- Morocco and Egypt for short-haul winter sun and history, Kenya and Tanzania for safari, South Africa for Cape Town and the Garden Route, Zanzibar and Mauritius for beaches
- The Great Migration is usually in the Maasai Mara from about July to October
- Cape Town is on UK time plus one or two hours, with no jet lag
- Many safari countries need an eVisa or eTA, so apply early
Africa covers everything from a long weekend in Marrakech to the safari of a lifetime. Morocco is three hours from London, Egypt about five, and East and Southern Africa around nine to twelve, with little or no jet lag thanks to similar time zones.
Where to go in Africa
North Africa
Morocco is the easiest start, with Marrakech, the Jemaa el-Fna and the Jardin Majorelle. Egypt has Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza, plus Luxor and the Valley of the Kings.
East Africa safari
Kenya has the Maasai Mara; Tanzania has the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro and the beaches of Zanzibar. Our first safari guide compares them.
Southern Africa and the islands
South Africa combines Cape Town and Table Mountain with winelands and malaria-free safari reserves. Out in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is a top honeymoon island.
Best time to visit
| Destination | Best months |
|---|---|
| Morocco, Egypt | October-April (Egypt's Red Sea all year) |
| Kenya and Tanzania safari | June-October (dry season), plus January-February |
| Cape Town | November-March (southern summer) |
| Zanzibar, Mauritius | May-November (Mauritius also fine in UK winter outside cyclone peaks) |
Getting there from the UK
Typical times from London: about 3h30 to Marrakech, 5h to Cairo, 8h30 to Nairobi, 11h30 to Cape Town and 12h to Mauritius. Tanzania usually needs one stop via the Gulf, Amsterdam or Nairobi.
Landmarks & things to do in Africa
LandmarkJardin Majorelle
A cobalt-blue villa and botanical garden created by painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent…
LandmarkJemaa el-Fna
Marrakech's main square, a theatre of storytellers, musicians, juice sellers and smoking food stalls that comes alive…
WildlifeMaasai Mara
Kenya's most famous reserve, with big cats year-round and the Great Migration's dramatic river crossings from July to…
Historic sitePyramids of Giza
The last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, on the edge of Cairo, with the Sphinx standing guard below.
WildlifeSerengeti
Tanzania's endless plains, with resident big cats year-round and the Great Migration moving through for most of the…
NatureTable Mountain
Cape Town's flat-topped mountain, reached by rotating cable car or a steep hike, with views over the city and both…
Historic siteValley of the Kings
The royal burial ground of New Kingdom pharaohs, with painted tombs cut deep into the hills of Luxor's West Bank.
Africa on the map
Frequently asked questions
Which African country is best for a first safari?
Kenya or Tanzania for big-game plains and the Great Migration; South Africa for a malaria-free reserve combined with Cape Town.
Do I need vaccinations for Africa?
It depends on the country. Some require proof of yellow fever vaccination in certain circumstances and malaria tablets are advised for many safari areas. Check TravelHealthPro and see your GP or travel clinic six to eight weeks before you go.
Is Africa expensive?
Morocco and Egypt are very good value. Safaris are pricey because park fees, guides and lodges are included, typically several hundred pounds per person per day in high season.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
More from Thomas