Africa

Africa is the cradle of humanity, a land where our ancestors have evolved and blossomed hundreds of different cultures and lifestyles. A place where wildlife is still grooming through unique and diverse landscapes, where mysteries are still alive, and traditions well kept. Many reasons to Slow Travel in Africa.

Between the infinite Serengeti plains, the dense rainforests of the Congo, the peaks of the Atlas Mountains, or the magnificent dunes of the Sahara, every corner of Africa is an open door to Slow Travel and adventure. It offers a new mystery, a new story, where the wild heart of nature beats strong and untamed.

Let yourself be absorbed and immersed in local communities that cherish their heritage and welcome visitors with open arms and warm smiles. Whether the Maasai in the East, the Berbers in the North, or the Zulu in the South, travelling slowly in Africa is to connect with the earth and its peoples in the most profound way possible.

Africa is the cradle of humanity, a land where hundreds of different cultures and lifestyles have blossomed. A place where wildlife is still grooming through unique and diverse landscapes, where mysteries are still alive, and traditions well kept. Many reasons to Slow Travel in Africa.

Every corner of Africa is an open door to Slow Travel and adventure. It offers a new mystery, a new story, where the wild heart of nature beats strong and untamed.

Whether the Maasai in the East, the Berbers in the North, or the Zulu in the South, travelling slowly in Africa is to connect with the earth and its peoples in the most profound way possible.

Best Slow Travel Destinations in Africa

When to visit Africa

Northern Africa

Include: Mauritania, Western Sahara, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan

Best Months: October to May

Why: This part of the African continent is packed with Berbers and Arabs centuries of history, leaving a rich cultural background to explore. Whether you want to wander into its different cities, witness the landscapes’ beauty and diversity, or try the delicious cuisine, there is something for your taste.

Most of those countries have a big part of their territory in or at the border of the Sahara desert, so it is essential to know when to travel to Northern Africa. The best months to travel are usually from October to April before it gets too hot. However, if you want to explore the mountains, such as the Atlas or the upper coast from Morocco to Tunisia, you can extend this period to June. Be careful of the snow and rainy weather in these regions from November to March.

Include: Mauritania, Western Sahara, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan

Best Months: October to May

Why: This part of the African continent is packed with Berbers and Arabs centuries of history, leaving a rich cultural background to explore.
Whether you want to wander into its different cities, witness the landscapes’ beauty and diversity, or try the delicious cuisine, there is something for your taste.

Most of those countries have a big part of their territory in or at the border of the Sahara desert, so it is essential to know when to travel to Northern Africa.
The best months to travel are usually from October to April before it gets too hot. However, if you want to explore the mountains, such as the Atlas or the upper coast from Morocco to Tunisia, you can extend this period to June.
Be careful of the snow and rainy weather in these regions from November to March

Northern Africa’s islands

Canary Islands

Best Months: January to May and September to November.

Why: Although known as “Islands of Eternal Spring,” visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn provides several advantages. During these months, temperatures are pleasantly warm, averaging between 20°C and 25°C, ideal for outdoor activities.
Additionally, these periods see fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. The landscapes are particularly vibrant in spring, with blooming flora all around.

Best Months: January to May and September to November.

Why: Although known as “Islands of Eternal Spring,” visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn provides several advantages.
During these months, temperatures are pleasantly warm, averaging between 20°C and 25°C, ideal for outdoor activities.

Additionally, these periods see fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. The landscapes are particularly vibrant in spring, with blooming flora all around.

Azores

Best Months: May to October.

Why: The Azores archipelago experiences its warmest and driest weather during the summer months. From May to October, temperatures range from 17°C to 26°C, offering comfortable conditions for outdoor hobbies. The sea temperatures are also more inviting during these months, enhancing the overall experience.

Best Months: May to October.

Why: The Azores archipelago experiences its warmest and driest weather during the summer months. From May to October, temperatures range from 17°C to 26°C, offering comfortable conditions for outdoor hobbies.
The sea temperatures are also more inviting during these months, enhancing the overall experience.

Madeira

Best Months: April to October

Why: Madeira offers a pleasant climate throughout the year. However, the months from April to October are particularly favourable for visitors. During this time, temperatures swing between 19°C and 26°C. Be aware that summer is especially popular with the holidays (from July to August), while the spring and autumn months provide a more tranquil atmosphere.

Best Months: April to October

Why: Madeira offers a pleasant climate throughout the year. However, the months from April to October are particularly favourable for visitors. During this time, temperatures swing between 19°C and 26°C.

Be aware that summer is especially popular with the holidays (from July to August), while the spring and autumn months provide a more tranquil atmosphere.

Eastern Africa

Include: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Réunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Best Months: end of May to October

Why: This period corresponds to the dry season with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. Wildlife gathers around water sources, enhancing game-viewing experiences in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. Additionally, the risk of malaria is lower during these months due to the reduced mosquito activity.

Include: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Réunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Best Months: end of May to October

Why: This period corresponds to the dry season with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. Wildlife gathers around water sources, enhancing game-viewing experiences in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Additionally, the risk of malaria is lower during these months due to the reduced mosquito activity.

Central Africa

Include: Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon

Best Months: November to February

Why: Central Africa experiences its dry season during these months, providing more manageable travel conditions. Roads become more accessible, and the dense rainforests are less challenging to navigate. Wildlife sightseeing is more frequent and easier during this period, particularly for primates like gorillas in Gabon and Congo. The reduced humidity makes for a more comfortable journey through the region’s luxurious landscapes.

Include: Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon

Best Months: November to February

Why: Central Africa experiences its dry season during these months, providing more manageable travel conditions. Roads become more accessible, and the dense rainforests are less challenging to navigate.

Wildlife sightseeing is more frequent and easier during this period, particularly for primates like gorillas in Gabon and Congo. The reduced humidity makes for a more comfortable journey through the region’s luxurious landscapes.

Western Africa

Include: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Mauritania, Senegal, Togo

Best Months: November to March

Why: This timeframe falls within the dry season for West Africa. Travellers can expect lower humidity and minimal rainfall, creating favourable conditions for exploring the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
In countries like Senegal and Gambia, bird watching is particularly rewarding during these months due to migratory patterns. The winds blowing from the Sahara bring cooler temperatures.

Include: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Mauritania, Senegal, Togo

Best Months: November to March

Why: This timeframe falls within the dry season for West Africa. Travellers can expect lower humidity and minimal rainfall, creating favourable conditions for exploring the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

In countries like Senegal and Gambia, bird watching is particularly rewarding during these months due to migratory patterns. The winds blowing from the Sahara bring cooler temperatures.

Southern Africa

Include: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa

Best Months: April to September

Why: These months are the dry winter season in Southern Africa. Clear skies, mild daytime temperatures, and chilly nights define the climate. Vegetation thins out, making it easier to spot wildlife in natural reserves and national parks such as Botswana’s Okavango Delta and South Africa’s Kruger National Park. In Namibia, the cooler temperatures are ideal for exploring the desert landscapes without the intense heat experienced during other times of the year.

Include: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa

Best Months: April to September

Why: These months are the dry winter season in Southern Africa. Clear skies, mild daytime temperatures, and chilly nights define the climate.

Vegetation thins out, making it easier to spot wildlife in natural reserves and national parks such as Botswana’s Okavango Delta and South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
In Namibia, the cooler temperatures are ideal for exploring the desert landscapes without the intense heat experienced during other times of the year.

Why should you Slow Travel in Africa?

Slow travel in Africa offers a unique opportunity to connect with and understand what makes this continent unique. Often overlooked or clouded by stereotypes, Africa’s diverse cultures and stunning landscapes invite deeper exploration.

Local transportation options abound, making it easy to explore at a slower pace, whether within a destination or across borders. Recently, cycling has gained popularity as an exciting and sustainable way to traverse Africa, offering an up-close connection to its people and places.

Slow travel in Africa will open doors to unforgettable encounters and experiences. Dive into this African travel guide and create unforgettable experiences, uncovering the mysteries of this extraordinary continent.

The Best Slow Travel Guide and Destinations in Africa

- Morocco -

The Backpacker StarterPack

Chapter 1: How to know what kind of traveller I am?
Chapter 2: How to create the perfect packing list?
Chapter 3: How to find the best travel insurance?
Chapter 4: How to Budget like a Pro?
Chapter 5: How to find your perfect accommodation?
Chapter 6: How to move in a foreign country?
Chapter 7: How to Stay Safe while travelling?
Chapter 8: How to become a Slow Traveller?

Slow Travel in Africa FAQ

What Are the Best African Countries for First-Time Slow Travelers?

South Africa: With its developed infrastructure, diverse attractions, and relatively high safety standards except in the capital, considered by many as highly dangerous, South Africa is often recommended for first-time visitors.
Kenya, Tanzania or Namibia: Known for its iconic wildlife and established tourism sector, Kenya offers a blend of adventure and comfort suitable for novices.
Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria: The closest countries to Europe allow a rich first travel experience in Africa. However, be aware that the culture and lifestyle in this part of Africa differs a lot from the one in the Sub-Saharan territories.

South Africa: With its developed infrastructure, diverse attractions, and relatively high safety standards except in the capital, considered by many as highly dangerous, South Africa is often recommended for first-time visitors.

Kenya, Tanzania or Namibia: Known for its iconic wildlife and established tourism sector, Kenya offers a blend of adventure and comfort suitable for novices.

Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria: The closest countries to Europe allow a rich first travel experience in Africa.
However, be aware that the culture and lifestyle in this part of Africa differs a lot from the one in the Sub-Saharan territories.

How Expensive Is It to Slow Travel in Africa?

Travel costs in Africa vary widely based on the region and travel style. However, you could find precious insights in this website: budgetyourtrip.com.

Is It Safe for Solo Travelers to Explore Africa Slowly?

Safety is a common concern, but many travellers have successfully and safely navigated Africa solo as long as they stay informed and cautious.

What are the Transportation Options for Slow Travel in Africa?

Several local transportation can be used across the continent. If you are feeling extra adventurous, curious, or need to save money, you can also check the different Slow Travel transportations.

Public Transport: Buses and minibuses are common and cheaper but may lack punctuality and comfort.
Self-Driving: Renting a vehicle offers flexibility, especially in countries with good road networks like South Africa and Namibia.
Train: Some countries have a well-developed rail network making all the destinations accessible such as the ONCF in Morocco