Africa is home to a vast array of cultures, languages, and extraordinary landscapes – and for US- and UK-based travelers, summer is the best time to experience it all.
That is why we’ve compiled a list of the best African countries to visit in summer.
Coinciding with the cooler African winter, there won’t be any stifling heat – so you can see the soaring sand dunes of Namibia, the ancient temples of Egypt, or the rich nature reserves of South Africa, without worrying about sunburn or sweat-drenched t-shirts.
Paired with a small-group adventure or even a solo trip, here’s our round-up of the best African countries to visit in summer.
- Egypt for luxury cruises and historic temples
- Namibia offers beautiful desert scenery
- South Africa, for Garden Route activities and safaris
- To see the Big Five and learn about indigenous cultures, visit Kenya
- Mountain gorilla viewing in Rwanda and Uganda
1. Egypt for luxury cruises and historic temples
Due to its natural and cultural attractions, Egypt has captured the hearts of tourists and archaeologists for ages and continues to astound us.
As long as you’re ready to deal with the heat, visiting in the summer will allow you to avoid the dense throngs of peak tourist season.
You’ll see the Great Pyramid and Sphinx of Giza, discover the Valley of the Kings, and visit Hatshepsut Temple, a striking memorial to one of the first female pharaohs.
You’ll also discover the overlooked architectural wonders of Cairo’s historic center while taking a luxurious cruise down the Nile and learning intriguing details about rural Egyptian life.
With all these adventures and more, Egypt definitely makes up for one of the best African countries to visit in summer.
Also read: 10 Fascinating Historical Sites in Africa
2. Namibia offers beautiful desert scenery
Namibia is a land of extreme contrasts, with everything from rough granite mountains to crashing waves and sandy plains.
It is a haven for everyone who loves the wilderness. You will paddle down the Orange River, hike through the Namibia Desert, and go on an African safari adventure in Etosha National Park.
The park is not just one of the best sites in the world for observing wildlife, but it also boasts a salt pan that is so big that it can be seen from space.
Summer is an excellent time to visit because of the lush vegetation brought on by the heavy rains.
3. South Africa, for Garden Route activities and safaris
South Africa is one of the must-visit nations on the continent because of its modern cities, diverse landscapes, and plethora of animals.
In South Africa, the temperature is milder and drier because winter in the northern hemisphere is summer there.
You will climb Table Mountain in Cape Town, partake in wine tasting in Stellenbosch, and travel along the magnificent Garden Route before arriving at Amakhala Game Reserve, where you will have the chance to see the Big Five in the wild while staying in a posh safari lodge.
4. To see the Big Five and learn about indigenous cultures, visit Kenya
With its variety of woods and grassy plains, filled with wildlife, Kenya deserves serious consideration if you’re looking for the best African safari experience.
Starting in Nairobi, you’ll journey into the mountains of the Aberdare National Park for a series of game drives.
Before learning about the Maasai way of life in the Loita Hills and continuing to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of the best sites in Africa to see the Big Five, keep a look out for rhinos and leopards in especially at Lake Nakuru.
Due to the cooler, drier weather and the fact that it corresponds with the annual wildebeest migration, June through to October is the best time of year for game drives.
5. Mountain gorilla viewing in Rwanda and Uganda
There are just three places in the world where you can view wild mountain gorillas, and two of those places are Rwanda and Uganda.
Why not take a trip to Africa this summer for the opportunity to interact in person with these amazing creatures?
In addition to trekking through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest over the course of this six-day journey, you’ll spend three nights at the Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, where you’ll have breathtaking views of the forest’s canopy.
This tour will offer more than just a wildlife adventure; it will also offer a moving look into Rwanda’s tragic past and tragic history.
You can’t afford to miss out on this adventurous experience, why not book your trip to one of the best African countries to visit in summer.
Trust us, you would be glad you did so.
