Move over, Euro Summer — your Afro Summer begins here

This summer, discover the breathtaking destinations waiting to be explored right here in Africa.

It’s summertime, and for those who love to travel, it’s probably one of the most exciting times of the year. It’s the season to soak up the sun, enjoy the breeze, and embrace everything that comes with the summer mood.

Everyone has their own dream destinations — the places they’ve always wanted to visit and the ones they eventually do. Over the years, one travel trend has consistently taken over social media: Euro Summer. Picture yourself lounging on a beach in Italy or exploring historic landmarks in Paris or Greece. It’s the term used to describe spending your summer travelling around Europe.

For many people, that’s exactly what their holidays look like, but we’re here to tell you that you don’t have to fly all the way to Europe to have that same unforgettable experience. Africa is home to breathtaking beaches, cities, rich history, and incredible landscapes that can give you the summer trip of your dreams, and many of these destinations are visa-free.

So, this year, we’re having an Afro Summer. Sadly, I won’t be among those soaking up the sun this season. I’ll be right here, keeping the rain company. But if you’re planning a travel-filled summer and are unsure of where to go, we’ve put together a list of African countries you can visit for an exciting and fulfilling summer getaway.

Let’s dive right in, because your Afro Summer starts now.

Read also: Let’s explore 6 underrated travel destinations in West Africa

Cabo Verde – The Atlantic island escape

Cabo Verde is one of Africa’s best destinations if you love sandy beaches and warm weather. A very small country with a population of about 530,000, Cape Verde is less crowded and offers a more intimate experience. It is known for its beaches, volcanic views, mountains, waterfalls, and vibrant nightlife. 

The temperature is warm year-round, with  little to no rainfall compared to other West African countries, making it a great destination to visit at any time. With a mix of Portuguese and African cultures, you’re poised to get two experiences in one.  Cape Verde is a great country for tourists, and now is the perfect time to visit. 

Following the country’s impressive World Cup run, which left football fans around the world astonished, there’s even more reason to experience the home of the players who captured global attention firsthand.

Malawi – The warm heart of Africa

I don’t think I’ve heard of or seen many people go to Malawi. It’s pretty underrated, but it is just as worthy of being a travel destination. Malawi is known for its friendly people, stunning freshwater lakes, wildlife reserves, and outdoor adventures.

Our Fashion and Beauty Editor has actually been there, and she mentioned that she went swimming with the fish — interesting, right? This can be done in Lake Malawi. Unlike many African lakes, Lake Malawi’s shoreline is safe for swimming because there are no crocodiles or hippos in many of the popular beach areas.

 So if you’d like something like that, along with more aquatic activities such as snorkelling, paddleboarding, sailing, or simply relaxing by the lake, Malawi is a great choice. It’s also perfect for bird watching, hiking and taking in beautiful, peaceful scenery.

Kenya – The home of wildlife adventures 

If you’re travelling to Africa for the first time, it is often said that Kenya is one of the best places to start. Just like the other countries we’ve mentioned, Kenya is known for its amazing shores, world-class safaris, rich culture, and dramatic landscapes, making it a perfect summer getaway.

The safaris are especially popular because they offer the chance to see what is known as the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. If that wasn’t enough, there’s also something called the Great Migration. Between July and October, millions of wildebeest and zebras cross from Tanzania’s Serengeti into Kenya’s Maasai Mara in one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth. If that’s something you’d be interested in seeing, you might want to plan your trip during that time.

Another activity you can enjoy is skydiving over the Indian Ocean. Kenya has a beautiful coastline and several popular beach destinations, so you can actually skydive over the coast and take in the stunning views of the ocean.

Other activities include hiking and mountain climbing, snorkelling, scuba diving, visiting giraffe centres, and exploring national parks. Kenya is also a country rich in culture, with over 40 ethnic groups, giving you the chance to experience its diverse food, traditions, and way of life.

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Tanzania – the safari and wildlife paradise 

Chances are you’ve heard of the Serengeti, Zanzibar, and Mount Kilimanjaro. Well, they’re all in the same country. That’s one of the things that makes Tanzania so special. It is a combination of world-class safaris, Africa’s highest mountain, and some of the continent’s best tropical beaches, all in one place, making it an all-round travel destination.

The country is home to incredible safari experiences, with the Serengeti National Park being one of the most popular. It’s filled with endless wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and so much more,

As mentioned earlier, the Great Migration also starts here in the Serengeti, giving you the chance to witness one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in Tanzania as well.

Zanzibar is another highlight. This famous island paradise offers white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and plenty of sea activities. You can enjoy sunset cruises, luxury resorts, snorkelling, diving, and so much more. There are also volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and remote beaches if you’re looking for a more intimate escape.

And then there’s the beautiful Mount Kilimanjaro, where you can trek to the summit, experience different climate zones along the way, and watch the sunrise above the clouds. Tanzania truly has everything you could imagine, making it a wonderful place to visit.

Mauritius – The indian ocean luxury island

Mauritius is a beautiful, luxury tropical island destination located in the Indian Ocean. It is well renowned for its turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches, resorts, and multicultural heritage.

One of the things that makes Mauritius unique is its cultural identity. It is an African nation with strong Indian influences, and you’ll find plenty of colourful Hindu temples, festivals, and cuisine alongside its African, French, and Creole heritage. 

Unlike some of the other destinations, which are also known for their wildlife and outdoor adventures, Mauritius is about relaxation and exploration. It is home to coastlines such as Le Morne Beach and Belle Mare Beach.

The island is also surrounded by coral reefs, creating calm lagoons that are perfect for snorkelling, scuba diving, boat trips, along with  even dolphin and whale watching.

Mauritius is also an ideal destination for honeymoons and luxury escapes, with private villas, five-star resorts, fine dining, romantic sunset cruises, and more.

That said, you can still experience nature through hiking in its national parks, and you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Le Morne Brabant, for breathtaking views and a deeper appreciation of the island’s history.

Read also: Step into your stylish traveller era — elevate your airport style with these chic & comfy pieces for your next trip

Morocco – the Mediterranean African nation 

Stepping away from the serene waterfronts of the other countries, Morocco is a mix of ancient cities, deserts, mountains, and vibrant souks (markets). It also has beautiful beaches, but there’s so much more to experience.

It’s like a blend of Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe, making it one of Africa’s most diverse and culturally rich travel destinations. There are centuries-old cities filled with stunning architecture, palaces, and bustling markets. Popular places to visit include Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Fes, among many others.

There’s the Sahara Desert, where you can spend the night in a desert camp, sleep under the stars, ride camels, and explore the dunes on quad bikes or in 4×4 vehicles. You also have the chance to experience the sunrise on a hot air balloon.

If you prefer mountain experiences, you can head to the Atlas Mountains, which are perfect for hiking, visiting waterfalls, and enjoying scenic road trips. On the Atlantic coast, you can enjoy surfing, beach hangouts, and watersports like windsurfing. Morocco is unique as the only country in Africa with coastlines on both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. 

Morocco is also one of the best places in Africa for shopping. You’ll find a plethora of spices, handmade items, leather goods, pottery, lanterns, argan oil, traditional clothing, and jewellery. It truly is a beautiful place to shop and immerse yourself in its rich culture.

Honestly, one thing I know is that one day, I will go to Morocco and experience an authentic hammam spa, massage, and bath.

See Africa differently this summer 

Nowadays, the consensus of not wanting to travel to African countries is beginning to change. This is because Nigerians and Africans in general are starting to realise that everything they’ve ever wanted is right here at home.

Of course, it’s great to explore other parts of the world, but it’s also exciting to discover just how much Africa has to offer. As a continent, it is incredibly beautiful, filled with diverse cultures, amazing scenery, and countless countries waiting to be explored, experienced, and loved.

If you’re planning your own Afro Summer, make sure you dress the part. You can check out some of our summer travel style guides if you aim to show up and show out on your trip. Most importantly, arrive with an empty stomach and mind too, because you’re about to get lost in the food, the scenery, the culture, and everything in between.

Read more: Every summer, I make sure these five signature summer outfits are in my wardrobe

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