Encompassing 54 countries and more than 2,000 languages within its five regions, Africa is the second-largest continent in the world, following Asia, in both land mass and population. Travel to Africa is typically done by one of two methods: air and sea. While journeying through the various countries of Africa, travelers can visit a wealth of popular destinations and attractions, including fascinating cities, national parks, and well-known natural attractions. Trips to Africa offer some of the most adventurous and exciting vacations in the world, and this is one continent that visitors will want to tour from top to bottom.

While Africa consists of five political regions, it includes six distinct biomes, including Tropical, Subtropical, Desert, Semiarid, Oceanic, and Highland, each in various parts of the continent and several countries. The landscape of Africa is just as varying and distinct as the climate, with mountains throughout the continent, sand dunes in the north, tropical rainforests in the west, and beautiful coastal destinations in the south.

Some of the most-visited countries for holidays in Africa include Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Gambia, Senegal, and South Africa, with Egypt as the number one destination on the continent and South Africa coming in at a close second. In the north, while all of the countries are quite charming and worthy of visiting, nothing tops any trip to Africa like the ancient attractions in Egypt, such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings, which draw thousands of visitors each year. Visitors to East Africa often gravitate to Kenya and Tanzania, which are located along the coast of the Indian Ocean and offer a host of activities, including African safaris through Serengeti National Park. Another popular coastal destination for vacationers is the west coast, which is home to countries such as Senegal and Gambia. In addition, South Africa offers some of the most charming atmospheres and attractions along its beautiful coastal landscape, including Table Mountain near Cape Town, as well as a variety of wildlife adventures and wine excursions throughout the country.

Africa Map

Among the most popularly visited and well-known attractions for trips to Africa are also some of the most interesting geographical facts about the continent, including its longest river, tallest mountain, largest island, and largest waterfall. Floating along the Nile River is one of the best ways to see Egypt’s wonders. Mount Kilimanjaro, rising 19,340 feet above sea level, is one of the main attractions in Tanzania. Madagascar, an island country off the east coast, is not only the largest African island, but it is the fourth-largest in the world. Finally, with a span of more than a mile and a spray that can be seen from upwards of 30 miles away, Victoria Falls plummets into the Zambezi River on the Zambia and Zimbabwe border.

Other popular attractions not to be missed include the Masai Mara, a natural reserve in Kenya; Djenne, Mali, one of the oldest cities in the sub-Saharan region of Africa; and Marrakech, Morocco, filled with a wealth of history, excitement, and things to do. Zanzibar in Tanzania has a trove of history, and the Virunga Mountains in Uganda are home to endangered mountain gorillas. There are also numerous options for tropical island vacations as part of travel to Africa, in destinations such as Cape Verde, Mauritius, and Seychelles.

With tons of things to do and see, trips to Africa will be filled with thrilling activities and attractions, and with careful planning, the sensational excitement will happen around the clock. From the Cape of Good Hope to the Nile Delta, travel to Africa is filled with natural wonders, beautiful sights, and endless history, making for some of the most well spent vacations anywhere in the world.