While I’ve been dreaming about exploring Africa and seeing the wildlife of Africa ever since I was a child, I’ve yet to visit. Well, technically speaking, I’ve been to Africa, but only to Egypt, so I can’t really say that I’ve travelled in Africa since there are so many different countries and cultures to experience!
However, in 2018 I hope to visit and I got quite a few places that I really want to visit!
Here is my African bucket list with things I want to do and places I want to see and experience. If you have some more suggestions feel free to write me a message or leave a comment! It will be highly appreciated.
All african countries are listed in alphabetical order.
Places that I want to visit in Africa / Country by Country
Algeria
- Atlas Mountains
- Al Qal’a av Beni Hammad
- El Kala National Park
- Tassili n’Ajjer
Angola
- Benguela
- Quicama National Park
Benin
- Cotonou
- Ouidah
Botswana
Another country that is high up on my list!
- Chobe National Park
- Kalahari Desert
- Khama Rino Sanctuary
- Kubu Island
- Okavango delta
- Nxai Pan
Burkina Faso
- Lake Tengrela
Burundi
- Bujumbura
- Kigwena Forest
- Gishora
- Ruvubu
Cabo Verde
Paradise beaches, hiking and food. Sounds good to me!
- Boa vista
- Fogo
- Sao Vicente
- Sal
- Santo Antao
Cameroon
- Bimbia Rain forest
- Mount Cameroon
- Ekom Nkam Waterfall
- Yaounde
Central African Republic (CAR)
- Bamingui-Bangora
- Boali Waterfalls
- Dzanga-Sangha
Chad
- Lake Chad
- Guelta d’Archei
- Tibesti Soda Lake
- Tousside
- Zakouma national park
Comoros
- Mount Karthala
- Moheli Marine Park
- Grande Comore
Democratic Republic of the Congo
A big reason why I want to visit here are the Bonobo, which is a close relative to us humans. They have similar appearance as the chimpanzee, but they are an own species. What fascinate me after seeing quite a few documentaries about the Bonobos, is that they leave in peace and harmony.
Something that both we humans and the chimpanzees should learn from. Sadly, the bonobos are strongly endangered.
- Kinshasa
- Kivu Lake
- Tanganyika Lake
- Virunga
Republic of the Congo
- Brazzaville
- Pointe-Noire
Cote d’Ivoire
- Abidjan
- the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace
Fantastic dance performance in Ivory Coast!
Djibouti
- Djibouti city
- Tadjoura
Egypt
- Alexandria
- Cairo
- Karnak
Also read: 15 Reasons to Visit Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
- Malabo
Eritrea
- Asmara
Ethiopia
I’m a big fan of Bob Marley, so obviously I’ve heard about Haile Selassie. But unfortunately, I don’t know that much about Ethiopia, but I would love to get to know the country and its people!
- Addis Abeba
- Lalibela Churches
- Gonder
- Harar
Gabon
- Akanda National park
- Libreville
- Loango National Park
Gambia
I’ve seen photos from paradise beaches, and lively cities and markets. Can’t wait to visit Gambia!
- Banjul
- Bakau
- Kololi
- Georgetown
- Serrekunda
Ghana
I have a friend in Sweden who originates from Ghana, and ever since I found out about that I’ve been wanting to visit here!
- Accra
- Kumasi
- Tamale
- Sekondi-Takoradi
- Volta Lake
Guinea
- Conakry
- Dubreka
Guinea-Bissau
- Bissau
Kenya
A clearly developed country that I think will be a nice destination to visit with lots of things to do and see. I have also heard that the night life in Kenya is supposed to be very alive?
- Amboseli National Park
- Diani
- Masai Mara
- Malindi
- Mombasa
- Nairobi
- Giraffe Manor Inn
- Makanyane Lodge
Lesotho
- Maseru
- Maletsunyane / Semonkong Falls
- Katse Dam and Botanical Gardens
- Tse’hlanyane National Park
- Sehlabathebe National Park
Liberia
George Weah used to be one of my favorite football players!
- Monrovia
Libya
- Benghazi
- Misratah
- Tripoli
Madagascar
- Antananarivo
- Ambalavao
- Baobab trees
- Nossi-Be
- Ifaty
Malawi
- Malawi Lake
- Monkey Bay
- Lilongwe
Mali
- Djenne
Mauritius
- Chamarel
- Moka
- Port Louis
- Grand Baie
Morocco
- Casablanca
- Chefchaouen
- Fes
- Marrakech
- Tanger
- Telouet
Mozambique
- Bazaruto Archipelago
- Maputo
- Malawi lake
- Ponta do Ouro
Namibia
After seeing photos from Namibia, I can’t wait to go. As a photographer, some places seems almost to cool to be true, such as the Sossuvlei Dunes for example!
- Sossusvlei Dunes
- Swakopmund
- Kolmanskop
Niger
- Agadez
- Niamey
- Zinder
Nigeria
I want to experience the hustle and bustle of the crowded Lagos as well as exploring outside the megacity. I don’t know too much about Nigeria, but I believe it’s a country with a bright future!
- Lagos
- Erin Ijesha Waterfall
- Idanre Hills
- Nok Village
- Obodu Mountain Resort
- Yankari National Park
Rwanda
I want to experience the kindness of Rwandan people and see the gorillas. I’ve heard great things from other travelers about Rwanda, and i’m very much looking forward to visit!
- Nyengwe Forest
- Gishwati
- Kibuye
- Kigali
- Volcanoes national park
Sao Tome and Principe
- Obo Natural Park
- Lagoa Azul
- Praia Jale
- Praia Micondo
- Pico Cao Grande
Senegal
Senegal is another interesting country that many tourists don’t go to, so that’s exciting for me, who like to explore new places!
- Dakar
- Saint-Louis
- Lake Retba
Seychelles
- Anse Royale
- Mahe
- La Digue
- Praslin
- Silhouette Islands
- Victoria
Sierra Leone
I would love to visit here and see what it’s really like to experience Sierra Leone!
- Freetown
- Makeni
- Kabala
- Waterloo
Somalia
- Mogadishu
- Berbera
- Garowee
South Africa
I have dreamt of going to South Africa for a long time, and hopefully I will do it next year!
- Durban
- Table Mountain
- Johannesburg
- Boulders Beach
Sudan
- Nubian Pyramids
Swaziland
- Hlane Royal National park
- Lobamba Village
- Mantenga
- Shewula Mountain Camp
Tanzania
One of my dream destinations in Africa!
- Arusha
- Dar es Salaam
- Ngorongoro
- Mafia Islands
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Pemba Island
- Serengeti
- Zanzibar
Manta Resort
Togo
- Lome
- Togo Lake
- Mud Tower
- Le Ramatou Beach
Tunisia
Have you been to Tunisia or are you from Tunisia? Share your best tips.
- Djerba
- El Djem
- Douz
- Tataouine
- Tamerza
- Tabarka
- Sousse
Uganda
Uganda is a dream destination for me. To see the gorillas and learn more about the culture, and meet the people of Uganda. They seem so friendly. If you have more tips on places to visit in Uganda, please share!
- Bwindis
- Entebbe
- Kampala
- Kibale
- Lake Victoria
- Murchison Falls
- Rwenzori Mountains
- Ssese Islands
- Zhiwa Rhino Sanctuary
Zambia
Ever since I saw a photo of a lion cub from Zambia, I’ve had Zambia on my bucket list.
- Lusaka
- Livingstone
- Kariba Lake
- Kazungula
- Mukuni
- Slavonga
Zimbabwe
- Maria Pools
- Harare
- Nyanga
- Victoria Falls
- Zambezi
Do you want to invite me to your home or show me around your city?
I would be happy to meet locals wherever I go in Africa, and there’s no better guide than a local sharing his/her insider tips about food places, things to do, culture and so on.
So, don’t be shy, me and my girlfriend Christine are quite humble! I promise to bring Swedish cookies or some other Swedish gift.
You can read more about me and my life as a full-time traveller here
I want to experience the local life of Africa
I love to travel locally as much as possible. Sure I’m a tourist, but I travel to learn about other cultures, and meet other people. I love to speak with people from other countries that I visit. The best experience according to me is to stay with a local family and eat dinner with them, and just talk about whatever comes to mind.
Do you have a hotel or guesthouse in Africa?
If you have a hotel or guesthouse in Africa, feel free to invite me. I often work with hotels, mostly luxury hotels, but I would be happy to write about your place as well if I visit.
This is my African bucket list so far, and I hope to add things after getting more tips and reading more about Africa. It seems such diverse and interesting as a continent and countrywise too.
Not only the beautiful nature and the animals, but also the people. The culture and food seems fascinating, and I can’t wait to experience Africa like a local!
You are more than welcome to stay with me and my family in South Africa.
heey! nice write up. iam so impressed that you wanna visit Africa. iam African and i still need to visit several of these countries… Iam From Uganda. i recommend you visit Lake bunyonyi, kigezi wild life reserve. On your way to Murchision falls, you should pass by the point where “EQUATOR CROSSES”… equator crosses a couple of countries including Uganda…… About Guest house, i have a very good friend who runs a hotel.. He is very kind and would arrange many f your trips to these places or even drive you there himself… Also, this hotel usually has foreigners, so your likely to meet other travellers… ps: this hotel is not in the capital…..but in one of the smaller towns……….i can always give my friend’s contact, when yo ready to go….the hotel name is ” NTINDA VALLEY RESORT” IGANGA TOWN, UGANDA. ………..not sure u can find it online…….but yeah……………….i hv been away from Uganda almost 5 years
I can be a welkaming frend in kenya
On your way to Victoria Falls you could stop by at our place in Bulawayo Zimbabwe.
I enjoyed the write up and as a Nigerian and African,i tell you,you wouldn’t be diappointed when you come to any country in Africa,we are rich in culture hospitality and food. I’m a Nigerian and would be open and happy to hear you when you come to Nigeria. I also have countries on the continent I would like to visit and your list has died more light for me. Good luck in your travels.
I’m in Ghana and I’d like to show you around Accra
Hi! Please make sure to visit Nigeria during the festive period,December precisely. There are lots of carnivals that take place in December and I’m so sure you are going to love the experience. You can google about Calabar Carnival and Lagos Carnival. I will update you from time to time.
It would be really nice to have you and Christine in Nigeria
You should totally visit Nigeria. It is not your usually touristy destination but beautiful in its own way.
Beyond the places you listed, there are countless to be explored. You can check my blog for some of Nigeria’s destinations.
http://Www.molarabrown.com
Hay,
I just stumbled upon your blog on facebook..
If you are ever in Abidjan you are welcome to our home and my parents in Conakry will also be happy to have you and Christine !
Do not hesitate to reach out.
Cheers !
Aye !
Thank you! That’s very kind. I will be happy to visit when we come to Abidjan.
In Angola don’t need to go to Quiçama National Park (not worth compared to other Safari places you mentioned on your plans). In São Tomé add the Irland of Príncipe and stay at Bom Bom Resort. In Cape town, on your way Back from Boulders beach to Cape Town go through the Chapman’s Peak (one of the most scenic routes – try to get at near sunset time). In Mozambique worth to go to Gorongosa National Park and at Zanzibar have lunch at The Rock and dinner at the Jetty (Diamonds of the Star East hotel).
I Lesotho ligger Afrikas högst belägna pub, vid Sani pass. Värt ett besök.
I Sydafrika;
– missa inte Drakensbergen med vandring och otroligt vacker natur!
– Lilla samhället St. Lucia är mysigt, med flodhästar som går lösa på gatorna kvällstid. Även härliga stränder! I närheten ligger även Cape Vidal. Plus många mindre safari parker. Mest prisvärd är Imfolozi-Hluhluwe.
Tack så mycket för dina tips :)
Wow! What a list! I have certainly not been to all these countries, but here are a few things I would suggest you add:
Ethiopia: you have to go see the Ethiopian wolves while they are still around! Endangered because their habitat is being encrouched, they are a sight to behold. You will also see amazing mountainous areas to get to them.
Kenya: Naironi National Park is unique because it is the only National park that borders a city. Close to Giraffe Manor (whis is on your list) is a Giraffe Sanctuary where you alos feed the giraffes (at a fraction of the cost of Giraffe Manor!!!) and the Sheldrick Trust is also close by. Well worth a visit to see the elephant orphans and maybe get splashed with some mud while they play:-) Lake Naivasha, Lake Elementaita and Nakuru is breathtaking! Nakuru National Park is absolutely beautiful. Also, don’t miss out on Nanyuki and Mount Kenya!
Malawi: Zomba Plateau is gorgeous and you can camp and hike ar the top. Nkhata Bay is also fantastic and not as busy as Monkey Bay and Cape McLear.
Namibia: Fish River Canyon!!!
South Africa: Garden Route, Drakensburg area, Sani Pass (also a border post to Lesotho) Transkei, Kruger National Park (I prefer the northern section of the Park), Eastern Free State (Clarens, Fouriesburg, Ficksburg – these last two both have border posts to Lesotho too), Bushvel area is incredible (also close to Botswana borders), West Coast is rustic, charming and unique and so i can go on, and on, and on …
I currently live in Diani Beach, Kenya (on your list) but I am South African. Shout out if you need more recommendations:-)
Oh wow :) Sounds amazing. Thanks a lot for sharing Esmé!
In Ethiopia I suggest you to visit Dallol and The Danakil Depression
Thanks for your suggestions :)
Kenya is beautiful and addictive. You will find accommodation to suit your taste at very affordable rates. When in Nairobi, Kisumu or Mombasa, I will gladly offer you comfy living at no fee at all… I will be glad to learn more about your culture and travels during your visit to kenya. Kenya is addictive. Welcome to Kenya #SwedishNomad
Thank you Lizzie, very kind of you :) I will be happy to visit and experience Kenya!
I’m a wheelchair blogger from Nairobi and have travelled around Nairobi and a little bit of Southern Africa. I’d be happy to meet you!
Cool. Sure, I would be happy to meet!
Hi Alex! I’ve been living in Nairobi for 2 years. If you are in Kenya anytime between July & October, going to the Masai Mara to see the wildebeest migration is a MUST! Ol Pejeta is a top conservancy close to Mount Kenya. And while you’re on the coast, you might want to stretch it all the way to Lamu – it’s a UNESCO World Heritage not to be missed. In Ethiopia, I would suggest to fly to Bahir Dar, explore the lake & it’s breathtaking monasteries (On a festival day if you can) then drive up to Gondar & spend 2 or 3 days hiking in the Siemien mountains (where you’ll encounter hundreds of Gelada monkeys) & continue North to Aksum. Lalibela was my personal favourite! Zanzibar is one of favourite places on Earth – amazing snorkelling at Chumbe island & The Rock restaurant is a fantastic place to sit back and relax. Enjoy this beautiful continent!
Hi..cool approach..gave me ideas for my trip. My partner and I live in Zimbabwe and I’m from Uganda. So both countries are open for your visit
Cool :) Thanks man!
You have missed one of the best places in Tanzania which is Tarangire NationalPark it’s a wonderful place to camp in for a few
days,And if you have a day or two left you should also visit Matema.
Thank you for sharing :) Ulf sounds Swedish, so, Tack så mycket för tipset! :)
Could been a great list if you had included more pic’s – names on places in Africa doesn’t give me any inspo since I am not that familiar with that continent. Hope to be though.
Sure, thanks for your feedback, but this particular post was not meant as inspiration for others :) Also hard to include photos since I haven’t been there yet myself.
Love that you are so excited to visit the continent of Africa!! I am like you and dreamed of traveling through Africa as a child while watching The Lion King on repeat. I currently live in Namibia and a couple of months ago my family came to visit for a self-drive tour of the country. Soussvlei is a MUST!! Wake up early and watch the sunrise from the dunes. Walk out to Dead Vlei to see the eerie trees. Etosha is also a great place to visit to see wildlife. Traveling along the Skeleton Coast is magnificent due to the lack of pretty much anything.
Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe and Zambian side is magnificent! Definitely worth a visit. (Spend the money to rent a rain coat if you don’t have one!! You will need it and a waterproof case for cameras.)
Chobe in Botswana is AMAZING!!! I was only there one day and camped in the park for a night before heading back to Zambia. Spend a few days there. The amount of wildlife is just breathtaking. I even saw a couple wild dogs which are endangered. I would love to visit the Okavango Delta one day as well.
I am also so excited to see that Sierra Leone is on your list. I lived there for 2 months right before the Ebola crisis in 2014. Its a country full of beautiful souls and delicious food.
For Tanzania, Ngorongoro is a must. I went in 2011 and I am trying to go back end of next year and get my mom to meet me there. Tanzania is a another country full of amazing people and that are so kind.
No matter where you go on this continent, I’m sure you will be welcomed with open arms, smiling faces, and a home-cooked meal. I plan to visit a few more countries when I finish my volunteering stint before heading back to America. Enjoy!