Lifestyle Trend: How to explore the best of Africa in 2026 You Should Know

Whether you want to immerse yourself in the souks of the north, see some of the world’s greatest ancient historical sites up close or experience the very best that the natural world can offer, a trip to Africa should be on the cards for any keen traveller this year.

From stunning coastlines to epic mountains you can scale, and vast plains to dense jungle where you can spot incredible wildlife in their natural habitat, this far-reaching continent has an abundance of natural wonders for you to explore.

If you’re looking to narrow down some options for an African trip this year, read on and let us inspire you with a selection of the very best destinations you can visit.

Sossusvlei and Windhoek, Namibia

A unique and sparsely populated country in southern Africa and one that may not jump immediately into the mind of a first-time traveller to the area, Namibia actually has an awful lot going for it. Holidays to Namibia can see travellers experience breath-taking landscapes, impressive wildlife and cultural diversity with destinations like Sossusvlei with its salt flats and rolling golden dunes proving popular.

Capital city Windhoek is another popular destination with visitors particularly enjoying its range of museums and restaurants, while Swakopmund is a coastal city known for its Atlantic beaches and German colonial buildings including Swakopmund lighthouse. Another coastal town worth visiting is Walvis Bay, which is known for Pelican Point and its tall sand dunes to one side with water to the other holding an array of tidal lagoon birdlife.

Marrakech, Morocco

From the golden rolling dunes of the Sahara Desert to the long stretch of Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean coastlines to bustling stalls selling every decorative homeware you could possibly need and more in every town and city, Morocco is an inviting country to say the least.

Many first-timers here head straight for Marrakech, and it’s easy to see why, but why not include a lesser-known destination like Essaouira or Ouarzazate to visit afterwards to make the most of this country? 3 days in Marrakech affords you plenty of time to make the most of the Medina – the old town and UNESCO World Heritage site, which combines those lively aforementioned souks with the famed Djeema el-Fna. You can seek respite from the bustle in the likes of the exotic Jardin Majorelle, the former home of Yves Saint Laurent, or at Menara Gardens before returning to your riad for a relaxing end to your day.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

If you’ve ever sat in a safari vehicle and looked out at an elephant, lion, giraffe, rhino or other majestic animal going about its day in the freedom and safety of a ginormous safari park, you’ll know that there’s very little that will ever come close to this experience. From dawn and dusk game drives to super luxe lodges, and oh-so knowledgeable and friendly guides to delightful foods and super spa treatments, a South African safari can only delight.

Kruger National Park affords you the perfect opportunity to spot the Big Five – rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard and elephant – even proving possible in one day, and you could pair it with a trip to a city like Johannesburg or Cape Town for the ultimate twin centre trip. This park boasts more species of large mammal than any other African game reserve, so you know you won’t go away with disappointment on your camera roll.

Cairo, Egypt

Egypt’s capital city is bursting with life and though it has stood in the same spot on the banks of the River Nile for over a thousand years, Cairo happens to be a very modern metropolis. That’s not to say that you can’t explore some hugely impressive ancient historical sites here – the Pyramids of Giza are one of the city’s main attractions, if not the biggest.

Those with a keen interest in the ancient Egyptian civilisation should also head to the recently opened Grand Egyptian Museum to get a glimpse of some royal mummies, and King Tutankhamun artefacts among many other delights. Outside of this, visitors can take in the city’s panorama from the 187-metre-tall Cairo Tower in the rural Zamalek area or head to historic Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo which is known for its political demonstrations.