These are the most visited countries in Africa

 

Africa nations attracted 67 million international tourists in 2019, according to data from the World Tourism Organization (UNTWO). That’s a 7 percent increase amounting to 4 million visits more than the previous year, significantly higher than the 4.3 percent growth over the past decade.

With more travellers turning their attention to Africa, tourism numbers are set to increase even further. From safari adventures to lost worlds and cultural revelations, Africa is one of the world’s richest destinations yet remains relatively untouched in today’s connected and overcrowded world.

Travellers looking for something different are running out of options and Africa provides one of the final frontiers for unique travel experiences. Here are the most visited countries in Africa, based on international arrivals in 2019

Morocco – 12.3 million visits

Lonely Planet describes Morocco as “a gateway to Africa and a country of dizzying diversity”. The country has captured the imagination of visitors from Europe for centuries and a visit in 2019 feels like stepping back in time.

Some of its best-known locations are the capital, Marrakech, which will be the first Capital of Culture in Africa; Casablanca, which has been romanticised by visitors for decades; and the city of Chefchaouen with its famous blue walls

Egypt – 11.3 million visits

With seven UNESCO World Heritage sites (six cultural and one natural), Egypt is still one of the world’s true wonders. Aside from the iconic pyramids and sphinx, the north African nation promises ancient city ruins, Nile river cruises, desert camel rides and the incredible White Desert National Park.

History surrounds you in Egypt and the country’s long story of survival in desert conditions is a marvel in itself – a story that continues into the present day.

  South Africa – 10.5 million visits

Black-maned lions framed against Kalahari dunes; powdery beaches lapped by two oceans; star-studded desert skies; jagged, lush mountains”. These are just some of the reasons Lonely Planet gives for visiting South Africa, which it describes as “a country of astounding diversity” – a theme that proves to be common among Africa’s most visited countries.

This is no exaggeration either. Cape Town is regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, surrounded by natural gems, such as Kruger National Park, the majestic Drakensberg Region and The Winelands famous for producing some of the world’s favourite wine

Tunisia – 8.3 million visits

 Tunisia is a narrow gem slotted at the tip of North Africa, bringing the strongest taste of Mediterranean climate to the shores of the continent. Despite its relatively small size, Tunisia is packed full of history and diverse natural beauty. The country is arguably Africa’s most popular beach destination but there’s plenty to explore away from the coastline as you travel vertically down Tunisia’s narrow territory

Zimbabwe – 2.6 million visits

Zimbabwe is famed for the Victoria Falls and epic safari parks and it’s often regarded as one of the friendliest and safest countries in Africa

Côte d’Ivoire 2.0 million visits

Cote d’Ivoire was once a harmonious natural beauty resting along the southern coast of West Africa. However, the country has struggled with insecurity in recent years. Despite security concerns, Cote d’Ivoire remains one of the most visited countries in Africa and, for the most part, a relatively safe place to visit

It’s worth reading up on travel advice before visiting Côte d’Ivoire but keep in mind that terrorist threats are similarly common in some of the world’s “safest” countries, including France and the UK

Uganda – 1.9 million visits

Uganda is one of Africa’s best-known natural wonders and a highly-popular destination for safari adventures. The East African nation is home to the continent’s tallest mountain range, the Rwenzoris, and the source of the Nile, the world’s longest river that stretches through eleven African nations before meeting the ocean at Egypt’s coast.

However, Uganda’s biggest attraction for many is tracking mountain gorillas in their misty, natural habitat

Kenya – 1.5 million visits

Kenya is quite possibly the first place that comes to mind when people think about safari adventures and it’s also home to some of the world’s most innovative and successful conservation projects. Aside from its abundance in wildlife, Kenya also has a long history that still lives today in its rich mix of ethnic groups that preserve their traditions and culture to this very day