All African Country List to Travel – A Complete Continental Travel Guide

All African Country List to Travel – A Complete Continental Travel Guide

Africa is one of the most diverse, culturally vibrant, and geographically majestic continents in the world. With 54 internationally recognized countries, it offers an extraordinary mix of landscapes—golden deserts, lush rainforests, ancient archaeological sites, snow-capped peaks, coral reefs, wildlife-rich savannahs, and captivating cities filled with heritage and modern charm. This comprehensive travel guide presents the entire list of African nations, along with their prime attractions, travel highlights, major distances, travel accessibility, staying options, and the best periods for tourism.

Whether your interest lies in wildlife safaris, cultural immersion, ancient civilizations, coastal retreats, adventure activities, or heritage exploration, Africa offers something that appeals to every kind of traveler. This detailed guide serves as a complete reference for planning journeys across this magnificent continent.

Complete List of African Countries

Africa is composed of 54 countries spread across five major sub-regions:

  • North Africa
  • West Africa
  • East Africa
  • Central Africa
  • Southern Africa

Below is a full categorized list.

North Africa

West Africa

  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Liberia
  • Mali
  • Mauritania
  • Niger
  • Nigeria

  • Sierra Leone
  • Togo

East Africa

  • Burundi
  • Comoros
  • Djibouti
  • Eritrea
  • Ethiopia

  • Uganda
  • Madagascar
  • Mauritius

Central Africa

  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Gabon
  • São Tomé and Príncipe

Southern Africa

  • Botswana
  • Eswatini (Swaziland)
  • Lesotho
  • Namibia

Major Highlights of African Travel

Every African nation offers a unique charm. Below is a structured overview of key highlights in each region,
including important sights, approximate distances, and accessibility routes.

North Africa – Land of Ancient Civilizations & Desert Landscapes

North Africa is defined by the Sahara Desert, Mediterranean coastlines, ancient monuments, and rich Arab-Berber culture.
This region is ideal for travelers seeking history, architecture, desert adventures, and cultural immersion.

Egypt

Major Attractions: Pyramids of Giza, Luxor Temples, Nile Cruise, Red Sea resorts (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh)

Key Distances: Cairo to Luxor – approx. 650 km; Cairo to Hurghada – approx. 450 km

How to Reach: Direct international flights to Cairo from global hubs

Staying Options: Luxurious resorts, boutique hotels near pyramids, cruise stays on the Nile

Best Time: October to March

Morocco

Major Attractions: Marrakech souks, Sahara dunes of Merzouga, Chefchaouen Blue City, Atlas Mountains

Key Distances: Marrakech to Merzouga – approx. 560 km; Casablanca to Rabat – approx. 90 km

How to Reach: Flights to Casablanca or Marrakech

Staying Options: Riads, desert camps, eco-lodges

Best Time: March to June & September to November

East Africa – Wildlife Safaris & Indian Ocean Coastlines

East Africa is globally known for its unmatched wildlife experiences, coral islands, volcanic highlands, and rich tribal cultures.

Kenya

Major Attractions: Masai Mara, Amboseli (Mount Kilimanjaro views), Nairobi National Park, Mombasa beaches

Key Distances: Nairobi to Masai Mara – approx. 270 km; Nairobi to Mombasa – approx. 480 km

How to Reach: International flights to Nairobi

Staying Options: Wildlife lodges, safari camps, coastal resorts

Best Time: July to October (Great Migration)

Tanzania

Major Attractions: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar beaches

Key Distances: Arusha to Serengeti – approx. 320 km; Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (ferry – 70 minutes)

How to Reach: Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam international airports

Staying Options: Safari lodges, beach resorts, mountain camps

Best Time: June to October

Ethiopia

Major Attractions: Lalibela rock churches, Simien Mountains, Danakil Depression

Distances: Addis Ababa to Lalibela – approx. 650 km

Best Time: October to March

 

 

 

Southern Africa – Natural Wonders, Adventure & Coastal Beauty

South Africa

Major Attractions: Cape Town, Table Mountain, Kruger National Park, Garden Route

Distances: Cape Town to Johannesburg – approx. 1400 km (flight recommended)

How to Reach: Cape Town and Johannesburg have global connectivity

Staying Options: Safari lodges, luxury hotels, coastal resorts

Best Time: May to September (safaris); November to March (beaches)

Namibia

Major Attractions: Sossusvlei dunes, Etosha National Park, Skeleton Coast

Distances: Windhoek to Sossusvlei – approx. 360 km

Staying Options: Desert lodges, eco-resorts

Best Time: April to September

 

Zambia & Zimbabwe

Major Attraction: Victoria Falls (shared border)

Distances: Livingstone to Victoria Falls – approx. 10 km

How to Reach: Flights to Livingstone or Victoria Falls Airport

Best Time: June to August

 

West Africa – Vibrant Cultures, Atlantic Coasts & Historical Sites

Ghana

Major Attractions: Cape Coast Castle, Kakum National Park, Accra nightlife

Distances: Accra to Cape Coast – approx. 150 km

Best Time: October to March

 

 

Senegal

Major Attractions: Dakar, Pink Lake, Gorée Island

Distances: Dakar to Pink Lake – approx. 40 km

Staying Options: Beachfront hotels, business-class stays

Best Time: November to May

 

Nigeria

Major Attractions: Lagos beaches, Abuja cityscapes, Yankari National Park

Distances: Lagos to Abuja – approx. 760 km (flight recommended)

Best Time: November to March

 

 

Central Africa – Jungles, Rivers & Untamed Wilderness

Rwanda

Major Attraction: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Distances: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park – approx. 110 km

Staying Options: Mountain lodges, eco-friendly retreats

Best Time: June to September

 

Cameroon

Major Attractions: Mount Cameroon, Waza National Park, coastal towns

Distances: Douala to Mount Cameroon – approx. 70 km

Best Time: November to February

 

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Main Attraction: Virunga National Park

How to Reach: International flights to Kinshasa or Goma

Best Time: June to September

 

How to Travel Across Africa

Africa is accessible via major international airports spread across Cairo, Casablanca, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Johannesburg,
Cape Town, Lagos, and Accra. Many intra-continental flights are serviced by regional carriers like Ethiopian Airlines,
Kenya Airways, Air Egypt, and South African Airways.

Common Entry Routes from India

  • Delhi/Mumbai → Addis Ababa
  • Delhi/Mumbai → Nairobi
  • Delhi/Mumbai → Johannesburg
  • Mumbai → Cairo
  • Mumbai → Casablanca

Regional Land Travel

Africa offers excellent road connectivity in tourist regions, particularly East and Southern Africa.

Staying Options Across Africa

Accommodation options vary from luxury five-star resorts to wildlife lodges, desert camps, boutique hotels, historic riads,
eco-resorts, and budget guesthouses. Popular travel routes such as South Africa’s Garden Route, Morocco’s imperial cities,
Tanzania’s safari circuit, and Kenya’s coastal belt offer world-class hospitality.

Best Time to Visit Africa

North Africa

October to March – pleasant temperature for desert exploration and ancient sites.

East Africa

June to October – ideal for wildlife safaris and trekking.

Southern Africa

May to September – perfect for safari and adventure trails.

West Africa

November to May – less humidity and clearer skies.

Central Africa

June to September – best for trekking and rainforest experiences.

Conclusion

Africa stands as a continent of wonders—each country opening doors to new cultures, natural landscapes, historic legacies, and unforgettable experiences. From the pyramids of Egypt and the sweeping savannahs of Tanzania to the architectural marvels of Morocco and the dazzling coasts of South Africa, the continent is a mosaic of timeless beauty and unmatched adventure.

This complete list of African countries with detailed highlights, travel guidance, staying options, regional distances, and the best time to visit will assist travelers in planning meaningful, memorable, and responsible journeys across this glorious continent.