It’s an exciting time to visit Africa. Even if you haven’t set foot on the continent just yet, you likely know that Africa’s widespread natural beauty, cultural diversity, and captivating histories are simply incomparable.
According to the United Nations’ designated agency (the World Tourism Organization), Africa showed outstanding tourism growth in 2025. While international tourist arrivals rose by 4% globally last year, the increase was twice as high (8%) in Africa — also higher than in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, or Asia Pacific, respectively.
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) noted in its annual Africa Outlook report that this year, the continent “will be the world’s fastest-growing region.” Additionally, Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, which factors into the continent’s future as its various tourism sectors rapidly plan and build. Travelers — this year and beyond — can largely expect greater and more widespread travel infrastructure at national and regional levels.
Across the board, Africa in 2026 offers destinations and vacation types for all types of wanderers. Whether you’re looking for a place with a growing tourism sector, remote charm, or a long history of formal hospitality, there’s a place ready to welcome you.
Below, read about four of the best African countries to visit in 2026.
Botswana
This year is a fantastic time to cross this gem off your bucket list. Sports fans equally passionate about traveling in Africa will want to attend the World Athletics Relays in Botswana in May. The track and field event will take place in the capital city of Gaborone, a laid-back location near the country’s border with South Africa.
For safari enthusiasts, the Okavango Delta provides the terrain and wildlife (including the Big 5) for the perfect experience. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest inland deltas, the vast, stunning, and captivating area should also be a bucket-list destination for all nature lovers and spirited conservationists. Moreover, the Okavango Delta can be experienced in many different ways, including by helicopter, canoe, cruise, on foot, or on a game drive.
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone’s growing hospitality sector is increasingly ready for tourists to experience its picturesque beaches, underrated national cuisine, and unique blend of cultural and historical influences. This year has been declared the country’s “Year of Culture and Creativity,” making it the perfect time to learn about its traditions and artisans, as well as contribute to its growth and future.
As beaches are plentiful in the small, coastal West African country, it truly makes for a relaxing sun, sand, and surfing retreat. Moreover, if eco-tourism and nature bathing are priorities for you, Gola Rainforest National Park and Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary are must-visits. The duo was jointly recognized as the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage site in 2025.
An interesting tidbit travelers may observe is that Sierra Leoneans are notably interreligious, welcoming, and resilient through the country’s past and present challenges.
Ethiopia
Traveling foodies have probably already put dishes to the test in Italy, France, Mexico, and Ghana, among other global culinary hotspots. But in 2026, if you haven’t visited already, Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, should definitely be on your list of food scenes to explore.
Travelers should immerse themselves in the city’s culinary delights and food history. Of course, try out the traditional dishes, the many vegetarian options, and the unique flavors of each cook’s personal berebere spice blend. Moreover, food tours can provide insight into the flavorful complexity and nutrition of injera, Ethiopian coffee culture, and the lingering influence of previous Italian occupation, which resulted in fusion pasta dishes.
Outside of Addis, Ethiopia overflows with many more unique, unforgettable experiences, particularly for the outdoorsy. Religious landmarks, history, and culture all shine. Explore the scenic, otherworldly Danakil Depression, including its salt plains, volcanoes, and starlit nighttime sky. See the dramatic downpour at Blue Nile Falls, go horseback riding around Wenchi Crater Lake, visit tribes in the Omo Valley, and see the ancient rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
Morocco
Many seasoned travelers have already visited Marrakech and may even have a love affair with its riads, souks, and stunning architecture. Those draws are still there to entice both previous and new visitors in 2026.
That said, Fes (or Fez) and Rabat — both north of Marrakech — offer their own alluring reasons for a traveler to visit. The destinations are hotspots in their own right. Rabat, in particular, is the country’s capital city.
Located on Morocco’s coastal edge, the latter city has a distinct character. Rabat has a relaxed vibe, and you’ll see several architectural styles and cultural influences during your visit. This April, the city will be UNESCO’s World Book Capital, making it the world’s premier destination for all things literature and publishing.
Fez is the perfect place for a creative skillication, where you can try your hand at mosaic-making, wool-spinning, and herb blending. In the car-free Medina or “Old City,” tour the narrow streets and learn about leather tanning, coppersmithing, Moroccan cuisine, and local religious sites. Excitingly, the city’s 19th-century era Palais Jamaï will reopen this year as a luxury hotel following years of renovation. Travel And Tour World reports that from the revived getaway, visitors can expect opulence, a wellness focus, and preserved, original Moroccan architecture.
