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Best slow travel destinations in Africa

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Knysna
A Coastal Gem on the Garden Route
6.8
The town is built on the northern shore of Knysna Lagoon. This estuary opens to the sea between two headlands called The Heads. Temperate forest covers the hills to the north. The Oyster Festival, first held in 1983, sees about 200,000 oysters eaten over ten days.
Highlights:
  • 🦪 Taste fresh oysters at a waterfront restaurant
  • 🌿 Explore Featherbed Nature Reserve’s trails and viewpoints
  • ⛵ Sail across the Knysna Lagoon to the Heads
Essaouira
Atlantic Breeze, Blue Medina, Bohemian Vibe
7.4
Construction of this Atlantic port began around 1760 and it was known as Mogador until the 1960s. UNESCO named the medina a World Heritage Site in 2001. Fishing, argan oil and woodworking remain longstanding traditions. The Gnaoua World Music Festival has been held here since 1998.
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
Diani Beach
Tropical Paradise with a Gentle Side
This beach runs about 10.5 miles from the Congo River to Galu Beach. It lies roughly 19 miles south of Mombasa. The shore is shallow at low tide, with sandbars and a clear view of the bottom. The Digo people live here. A 16th century mosque stands at the north tip.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine white sands and swim in turquoise waters
  • ⛵ Take a traditional dhow boat trip to Wasini Island
  • 🤿 Snorkel over vibrant coral reefs at Kisite Marine Park
Swakopmund
Coastal charm meets desert horizons
8.9
Curt von Francois founded the city in 1892 as the harbour for German South West Africa. German colonial buildings such as the Woermannhaus from 1906 still stand. Rainfall totals under 0.8 inches a year, but cold Benguela Current fog can last more than 180 days annually. Sand dunes offer quad biking and camel rides.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Scuba dive among vibrant coral reefs
  • 🐪 Ride camel across the white dunes
  • 🏖️ Sail on the Atlantic coast at sunset
Mozambique
Pristine beaches meet vibrant culture
5.7
Island of Mozambique is about 1.9 miles long and a few hundred yards wide. A bridge from the 1960s links it to the mainland. It was the capital of Portuguese East Africa until 1898. The Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, built in 1522, is considered the oldest European building in the Southern Hemisphere.
Highlights:
  • ⛵ Sail on a traditional dhow along Mozambique Island
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine white sands of Tofo Beach
  • 🐠 Dive among vibrant coral reefs in the Bazaruto Archipelago
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