Choosing the top ten destinations in Africa is no easy task given the size and diversity of the continent. Below you'll find my personal favorite sights. Planning your trip around any of these destinations will be worthwhile.
Find out more about each of these destinations by clicking on the titles.
1. The Masai Mara, Kenya
Kenya Tourism Board
If you want to see the 'big five' in one morning, Masai Mara in Kenya is the place to be. During the dry season from July to October the wildlife spectacle is unparalleled. Nowhere else can you watch the annual migration of over a million wildebeest from a hot-air balloon. The 'Mara' is as close to "Out of Africa" as you can get.
2. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia
Lukonde Mfula
There is nothing quite like getting a thorough soaking from the roaring, powerful Victoria Falls. The spray is so impressive from the look-out points, it feels like you are in the middle of a torrential rainstorm. The Vic Falls are one of the Natural Wonders of the world and something you just have to experience.
3. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza represent one of the greatest architectural feats by man. The last surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the world's oldest tourist attractions and the reason most people visit Egypt today.
4. Timbuktu, Mali
Timbuktu in Central Mali may not be the grandest destination on this list, but getting there is half the fun. Ironically for a desert town, the most common way to get to Timbuktu is by boat down the Niger river. The whole Dogon region of Mali, including Timbuktu, boasts stunning desert scenery interrupted by the most beautiful mud architecture in the world.
If you can time your trip to include the Cure Salee festival in a neighboring town of Ingall (Niger), there's no doubt you'll experience a trip of a lifetime.
5. Cape Town, South Africa
I have never met anyone who didn't love Cape Town in South Africa. Highlights include hiking up the striking Table mountain which is situated in the center of the city. The vineyards around Cape Town offer some of the best wines in the world as well as gourmet food. Cape Town's beaches are plentiful and offer excellent swimming and surfing during the summer months from November to March. You can also cage-dive with sharks, visit townships, enjoy classical concerts in parks and much more.
6. Marrakech, Morocco
© Sjaak Zijlma
Situated at the foot of the Atlas mountains, the imperial city of Marrakech in Morocco is large, noisy, polluted and smelly. But Marrakech is also fascinating, full of history, the cultural center of Morocco and beautiful. If you enjoy a daily assault on all your senses then you'll have a lot of fun. When the most popular sights include numerous references to "tranquility" and "peace" like the Majorelle gardens or the gardens around the Saadian Tombs you know you're in for an interesting experience.
7. Omo River Region, Ethiopia
© Angela Fairbank
Combining white-water rafting with an unparalleled cultural adventure is my idea of a perfect holiday. The Omo River Region of Southwestern Ethiopia, is a fascinating destination. The remote location, which is barely accessible by 4 wheel-drive, has meant that traditional customs and beliefs are very much intact for the more than 50 tribes who live there. It's advisable to join a tour since it's difficult to get around on your own and it'll enhance your understanding of the different cultures you're seeing.
8. Virunga Mountains (Tracking Gorillas) , Uganda, Rwanda, DRC
© Bengt Korpas
With only about 650 mountain gorillas left in the world, seeing them in the wild is something only a few people will ever have the chance to experience. About 300 mountain gorillas inhabit an extinct volcanic region called the Virunga Range along the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC in East Africa. The time you are allowed to spend observing them the gorillas is limited, but I can guarantee the hour spent sitting and watching these incredible animals will be one of the best you've ever had.
More information about Gorilla Safaris in the Virunga Mountains ...
9. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Africa is known as one of the best destinations for adventure travel and what can be more adventurous than hiking up the world's tallest free standing mountain. Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania stands at 19,340 feet (5896m) and will take you 6 days to conquer. The exciting thing about this mountain is that anyone who is fit and determined can make it up. No special climbing equipment or expertise is needed. That said, almost 75 of attempts fail because people figure it's doable in shorts, t-shirt and a couple of beers for hydration. Not so.
10. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is one of Africa's top destinations because of its fascinating history and its incredible beaches. Zanzibar's location in the Indian Ocean (off the coast of Tanzania) has made it a natural trading center throughout its history. Famous for its spices, Zanzibar also became an important slave trading post under its Arab rulers.
The Arab influences are obvious throughout Zanzibar but especially in Stone Town one of the island's biggest attractions. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town boasts beautiful traditional houses, narrow alleyways, a Sultan's palace and many mosques.
