Africa’s impressive showing at the FIFA World Cup has once again reminded the world of the continent’s incredible diversity.
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As nine African nations booked their places in the knockout stages, football fans everywhere celebrated historic victories, determined performances and unforgettable moments on the pitch.
For travellers, however, the excitement offers another kind of inspiration. Every country still competing has its own landscapes, traditions and hidden corners waiting to be explored. Whether you’re the kind of person who plans holidays around food, wildlife, history or adventure, there’s a destination that suits your travel style.
If this year’s World Cup has sparked your wanderlust, here’s where to go once the final whistle blows.
For the history buff: Siwa Oasis, Egypt
While many visitors head straight for the pyramids, Egypt’s Siwa Oasis offers a completely different perspective on the country’s remarkable history. Situated deep within the Western Desert, Siwa has preserved its own language, architecture and traditions for centuries. Ancient mud brick fortresses stand alongside natural springs, while the Temple of the Oracle recalls the visit of Alexander the Great more than two thousand years ago. Surrounded by golden dunes and salt lakes, Siwa blends history with spectacular desert scenery. It is an ideal destination for travellers looking beyond Egypt’s best known attractions.
For the culture lover: Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire
History comes alive in Grand-Bassam, a coastal town that was once the colonial capital of Côte d’Ivoire.
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Today, its colourful streets, restored colonial buildings and lively arts scene have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Visitors can spend their mornings browsing artisan workshops before relaxing on palm lined beaches in the afternoon. The town also offers a wonderful introduction to Ivorian cuisine, with fresh seafood, spicy sauces and vibrant local markets adding to its charm. It is an ideal destination for travellers who enjoy combining history, architecture and coastal relaxation in one trip.
For the slow traveller: Santo Antão, Cabo Verde
Some destinations are best explored slowly, and Santo Antão is one of them.
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Unlike the busier beach resorts found elsewhere in Cabo Verde, this mountainous island rewards visitors who enjoy hiking, meeting local communities and taking time to appreciate dramatic scenery. Deep green valleys, volcanic peaks and picturesque villages create some of the most spectacular walking routes in the Atlantic islands. Local guesthouses and family run restaurants offer warm hospitality, making it easy to settle into island life for a few days. It is the perfect destination for travellers who believe the journey is just as important as the destination.
For the culture lover: Morocco’s Blue Pearl
Morocco has long captured travellers’ imaginations with cities like Marrakech and Casablanca, but those looking for a slower and more intimate experience should head north to Chefchaouen.
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Nestled in the Rif Mountains, the famous blue painted town offers a completely different atmosphere from Morocco’s bustling imperial cities. Wandering its narrow streets reveals colourful doorways, artisan workshops and quiet cafés where locals gather over mint tea. Beyond its striking appearance, Chefchaouen is an excellent base for exploring mountain villages and hiking trails that remain overlooked by international visitors. The surrounding region also provides insight into traditional Amazigh culture, making it an ideal destination for travellers who enjoy learning about local heritage.
For the road trip enthusiast: The Wild Coast, South Africa
South Africa has no shortage of famous destinations, but the Wild Coast remains one of its most rewarding road trips.
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Stretching along the Eastern Cape shoreline, this rugged region combines dramatic cliffs, rolling green hills and quiet beaches with welcoming rural communities. Travellers can stop at small villages, hike to hidden waterfalls, cross iconic suspension bridges and enjoy fresh seafood while taking in uninterrupted ocean views. The Wild Coast encourages slow travel, where every bend in the road reveals another unforgettable landscape.
For the music and arts enthusiast: Saint-Louis, Senegal
Few cities capture Senegal’s creative spirit quite like Saint-Louis.
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Located on an island near the mouth of the Senegal River, the former colonial capital is famous for its colourful architecture, thriving arts community and internationally acclaimed jazz festival. Its streets are filled with galleries, cafés and workshops showcasing local artists and musicians, while horse drawn carts continue to move through the historic centre. Visitors can also explore nearby wetlands that attract thousands of migratory birds each year, creating an enjoyable mix of culture and nature.
For the off the beaten path adventurer: Kisangani, DR Congo
If your ideal holiday involves discovering places few international travellers have experienced, Kisangani deserves a place on your radar.
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Located along the mighty Congo River, the city is often called the gateway to one of the world’s largest tropical rainforests. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage while serving as a base for river excursions and rainforest adventures. Nearby attractions include the dramatic Wagenia Falls, where generations of local fishermen have perfected a unique traditional fishing method using wooden scaffolding and enormous basket traps. Travelling through the Democratic Republic of Congo requires careful planning, but for seasoned adventurers, few destinations feel as rewarding or as untouched.
For the nature lover: Ghana’s Volta Region
Travellers seeking waterfalls, forests and wildlife should head east to Ghana’s Volta Region.
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The area is home to Wli Falls, the highest waterfall in West Africa, along with mountain hiking trails, butterfly sanctuaries and community run eco tourism initiatives. Nearby villages welcome visitors interested in traditional crafts, cocoa farming and local cuisine, offering experiences that extend beyond sightseeing. With fewer crowds than Ghana’s larger cities, the Volta Region is perfect for travellers looking to reconnect with nature.
For the desert explorer: Djanet, Algeria
For those who dream of endless desert landscapes, Algeria’s Djanet is one of the Sahara’s greatest treasures.
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The oasis town serves as the gateway to Tassili n’Ajjer National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its towering sandstone formations and prehistoric rock art dating back thousands of years. Guided expeditions lead visitors through vast dunes, hidden canyons and natural stone arches beneath some of the clearest night skies on Earth. It is an unforgettable destination for travellers seeking solitude, adventure and some of Africa’s most extraordinary landscapes.
More than football
The World Cup may have introduced millions of fans to these remarkable nations through football, but the stories extend far beyond the stadiums. As the tournament continues, perhaps the greatest takeaway is that the journey does not have to end with the final whistle. It could just be the beginning of your next unforgettable adventure.
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