My life is an ongoing love letter to Africa, so in no particular order, here are some of my most memorable experiences from some of the countries I’ve visited so far…
Want to visit an African country but have no clue where to start?
Namibia Namibia had landscapes unlike anything I’d ever seen before. If you find yourself planning a trip there, Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are definitely not to be missed. But if you’re curious to see what it’s like when the vastness of the desert meets the crashing waves of the ocean, be sure to see Swakopmund as well.
Mozambique Another country with otherworldly landscapes and beautiful people and culture. There is so much to see across the country, so if you have at least a week to visit, my best tip for a great experience would be to hire a driver or rent a car. This will allow you to see the country in a much better way when going from city to city, instead of flying. Vilanculos was the highlight of my trip, with the Bazaruto Archipelago being a slice of heaven on earth.
Senegal This is the country that really grounded me and helped me see that living in Africa long term could be a real possibility for me. Senegal has so much to offer, it’s hard to know where to start. Some of my favorite places to visit visit was the Siné Saloum, Îlot Sarpant, which is just a 20 min canoe/pirogue ride from the city, and Saint Louis.
Tanzania While I’ve only been on the mainland a few times, I have visited Zanzibar more times than I can remember. If you find yourself lucky enough to visit, don’t skip Stone Town! Be sure to spend a few days there, then head to Jambiani, Paje, and Nungwi for very unique experiences. For safaris, the Serengeti is as good as it gets.
Kenya My favorite place in Kenya is hands down Lamu, which is a small cozy island just a 30 minute plane ride away from Nairobi. It’s like being transported to a different place frozen in time, steeped in culture and inspiration. I promise you’ll never want to leave.
Sierra Leone I road tripped from Guinea to Sierra Leone and had some the most adventurous experiences ever. What stood out to me most behind the joyful, free spirited nature of the people I met were the alluring and STUNNING white sand beaches. I’m ashamed to say I was so surprised to see such bleach white sand beaches along the West African coast. River Number 2 beach and Tokeh beach were delightful highlights that I highly recommend. At Number 2 beach specifically, you’ll not only enjoy a combination of mangrove forest lined along the river that flows into the ocean, towering mountain views, and pristine white sand beaches coming together; but the beauty that the surrounding community that comes together to celebrate, maintain, and uphold it.
Mauritius There’s so much to say when it comes to this island nation off the Southern African coast. Like with any island in the Indian Ocean, you can expect some of the most stunning beaches and ocean views. But something that I was not expecting was how lush green, and overflowing with culture the island would be. I’ve never been to a botanical garden quite as beautiful as the Jardin Pamplemousse and I highly recommend it. Tamarin Beach and La Morne are other areas I definitely wouldn’t miss. There’s dolphin swimming, mountain hiking, and incredible diving just at your fingertips.
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Zambia Visiting the Devil’s Pool was one of the most surreal, thrilling, exhilarating, and EPIC experiences I have ever had. Would you dare swim in natural pool overlooking the edge of one of the world's most powerful waterfalls? I have (and lived to tell the story), I think it's safe to say that the it is the ultimate infinity pool - made more incredible by the fact that it is natural.
Morocco To be honest I have a love/hate relationship with Morocco, but I still consider it a very special place. The culture, food, and architecture are undeniably beautiful and would have to say Chefchaouen will always be solidly rooted as a highlight for me.
Cape Verde This place took my breath away. I feel a bit like a broken record to say this about another country on this list, but it’s tru. It’s not everyday you see crystal azure waves crashing into sand dunes and have it all to yourself!
