10+ Most Underrated Countries In Africa Everyone Must Visit
Africa is popular for its magical safaris, wildlife, and beautiful islands just to mention a few attractions. When thinking about a trip to Africa, only a handful of countries come to mind. Some of the most popular African destinations include Mauritius, Zanzibar, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco. But did you know some of the most beautiful sights you will experience are hidden in the most underrated countries in Africa?
In this post we’ll look into the 10 most underrated countries in Africa everyone must visit. If you haven’t already visited, then add them to your 2023 travel bucket list.
Let’s dive right into it!
The Gambia
The smallest country on the African mainland with a smile shape gives the country its name the smiling coast of Africa. Located in West Africa the Gambia has a very short coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. Its narrow shape extends into the mainland surrounding the Gambia River and is bordered by Senegal in its entirety.
Despite the small coastline, Gambia is home to beautiful beaches, hotels, and resorts. The spectacular shoreline attracts different water sports lovers. Whether you are into surfing, skiing, wakeboarding or simply want to enjoy a boat ride, The Gambia has it all.
The country is rich in history, culture, amazing people, a diverse ecosystem, and a wide variety of bird species. Traveling further from the coastline, enjoy a west African safari, bird watching, or visit James Island. A World Heritage site by UNESCO, James Island has a lot of history to learn about the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Namibia
Home to the oldest desert in the world, Namibia has a diverse landscape to explore. Located in Southern Africa, Namibia is an adventure traveler’s dream destination. Great country for offroading, road trips, and star gazing with beautiful hotels.
Marvel at the beautiful red sand dunes of the Namid desert meeting the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the most photographed and tallest sand dunes in the world located in Sossusvlei. Go on an offroad safari, or take a road trip across Namibia. Watch the sunrise on top of the tallest dunes.
In addition, Namibia has beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean greatly contrasting the desert. A wide variety of lakes with diverse ecosystems. A must-visit is the pink salt lake in Walvis Bay.
Enjoy some of the juiciest beef you’ll ever have among other tasty local delicacies. More reasons to visit, Namibia is a very peaceful county, with friendly people.
Seychelles
A magical paradise located off the East African coast. The archipelago of Seychelles has over 110 islands you can visit. Most tourists limit their visit to only 3 of the most popular islands (Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue).
Each island has a lot to offer and to see. There are many ideal islands for a day trip exploration. While accommodation is high on some islands, you can easily find affordable options on the nearby islands. Don’t limit yourself to only one or two islands when you can explore as many as you would like.
Some of the most underrated islands include St Pierre Island great for snorkeling and exploration, Cosmoledo Atoll, Felicite Island, Desroches Island great for scuba diving, and Denis Island a romantic destination.
Seychelles is not only home to some of the picture-perfect beaches in the world but also diverse in its ecosystem. Has a diverse cuisine, amazing tropical weather, and very friendly people.
Madagascar
The fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar is located on the southeast African coast. Popular among animation lovers and young generations thanks to the series of animations featuring King Julien (a lemur).
Madagascar is rich in biodiversity, and history, and is home to many animal and plant species only found on the island. One endemic species are the lemurs which have evolved over the years into different species and continues to flourish in Madagascar.
Besides the rich biodiversity, Madagascar has very beautiful beaches with pristine blue waters. Accessible all around the island and probably the most underrated and least visited beaches in Africa.
The island of Madagascar is also home to the mighty baobab trees. The natural baobab tree streets are picture-perfect sites and ideal for an evening stroll. The Baobab seeds are used to make homemade candy (Mabuyu) popular snack on the Kenyan coast.
Sao Tome and Principe
Africa’s second-smallest country is made up of two Islands Sao Tome (mainland located south) and Principe on the north. The country is situated off the central African coast.
Another underrated and least visited country in the world receives about 29,000 tourists per year. The beautiful country has pristine beaches, sandy white beaches, rich in biodiversity, endless hiking trails, and a bird-watching paradise. Don’t forget the unusually straight rock mountain offering spectacular views as you drive across the country.
Looking to escape from crowded tourist destinations, then this country should be on top of your list. The entire country is so green it makes you feel like you are in a Jurassic park. A perfect place to unwind, reflect and refresh from nature’s best. A simple road trip across the country is guaranteed to leave you feeling rejuvenated.
While beaches on both islands are beautiful, if you are looking for a more intimate experience and less crowded beaches then you should visit Principe.
Cape Verde
Located off the west African coast, the archipelago of Cape Verde has so much to offer. From crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, pristine beaches, amazing food, hiking trails, sand dunes and so much more.
Cape Verde is one destination you can experience it all. Whether you are into adventure travel, a beach lover, a road trip lover, into carnivals, or simply want to explore the waters, you will experience it all here.
Malawi
A landlocked country in Southeastern Africa is an adventure traveler’s ideal destination. Home to the third-largest lake in Africa, Lake Malawi. Mount Mulanje the highest point in the country is great for hiking, trekking, and rock climbing.
The country has a diverse wildlife population best seen on a safari. Lake Malawi’s marine ecosystem is also very diverse in different fish species. While there may not be any beaches to explore, the lake is a popular snorkeling spot, and the beautiful shores are perfect for sunbathing.
Malawi is a very peaceful country, ideal for solo travelers. The people are so friendly and the cuisine is delicious.
Uganda
Another landlocked country in East Africa is also known as the Pearl of Africa. Uganda has a beautiful green landscape to explore. Perfect for nature trails, hiking, safaris, and water rafting in the majestic Nile river.
Most tourists visit the capital city Kampala and often get disappointed. This is because that’s not the attraction in Uganda. There is nothing much to see in the capital and it’s very crowded.
To experience the true beauty of Uganda, you have to travel out of the capital. Here you will find some of the most beautiful resorts looking into nature. Perfect to relax and unwind as you listen to the birds singing, waterfalls, and the sounds of the wind.
Besides the breathtaking nature, amazing people, and diverse cuisine, you must try the pineapples in Uganda. Spoiler alert: No other pineapple in the world will ever be as sweet enough. 🙂
Eritrea
A country located in the Horn of Africa bordering Ethiopia to the south, Sudan to the north, and Djibouti to the southeast. Eastern parts of Eritrea have an extensive beach along the Red Sea.
This lesser-known country has a rich Italian history evident in the capital Asmara. From the food, and architecture to the cars, the city of Asmara reminds you of a small town in Italy.
Enjoy some gelato, and mouth-watering spaghetti, among other local dishes. The population is diverse with about 9 ethnic groups. While interacting with the locals you will notice the different languages spoken. English is quite popular in the city and if you only speak Italian, a big population of the older generation also speaks fluent Italian.
Ethiopia
A landlocked country in eastern Africa diverse in culture and has one of the most beautiful landscapes in Africa.
It’s also the oldest independent country in Africa. It’s also the only country in the world that uses a 13-month calendar.
Far from dates, Ethiopia is a history lovers’ dream destination. Here you will learn about evolution history, and different tribes found in the Omo valley, explore extensive highlands and volcanos as well as marvel at the large salt flats located in one of the hottest regions of Ethiopia.
The country has a diverse cuisine, different cultures, and amazing and beautiful people.
