5 Incredible Vacation Destinations in Africa

All opinions are mine and mine alone.

5 Incredible Vacation Destinations in Africa (Plus, How to Get Around!) 

 Africa is home to 54 countries and thousands of miles of natural beauty, from sandy beaches to tumbling waterfalls, chilly mountain peaks, and serene grasslands. If you’re interested in visiting, it can be daunting to choose from the vast array of locations available to you. So, here are a few absolutely incredible vacation-destinations in Africa – and also how to get to them all! 

 Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe 

Called Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke that Thunders”) in Lozi, many consider Victoria Falls to be one of the most breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls on the planet. The falls are found on the Zambezi River, right on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The water cascades down from a height of 354 feet and features the famous Devil’s Pool at the top of one side, a unique underwater formation that considerably slows the current and allows more adventurous visitors to venture out to the very edge of the waterfall. 

 The Island of Mozambique

 Just off northern Mozambique, the Island of Mozambique is a historical town with one of the most beautiful beaches on the continent. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, full of museums and historic sites that tell the story of the country since the sixteenth century. After visiting attractions all throughout town, it’s good to cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Mossuril Bay and the Mozambique Channel, which surround the island. It’s most certainly a paradise on Earth. 

 Sossusvlei, Namibia

 Millions of years in the making, the tall orange dunes of Sossusvlei were formed as sediment and other materials flowed from the Orange River into the Atlantic and back again. The dry, harsh pan of salt and clay stretches for miles throughout southern Namibia with its dunes ever-shifting in the wind. The beauty of Sossusvlei is found in the flat, bright expanse of its orange sands, contrasting starkly with the brilliant, blue sky. Many liken the Sossusvlei dunes to a dream come to life, magnificent and bold in its uniqueness. 

 Lake Malawi, Malawi 

As one of the largest lakes in the world, Lake Malawi is home to thousands of species of natural wildlife. It’s teeming with life, from colorful fish, to soaring birds, and tons of mammals and reptiles dozing on the shores in the warm sunlight. The deepest part of the lake descends well below sea level, ideal for divers hoping to glimpse beneath the glittering lake waters, but the shallow areas are good for idle swimming and kayaking, too. Don’t forget your sunscreen and make sure to stick around for the sunset! 

 Johannesburg, South Africa 

The bustling metropolis of Johannesburg is one of the largest cities in the world, bursting with life, art, and culture. The city is home to many museums, performing arts centers, theatres, and shopping venues and markets. Even walking or driving around the streets is a delight in and of itself, as Johannesburg is famously filled to the brim with public artworks. An international city that has grown leaps and bounds in the past few decades, Johannesburg and its art scenes are sure to delight the eyes and ears of any visitor. 

 Getting Around 

 Chances are you’re not bringing a car with you on your trip – but luckily there are many transportation options for the intrepid traveler hoping to visit many different destinations during their stay in Africa.  

Renting a car is one of the most reliable options but also one of the most expensive. A car gives you the freedom to drive where you want, but you lose out on the fun of traveling with others and meeting new people.  

Tour buses will take you to set locations and have knowledgeable guides to show you around, but there’s little chance for independent exploration on a guided tour.  

If you want to make a cross-country trip, taking the bus is actually your best bet. There are tons of bus systems that connect different countries’ hubs, so you can get around quite freely. Make sure to book your bus tickets online and check out the route maps, so you can best plan out which stops you want to make.