Marrakech
#3 in Best Places in Africa
Like other historic Moroccan cities, Marrakech buzzes with life: Performers vie for your attention in Jemaa El-Fna (an open-air square in the heart of the Medina of Marrakesh) while vendors hawk aromatic spices, homemade textiles, ornate lanterns and more at the bazaars along the alleyways. When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, unwind at a hammam or head to a bar and relax. During your visit, keep an ear out to hear the striking tones of the nearby mosques’ calls to prayer.
Madagascar
#4 in Best Places in Africa
The habitat on the island of Madagascar is unlike any other in the world: Most of the landscape is unspoiled, giving visitors a chance to see animals in their natural environment. Travelers will want to make sure to snap a photo of the signature animal: the lemur. Madagascar is home to more than 100 species of these creatures, as well as 19,000-plus kinds of plants. Some of the best places to see wild lemurs include Isalo National Park and Lokobe National Park.
