Africa: 6 of the best places to visit in 2026
Our guide to the most remarkable places to visit in Africa, the continent of contrasts.
Our guide to the most remarkable places to visit in Africa, the continent of contrasts.
Africa is a gateway to extraordinary landscapes and mesmerising cultures. From the sun-baked beaches of the Indian Ocean to wildlife-rich savannahs and bustling cities, each destination offers something unique.
We spotlight six of the continent’s most remarkable places to visit, whether you’re in the market for iconic landmarks or hidden gems. With all this inspiration, all you need to do is decide where 2026 will take you.
Morocco’s sensory experiences come with a side order of peaceful, wide-open landscapes, making it one of North Africa’s biggest all-rounders. Beguiling Marrakech continues to evolve, with restored riads, gourmet restaurants and a growing design scene adding new layers to its classic souk-and-palace appeal.
In the Atlas Mountains, eco-lodges and community-led treks open the door to dramatic peaks and ancient Berber culture. And in laid-back bohemian coastal towns, like Essaouira and Taghazout, days revolve around surfing and seafood. With such a line-up, Morocco works just as well for luxury lovers as it does for walkers, surfers and first-time visitors.
Few places in the world stack up ancient treasures quite like Egypt. And while the age-old sites are a big draw, there’s also a thoroughly contemporary side to the country. Cairo combines the call to prayer with design-led hotels, lively Nile-side dining and revitalised neighbourhoods worth stopping in.
Beyond the capital, the timeless draw of Luxor and Aswan remains, with small-boat cruises offering an intimate way to drift between temples and tombs. Then there’s the Red Sea shoreline, where swish resorts and protected marine zones make diving and beach breaks easier than ever.
Whether you’re here for archaeology, slow travel on the water, or desert-meets-sea landscapes, Egypt has it all.
Kenya is synonymous with pinch-me safari moments, but there’s more than just the savannah to discover here. The Masai Mara remains a wildlife highlight, with lodges offering up-close encounters in comfort, while lesser-known reserves like Laikipia promise a quieter, more intimate experience.
Beyond the wildlife, Kenya’s coastline is a haven of white-sand beaches, coral reefs and Swahili heritage, with hotspots like Diani Beach pairing a gorgeous sweep of sand with laid-back charm. Inland, meanwhile, the Great Rift Valley and Mount Kenya offer hiking, birdwatching and panoramic vistas.
So, adrenaline-filled safari or relaxed coastal stay? The choice is yours in Kenya.
A destination that tops the must-visit list for many, South Africa is wonderfully varied – serving up a mix of coast, culture and wildlife. Cape Town continues to love the limelight, with new galleries, boutique stays and neighbourhood wine bars adding fresh character to the city’s long-admired scenery. Inland, safari lodges are embracing conservation-led travel, with unforgettable wildlife spotting and a thoughtful, modern approach to luxury.
The Winelands are buzzing with award-winning chefs and stunning estates, while the Garden Route’s viewpoints make it one of the world’s road-tripping hotspots. Throw in Johannesburg’s dynamic art and food scenes, and South Africa remains one of the continent’s most versatile destinations.
Madagascar is a place for those who like their adventures sprinkled with a little bit of mystery. On this island, which lies in the Indian Ocean off the south-east coast of Africa, rainforest meets reef, and days stretch long and languid beneath giant baobab trees that look like they’ve been airlifted from another planet. It’s a place where lemurs leap overhead and the Indian Ocean glows an impossible shade of turquoise.
New eco-lodges are opening the island up just enough – luxe, barefoot bases for discovering its wild landscapes. That said, it remains blissfully underdeveloped, so it’s a great choice for travellers looking for something special and under-the-radar.
Much more than just an Indian Ocean getaway, Mauritius is an island where beach time naturally coexists with culture, adventure and mouth wateringly good food. Its coastline is peppered with upscale resorts and boutique hotels, but it’s the combination of lagoons, reef-protected bays and sugarcane-covered interiors that really sets the mood.
Travellers can spend mornings snorkelling or sunbathing, then head inland for walks in the Black River Gorges or rum tasting on historic estates. Add in colourful Creole markets, net-fresh seafood and warm island hospitality, and Mauritius makes for an easy-going escape that’ll suit both beach lovers and active explorers.
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Ancient palaces, crystal-clear seas and undiscovered budget beaches – our travel experts share the best travel destinations for 2026.
Our guide to the most remarkable places to visit in Africa, the continent of contrasts.
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