If you’re dreaming of a getaway but don’t want to deal with the admin of a visa, you’re in luck. As a South African passport holder, you have easy access to some of Africa’s most incredible destinations.
Many travellers rush to Europe or Asia in search of adventure but there is an entire world of rich culture, history, natural beauty and unforgettable experiences waiting right here at home in Africa. The continent is filled with places that are often overlooked but full of wonder. It’s time we start looking closer to home and embracing what our continent has to offer. Here are five beautiful destinations to consider for your next holiday.
Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia/Noelle Guirola/Unsplash
Tunisia
Tunisia sits at the crossroads of civilizations. Its shores were once ruled by the Phoenicians and later by the Romans, leaving behind a rich tapestry of ruins and relics. Visitors can explore the ancient city of Carthage, walk through the majestic amphitheatre of El Jem, and get lost in the souks of the old medina in Tunis, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Facts about Tunisia
The island of Djerba has appeared in Star Wars films. The coastal town of Sidi Bou Said stuns with blue-and-white buildings that feel lifted straight from Santorini. Even in November, the beaches offer warm, sunny days. It is ideal for travellers seeking history and relaxation in equal measure.
Top experiences
- Explore Carthage and the impressive Bardo Museum
- Visit El Jem’s grand Roman amphitheatre
- Stroll the medina of Tunis
- Take a desert trip from Douz or Tataouine
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures and fewer tourists, making it perfect for sightseeing.
Angola/Jorge Sá Pinheiro/Unsplash
Angola
Angola has endured colonial occupation and civil war but has emerged with strength and pride. Its capital, Luanda, is alive with energy, culture and a growing sense of identity. Travellers are now beginning to discover what locals have always known. Angola is a gem worth uncovering.
Facts about Angola
The Kalandula Falls are among Africa’s largest and most dramatic. The rare giant sable antelope is found only in Angola and is considered a national icon.
Top experiences
- Wander the colonial avenues of Luanda
- Stand in awe at Kalandula Falls
- Experience the red dunes of Namibe meeting the Atlantic
Best time to visit
May to October is dry season, making travel and road conditions much better.
Gabon/JEaLiFe Pictures/Unsplash
Gabon
Gabon, located on Central Africa’s Atlantic coast, has long flown under the radar. Gaining independence from France in 1960, the country has focused much of its energy on conservation. Over 10 percent of its land is protected by national parks, earning Gabon the nickname “Africa’s last Eden.”
Facts about Gabon
Gabon’s forests are part of the Congo Basin, the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world. Forest elephants roam the beaches, gorillas lounge in misty clearings, and humpback whales breach just offshore. It is one of the few places on Earth where wildlife moves seamlessly between jungle and ocean. The nature in the country feels untouched. With a strong emphasis on eco-tourism and conservation, it is best for those who travel slowly and seek immersive experiences.
Top experiences
- Spot lowland gorillas in Loango National Park
- Walk among elephants on the beach
- Visit Lékédi Park for chimpanzee conservation projects
- Explore Libreville’s colonial architecture and seaside promenade
Best time to visit: June to September is the dry season and best for wildlife viewing and whale watching.
Ganvie, Benin/Iwaria Inc./Unsplash
Benin
Benin, once part of the powerful Dahomey Kingdom, carries a proud cultural history that stretches back centuries. Gaining independence from France in 1960, Benin has embraced its traditions while opening up to the world. It is known as the birthplace of Vodun (voodoo), a spiritual practice woven into everyday life, especially along the coast.
Facts about Benin
The city of Ouidah was once one of the main ports for the transatlantic slave trade and its Route des Esclaves is now a powerful memorial. The annual Voodoo Festival, held each January, draws thousands of visitors and practitioners from around the globe. Benin is also home to the stilted village of Ganvié, known as the “Venice of Africa.”
Top experiences
- Explore the Royal Palaces of Abomey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit Ouidah and walk the Route des Esclaves
- Cruise through the lake village of Ganvié
- Discover Pendjari National Park, a West African wildlife stronghold
Best time to visit: November to March brings dry, pleasant weather and allows for easier travel around the country.
Victoria Falls/Chris Boland/Unsplash
Zambia
Zambia became an independent nation in 1964 and has preserved many of its traditional festivals and cultural practices. Ceremonies like Kuomboka and Nc’wala celebrate ancestral wisdom, seasonal cycles, and community strength. The country also thrives as one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations.
Facts about Zambia
Roughly a third of Zambia is protected as national parks or reserves. The legendary Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya, is nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls. Towering termite mounds, visible throughout the savanna, can reach the size of a small car.
Top experiences
- See the bat migration in Kasanka National Park in November
- Take a walking safari in South Luangwa
- Witness the thunder of Victoria Falls
Best time to visit: June to October is best for wildlife, while November is ideal for unique events like the bat migration.
Take these suggestions as a reminder that adventure is not always across the ocean. Sometimes it’s right here on your own continent. The visa-free access just gives you even more of a reason to chase magical experiences closer to home.
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