2020 Travel Guide to Africa

by Alex Temblador
Last updated:: 9:00 AM ET, Tue January 14, 2020

PHOTO: Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire rises high above Flic En Flac Beach in Mauritius. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / 8vFanI)

Medina in Marrakech, Morocco (Photo via Hans Brunk)

PHOTO: Rock-hewn church in Lalibela, Ethiopia (photo courtesy Lingbeek/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Experience voodoo culture in Benin during the Voodoo Festival. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / HomoCosmicos)

PHOTO: A view from above of Maletsunyane Falls in Lesotho. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / Kate OMalley)

Cape Town Harbour, South Africa (Jim Byers/TravelPulse Canada)

PHOTO: Djibouti in East Africa. (photo via Nirian/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Delicious heapings of street food in Accra, Ghana. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / TG23)

PHOTO: Aerial panorama view to city of Banjul, Gambia. (photo via HomoCosmicos / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Namibian desert. (Photo via iStock / Getty Images E+ / Wolfgang_Steiner)

Surfing in Noordhoek Beach in Capetown. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / bennymarty)

PHOTO: Kenya Educational FAM. (photo courtesy of African Travel Inc.) (Courtesy African Travel Inc.)

PHOTO: Aerial view of Bamako, Mali in West Africa. (photo via Thomas Brissiaud/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Africa 2020

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We predict that in the next decade, Africa will become one of the most popular continents in the world. In 2018, Africa was the second-fastest growing tourism region, and we imagine that those numbers only increased in 2019. Put aside your preconceived thoughts about Africa, and check out this guide to discover all the wonderful and exciting things you can see and experience on the continent in 2020.

3 Best African Destinations for 2019

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Morocco has been topping everyone's lists of popular world destinations, so we felt it best to include it in the top three best African destinations of 2020. You'll want to visit Marrakesh for the markets of the medina, but don't miss a chance to see Chefchaouen's blue-colored historic center, the beaches of Agadir and Essaouira, skiing in Oukaimeden, hiking in Imlil, and ancient and archeological sites like Volubilis and Ait Benhaddou.

If you're looking for a safari adventure, Kenya is the place to go. The Maasai Mara Reserve, known for annual wildebeest migrations, is the perfect safari destination, though you'll find other adventure in hiking Mount Kenya, snorkeling in Diani, nightclubbing in Nairobi, the volcanoes and crocodiles of Central Island National Park, and cycling through Hell's Gate.

In addition to Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti, Tanzania offers a wealth of treasures from the Masai Villages to the Zanzibar archipelago. It's in Tanzania's Olduvai Gorge where archeologists found traces of the earliest humans, and you can see this in nearby sites like Laetoli or the Kondoa Rock-Art Sites. Witness amazing natural wonders like the Kalambo Falls, the red-colored salt marshes near Lake Natron, and the unique lava of the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano in Tanzania.

5 Best Attractions in Africa

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Two of Africa's best attractions are great for history lovers. Learn about the brutal history of Apartheid and its effects on the local communities at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, before making your way to Senegal's Island of Goree, a car-free island that played a role in the Atlantic slave trade. Here you should visit the House of Slaves, a museum, to learn more about this part of Africa's history.

In terms of outdoor safari attractions, we're highlighting the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania. With a volcanic crater, human fossils, and herds of the Big 5, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers many levels of discovery.

The Nok Caves of Togo will blow your mind. This stunning cliffside fortress was carved out of the rock by the Moba people and can be explored by tourists today. If you like the Nok Caves, you'll be similarly impressed by the Rockhewn Churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia. The 11 churches were carved out of rock in the 12th and 13th centuries and are known as one of the wonders of the world.

Must-See 2020 Events

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There are plenty of events and festivals you don't want to miss in Africa in 2020. You'll want to be a spectator or a participant in the Big Five Marathon, a marathon where runners race through a Big 5 game reserve in June. If running isn't for you but you want to see African animals, head to Kenya and Tanzania to see the great wildebeest migration from July-October or December-March.

As far as music festivals go, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in South Africa, Fez Festival of World Sacred Music in Morocco, Lake of Stars Festival in Malawi, Global Citizen Festival in South Africa and the Cairo Jazz Festival in Egypt are yearly highlights. Afrochella in Ghana and AfrikaBurn in South Africa will have a mix of music and art experiences.

In terms of cultural festivals, Timkat in Ethiopia is a large religious ceremony held in Gonder that symbolizes the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Pilgrims jump into the Fasiladas' Bath and splash around after religious processions. On the opposite end of religion, the Voodoo Festival in Benin is an especially unique experience. It's best enjoyed in Ouidah where chiefs and shamans conduct ceremonies to various voodoo dieties.

Best Places to Stay for Families

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Take the kids on a beach vacation in Seychelles. Made up of 115 islands, parents and kids will discover turquoise waters for snorkeling, giant tortoises, great resorts, boating trips, and hiking in Morne Seychellois National Park. If the family is athletic, Lesotho, a small nation surrounded by South Africa, offers family ski fun at the Afriski Mountain Resort. With the Maletsunyane Falls, hiking spots, and opportunities to learn about traditional Sesotho life at Thaba Bosiu, Lesotho offers plenty to keep the family entertained.

Families don't have to choose between the beach and the land when they visit Senegal. Dakar, the capital, has tons of beaches and surfing opportunities. Make sure to take the family to Niokolo Koba National Park to spot wildlife, the pink-colored Lac Rose lake for great pictures, and the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, the third largest bird park in the world.

Best Places to Stay for Couples

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Get your romance on in South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia in 2020. Couples can cozy on the beach in Capetown, South Africa, or experience the country's culture and history in Johannesburg by visiting the Mandela House Museum. Enjoy the animals and outdoors in Kruger National Park or relax with wine in Franschhoek, home to lots of vineyards and great food.

Couples will grow closer in Botswana when boating in the Okavango Delta or wildlife viewing in the Moremi Game Reserve. A hot air balloon ride over the Okavango Delta and a quiet hike and camping experience on Kubu Island will definitely send sparks between partners. Victoria Falls is close enough to Botswana for a day trip though we suggest you stay in Zambia to see the ancient rock art in Nsalu Cave, have a safari adventure in South Luangwa National Park, and enjoy a romantic sunset river cruise on the Zambezi River.

Best Destinations for Group Travel

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Egypt is the ideal destination for group travel. Make unforgettable memories with friends when visiting the Sphinx and pyramids, or meet new people by joining a group tour that will take you to historical sites and beaches along the Red Sea. Visiting Egypt with a group of people is ideal, as there is a slight risk of terrorism, civil unrest, and harassment.

Gather a group and make your way to Rwanda in 2020. Encourage each other as you hike Rwanda's volcanoes or take pictures of one another as you gorilla trek through the Virunga Mountain Range. You might also want to check out the campsites along Rwanda's lakes, visit the Kinunu Coffee Washing Station, and explore the markets and art galleries of the capital, Kigali.

Travel the nation of Djibouti with friends and have a truly off-the-beaten-path experience. Spend some time diving at the beach in Tadjoura, float with friends in the very salty Lake Assal, explore the chaotic Marche Central market in Djibouti City, and hike in Day Forest National Park.

Best Foodie Destinations in Africa

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Angola and Ghana are the top African foodie destinations for 2020. Angola's food is distinctively African with a lot of Portuguese influences. The capital of Luanda is the best place to try Angolan food from fine dining restaurants to food stalls on the street.

In Ghana, you'll want to search for the best chichinga, or meat kebab, among the street stalls. Your best bet to exploring traditional Ghanian food is through a tour, but check out the country's contemporary restaurant concepts like Fulani Dine on a Mat in Accra. This (pricey) dining experience allows you to eat as the Fulani tribe has done for centuries.

Best Places for Solo Travel

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One of the biggest concerns for solo travelers is safety, so we chose three countries where you can feel comfortable traveling alone. Mauritius offers the ultimate beach vacation full of days spent snorkeling, easy-going hikes, and tons of seafood. Both Gambia and Eswatini have an abundance of hiking opportunities and amazing wildlife on various reserves, though Gambia can offer some beach time for those who want it. As for Eswatini, it's the perfect place for a cultural adventure. Visit Lobamba to see where the Swazi monarch lives, before touring Mantenga Cultural Village to learn about the culture and customs of the Swazi people.

Best Places for Adventure Travel

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Adventurists will find plenty of thrills and excitement in Namibia, Malawi, and Ethiopia. In Namibia, four-wheel-drive through the Namib Desert, book a game drive in search of the Big 5 in Etosha National Park, trek through Africa's largest canyon, Fish River Canyon, and sandboard on dunes or skydive in Swakopmund.

As for Malawi, the Nyika Plateau National Park should be your first stop on an adventure vacation. You can hike, bike, and 4x4 through this park full of wildlife -- including large numbers of leopards! Scuba diving in Lake Malawi and climbing Mount Mulanje are two other great adventure experiences in the country.

Lastly, Ethiopia is sure to get your heart pumping with activities like water rafting on the Blue Nile, trekking through the Simien and Bale Mountains national parks, and visiting the hottest place on Earth, the Danakil Depression.

Best Places for Sports Enthusiasts

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Soccer is king in Africa, so if you're looking to catch a match you'll want to visit countries with the best teams in 2019. Those include Senegal, Tunisia, Nigeria, Morocco, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Get a taste of rugby in South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, and Ghana, or watch some of the best marathon runners at the Kilimanjaro Marathon in Tanzania.

Although Africa may not seem like a spot for skiers, you can hit the slopes in Morocco at Oukaïmeden or the Afriski Mountain Resort in Lesotho. Surfing is also a big African sport, especially in Jeffreys Bay in South Africa, N'Gor Island in Senegal, Anakao in Madagascar, and Skeleton Bay in Namibia.

Unique to Africa

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There is plenty that makes Africa unique. As the cradle of humanity, it offers visitors a chance to explore our earliest roots at places like Laetoli, Tanzania, home to footprints of ancient hominids, and the Sterkfontein Caves in South Africa where 500 hominid remains were found.

While many visit Africa to explore the diverse wildlife of the continent, don't miss out on connecting with the local people. Each country is home to diverse tribes and cultures with their own food, art, practices, traditions, and sometimes impressive historical sites. Experiencing those cultures in a respective manner can make for a memorable and unique vacation.

Last but not least, make an effort to explore lesser-known reserves and national parks in Africa. You'll extremely surprised and in awe at the wonderous landscapes of the different countries.

Top Places to Avoid in 2020

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While there are many wonderful places to visit in Africa, the reality is that there are many unsafe places tourists should avoid. Ultimately, you should stay clear of countries in Africa with Level 4 and Level 3 travel advisories by the U.S. Department of State, as most are rated so for the threat of violent crimes, kidnappings, and terrorism. We've listed them below for easy reference.

Level 4: Mali, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Somalia, and Libya

Level 3: Niger, Nigeria, Guinea Bissau, Chad, Sudan, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

It should also be noted that people who identify as LGBT may want to avoid certain African countries. A majority of African countries, including Gabon, Nigeria, Zambia, and Uganda, have laws that forbid homosexuality, punishing it by death or imprisonment.

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