Cape Town
#7 in Best Places to Visit in Africa
With numerous hiking trails, miles of dramatic scenery and stunning beaches (including one with wild penguins), Cape Town caters to both adventurous types and laid-back travelers. Getting here won’t be cheap, but it is possible to find convenient, budget-friendly lodging. Make sure you take the aerial cableway up Table Mountain, visit Nelson Mandela’s jail cell on Robben Island, explore the world-renowned Constantia Valley wine region and trek through the Cape of Good Hope – the southwesternmost point of Africa.
Kruger National Park
#8 in Best Places to Visit in Africa
You’ll certainly spot plenty of animals, ranging from lions to rhinos to elephants to giraffes, in this massive South African game preserve. Plus, the park’s network of paved roads makes it easier to navigate than Serengeti, but its popularity – especially from April to September (the best months for wildlife viewing) – means you’re more likely to encounter hordes of visitors during game drives and at in-park accommodations. To ensure lodging, flight and tour availability, you’ll likely want to finalize your trip at least a year in advance.
