Africa Travel Information

  • Size: 30,000,200 km²
  • Population: 1 million
  • Countries: 54
  • Languages: Very many

Data sources: Countryaah Official Site

Africa is the world’s second largest continent, both in terms of area and population, located on the other side of the Mediterranean. The continent may not be known as a tourist destination, although it is slowly changing. Africa can offer almost everything, sun and bath, safaris, culture, fantastic nature and even winter sports. What attracts the most, however, is the wildlife and nature – lions, elephants, gazelles, zebras, crocodiles, Victoria Falls, the Nile… The list can be made endless.

African Countries

Country Number of foreign visitors per year Tourist income (US dollars)
Algeria 2,039,000 (2016) 243 000 000 (2016)
Angola 397 000 (2016) 628 000 000 (2016)
Benin 267 000 (2016) 148,000,000 (2015)
Botswana 1,528,000 (2015) 1075 000 000 (2016)
Burkina Faso 152,000 (2016) 109,000,000 (2015)
Burundi 187,000 (2016) 1,900,000 (2016)
Central African Republic 120,500 (2015) 15 600 000 (2013)
Comoros 26 800 (2016) 39 300 000 (2012)
Djibouti 63 000 (2013) 33,500,000 (2016)
Egypt 5,258,000 (2016) 3305 000 000 (2016)
Equatorial Guinea 14,000,000 (2001)
Ivory Coast 1,583,000 (2016) 214 000 000 (2015)
Eritrea 142,000 (2016) 48,000,000 (2016)
Ethiopia 871 000 (2016) 2138 000 000 (2016)
Gabon 269 ​​000 (2005) 13,000,000 (2005)
Gambia 161 000 (2016) 120,000,000 (2016)
Ghana 897 000 (2015) 952,000,000 (2016)
Guinea 35,000 (2015) 17,400,000 (2016)
Guinea-Bissau 43 800 (2015) 17,300,000 (2015)
Cameroon 822 000 (2014) 476 000 000 (2015)
Cape Verde 598 000 (2016) 402 000 000 (2016)
Kenya 1,268,000 (2016) 1620 000 000 (2016)
Congo-Brazzaville 224 000 (2016) 57,000,000 (2014)
Congo-Kinshasa 191,000 (2013) 4 300 000 (2016)
Lesotho 1,196,000 (2016) 48,000,000 (2016)
Liberia 46,000,000 (2015)
Libya 34 000 (2008) 170,000,000 (2010)
Madagascar 293 000 (2016) 913 000 000 (2016)
Malawi 849 000 (2016) 43,000,000 (2016)
Mali 173,200 (2016) 186,000,000 (2015)
Morocco 10,332,000 (2016) 7921 000 000 (2016)
Mauritania 30,000 (2000) 33,000,000 (2016)
Mauritius 1,275,000 (2016) 1824 000 000 (2016)
Mozambique 1 639 000 (2016) 114,000,000 (2016)
Namibia 1,469,000 (2016) 378,000,000 (2016)
Niger 152,000 (2016) 80,000,000 (2015)
Nigeria 1 889 000 (2016) 1085 000 000 (2016)
Rwanda 932 000 (2016) 470,000,000 (2016)
São Tomé and Príncipe 29,000 (2016) 69 200 000 (2016)
Senegal 1 006 600 (2015) 481 000 000 (2014)
Seychelles 303,000 (2016) 505,000,000 (2016)
Sierra Leone 55,000 (2016) 37,000,000 (2015)
Somalia
Sudan 741 000 (2015) 1009 000 000 (2016)
Swaziland 947 000 (2016) 13,200,000 (2016)
South Africa 10,044,000 (2016) 8807 000 000 (2016)
South Sudan 23,500,000 (2016)
Tanzania 1,233,000 (2016) 2157 000 000 (2016)
Chad 119 800 (2015) 25,000,000 (2002)
Togo 338 000 (2016) 212,000,000 (2015)
Tunisia 5,724,000 (2016) 1706 000 000 (2016)
Uganda 1 323 000 (2016) 768 000 000 (2016)
Zambia 956,000 (2016) 683 000 000 (2016)
Zimbabwe 2,168,000 (2016) 194,000,000 (2016)

Botswana

  • Capital: Gaborone (ALLCITYCODES.COM)
  • Population: 2.1 million (2014)
  • Currency: Pula
  • Language: English, setswana
  • Country code for phone: +267

Botswana is in many ways a true success story: since independence in 1966, it has gone from being one of Africa’s poorest countries to becoming one of the richer. Tourism to Botswana is mainly centered in the capital Gaborone, where there is much to see and experience for visitors.

Botswana Tourist

Tourist in Botswana

There are a number of nature reserves in Botswana for those who want to see some of Africa’s wildlife in their natural environment, including in Chobe, which has the highest concentration of elephants in all of Africa. For those who want to go on safari, Botswana is definitely a good and exciting choice. Otherwise, tourism activities are concentrated mainly on the capital. Gaborone is essentially a modern city, with good hotels, museums and many other exciting things.

Vaccination in Botswana

Anyone traveling to Botswana is recommended to vaccinate against hepatitis A. Vaccination against yellow fever may be required depending on which country you arrive in Botswana from. Vaccination against hepatitis B and typhoid is recommended for those who stay longer than three weeks. Also remember that medicines for malaria are required if you are to visit the northern part of the country.

Egypt

  • Capital: Cairo
  • Population: 88 million (2015)
  • Currency: Egyptian Pound
  • Language: Arabic
  • Country code for telephone: +20

Egypt is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, which has left behind some of the world’s most famous and impressive monuments – the pyramids and the Sphinx. Egypt has more to offer than “just” its rich history, even those who want to sunbathe and swim can have their needs met in the country today.

Egypt Tourist

Tourist in Egypt

The biggest tourist destination in Egypt is undoubtedly Giza, which is home to the three largest pyramids and the Sphinx. A visit there is almost compulsory for those who visit the country – the wings of history are overwhelming. But Giza is far from alone about impressive historical monuments, but these are in large numbers in Egypt. In Egypt there are also good opportunities for those who want to swim and dive. Among other things, there are a large number of holiday resorts along the Sinai coast.

Vaccination in Egypt

Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended for anyone visiting the country. For longer stays, or if you frequently visit the country, also hepatitis B. Vaccination against typhoid is recommended for those who stay longer than three weeks in the country and eat at simpler eateries. If you have visited certain countries in Africa before, vaccination against yellow fever may be required to obtain an entry permit.

Gambia

  • Capital: Banjul
  • Population: 1.9 million (2013)
  • Currency: Dalasi
  • Language: English, a number of minority languages
  • Country code for telephone: +220

The Gambia in western Africa is one of the continent’s smallest countries, almost completely surrounded by Senegal, with a coastal strip facing the Atlantic in the west. The country Gambia has its name after the Gambia River, which has its flow right through the country. The Gambia is known for its fine beaches.

Tourist in Gambia

The absolute greatest reason for going to Gambia as a tourist is for a truly successful sun and bathing holiday. The country has many nice beaches and high quality hotels, but it is definitely not the only thing that can be done in the country. A river trip along the Gambia River is definitely something that can be an experience. The country also has a very rich bird life, thanks to the river, so Gambia can definitely be something for those who are interested in ornithology.

Vaccination in Gambia

Vaccination against yellow fever and hepatitis A is recommended to anyone traveling to the Gambia, and hepatitis B if staying longer than three weeks or frequently visiting the country. Vaccination against Epidemic meningitis and Typhoid is recommended for those planning to stay longer than three weeks and live close to the locals.

Ghana

  • Capital: Accra
  • Population: 7 million
  • Currency: Ghana cedi
  • Language: English
  • Country code for telephone: +233

Ghana on Africa’s Gold Coast is a semi-undiscovered gem that deserves to be visited by far more tourists than today. The country can offer everything you could want from a holiday: sun and bath, historic buildings, fantastic nature and wildlife and much more.

Ghana Tourist

Tourist in Ghana

What is perhaps most attractive about Ghana is the fantastic beaches and the climate that is just as warm all year round, and certainly there are as good reasons as some to visit the country. But Ghana also has several national parks where you can see some of the amazing animals found in Africa.

Another thing you should take time to see when visiting the country is the various slave fortresses. Maybe not as fun, but an important part of the story, including the Swedish one. Cape Coast Castle is one of the most impressive. It was built by the Dutch but was then taken over by the Swedish African Company which operated it for ten years.

Vaccination in Ghana

Vaccination against yellow fever and hepatitis A is recommended to anyone visiting the country. Vaccination against Epidemic meningitis, cholera and typhoid is recommended if you stay longer than three weeks and live close to the locals and / or the countryside. Vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended for those who stay longer than three weeks or often visit the country.

Cameroon

  • Capital: Yaoundé
  • Population: 22.5 million
  • Currency: CFA franc
  • Languages: French and English
  • Phone code: +237

If you are going to travel to an African country, Cameroon is one of the top candidates. It is sometimes said that the country has everything that Africa has to offer gathered in a single country and there is much truth to it.

Cameroon Tourist

Tourist in Cameroon

For those who want to experience Africa’s amazing wildlife, Cameroon can offer the most, from giraffes, elephants and rhinos to chimpanzees and gorillas. Anyone who wants to experience Cameroon’s amazing wildlife can head to the north of the country. For those who are looking for sun and bath, it is the coast in the south that applies, with two major seaside resorts, Limbe and Kibri. For Swedish travelers, the former is recommended, as the city is English-speaking, in the latter it is French that applies.

Vaccination in Cameroon

Vaccination against yellow fever and hepatitis A is recommended to all travelers. Vaccination against cholera, typhoid and epidemic meningitis is recommended for those who are to stay longer than three weeks in the countryside or in cohabitation with the local population. Malaria is common in the country and it is strongly recommended that you take medicines for it.

Kenya

  • Capital: Nairobi
  • Population: 45 million (2014)
  • Currency: Kenyan shillings
  • Languages: English and Swahili
  • Telephone code: +254

Magnificent scenery, a rich wildlife and not least a warm and welcoming climate. Whether you are looking to see animals and nature, exciting architecture or simply swimming and sunbathing, you can do this in Kenya.

Kenya Tourist

Tourist in Kenya

What first and foremost attracts with Kenya are its national parks where you can see many of the animals for which Africa is famous. Lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras and many others. Anyone who wants to experience a true African safari can do so in Kenya. But there are many other exciting things in the country, not least historical cities such as Mombasa, which for many hundreds of years was a very significant commercial city. Mombasa is located on the coast, and around Ikring there are several nice beaches for those who want to swim and dive.

Vaccination in Kenya

Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended to anyone who goes to Kenya, and for those who visit the eastern parts of the country also yellow fever. Epidemic meningitis and typhoid should be vaccinated against if you stay longer in the country than three weeks and live close to the locals. It is also important to take medicines for malaria.

Comoros

  • Capital: Moroni
  • Population: 800,000 (2010)
  • Currency: Comorian Franc
  • Language: Comorian, French and Arabic
  • Phone code: +269

The Comoros is an archipelago between northern Madagascar and the African mainland. Although the archipelago can offer much of what Swedish tourists want to get out of their holiday, the island is so far no major tourist destination, but it is about an unexplored gem waiting to be discovered.

Comoros Tourist

Tourist in the Comoros

The Comoros have many fine beaches and exciting underwater environments, which makes the island a natural tourist destination both for those who want to sunbathe and swim and those who are interested in more serious diving. There are a number of hotels on the island, but the number of tourists from the west is so far rare. Since the country basically lacks other natural resources, tourism is a possible future path to prosperity for the country.

Vaccination in the Comoros

Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended for anyone visiting the country. The risk of yellow fever is small in the country, but vaccination requirements exist if you have recently visited a country in Africa and South America where there is a risk of the disease. Vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended if you are going to stay longer than three weeks, as well as against cholera and typhoid if you are going to eat simpler food and spend a lot of time with the locals. Medicines for malaria are also important.

Lesotho

  • Capital: Maseru
  • Population: 2.1 million (2009)
  • Currency: Loti
  • Languages: English and Sesotho
  • Country code for telephone: +266

Lesotho is a small country in South Africa – literally. The country has no coast and is surrounded on all sides by South Africa. Tourism there is not so common yet, but the country still has some unique to offer, such as winter sports – something that is not so common in most African countries.

Tourist in Lesotho

For the nature lover there are a number of beautiful nature reserves in Lesotho. It is the country’s nature in general with its many mountains, valleys and waterfalls that is the country’s biggest attraction. Bergen also means that Lesotho is one of the few places in Africa where you can practice winter sports. Lesotho is the land for those who enjoy adventure tourism rather than sunbathing.

Vaccination in Lesotho

A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required if you have recently visited one of the countries where the disease occurs. Otherwise, vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended for anyone visiting the country. Anyone who stays longer than three weeks and stays outside the tourist area.

Madagascar

  • Capital: Antananarivo
  • Population: 22 million (2014)
  • Currency: Ariary
  • Language: Malagasy and French
  • Country code for telephone: +261

The island of Madagascar off the east coast of Africa is the world’s first and surrounded by myths. Although the island can offer most of what one can ask for as a tourist – sun and bath, unique nature and wildlife, historic buildings – Madagascar is in many ways an unexplored jewel.

Tourist in Madagascar

Madagascar has been separated from the African continent for 150 million years and has developed animals and plants that are nowhere else in the world. On the island you can see many very unique plants and animals, while nature is very grand overall. The island’s nature reserves are not the best on the African continent. The island also has a large number of fine beaches and a tropical climate which makes the island suitable for swimming and diving.

Vaccination in Madagascar

A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required if you have recently visited a country where the disease is present. All visitors are also recommended vaccination against hepatitis A. For those who stay longer than three weeks, vaccination against hepatitis B. It is recommended that anyone staying in the countryside and / or eating simpler food and socializing with the locals are also recommended vaccination against cholera and typhoid. Medication for malaria is also recommended.

Mali

  • Capital: Bamako
  • Population: 14.5 million (2009)
  • Currency: CFA franc
  • Language: French
  • Country code for telephone: +223

Mali is home to the historic and mythical city of Timbuktu and in principle the country has a lot to offer tourists. Unfortunately, the country is riddled with conflicts and tourists are advised to mainly stick to the capital Bamako and the country’s southern parts.

Tourist in Mali

One of the most appreciated tourist destinations in Mali is the Parc national du Mali, a large park in the middle of the city with restaurants, animals and much more. The park is well adapted for families with children. Bamako can also offer an excellent museum and several exciting marketplaces.

Another popular tourist destination in Mali is the city of Djenne, known for all its houses and buildings built in clay, including the large mosque which is the world’s largest clay building. But the whole old town of Djenne (which is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list) is fantastic.

Vaccination in Mali

Vaccination against yellow fever is required and vaccination against hepatitis A is strongly recommended. Those who are to stay in the country for more than three weeks and live close to the local population should also vaccinate themselves against epidemic meningitis, cholera and typhoid. In addition, one should also take medicines for malaria.