7 Best Cities & Towns to Visit in Africa

Table Mountain is your compass in Cape Town, a city surrounded by dramatic nature and a rich, diverse culture splashed with colorful and vibrant neighborhoods.

Nestled on the southwestern tip of Africa, Cape Town is one of the continent’s most visited cities, with a cosmopolitan vibe that blends well with traditional characters and cuisine. Inviting white-sand beaches give way to tranquil gardens and breathtaking vineyards, with a classic safari experience a short flight away.

Discover breathtaking Table Mountain and relish the diverse culture that makes Cape Town one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa.

Learn more: South Africa Tours & Vacations • South Africa Travel Guide

Nairobi is a city perfectly positioned for visitors to use as a base before embarking on a safari or in which to unwind and discover local attractions and experiences when visiting East Africa.

Noted as one of the largest cities on the continent, the Nairobi skyline is somewhat attractive, with the Nairobi River running through the city and marking the way to the Nairobi National Park on the outskirts of town.

Bustling markets, tranquil hotels, and the opportunity to visit an elephant orphanage or women’s bead factory in one afternoon make Nairobi a diverse metropolis.

Learn more: Kenya Safaris & Tours • Kenya Travel Guide

Zanzibar's Stonetown is the finest historic urban scene in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A masala of smells and smiles mix on its labyrinthine streets, enticing you past unique coral buildings that mix Arabesque and Swahili styles. From rooftops, admire the Indian Ocean, in alleyways, marvel at boutique stores, and in heritage buildings, piece together a 1000-year history.

Stonetown has taken fragments from many cultures to concoct something unique and just happens to be the gateway to some of the finest beaches on the Indian Ocean coastline. Mix urban and paradise in this intriguing East African treasure.

Learn more: Tanzania Safaris & Vacations • Tanzania Travel Guide

Founded by German settlers, this coastal town highlights its European roots through its architecture and traditional cuisine, and is a popular destination for holidaymakers.

Situated on the west coast of southern Africa, the region experiences mild temperatures year-round and is home to a variety of bird and plant species. Take a tour to nearby cultural settlements, stroll past the lighthouse, or enjoy an adventure on a quad bike on the nearby dunes.

You can also stop where sand meets sea at Sandwich Harbor, as you keep a lookout for animals that thrive in this environment, such as springbok, ostriches, and oryx.

Learn more: Namibia Safaris & Tours

Combine a strong sense of community, incredible natural beauty, and an eclectic group of talented artists, and you get the vibrant and charming town of Victoria Falls.

The key feature in this Southern African gem is the Victoria Falls themselves. Known as The Smoke That Thunders, it is one of the world’s largest waterfalls, with magnificent liquid sheets plummeting into the mighty Zambezi River and bordering Zimbabwe and Zambia.

A ton of activities exist among authentic African accommodations, with safari options close by or the chance to watch the day come to a close from the comfort of a sunset cruise.

Learn more: Zimbabwe Safaris & Tours

With its wide boulevards and blanket of serenity, Kigali feels a league apart from other African cities.

Built on seven adjacent hills, the Rwandan capital has a village-like ambiance, with a sprinkling of luxurious hotels and restaurants. Some avenues feel like Parisian suburbs, while others are more reminiscent of the languid enchantment of yesteryear.

Many visitors find insight into the contemporary history at the Genocide Museum or venture into the jungle on a gorilla-trekking safari.

Learn more: Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Safaris & Tours

Entebbe is a city that serves as an introduction to an incredible country and is a destination that offers visitors activities like sitting on a beach at Lake Victoria, fishing for Nile perch, or visiting the chimpanzees on Ngamba Island.

Take some time at the Wildlife Education Center and learn about the rehabilitation of local wildlife, walk around one of East Africa’s most beautiful botanical gardens, or explore Entebbe’s markets.

Take a day trip to neighboring Kampala or simply relax at your home away from home, where you can enjoy excellent hospitality while savoring Ugandan fare before or after your gorilla-trekking adventure.

Learn more: Uganda Safaris, Gorilla Trekking & Tours

No matter where your travel experience may end, it is likely to start in an African city or town, where you can immerse yourself in local culture, get the lie of the land, and acclimate to your adventure. Each of the cities highlighted here will open your eyes to something different and offer new perspectives and opportunities.

Africa brims with fascinating metropolises, and you can learn more in our African travel guide or start planning your safari tour to include one of these famous regions.