Africa's Favourite Tourism Destinations

According to 2011, World Tourism rankings, compiled by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Africa's top tourism destinations were as below; ranked by the number of international visitor arrivals, by the revenue generated by inbound tourism, and by the expenditures of outbound travelers.

1      Morocco    
2      South Africa    
3      Tunisia    
4      Zimbabwe    
5      Algeria    
6      Kenya    
7      Uganda    
8      Namibia    
9      Senegal    
10      Mauritius    

Morocco

Morocco's relatively high amount of tourists has been aided by its location, tourist attractions, and relatively low price. Cruise ships visit the ports of Casablanca and Tangier. Morocco is close to Europe and attracts visitors to its beaches. Because of its proximity to Spain, tourists in southern Spain's coastal areas take one- to three-day trips to Morocco. Air services between Morocco and Algeria have been established, many Algerians have gone to Morocco to shop and visit family and friends. Morocco is relatively inexpensive because of the devaluation of the dirham and the increase of hotel prices in Spain. Morocco has an excellent road and rail infrastructure that links the major cities and tourist destinations with ports and cities with international airports. Low-cost airlines offer cheap flights to the country. A large government sponsored marketing campaigns to attract tourists advertised Morocco as a cheap and exotic, yet safe, place for European tourists.

South Africa

South Africa offers the opportunity to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), as well as the chance to sample excellent wines in the Cape regions of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Constantia.

Cape Town Central, South Africa was ranked #1 in the Top 25 Tourism Destinations in Africa in the Travellers' Choice Awards 2013.

Tunisia

For a country smaller than the UK, Tunisia has a lot going on. There’s Middle Eastern promise in the form of mosques, hammams and medinas. And, thanks to the French, there are patisseries, belle époque buildings and boulevards, too. Then you’ve got the coastline – a never-ending ribbon of gold stretching the length of the country. Follow the coast south for about 50 miles and you’ll reach Port El Kantaoui. Aside from the two beaches, the place to see and be seen here is the upmarket marina. Then there’s Sousse. This Medieval town’s treasure-packed medina is a World Heritage site. And when you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, there’s a glut of French restaurants and patisseries to refuel in.

Zimbabwe

It is one of Africa's most beautiful destinations, though it has been off the mainstream tourism radar for years for political reasons. The holiday destinations in Zimbabwe will allow you experience the low lying semi arid land to forest and lake infested lush green highlands. The rich diversity of natural beauty will steal your heart away. The country sprawls over a high plateau of Southern Africa and is bordered by Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is one of the places to find the big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) .

The Victoria Falls provide awe inspiring sightseeing and have become one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations. Often called Africa’s adrenaline capital, activities range from white water rafting to the famous Vic Falls bungee, whilst the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park provides numerous safari opportunities.

Algeria
The People's Democratic Republic of Algeria lies in North Africa, where it is the biggest country fronting the Mediterranean Sea. Known as 'Al Jazair' in Arabic and 'Algérie' in French, Algeria is actually the second-largest country in the whole of Africa. Places to visit include the regions of Tassili N’Ajjer and Hoggar, both listed as UNESCO Heritage Sites,the Algiers, El Bordj, and Timimoun which provides visitors a slice of the Sahara desert; it is made interesting by the sand dunes that divide the region in two.
Because of its geographical location, the weather in Algeria is mildly wet during winters but can get extremely hot and dry during the summer.

Kenya

Kenyais Africa's top Safari destination. It has numerous tourist attractions from mountains, lakes, wild animals, sandy beaches, historical towns and many others like Maasai Mara, Fort Jesus, The crying stones and Kogelo 'Obama's City', just to mention a few.
It is one of the countries where you are sure to watch the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino).

Uganda

'The Pearl of Africa.' The phrase Pearl of Africa was coined by Winston Churchill for Uganda for its stunning location at the Equator. Uganda offers the opportunity to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) it is a top tourist destination arising out of variety of its game stock and scenic beauty. It is a country with substantial natural resources for tourism with variety of landscape and ecosystems, climate and culture.

There are several tourism products that can attract tourists like bird-watching, sport fishing, boating, primate tracking (gorillas and chimps), trekking, mountaineering and water rafting. Most of Uganda’s wildlife is concentrated in its protected areas in three main categories, national parks, wildlife reserves and forest reserves. Apart from the game parks, other favourite towns include; Entebbe, Jinja, Kabale, Kisoro and Ssese Islands.

Namibia

Namibia is an arid, rough land full of contrasts, but very inviting and easy to travel. It is one of the most scarcely populated countries in the world. It is a top destination for those who enjoy nature, grandiose landscapes, spectacular sand dunes and first-class wildlife viewing. The stark beauty of the Namib desert, and the misty wilds of the Skeleton coast, unique cultural experiences to be had from visiting traditional tribes like the Himba and San bushmen, Sossusvlei, Cape Cross, Fish River Canyon, Twyfelfontein and the German flavored seaside resort of Swakopmund among many others. Namibia is one of Africa's premier safari destinations.

 Senegal

Between Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania, Senegal is Africa’s most westerly point. It boasts three mighty rivers, which provide plenty of fertile land and some shimmering coastal lagoons, and support a variety of waders and birds of prey as well as hyenas, monkeys, baboons, manatees and dolphins.

Favourite Senegalese attractions include; Lac Rose, also known as the Pink Lake, Fathala Reserve, Île de Gorée, Keur Moussa, and The Senegalese capital, Dakar, which is known for its nightlife, and the country boasts one of Africa’s most varied music scenes. World music, French jazz, American funk and hip-hop, and percussion-based genres all thrive in the country. Senegal’s many musical exports include Youssou N’Dour, Daara J, and Akon.

 

Mauritius

Mauritius is a beautiful tropical island that is 500 miles (804.7 km) from the coast of Madagascar. It has many beautiful tourist attractions like natural beaches, tropical forests and mountains, which are awesome. Very calm sea conditions, the beach and the weather, combined with the friendliness of the local population, make this island as a favourite tourist destination by visitors from all over the world.
The major attractions to watch out for include; Grand Baie, Chamarel Village, Le Chateau de Labourdonnais, Black River Gorges, and Le Morne Brabant which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, just to mention a few.