Tourism: Africa’s Top 33 Tourism Destinations as Chosen by the Global Media. Do you agree?

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Africa is a growing tourism destination filled with beautiful beaches, lush Forests wonderful Sceneries and Tremendous Heritage and Cultural assets.

Each country has something special to offer, from traditions and cultures to breathtaking natural features that entice travelers from around the globe seeking to experience their own piece of Africa. Though it has not done very well with global Tourism numbers despite it’s huge potentials.

It is impossible to pick just one reason to travel to Africa or just one attraction because there are so many.

Africa may not always register on the average traveler’s radar, but those who visit have the chance to experience the perfect blend of ancient and modern, wild and urban, East and West. To help you start planning your adventure, ATQ News compiled articles from Microsoft Network, The Washington Post, The telegraph UK, Fowardkeys, Yahoo, CNN, Nat Geographic, Lonely Planet, Travel+Leisure, and Time Magazine to rank the top destinations in Africa based on accessibility, cost, and the variety of things to do. As you plan your next African journey, be sure to include at least one from this list of best places to visit in Africa as your schedule will allow.

According to Microsoft Network, three African countries, Tanzania, Kenya and Namibia have been listed among the world’s 18 most beautiful countries to visit in a lifetime by Microsoft Network. READ: Tourism: 3 African countries, Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia listed among the world’s 18 most beautiful countries to visit in a lifetime by Microsoft

Washington Post lists top travel destinations for the year 2023. READ: Africa: Washington Post list Egypt, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia top travel destinations for 2023

The telegraph UK lists top 20 destinations for the year 2023. READ: Africa: Kenya, South Africa and Morocco listed among Top 20 must visit destinations in 2023

On the Welcoming Countries Rank, according to CNN, Passport power is on the rise around the world, with countries in general becoming more welcome and — with Covid restrictions increasingly lifted — READ: Africa: Nigeria, Angola, Djibouti, others ranked among the world’s most ‘welcoming’ countries of 2022

Nat Geo’s “Best of the World,” is themed around five categories: Family, Adventure, Culture, Nature, and new this year, Community. READ: Tourism: National Geographic List 3 African countries, Egypt, Botswana, and Ghana among 25 Amazing Places To Travel In 2023

According to 7news.com.au, the African countries where listed in different categories of the travel guide’s destinations for 2023 on Lonely planet.

The 2023 edition is in a slightly different format than it has been in years past. Rather than a simple list, the destinations are split up into five categories – eat, learn, journey, unwind and connect. READ: Tourism: Lonely Planet list South Africa, Zambia, Accra, Ghana among its top travel destinations for 2023

Here are most popular destinations In 2022 listed by Forwardkeys. READ: Tourism: Egypt, South Africa, Morocco remains Africa’s most popular destinations In 2022 – ForwardKeys

Yahoo lists Most Visited Countries in the World. READ: Tourism: African Country, Morocco among 25 Most Visited Countries in the World, as France, Spain, Mexico, US others make list

Here are top 50 destinations to visit in the year 2023 listed by Travel+Leisure. READ: Tourism: Travel and Leisure List 8 African Countries Among The 50 Best Places To Travel In 2023

Here are 33 of the top tourist destinations in Africa based on Ranking from these publications to guide you as you set off on your quest for your own African adventure. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it should still provide you with enough of fuel for thought.

We just ranked the Compilations. We did not Choose any of the locations. We just Collated the rankings by these Global publications.

1) TANZANIA
The natural wealth found in Tanzania is almost indescribable. Over a million wildebeest make the Great Migration across the Serengeti, a protected plain in the northern part of the country, in a phenomenon that happens once a year. Rhinos and zebras mingle in the short-grass plains of the Ngorongoro Crater. And, Tanzania’s Indian Ocean-facing coastline offers sparkling white sand beaches and serene views.

2) KENYA
The East African nation has earned a reputation around the world for its expansive savanna grasslands and diverse wildlife. Though, Kenya’s natural beauty doesn’t end there. You’ll find glacial lakes at the foot of Mount Kenya, lush indigenous woodlands at the Mau Forest Complex, and dazzling blue waters on the coast. The country’s most populous city, Nairobi, is the outpost for countless artisans from the woodworks and weavers at Masai Market to skilled glass makers putting Kitengela Hot Glass on the global design stage.

 

3) NAMIBIA
With amber sand dunes, endless golden grasslands, and emerald-blue lagoons, Namibia’s vast natural beauty goes unmatched. The Namib desert (the world’s oldest) spans more than 1,200 miles with striking dead-tree valleys at Sossusvlei and sand dunes leading to Sandwich Harbour. An abundance of wildlife thrives within the savannas and Caprivi Strip wetlands of Nambia. On the Khomas Hochland plateau, the Zannier Reserve by N/a’an ku sê serves as a natural habitat for hundreds of injured animals and welcomes guests to learn about conservation while staying at the reserve’s lodge, Omaanda.

4) EGYPT
Egypt is the cradle of ancient civilization nesting art and temples. The beautiful stretches of picturesque beaches are a magnet for sun-lovers. Every city casts its own spell, some harbor old temples while others boast of immaculate handicrafts. However, they never fail to radiate history, culture and dynamism. Egypt is the throbbing heart of the Arab world amalgamated in beauty, fused with warmth and sanctified by holiness. It is literally a global historical archive, giving rise to civilizations and bewildering a great many people celebrating it. It is indeed the capital of art, life, culture, science and religion.

5) MOROCCO
Even before the North African country drew international attention in the World Cup, Morocco was emerging as a major travel hot spot. Currently the most booked country for Intrepid Travel, “we expect Morocco to continue to be incredibly popular in 2023, given the increase in flights into the destination and the ability to get out and have great experiences in one week, 10 day or two-week itineraries,” said the company’s CEO James Thornton.
The creative crowds have been rediscovering the White City, attracted by its old and new faces, elegant neighborhoods and an increasingly diverse cultural mélange. French, English, -Arabic and Berber languages ring out through the labyrinthine streets of its medina and kasbah, and there are classic draws such as iconic cafés, art deco and art nouveau buildings as well as several -monuments that are in the process of been zhuzhed up, such as the new ¬Kasbah Museum.

6) ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe boasts several tourist attractions, located in almost every region of the country. Before the economic changes, much of the tourism for these locations came to the Zimbabwean side but now Zambia benefits from the tourism. The Victoria Falls National Park is also a tourist attraction and is one of the eight main National Parks in Zimbabwe, largest of which is Hwange National Park. Zimbabwe is home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Victoria Falls, and an attraction that pulls thousands of visitors for the famous Victoria Falls tour.
The Eastern Highlands are a series of mountainous areas near the border with Mozambique. These highlands stretch from Nyanga in the north with the highest peak in Zimbabwe, Mount Nyangani at 2593 metres is located here as well with the Bvumba Mountains further south and the magnificent quartzite Chimanimani range are the southernmost slopes. Mt. Binga is the highest of the Chimanimani peaks. It straddles both Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The endemic species of this transfrontier park attract scientists and hikers from all over the world.

7) ZAMBIA
The land of the legendary African walking safari, Victoria Falls, the wild Zambezi River, abundant wildlife, and raw wilderness, all in one friendly country. Blessed with awe-inspiring natural wonders, an abundance of wildlife, huge water bodies and vast open spaces, Zambia offers unforgettable holidays exploring the real Africa. Acknowledged as one of the safest countries in the world to visit, Zambia’s welcoming people live in peace and harmony.
And here, in the warm heart of Africa, you will find some of the finest Safari experiences on the planet, including face to face encounters with Nature at its most wild. Spectacular waterways provide adrenaline-thrills or a leisurely playground of activities for all ages.

READ: Africa: Washington Post list Egypt, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia top travel destinations for 2023

Seventeen magnificent waterfalls, apart from the spectacular Victoria Falls, provide ‘cascade followers’ an adventure into the remote undeveloped rural areas where a taste of village life can be experienced. Spectacular daily sunsets are almost guaranteed.

8) SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa offers both domestic and international tourists a wide variety of options, among others the picturesque natural landscape and game reserves, diverse cultural heritage and highly regarded wines. Some of the most popular destinations include several national parks, such as the expansive Kruger National Park in the north of the country, the coastlines and beaches of the KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces, and the major cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
As of 2022, the country housed the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites on the African continent. Indeed, the majority of those arriving in South Africa saw it as a holiday destination.

9) NIGERIA
Tourism in Nigeria centers largely on events, due to the country’s ample amount of ethnic groups, but also includes rain forests, savannah, waterfalls, and other natural attractions.
Lagos and Abuja is home to several parks and green areas with the largest one being Millennium Park. Millennium Park was designed by architect Manfredi Nicoletti and was officially opened by the United Kingdom’s Elizabeth II in December 2003. Another open area park is located in Lifecamp Gwarimpa; near the residence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The park is located on a slightly raised hilltop which contains sport facilities like Basketball and Badminton courts another park is the city park, it is located in wuse 2 and is home to numerous outdoor and indoor attractions such as a 4D cinema, astro-turf, lawn tennis court, paintball arena and a variety of restaurants.

Many festivals are held in Lagos; festivals vary in offerings each year and may be held in different months. Some of the festivals are Festac Food Fair held in Festac Town Annually by Festaconline, Eyo Festival, Lagos Black Heritage Carnival, Lagos Carnival, Eko International Film Festival, Lagos Seafood Festac Festival, LAGOS PHOTO Festival and the Lagos Jazz Series, which is a unique franchise for high-quality live music in all genres with a focus on jazz.
Established in 2010, the popular event takes place over a 3–5 day period at selected high quality outdoor venues. The music is as varied as the audience itself and features a diverse mix of musical genres from rhythm and blues to soul, Afrobeat, hip hop, bebop, and traditional jazz. The festivals provide entertainment of dance and song to add excitement to travelers during a stay in Lagos.

10) COTE D’IVOIRE
Come and discover a country with huge tourism potentials from the beaches, culture, and ecotourism to religion. No other country in the world can offer as much experience in a single trip. With a smile, warm hugs, Côte d’Ivoire welcomes you with a gentle “AKWABA“(Welcome).

Côte d’Ivoire is rich with a diversity of equally colorful cultures. From North to South, from East to West you will discover customs and traditions enriched over time. With its buildings dating back to the 19th century, the historic city of Grand-Bassam, first capital city of Côte d’Ivoire, has preserved its charm and authenticity. Built on a surface area of 130 hectares in Yamoussoukro, in the centre of the country, the Basilica Notre Dame de la Paix has the largest glass surface in the world. Unique biosphere in the world, the Tai national park, replete with a multitude of endemic species including hippos Pygmies, jentink, Zebra duikers and blue monkey, is a paradise for lovers of ecotourism.
You will also see the most intelligent chimpanzees in the world, using twelve different tools every day.

If you love beaches lined with coco tress, wet by a blue ocean, Côte d’Ivoire offers beautiful beaches and wonderful bays blending fun and sunbathing. In addition to its 550 km of coastline, Cote d’Ivoire is the only African country to have 300,000 hectares of water stream conducive to water sports.

11) GHANA
With stunning beaches, rich culture and vibrant cities, plus a stable democracy and tourism-friendly infrastructure, the West African country of Ghana is one of the most interesting and accessible destinations on the continent – it’s even been called “Africa for beginners.” Situated between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, this hot spot has a colorful traditional heritage to explore – largely through spicy food, bright African art and historical colonial sights. Accra is the capital and the country’s cosmopolitan hub, but there are sights to see outside the city limits as well, all easy to reach with great attractions.

Tourists come to Ghana to enjoy it’s all year round tropical warm climate and its wildlife. Ghana boasts waterfalls (such as Kintampo Waterfalls and the largest waterfall in West Africa, the Tagbo Falls, Ghana’s palm-lined sandy beaches, caves, mountains, rivers, meteorite impact crater. Other attractions include reservoirs and lakes such as Lake Bosumtwi or Bosumtwi meteorite crater and the largest man-made lake in the world by surface area, Lake Volta. Ghana also has dozens of castles and forts, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, nature reserves and national parks.

12) SENEGAL
A trip to Senegal: it equals adrenaline-packed adventure and time to bond with your loved ones. From its beautiful beaches and forests to its animal sanctuaries and archaeological history, Senegal is very diverse to meet the needs of any person. Leave the culture-filled country happier, refreshed, and stress-free once you visit. Principal cities of interest include the capital, Dakar; Saint-Louis, an old colonial town; and the Mouride holy centre of Touba. Gorée Island, formerly a centre of the West African slave trade and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, draws many visitors.
Most tourists from outside Africa are Europeans, especially French, and a hotel and resort industry centered on enclosed beach resorts, most at resort towns like Saly on the Petite Côte south of Dakar, have been created to appeal to this clientele since the 1970s.

Resort vacations are often supplemented by wildlife and nature tours of areas like the Sine-Saloum Delta, the Grande Côte (north of Dakar), the Lac Rose, and Senegal River delta in the north (near Saint-Louis). Historic sites around Dakar, Gorée Island, Museums, and monuments draw visitors. To the north, the colonial island town of Saint-Louis is visited for its long history and colonial architecture. There are also safari trips offered to see wildlife, perhaps limited by east or South African standards

13) DJIBOUTI
At Goubbet-al-Kharab, near the western end of the Gulf of Tadjoura, there are steep cliffs and a bay that was turned dark green by black lava. A number of active volcanoes are located inland from here. Another popular tourist attraction is the Day Forest National Park for conserving rare trees on Mount Goda. Near the town of Ali Sabieh are famously red mountains and a national park full of many gazelles.[2] The coastal plains, mountain ranges, and volcanic plateaus of the country make a picturesque sight. Some popular local attractions include the Presidential Palace, the Central Market, Maskali Islands, Moucha Island, Lake Abbe and Lake Assal. The coastlines of Djibouti harbor many stretches of beaches that are frequented by sun bathers and other visitors.

14) BURUNDI
Burundi lies almost in the centre of Africa with a shape like a heart. It’s a beautiful country sandwiched between Congo, Tanzania and Rwanda. It is commonly known as the ‘Heart of Africa’ and has wonderful landscapes making the country a real paradise. The country is also sometimes called “The SWITZERLAND IN AFRICA. Burundi offers wonderful views of Lake Tanganyika which is estimated to be the second largest freshwater lake in the world by volume, and the second deepest, after Lake Baikal in Siberia.

To describe Burundi in one word is beautiful. It is gradually extending its welcome hand to worldwide tourism. No doubt Burundi Holidays will be a charming affair that you will not be able put off your mind anytime soon.
This tiny nation is rendered scenic due to the presence of some amazing landscapes such as steep and high mountains and laid back lakeside communities. Travel to Burundi and avail Burundi Travel Packages to be captured by its arresting natural beauty. The nation’s capital of Bujumbura flaunts some scenic locales in proximity to the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Lying just outside the city are several of the continent’s finest inland beaches. Make sure to visit them on this trip.

15) COMOROS
Although the Comoros has many natural resources for tourism, such as its beaches and marine environment, it does not have as strong a tourist industry as its regional competitors Réunion, Mauritius, and Seychelles. Its weak tourist industry is mainly because of its insecure political climate, with many political upheavals over the past three decades.[1] Tourists in the Comoros are mainly wealthy Americans and Europeans, while much of the investment in hotels has come from South Africa. The main tourist attractions in the Comoros are its beaches, underwater fishing and mountain scenery. Mohéli is a picturesque tourist attraction. Grand Comoro has an international airport and most of the Comoros’ few hotels.

16) GUINEA
A land of remote hills, virgin rainforests and plunging waterfalls, this wild, West African nation is home to some mesmerizing landscapes. If you like to immerse yourself in Mother Nature, you’ll love Guinea. But don’t expect an easy time of it. The country has been mired in political instability and outbreaks of violence, and it was here that the first person died from Ebola in 2014. It is also an exceptionally poor country and beyond the capital, Conakry, it is not an easy place to travel: corruption is rife and the ubiquitous military checkpoints intimidating. Conakry is a lot of fun, though.

The city has a lively nightlife and a reasonable number of international standard restaurants serving predominantly French cuisine. Its hotel scene is hardly blazing a trail – accommodation ranges from small guesthouses to slightly run down international chains – but the city has a certain charm. If chaotic Conakry wears you thin, hop on a ferry to Iles de Los, a small archipelago floating just off the coast. The antitheses to the bustling capital, these islands are blessed with clean sandy beaches, simple guesthouses and a relaxed vibe, which feels a world away from Conakry.
Beyond the capital Guinea is rarely visited by tourists due to the difficulty in getting around. Public transport is crowded, uncomfortable and slow, but avoids hassle from police officers, which you are likely to attract if driving your own car. Guinea certainly isn’t for everyone, but those with a curious mind and sense of adventure will be richly rewarded.

17) GAMBIA
Tourism in The Gambia has become the fastest-growing sector of the economy as visitors coming in every year are drawn by its beaches, birds, sunshine, the culture and the country’s biggest asset – the friendliness and hospitality of The Gambian people along with the peace, security and political stability of the country. This has been the case since independence in 1965 and hence the reason why The Gambia is known as”the Smiling Coast of Africa”. It was seen as an ideal place to escape the harsh winter months of Scandinavia where Europeans would enjoy not only sun, sand and beaches but also experience the excitement of a real African holiday. It also offered a new opening for an affordable holiday to increasing numbers of traveling Europeans.

 

18) SOMALIA
Ranging from the urban sprawl of Mogadishu to the cloud-toped, camel-spotted peaks of the Cal Madow ranges in the north, this country is untouched and undeveloped; a picture of what Africa once was before the onset of mass safari-going. One of the major attractions in the autonomous region of Puntland in the northern reaches of Somalia, the ancient settlement of Iskushuban has crenulated walls of dust-caked stone and beautiful arabesque fortifications from centuries gone by. However, history aside, most people come here to see the waterfalls, which gush when in season and hail in as the second largest in the country!

19) GABON
Gabon’s tourist industry is still in its initial stages despite of various attractions which include; beaches, ocean and inland fishing facilities, the falls on the Ogooué River and the Crystal Mountains. Tourists come to see the famous hospital founded by Dr. Albert Schweitzer in Lambaréné.

Gabon’s 13 national parks range from regions along its coastline, where hippopotamuses play on untouched beaches, to forest clearings home to “naive” gorillas. The landscape in Gabon has many assets for tourism that is Gabon has fauna and flora that are among the most diversified in the world. Animal species are extremely varied: chimpanzees, gorillas, crocodiles, elephants, hippopotamuses, humpback whales, dolphins and turtles. There is also a wide variety of plant life present in Gabon. For example, more than 400 different species of tree have been counted.

20) MALAWI
African’s Warm Heart, Malawi, is beating faster now and the legendary welcome is there for all who wish to experience the unrivalled combination of Lake, Landscape, Wildlife & Culture in one of Africa’s most beautiful and compact countries.

Malawi has a variety of tourist attraction sites including Lake Malawi (29,600 km²), several national parks, game reserves, and Mulanje Mountain. The tourism industry in Malawi has significantly grown since the mid-1970s, and the Malawian government is attempting to expand it further. The tourism industry was, however, significantly affected in the 1980s by an economic recession in South Africa—where most Malawian tourists come from. In addition to these sites, the rock paintings at Chongoni are another commonly visited tourist destination. These sites provide an understanding of traditional culture in Malawi, depicting farmer rock art and BaTaw paintings, a group that inhabited the area from the Stone Age.

21) CONGO
Tourists can see wildlife, indigenous cultures, and geological phenomena not found easily or anywhere else in Africa. In the capital city, Kinshasa, limited tourism opportunities exist. In downtown Kinshasa an ivory market exists where other than the obvious, Congolese art, tribal masks, and other beautiful goods can be procured. Outside Kinshasa is a bonobo preserve called Lola Ya Bonobo. In Kinshasa visits to the Congo River or the city golf course or downtown restaurants can be nice. Tourists can trek to see the mountain and lowland gorillas in wild, meet pygmies still practicing their traditional way of life in the forests, spot bonobos and okapi—two rare species not found anywhere else on earth, and climb to the summits of active volcanoes and see a boiling lava lake in the crater of Mount Nyiragongo. The DRC has experienced frequent unrest in the eastern part of the country. Private trips are cheaper in the DRC than in neighboring Rwanda or Uganda.

22) RWANDA
Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda’s stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in the world. It is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, with incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains.
The west of Rwanda forms a branch of the Great Rift Valley known as the Albertine Rift. It has many unique, endemic species and is bursting with life. Chimpanzees, golden monkeys and other primates live alongside hundreds of brightly-colored birds, orchids and butterflies. Warm and friendly, Rwandans are also respectful, thoughtful and committed to the idea of progress, starting at the grass roots and running all the way to the top. From the ancient kingdom to the modern day, creativity is something to be celebrated, whether through traditional dance, unique architecture or works of art.

23) ETHIOPIA
Ethiopia is an ancient country whose unique cultural heritage, rich history and remarkable biodiversity are reflected in a tally of nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites more than any other country in Africa. Within its borders, you’ll find the world’s fourth-holiest Islamic city, along with the oldest continuously-occupied town south of the Sahara. Compelling antiquities include the medieval rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and Gheralta, palaces and temples dating back 3,000 years, the magnificent 17th century castles of Gondar, and the oldest human fossils unearthed anywhere on the planet. Add to this the beautiful Simien and Bale Mountains, the spectacular volcanic landscapes of the Danakil Depression, and a wealth of mammals and birds found nowhere else in the world, and it’s little wonder that Ethiopia has become the most attractive and popular emergent tourist destination in Africa.

24) SEYCHELLES
An island nation at the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles sits 1,000 miles off the East African coast. Although one of the world’s smallest countries, the Seychelles comprises an archipelago of 115 islands and atolls, from tiny outcrops of coral to vast hunks of granite. While this island republic is reputed as a white-sand haven for honeymooners and heliophiles, the Seychelles’ offerings extend far beyond its beaches.

Situated four degrees south of the equator, the Seychelles are an ecological delight with diverse terrain ranging from high-altitude tropical forests dotted with hiking trails to thriving coastal mangroves. Varied plant life is a joy for botanists with an abundance of exotic plant species, including the government-protected coco de mer – a fruit treasured by Asian cultures as a natural aphrodisiac and retainer of mystical properties. Verdant rainforest disguises tiny tree frogs and tiger chameleons whilst native Sunbirds and Paradise Flycatchers dwell in the treetops above. A favourable oceanic climate prevails as the archipelago sits on the calm waters outside the Indian Ocean’s cyclone belt, with the southeast trade winds that have long bought visitors to these distant shores soothing the tropical humidity.

25) TOGO
Despite its relatively small size, Togo has great touristic assets – unique landscapes spread across the country’s five regions, globally-recognized monuments and sites (one of which is listed in the UNESCO’s world heritage sites), and a 45km coastline with beautiful fine sand beaches, bordering the atlantic ocean. All these make it a truly diversified touristic destination.

Diversified also is the country’s hospitality offer, with more than 500 facilities registered – that is without taking into account, both high and low standing guest houses. And while it happens that a large number of these facilities are located in the Maritime and Plateaux regions, each region has at least one major hotel with large accommodation capacities. Few examples are the Hotel 2 Février, the Sarakawa and Onomo hotels which are in Lomé, or the 30 Août hotel in Kara (northern region).
In Togo,you will fall in love with colors, sights, sounds, and tastes. Though it is one of the smallest countries in Africa, Togo is proof that small is better.

26) UGANDA
The Pearl is blessed with an undeniable natural beauty. In the west, the Rwenzori peaks reach towards the sky, the perfect challenge for bold explorers – Across the nation, parks are home to some of the world’s most exotic animals: Silverbacks, lions and countless others, ooh… Uganda is home to Africa’s big 5. Winding roads lead to places of grand beauty and unique cultures for those who dare to explore. There’s a story at every turn, especially from our people, who are renowned for their warmth and charm.

The keystone of the new industry became Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. With more than 300 mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has approximately half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas Adventure tourism, ecotourism and cultural tourism are being developed. About three-quarters of Uganda’s tourists are from other African countries. Kenya, which borders Uganda, is the biggest source of tourists to Uganda, making up almost half of all arrivals into the country.

27) CAPE VERDE
The islands of Cape Verde have a pleasant climate during most of the year with 350 days of sunshine and some of them offer impressive mountain scenery as well. Diving, windsurfing, sailing and trekking are available to tourists. Some ecotourism is developing on the island of Fogo around the volcano Pico do Fogo.
What can best be described as a beach lover’s paradise, Sal is the archipelago’s most popular island for holidaymakers, and it’s no surprise why. With golden sandy beaches sinking into azure waters, windows into the island’s past and some truly spectacular natural phenomena to admire, Sal successfully caters for many kinds of holidaymaker. Beyond the volcano, you’ll find plenty more to tempt a visit to Fogo, from its tasty local coffee and iconic wine, to its pretty Portuguese squares and fantastic trekking opportunities.

28) MADAGASCAR
The island is one of the world’s most biologically diverse areas, with many endemic species. More than half of the island’s breeding birds are endemic; other endemic species include the Red-bellied Lemur, the Indri, and the Aye-aye. It is internationally renowned as a wildlife tourism and ecotourism destination, focusing on lemurs, birds, and orchids. Ecotourism is seeing good development in Madagascar due to the presence of exciting natural sites, including 50 natural parks and reserves located on the island. This is combined with the presence of mid-priced travel accommodation outlets (2-star and 3-star suites within small cosy hotels) and French-speaking personnel. The majority of tourists come to the island for leisure tourism: many of them, who were originally from the island but currently, live in France.

29) LESOTHO
Popular descriptions of this rugged country, with majestic beauty and serene simplicity, are “Mountain Kingdom” and “Kingdom in the Sky”. Lesotho Offers a very different tourism experience, with the potential of the tourism sector lying in its natural beauty, rich flora and fauna, and absorbing prehistoric and cultural heritage. The appeal of this extraordinary country is rarely found in more commercialized destinations. Mountains, valleys, and rivers provide memorable scenery for tourists. This is where Lesotho gets its crystal clear water as well as green pastures for livestock. Minerals such as diamond are found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho is the Kingdom in the Sky.
Most tourists travel many kilometers from their countries just to come and patch in the rocks of Lesotho. They also enjoy playing around the clean water of Lesotho’s mountains. This is one of the biggest sources of income to the country.

30) Botswana
Botswana’s principal tourist attractions are its game reserves, with hunting and photographic safaris available. Other attractions include the Okavango Delta region, which during the rainy season is a maze of waterways, islands, and lakes.

Botswana offers the traveller a choice of accommodation options from top class tourist hotels, luxury lodges and safari camps, to budget guesthouses and camping grounds. The major tourist areas have a choice of private lodges, safari camps, and public camping sites.

A variety of cuisines are served in hotels and restaurants from local favorites and game meat, to continental and Asian dishes. There are also plenty of fast food outlets and small restaurants/takeaways offering local dishes.
The National Parks and Game Reserves of Botswana provided the most unadulterated wilderness in Africa and safari connoisseurs began to see the attractions of this new safari frontier. Central Kalahari Game Reserve is an extensive national park in the Kalahari desert of Botswana. Established in 1961 it covers an area of 52,800 km2, making it the second largest game reserve in the world. The park contains wildlife such as giraffe, brown hyena, warthog, cheetah, wild dog, leopard, lion, blue wildebeest, eland, gemsbok, kudu and red hartebeest.

31) MAURITANIA
Mauritania, officially the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is a country in Northwest Africa. It is the 11th largest sovereign state in Africa bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Western Sahara to the north and northwest, Algeria to the northeast, Mali to the east and southeast, and Senegal to the southwest. Approximately 90% of Mauritania’s land is within the Sahara.

A land of desert and ocean. It is of course no wonder that the main attractions for most tourists are the desert in Adrar and Tagant areas (around Atar), and the ocean in Banc d’Arguin (a natural reserve with dunes ending in the sea, full of millions of birds and protected by UNESCO).

The Mauritanian Adrar is probably exactly how you’ve always imagined the Sahara: endless ergs (dunes) and regs (rocky desert) with tabular small mountains, but most tourists stay along the west coast of Mauritania. There are a few beautiful sights far into the interior (rock formations in Aioun, for example). If you decide to travel off the beaten path, leave plenty of time to get around.

Like in most nomadic cultures, hospitality is of the utmost importance for the Mauritanians. As a people of the desert, mutual aid was often a matter of life or death for Mauritanians throughout history. Travellers were often depending on the board, water and food of the hosts they would stumble upon. While Mauritanian society is changing very fast, these traditions are here to stay. In fact, you can expect great encounters wherever you’ll go and get more than your fair share of tea and sweets from the locals.

32) SOUTH SUDAN
South Sudan, a country in northeastern Africa, became an independent country in 2011. South Sudan has the world’s second largest animal migration and therefore is considered a good place for ecotourism there is no UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site in South Sudan. However, South Sudan has 14 national parks/protected areas and the world’s second largest animal migration. According to the Times of Malta, “South Sudan has the world’s second largest animal migration, an epic migration of the antelopes, but there is not a single tourist to see it”.[1] Boma National Park is as big as Rwanda. Other major parks includes, Bandingilo National Park, Lantoto National Park, Nimule National Park, Shambe National Park, Southern National Park, etc.

There are also several game reserves which includes Ez Zeraf Game Reserve, Ashana Game Reserve, Bengangai Game Reserve, Bire Kpatuos Game Reserve, Chelkou Game Reserve, Fanikang Game Reserve, Juba Game Reserve, Kidepo Game Reserve, Mbarizunga Game Reserve, and Numatina Game Reserve among others. South Sudan is also known for its vast swamp region of the Sudd, an area 320 km wide and 400 km long. It is known as one of the largest wetlands in the world and nearly 400 species of birds can be found there.

For the best view of the city, we recommend hiking to the top of Jebel Kujur Mountain. This mountain is only 684 meters high. Its original name was Korok but changed to Kuruk because a lot of folks used to visit the summit to perform rituals and other forms of witchcraft. You can also explore some of the old buildings from the colonial days or check out the monument in the middle of the main round about (where the main city clock is located). Juba’s largest market is known as Konyo Konyo. It is a very chaotic place but is arguably the best place to observe the local people gather in one place to buy vegetable, fruits and groceries.