When it comes to travel, Africa tops many people’s bucket lists—yet paradoxically, it still sees some of the lowest tourism numbers globally. Why? Despite the allure and mystique of Africa, many travelers perceive it as too remote or difficult to access. The continent is most famously associated with safaris—thrilling adventures across vast wildernesses to spot lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo. And yes, that is a once-in-a-lifetime experience worth having.
But Africa is so much more than safari country. Its wonders go far beyond game drives and wildlife. In an effort to make this incredible continent feel more approachable, we’re spotlighting 11 African destinations you need to know about in 2025. From Egypt’s northeastern coast to the Western Cape of South Africa, discover where to find ancient rock art in Mars-like deserts, the best SCUBA diving in Africa, creative city escapes, and so much more.
Ethiopia: Africa’s Most Underrated Country
Many African countries are underrated, but Ethiopia might be the most overlooked of all. This East African nation bordering Kenya is a wonderland of dramatic landscapes and natural phenomena. Head to the Danakil Depression to see neon yellow sulfur springs bubbling from scorched red earth, or lava pouring from an active volcano. Trek through the UNESCO-listed Simien Mountains for alpine views where wolves and baboons roam free, and marvel at the mighty Blue Nile Falls or raft down the Omo River.
Read more like this: The Power of Solo Travel
Ethiopia also has one of the most fascinating cultural legacies in the world. Known as the “Cradle of Humankind,” it’s home to the oldest known modern human remains—Lucy, a 195,000-year-old skeleton now housed in the National Museum of Ethiopia. For a glimpse into more recent history, visit Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its awe-inspiring rock-hewn churches, often called the “New Jerusalem.” While the capital, Addis Ababa, is a bustling modern hub, the remote Omo Valley is home to indigenous tribes that reflect Ethiopia’s deep and enduring cultural richness and diversity.
Timbuktu, Mali: Real, Remote, and Rich in History
No joke—Timbuktu is real, and it’s incredible. Once a powerful center of trade, scholarship, and Islamic culture, this city at the edge of the Sahara was one of Africa’s most important intellectual hubs during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Today, its mudbrick mosques and historic architecture tell the story of its past, especially at the Ahmed Baba Institute, which houses thousands of ancient manuscripts. Visitors can also witness the ongoing traditions of desert nomads and explore how centuries-old knowledge still shapes modern life in Mali.
Hermanus, South Africa: The Best Upscale Beach Town
Cape Town gets all the love—and for good reason—but just 90 minutes east, along one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world, lies Hermanus: a beach town that blends natural splendor with upscale charm. Framed by the Overberg Mountains and Kleinrivier Lagoon, Hermanus offers ample opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and enjoying the great outdoors. But the town also boasts elegant galleries, stylish restaurants, boutique shopping, and luxurious hotels.
What truly sets Hermanus apart, however, is its world-class whale watching. From June through December, the town becomes a front-row seat to the whales’ mating season. You can view them from the cliffs or hop on a non-invasive boat tour. If you’re feeling brave, cage diving with great white sharks is also on the menu.
Dahab, Egypt: A Digital Nomad’s New Favorite
Tucked away on Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, the seaside town of Dahab has long flown under the radar. That’s quickly changing. For starters, it’s home to some of the best diving and snorkeling in Africa, including the iconic Blue Hole, a 100-meter-deep sinkhole ringed with a vibrant coral reef. It’s also a hotspot for wind and kite surfing thanks to near-perfect conditions year-round.
But Dahab offers more than just adrenaline-pumping watersports. Backed by ochre-toned mountains and fronted by the crystal-clear Red Sea, it’s a place of stunning contrasts. Traditional Arabesque architecture hides between towering palms, while hip cafés and trendy restaurants line the main streets. Dahab’s blend of old-world charm and modern style has made it a magnet for digital nomads seeking a culturally rich, cost-effective coastal escape.
Tassili N’Ajjer National Park, Algeria: Ancient Art Meets Alien Landscapes
Think Arches National Park in Utah—but on another planet. Welcome to Tassili N’Ajjer, a surreal, UNESCO-protected expanse deep in the Algerian Sahara. Picture Mars-red mountains, towering rock formations, and a desert landscape so hauntingly beautiful, it feels out of this world.
What makes it even more remarkable is the prehistoric rock art carved into the stones—over 15,000 drawings and engravings documenting animal migrations, climate changes, and human life from as far back as 6000 BCE. Among these are traces of ancient civilizations: burial mounds, dwellings, and ceramics. The best way to experience Tassili is on a multi-day trek across its mystical terrain, where you’ll sleep under a blanket of desert stars.
Essaouira, Morocco: Bohemian Charm on the Atlantic Coast
Move over, Marrakesh—Essaouira is Morocco’s new cultural hotspot. This laid-back port city, encased in 18th-century medina walls, rose to fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Inside its gates, you’ll find artisan stalls selling Berber rugs, spices, and handmade leather goods—minus the chaos of the bigger cities.
Venture deeper and discover a network of art galleries, boutique stores, cozy cafés, and rooftop restaurants, all contributing to its artsy, bohemian vibe. Essaouira strikes a perfect balance between coastal serenity and creative energy, making it a refreshing alternative to Morocco’s better-known cities.
Skip the Maldives—Réunion Island is a true tropical gem. Located in the Indian Ocean and officially part of France, this volcanic island is blanketed in lush rainforests, encircled by white-sand beaches, and dotted with cascading waterfalls and dramatic cliffs.
Adventure seekers will love hiking to active volcanoes, especially the iconic Piton de la Fournaise. Prefer to relax? Lounge on uncrowded beaches and snorkel in pristine waters. Beyond the landscapes, it’s the island’s multicultural Creole identity—blending African, French, Indian, and Malagasy influences—that makes Réunion so unforgettable. Think flavorful cuisine, rhythmic music, and an unmistakably vibrant spirit.
Read more like this: Somaliland, Africa’s Forgotten State
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: East Africa’s Rising Capital
Addis Ababa deserves its own spotlight. This energetic capital is where ancient history and modern ambition collide. Often dubbed the “Political Capital of Africa,” it’s home to the African Union, Pan-African Hall, and important cultural institutions like the Ethnological Museum.
For a taste of daily life, stroll through Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, where you can shop for coffee, spices, and local crafts. As Addis modernizes, it’s also gaining a lively nightlife, exciting culinary scene, and plenty of cozy coffee houses where you can sip Ethiopia’s legendary brew.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda: Africa’s Most Underrated Safari
Overshadowed by Kruger and Serengeti national parks, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is an under appreciated gem. Set in a misty rainforest and cradled by the Virunga Mountains, it’s one of the few places left on Earth to see endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. Trekking through dense jungle to witness these incredible creatures is as powerful as it is humbling.
But gorillas aren’t the only draw. The park’s volcanic terrain and unique biodiversity offer endless intrigue. You’ll also have the chance to meet the indigenous Batwa tribe—traditional hunter-gatherers with deep ties to the land—adding even more depth to this immersive experience.
Uganda: Travel That Gives Back
While parts of Africa remain underdeveloped, Uganda has emerged as one of the best countries for responsible travel and volunteering. Organizations like the Uganda Rural Development and Training Program (URDT) and Volunteer Uganda offer programs in education, women’s empowerment, health, and environmental sustainability.
Read more like this: Five Travel Essentials for Women
Want to work with children, improve sanitation, or help protect wildlife? Uganda has volunteer programs to suit just about any interest. Whether it’s teaching in schools or supporting chimpanzee conservation in Kibale Forest, these experiences are as enriching for the traveler as they are for the communities being served.
Namib Desert, Namibia: Surreal Beauty Meets the Atlantic
The Namib Desert, stretching along the Atlantic coast of Namibia, Angola, and South Africa, might not have the fame of the Sahara—but it arguably has more character. Here, golden dunes crash into the ocean, creating a mesmerizing edge-of-the-world landscape.
Between the sky-high dunes (some more than 1,000 feet tall), you’ll find salt pans like Sossusvlei, where ghostly camelthorn trees rise from cracked white clay. Wildlife is surprisingly abundant—desert-adapted elephants, springbok, and oryx all thrive here. For thrill seekers, quad biking, sand boarding, and 4×4 tours along the Skeleton Coast make for unforgettable adventures.
Why Africa Should Be on Radar
Africa is a vast, diverse, and richly layered continent with landscapes, cultures, and experiences unlike anywhere else on Earth. From volcano trekking in Rwanda to diving into the Red Sea in Egypt, from ancient manuscripts in Mali to futuristic nomad hubs in Morocco, each destination offers a unique story waiting to be explored. And while safaris remain iconic, the continent’s lesser-known gems are what truly redefine travel in 2025.
Whether you’re chasing adventure, culture, solitude, or purpose, Africa invites you to see the world differently—and perhaps see yourself in a new light, too. So if you’re planning your next big escape, make sure Africa is on your list. You’ll leave with more than just photos—you’ll take home a deeper understanding of the world, and maybe even a piece of yourself you hadn’t yet discovered.
Read more like this: 12 Top Tranquil Travel Spots for 2025
————————
Emily Draper is an experienced travel and lifestyle writer and editor from the UK who has written for brands including Culture Trip, Hidden Compass, and tourism boards in Greenland, Luxembourg, and Copenhagen. She has travelled to over 70 countries across all seven continents, now calling Morocco her home.
