Africa has a fortress history that often surprises people, and a castle trip here usually feels very different from one in Europe.
The continent has stone forts along the coast, built by traders and sailors from far away, and mud-brick citadels and hilltop palaces far from the sea. Some are well restored, with guided tours and a small cafe at the entrance. Others are crumbling in the sun, and you might have them entirely to yourself. Climates range from dry desert to humid coast, so it helps to know which kind of place you are heading to before you pack.
Our African picks cover the better-known sites that are easy to reach as well as remote ones that need a long drive or a boat ride. The remote ones take more effort, but they usually make for a really good story to tell afterward and you will probably meet fewer tour groups on the way.
