2022 Travel Guide to Africa

The continent of Africa continues to draw more and more visitors as tourism accelerates to the region. Prior to the pandemic, it was one of the fastest-growing regions. In the age of COVID, the continent continues to draw in visitors with wide-ranging tourism options, exceptional diversity and an abundance of yet-to-be-discovered destinations.

Most countries in Africa are open to U.S. travelers who can show proof of vaccination. Testing and quarantine also vary by destination so it is imperative travelers check restrictions before departure to ensure they have all of the required documentation.

Countries such as Morocco require quarantine at the moment. Others such as South Africa only require COVID testing and not full vaccination to enter.

For the latest information on entry requirements around the world, check out this interactive map.

Mauritius

The island of Mauritius is full of adventure. Crystal clear waters, white-sand beaches and luxury resorts are what many rave about but quaint fishing villages, hiking in mountain forests and beautiful botanical gardens create a well-rounded experience for visitors.

Malawi

Like Mauritius, Malawi stuns with the variety of experiences tucked into a compact country. Come for the top-notch safari experiences, stay and capture the country's dramatic peaks at Mount Mulanje, the mysterious Zomba Plateau and more.

Ghana

Accra, Ghana's capital, is having a tourism moment with international celebrities flocking to the city and the country as a whole for cultural festivals such as Afrochella that offer electrifying performances while travelers relax beautiful beach resorts.

It's impossible to ignore one of the Great Wonders of the World, and the only one that is still standing--the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, which are definitely a must when discussing top attractions on the continent.

Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area is also considered a must when visiting Africa. It is one of the top safari destinations where visitors can view the Big 5, as well as human fossils and a volcanic crater.

When visiting South Africa, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg provides visitors the opportunity to learn about how this brutal part of the country's history affected local communities.

Morocco continues to be a popular destination for travelers and the spectacular Medina in Marrakech continues to be a hub of trading. Visitors can wander maze-like souks, filled with vendors selling spices, jewelry, handicrafts and more.

One of the most stunning natural wonders in Africa is Victoria Falls. The awe-inspiring falls stand 355 feet high on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The Great Migration is certainly a draw each year. The event takes place when hundreds of thousands of wildebeests migrate in Kenya and Tanzania from July to October and December to March in search of sustenance.

In 2022, Gabon National Parks, which cover more than 10 percent of the country and were created in 2002 and are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year.

Africa is known for its music and visitors may want to partake in a celebration of African music during a visit. Currently, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival is planned for 2022 after being postponed in 2021 and 2020. Afrochella is a yearly festival in Ghana that takes place in December, and Lake of Stars festival in Malawi is an immersive adventure through music that is also scheduled in 2022 after being postponed for 2021.

South Africa is an easy choice for families. Not only will parents and kids enjoy a number of options for safari, it is easy to combine wildlife with the country's stunning beaches and metropolitan cities.

Kenya is another ideal opportunity where wildlife and adventure go hand and hand.

For water-lovers, the island destination of the Seychelles provides wildlife of a different nature, with turquoise waters ideal for snorkeling and plenty of family-friendly resorts to choose from.

Couples are spoiled for choice when it comes to travel in Africa. Romantic tented camps, world-class beach resorts and sunset river cruises await.

A hot air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara Game Reserve is an ideal activity for couples. South Africa's Stellenbosch wine country is home to more than 300 vineyards, and the Seychelles' white-sand beaches provide sultry retreats.

Travelers keen on romance can also set sail along the Nile River or float down the Chobe River.

Traveling with small groups and groups of friends and family are popular in 2022 and there are a number of places ideally suited for these types of travelers.

Set up a home base in Cape Town, South Africa, to explore the Winelands, Table Mountain, Robben Island and the beautiful waterfront.

Lagos, Nigeria, is another beach town known for its Afrobeat music scene and burgeoning art scene. Visitors can hit up the Lekki Market for crafts, visit the Terra Kulture art centre or visit during its popular Fashion Week.

There are many countries great for traveling solo in Africa, some easy destinations are South Africa, Morocco, Namibia and Mauritius--it really depends on what travelers want to do.

Wildlife and the Big 5 are easy for solo travelers looking for safari opportunities in both Namibia and South Africa. Namibia is also a hub for adventure, and South Africa offers beaches, wine country, museums and more.

Morocco is easy to tack onto European solo adventures with easy travel by ferry from Spain and offers its own distinct culture that includes delicious cuisine, fabulous handicrafts and an abundance of historic sights. Head to the Atlas Mountains and learn about the Berber people or visit the famous town of Casablanca on the coast.

Every country in Africa has its own distinct culinary traditions, but there are a few dishes travelers should be sure to try. Here are three:

Tagine is a North African dish that is cooked in a special pot of the same name. It is essentially a slow-cooked savory stew with meat, fish or poultry and a variety of vegetables and spices, including dried fruit and nuts.

Bunny chow is a South African fast food dish with origins in Durban that is served in hollowed out white bread and filled with spicy curry.

Travelers to Nigeria should make sure they try jollof rice, which is a favorite dish in West Africa that is a spicy one-pot dish that could have provided the origin of dishes like jambalaya and is made of rice, tomatoes, onion and pepper.

Going on safari, which is nearly synonymous with a visit to Africa, couldn't be the ultimate adventure for many. Those looking for further thrills have many options, however.

With preparation, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is often a bucket list opportunity. Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world, is located in Namibia and another destination for adventure enthusiasts.

For thrill-seekers looking for an adrenaline rush, South Africa is home to the world's highest bungee jump and and also the perfect place to try shark cage diving with the great whites.

Soccer, rugby and cricket are big all through Africa. Senegal, Tunisia, Nigeria, Morocco, and the Democratic Republic of Congo all have amazing soccer teams. Catch rugby in South Africa, Kenya, Namibia and Ghana.

For something truly unique, visitors can head to Tanzania where they will be able to see some of the best runners compete in the Kilimanjaro Marathon.

Seeing the Big 5 is a truly unique experience that is only available in Africa. From the Great Migration of wildebeest to lions feating on prey in the wild, there is nothing else like the quintessential African safari.