At a Glance
- Africa offers diverse landscapes, wildlife, and culture, making it a top destination for travelers seeking unique experiences in 2024.
- From Botswana’s safari camps to Mozambique’s parks, Africa offers unique experiences, making it a premier destination for adventure seekers.
- Cities like Accra and Rabat are thriving, while Sierra Leone and Madagascar present exciting new opportunities for travelers this year.
Thanks to its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cuisine, Africa remains a premier destination for travelers and adventure seekers worldwide. The world’s second-largest continent promises many experiences that captivate all types of explorers. For those eager to discover the “motherland,” 2024 offers some unmissable spots.
A wave of highly anticipated luxury resorts—many long-awaited after pandemic delays—are finally opening, while expanded air routes make previously remote regions more accessible. Signature events and festivals encourage travelers to consider areas they may not have considered visiting. From thrilling new safari camps in Botswana’s iconic wilderness to the unspoiled beauty of Mozambique’s lesser-known parks, the continent offers endless intrigue.
In Ghana, Accra’s food scene is flourishing, while Rwanda marks a historic milestone anniversary. Morocco’s capital, Rabat, unveils a monumental cultural landmark, and in Johannesburg, a hip hotel and dynamic dining scene are set to draw attention from Cape Town. This year, Mauritius may rival the Maldives for beach getaways, Madagascar beckons with new adventurous cruiseoptions, and Sierra Leone shines as an emerging destination.
Here’s Shore.Africa’s guide to Africa’s best destinations in 2024, featuring top picks and essential travel insights to help you plan an unforgettable journey through the continent.
1. Accra, Ghana: Culinary and cultural pulse
Accra’s burgeoning culinary scene is pioneering sustainable dining with the Ghana Food Movement and popular dining experiences like Link-up Kitchen’s “Dine and Dance” series in Osu. Accra also remains a cultural hotspot, hosting events like the Chale Wote Street Art Festival and the upcoming Hilton Accra Cantonments Hotel. Additionally, the Pan African Heritage Museum, set to open in 2026 in nearby Winneba, is anticipated to draw significant attention as a landmark institution for African culture.
2. Johannesburg, South Africa: Art and gastronomy hub
Johannesburg is redefining its culinary scene, with major players like the Pot Luck Club and Gigi elevating dining options. Art and culture enthusiasts will find the Rosebank district’s galleries and hotels, such as the Voco Johannesburg Rosebank, a perfect base. Air travel to Johannesburg is also expanding, with Lufthansa launching a direct Munich route and Qantas resuming Sydney flights in 2024.
3. Okavango Delta, Botswana: Luxury in the wild
Botswana’s Okavango Delta is prime for safari seekers, with luxury lodges like North Island Okavango and Sitatunga Private Island enhancing the safari experience. Thriving demand for immersive wildlife experiences and community-owned safari concessions has made this region a top choice for 2024.
4. Mauritius: Luxe meets legacy
Mauritius blends resort luxury with cultural significance, as seen with the recent opening of the Intercontinental Slavery Museum in Port Louis. Upcoming in 2024 is the Socio Tribeca hotel, offering modern island luxury. With beachfront renovations at Lux Belle Mare and Paradis Beachcomber, Mauritius remains a prime spot for a sun-soaked getaway.
5. Mozambique: Emerging eco-tourism hub
Gorongosa National Park’s rewilding efforts have revived Mozambique’s allure, with the Muzimu Lodge offering luxury tents amidst thriving wildlife. In addition, new developments at Niassa Reserve and Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira promise diverse eco-tourism options. Visa policy updates have made entry simpler for travelers from 28 countries, including the U.S.
6. North KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Untamed and scenic
With rewilding successes and luxurious stays, North KwaZulu-Natal is increasingly attractive to nature lovers. Madwaleni River Lodge offers intimate wildlife encounters, and Phinda Forest Lodge is opening a refreshed family suite in December 2023. For a beach extension, Sala Beach House on Dolphin Coast adds coastal charm.
7. Rabat, Morocco: A cultural renaissance
Morocco’s capital is drawing travelers with the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the newly inaugurated Rabat Grand Theater, adding sophistication to the city’s historic appeal. Direct flights from North America have also bolstered its accessibility as a cultural hub.
8.Zanzibar, Tanzanian: Heritage tourism gem
Zanzibar is rapidly emerging as a top destination for heritage tourism, boasting azure waters and pristine beaches. Renowned for its spice production, the island offers a harmonious blend of relaxation and cultural exploration, including the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can experience unique wildlife encounters with the rare Zanzibar red colobus on nearby Unguja Island.
9. Madagascar: The call of the wild
Madagascar’s biodiversity remains unmatched, with the Namoroka Tsingy Exploration Camp debuting in mid-2024 in Namoroka National Park. Luxury accommodations offer unprecedented access to Madagascar’s baobab-filled landscapes and indigenous wildlife, positioning it as a premier choice for eco-tourists.
10. Sierra Leone: A hidden gem emerging
Sierra Leone is fast emerging as a must-visit, with new eco-lodges and cultural festivals. The Bunce Island Slave Fort and Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary offer unique experiences, while new flight routes make Freetown more accessible than ever.
A travel renaissance awaits
In 2024, Africa presents a myriad of travel options, with new routes, cultural institutions, and hospitality venues elevating the visitor experience across the continent. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Africa’s destinations offer unparalleled beauty and diversity for every traveler.
