Where to go in Africa?

Egypt, the place to go back in time

A thousand-year-old country with a wealth of riches, Egypt is an African country in its own right to discover if you're looking for culture and history. Between its temples and pyramids, discover the history of the Pharaohs. But the country is also ideal for family holidays, with its seaside resorts.

Not to be missed are the Sphinx and the famous Giza pyramids near Cairo, and the Abu Simbel temples to the south. Or Luxor, where you can admire the Temple of Karnac and the Valley of the Kings, a vestige of the Pharaohs.

The latter are part of the country's historic reputation. During a stay here, travellers can also take a trip on the Nile aboard a felucca, especially near Aswan andEdfu.Alexandria and the capital, Cairo, are also worth a visit.

The country is also appreciated for its relaxing beaches. A trip here allows you to enjoy the best seaside resorts such as Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada and Safaga. They offer water sports activities such as scuba diving.

This is a very touristy destination in Africa, but you're guaranteed a total change of scenery. Travelers generally go there through an agency, often to take a cruise. But you can also go it alone, preferring to travel by train or cab (with a chauffeur for the day). you'll need 10 to 15 days to get the most out of your visit.

Safari in East Africa

Travel to Africa to discover wild animals, explore natural parks, go on safari and hike volcanoes. These are just some of the activities on offer in this part of the continent. Nature, savannah and exploration are the watchwords of this type of holiday.

Among the emblematic places to discover, the impressive Kilimanjaro mountain in Tanzania attracts many altitude-seeking hikers every year. The Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar is also well worth a visit for its beaches and authenticity. The Masaï Mara nature reserve in Kenya, the Simien nature park and the town of Lalibela in Ethiopia are also worth a visit.

Safari lovers will be delighted to learn that Tanzania, Kenya andUganda are ideal for an immersion in nature, thanks to their rich fauna: lions, zebras, giraffes, rhinoceroses, gazelles and many other animals can be observed. The most common places to go for this kind of experience are the national parks of Tarangire, Amboseli, Masai Mara, Serengeti, etc... But also others like Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Rwenzori Mountains Park, or near Lakes Manyara or Nakuru.

In a relatively calm savannah, the atmosphere is one of vigilance. You will be accompanied by a guide who will take you to the best spots and teach you a lot about the local wildlife.

For this, you'll need to go through a travel agency, or book directly with one of the lodges located in the reserves.

For accommodation, the budget can vary greatly from one lodging to another, but it should be noted that budgets are substantial. This is a far cry from mass tourism!

Maghreb, between souks, oases and riads

The Maghreb is Africa's most touristic region. Located in the northern part of the continent, it comprises Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Libya. Although they are all endowed with cultural and gastronomic assets, when it comes to tourism, Morocco and Tunisia are the main draws.

There are many must-sees in Morocco, starting with Marrakech and its Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Wandering through the souks and strolling through the Majorelle Gardens are just some of the things to do.

In addition, the cities of Tangier, Casablanca, Fes, Rabat and Chefchaouen are also worth a visit. Or the seaside resorts of Agadir and Essaouira. For nature lovers, don't miss the Atlas mountain range, close to the Dades and Toudgha gorges.

Tunisia also has some sublime places to go, such as the cities of Tunis and Sidi Bou Saïd. And to enjoy the sun and seaside, Hammamet, Monastir or the island of Djerba. With its deserts and vestiges, it's hard to get bored. Don't miss Carthage, Dougga or the oasis of Ksar-Ghilane.

A few days on a city trip, a weekend in Marrakech or a road trip lasting one or two weeks are just some of the options for exploring this region. And it's also well suited to smaller budgets. When it comes to accommodation, you can choose between classic hotels or stay in a riad.

Be warned, however: some countries are not recommended by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and going there can be dangerous.

Southern Africa, the place to go for a complete change of scenery

The countries in this part of Africa are great destinations if you want to take a road trip, discover unusual places and go on safari. Wild nature, grandiose landscapes and large cities in places, we come here for a trip of at least ten days.

Namibia is undoubtedly one of the most surprising. You can discover the Etosha reserve, the Sossusvlei desert, the Fish Canyon River, or the Skeleton Coast and its Sandwich Harbour.

Mozambique offers a mix of natural parks and colonial heritage on Ibo Island, as well as Lake Malawi, Pemba and Vilanculos.

The same goes for safaris, which also offer plenty of opportunities. A trip to South Africa guarantees a change of scenery, with the Kruger National Park home to many species.

Unlike other safari destinations in Africa, here you can easily do it yourself with a rental vehicle. So you're on your own. If you decide to go to Botswana, you can also discover cosmopolitan Cape Town, the Blyde River Canyon and the Madikwé Game Reserve.

Botswana is also an opportunity to explore the savannah, with its vast natural expanses. Don't miss the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Going to the islands of the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Africa

Off the coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean, these islands are the perfect place to go if you're looking for relaxation. Fine sandy beaches and turquoise waters await you on these heavenly-sounding islands, as do hikes in the heart of the wildest places.

For the best beaches in the Indian Ocean, choose the Seychelles and the Maldives, with their sublime spots. Here you'll find water sports activities such as diving.

It's worth noting that these islands are better known for their relaxation, but also boast some beautiful nature trails. This is particularly true of Mauritius, with its Montagne du Pouce.

Going to Madagascar is different, as the island has an originality you won't find anywhere else, between the Baobab Alley and the Isalo National Park. The best hiking is to be found on Reunion Island, with the Cirque de Mafate and the Piton de la Fournaise et des Neiges.

The natural scenery is sublime, no matter which island you choose to visit. There's not much of a road trip scene here, as tourists are more content with a sedentary stay to make the most of the surroundings. While some islands, like Mauritius and the Maldives, are highly rated and quite expensive, others, like Madagascar, are more affordable.

West African countries

West Africa, from the Western Sahara to the Central African Republic, has many destinations to visit. Although not as popular as others on the continent, some attract large numbers of visitors every year.

This is particularly true of Senegal and its capital Dakar. This country is renowned for its seaside resorts and beautiful beaches, such as Gorée Island and Les Almadies.

A few hundred kilometers offshore, in the Atlantic Ocean, lies the Cape Verde archipelago, made up of a dozen islands. With its mild year-round climate and superb scenery, it's a popular destination for African holidays.

In this part of Africa, you can also visit Côte d'Ivoire. It's also renowned for its landscaped beaches. Or Mauritania in the company of local agencies. It's a little-frequented region, but tourism is gradually developing. A trip there is an opportunity to take advantage of the beautiful desert landscapes, which can generally be explored on treks and hikes spread over several days.