2023 Travel Guide to Africa

A new year means new opportunities to travel, and destinations across Africa, from Egypt to Rwanda to South Africa, are becoming more popular for their cultural heritage and conservation efforts. In fact, animals are synonymous with this continent, probably moreso than any other continent in the world (except Antarctica, perhaps, because who doesn't love penguins?). Another big draw to this continent is heritage travel, especially for members of the African diaspora in the Americas.

But Africa is not only known for safaris or heritage travel anymore, but also for cruises, with lines such as AmaWaterways expanding to rivers such as the Nile in Egypt and ocean liners offering itineraries around Cape Horn, ranging from Norwegian Cruise Line to Azamara to Silversea. There has never been a better year for finding an incredible African cruise itinerary than in 2023!

Check out this slideshow to see some of the best things to do, destinations to visit and experiences that are unique to this vast continent.

As a land of sharp contrasts, from development to geography and more, there are many incredible destinations that each offer something special for the insightful traveler. In northern Africa, where the desert reins supreme, Egypt and Morocco remain the most popular destinations, chosen by travelers for their rich cultural and historic heritage. In central Africa, Kenya and Rwanda are chosen by travelers looking to experience some of the most biodiverse forests in the world, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the gorilla.

Luxury travelers enjoy visiting resorts in the Seychelles, a small collection of islands off the eastern coast of central Africa. And in southern Africa, countries like South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia are chosen mostly for the wildlife: the famed Big Five, which travelers of many differing price points can find via safari.

Animals are often the first attraction that people think when they think about traveling to Africa, whether they be gorillas and chimps or the Big Five, which are located in the southern part of the continent. As the world (and therefore, travel) becomes more interested in sustainability, more travelers will most likely want to travel responsibly, visiting game parks and preserves that work to protect these incredible animals from poachers and hunters.

Rwanda is one destination that has recently been recognized internationally for its work preserving gorillas and encouraging its people to participate in this preservation, while the Okavango Delta in Botswana is a destination that has seen a marked rise in luxury safari resort offerings.

Besides wildlife, there's ample historic sites ranging from the ancient to the colonial, some beautiful geographic landmarks, including Victoria Falls and Mount Kilimanjaro, and plentiful opportunities to experience different cultures.

Africa is a giant continent (like all the others) and therefore there's no shortage of events going on this year, ranging from religious to cultural to musical and more, in each country. Yet some of the largest festivals include the Cape Town International Jazz Festival; The Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, the continent's largest film festival; Tunisia's International Festival of the Sahara, which attracts around 50,000 people annually; Tanzania's Great Migration of wildebeest and other hooved animals; the three-day Timkat or Epiphany festival in Ethiopia, a Christian holiday unique to the country; and many, many more that travelers can discover throughout the year.

The top concerns when traveling with children include finding things to do for a variety of age ranges and personal safety. Families with children both young and old will love traveling to southern Africa to see some of the world's most popular animals up close and personal in a game park, something that can be arranged privately or with a reputable tour operator.

Families heading to destinations like South Africa, Zambia and Malawi can enjoy experiencing local cultures as well, visiting marketplaces and trying new foods together, from their version of donuts to foods the adventurous ones will love trying at least once. While safari travel might seem more popular for couples without their children, they're sure to give kids memories that will last a lifetime, as well as help grow their respect for the other creatures that call this planet their home.

Traveling to Africa is a bucket-list experience no matter where you travel to, and couples celebrating milestones, newlyweds or just reconnecting will find plenty of romance there. Safaris are definitely a popular experience for couples to do together, while travelers wanting to visit Africa during a trip to Europe or the Middle East might find destinations in northern Africa, like Morocco or Egypt, a more easily accessible destination for them.

Yet these destinations can make for their own trips: Morocco is a fascinating country, offering plenty of historical sites in Marrakech alone and plenty of opportunities for insightful discovery, while Egypt is home to plentiful ancient landmarks and has long been thought a place of adventure. The Nile is now home to several popular river cruise lines, such as AmaWaterways. Luxury travelers might enjoy ocean cruises along the coast, too. Meanwhile, those looking for a luxury resort area in Africa might find the Seychelles a perfect place for them.

Group travel is often religious or heritage groups, large family groups, or groups of friends. It's no surprise that groups would want to travel to Africa, then, since there are so many destinations that are considered once-in-a-lifetime destinations. South Africa is a popular destination for groups wanting to see the Big Five, while Egypt and Ethiopia offer insights into Biblical history, perfect for church groups.

The western African country of Liberia is an important stop for groups visiting Africa for heritage travel, especially those from the Americas, because it was African Americans who immigrated there prior to the Civil War. It's now recognized as Africa's first and oldest republic and offers plenty of historical and cultural connections for the African diaspora.

For those who don't want to plan a group trip themselves, even with an advisor, cruises or reputable tour operators might be the best way to go. They're also great options for those who are worried about safety concerns or linguistic differences.

The main considerations for solo travel is safety and affordability, and for longer workcation-type travel, access to WiFi. South Africa is one of the most developed countries in Africa, making it a great option for solo travel and longer stays, with plenty to do and see if you rent a vehicle to traverse the country, from mountain hikes to game park safaris, museums and much more.

Yet much of southern Africa is going to be safer for travelers, including Malawi, Tanzania, Botswana and Namibia. These countries offer welcoming cultures and stronger infrastructures, with plenty of opportunities to experience new cultures, foods and, of course, the natural beauty of geography and wildlife Africa is so famous for! If you want to travel solo but are worried about personal safety, we recommend trying out a cruise or a reputable tour operator.

Africa is a vast continent, and therefore offers a vast diversity of cultures, languages (Africa is home to about one third of all the world's languages), climate and geographies, which means that every destination will likely offer different kinds of foods. From Moroccan tajine and shakshuka to South African barbecue called Braai, there's plenty to savor in each destination, which is why we won't share just a few destinations in this category. Our pro travel tip? Picky eaters should do some more research on foods in the destination they're interested to travel to if they're looking to enjoy some of the local flavors.

Africa has long been considered a continent ripe with adventure, mostly due to its stunning and diverse ecosystems, from the Sahara to its lush rainforests to its savannahs, and the animals that inhabit these places. Yet beyond safaris and rainforest hikes to find elusive species of animals to photograph are some other great adventure opportunities.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a popular milestone for die-hard mountain climbers, while the scenic Victoria Falls can be enjoyed by anyone looking to feel the exhilirating rush of water. River rafting, mountain hiking aand biking, ATV-ing and surfing (along the coast and in the Saharan dunes) are also popular adventure activities to enjoy across the continent.

Africa, like all inhabited continents, loves sports. Soccer is a hugely popular sport, and it's likely travelers will find children and adults playing soccer along a street or in a formal field when they travel there. Johannesburg, South Africa is home to the continent's largest soccer and rugby stadium, FNB Stadium, while Cairo's Borg El Arab Stadium is the second largest soccer stadium in Africa. Other popular sports in Africa include rugby, cricket and cycling.

Africa is home to a stunning breadth of diversity, both in its animal species and in the cultures and languages of the people who live there. From a desert larger than the continental U.S. to rainforests that rival the Amazon in their biodiversity to vast plains home to some of the most beloved animals on Earth, Africa is a bucket-list destination for so many people across the world.

Yet it's also home to some incredible, though lesser-known, history and landmarks, such as the University of Timbuktu, created in the AD 900s, the ancient Nubian Pyramids in Sudan, the early medieval ruins of Great Zimbabwe, and, of course, the history of Egypt and its popular landmarks. They all serve to remind travelers of the important history Africa has played in the world, not just from colonial times, but from the birthplace of civilization to the present day.

Africa offers a range of safety levels per country; some the U.S. State Department encourages travelers not to visit, while others have remained safe for decades. Many countries in southern Africa remain safe destinations for travelers, while Rwanda, Morocco, Egypt and others in the north are also safe destinations to visit.

Travelers with mobility issues, who use wheelchairs, or have differing activity levels should also research each destination heavily before making their decision, as some countries and experiences (such as safaris) may not be right for them. As always, if there are concerns about personal safety, we recommend travelers not only work with a travel advisor to help plan their trip, but also consider a cruise or guided tour as an alternative method of travel.