Africa Is A Dream Destination For Nature Lovers — Here Are 14 Countries That Are Especially Worth Exploring

We asked experts for their starter recommendations — and they delivered.

Home to 54 countries, the continent of Africa has everything an avid traveler could ask for.

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Including — but not limited to — glittering beaches, breathtaking mountains, historical landmarks, gorgeous architecture, and of course, food to write home about.

And despite travel looking very different right now, I think I speak for many of us when I say that I can wait until we're able to safely travel and go on vacations abroad again. Until then, let's get into Future Planning Mode, shall we?

To help avid nature lovers figure out their next African destination, I spoke to two experts.

Brian Siambi, Justice Lufuma

Jessica Nabongo is the first Black woman to visit every country in the world and document it. She details her experiences in a forthcoming book to be published by National Geographic next year. She was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, to parents from Uganda.

Justice Lufuma is the founder of My Premium Travel, a travel agency that curates travel experiences across Europe and Africa. She was was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is now based in Berlin.

Here are some of their top recommendations for nature lovers:

And as a reminder, all these destinations can be enjoyed even more if you spent some time in the neighboring cities beforehand. As Nabongo says, "People miss so much by relegating Africa to nature only. There's so much culture, cuisine, and city vibes that people miss out on by not spending time in the cities."

1. Senegal

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Located on a tip of Western Africa, Senegal is a haven for beautiful vistas, vast national parks, sandy beaches, and 330 miles of coastline to explore. If you're feeling adventurous, you can go island-hopping off the Cape Verde islands. At the island of Mar Lodj, get your binoculars ready for bird-watching in the daytime, and stargazing at night. For a visually unforgettable experience, head to Lac Rose, a bright pink lake with a high salt content that makes it easy to float the afternoon away.

2. Tanzania

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Home to Kilimanjaro — the highest peak in all of Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world — Tanzania is popular with veteran hikers and anyone willing to climb 5,800 meters. For everyone else, says Lufuma, don't forget about Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. "The cool thing about Victoria Lake is that you can see hippos on the water," she said.

3. South Africa

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Safaris are one of the most popular touristy activities here, and while they can get expensive, you can also find plenty of affordable options. For a three-day tour, Lufuma says she paid $280, including lodging. The most frequented national parks will grant you views to the big five (lion, leopard, rhino, African elephant, and Cape buffalo), though if you're like me, you'll be giddy to see any wildlife up close and personal. 

4. Egypt

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North Africa might be more touristy than the other parts of Africa, but it also means cheaper options for lodging, says Lufuma. The outdoors here are varied and include everything from the pyramids and open-air temple complexes, to breathtaking, sci-fi-esque environments like the white desert.

5. Ghana

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Ghana is home to several impressive waterfalls. In Hohoe, you'll find Wli Waterfalls, which at 80 meters tall is the highest waterfall in the country. (For reference, Niagara Falls is 50 meters tall.) Head north from Hohoe, and you'll find Mole National Park, the country's largest wildlife refuge. If you're feeling spendy, you can stay at the nearby Zaina Lodge, where you can lounge in an infinity pool while watching elephants and other animals walk by.

6. Kenya

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Known as the real-life inspiration for "The Lion King," Kenya's Hell's Gate is one of the most popular attractions in Kenya. And don't let its name intimidate you. This national park is known for its majestic cliffs, grassy savannas, and hiking trails. One way to explore it? Go on a cycling safari, says Lufuma. This park is less crowded with animals than others, so you won't bump into any wildlife while exploring the bush. When you're done adventuring through nature, you won't regret a trip to Mombasa (the country's second largest city), where Indian, Arabic, and African influences pervade the architecture.

7. Democratic Republic of the Congo

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If you're curious about rain forests, explore the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (not to be confused by its neighboring Republic of the Congo) Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Here, you can take a gorilla or chimpanzee tracking tour, or simply wander through all the rich biodiversity that makes it one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the whole continent and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

8. Uganda

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Nothing will give you a better adrenaline high than white water rafting in the Nile, the longest river in the world, which Lufama says is also a good way to take in all the nature. Imagine being on a water ride, except here, the boat plunges suddenly into dips and curves, and sometimes even flips over completely. If you're a first-timer, you can also opt for the easier courses, which avoid the big falls. 

9. Namibia

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If gorgeous sand dunes are more your thing, head over to Namibia, where you can check out the highest dunes in the world at Sossusvlei. The highest peak here is called Big Daddy, and anyone with the leg muscles can attempt a climb. Even more impressive is Dead Vlei, where 1,000-year-old trees that have been dried out in the sun (since it's too dry for them to decompose), stand tall like beautiful sculptures in the desert.  

If you want to take your desert fanaticism to another level, you can do a multi-day hike in Fish River Canyon, the world's second biggest canyon after the US's Grand Canyon. Here, you can walk on rocks as old as 1.8 billion years and trek through dramatic desert scenery that feels spiritual in its beauty. 

10. Malawi

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Lake Malawi offers all the tranquility and sunshine, without the crowds. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it contains the most diverse selection of fish in the world and guarantees amazing sights for anyone snorkeling or diving. As an added bonus, various wildlife, including hippos, baboons, and beautiful birds, are known to hang out at the lakes, so you can spend some quality time with nature's own.

11. Gabon

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Seeing as 80% of Gabon is said to be covered by forests, it's no wonder National Geographic refers to Gabon as Africa's "Eden." Nabongo recommends trekking Crystal Mountains National Park, which has some of the greatest biodiversity on the planet, including the highest number of butterfly species. 

12. Madagascar

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"The thing about Madagascar," says Nabongo, "is that they have some of the world's best beaches. But besides that, it's also this crazy diverse place in terms of animals, flora, and fauna." Indeed, the verdant forests here are famed for their rare lemurs, birds, and majestic landscape that ranges from leafy creeks to majestic waterfalls. And when you're done exploring, you can relax along the beaches of this fourth largest island in the world. 

13. São Tomé and Príncipe

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Even though this two-island nation is the second smallest in Africa, it also has the status of being at the center of the world (or extremely close to it). You can find sparkling beaches, untouched beaches, "lots of palm trees," and guided tours through the country's rain forests. And I really mean it when we say untouched: The country is one of the least-visited in the world and guarantees isolation and quiet. 

14. Mauritania

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If you want a phenomnenal desert landscape, head over to Mauritania. You'll experience wind-sculpted sand dunes, ancient rock paintings, and even get to see the Chinguetti Mosque, the second oldest mosque in continued use in the world. Before you leave, don't forget to check out the fishing port, says Nabongo. Get there early and you'll see, smell, and hear the hustle and bustle of one of the biggest fishing ports in West Africa.

Disclaimer: This article was written to provide travel recommendations or suggestions; however, it’s important to keep in mind your own health, community health, and exposure risk.