town is the old part of Zanzibar City and is known for its narrow streets, bazaars, and historical buildings.
Diving in Pemba Island: Pemba Island is located north of Zanzibar and is the second largest island of the Zanzibar archipelago (group of islands). Pemba, the “Green Island” is a star for its rising diving sites and quiet pristine beaches.
Spice Farm tours: Zanzibar is known as the “Spice Island” due to its production of spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. You can take a spice tour and learn about the island’s spice production.
Jozani and Ngezi Forest tours: Jozani Forest is a nature reserve located in the center of the island and is home to the rare red colobus monkey. The Ngezi forest is mother to the rare, endemic Pemba flying fox and primates like the red colobus.
Eager to Visit Zanzibar (and Pemba Island) in 2024? Let’s help you get everything ready. Talk to our travel guides.
6. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is a wildlife reserve located in northeastern South Africa, covering an area of 19,455 km. It's enormous, with lots of space for animals to roam freely.
What’s super special here is the “Big Five” game animals, which include lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and Cape buffaloes.
The park is also home to several other exciting species of animals. We’re talking about giraffes, zebras, and hyenas.
Why Kruger?
Kruger is special because it's home to the 'Big Five' – lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. Get on a big safari where you can see and enjoy these amazing creatures.
Game Drives: Visitors can take a game drive and explore the park’s wildlife.
Hot Air Balloon Rides: Visitors can take a hot air balloon ride and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the park’s wildlife.
Bush Walks: Visitors can take a bush walk and explore the park’s flora and fauna.
Night Drives: Visitors can take a night drive and explore the park’s nocturnal wildlife.
Kruger National Park is an ideal destination for first-time visitors to Africa because of its unique blend of wildlife and natural beauty. The park offers a wide range of activities that cater to all interests.
7. Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is a vast inland delta located in northern Botswana, Southern Africa.
It's a vast area of water channels, marshes, and islands, creating a unique environment.
The delta is known for its unique ecosystem, which includes several species of animals and plants. Visitors can explore the delta’s natural beauty by taking a boat ride or a mokoro (traditional canoe) ride.
The delta is also home to several species of animals, including elephants, lions, and hippos.
The Okavango Delta is an ideal destination for first-time visitors to Africa because of its unique ecosystem and natural beauty. The Delta offers a wide range of activities that cater to all interests.
Why Okavango?
For first-timers, Okavango Delta offers a peaceful and unique experience. You can enjoy nature, see different animals, and witness the beauty of Africa's untamed wilderness.
The delta is special because it's the largest inland delta globally. It attracts lots of animals and birds, creating a diverse and thriving ecosystem.
The delta's beauty lies in its waterways and islands. Elephants, hippos, and various bird species make it a stunning place for nature lovers.
Top Things to do
Mokoro Safaris: Glide through the water in a traditional canoe, spotting animals along the way.
Game Viewing: Take a safari to see the diverse wildlife living in the delta.
Bird Watching: With over 400 bird species, the Okavango Delta is a paradise for bird watchers.
8. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Your African journey is not complete until you’ve been to the roof of Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano located in northeastern Tanzania, near the Kenya border.
Kilimanjaro is one of the must-see places in East Africa and in Africa as a whole.
The mountain is the highest point in Africa, with its central cone, Kibo, rising to 19,340 feet (5,895 meters) above sea level. The mountain has different ecological zones as you climb – from lush rainforests to alpine deserts.
Snow caps the peak, making it a unique sight near the equator.
The mountain is Africa’s pride for its natural beauty, which comes from:
Sand Dunes: Mt Kilimanjaro is surrounded by sand dunes in different shades of orange, which are an indication of a high concentration of iron.
Vegetation: The mountain is partially covered with vegetation, which is mainly watered by a number of underground and ephemeral rivers that seasonally flood the pans, creating marshes that are locally known as vleis.
The quality of the vegetation is affected by Tanzania’s weather.
Wildlife: The mountain houses multiple species of animals, including antelopes (mainly oryxes and springboks) and ostriches.
Top Things to do on the Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is an ideal destination for first-time visitors to Africa because of its uncanny mix of natural beauty and wildlife.
Hiking: Join a hike team and hike to the summit of the mountain, enjoy a bird’s eye view of the surrounding landscape. Climbing the Kilimanjaro is one of the most fun activities to do in Tanzania.
Camping: Camp at the base of the mountain and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Wildlife Viewing: Explore the mountain’s wildlife by taking a game drive.
9. Sossusvlei, Namibia
Sossusvlei is a salt and clay pan located in the southern part of the Namib Desert, in the Namib-Naukluft National Park of Namibia.
The pan is surrounded by high red dunes, making it a popular destination for tourists worldwide.
The area is characterized by high sand dunes in different shades of orange, which is an indication of a high concentration of iron, after being exposed to the process of oxidation over many years.
You can explore the outstanding nature of Sossusvlei by taking a hike or a hot air balloon ride.
The area is also houses multiple species of animals, including antelopes and ostriches. Fans of the giant Ostriche bird, gather here.
Enjoy several outdoor activities, such as:
Hiking: Visitors can hike to the top of the dunes and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the surrounding landscape.
Hot Air Balloon Rides: Visitors can take a hot air balloon ride and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the surrounding landscape.
Wildlife Viewing: Visitors can explore the area’s wildlife by taking a game drive
10. Lake Malawi, Malawi
Lake Malawi, also called Lake Nyasa, is like a giant freshwater pool in Southeastern Africa, stretching along the eastern border of Malawi.
It is the third-largest lake in Africa and the ninth-largest globally. The lake is mother to more species of fish than any other lake in the world, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The clear blue waters and the surrounding landscapes create a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a one-man vacation or a couple’s retreat.
The lake is like a hidden oasis, away from the hustle and bustle.
Beach Relaxation: Enjoy the sandy shores and relax by the lake.
Snorkeling: If you’re a fan of the shallow underwater life, Snorkel in the clean and clear waters around Lake Malawi, to experience the colorful fish species.
Island Hopping: Visit some of the islands within the lake for a change of scenery.
For first-timers, Lake Malawi offers a different side of Africa. The laid-back atmosphere, combined with the beauty of the lake, makes it a perfect spot to unwind.
Final Thoughts
For first-time visitors to Africa, choosing the right destination is the most important thing. Planning your trip to this continent is another important job.
Our special recommendation is Zanzibar (and Pemba Island), one of the most visited places in Africa. The hospitality and infrastructure in place make it an ideal spot for a first-time visitor on the continent.
We hope this guide helps you choose the right destination for your first trip to Africa.
Have a great trip!
