Last updated on March 10th, 2025 at 07:41 am
Are you dreaming of a trip to the incredible continent of Africa but unsure where to start?
You’ve come to the right place! As two seasoned travelers who have completed a 9-month overland journey from Cairo to Cape Town, we’re here to guide you on your ultimate African adventure. We’ve designed the perfect itinerary, taking you to the best must-visit places in Africa.
This unique Africa trip takes you on a journey through ancient wonders of the world, volcanic peaks, thrilling safaris, tropical island getaways, the world’s oldest desert (it’s not what you think it is!), and tasting wine in the finest vineyards. How does that sound for your dream African getaway?
The duration of your Africa trip is entirely up to you, but you will need at least 4 weeks to fully explore the below-mentioned places, in a perfect world you should do it in 6 weeks. Of course, it all depends on your personal travel style and flexibility.
Yes of course, it is a lot to see in a short time, but even though it is a quick pace, it is possible. We took Kate’s parents to eight different countries in Asia in one month, bringing them to all of our favorite attractions in Asia, and they absolutely loved it!
The Ultimate Africa Itinerary: Your Dream African Travel Guide
If Africa has been on your travel bucket list (and let’s be honest, it should be somewhere near the top), then let’s start turning that dream into reality.
Let’s explore the best places to visit in Africa and insider tips to ensure your trip is everything you’ve dreamed of. Africa is calling, and the adventure of a lifetime awaits!
Egypt: Starting with the Wonders of the World
Beginning in the north of the second largest continent in the world, your first destination on the ultimate Africa itinerary is Egypt.
Egypt’s history dates back 5,000 years of ancient civilization, filled with incredible attractions that remain well-preserved, in particular the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Just imagine standing in front of the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Trust us, when you first lay eyes on these remarkable structures and appreciate their gigantic size it will leave you wondering how they build something back then without the aid of modern tools, it’s a sight that you’ll never forget!
After exploring Cairo, travel to Luxor where you take a 3-day cruise on the Nile River to Aswan visiting more of the best attractions in Egypt along the way. History, culture, and jaw-dropping landscapes all in one place. This is the perfect beginning to your African itinerary.
If time permits, consider adding a visit to Siwa Oasis in Egypt to your Africa itinerary. Here, you can float in the turquoise salt lakes nestled in the heart of the Sahara Desert – an incredibly surreal experience and one of our best attractions in Egypt.
Check out why we recommend visiting Siwa Oasis and learn all about Egypt’s hidden gem that often goes under the radar.
On a side note, Egypt tops our list of the most affordable countries to visit. If budget travel interests you, check out how we afford full-time travel around the world.
Kenya: Volcano Trek and Africa’s Best Safari
The next stop on our Africa itinerary is the Republic of Kenya, one of our favorite countries in Africa. We spent three months in Kenya, and this amazing country has it all. From Africa’s famous wildlife to stunning paradise beaches, historical sites, and some of the friendliest people in the world. Kenya is a remarkable destination.
Fly from Cairo to Nairobi and check out some of the best markets in Africa for shopping and souvenirs, before heading to the next part of your African adventure.
You are going to Hike Mount Longonot, a dormant volcano in Kenya’s mountainous national park, which offers a thrilling hike to its crater rim with some of the most epic views of the Great Rift Valley below. On the way up keep an eye out for giraffe and zebras.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery that truly showcases the raw power of nature like no other. The Mount Longonot hike is easily one of the best hikes in the world we’ve experienced.
If you are not the hiking type, you can join a tour where you can cycle through the Hell’s Gate National Park nearby, passing by wildlife such as zebra and giraffes, but don’t worry there are no predators in this national park!
Read all about our Mount Longonot hike to see exactly what we are talking about.
After your incredible volcano hike and your first encounters with African wildlife, it’s time for the ultimate experience – a magical safari in the Maasai Mara.
Maasai Mara is arguably one of the best safaris in Africa and dare we say our favorite memory of our 9-month Cairo to Cape Town journey.
Picture this: you drive through a gate into the open savanna, and wild animals like lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes are literally walking in front of you.
Honestly, experiencing a safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve felt like stepping into the real-life Lion King and it simply blew our minds!! Just watch the video below to see what we are talking about.
Check out exactly how we got on during our 3 Day/2 night budget safari of Maasai Mara in the YouTube video below – we are certain you’ll be booking your Kenya safari after watching this!
We booked our Maasai Mara Safari through Safaribookings, which is like the Skyscanner of safaris. It compares all African safari options, allowing you to filter based on your preferences – whether it’s the duration, budget vs. luxury, or any other specific requirements you have.
We completely understand that choosing the “right” African safari can be overwhelming, especially since it’s often the highlight of an Africa itinerary. Using Safaribookings really opened up our eyes by comparing all the safari options for us, making the decision process much easier and incredibly helpful.
Make sure to check if you need any African visas before you head off on your Africa trip.
Zanzibar: Tropical Paradise Found
After all that adventure, you deserve a bit of downtime, and Zanzibar in Tanzania is the perfect place to kick back and recharge. Flights to Stone Town depart from Nairobi and Kenya’s second-largest city, Mombasa
You’ll arrive in the historic town of Stone Town, the birthplace of Freddie Mercury, and get lost on purpose in the winding cobblestone streets of this UNESCO World Heritage town packed with bustling markets and steeped in history before heading to the famous beaches of Zanzibar.
After exploring Stone Town, take a short taxi ride to the famous Zanzibar beaches on the other side of the island. Think white-sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and luxury beach front hotels for affordable prices.
We have seen many gorgeous beaches and blue waters during our full-time travel as well as living in Australia for 7 years but Zanzibar may just top the list of best beaches in the world.
Whether you want to lounge in luxury or get your adrenaline pumping with windsurfing, Zanzibar has it all. Trust us, it’s the kind of place where you won’t want to leave – so much so that we spent 5 weeks in this African paradise.
In our view, the best areas to stay in Zanzibar for beaches are Nungwi and Paje. They offer the perfect blend of great accommodations, delicious food, island/snorkeling tours, and of course breathtaking beaches.
We highly recommend visiting the turtle sanctuary in Nungwi and trying some windsurfing in Paje.
*Note that the Turtle SANCTUARY is not to be confused with the turtle AQUARIUM.
How’s this Africa itinerary sounding so far? Is it everything you imagined for your dream African adventure? If you’d like a more personalized itinerary tailored to your unique interests and desires, get in touch with us for more information. We’d love to create the perfect Africa trip just for you.
Namibia: The World’s Oldest Desert Awaits
From the paradise beaches of Zanzibar, we’re off to Namibia, home to the oldest desert in the world. Namibia is a an incredible country with some of the most unique landscapes in the world that will make you think you are on another planet. We told you we are giving you the ultimate Africa experience!
Fly into Windhoek and then drive to Spitzkoppe, also known as “the Matterhorn of Namibia.” There, you’ll have the opportunity to camp beneath the stars, surrounded by a breathtaking, otherworldly landscape.
The following day, travel to Swakopmund, a historic town with a rich German influence. Here, you’ll have the chance to visit one of Africa’s largest seal colonies, but be warned it can be quite smelly! Conclude your day with exhilarating sand dune activities, followed by a breathtaking sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
Next on our ultimate Africa itinerary we are heading into the Namib desert, the oldest desert in the world. Explore the stunning eerie landscape of Sossusvlei, climb the highest dunes in the world, and let the vastness and beauty of the desert take your breath away.
Sossusvlei is a breathtaking, otherworldly landscape in Namibia’s Namib Desert, where ancient, 1,000-year-old dead trees have turned to stone and stand stark against the striking white clay pan and towering orange dunes, creating a surreal scene you have to see to believe.
Imagine camping in the world’s oldest desert, gazing up at a sky full of stars so vast it’ll leave you speechless – truly a pinch-me, bucket-list travel experience that you’ll never forget.
If you’re planning a romantic honeymoon in Africa, this moment will definitely be one of the highlights of your Africa itinerary.
The best way to explore Namibia is by renting a car, and take on one of the world’s best road trips.
Or, for a more relaxed experience, book a 10-day Namibia tour with a professional guide and a small, intimate group, with all meals and accommodations included, so you can sit back, unwind, and soak up the beauty of Namibia.
If epic road trips are your thing, check out our Pamir Highway 10-day adventure in Tajikistan.
South Africa: Adventure and Luxury (and lots of wine!)
Last but definitely not least on the ultimate Africa itinerary – South Africa.
Whether you’re sipping world-class wine in the Cape Winelands, hiking up the iconic Table Mountain, or tackling the world’s highest bridge bungee jump, South Africa is packed with endless adventure.
Visiting South Africa is the grand finale your perfect Africa itinerary deserves.
South Africa’s landscapes are diverse, the activities are heart-pumping, and the beauty is just… wow.
We spent a week exploring Cape Town before renting a car for an unforgettable road trip along South Africa’s iconic Garden Route, making stops in its stunning coastal towns before wrapping up our 9 month Africa journey in Johannesburg.
If self-driving is not for you, consider joining a 12-day South Africa tour from Cape Town to Johannesburg, packed with wine tours, iconic hikes, safaris, and thrilling hippo/crocodile cruises. It’s the perfect way to cap off an epic African adventure.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to save a bit of money as you wrap up your Africa trip, there’s also a 10-day ultra-budget tour option.
Travel Tip: This Africa itinerary can also be reversed, starting in South Africa and making your way up to Cairo, Egypt – whichever works best for you, and most importantly, wherever the best flight deals take you!
This Is the Ultimate Africa Itinerary
This Africa itinerary is the one you’ve been dreaming of – a perfect mix of adventure, wildlife, culture, and relaxation. Each destination on this African adventure offers something completely unique, from Egypt’s ancient wonders to the wildlife of Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Explore the stunning beaches of Zanzibar, visit the world’s oldest desert in Namibia, and enjoy world-class wine while gazing at Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.
Whether you’re into history, wildlife, natures best landscapes, or just need a beach to kick back and relax, this adventure through Africa has it all.
So, if you’re ready to explore Africa like never before, get ready for the travel experience of a lifetime. This Africa itinerary will not only give you a taste of the continent’s most iconic spots but also immerse you in everything that makes traveling Africa so special.
So pack your bags, embark on arguably the best holiday ever, and let Africa’s magic unfold before your eyes.
Start planning your Africa Itinerary today by searching for flights on Trip below.
What Packing Essentials do I Need for my Africa Trip?
To enhance your African adventure and ensure a smooth journey, explore our top travel essentials below to help you get fully prepared.
All of the products mentioned have been owned and are used by us. Or else we have purchased these travel accessories for family and friends. Most importantly, these travel accessories are practical, durable, affordable, and perfect for all types of traveler.
- Multi Travel Adapter – With a universal travel adapter, you’ll be equipped to handle any plug type in the world.
- Dry-Bag – Protect your belongings for those beach/dessert adventure days.
- Bum Bag – Protect all your belongings such as money and ATM cards.
- Battery Pack – this travel gadget lets you recharge your electronic devices such as phones, tablets, or cameras.
- A packable lightweight jacket – Visiting Africa can get quite cold.
- Shemagh – A traditional Middle Eastern scarf also known as a keffiyeh, that protects you from the sun.
- Booney Hat – Don’t forget a booney hat to protect from the sun.
Enjoy the Perfect Africa Itinerary!
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this Africa itinerary or if you’re planning to visit Africa. Perhaps you’ve done it all before, in that case tell us all about your African adventure.
Feel free to leave a message below or contact us on our socials.
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