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Best traditional destinations in Africa

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Addis Ababa
Vibrant capital where history meets modernity
8.1
Emperor Menelik II founded the city in the late 1880s. It is now the capital of Ethiopia and lies more than 2,300 metres above sea level. Traditional coffee ceremonies are common in homes and cafes, with beans roasted and served in small cups. The National Museum has exhibits on early human fossils and Ethiopian history.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Climb Mount Entoto for sunrise city panorama
  • 🛍️ Stroll through Merkato, Ethiopia's largest market
  • 🏛️ Explore National Museum, view Lucy fossil
Cairo
Where ancient history meets bustling life
7.8
More than 20 million people live in the capital of Egypt and its surrounding areas. The Giza pyramids stand on the western edge of the city. Islamic Cairo has old mosques, narrow streets and the Khan el Khalili bazaar. Many visitors also take a felucca ride on the Nile at sunset.
Highlights:
  • 🌆 Climb Cairo Tower for panoramic city views
  • 🏺 Visit the Egyptian Museum to see ancient treasures
  • 🗿 Explore the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Maasai Mara
Endless savannahs echo with wildlife rhythms
8.6
The drier months from July to October are a good time to see wildebeest cross the Mara River. Conservancies around this reserve in southwest Kenya are run with local Maasai communities. Village visits show beadwork, songs and the traditional jumping dance. Maasai guides often lead game drives and bush walks.
Highlights:
  • 🏕️ Camp under starlit sky, hear lions roar
  • 🎈 Ride a hot air balloon over Serengeti plains
  • 🐘 Witness the Great Migration across Mara River
Aswan
Nile Islands, Nubian Culture, Golden Light
7.1
A relaxed city on the Nile in southern Egypt has a quieter feel than Cairo. Feluccas, the traditional sailing boats, carry visitors around the islands and past the botanical garden. Nubian villages nearby are known for colourful houses and local crafts. Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, sits on an island.
Highlights:
  • ⚙️ Marvel at the High Dam, Egypt’s modern engineering wonder
  • 🏛️ Visit the magnificent Philae Temple dedicated to Isis
  • ⛵ Sail on a traditional felucca at sunset along the Nile
Marrakech
A vibrant maze of colors and spices
8.0
A lively city in central Morocco has an old walled medina with souks selling spices, leather and lanterns. Jemaa el Fnaa square has storytellers, musicians and food stalls in the evening. Traditional riads, which are houses built around courtyards, are used as small hotels. Majorelle Garden is a calm place for a break.
Highlights:
  • 🧖‍♀️ Relax in a traditional hammam and experience Moroccan spa culture
  • 🏛️ Wander through the serene courtyards of Bahia Palace
  • 🕌 Lose yourself in the vibrant souks of Jemaa el-Fnaa
Luxor
Ancient wonders on the Nile
7.6
The city stands on the site of ancient Thebes, capital of Egypt during much of the New Kingdom. Karnak and Luxor Temples sit on the east bank of the Nile. The Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's temple are on the west bank. Many visitors take a balloon flight at dawn.
Highlights:
  • 🌙 Marvel at the majestic Luxor Temple by night
  • 🏛️ Visit the vast and impressive Karnak Temple complex
  • 🏺 Explore the ancient tombs of the Valley of the Kings
Chefchaouen
Blue Medina, Mountain Views, Calm Vibes
6.8
Weather is mild in spring and autumn, which suits walks through the hilly old town in northern Morocco. Many walls, doors and steps are painted in shades of blue. Local weavers sell wool blankets and scarves in small shops. Hiking trails in the nearby Rif mountains lead to waterfalls at Akchour.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Explore the historic Kasbah and its lush gardens
  • 🌅 Climb to the Spanish Mosque for sunset views
  • 💙 Wander the blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen Medina
Rabat
A Hidden Gem with Royal Flair
6.6
The capital of Morocco is a coastal city that is much smaller than nearby Casablanca. The Kasbah of the Udayas has blue and white lanes and a garden above the river. The Hassan Tower and the royal mausoleum are historic landmarks. The medina is less busy than those in Fez or Marrakech.
Highlights:
  • 🕋 Marvel at the unfinished Hassan Tower minaret
  • 🕌 Visit the stunning Mausoleum of Mohammed V
  • 🏰 Explore the historic Kasbah of the Udayas and gardens
Fez
Labyrinthine Medina, Living Moroccan Heritage
7.5
This inland city, founded around the year 800, is more than two centuries older than Marrakech. Its old medina, Fez el Bali, has narrow car free lanes and many craft workshops. Visitors can watch leather being dyed at the Chouara tannery. Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859, is among the oldest universities still running.
Highlights:
  • 🕌 Admire intricate tilework at Bou Inania Madrasa
  • 👜 Visit the world-famous Chouara Tannery for unique views
  • 🏘️ Explore the ancient Fes Medina with its winding alleys
Essaouira
Atlantic Breeze, Blue Medina, Bohemian Vibe
7.4
Gnawa music, a spiritual tradition with drums and metal castanets, is part of daily culture in this Moroccan port city. Musicians play in small cafes and at an annual festival, usually in June. The old walled medina is a UNESCO site. Fishermen sell grilled fish at the busy harbour.
Highlights:
  • 🐟 Explore the bustling fishing port and feast on fresh seafood
  • 🌅 Watch the sunset from historic Skala du Port ramparts
  • 🏘️ Wander through Essaouira’s UNESCO-listed medina streets
Aït-Benhaddou
Ancient Moroccan Desert Fortress
6.6
A fortified village of red earth buildings sits on a hillside above a river in southern Morocco. Called a ksar, it lies on an old caravan route from the Sahara towards Marrakech. A few families still live in the houses. UNESCO lists the site. Many films have been shot here.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Watch a spectacular sunset over the Atlas Mountains
  • 🏠 Explore narrow alleys lined with traditional mudbrick houses
  • 🏰 Climb to the top of the ancient kasbah for views
KwaZulu-Natal
Where Wild Beauty Meets Coastal Bliss
6.7
A province on the east coast of South Africa lies between the warm Indian Ocean and the high Drakensberg mountains. It is the heartland of the Zulu people. Cultural villages present dance, beadwork and traditional food. Historic battlefields such as Isandlwana can be visited with local guides.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Explore vibrant marine life at uShaka Marine World
  • 🥾 Hike the breathtaking Drakensberg mountain trails
  • 🦁 See the Big Five in Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park safari
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