Africa Travel Guide

Destinations ยท Africa

Africa travel guide

From safari icons to coastal cities, what to see, where to stay, and how to plan a smooth trip across Africa.

Best attractions

Don’t miss

Where to stay

Recommended hotels

  • &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania
  • The Silo Hotel, Cape Town
  • Riad Yasmine, Marrakech
  • Park Hyatt, Zanzibar

Getting around

Domestic flights link major hubs; safari lodges typically arrange road or light-aircraft transfers.

Safety tips

Use reputable tour operators, check current travel advisories by country, and keep valuables secured in cities.

Best time to visit

Juneโ€“October for East/Southern African safaris (dry season); varies by country, so check regional seasons.

Budget advice

Safari lodges run premium; balance with budget city stays and shared-transfer options to manage overall cost.

Before you go

Visa requirements

Requirements vary widely by nationality and country โ€” Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda offer e-visas or visa-on-arrival for many nationalities, while some African passport holders can enter neighboring countries visa-free. Always confirm current requirements with the destination country’s immigration authority before booking, since policies change.

Money matters

Currency & payments

Most countries use their own currency (Kenyan shilling, South African rand, Egyptian pound, etc.); US dollars are widely accepted for safari lodges and tours in East and Southern Africa. Cards work in cities and major lodges, but carry local cash for markets, tips and rural areas.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

It depends on the region and what you want to see โ€” June to October is dry season across East and Southern Africa and the best window for safaris, while North African cities like Marrakech and Cairo are most comfortable in spring and autumn. See our month-by-month East Africa safari guide for specifics.
Requirements depend on your passport and destination country. Many African passport holders can travel visa-free or visa-on-arrival to a growing number of countries โ€” see our guide to visa-free destinations for African passport holders.
Many destinations are well suited to families, particularly malaria-free safari reserves and established tourist regions. Our family safari guide covers age-appropriate camps and practical planning tips.
Coverage is generally good in cities and most lodges. Setting up an eSIM before you fly is the simplest way to stay connected โ€” see our eSIM guide for Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa.

Ready to plan your Africa trip?