African Countries You Never Knew You Wanted to Visit But Do Now
From Algeria to Zimbabwe, there’s a whole continent of natural wonders and breathtaking scenery to explore. For those planning a trip to Africa, make sure to add at least some of the following destinations to the list to see some of the most beautiful and unique sights the world has to offer.
Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.Algeria
Algeria, in North Africa, is the largest country on the continent and is easily accessible from Europe. It’s mostly known for its red-desert Sahara landscapes but also boasts a beautiful, Mediterranean coastline.
Djibouti
Djibouti is a small country filled with more than one would expect. The fascinating landscape hosts extinct volcanoes, salt lakes, canyons, and more and there are also many options for activities like diving and hiking.
Ghana
Ghana is a bustling country with a rapidly-growing economy, meaning it’s quite developed compared to some of its sister countries. Ghana’s attractions are diverse and range from beaches and wildlife to vibrant restaurants, clubs, and five-star hotels.
Kenya
Each year during the great Serengeti migration, thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes trek their way through parts of Kenya. Travelers can visit the Masai Mara and the Serengeti to see this amazing occurrence.
When and where to go: In July and August the animals travel through the Masai Mara National Reserve, which is where you want to be to see all the action.
Madagascar
The island of Madagascar is located off the southeast coast of Africa and is best known for its signature animal, the lemur, and towering baobab trees. The island also boasts dramatic landscapes ranging from rainforest to desert and is extremely diverse.
Must see: Avenue of the Baobabs, Menabe, Toliara Province, Madagascar is a must-see spot where approximately 20 baobab trees, some up to 800 years old, line a dirt road.
Malawi
Malawi is home to Africa’s third largest lake, the magnificent Lake Malawi. The lake is the ideal destination to have a relaxing holiday filled with exciting activities like snorkeling, diving, and canoeing. Apart from its lake, Malawi has loads more on offer from hiking its highlands to visiting its wildlife reserve, Majete.
Must do: A visit to Malawi is incomplete without a trip to Lake Malawi.
Morocco
Morocco should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. This culturally-rich country offers something for everyone: ancient cities are spread far and wide while the desert landscapes are waiting to be explored.
Must see: The Ksar, a set of buildings in Aït Benhaddou, is a prime example of architecture typical of southern Morocco.
Namibia
From wildlife spotting in Etosha National Park to ghost hunting in Kolmanskop, Namibia is a country with a whole lot to offer. Make sure to book enough time here to see it all.
Must see: When picturing Namibia, images of The Namib Dessert immediately spring to mind. The country is famous for its red dunes, many of which are the size of mountains.
Republic of Congo
As far as ecotourism is concerned, the Republic of Congo tops the list. The country’s thick forest is home to large herds of elephant, troops of chimps, and a large population of gorillas. The Congo is definitely an off-the-beaten-track, adventure holiday destination.
Tanzania
Tanzania, home to Mount Kilimanjaro, is probably the best place in the world to go on safari. Africa is known for its wildlife, but Tanzania is unlike any other country on the continent.
Must visit: Make sure to visit the Zanzibar Archipelago for an unforgettable tropical holiday.
Tunisia
If the thought of historic sites feels exciting, Tunisia is a must visit. The North-African country also has a Mediterranean climate, a beautiful shoreline, and blue and white buildings that are characteristic of the picturesque town of Sidi Bou Said.
Must see: Sidi Bou Said, Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia should definitely be on a must-see list. The town has been visited by many artists including Paul Klee and Henri Matisse
Uganda
Ever imagined seeing gorillas in the wild? That’s exactly what visitors to Uganda may witness. The country is also home to the Big Five as well as the Rwenzori Mountains, one of the tallest mountain ranges in Africa.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, bordering South Africa, is the African bushveld one would imagine it to be. Hwange National Park is the largest reserve in the country and home to the largest surviving wild-dog population on the planet.
Must-see: The Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world—not due to length, but its overall water mass. The waterfall’s lively sound can be heard from miles away, needless to say make sure to take a rain coat.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.