Discover below our members' favourite cities in Africa. Feel free to publish your own reviews to take part in this collaborative ranking.
Wedged between turbulent oceans and a flat-topped mountain, Cape Town packs a lot into its borders. You will find postcard-perfect beaches with freezing water, historic townships, hillside vineyards, and penguins lounging on white sand. Dining here competes with major global capitals, and adventure waits at every turn, all for a reasonable price. Expect a mix of raw wilderness and relaxed cosmopolitan life under the Southern Hemisphere sun.
Arusha serves as the primary gateway for Tanzanian safaris. While the city itself lacks architectural polish, it is the essential jumping-off point for the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and treks up Mount Meru. Between expeditions, the local markets, coffee plantations, and Maasai villages provide an authentic look at East African daily life that you simply do not get inside the national parks.
Marrakech is an assault on the senses. In the narrow alleys of the medina, the scent of cumin mingles with tanned leather as the call to prayer echoes from the Koutoubia. The red city offers labyrinthine souks, secret riads with tile-covered patios, and tanjia slow-cooked in hammam ashes. It is an intense, occasionally disorienting experience that stays with you.
Cairo is the largest city in Africa and a place where ancient history hits you from every angle. You can spend your days exploring the Giza Pyramids, wandering the historic architecture of the Islamic Quarter, or visiting the spiritual sites of the Coptic Quarter. Top off your trip with a stroll through the local souks or a cruise down the Nile for a perspective you just cannot get anywhere else.
Algiers rewards the patient traveler. Between the steep, thousand-year-old alleys of the Casbah and the Haussmann-style boulevards downtown, the Algerian capital displays a mix of Ottoman, French, and Berber influences. You will find forgotten palaces, centuries-old mosques, a basilica overlooking the bay, and a botanical garden cooled by sea spray. This is a major African city nearly devoid of international tourists, and that is precisely what makes it worth the trip.
Perched on the east bank of the Nile, Aswan serves as Egypt's southernmost major city, acting as a cool oasis amidst the desert. As the gateway to the ancient Kingdom of Nubia, it has a history deeply rooted in trade routes and caravans. While many travelers treat it as a fleeting pit stop before heading to the temples of Abu Simbel, the city itself possesses a distinct character defined by its lush, green landscapes, scenic islands, and significant historical sites.
Navigating Aswan is straightforward, as the corniche runs along the Nile for several miles, concentrating most of the city's cafes and restaurants. It makes for a pleasant stroll, with the city unfolding into the streets perpendicular to the water. The souk is one of the city's most vibrant landmarks. Day or night, this large covered market is packed with vendors, and the stalls overflow with Egyptian and African goods including perfumes, spices, textiles, handicrafts, incense, fruits, and flowers. It is the place to hunt for deals, and on the outskirts, Nubian culture is on display through traditional items like talismans, jewelry, and basketry. The market is a sensory experience of color and scent. A local specialty is stuffed pigeon, often prepared with rice, served on skewers, or simply grilled. You will also find molokhia (a traditional vegetable soup), eggplant dishes, mezzes, tahini, and fresh fish. Pair your meal with local flatbread, fresh fruit juices, and a Nubian coffee spiced with cardamom.
Directly across from the city center, Elephantine Island is a must-see. You can reach it by hiring a felucca, one of the traditional sailboats that remain the most common way to get around on the water here. Siou and Koti, two Nubian villages, sit nestled between farm fields and palm groves on the island, where the colorful homes create a quiet, timeless atmosphere. You can explore the ruins of the Temple of Khnum, dedicated to the ram-headed deity. Within this archaeological site, you will find the nilometer, which is arguably the most famous staircase used to measure the Nile's annual flood levels. Colonnades decorated with hieroglyphs round out the site, and from here, you can see the elegant pink granite Aga Khan Mausoleum, built in 1959, overlooking the water. A small museum dedicated to Nubian culture provides context on the region's history, which is closely linked to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. You can visit the dam itself, and the recent Nile Museum offers a complete overview of the project.
The neighboring island is a small slice of paradise. Kitchener Island is home to the fabulous Botanical Garden, established in 1896. The relief provided by its greenery in the middle of the desert is striking. Plants, flowers, and trees from equatorial Africa, India, and tropical Asia create a lush canopy. The contrast with the arid sand on the opposite bank is sharp, and the garden serves as a peaceful refuge for birds.
On the west bank of the Nile, the Tombs of the Nobles feature long ramps used for transporting sarcophagi. It is a mysterious site that offers panoramic views. Further west, the Monastery of Saint Simeon sits atop a plateau. It was once home to 300 monks until 1321, and this complex of four buildings remains one of the most important monuments from the Christian era. With its 26-foot walls, it resembles a fortress and is remarkably well-preserved. About 1.2 miles from Aswan, the granite quarry houses the Unfinished Obelisk. Commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut nearly 1,500 years before the common era, the project was abandoned after the stone cracked, leaving us with a massive relic still lying in its excavation trench. Six miles away, on Philae Island, the Temple of Isis from the 4th century BCE is yet another architectural marvel. Aswan is a legitimate destination in its own right, offering a genuine and compelling experience.
The climate is arid and dry. It is most pleasant from December through February when temperatures are mild. From June through September, the heat can become extreme.
You can find numerous flights into Aswan International Airport, located 12 miles from the city center. Public transportation and taxis are available for the transfer. If you are coming from Cairo, 520 miles away, you can take a sleeper train, which is a popular choice for the distance, or a direct 80-minute domestic flight.
Luxor holds the highest concentration of ancient pharaonic ruins on the planet. You can walk through the massive temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor, explore the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, or visit the cliffside mortuary temple of Hatshepsut. Spanning both banks of the Nile, this former capital of ancient Egypt functions today as an open-air museum where three millennia of history appear around every corner.
Praslin is the Seychelles island you go to for white sand beaches like Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, which offer some of the clearest snorkeling in the Indian Ocean. The Vallée de Mai nature reserve is a UNESCO site where you can spot the rare coco de mer, a palm species producing the world's heaviest seed. From the island, you can easily take a boat to Curieuse Island or La Digue for day trips, while the local markets serve up fresh Creole dishes that rival the best Caribbean seafood shacks.
Perched at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi is a quiet hub for experiencing authentic Tanzania. While it serves as the primary gateway for summit expeditions, the area offers plenty for casual hikers, including the Materuni waterfalls and the Kikuletwa hot springs. Spend your time browsing local markets or touring nearby coffee plantations. It is a laid-back spot for nature lovers and travelers looking to avoid the heavy crowds found in major safari hubs.
Morocco's capital sits right on the Atlantic coast, offering a side of the country that feels remarkably lived-in and authentic. Founded in the 12th century, this imperial city has moved past its museum-piece status to become a functional, thriving hub where you can get a real sense of daily Moroccan life.
The Kasbah des Oudayas is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Rabat's most essential stop. Walking through this former military fortification is a direct line into the country's political and cultural past. You can wander the narrow, whitewashed alleys and enjoy the surprising quiet of the kasbah, which sits just steps away from the Plage de Rabat. We also recommend the Musée de l'histoire des civilisations, which lays out the history of Morocco from prehistoric times through the contemporary Islamic era.
About two kilometers from the city center, you will find the nécropole de Chellah. Built on the ruins of an ancient Roman city, this site is atmospheric and layered with history. Look for the stork nests perched atop the crumbling tombs and take in the expansive view over the le fleuve Bouregreg. It is a peaceful, poetic spot rather than a somber one, and it is best visited at sunset when the light hits the ruins just right.
If you want to shop, head to the local souk de Rabat. It is far less crowded than the markets in Fès or Marrakech, allowing for a much more relaxed experience. You will find the best leather goods along the Rue des Consuls. If you feel like getting lost, duck into the side alleys to hunt for the best pastillas (savory meat and vegetable pies), traditional tajine, or, for those with a sweet tooth, chebakias (orange blossom, anise, and almond pastries), briwates (almond-filled triangles), and other regional confections.
To decompress after the noise of the market, head to the le jardin d'essais botaniques. Created in 1914, these gardens are the perfect place to embrace the local philosophy that those in a hurry are already dead. While the greenery is a great place to walk, we suggest skipping the swimming at the local beaches, as the sea is often rough and unfortunately prone to litter.
Rabat has an oceanic climate where temperatures rarely climb above 86°F (30°C), making it a comfortable year-round destination. To minimize the chance of rain and maximize the sunshine, plan your trip between May and October.
There are numerous direct flights from Paris to Rabat, with prices ranging from 80 EUR (about $87) out of Paris-Beauvais to 200 EUR (about $217) from Orly or CDG.
In southern Egypt, Abu Simbel could have easily remained an unassuming village, known primarily to freight drivers for its proximity to the Sudanese border. That changed thanks to ancient Nubia, which left behind two priceless treasures buried under the sand: the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Nefertari, discovered in 1813 and 1817 by Swiss and Italian explorers. Threatened by the rising waters of the Nile, they had to be moved 160 meters in 1964. It took three and a half years and 3,000 workers to clear and cut the stone blocks, a colossal operation that captivated the world and permanently altered the destiny of this small town in the Aswan region. Located on the edge of Lake Nasser, Abu Simbel now welcomes millions of travelers.
Its desert location makes Abu Simbel a destination with real character, and while the archaeological sites are the main attraction, it is worth staying at least one night. Some hotels are true homages to Nubian culture, their architecture and traditional decor possessing immense charm. In local restaurants, you will find distinctive cuisine with specialties such as tahina made from sesame, babaghanouj, which is an eggplant puree, and of course foul, a stew of hearty fava beans. Food lovers often gravitate toward mehallabeyya, a pudding flavored with rose water and topped with pistachios. While some claim Nubian coffee is among the best in the world, the hibiscus tea is a strong contender.
Aside from desert excursions, another highlight of Abu Simbel is Lake Nasser, a magnificent body of water that acts like an inland sea in the middle of the desert. Among the papyrus, birds like herons have made their home here, creating a tranquil environment far from urban noise and bathed in exceptional light. On its shores, the Pharaoh stands guard over his lands as an eternal master.
In a country filled with remarkable ancient sites, Abu Simbel is certainly one of the most striking. On the ancient sacred hills of Meha and Ibshek, Ramses II launched a massive construction project at the beginning of his reign, in 1279 BC, and standing before it today is truly dizzying. The temples are carved directly into the sandstone cliffs, with the largest dedicated to the worship of several deities including the falcon-headed Ra-Horakhty, and of course, Ramses himself. The 33-meter facade is composed of four statues measuring about 20 meters tall that leave no doubt about their purpose. Dressed in a kilt, wearing the nemes headcloth, and sporting a false beard, the Pharaoh sits in all his splendor. Inside, you find a hypostyle hall with hypnotic engraving detail, and ten side chambers leading to the hall of statues, which are equally massive. The walls recount his victories, including the Battle of Kadesh and his exploits against the Hittites and Libyans. The ingenuity of those who built this oversized temple lies in one detail: at every equinox in February and October, everything is designed so that a ray of sunlight slips inside to illuminate the statue of Ramses for his birthday.
A few meters away sits the temple dedicated to Nefertari, the first and favorite wife of Ramses II, who was deified in the image of Hathor. It is more intimate, with six 10-meter-tall statues on the facade, including four representing the Pharaoh, along with sumptuous bas-reliefs and sculptures of their children at their feet. The queen is depicted with her horned crown and tall feathers, radiating imperial beauty. Inside, texts and reliefs highlight the couple, sometimes with great tenderness, alongside various deities. In the evening, a light and sound show illuminates the site. Ramses II is long gone, but he continues to reign and fascinate.
The hot season lasts from May to October, with an arid and dry climate that can reach extreme temperatures. January is the coolest month, and if you are sensitive to heat, the period between February and April is ideal. To avoid the crowds, it is highly recommended to visit the temples very early in the morning.
Most international travelers fly into Cairo and connect to Aswan, which is 280 km from Abu Simbel. The road crosses the desert, and buses handle the route regularly. Some opt for a private driver. You can also choose a cruise that includes a stop at Abu Simbel. The town has its own airport, and the flight from Aswan takes 45 minutes.
Renamed Mbombela, Nelspruit serves as the capital of South Africa's Mpumalanga province and the primary gateway to Kruger National Park. You can explore the biodiversity of the Lowveld Botanical Gardens or descend into the Sudwala Caves, which are among the oldest in the world. The area offers plenty of action, from whitewater rafting to educational tours at the Chimp Eden sanctuary.
São Vicente serves as the cultural and musical hub of Cape Verde. Its main city, Mindelo, features colonial architecture, local markets, and nightly morna music performances. Travelers head to beaches like Praia da Laginha and São Pedro for swimming or water sports, while hikers tackle the trails of Monte Verde to overlook the island's volcanic terrain. It is a spot that balances a relaxed, island-town atmosphere with a deep-rooted arts scene.
This quiet town in northern Tanzania serves as a practical base for reaching the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, just 20 km (12 miles) away. You can browse the local market, hike through coffee plantations, or visit Iraqw villages for a look at local life. With its rolling hills and relaxed pace, Karatu is a solid stopover for travelers looking to balance rest with safari adventures.
Tunis is a city of sharp contrasts, where ancient North African roots meet a Mediterranean sensibility. You can wander the UNESCO-listed medina, a dense maze of Ottoman-era palaces and bustling souks, before stepping onto grand avenues that feel like a slice of Paris. Nearby, the ruins of Carthage offer a deep dive into history, while the blue-and-white clifftop village of Sidi Bou Saïd provides panoramic coastal views. Do not miss the Bardo Museum for its world-renowned mosaics, all set against the constant, subtle scent of jasmine.
Fez holds its own against Marrakech, its more famous Moroccan sibling. This imperial city boasts a history stretching back over 1,200 years, and lately, it has cemented its reputation as a premier destination in the Maghreb.
The heart of Fez is its sprawling medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981. It is the largest in North Africa, a labyrinth of more than 9,000 narrow alleys. While it sounds counterintuitive, getting lost in the medina, known as Fes-el-Bali, is the best way to see it. You enter through one of the fourteen sacred gates built in the 12th century that still encircle the old city. Bab-Boujloud is the most impressive, decorated with intricate blue and green tiles. The main commercial arteries, Talaa-Kbira to the north and Tala-Seghira to the south, are packed with food stalls and merchants, creating a sensory overload of noise, scents, and colors. Local cooperatives offer a look at the craft of argan oil production, traditional Moroccan pastries, and weaving. The Bou-Inania madrasa is the medina's architectural crown jewel. It is a masterpiece of carved bronze, painted cedar wood, onyx, marble, and tile. The Merinid Tombs are also worth the trek, if only for the sweeping view of the medina at sunset.
The new city, Fes-el-Jedid, holds its own collection of significant landmarks. Karaouine is both the world's oldest university and a vital mosque. It is massive, capable of holding 20,000 worshippers. Since entry is restricted to Muslims, non-practitioners can only admire it from the outside. The Batha Museum, housed in a 19th-century summer palace, displays a fine collection of Moroccan art and crafts, including sculptures, Berber textiles, and musical instruments. Its Andalusian-style garden hosts the Festival of World Sacred Music every year. It is one of the largest festivals of its kind, drawing musicians from across the globe, alongside literary debates, film screenings, and exhibits. The Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts is another essential stop.
The tanneries offer a truly unique experience. Near Place as-Seffarine, the Chouara Tanneries produce leather known for its durability. If you arrive in the morning, you can watch artisans working in the massive vats filled with natural dyes.
Fez enjoys mild weather year round, but spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to visit. Summer heat can be intense, often reaching temperatures that feel stifling. June is an excellent time to visit if you want to catch the Festival of World Sacred Music.
Flights from Europe are frequent and quick. If you are flying from major hubs, you can often find competitive airfare during the off-season, with tickets sometimes starting as low as 40 EUR (about $44).
Zanzibar City is the capital of its namesake archipelago, anchored by the UNESCO-listed historic district of Stone Town. You can spend your days navigating narrow alleys lined with intricate carved wooden doors to find landmarks like the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and the Slave Trade Museum. The city is a sensory experience of local markets and street food at Forodhani Gardens, where sunset views over the water rival the best coastal spots in Florida. While the city core is dense, you are just a short drive from the pristine white sands of Kendwa and Nungwi beaches.
Located about 12 miles southwest of Cairo, Giza functions essentially as the metropolis's sprawling suburb. Situated on the west bank of the Nile and separated from the capital by a bridge, the city is defined by distinct neighborhoods with strong individual identities. Millions of travelers visit every year, drawn by the chance to stand before the last of the seven wonders of the ancient world still standing: the Great Pyramid of Giza. On the plateau and within the necropolis, two other pyramids round out a legendary Old Kingdom complex guarded by the iconic Sphinx. It is hard to compete with such monumental history, making Giza a primary stop on any Egyptian itinerary.
Between aging apartment blocks, luxury hotels, and the agricultural community of Qorsaya Island, Giza can be disorienting. This urban landscape illustrates the constant struggle to balance ancient heritage with the demands of a modern city. Giza is energetic and divided into neighborhoods with unique character. Chic and trendy, Mohandessin focuses on elegance and commerce, filled with restaurants and cafes. It is also the home turf of the Ultras Ahlawy soccer fans, so match nights here are high-energy affairs. Kit Kat is a much more working-class area where you will find many tile artisans. Among the notable buildings, the massive Cairo University, founded in 1908, stands out for its impressive architecture. Nearby, the Al-Orman Botanical Garden serves as one of Giza's green lungs. Its 30 acres feature impressive collections of cacti and trees. While it saw some neglect following the Arab Spring, it remains a peaceful escape. Housed in a former private mansion, the Mohamed Mahmoud Khalil Museum gathers 19th-century art, including a significant number of French works. Located in the heart of Egypt, paintings by Delacroix, Gauguin, Monet, and Van Gogh offer an unexpected contrast to the Orientalist canvases on display. You can also find culture in the poignant Taha Hussein House-Museum, an intimate space that provides a window into the life of one of the 20th century's most influential writers and intellectuals.
Craftsmanship often blurs the line into fine art, and those who visit the Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Center will see why. Weaving is the core of this unique educational site, which has received numerous awards for its aesthetic quality and philosophy. In an unconventional space designed by the professor who was also an architect, the visit is as beautiful as it is educational.
Near the Al Bahr Al Aazam avenue, one of the most unusual attractions has opened its doors, acting as a gateway to the past. The Pharaonic Village transports you into a fully reconstructed Ancient Egypt. Through life scenes, traditional trades, period costumes, and music, you encounter the great figures of that era in settings inspired by Nubia. Sports, games, shows, and playgrounds make it a popular entertainment site, and it sets the stage for the most fascinating encounter of all, the one with the pyramids themselves, built 4,500 years ago.
A few miles away on the desert plateau, the three largest pyramids in Egypt await. The pyramid of Khufu sits at the center of the funerary complex, serving as the oldest and largest tomb. Standing 479 feet tall, it is a massive structure composed of 2.5-ton limestone blocks. It is a monument of pure mystery and scale. The experience of being here is hard to put into words, and you can visit the interior, though the passages leading to the sarcophagus chamber are extremely narrow. Beside it stand the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure, which are smaller, along with the queens' pyramids, the remains of the funerary temple, and the hidden mastabas, shafts, and underground chambers.
Since 2590 BCE, the Sphinx, measuring 240 feet long and 65 feet high, has watched over the site. Carved from a single block of bedrock, this constant guardian with its broken nose is unique for its human head and lion body. The identity of the monarch it represents remains a subject of debate, but through its sheer scale, it has certainly achieved immortality.
With spring and autumn temperatures hovering around 90°F, these shoulder seasons are the most comfortable times to explore Giza, especially the pyramid complex where you will be doing a lot of walking. Summer brings many scorching days with dry air. Winters are mild, with an average of 57°F.
The pyramid site is about 5 miles from Giza, which sits roughly 12 miles from Cairo. Buses and taxis handle the connection. Flights to Cairo are available from numerous major international hubs.
Located in southwestern Kenya, Narok serves as the primary gateway to the Masai Mara national reserve. The local museum offers a deep dive into Maasai culture, while the town markets provide a direct look at regional crafts and produce. Beyond the town center, you can visit Maasai villages for a firsthand view of traditional life. While most travelers view it merely as a waypoint, Narok is worth a stop for a real sense of the local region.
Tamanrasset sits in the heart of the Algerian Sahara, serving as a gateway to the Hoggar Mountains and the vast desert beyond. It is a hub for Tuareg culture, where you can find traditional crafts and music. The most significant site nearby is the Charles de Foucauld Hermitage on the Assekrem plateau, which offers expansive views of the volcanic landscape. Think of it as a base camp for deep-desert exploration, similar to how Moab acts as a launchpad for the Utah canyonlands.
The most beautiful place and one of the finest beaches in Mauritius is in Trou aux Biches, with white sand and turquoise water. At certain times, especially in August, you can even spot whales just a…
The most beautiful place and one of the finest beaches in Mauritius is in Trou aux Biches, with white sand and turquoise water. At certain times, especially in August, you can even spot whales just a few meters from the beach by boat. There are some sublime hotels, and I suggest you go for a drink at the Beachcomber. And to enjoy a good rum and smoke a cigar, the hotel that is perfect for that is the Royal Palm, a legendary hotel located about a 14 minute drive from Trou aux Biches. Speaking of rum, you can also visit the Chamarel rum distillery, where you can eat the best palm heart salad and discover a classic distillery. However, it is about a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Trou aux Bi…
The most breathtaking thing, if you are connected to the right vibes, is Luxor with those columns over 20 meters high surrounded by colorful 3,000-year-old hieroglyphics. There is really a unique atmo…
The most breathtaking thing, if you are connected to the right vibes, is Luxor with those columns over 20 meters high surrounded by colorful 3,000-year-old hieroglyphics. There is really a unique atmosphere there and you come away changed... A little tip, go very early when the sun rises, or at sunset.
Egypt! The most beautiful trip I have ever taken, not just because I was already a fan of the history of the pyramids back in middle school! But for the change of scenery... From the moment we arrived…
Egypt! The most beautiful trip I have ever taken, not just because I was already a fan of the history of the pyramids back in middle school! But for the change of scenery... From the moment we arrived in Cairo, we were immersed in the unique atmosphere and distinct scents. We stopped at the museum to see the statue of Tutankhamun, then headed to Giza to see the Sphinx and the pyramids on camelback. It felt like being in another era.
Gateway to the national park and the Toubkal mountain. Imlil was my base for heading out to discover the highest mountain in Morocco. I loved its location, you feel far from everything and at the same…
Gateway to the national park and the Toubkal mountain. Imlil was my base for heading out to discover the highest mountain in Morocco. I loved its location, you feel far from everything and at the same time you find all the amenities to organize your trek well. The village will appeal to nature lovers!
Marrakech remains the tourism capital of Morocco, and the city is highly sought after these days. Granted, the red city is developing very quickly, but it is more welcoming than ever and will definite…
Marrakech remains the tourism capital of Morocco, and the city is highly sought after these days. Granted, the red city is developing very quickly, but it is more welcoming than ever and will definitely win you over! I loved its new riads, its varied restaurants, its warm locals, and its unique heritage. From Jemaa el fna square, I admired the mountains and the gardens lined with giant palm trees.
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