10 Best African Countries To Visit In 2024

There's a bunch of fancy resorts that everyone's been waiting for, and they're finally ready to welcome guests. Plus, there are new air routes that are making it easier than ever to get to different parts of the continent. And let's not forget about all the cool events and festivals that are tempting people to check out new places they might not have thought about before. Sure, we've got some really cool safari camps coming up that we're pretty stoked about. They're located in some amazing spots like Botswana and even a lesser-known park in Mozambique. But that's not all, there's also a really interesting food scene happening in Accra, a special anniversary celebration in Rwanda, a brand new cultural landmark in Morocco's capital city of Rabat, and a whole bunch of other exciting things to look forward to. 

So here are our top picks of the best African countries to visit in 2024!

Ghana

Ghana has been establishing itself as the go-to destination for those seeking a cool and vibrant experience. The country’s culinary scene has been invigorated by a fresh perspective on pan-African heritage, captivating food enthusiasts. The Ghana Food Movement is a network of food change makers who are passionate about promoting sustainable dining in a fun and exciting way. Opened in May 2024, the Link-up Kitchen in the lively Osu neighborhood in Accra serves as a meeting place and test kitchen. It is home to the Movement's popular Dine and Dance series, where young chefs will showcase local ingredients in multi course dinners accompanied by beats from local DJs. The hub will also have pop-ups showcasing emerging chefs and Indigenous menus, like Abena Offeh-Gyimah, who offers food tours that highlight traditional ingredients and a return to ancestral culinary practices. 

Namibia

Namibia is known for its diverse landscapes and popular safari opportunities, making it a favorite destination for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Namibia's breathtaking landscapes create a sense of seclusion, enveloping you in towering sand dunes.

The Namib Naukluft National Park and Etosha National Park are both incredibly remote, but that doesn't stop them from being home to a diverse range of thriving wildlife. Come face to face with the renowned "Big Five" - elephants, rhinos, buffalos, lions, and leopards - as well as a variety of rare antelope and wild dogs.

Come check out this awesome animal conservation organization that offers incredible safaris you won't want to miss! Mix in Namibia's fascinating historic landmarks, the captivating shipwrecks along its Skeleton Coast, and the charming colonial architecture of Windhoek, and you'll uncover an unforgettable Africa holiday in 2024.

Madagascar

Madagascar, a remote island in the Indian Ocean, is a fascinating place filled with unique species and extraordinary natural wonders. It has always been known to challenge visitors with its rugged terrain and logistical challenges. Fortunately, things are changing as the trailblazers behind some of the best conservation tourism experiences on the planet are taking things to the next level on this massive island. Inside the rarely explored Namoroka National Park, the Namoroka Tsingy Exploration Camp is set to open in mid-2024. This exclusive camp offers seven luxurious safari tents, providing you with a gateway to a breathtaking landscape. Here, you'll find baobabs rising from the unique limestone formations called tsingy, and encounter lemurs that have yet to develop a fear of humans.

Are you more into exploring the coast? Check out Masoala Forest Lodge, they just started offering a Blue Lagoon Expedition trip in 2022. Kayakers heading to a stunning island campsite will have the opportunity to paddle through the stunning rainforest- and mangrove-fringed Antongil Bay. Along the way, they can enjoy the crystal-clear waters and encounter migrating humpback whales and schools of reef fish.

There’s so much to explore and your itinerary is bound to be a long one, so let Booked AI help you create a list of things you want to do and reserve your stay in the best places in the country.

Mauritius

Mauritius was quite the hotspot in the 1980s, with its iconic striped parasols, Stéphanie de Monaco showing off her tan on water skis, and all of Europe's jet set flocking to the exclusive and fabulous hotels. Jump ahead thirty years and this island in the Indian Ocean has even more reasons to be on your travel radar: There's a vibrant cultural scene and a fresh wave of hospitality emerging on its shores. In Port Louis, the Intercontinental Slavery Museum finally opened its doors in September 2023. Housed in a beautifully restored 1700s military hospital, this monumental step represents the nation's effort to address its colonial past. Culture enthusiasts are also flocking to the recently opened House of Digital Art (HODA) nearby. This Port-Louis building beautifully blends the charm of the past with the excitement of modernity, showcasing a captivating collection of contemporary art installations. Mauritius has always been known for its beautiful seaside resorts, but there's something exciting on the horizon that's encouraging visitors to explore beyond the beaches.

Botswana

Now here's one for the books. If you've always wanted to explore Botswana's Okavango Delta, where the dry sands are transformed into a beautiful network of water channels during the flood season, now is the perfect time to go. There are so many options available, you'll be spoiled for choice. There has been a recent increase in demand, along with a proactive effort to develop community-owned concessions, resulting in the opening of numerous new lodges in the world's largest inland delta.

Check out Sitatunga Private Island or North Island Okavango by Natural Selection. These amazing destinations offer just three tented suites nestled on an island surrounded by beautiful ebony trees. In May 2024, Natural Selection has an exciting addition to their portfolio: Tawana, a brand new build. Located in the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve, this collaboration with the chief of the local Batawana tribe will provide eight cozy thatched suites nestled in the grasslands along the perennial Gomoti River. Every stay includes a spacious area of at least 1,000 square feet, complete with a private plunge pool and terrace.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar has a little bit of everything to suit all tastes. Whether you're looking for stunning white sand beaches or an exciting adventure, you won't be disappointed. Once you make your way to this stunning Indian Ocean archipelago off the coast of East Africa, you'll immediately feel relaxed as you unwind on peaceful beaches like Matemwe and Kiwengwa. After that, you can check out Stone Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There, you'll come across the remains of a palace from the 19th century and a cemetery that has connections to Zanzibar's previous Arab rulers. Of course, you can't miss out on a spice tour in the countryside and exploring Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park during your trip. And hey, guess what? This tropical destination won't break the bank!

Rwanda

In 2024, Rwanda revealed a range of exciting adventures and numerous incentives to enlist the help of a guide, jump into a Land Cruiser, and explore the four national parks. These experiences go beyond the well-known gorilla treks, offering a whole new level of excitement. Nyungwe National Park is a well-known rainforest in Africa, recognized as one of the oldest. It recently received UNESCO World Heritage status. Visitors can enjoy activities such as chimpanzee trekking, cycling, and hiking. The new Cyinzobe trail is an exciting three-day, 15.5-mile hike that offers stunning views of three cascading waterfalls and the Kamiranzovu river. You'll have the rainforest almost all to yourself, as lodging is limited to just six cozy wooden A-frame cabins. Enjoy your time exploring the world of wild orchids, spotting playful silver monkeys and curious gray-cheeked mangabey, and being amazed by the incredible variety of 345 bird species found within the park, including 30 that are unique to the Albertine Rift.

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone, a small West African nation, has been focusing on a fresh vision centered around tourism. Getting there has become much easier thanks to a recent visa on arrival program. In 2023, a solar-powered airport near the capital, Freetown, unveiled a brand new terminal that boasted a significant fivefold increase in capacity. Next year, there will be new international flight routes that will make the country even more accessible. Flights to Nigeria and South Africa will be the first ones available.

One of the most exciting things happening in Sierra Leone is their effort to protect and highlight their diverse wildlife, offering new experiences for travelers. Coming up in 2024, the first ecotourism circuit in the country will be launched, thanks to the efforts of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary near Freetown. Stay tuned for more information on the Tacugama website! It's gonna have accommodations at two really important sites, which is pretty cool. Two cozy one-bedroom ecolodges will be ready for guests by spring 2024 on the beautiful river island of Jaibui, home to the rare Pygmy Hippo. After that, you can also enjoy tent stays at Loma Mountains National Park.

Cape Town

This South Africa hub is perfect for travelers who love hiking, breathtaking scenery, and beautiful beaches. You can even spot wild penguins on one of the beaches. Whether you're an adventurous explorer or prefer a more relaxed vacation, this place has something for everyone. Going to Cape Town might cost you a bit, but once you're there, your dollar will stretch a long way. Don't forget to hop on the aerial cableway to reach Table Mountain, check out Nelson Mandela's jail cell on Robben Island, and explore the famous Constantia Valley wine region. Make sure to set aside some time to explore the Cape of Good Hope, located 40 miles south of Cape Town on the southern tip of Africa.

St. Helena

St. Helena, located in the South Atlantic Ocean, is a British overseas territory. It's about the same size as Walt Disney World Orlando and has a population of under 4,500. Once you arrive, there's plenty of fascinating history to explore. St. Helena was completely empty when the Portuguese arrived in 1502. Later on, the Dutch claimed it before it became a British territory. Nowadays, the people who live there, called Saints, have family ties to Britain as well as China, Madagascar, India, and West Africa. Explore the fascinating history of the island, from its enslaved African population to the exile and death of Napoleon Bonaparte. In Jamestown, the Mantis St. Helena is still considered the top hotel on the island. Whale sharks come to St. Helena's crystal-clear waters between December and March. Sub-Tropic Adventures, a tour operator, offers trips for swimming with these magnificent marine creatures. You might come across turtles and devil rays while snorkeling, and there are also a few wrecks that scuba divers can explore. There are trails that wind through beautiful forests and up steep hillsides on land. At the end of these trails, you might come across a unique British red postbox with a notebook where you can leave a comment.

Conclusion

Africa has something for everyone, and so many hidden gems to explore. From the best safaris anywhere in the world, to beautiful coastal towns and luxury hotels in the hills, we guarantee you’ll be finding new experiences no matter where you go. If you want to create an itinerary, book your flights and reserve accommodation, Booked AI can help you do all that. Just download our app from the App Store or Google Play Store and get planning now!