Over the past year, there has been a notable increase in travel across various African destinations, with air travel across the continent approaching levels seen before the pandemic. Safari camps, ranging from South Africa to Kenya, experienced full bookings, and tourists extended their stays in popular locations such as Cape Town and Zanzibar well beyond the usual peak season. What implications does this have for the upcoming year?

Anticipation is building for the opening of several long-awaited luxury resorts, many of which were in development before the pandemic forced a pause. New air routes are enhancing accessibility to previously less reachable parts of the continent, and enticing events and festivals are encouraging travelers to explore areas they might not have considered before. While there are exciting upcoming safari camps in iconic spots like Botswana and lesser-known parks in Mozambique, there are also noteworthy developments such as a burgeoning food movement in Accra, a significant anniversary celebration in Rwanda, the unveiling of a monumental cultural landmark in Rabat, Morocco, and much more on the horizon.

The question arises: could this be the year when Johannesburg attracts visitors away from Cape Town with the allure of a new city hotel and a vibrant dining scene? Will sunseekers reconsider Mauritius over the Maldives? Perhaps adventurous souls will set sail for Madagascar on a new cruising itinerary, or travelers may contemplate adding Sierra Leone to their itineraries. The challenge ahead lies in making choices amidst a wealth of enticing options. Below, we present the top destinations to consider for your travels in Africa in 2024.

Top Destinations to Explore in Africa in 2024

Mauritius

Go for: Indian Ocean waters, a museum, and dazzling beach villas

The zenith of Mauritius as a sought-after destination in the 1980s evokes imagery of striped umbrellas, a sun-kissed Stéphanie de Monaco gliding on water skis, and the European jet set ensconced in a select few, yet fabulous, hotels. Fast-forwarding three decades, this Indian Ocean island has expanded its allure with a vibrant cultural scene and a fresh wave of hospitality. In Port Louis, the culmination of years of effort materialized in the opening of the Intercontinental Slavery Museum in September 2023, housed within a meticulously restored 1700s military hospital. This monumental step represents the nation’s initial stride toward reconciling its extensive colonial history.

Culture enthusiasts are drawn to the recently inaugurated House of Digital Art (HODA) nearby—a convergence of old and new within a historic Port-Louis building showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art installations. While Mauritius has long been famed for its idyllic seaside resorts, the forthcoming Socio Tribeca in late 2024, the debut property of the Lux Collective’s new hotel brand, is poised to entice visitors with its contemporary flair and keen awareness of the island’s pulse.

For those seeking an elevated resort experience, Muse Villas, a newcomer, invites travelers to reside on their own private islet. In October, iconic resorts Lux Belle Mare and Paradis Beachcomber revealed extensive renovations, and the kitesurfers’ haven, Hotel Riu Palace Mauritius, is set to emerge from its own facelift in May 2024. Beyond the well-explored coastline of Mauritius, attention may turn to its smaller counterpart, Rodrigues, located an hour-and-a-half flight east. Long held as a well-kept secret among the most discerning travelers, Rodrigues is poised for recognition as a cluster of reimagined properties infuse a touch of luxury gloss. Notably, the island’s two historic hotels, Play Mourouk and Cotton Bay Resort & Spa, are reopening after substantial renovation and reinvention, with the former welcoming guests as of November 1, 2023, and the latter scheduled for 2024.

Johannesburg, South Africa

Go for: hot tables, an art center, and new hotels from beloved brands

Johannesburg stands as a testament to relentless determination and boundless optimism, tracing its roots back to the gold rush era. Despite grappling with infrastructure issues and social disparities, the city pulsates with a positive vibe that characterizes South Africa’s economic hub. This optimism is particularly evident in the burgeoning restaurant scene, which is rapidly rivaling Cape Town. In 2023, renowned establishments like the Pot Luck Club and the Instagram-worthy British café EL&N London expanded to Johannesburg, with the former making its sole African appearance.

If you’re craving a diverse culinary experience, consider reserving a table at Gigi, the latest venture by acclaimed local chef Besele Moses Moloi. Opt for a stay in the artistic enclave of Rosebank, where the Park Hyatt Johannesburg is set to unveil its doors in late 2024, featuring decor curated by Yabu Pushelberg. In the meantime, the Voco Johannesburg Rosebank, the inaugural property of the Voco subbrand from IHG in Africa, offers Art Deco elegance and showcases an impressive in-house art collection (don’t hesitate to request a guided tour).

For art enthusiasts, the recently inaugurated Inside Out Centre for the Arts by artist Roger Ballen awaits just a short taxi ride away. Launched in March 2023, this captivating venue serves as both an exhibition space and an educational center, adding another layer to Johannesburg’s vibrant cultural landscape.

Rabat, Morocco

Go for: new cultural outposts, a music festival, and shiny hotels

Rabat, the capital of Morocco and one of its imperial cities, has long been overshadowed by the allure of more well-known destinations like Marrakech, Fez, and Tangier. However, a cultural and artistic renaissance is currently underway, potentially reshaping the city’s appeal. One noteworthy attraction generating considerable excitement is the upcoming Mohammed VI Tower, designed to achieve LEED Gold and HQE certification, poised to become Africa’s tallest and sole spire of its kind.

Yet, the real anticipation lies in the unveiling of the new Grand Theatre of Rabat, a project based on the designs of the renowned architect Zaha Hadid. This unfinished masterpiece will feature an 1,800-seat theatre, an experimental performance space, a 7,000-person amphitheater, green areas, and a restaurant. Expected to be the largest venue of its kind in both Africa and the Arab world, the Grand Theatre will host a diverse array of performances, including symphony, ballet, opera, and philharmonic shows, all slated to take place by the end of 2023. Another eagerly awaited cultural event is the return of the Mawazine festival in 2024, following a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the lineup remains undisclosed, this renowned festival has previously attracted A-listers such as Rihanna and Mariah Carey.

For those planning a visit, the city boasts a series of high-profile hotel openings offering a seamless blend of modern luxury with its rich historical backdrop. The recently inaugurated Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé and Conrad Rabat Arzana signal a new era of opulence. The spotlight is now on the much-anticipated opening of the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr in late 2023, along with the planned Ritz-Carlton Rabat Dar Es Salam, promising an elevated hospitality experience for visitors.

Accra, Ghana

Go for: the heart of a pan-African cultural renaissance, Indigenous pop-up dinners, Afrobeats

Accra is steadily solidifying its status as the coolest city in Africa, with a renewed focus on pan-African heritage captivating the interest of food enthusiasts. Leading this culinary revolution is the Ghana Food Movement, a collective of food innovators dedicated to showcasing the allure of sustainable dining. In May 2024, the Movement will unveil its Link-up Kitchen in the lively Osu neighborhood, serving as a meeting point and experimental kitchen. This venue will host the popular Dine and Dance series, where young chefs spotlight local ingredients in elaborate dinners accompanied by beats from local DJs.

The hub will also feature pop-ups, showcasing emerging chefs and Indigenous menus, including those curated by Abena Offeh-Gyimah. Her food tours emphasize heirloom ingredients and a return to ancestral eating practices. Additionally, renowned chef Selassie Atadika of Midunu will resume her Nomadic Dinners, celebrating African ingredients, along with quarterly chocolate tastings featuring her exquisite bonbons inspired by flavors like beriberi chili and Cape Malay spice.

After indulging in these culinary delights, Accra’s vibrant club scene awaits, providing an abundance of options to revel in the West African capital’s lively atmosphere. Despite the recent inclusion of a Best African Music Performance category at the Grammys in 2024, locals have long been enjoying festivals such as Chale Wote Street Art Festival in August and AfroFuture (formerly Afrochella) in December. For those seeking a moment of rest, the Hilton Accra Cantonments, inaugurated in December 2023 with 145 rooms, marks the brand’s inaugural presence in Ghana.

Peering into the future: Just beyond the city limits, a cutting-edge cultural institution is on the horizon. Fueled by diverse voices from the diaspora, there’s an emerging spirit to reclaim African narratives, long overdue and finding a tangible home in the form of the Pan African Heritage Museum. Currently under construction, the museum is set to open its doors in 2025 or 2026. Nestled on 10 acres of lush land in Winneba, merely 40 miles from Accra, the facility’s initial offerings will feature a music amphitheater, a youth innovation center, and a food court. Much like its planned exhibits (available for a digital preview), these spaces will not only showcase but also forge connections between the continent’s rich history and cultures, highlighting their contemporary global significance.

Madagascar

Go for: biodiversity, castaway vibes, and water sports

A mysterious realm teeming with undiscovered species and extraordinary biological treasures, the remote Indian Ocean island of Madagascar has long promised to captivate visitors with its sensory surprises and logistical challenges. Fortunately, the landscape is evolving, thanks to trailblazers who have spearheaded some of Africa’s premier conservation tourism initiatives, reshaping the narrative for the world’s fourth-largest island.

Scheduled to open in mid-2024 within the virtually unexplored Namoroka National Park, the Namoroka Tsingy Exploration Camp will introduce seven luxury safari tents, serving as your gateway to a terrain adorned with baobabs emerging from formations of razor-sharp limestone tsingy. This unique setting is inhabited by lemurs unacquainted with the fear of humans.

For those inclined towards coastal exploration, the recently inaugurated Blue Lagoon Expedition by Masoala Forest Lodge beckons. Embarking on this adventure in 2022 involves paddling through the stunning Antongil Bay, surrounded by rainforest and mangroves. Kayakers en route to a enchanting island campsite will share crystal-clear waters with migrating humpback whales and vibrant schools of reef fish. If the rugged experience is too intense, Time + Tide’s Miavana, arguably the epitome of exclusive island luxury, is set to unveil a kiteboarding center in January 2024 and new mainland excursions, such as quad biking through baobab forests, in March 2024, catering to those who seek an adrenaline rush in their paradise retreat.

Crucially, 2024 marks an expansion of access to the Red Island. Masoala Forest Lodge and Madagascar Classic Collection are initiating a new flight circuit connecting remote destinations like Andasibe, Namoroka, and Masoala parks. Additionally, prestigious cruise lines such as Silversea, Lindblad, Swan Hellenic, and Seabourn have chosen to include Madagascar as a port of call on their new voyages.

Mozambique

Go for: epic wildlife restoration, a pristine coastline, standout safaris

Despite facing challenges from recent conflicts and the impact of COVID-19, Mozambique, a Southern African treasure renowned for its 1,500 miles of unspoiled coastline, expansive terrestrial wilderness, and lively Afro-Portuguese culture, is poised for a resurgence in 2024.

The mainland’s recovery is prominently showcased at Gorongosa National Park, where dedicated re-wilding initiatives have led to an impressive over 700 percent surge in large mammal populations from 2008 to 2018. This success not only restores ecological balance but also instills renewed economic optimism in this enchanting land adorned with fever trees and winding rivers. Witness this conservation triumph firsthand at Muzimu Lodge, the park’s inaugural luxury tented camp, set to officially open in 2024. The lodge will introduce a novel walking safari-fly camp experience to Gorongosa Mountain’s summit.

For those with budget constraints or limited time, a journey south to Ponta Membene is recommended. Here, 24 new self-catering chalets are strategically positioned on a coastal dune forest spit, offering a convenient three-hour distance from Maputo. Additionally, the introduction of e-bike coastal safaris, currently in a trial phase, aims to enhance accessibility to the breathtaking Maputo National Park.

For more adventurous travelers, a visit to the Niassa Special Reserve is recommended, where Anderson Expeditions is relaunching a transformative seven-night adventure. This experience involves tracking wildlife on foot, through game drives, and by canoe within a private concession, led by one of the industry’s top guides. This expedition supports the Niassa Carnivore Project’s Mpopo Trails Camp, exemplifying the future of sustainable, community-led tourism.

Anticipated in the near future is the opening of Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira, featuring 40 pool villas with sea views on a private island sanctuary. Activities such as snorkeling with manta rays and indulging in a spa experience from the award-winning brand will be offered, with the official opening date yet to be announced.

North KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Go for: major game lodges off the beaten path

This year introduces several fresh reasons to bypass South Africa’s renowned Kruger National Park and instead explore the picturesque Zululand hills in northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the country’s easternmost province. If you’ve visited before, you might be familiar with &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, home to cheetahs, black rhinos, and pangolins. Following a comprehensive refurbishment, Phinda Forest Lodge, one of the reserve’s six properties, reopens in December 2023, featuring a new family suite and a redesigned pool. In September 2023, Madwaleni River Lodge opened in Babanango Game Reserve, offering a chance to observe elephants from a private deck overlooking the White Umfolozi River, completing the reserve’s Big Five population. The re-wilding of the reserve over the past five years was spearheaded by community trusts that own parts of the reserve.

Anticipated for early 2024, the long-awaited Homestead will welcome guests to Nambiti Private Game Reserve. The 12-suite lodge is equipped with electric vehicles and offers a private butler service. However, with nightly rates starting at $7,500, double that of comparable properties, its value for the cost remains to be seen. For those seeking a luxurious combination of bush and beach, Sala Beach House is the chicest option. Opening in 2022 on Thompson’s Bay, Sala filled a gap in the market for a modern luxury boutique beach hotel on KZN’s appropriately nicknamed Dolphin Coast.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Go for: a watershed moment for exclusive camps in a unique landscape

Move quickly. Go immediately. If you’ve always harbored dreams of exploring Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where seasonal floodwaters magically transform dry sands into a network of glistening channels, now is the time when you have an abundance of options. A surge in demand, combined with a proactive approach to developing community-owned concessions, has resulted in the emergence of numerous new lodges in the world’s largest inland delta.

Consider Sitatunga Private Island or Natural Selection’s North Island Okavango, where a mere three tented suites rest on an island beneath the shade of wild ebony trees. Natural Selection is set to expand its offerings in May 2024 with a new addition: Tawana. Nestled in the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve, this collaboration with the chief of the local Batawana tribe will provide eight thatched suites amidst the grasslands along the perennial Gomoti River. Each accommodation is at least 1,000 square feet in size and features a private plunge pool and terrace.

Water holds immense value in the Delta, and this past year, African Bush Camps (ABC) unveiled the riverside Khwai Lediba. However, our attention is particularly drawn to Atzaro Okavango, scheduled to make its debut in March 2024. It marks the third Icon camp in the Delta for ABC, featuring 10 lagoon-side suites promising remarkable levels of Delta luxury and a profound sense of place through its design (both distinctive traits of the Icon portfolio).

For those seeking adventure, cast your gaze east to the untapped Mababe marshlands and the recently established Wilderness Mokete (opening in mid-2024) for a fresh perspective on under-canvas exploration. Out go plush campaign-style furnishings, in come geometric lines and contemporary decor. Act swiftly, though; Mokete will only stand for two years before being replaced by a newly constructed permanent camp set to open in 2026.

Rwanda

Go for: a historically significant anniversary, gorilla treks, and culinary innovation

In 2024, Rwanda is set to unveil a range of lesser-known adventures, providing ample reasons to enlist a guide, embark on a Land Cruiser journey, and explore the four national parks. Nyungwe National Park, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, celebrated for activities like chimpanzee trekking, cycling, and hiking. The newly established Cyinzobe trail, an exhilarating three-day, 15.5-mile hike, offers stunning vistas of three cascading waterfalls and the Kamiranzovu River. Accommodations, limited to six wooden A-frame cabins, provide an almost exclusive rainforest experience. Days can be spent discovering wild orchids, spotting silver monkeys and gray-cheeked mangabey, and admiring the park’s diverse birdlife, which includes 30 Albertine Rift endemics among its 345 species. For the first time, Kingfisher Journeys invites adventurers to navigate Rwanda’s unexplored white water rivers, featuring 30 intermediate-grade rivers led by expert rafting guides. In November 2023, the Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga introduces luxury houseboat cruising with a three-day voyage on the emerald waters of Lake Kivu, one of the African Great Lakes. The experience includes kayaking, swimming, cycling, hiking, and cultural immersion in local villages on small islands.

At Meza Malonga in Kigali, Chef Dieuveil Malonga, originally from Congo, presents Afro-fusion cuisine inspired by his journeys across 48 African nations. Recognized as a Champion of Change by World’s 50 Best, he is set to inaugurate an expansive innovation lab in Musanze in August. This facility will serve as a training ground for aspiring chefs and provide distinctive accommodations for food enthusiasts. Additionally, Kweza Craft Brewery, Rwanda’s inaugural craft brewery, is now open. Notably, it is entirely owned and operated by women, utilizing 85% locally sourced ingredients, aiming to empower women in a historically female-led craft.

Against the backdrop of Rwanda’s commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Tutsi genocide in 2024, marked by the poignant lighting of the flame of remembrance on April 7 at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, these recent developments underscore the remarkable progress the country has achieved.

Sierra Leone

Go for: ecotourism, glamping, and fantastic birding

Sierra Leone, a small West African nation, has been formulating a fresh tourism-focused vision. The recent introduction of a visa on arrival program has streamlined the entry process, while a newly inaugurated solar-powered airport near the capital, Freetown, has unveiled a state-of-the-art terminal, quintupling its capacity. Anticipated for the upcoming year are additional international flight routes, with initial connections to Nigeria and South Africa.

A particularly noteworthy advancement is Sierra Leone’s initiative to preserve and exhibit its diverse wildlife, offering novel experiences for travelers. Led by the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary near Freetown, the inaugural phase of the country’s first ecotourism circuit is set to debut in 2024 (details available on the Tacugama website). This circuit will feature exclusive accommodations at two pivotal sites: a pair of one-bedroom ecolodges on the southeastern river island of Jaibui, home to the elusive Pygmy Hippo, scheduled to open in spring 2024, followed by tent stays at Loma Mountains National Park. Loma Mountains, housing Mount Bintumani, the tallest peak in West Africa west of Mount Cameroon, boasts a remarkable assortment of rare animal and bird species, including the captivating white-necked rockfowl, referred to as the “avian Holy Grail” by birdwatchers. Construction is slated to commence in 2024 for a world-class research and innovation center at Tacugama, featuring an exhibition hall dedicated to Sierra Leone’s national animal, the chimpanzee.

Several new accommodations along Sierra Leone’s coastline are emerging, providing access to its picturesque shores. The Jethel Garden Eco-Resort, opening in December 2023 near Freetown on Tasso Island, a significant point on the country’s slave trade history route, is one such establishment. Additionally, the Turtle Islands, a previously secluded chain of sandbar islands in the Atlantic, is enhancing its facilities and boat transfers through the Tomatribe project, introducing glamping-style bell tents by early 2024.

Sierra Leone is set to witness more developments in the coming years. The Peninsula City, a collaboration between public and private entities with W Hotels, is constructing a resort and marina city just south of Freetown. Furthermore, Sherbro Island City, a long-term initiative backed by Sierra Leone’s brand ambassador Idris Elba, envisions transforming this tropical island into an “Afro-dynamic eco-city.”

St. Helena

Go for: a rich history, scuba diving, and improved access

Situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, St. Helena, a British overseas territory comparable in size to Walt Disney World Orlando, boasts a population of under 4,500.

Prior to 2017, accessing this volcanic island was limited to a five-day sea voyage from South Africa until the inauguration of commercial flights. Despite a brief interruption due to the pandemic, which concluded in 2022, St. Helena now enjoys more regular departures, with flights departing twice a week from Cape Town during the summer as of November 2024. This enhanced accessibility offers a unique opportunity to experience the remote island ambiance while benefiting from its robust infrastructure, rivaling neighboring Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.

Upon arrival, delve into the rich history of St. Helena. Uninhabited until the Portuguese arrived in 1502, the island underwent Dutch claims before becoming a British territory. Present-day residents, known as Saints, trace their ancestry to Britain, as well as to China, Madagascar, India, and West Africa. Guided tours provide insights into the island’s past, encompassing its enslaved African population and the exile and demise of Napoleon Bonaparte. In the historic capital Jamestown, the Mantis St. Helena stands as the premier hotel on the island.

Beyond historical exploration, St. Helena offers captivating marine encounters. From December to March, whale sharks grace the island’s clear waters, and tour operators like Sub-Tropic Adventures organize excursions for swimming alongside these gentle giants. Snorkelers can spot turtles and devil rays, while scuba enthusiasts have the opportunity to explore various wrecks. On land, hiking trails wind through lush forests and rugged hillsides, often leading to distinctive British red postboxes with accompanying notebooks for leaving comments.