Image of Murchison Falls at Murchison Fall National Park, Uganda
Africa is home to dozens – make that hundreds – of national parks, game reserves and other safari destinations. Every last one of them has something to offer, whether it be a cast of charismatic large mammals dominated by the Big Five, the opportunity to track gorillas or chimpanzees, or more subtle pleasures such as looking for rare birds or colourful butterflies. But for first-time visitors wondering exactly where to go, the highlights below stand out as perhaps the ten best places to visit in Africa.
If you’re like us, and you’ve been getting safari withdrawal symptoms this year, you’ll be delighted to hear that trips to Africa are becoming an option again. As lockdown travel restrictions are gradually lifted, it’s time to start thinking about where to go in 2021. A safari vacation could be just the answer you’ve been looking for to lockdown blues. Plus, with most lodges situated in remote areas, they’re about as safe as you can possibly get. Check out our list of the 10 best places to visit in Africa in 2021!
The 10 Best Places To Visit In Africa In 2021
Uganda
Home to wildlife, beautiful landscapes and a diverse array of cultures, Uganda presents an excellent mix for both tourists looking for a safari break as well as a chance to enjoy the rich history and natural splendour of the land. In all likelihood you will have to deal with the cultural and religious issues which this country has faced in recent years, but at the same time you will find an almost endless array of archaeological wonders to explore. Uganda also offers a huge variety of activities for tourists to enjoy – you can rock climb, mountain bike, go bungee jumping, scuba dive, bungee jump, visit waterfalls and visit the bushveld – and most of these can be done in the middle of the jungle.
Why go: One of only three countries in the world where you can trek to see mountain gorillas in the wild (there are only 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the world), the experience in Uganda is truly amazing.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family with its two silverbacks (adult males). It holds a certain allure, since it boasts one of the highest concentrations of silverbacks within a family. Tours are small, no more than eight people, and once the gorillas are spotted, you have 60 minutes with them—and believe me, it goes really fast.
Kenya and Tanzania
Why go: Kenya and Tanzania are often combined into one trip. Many people consider these two counties among the best places to go in Africa because they’re where you can see the Great Migration—where 2 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle make a migratory circle from the Masai Mara in Kenya to the Serengeti in Tanzania and back again.
But even if you don’t go during the migration, Kenya and Tanzania have some of the most extensive populations of wildlife in all of Africa; it’s not uncommon to see 50 elephants in a herd, or to see the Big Five (lion, rhino, cape buffalo, elephant and leopard) on your first game drive.
Rwanda
There are at least as many reasons to visit Rwanda, as there are people who call it home. The tiny 26,338 square km (10,169 square miles) country supports is home to 12.2 million people, making it one of the most densely populated nations on the African continent. And yet it is also a leader in conservation efforts, the third greenest place in the world (according to The World Travel Guide 2015) and the proud protector of four national parks.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
The mountain gorillas are the main draw of the parks, but if you’ve had enough of the deadly animals, there are also a number of impressive game reserves, where you can go hiking, canoeing, fishing and visiting the local villages. Visitors are warned about threats such as poaching, with a number of trails now off limits. Of course, you will still need to stay vigilant. Kisoro Bush Camp Located in Kigali, this five-star bush camp is the perfect base for gorilla trekking, white-water rafting, photography or simply relaxing in one of the large, air-conditioned tents. The popular itineraries can include encounters with the mountain gorilla, but the place also welcomes other animals such as buffalo, lions, leopards and giraffes.
Zambia
Zambia focuses on fantastic walking safaris in wonderful national parks like South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. In the latter, you can also do canoeing and fishing in addition to the game drives and walks
Why Go: Head to these two countries to see Victoria Falls, the largest waterfalls in the world. Plus, you can go white water rafting down the Zambezi river, chock-full of crocs and hippos (it’s an amazing experience and one I highly recommend).
Namibia
Don’t go to Namibia expecting to see game. You may see some up north in Etosha, but it’s more about the dynamic landscapes, which are breathtaking
Why go: In Namibia, you can climb some of the highest sand dunes in the world (or better yet, take a hot air balloon ride over them). The scenery is dramatic and vaults Namibia into the discussion for one of the best places to go in Africa.
Botswana
Why go: This country’s focus is on high-end, low-impact tourism, so the properties are all very luxurious and the crowds you see in East Africa are noticeably absent here. It’s where to go in Africa for up-close wildlife experiences, sans crowds.
Plus, the landscape is simply stunning with the Okavango Delta, so instead of traditional game drives by vehicle, you’ll be able to go out in mokoros (traditional dug-out canoes), which brings you eye-level with the game. Nothing says safari like being five feet away from a bathing elephant.
South Africa
Why go: From shark cage diving and malaria-free safari zones to experiencing the flavors of Durban, an enclave of Indian culture in Africa that rests right on the Indian Ocean, South Africa combines a European and African flair.
Private game reserves abound in South Africa, which makes it easier to see the Big Five animals up close and in limited time than in other destinations. You can also go on wine tours or get in some hiking up Table Mountain—on its own, one of the best places to go in Africa for a day trip.
Egypt
Why go: Visiting the pyramids and taking a cruise up (yes up) the Nile River is a bucket list adventure for good reason. Egypt is the cradle of Western civilization. Few experiences can measure up to the massive scale of the pyramids and the sphinx.
Discover the Aswan islands by felucca (traditional sailboat) or privately tour the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to artifacts recovered from Tutankhamun’s tomb. This part of Northern Africa appeals to history buffs and those interested in a cultural journey.
Morocco
Why go: Visit the famous spice markets and entrench yourself in Arab culture. With a history stretching back nearly 10,000 years, the country’s great cities—Marrakech, Tangier, Fez and Rabat—offer a look into ancient traditions.
Morocco offers so many different kinds of experiences—I did a camel trek in the Sahara Desert and slept under the stars, and had tea with nomadic Berbers to learn about their lifestyle. In Marrakech, known as the red city, there’s plenty to grab your attention.
A must is the Djemaa el Fna, the largest market in Morocco and the biggest square in Africa, Make sure to have a walk around the square in the evening when musicians, dancers, and storytellers come out. Wander around the many souks adjacent to Djemaa el Fna, where you can buy everything from spices to teapots.
Conclusion
Overall, the current travel forecast for the near future seems to be pretty good for safaris. The past year has seen the news focused more on animal poaching than ever, but that’s no reason to get bummed. You can still enjoy the tranquil elegance of the wilderness, and ensure your conservation efforts are giving off the best impact possible. All you have to do is pack your bags now!