In this article, we take a look at the most underrated cities in Africa to visit in 2024. You may skip our detailed analysis of tourism in Africa and proceed directly to the Most Underrated City in Africa to Visit in 2024.
Africa Unveiled: Exploring the Untapped Potential of a Continent’s Tourism
In the vast tapestry of global tourism, the beauty of Africa remains an underutilized speck. UNWTO reports that as of 2023, international tourist arrivals in Africa accounted for just 5.1% of the worldwide volume. This comes even though tourism in Africa swiftly recovered to 96% of pre-pandemic volumes in 2023, with only the Middle East having a better recovery. Yet, much like a pearl that remains concealed behind an uncomely shell, the vast savannahs and bustling cities of Africa remain overlooked due to factors such as a lack of digital infrastructure, safety concerns, and other socio-political reasons.
According to Euromonitor International, online sales account for nearly 50% of global travel sales, however, in Middle East & Africa, this figure is closer to 30%. Similarly, data from Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE: MA) shows that the percentage of individuals who make or receive digital payments in Sub-Saharan Africa remains 15% lower than the global average. Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE: MA) reveals that this is despite the fact that more individuals in the region are making digital payments than ever before.
A lack of digital infrastructure massively undermines tourism in Africa and based on trends shared by Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HLT), it may prove even more detrimental in the coming summer. According to Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HLT), 80% of modern-day travelers feel it’s important to be able to book their trip entirely online.
Moreover, in a survey of travel providers in South Africa, Flywire Corporation (NASDAQ: FLYW) reported that travel providers now believe that having better AI and digital tools is essential for sustaining tourism. According to Flywire Corporation (NASDAQ: FLYW), 82% of providers revealed that their customers have been asking for more digital amenities or tools. In addition, Flywire Corporation (NASDAQ: FLYW) reports that digital payment tools are the ones that providers consider most crucial to improving customer satisfaction.
However, on a positive note, the 2024 travel trends report by Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE: MA) shows that between 2019 and 2024, the percentage of tourism cash volumes (cash carried as a percentage of total travel spending) reduced by 10% in Sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, a rise in demand for authentic and immersive vacations may also prove beneficial for growth in African tourism. More and more tourists are now ditching conventional hotspots in search of meaningful travel experiences, as part of a trend called experiential travel.
“Even with ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, travel demand has remained strong as consumers continue to prioritize the value of experiences and connections over things.”
– Kevin Jacobs, CFO & President, Global Development, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HLT)
As tourists scour the remote reaches of the world in search of destination dupes, the rugged and untapped beauty of Africa has incredible potential to steal the show. Recently, several African nations have made major strides to uplift tourism in their respective countries. South Africa has offered visa waivers on 90-day stays to almost 132 countries, including 32 in Africa. Similarly, Angola expanded its visa exemptions list to 98 countries in December. Other nations such as Rwanda, Gambia, Benin, and Seychelles have all waived visa restrictions for African tourists.
While some destinations such as Cape Town and Cairo already host a fair share of international tourists each year, some of the most beautiful places in Africa continue to be ignored. If you’re unfamiliar with the Mother Continent’s best tourist spots, you might be wondering about the best place to visit in Africa for first timers, or perhaps the safest place to visit in Africa. If so, join us as we look at the most underrated cities in Africa to visit in 2024. Alternatively, you may be interested in similarly visit-worthy destinations in Asia or Europe.
20 Most Underrated Cities in Africa to Visit in 2024
Methodology
To develop our list of the most underrated cities in Africa to visit in 2024, we began by combing the internet for preexisting information in this area. Using notable sources such as our list of Cheapest Cities to Visit in Africa, CN Traveler, and The Travel, we developed a preliminary list of the most underrated cities in Africa to visit in 2024. Using a consensus approach, we shortlisted the places that had been recommended most frequently, and this score became our first metric.
Once this list was obtained, the second metric we used was a ranking factor based on factors such as safety, online reviews for popular attractions, as well as other useful feedback on forums such as Reddit to assign each city a score out of 1. Each city’s score was then accumulated across both metrics to develop our final list of the most underrated cities in Africa to visit in 2024. The list was sorted in descending order, with the top 20 items being selected as the most underrated cities in Africa to visit in 2024.
By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.
Here are the 20 Most Underrated Cities in Africa to Visit in 2024.
20. Felicite Island, Seychelles
Insider Monkey Score: 2.2
US Travel Advisory for Country: Level 1
Although Seychelles itself receives plenty of vacationers each year, most of these choose to stay in Mahe, Praslin, or La Digue. However, for a truly remarkable luxury vacation, you may visit Felicite Island. Despite being one of the most expensive destinations on the continent, it is one of the most beautiful places in Africa.
19. Mfuwe, Zambia
Insider Monkey Score: 2.3
US Travel Advisory for Country: Level 1
Mfuwe itself may be a bland experience, however, it is one of the most underrated cities in Africa to visit in 2024 if you’re a wildlife enthusiast. It is the gateway to the South Luangwa National Park, one of the most bio-diverse safaris in the world.
18. Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
Insider Monkey Score: 3.4
US Travel Advisory for Country: Level 2
Brazzaville is known as the Music Capital of Africa and in addition to being artistically vibrant, it is one of the most underrated cities in Africa to visit in 2024. In 2023, it was designated as a City of Music by UNESCO. Vacationers can engross themselves in any of the many concerts, music festivals, and musical shows the city offers, soaking up the city’s rich culture in the process.
17. Arusha, Tanzania
Insider Monkey Score: 3.7
US Travel Advisory for Country: Level 2
Arusha is the best place to visit if you’re looking for a safari adventure. It offers access to parks such as the Tarangire National Park which has one of the largest concentrations of elephants in the world. Moreover, the Serengeti National Park, which features the Great Migration each year, is accessible by a 6-hour drive or a short flight.
16. Accra, Ghana
Insider Monkey Score: 4.3
US Travel Advisory for Country: Level 2
The capital city of Ghana is one of the most underrated cities in Africa to visit in 2024. The city boasts a rich history, courtesy of its colonial past, and has transformed into one of the most vibrant cities on the continent. For foodies, the city offers the most exotic culinary experiences, while others might enjoy reveling in its incredible nightclubs. The US Travel Advisory recommends LGBTQI+ tourists take increased precautions when traveling to Ghana.
15. Luanda, Angola
Insider Monkey Score: 4.5
US Travel Advisory for Country: Level 2
If you’re looking to gain insight into Africa’s slave history, Luanda is one of the most underrated cities in Africa to visit in 2024. Angola was one of the first countries to experience the colonial slave trade, and the National Museum of Slavery provides a perspective of this iniquity.
14. Fez, Morocco
Insider Monkey Score: 4.7
US Travel Advisory for Country: Level 2
Fez is considered the cultural capital of Morocco and is one of the most underrated cities in Africa to visit in 2024. The walled city has managed to retain its medieval charm to this day, and traversing through the alleys or visiting mosques in the Medina is one of the most authentic ways to vacation in Africa.
13. Lilongwe, Malawi
Insider Monkey Score: 5.4
US Travel Advisory for Country: Level 2
The capital of Malawi, Lilongwe is famous for offering immersive nightlife and cultural activities. Moreover, adventure lovers can take a cab to Lake Malawi National Park, the world’s first freshwater national park.
12. Antsalova, Madagascar
Insider Monkey Score: 5.5
US Travel Advisory for Country: Level 2
Antsalova is best known for the Tsingy De Bemaraha, also known as the Forest of Limestone Needles. Apart from its unique and jagged limestone formations, the forest is home to many unique animals, such as lemurs, falanouc, the endangered Madagascar fish eagle, and crested ibis.
11. Maun, Botswana
Insider Monkey Score: 5.6
US Travel Advisory for Country: Level 2
Maun is regarded as the tourism capital of Botswana. The city is the access point for the Okavango Delta and the Moremi Game Reserve, one of the best places to visit in Africa for safari adventures. Wildlife enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to view animals such as elephants, hippos, wildebeests, giraffes, hyenas, baboons, and rhinos.
10. Freetown, Sierra Leone
Insider Monkey Score: 6.4
US Travel Advisory for Country: Level 2
If you’re wondering which country in Africa is the best to visit for eco-tourism, the answer may be Sierra Leone. The country has 31 protected areas which are home to very diverse wildlife, with animals such as Pygmy Hippos, Hooded Vultures, endangered Jentinks Duikers, and much more. The capital city of Freetown has developed considerably in recent times and offers access to the country’s incredible tourist spots.
9. Vilankulo, Mozambique
Insider Monkey Score: 6.6
US Travel Advisory for Country: Level 2
Vilankulo is a coastal town that provides tourists with the opportunity to visit the Bazaruto Archipelago. These islands are the perfect destination for a tropical vacation, featuring pristine beaches, azure oceanic waters, and incredibly diverse marine life. The waters are home to one of the largest surviving populations of dugongs, as well as manta rays, dolphins, sharks, and whales.
8. Lamu, Kenya
Insider Monkey Score: 6.7
US Travel Advisory for Country: Level 2
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds at Nairobi and Masai Mara, Lamu offers a one-of-a-kind reclusive vacation. Located in the Lamu Archipelago, the town has managed to retain its Swahili culture and offers an authentic vacation, with most buildings made of stone & timber and no cars being allowed into the island, making it an extremely underrated African city to visit in 2024.
7. Kigali, Rwanda
Insider Monkey Score: 6.9
US Travel Advisory for Country: Level 1
A few decades ago, Rwanda was the site of some of the most gruesome acts of genocide in history. However, the country has emerged from its blood-curdling past and its capital city Kigali is now one of the most underrated cities in Africa to visit in 2024. Apart from its lively nightlife and delectable culinary scene, it features several landmarks that offer a glimpse into the country’s history, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
6. Port Louis, Mauritius
Insider Monkey Score: 7.9
US Travel Advisory for Country: Level 1
Mauritius is one of the friendliest and safest countries to visit in Africa. The town of Port Louis is famous for its French colonial architecture and historical sites. Port Louis also offers access to some of the country’s best beaches and forests where vacationers can swim among corals or trek their way to natural waterfalls.
5. Durban, South Africa
Insider Monkey Score: 8.7
US Travel Advisory for Country: Level 2
Durban is a beach city located in the KwaZulu-Natal province. The city is considered a cultural melting pot due to its Indian, African, and colonial influences. The city has one of the largest populations of Indian residents outside of India. Apart from cultural landmarks such as the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple and Phansi Museum, Durban is also a gateway to several nature reserves. The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is a world heritage site with one of the richest collections of San rock paintings in Africa while the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is home to the endangered White Rhinos.
4. Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt
Insider Monkey Score: 9.4
US Travel Advisory for Country: Level 3
Sharm-el-Sheikh is a resort town located on the coast of the Red Sea. The town is home to several luxury resorts, white sandy beaches, and nightclubs, making it the perfect place for a beach vacation. Moreover, it is located close to the Ras Mohammed Nature Reserve, regarded as one of the best diving spots in Africa due to its rich array of marine life. Although the US travel advisory for Egypt discourages traveling to the Sinai Peninsula, it grants an exception to Sharm-el-Sheikh provided that you travel by air.
3. Essaouira, Morocco
Insider Monkey Score: 9.7
US Travel Advisory for Country: Level 2
Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike other beachfront cities, Essaouira’s prime attraction is its historical medina. Constructed in the 18th century, this walled town is one of the most impressive examples of contemporary European military architecture. Apart from wandering through the narrow stone streets or enjoying the beautiful vistas from the city’s ramparts, tourists can also visit the beach or nearby countryside for adventure and exploration.
2. Swakopmund, Namibia
Insider Monkey Score: 10.7
US Travel Advisory for Country: Level 2
Swakopmund is a coastal city in western Namibia. Apart from its German architectural and cultural flavor, the city is a gateway to multiple adventure destinations such as the Namib Desert and Damaraland. The barren desert landscape of Damaraland is home to various mammals including elephants, zebras, and critically endangered white rhinos. At Damaraland, you will find Brandberg, Namibia’s tallest mountain, with the famous White Lady rock art as well as approximately 45,000 other paintings.
Check out the #1 Most Underrated City to Visit in Africa in 2024.
