The African continent has long been a hotspot for travellers. But experts also consider Africa as a major business centre in its own right. We took a look at Africa’s most visited cities and several Southern and East African metropolises made the list. While it does not surprise us that our home country takes the top three spots, there are other travel gems waiting in the woods. Take a look!
Most Visited Southern & Eastern Most Visited African Cities
Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa’s very own concrete jungle, is a busy blend of colour and commotion. Nicknamed the ‘City of Gold’ (because of its past as a mining mecca), Johannesburg is both the economic hub of the region and an exemplary model of the ‘modern African city’. Not only is Africa’s richest square mile found here (as Sandton’s commonly known) along with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange but so is one of Africa’s largest shopping centres: Sandton City. Joburg, as it’s known to locals, is undoubtedly a key destination on the continent.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a buoyant melting pot of colour, creativity and cuisine. A flat, larger-than-life mountain harbouring white sandy beaches, bountiful vineyards and a bustling waterfront at its base? It’s not hard to see why the Mother City ranks among the most beautiful cities in the world. Many also consider Cape Town as a true gastronomic destination! And with the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) opening in September 2017, the city doesn’t show signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Durban, South Africa
Durban is South Africa’s self-styled ‘playground’. Its year-round warm weather, sun-kissed beaches, and temperate waters encourage visitors to take advantage of KwaZulu-Natal’s outdoor lifestyle. You can retrieve th city’s diverse and colourful culture in its cuisine, architecture, markets. Its port is among the largest in Africa.
Entebbe, Uganda
Entebbe itself is the gateway to all that Uganda has to offer: from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and its mountain gorillas to the Rwenzori Mountains. This modern and picturesque city – though not the capital – is home to the country’s international airport. It also lies on the shores of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria. Entebbe International Airport connects travellers from destinations such as Johannesburg and some as far flung as Brussels and Dubai.
Nairobi, Kenya
The gateway to Kenya is its capital city, Nairobi. As the transportation hub of the country, the city’s airports, roads, trains, and bus stations are responsible for ferrying guests to the aquamarine waters of the coastline, the Great Rift Valley, the wide open savannahs of the Maasai Mara National Reserve or the verdant landscapes in the central highlands. That said, the Kenyan capital is well worth exploring in its own right.
Maputo, Mozambique
Mediterranean-style buildings shoulder apartment blocks along flame tree-lined avenues that thin into narrow streets in Mozambique‘s capital city and its railway station, pictured above, is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Maputo‘s municipal market is a hub of colourful chaos with rows of tightly-packed vendors, tables piled high with everything from fresh seafood to spices, while the Portuguese architecture of many of the buildings adds a touch of nostalgia. Many travellers pass through here en route to the beaches of Inhambane or the islands dotting the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Are you ready to hit the streets of these exciting African cities?
