Africa’s 10 most visited countries

Africa’s tourism economy is rapidly evolving into a strategic growth engine, with the continent’s most visited countries leading the shift. Once centered on leisure and heritage travel, Africa’s top destinations are now leveraging tourism to attract foreign investment, boost foreign exchange earnings, and create jobs at scale.

From Morocco’s aviation-led expansion to Rwanda’s premium conservation model, tourism is intersecting with infrastructure, real estate, aviation, and hospitality capital.

Between 2024 and 2026, visitor numbers surged across Africa’s leading markets, driven by visa reforms, low-cost airlines, global events, and rising demand for sustainable and experiential travel.

Governments are competing not just for tourists, but for long-stay visitors, digital nomads, global conferences, and luxury hospitality capital. For investors and policymakers alike, tourism is now a balance-sheet story.

Below are the 10 most visited countries in Africa as chronicled by Shore Africa, and why each stands out in the continent’s evolving tourism economy.

1. Morocco
Morocco welcomed a record 19.8 million visitors in 2025, marking a 14% increase from the previous year and solidifying its position as Africa’s top tourist destination. This surge was driven by enhanced air connectivity, major events like the recently concluded AFCON where Morocco lost the cup to Senegal, and infrastructure upgrades, generating over $13 billion in revenue. Its appeal blends heritage cities like Marrakech with Atlantic beaches and desert tourism. Aggressive low-cost airline partnerships and preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup are accelerating arrivals and hospitality investment.

2. Egypt
Egypt welcomed a historic high of nearly 19 million tourists in 2025, marking a 21% increase compared to 2024, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. This record-breaking performance was driven by a 32% rise in charter flights and high demand for cultural sites and coastal resorts. Anchored by the Pyramids, Nile cruises, and Red Sea resorts, tourism is a major FX earner. Ongoing investments in museums, airports, and coastal developments are reinforcing its long-term dominance.

3. South Africa
South Africa welcomed a record-breaking 10.48 million international tourists between January and December 2025, marking a 17.6% increase from 2024. South Africa offers unmatched diversity—from safaris and wine tourism to urban luxury in Cape Town. Tourism generates about $9 billion yearly, supported by strong private-sector participation in hospitality and travel infrastructure.

4. Tunisia
Tunisia experienced a historic tourism boom in 2025, welcoming over 9 million international visitors by late December. This record-setting year, which surpassed the Ministry of Tourism’s targets, generated over $2.68 billion in revenue, driven by strong demand from neighbors Algeria and Libya, along with a robust recovery in European, especially French, markets. Compact geography, affordability, Roman-era ruins, and Mediterranean beaches make it attractive to European travelers, while policy reforms aim to revive post-pandemic tourism inflows.

5. Algeria
Algeria is aiming to welcome over 6 million tourists in 2025, marking a significant increase from the 3.5 million visitors recorded in 2024. The government is pushing to expand its tourism sector, with a focus on enhancing Saharan tourism, digitalizing hotel services, and streamlining visa procedures for foreigners.

6. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe experienced a major surge in tourism in 2025, with international arrivals exceeding 5 million for the year. This growth was driven by a 15% rise in foreign visitors during the third quarter, supported by enhanced air connectivity and recognition as a top destination. The sector also saw a 20.9% increase in domestic trips.

7. Kenya
Kenya welcomed around 4 to 5 million international visitors in 2025. Driven by a new visa-free policy, the country recorded 1.13 million arrivals in the first half of 2025, with safaris and coastal tourism leading the charge. Tourism contributes roughly 10% of GDP, supported by strong conservation branding and steady investment in resorts and transport infrastructure.

8. Nigeria
One of Africa’s largest economies attracted approximately 4 million visitors, driven by business travel, cultural festivals, and Lagos’ entertainment economy. Nigeria experienced a significant surge in tourism during 2025, with a reported 12% increase in international arrivals during the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2024. While infrastructure gaps persist, domestic tourism, aviation growth, and creative industries are reshaping Nigeria’s tourism narrative.

9. Mozambique
Welcoming close to 2 million visitors, Mozambique’s tourism story is beach-led. The Bazaruto Archipelago and marine biodiversity attract high-end tourism, with growing interest from regional hotel groups and foreign investors.

10. Tanzania
With 1.8 million visitors, Tanzania’s safari economy is a major revenue engine. Serengeti tourism and Zanzibar’s beach resorts generated about $2.6 billion in 2024, reinforcing its position as East Africa’s tourism anchor.