What’s your dream vacation? Paris? Venice? Tokyo? Does anyplace in Africa make your list? If you’re like most people, you might say Egypt or maybe a safari. That’s it. But Africa has much more to offer than pyramids and animals my friends.  So much more to offer, in fact, that it was a daunting task to just pick 14 must see places in Africa.

As the number of blacks traveling internationally for leisure grows more and more each year, we want to encourage the research into traveling to Africa to see what the motherland has to offer for those who seek to reconnect with their roots while vacationing.

Here are our top 14 must see places in Africa, in no particular order.

1. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

The highest mountain in Africa calls you for a grad adventure! If you’re not up for a challenging climb (Kilimanjaro rises approximately 16,100 ft above sea level), perhaps you can do the smaller hikes around the base of the mountain and still take in the breathtaking views. Kilimanjaro has been a popular destination for climbing enthusiasts for quite some time now but it is also located in beautiful national park, Kilimanjaro National Park, which means it is much more than just a climbing destination.

2. Luxor, Egypt

Referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum, this historic city in Egypt is a great destination for those who want to soak in ancient Egyptian history while being a stone’s throw from the legendary Nile River.

3. Cape Town, South Africa

This costal city in South Africa will give you everything you want in one destination.  Vibrant city life, beautiful beaches, plenty of culture and diversity, and more! Cape Town was named the best place to visit in the world in 2014 by both The New York Times and Daily Telegraph!

4. Victoria Falls, boarder of Zambia & Zimbabwe 

The locals call it Mosi-oa-Tunya, The Smoke That Thunders. As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world. But it is the largest sheet of falling water as it is twice the height of Niagara Falls and over twice the width of Horseschoe Falls.

     5. Djenne, Mali 

Djenne is an ancient trading city located in the Inland Niger Delta region of central Mali. It is a site of unique Sudanese-style architecture made with sun-baked earthen bricks. Djenne-Djeno, a town to the south of Djenne is considered one of the oldest known towns in sub-Saharan Africa.

6. Fish River Canyon, Namibia 

Fish River Canyon is of the the largest canyon in Africa. It offers popular hiking trails, camping grounds, and various bodies of water.  The vastness of this canyon will amaze you!

7. Republic of Seychelles

Ready for your absolute fantasy island vacation? The Republic of Seychelles is the place for you! Located in the Indian Ocean off Africa’s East Coast, this 115-island country is a popular destinations for those who want to immerse in a complete island getaway.

8. Lalibela, Ethiopia

You don’t need to be a Christian to appreciate the historic churches located in Lalibela, Ethiopia. Comprising eleven churches and two chapels, Lalibela is often referred to as the New Jereusalem. What makes these churches unique is that they are monolithic rock-cut structures built below the surface of the earth. Most of the churches were built in the 12th and 13th century (they are still in active use today!) and were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

9. Nosy Be, Madagascar 

An island off the cost of Madagascar, Nosy Be is the country’s busiest tourist resort. The name Nosy Be means big island in Malagasy language.  For being the biggest tourist destination in the country, Nosy Be is a relatively low key vacation spot for those who want to avoid crowds. Stunning beaches, unique animals, and tropical weather will make your stay one to repeat!

 

10. Lagos, Nigeria        

If you’re more of a city crawler, then Lagos is the spot for you! Although it is known best for being a business oriented city, Lagos is fast becoming a culture hub with lots of festivals, black heritage carnivals, and an ever booming entertainment industry. You can experience beautiful sandy beaches and a vibrant African city life in one vacation in Lagos.

11. Sahara Dunes, Morocco        

This vacation is for those ready to take on the infamous Sahara Dessert, the largest sand desert in the world. Despite Sahara’s seeming emptiness, an estimated 2 million people of various ethnic tribes call this magnificent land home.  The wind-blown sand dunes of Erg Chebbi are located on the edge of Merzouga village, one of the most accessible desert towns in the region.

12. Lake Malawi, Malawi 

Located between Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania,  Lake Malawi is one of the greatest lakes in Africa. It offers various water sports such as kayaking, sailing, and water skiing.   There are a variety of lodging options along the length of the lakeshore and various beaches to make your stay even more enjoyable.

13. Casablanca, Morocco 

You know the name as the title of a classic black and white movie, but Casablanca is a colorful, vibrant city located in the central-western part of Morocco. Its French influence and high muslim population makes for an interesting mix in culture in this costal city.

14. Zanzibar, Tanzania 

Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean about 16-32 miles off the mainland of Tanzania.  Another Indian Ocean gem, Zanzibar is bustling with culture and the feel of a city life that’s absent in most other tiny islands.

All and all, Africa has something for everybody! Beaches, deserts, mountains, animals, vibrant cities, history, everything!  Make sure to do sufficient research and add one of the destinations above to your must visit list.

Did we miss a destination that should have made it on this list? Let us know below!