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Best hot springs destinations in Africa

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South Africa
Where wildlife meets diverse landscapes
7.6
A winter soak is a popular weekend trip for South Africans. Bela-Bela, once called Warmbaths, has a name meaning the pot that boils. In Caledon, 12 metre cascading pools stay at 44 degrees Celsius. Riemvasmaak, in the Northern Cape, has warm water under 80 metre cliffs and a 4x4 trail.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Explore the scenic Blyde River Canyon
  • 🥾 Hike to Maclear’s Beacon on Table Mountain
  • 🐘 Go on safari in Kruger National Park
Algeria
Mediterranean charm meets Saharan adventure
6.2
Hammam Maskhoutine means bath of the damned. Ten hot springs flow through one valley near Guelma. The water reaches 98 degrees Celsius. Romans built baths here that people still use. Locals tell of a wedding party turned to stone. The swirling rock cones are its frozen robes.
Highlights:
  • 🏜️ Marvel at the Sahara dunes in Djanet and Tassili n’Ajjer
  • 🏘️ Wander the Casbah of Algiers, a UNESCO treasure
  • 🏛️ Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Timgad
Morocco
Where desert meets Mediterranean magic
7.7
Warm mineral steam rises from the baths at Moulay Yacoub, about 20 km north of Fez. The water comes from 1,500 metres down at 54 degrees Celsius. Early morning is the quiet time. Halfway to Fez, Aïn Allah has a free flowing pool at a constant 30 degrees, with informal scrubs and massages.
Highlights:
  • 🍵 Sip mint tea on a rooftop overlooking Chefchaouen’s blue streets
  • 🐪 Ride a camel across the golden dunes of the Sahara
  • 🕌 Wander through the colorful souks of Marrakech’s Medina
Tunisia
Mediterranean charm meets desert adventure
6.8
Bathing here is older than Roman rule and has roots in Carthaginian times. Korbous, on the Cap Bon peninsula, is about an hour from Tunis. Its Ain Atrous spring flows hot straight into the sea. The country now has about 390 spas and most are in hotels.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the sandy beaches of Hammamet
  • 🏘️ Stroll through the blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said
  • 🏛️ Explore the ancient Roman amphitheatre at El Jem
Kenya
Safari paradise meets coastal charm
6.6
Volcanic heat under the Rift Valley feeds the geysers and hot springs on the shore of Lake Bogoria. Steam rises from channels that run into a salty alkaline lake. Flamingos feed among the springs when algae is thick. Their numbers change each year. One road in the reserve leads to the geysers.
Highlights:
  • 🦁 Go on a Big Five safari in Amboseli National Park
  • 🏔️ Climb Mount Kenya and enjoy panoramic alpine views
  • 🦓 Witness the Great Migration across the Maasai Mara plains
Namibia
Desert wilderness meets wildlife wonders
6.9
At the foot of the Great Karas Mountains, Ai-Ais has pools fed by water of about 60 degrees Celsius. The Khoekhoe name means fire-fire, which is scalding hot. The resort is the end point of the five day Fish River Canyon hike. A flood in 1972 destroyed all but one building.
Highlights:
  • ⚓ Visit the eerie shipwrecks along Namibia’s Skeleton Coast
  • 🐘 Spot wildlife on a safari through Etosha National Park
  • 🏜️ Climb the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei at sunrise
Rwanda
Land of a thousand hills
7.7
June to September is the dry season and the easiest time to reach the open air pools at Nyamyumba. They are about 7 km from Gisenyi on the eastern shore of Lake Kivu. Pools are split into male and female sides. Travellers crossing Lake Kivu by boat often stop for a soak.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the beaches of scenic Lake Kivu
  • 🌳 Explore Nyungwe Forest and walk the canopy trail
  • 🦍 Trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
Uganda
Pearl of Africa's diverse landscapes
7.1
Sempaya Hot Springs in Semuliki National Park has a male spring called Bintente and a female spring called Nyasimbi. Bintente is about 95 degrees Celsius. Guides show visitors how to boil eggs in the water. A long bridge crosses open grass with views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Highlights:
  • 🦓 Take a safari across the vast savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • 🐘 Watch hippos and elephants along the Kazinga Channel
  • 🦍 Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to meet mountain gorillas
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