Renowned International Tourist Agency, Bradt Guides Ranks Uganda Top Destination for 2024

By Business Insider

Despite its enormous tourist potential, numerous African regions remain uncharted gems waiting to be found. In recent years, however, there has been a rising awareness of the benefits of visiting African nations, both for visitors seeking new experiences and for the local populations who welcome them with open arms. Of these destinations, some stand out brilliantly as the best African countries to visit.

One of the most significant advantages of visiting African countries is immersing oneself in a tapestry of cultures. Africa is home to thousands of ethnic groups, each with its own unique traditions, languages, music, and cuisine.

While there are dozens of destinations in Africa, from the intricate beadwork of Maasai tribes in East Africa to the beautiful peaks of the Egyptian pyramids, the UK’s Bradt Guides recently ranked the best African countries to visit.

Founded in 1947, Bradt Guides is a leading traveling guides publisher, and its 2024 list contains 15 countries globally that are the very best to visit.

Among these 15 countries are 3 African countries, all of which are situated in the sub-continent of East Africa.

With that said, here are Bradt Guide’s top destinations to visit in Africa.

Uganda

Some of the reasons to visit this East African tourism haven, according to Bradt Guides include its Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas, offering a rare chance for intimate encounters.

Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge, creating a surging cascade.

The Rwenzori Mountains’ snow-capped peaks, ideal for trekking adventures.

And the Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can go on the safari to see lions, elephants, and even unique tree-climbing lions in Ishasha.

Madagascar

The Island nation of Madagascar stands as the world's fourth-largest island, and is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, indigenous flora and wildlife, and beautiful beaches. It has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a 4,800-kilometer coastline, including the world's third-largest reef.

A few reasons to visit this island nation include its surreal limestone formations of the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park.

It is the only place on the planet where lemurs seven species of Baobab trees and a vast array of color-changing chameleons, are found.

Madagascar has an estimated 70% of the 250,000 species of plants and birds, that exist nowhere else on the planet.
Furthermore, the Malagasy people practice some of the most diversified customs. A combination of African, Arab, and Indonesian influences resulted in 18 distinct ethnic groups, each with its unique culture and customs.

Zanzibar

The Zanzibar archipelago off Africa's east coast is already classified as one of Bradt's top winter sun locations for 2024.

Its alluring combination of pristine white beaches, marine adventures, wildlife, and culture is the reason this nation made this list.

Sauti za Busara, one of East Africa's largest music festivals, takes place in February in the capital, Stone Town. It is located in the Old Fort and features all forms of African music, including Tanzanian pop and hip-hop as well as traditional Taarab.

For a beach to bush adventure, Zanzibar is the gateway to Tanzania's mainland. A stay here is ideal for visiting the Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari areas, as well as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

You are also treated to sights of some of the world's most unique species and beautiful sceneries.