Africa offers an extraordinary range of travel experiences, from historic cities and famous archaeological sites to wildlife reserves, tropical islands and spectacular natural landscapes. If you are exploring the top 10 destinations in Africa from our original TopHotelLists video, this updated guide takes a closer look at all ten and what makes each destination distinctive.
This countdown is particularly varied. Marrakech and Fes offer historic Moroccan city experiences, Cape Town and Johannesburg represent very different sides of South Africa, while the Maasai Mara and Kruger National Park are centered on wildlife. Add Victoria Falls, Zanzibar, Port Louis and the ancient landmarks around Giza and Cairo, and the result is a list covering remarkably different ways to experience Africa.
Watch: Top 10 Destinations In Africa
Watch our original TopHotelLists video for a quick journey through all ten destinations, then continue below for a closer look at what makes each place distinctive and what to consider when planning your stay.
Top 10 Destinations in Africa at a Glance
| Rank | Destination | Great For |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Marrakech, Morocco | Markets, architecture, gardens, food and historic atmosphere |
| #2 | Cape Town, South Africa | Mountain scenery, coastline, culture and city exploration |
| #3 | Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya | Wildlife, safari experiences and dramatic landscapes |
| #4 | Kruger National Park, South Africa | Wildlife, safari drives, nature and conservation |
| #5 | Port Louis, Mauritius | Markets, culture, history and island exploration |
| #6 | Zanzibar, Tanzania | Beaches, Stone Town, culture and tropical island escapes |
| #7 | Victoria Falls | Waterfalls, natural scenery and outdoor experiences |
| #8 | Johannesburg, South Africa | History, museums, culture and urban experiences |
| #9 | Giza & Cairo, Egypt | Ancient history, pyramids, museums and Egyptian culture |
| #10 | Fes, Morocco | Historic streets, traditional architecture, markets and culture |
Top 10 Destinations In Africa
1. Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech offers one of North Africa’s most distinctive city experiences, combining historic architecture, gardens, traditional markets and the constant activity of its medina. Jemaa el-Fnaa and the surrounding souks create an energetic introduction to the city, while palaces, courtyards and quieter streets reveal another side of Marrakech.
Choosing where to stay can significantly shape the experience. A traditional riad inside or near the medina can place you close to historic sights and markets, while hotels and resorts farther from the old city may offer more space and a quieter atmosphere. Consider how much walking and transportation you want before deciding on an area.
2. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town combines a major city with one of Africa’s most dramatic natural settings. Table Mountain rises above the city, while the Atlantic coastline, beaches and surrounding landscapes provide opportunities to combine sightseeing with outdoor experiences during the same trip.
The V&A Waterfront, museums, neighborhoods and nearby scenic areas provide plenty of variety, but Cape Town is geographically spread out. Hotel location should therefore reflect your itinerary, transportation plans and whether your priorities are city attractions, the waterfront, beaches or exploring beyond central Cape Town.
Planning your stay? Explore our Top 10 Hotels in Cape Town, South Africa and read our guide on how to choose the right hotel in Cape Town.
3. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
The Maasai Mara National Reserve offers a completely different experience from the cities on this list. Its open landscapes and abundant wildlife make it one of Africa’s best-known safari destinations, with game drives providing opportunities to see animals in their natural environment.
Accommodation planning here is closely connected to the safari itself. Location, transfers, included game drives, meals and the type of camp or lodge can all affect both the experience and total cost. Season and itinerary also matter, so compare complete safari arrangements rather than looking at the room price alone.
4. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is another major destination for travelers hoping to experience African wildlife. Its enormous protected landscape supports a remarkable variety of animals and offers opportunities for game viewing across different parts of the park and surrounding conservation areas.
Where you stay should be planned around the kind of safari experience you want. Options can range from practical accommodation associated with exploring the park to more elaborate lodge experiences in surrounding reserves. Consider transportation, game-drive arrangements, meals and distances carefully before booking.
5. Port Louis, Mauritius
Port Louis provides an urban and cultural introduction to Mauritius, an island better known internationally for its beaches and resorts. The capital offers markets, historic sites, waterfront areas and opportunities to experience everyday Mauritian life beyond the island’s resort districts.
For many visitors, Port Louis will form one part of a wider Mauritius trip rather than the entire vacation. If beaches and resort relaxation are your main priorities, accommodation elsewhere on the island may make more sense, with Port Louis visited as a day trip. Your hotel choice should therefore reflect how you plan to divide your time across Mauritius.
6. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar combines tropical beaches with a fascinating cultural and historic dimension. Stone Town provides narrow streets, historic buildings, markets and architectural influences shaped by centuries of trade, while other parts of the archipelago offer the white-sand beaches and warm Indian Ocean scenery many travelers associate with Zanzibar.
Accommodation choice depends heavily on the experience you want. Staying in Stone Town is very different from choosing a beachfront resort elsewhere on the island. Beach conditions, transportation, meal plans and distance from attractions can all be important, so choose the area before comparing individual properties.
7. Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s great natural landmarks, where the Zambezi River drops dramatically along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The scale of the falls, surrounding scenery and viewpoints make the destination fundamentally different from a conventional city break.
Visitors can approach the area from either the Zimbabwean or Zambian side, making location an important part of trip planning. Seasonal water levels can change the appearance of the falls, while accommodation, border arrangements, transportation and optional activities should all be considered when building an itinerary.
8. Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg provides a very different perspective on South Africa from Cape Town or Kruger National Park. The country’s largest urban area has important museums and historic sites that help visitors understand South Africa’s modern history, alongside contemporary neighborhoods, restaurants and cultural attractions.
The metropolitan area is extensive, so accommodation location and transportation deserve careful consideration. Johannesburg can also function as an important gateway for onward travel within southern Africa, meaning the best hotel for a short connection may be different from the right choice for several days of sightseeing.
9. Giza & Cairo, Egypt
Giza and Cairo bring together some of the world’s most famous ancient landmarks with the energy of a vast modern capital. The pyramids and Great Sphinx at Giza are the obvious highlights, while Cairo adds museums, historic architecture, markets and layers of history extending far beyond ancient Egypt.
Choosing where to stay involves deciding how you want to balance access to the pyramids with time spent exploring Cairo itself. Distances and traffic can affect sightseeing considerably, so consider your itinerary and transportation arrangements rather than assuming that every centrally described hotel will be equally convenient.
10. Fes, Morocco
Fes is one of Morocco’s great historic destinations, particularly known for its old medina and maze of narrow streets. Traditional architecture, markets, workshops, religious buildings and historic institutions create an environment where much of the experience comes simply from exploring the old city.
Accommodation can become part of that experience, particularly when staying in a traditional riad. Consider whether you want to be deep inside the medina, near one of its main entrances or in a more modern part of the city. Accessibility and luggage transportation are worth checking carefully when booking within the historic area.
How to Choose From the Top 10 Destinations in Africa
Choosing between the top 10 destinations in Africa depends heavily on the kind of trip you want. Marrakech and Fes are particularly appealing for travelers interested in historic architecture, markets and Moroccan culture, while Giza and Cairo provide access to some of the continent’s most famous ancient landmarks.
For wildlife, the Maasai Mara and Kruger National Park offer safari-focused experiences rather than conventional sightseeing trips. Cape Town combines urban attractions with exceptional natural scenery, while Zanzibar and Mauritius can bring beaches and island experiences into a wider itinerary. Victoria Falls stands apart as a destination centered on one of Africa’s most impressive natural landmarks.
Travel distances across Africa can be enormous, so the ranking should be treated as inspiration rather than an itinerary. Consider the season, transportation, entry requirements, available time and the experiences that matter most before deciding where to go.
Where to Stay in the Top 10 Destinations in Africa
Accommodation planning across the top 10 destinations in Africa varies dramatically. A riad in Marrakech or Fes creates a very different experience from a safari lodge near the Maasai Mara or Kruger National Park, while beachfront accommodation can become a major part of a trip to Zanzibar or Mauritius.
Before booking, compare location, transportation, room type, included meals or activities where relevant, cancellation conditions and the complete cost of the stay. For a useful general checklist, read our Top 7 Tips For Choosing The Right Hotel.
Ready to Explore the Top 10 Destinations in Africa?
After choosing from the top 10 destinations in Africa, start comparing accommodation according to the location, transportation and features that matter most for your trip. Check current availability, prices and booking conditions for your travel dates before making your final decision.
You Might Also Like
Africa is only one region to consider when planning your next trip. Continue exploring our other regional destination guides for ideas across South America, Central America, North America, Asia, Europe and Oceania.
- Top 10 Destinations In Asia
- Top 10 Destinations In Europe
- Top 10 Destinations In Oceania
- Top 10 Destinations In North America
- Top 10 Destinations In Central America
- Top 10 Destinations In South America
Whichever destination you choose, take the time to compare where you stay as carefully as where you go. The right location and accommodation can make exploring your destination easier, more comfortable and better suited to the kind of trip you want.
TopHotelLists.com
Find the Best Hotels for Your Stay