20 must-visit places in Africa in 2022

From ancient ruins to breathtaking landscapes and exotic wildlife, somewhere in Africa is the perfect destination for your next trip. 2022 is a unique year in particular with many borders reopening, now is the time for your long awaited vacation! With tourism picking up, the timing couldn’t be better, we’ve been indoors for too long and a visit

Whether you are in the mood for a safari, soaking up the sun on the beach or climbing mountains, there’s an adventure to be had in this incredible continent!

Looking for some unique African destinations to add to your travel list in 2022 – look no further! Here are some must-see places as recommended by some of my travel loving blogging friends!

Cairo, Egypt

Well, not only did Lonely Planet list Egypt as a must visit in 2022- I am too! From desert landscapes, to lush palm trees along the Nile, to the sparkling sands of the Red Sea, this beautiful country has so much to offer. While a visit throughout Egypt is required, a trip to Egypt without visiting Cairo, is not complete!

Cairo in particular is a city like no other and is often referred to as the ‘Mother of the World’. When you first arrive to the busy city of Cairo, you just might feel like you’ve been transported to another world. The loud but musical honking of car horns and seeing donkeys in the side lanes, gives traffic jams a whole new meaning.

While the city is known of course for the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids of Egypt and without a doubt there are some enough museums and relic in the city to keep you busy for days. Walking the cobblestone streets of Old Cairo, you’ll discover that there’s so much more to explore, like the Khan el Khalili market, and some of the most beautiful mosques you’ve ever seen.

Don’t get swept up in all the chaos without forgetting to take a trip down the Nile. Watch the city from a distance as you sip some mint tea relaxing on a felucca, and planning your next trip back!

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Contributed by Carryn Beard from Torn Tackies Travel Blog

Standing tall at 5,895m, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. But there’s more – it’s the highest free-standing mountain in the world and rightly deserves to be on any travel bucket list.

There are various trekking routes to the summit, each of which follow a scenic trail through diverse landscapes. While it’s a challenging trek, both mentally and physically, your preparation for climbing Kilimanjaro is key. With the right training, gear, and mindset, it’s an achievable goal for anyone in 2022, no matter your age or fitness levels.

It’s best to opt for the 7-day trek to allow your body to acclimatize to the high altitude. Plan your hike for January and February or June to October. During this time, you’ll have optimal trekking conditions and warm weather to ensure a successful climb.

While stepping foot on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro will be the highlight of your trip, the entire experience in Tanzania, from the people to the culture, the scenery to the wildlife, will be an experience you’ll cherish forever.

Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

Contributed by Nichola from Family Hotel Expert

Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia should be top of any 2022 wish list. Situated around 20 km from the capital Tunis but still considered one of its suburbs this blue and white town has a unique look thanks to its Ottoman and Andalusian influences. With its cobbled streets and picturesque feel you could be mistaken for thinking you were in Greece, especially with views down to the sparkling blue Gulf of Tunis. It really is unique in all of Tunisia. Stop here for bambalouni, the delicious Tunisian doughnuts served hot and covered in sugar, or for sweet mint tea at Café des Délices with its spectacular views. Wander through the beautiful streets and shop for beautiful pottery and homewares. Stay in the centre of the action at La Villa Bleue, one of the best hotels in Tunis and the surrounding area. Sidi Bou Said is one of those places that gets under your skin with a real feel-good vibe.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Contributed by Aimee of Snap Happy Travel

If you’ve watched any nature or animal documentaries it’s likely the unique Serengeti National Park in Tanzania has been featured. It is one of the best safari destinations in the world and is home to the elusive “big 5” – elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and water buffalos as well as many other animals. A visit to Serengeti National Park is truly a bucket-list experience. 

One of the best places to stay in the Serengeti is at the Four Seasons Serengeti which is super-luxurious and it’s outdoor swimming pool is famous for animal-spotting. Frequently, elephants drink from the pool! 

As for the best things to do in Serengeti, you can’t go wrong with a sunrise hot air balloon ride which gives the best view of the stunning scenery and animals! If you plan your trip here right you may get to see the Great Migration – watch thousands of Wildebeest on their annual migration across the Mara River (some don’t make it across as they get eaten by waiting crocodiles or hippos!!) The best time to see the Great Migration is from late September to early December. 

Serengeti National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation and is ideal for honeymooning couples or to celebrate something big!

Victoria Falls, Zambia

Contributed by Jonny from Backpacking Man

The Victoria Falls are one of the largest waterfalls in the world and one of the best places to visit in Africa. The falls themselves are epically spectacular (although in the dry season there is less water) to see but the activities at Victoria Falls are some of the best you can do anywhere.

You can hike out to the Devils Pool and dangle over the side of the falls for a scary close up look at them. Want to see them from above? Then you can take a microlight flight across them with stunning views of the falls and the Zambezi. 

There is bungee jumping from the bridge that connects Zambia with Zimbabwe also. But one of the most adrenaline-packed activities is to go white water rafting down the Zambezi River below the falls where you navigate over 25 rapids, some of which are grade 5.

End the day by having a cool beer watching the sunset along the Zambezi River at the Royal Livingstone Hotel, one of the most famous hotels in Africa. 

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Contributed by Linn Haglund of Brainy Backpackers

“The Blue City” in Morocco, Chefchaouen, is one of the most incredible places you can visit in Africa. Unique to Morocco, the medina is painted all blue, something that attracts travelers from all over. However, with the sea borders to Spain closed over the pandemic, most of the travelers that the city used to see can’t go anymore. That’s why it is perfect timing to travel there in 2022 to support the locals economically.

There are a lot of great things to do in Chefchaouen other than getting lost in the beautiful blue streets decorated with colorful pot plants. You should see the sunset from the Spanish mosque, visit the Kasbah Museum, and take a day hike to Akchour waterfall. Have dinner at the rooftop restaurant, Café Clock restaurant for amazing views. You should stay at a riad within the medina. Dar Dadicilef riad is a wonderful choice.

Praia, Cape Verde

Contributed by Vicky of Buddy The Traveling Monkey

Cape Verde is an African nation made up of 10 islands and eight islets. They are located in the central Atlantic Ocean, roughly 385 miles (620 km) off the western coast of Africa. Santiago is the largest of the islands and on it is the city of Praia, Cape Verde’s capital. The primary way most travelers get to Cape Verde is by plane. Cape Verde has four international airports, including one in Praia.

There are plenty of things to do in Praia. One of the top attractions is the Dona Maria Pia Lighthouse, which was built in 1881 and was recently renovated. There are also a few museums in town, including the Museu Etnográfico da Praia. Of course, visitors should also spend a day at Quebra Canela Beach.

A popular restaurant is Kebra Cabana. They have good food, it overlooks the beach, and they often have live music. To stay, we recommend the Hotel Oásis Atlântico Praiamar. It’s near many attractions, including the lighthouse.

Tunis, Tunisia

Contributed by Kenny from Knycx Journeying 

Tunisia is a small North African country with a surprisingly rich culture and fascinating history, going back from the Carthage, Roman, French, to Muslim. Its capital, Tunis, is the travel hub connecting the country with the outside world and a great place to have an overview of what the country has to offer.  

Sidi Bou Said is the most photogenic and popular spot in Tunis, with houses painted in blue and white, lining up on a cliff at the waterfront only 20 kilometers away from the city center. It is an African version of Greece’s Santorini, only it’s less crowded and cheaper.  

Have a leisure walk in the alleys where shops, galleries, cafes, and bars are located; and have a sip of Tunisia mint tea at Café des Delices, this is the best location to take pictures of the blue canopies and white houses with the city of Mediterranean and the city of Tunis is the background. 

For more places and things to see and do in Tunis, check out Bardo Museum, the second largest museum in North Africa after the Egyptian Museum, and the Carthage Ruins. 

Malawi

Contributed by Leyla from Women on the road

Malawians like to call their country “the warm heart of Africa”, and the name is perfect. Malawi is a small, friendly country and a wonderful place to visit if you want to avoid the overwhelm of larger destinations. The country is mostly rural, with two major cities that have everything you’ll need. But cities aren’t why you come here…

There are many reasons to visit Malawi but three stand out.

First, Lake Malawi is a jewel that borders Mozambique and is dotted with resorts (not the global luxurious brands but the smaller, cozier family type), ideal for whiling away the hours and the days and watching the fishermen bring in their catch against the sunset.

Second, Malawi is an up-and-coming safari destination. It may not have the sheer numbers of wildlife you’ll find in neighboring Tanzania, for example, but if you’re looking for the Big Five, you’ll find them here.

The third reason to visit Malawi is the people, warm and welcoming. Malawi is comparatively safe, without much of the heavy crime that plagues some of the continent’s mega-cities. 

Merzouga, Morocco

Contributed by Martina from PlacesOfJuma

Merzouga in Morocco is definitely one of the best places to visit in Africa for 2022! Especially those who are looking for a mix of adventure and romance will experience their travel paradise here. Merzouga is a desert town and the gateway to the Sahara desert and is located near the Algerian border. Here is the so-called Erg Chebbi, a huge sand dune landscape with heights of up to 200 meters.

Arriving in the desert village, one is amazed by the many golden sand dunes that are already next to the townhouses. It is best to book a night in a Berber tent and spend the night directly in the desert. Usually, one rides on the back of a camel over the high dunes to the desert camp and looks at the spectacular Sonnenuntergäng from a sand dune.

However, also great are the pretty desert hotels, which inspire with beautiful design, delicious traditional food and a lot of flairs. A real insider tip is the Kasbah Azalay with a great pool and perfect location on the edge of the sand dunes.

Okavango Delta, Bostwana

Contributed by Paula from Paula pins the planet

One of the best places to visit in Africa in 2022 is the Okavango Delta which is an amazing destination to add to any  Botswana road trip Itinerary. Considered the jewel in the crown of safaris in Botswana, here you can find a true oasis situated in the middle of the largest stretch of continuous sand in the world. You won’t find any other place in the world like Okavango Delta, a place where the landscape is stunning and where you can explore safaris by land, water, or air. 

Offering the opportunity to see a large variety of wildlife, such as the big five and a large population of African Bush elephants, Okavango is one of the best places in Africa to go on a safari. While traveling in Okavango Delta, you will be very isolated and the only options you have is to go on an independent trip and go wild-camping, or you can join one of the luxury tours and stay at lodges such as the  Khwai Expeditions Camp, with all the safaris and meals included. 

Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique

Contributed by Vanda from The Yogi Wanderer

If you’re into diving, surfing, or simply relaxing on an idyllic beach, then the quaint beach town of Ponta do Ouro in southern Mozambique is a hidden gem you can’t miss.

Located next to the border with South Africa and just a 1,5-hour drive from the capital city of Maputo, Ponta do Ouro is considered one of the best diving spots in the country, due to its gorgeous coral reefs, rich marine life, and crystal-clear waters.

If you’ve never dived before, this is the perfect place to start. There are plenty of schools where you can try scuba diving for the first time or even get your PADI certification.

Swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat, snorkeling, whale watching, surfing, or kitesurfing are some other great things to do here.

For foodies and drink lovers, this small village offers a varied choice of nice restaurants and cool beach bars. My favorite was Café del Mar, a restaurant slash cocktail bar with excellent food and views of the ocean.

One of the best places to stay in is the charming BougainVilla Sol Lodge. I recommend staying at least 3 or 4 days in Ponta do Ouro so you can enjoy everything this tiny slice of paradise has to offer.

Marrakech, Morocco

Contributed by James from Travel Collecting

Marrakech is a truly fascinating place to visit, and a highlight of any trip to Morocco.  The main focus is Jemaa el-Fna, the city’s “big square”.  As day turns to dark, the large open space is transformed.  One section is filled with food carts, which make a great place for a bargain meal – or just an orange or date juice. Other areas are crowded with storytellers, snake charmers, traditional water sellers, and locals enjoying themselves.

You can spend your days wandering the narrow labyrinthine streets of the medina (old town) and picking up all manner of bargains at the souk (market).  Be sure to haggle.  A food tour is a great way to discover the local cuisine.  Be sure to visit Saadien’s Tombs, the charming Secret Garden, the Bahia Palace and, for something much more modern, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in the New Town.

A recommended restaurant is the Amal Centre, a social cooperative that supports and trains disadvantaged women. The delicious homecooked food is hard to beat and the prices are very reasonable. For somewhere to stay, I love Riad Miski, a charming traditional home converted into a chic boutique hotel run by a lovely French couple.

Harar, Ethiopia

Contributed by De Wet & Jin from Museum of Wander

There is a town in the eastern lowlands of Ethiopia called Harar, and it is one of the most captivating places to visit in Africa.

Harar is a holy Islamic city, and at its centre is the Old Town- or Jugol. The UNESCO recognized Jugol is a warren of colourful alleys crammed with hundreds of mosques and shrines. The best way to see Harar is to get a local guide to show around, as Harar is a conservative Muslim city, and you will miss out on so much without a local’s help.

Harar’s most famous attraction is the Hyena Man. At sunset, he will be at one of the city gates, calling out to wild hyenas. This Harar tradition has started ages ago, and today tourists are welcome to help feed and get up close with wild hyenas.

The best place to stay in Harar is the Ras Hotel, which also has a good restaurant and bar.  Fresh Touch is another excellent restaurant to check out. .  

Mauritius

Contributed by Emily from Wander-Lush

Recently named among Lonely Planet’s ‘Top 10 Destinations for 2022’, the island nation of Mauritius is more than worthy of a place on your Africa travel wish list for the new year.

Mauritius’ beaches need no introduction: With more than 330 kilometres of coastline – much of it perfect white-sand – the island’s crystal clear waters, underwater waterfall and vibrant reefs make it one of the best places in Africa for swimming and diving.

But don’t overlook the green heart of the island, with its national parks and walking routes. Away from the all-inclusive resorts, Mauritian culture is a vibrant display of cuisine, song and dance that can be experienced through street food tours, craft workshop visits and live music performances.

Dinarobin Beachcomber on the south-west corner of the island is an ideal base for exploring Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark and Black River Gorges, as well as some of the finest beaches. Don’t miss eating at Sailors Restaurant in Port Louis for some of the finest seafood in town.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Contributed by Victoria from Guide your travel

Kruger National Park is the oldest park in Africa and one of the most popular destinations in South Africa. On almost 2 million hectares of land, a great variety of Africa’s wildlife can be observed, in addition to some historical and archaeological sights. According to the park, 147 species of mammals and 507 species of birds live there. What most tourists come for, however, are lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and leopards. These and many more species can be seen from a safe distance in Kruegers park.

You can explore Kruegers park in your own car; the entrance fee is about 30$ per person. However, it is worth booking a tour; the guides know how to avoid conflict with the wild animals and show you the best spots in the park. The cost of guided tours varies depending on the season and length. It is best to check with your local guide or your accommodation for the best recommendations.

Zanzibar

Contributed by Joanna from The World In My Pocket

Zanzibar is probably the most similar destination to the Maldives, to which you can get to without having to spend all your savings. Zanzibar is an archipelago of gorgeous islands, off the coast of Tanzania. The main island in Zanzibar, which tourists usually refer to as “Zanzibar”, is called Unguja. It is famous for the white sand beaches, the infinite shades of blue of the ocean, the thick forests and mangroves, but also the spice plantations. The capital of the island is Stone Town, a Unesco World Heritage Site which shouldn’t be missed. 

Most of the tourists who come to Unguja choose to stay either in the North or the East of the island. The North is famous for the beaches, whilst the East is a paradise for water sports. Most of the budget accommodation is located in the East, mainly around Paje and Jambiani. 

When it comes to food, you shouldn’t miss the seafood feasts from the Yellow Card Café, a modest restaurant in Jambiani.

Masai Mara, Kenya

Contributed by Pamela from The Directionally Challenged Traveller

One of the most magical destinations in Africa is the breathtaking Masai Mara. It contains a wide variety of ecosystems, making it home to thousands of species of animals. 

The Masai Mara Reserve is one of the best safari parks in Kenya, with incredible opportunities to see the Big 5 Safari animals. Lions, elephants, water buffalo, rhinoceros, and the elusive leopard can all be spotted traversing the landscaping. If you visit between July and early September, you’ll be able to observe the Great Wildebeest Migration. It’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is when millions of wildebeest and zebra trek from Tanzania to Kenya along the Masai River. 

The Mara River Bush Camp is an eco-friendly ‘glamping’ experience that is right in the bush with the animals. You may be able to spot hippos in the water from your tent! They also have a restaurant with incredible locally-sourced food! 

The Masai Mara is unlike anywhere else on Earth and won’t disappoint any visitor. 

Cape Town, South Africa

Contributed by Roxanne from Faraway Worlds

With beautiful weather and long stretches of white, sandy beaches, Cape Town is always a wonderful place to visit. Head up Table Mountain to see the amazing ocean views, then meander along the coast to Boulder’s Beach to see the adorable penguins. The Kirstenbosch Gardens at the foot of Table Mountain are well worth a visit and you can also see the Pacific and Atlantic oceans mingle at Cape Point. A day trip to Robben Island, the former principle of Nelson Mandela, is a good way to get a deeper insight into South Africa’s history.

If you have time, spend a few days in the Cape Winelands for lovely views and even better better wine – otherwise, have a meal at Groot Constantia for a small taste of what the winelands have to offer.  Stay at the Royal Boutique Hotel in Camps Bay for great views, good restaurants and lots of choices for coffee.

Aswan, Egypt

Aswan is the perfect jump off point to visit other areas, whether you travel here by train, plane or my favorite – Nile Cruise! If you come in search of Ancient Egyptian history, there’s an incredible breadth of things to do in Aswan. There are countless temples to be seen like Philae and Abu Simbel (and for me, some of the best in all of Egypt).

The beauty of Aswan if that you can truly immerse yourself in a unique part of Egypt that goes beyond the Ancient ruins; the city is home is to the Nubian people. The Nubians have their own distinct and rich culture and history of their own. A must do is to enjoy a felucca ride down the Nile as you sail by and visit some of the colorful Nubian villages.

Want more inspo for your trip to Africa? Check out these posts!

• 30+ Best Places to Visit in Egypt: Ultimate Egypt Bucket List
• Ultimate guide to planning a honeymoon in Egypt
• 27 Beautiful Mosques From Around The World
• 5 underrated (and alternative) cities you need to explore
• 10 Photos that will make you want to travel to Egypt TODAY!

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