Best Places in Africa for Solo Female Travel
1, Cape Town
Cape Town, located on the southwestern tip of South Africa, is a thriving metropolis known worldwide for its breathtaking natural beauty and cultural richness. Nestled between the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic slopes of Table Mountain, this vibrant city offers visitors a unique blend of stunning landscapes and cosmopolitan charm. Cape Town is famous for its historic landmarks such as Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and the colorful Bo-Kaap district. Food and wine enthusiasts can relish the offerings of numerous world-class vineyards on the city's outskirts, while outdoor lovers are spoilt for choice between mountain trails, scenic drives, and beautiful beaches like Camps Bay and Clifton. A fusion of African, European, and Malay influences, Cape Town stands as a testament to a powerfully diverse and resilient spirit.
2, Dahab
Dahab, Egypt, is a charming coastal town nestled against the backdrop of the majestic Sinai Peninsula. Its location on the southeast coast of the Sinai, overlooking the captivating hues of the Gulf of Aqaba, makes it a haven for beach lovers and divers alike. Dahab is best known for its world-class windsurfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving sites, including the mesmerizing Blue Hole, which is considered one of the most dangerous diving spots globally. The town’s laid-back atmosphere, golden sandy beaches, exotic marine life, spectacular mountains, and Bedouin culture offer a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion that attracts visitors from all around the world.
3, Marrakesh
Marrakesh, the beating heart of Morocco, is a vibrant city located at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Known as the "Red City" because of its sandstone buildings, Marrakesh is a sensory explosion characterized by vibrant souks, serene gardens, mesmerizing palaces, and beautiful mosques. The historic Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is packed with narrow winding streets, enchanting markets, and architectural masterpieces such as the Koutoubia Mosque and Bahia Palace. Don't miss out on the Jardin Majorelle, a lush garden and design haven created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. Finally, brace yourself for the lively spectacle that is Djemaa El-Fna, a square and marketplace teeming with storytellers, musicians, and vendors offering enticing Moroccan cuisine and crafts.
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4, Accra
Accra, the bustling capital city of Ghana, lies along the Atlantic coast in West Africa. It is renowned for its vibrant culture, rich history, and warm hospitality. Accra offers an engaging blend of modernity and tradition with a skyline featuring towering buildings juxtaposed against historic colonial-era architecture. The local markets, teeming with colorful textiles, handmade crafts and flavorful foods are a feast for the senses. Landmarks such as the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, the Labadi Beach, Osu Castle, and the national museum make it a compelling destination for history connoisseurs and beach lovers alike. Visitors can also indulge in the pulsating nightlife with a variety of clubs, restaurants, and live music venues showcasing the city's dynamic music and dance scene.
5, Hurghada
Situated along the Red Sea's pristine shoreline in Egypt, Hurghada is renowned as a vibrant vacation destination that offers various activities for travelers. It's known for its crystal-clear waters, diverse and colorful sea life, making it a paradise for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Additionally, Hurghada's beautiful desert landscape invites adventure-seekers for thrilling dune bashing, quad biking, and camel rides. Meanwhile, the city's vibrant nightlife scene, lined with clubs and restaurants that serve exotic local cuisines, provides a lively ambiance after a fulfilling day. With its year-round sunshine, Hurghada offers a sublime blend of relaxation and adventure for any traveler.
6, Johannesburg
Johannesburg, located in the eastern plateau area of South Africa, is a city rich in culture, history, and modern life. Known as the City of Gold for its roots in gold mining, it fascinates its visitors with a mix of unique attractions. It is home to the largest man-made forest, several art galleries, and the Apartheid Museum which chronicles South Africa's journey through racial segregation. The vibrant neighborhood of Maboneng is a hot hub for food and art lovers, and no visit to Johannesburg is complete without a trip to the bustling marketplaces of Soweto, or a safari in the nearby Pilanesberg National Park for those fascinated by wildlife.
7, Sharm el-Sheikh
Nestled at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, Sharm el-Sheikh is an exquisite holiday destination known for its spectacular natural beauty and luxury resorts. It is uniquely located between the desert of the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea, making it a haven for lovers of underwater adventures with some of the most fascinating coral reefs in the world. The city's sun-kissed beaches, vibrant night-life, exciting water sports, and exotic wildlife make it an enthralling spot for every traveler. Sharm el-Sheikh is also home to the stunningly scenic national park of Ras Mohammed, which is renowned for its unspoiled beaches and rich marine life, including rare species of fish and colourful coral formations.
8, Rabat
Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, is located along the Atlantic Ocean on the country's northwestern coast. This multicultural city irresistibly combines old and new, providing visitors with an intoxicating mix of culture, history, and modernity. Known for its vibrant mix of Islamic architecture, colonial design, and contemporary Moroccan style, Rabat's assortment of sights include UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Kasbah of the Udayas and Hassan Tower. The city's medina, a compact labyrinth of streets, offers an adventure in every turn with traditional markets (souks), cozy cafes, and local artisans works. With its mild climate, beautiful gardens, stylish avenue and rich culinary scene, Rabat provides an authentic Moroccan experience without the vast crowds of bigger cities like Marrakech or Casablanca.
9, Essaouira
Essaouira is a stunningly beautiful port city and resort on Morocco's Atlantic coast. Known for its unique blend of Portuguese, French and Berber architecture, its well-preserved 18th-century medina (Old Town) is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with small arts and crafts businesses. Essaouira is also renowned for its fishing harbor, offering fresh seafood served right off the boat. The city's windswept sandy beaches make it a hotspot for wind and kite surfers. With its blend of cultural influences, historic sites, traditional markets, and vibrant music scene, including the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival, Essaouira is an irresistible lure for those seeking an authentic Moroccan experience.
10, Cairo
Cairo, the vibrant capital of Egypt, is a sprawling cosmopolitan city situated on the northeastern tip of Africa, along the lush bank of the Nile River. Known as the "City of a Thousand Minarets," it's a treasure trove of history and culture that reflects ancient civilizations. From the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx which speak of centuries of grandeur and antiquity to the bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaars with its vibrant essence of traditional Egyptian life; Cairo offers a unique blend of the old and new. The city also houses the famed Egyptian Museum, holding an array of Egyptian antiquities, making it a paradise for history lovers. Whether exploring the narrow lanes of Old Cairo, marveling at Islamic architecture, or indulging in its rich cuisine, a visit to Cairo is a sensory experience that leaves a lasting impression.
11, Sal
Sal is a sun-soaked island paradise located in the northern region of Cape Verde archipelago, off the Northwest coast of Africa. The island, marked by its vibrant Creole culture, is renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches such as the Santa Maria and Palmeira beaches, which are an ideal venue for a variety of marine activities including diving, surfing, and fishing. Its moon-like volcanic landscapes, featuring impressive natural formations like Buracona lagoon, are perfect for adventure seekers. Furthermore, Sal is also famous for its traditional music performances which come alive on the vibrant streets of its sleepy towns at night, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant African rhythms.
12, Kigali
Nestled within the heart of Rwanda, the enchanting city of Kigali showcases the vibrancy of Africa with its lush hills and valleys. Kigali is renowned for its clean streets, warm and friendly people, and an enigmatic culture that captivates travellers around the globe. It's brimming with historical sites, such as the poignant Kigali Genocide Memorial, which pays tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide, and the Presidential Palace Museum, displaying the intricate history of the country. Keen shoppers can indulge their senses at the sprawling Kimironko Market, where local artisans sell their crafts. Kigali's vibrant nightlife, sophisticated dining scene, and burgeoning arts and music culture further add to the appeal of this enchanting African metropolis.
13, Merzouga
Merzouga, a small village in southeastern Morocco, is renowned as the gateway to Erg Chebbi, a colossal expanse of sand dunes north of the village. Nestled in the Sahara Desert and located about 35 kilometers southeast of Rissani, Merzouga features some of the tallest sand dunes in Morocco. The village is famous for its spectacular sunsets and the unique experience of camel trekking. It offers the charming hospitality of Berber lifestyle, where you can spend the night in traditional Bedouin tents and enjoy local music and cuisine. Another fascinating allure is the Dayet Srji Salt Lake, just west of Merzouga, which attracts a variety of birds including seasonal flamingos.
14, Agadir
Nestled along the Atlantic Coast, Agadir, Morocco, is a vibrant city known for its mix of tradition, modernity, and natural beauty. This famous Moroccan destination is acclaimed for its shimmering golden beaches, where surfing and sunbathing are everyday delights. The original 16th-century Kasbah, situated on a hilltop, offers panoramic city and ocean views, a testament to the city's rich history surviving the devastating earthquake of 1960. Agadir's corniche bustles with lively cafés, restaurants, and shops, while its marina draws you in with its luxurious yachts and apartments. The Souk El Had, the city's largest market, further immerses you into the warm, invigorating embrace of Moroccan culture with a dizzying array of textiles, spices, crafts, and more. It's a buzzy city with a blend of beachside relaxation and exciting cultural discovery.
15, Aswan
Aswan, located in southern Egypt, is a serene, picturesque city on the east bank of the Nile River known for its incredible sunsets and stunning river views. One of the most famous places in Egypt, Aswan is known for its rich historic and cultural attractions including the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the beautiful Philae Temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. It is also the gateway to Abu Simbel, a pair of massive rock temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II. This charming city is home to Egypt's Nubian community and offers a unique fusion of African and Egyptian cultures. With its impressive collection of island botanical gardens, traditional craft markets, and superb Nile-side resorts, Aswan is a remarkable travel destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
16, Diani Beach
Located on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya, Diani Beach is a magical paradise known for its stunning, pristine, white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and dense palm groves. Boasting a 17 km long stretch of coastline, this breathtaking tropical destination becomes a haven for travelers seeking a serene escape. Diani Beach is not just about the allure of its turquoise waters and lush greenery; it's also recognized for its exquisite coral reefs, the Colobus Conservation center caring for rare colobus monkeys, and an array of water sports activities such as snorkeling, skydiving, and kitesurfing. The glorious scenery amalgamated with the warm African culture, delivers an unrivaled experience making Diani Beach an internationally acclaimed tourist hotspot.
17, Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated in the northwestern corner of Zimbabwe, Africa, is renowned as one of the most majestic waterfalls in the world. Named after Queen Victoria by Scottish explorer David Livingstone, it is known locally as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" or "The Smoke That Thunders," due to the incredible heights from which the waters of the Zambezi River plummet into the batoka gorge, creating mystic clouds of mist and powerful, roaring sounds. This stunning natural wonder and the surrounding Zambezi National Park are home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and diverse bird species, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and those seeking a unique African travel experience.
18, Plettenberg Bay
Nestled in the heart of South Africa's Western Cape province, Plettenberg Bay is a stunning coastal gem that deserves a place on every travel lover's bucket list. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including sweeping sandy beaches, luscious forests, and the sparkling Indian Ocean, Plettenberg Bay leaves its visitors enchanted with its natural beauty. The town itself exudes a relaxed atmosphere, yet is celebrated for its sophisticated eateries, fashion boutiques, and plush accommodations. Plettenberg Bay is also known for its thrilling outdoor activities such as whale watching in the bay, exploring the majestic Tsitsikamma National Park, or enjoying marine safari tours. Rich in history, stunning natural wonders, and vibrant culture, Plettenberg Bay is the epitome of a South African paradise.
19, Tangier
Tangier, situated on the sparkling waters of the North African coast in Morocco, transports its bustling population and visitors to a stunning amalgamation of cultures and enchanting history. Known as the "Gateway to Africa", Tangier seamlessly blends African and European influences in its expansive architecture, vibrant markets, and charming streets. The city's crown jewel, the medina, lures travelers with its maze-like alleys, splashed with striking colors and scents from bustling souks selling everything from spices to traditional crafts. Nearby, the Kasbah exudes a distinct historical charm; it's a fortress overlooking the Mediterranean that's steeped in centuries-old tales. Additionally, with nearby attractions such as the Caves of Hercules and the white sandy beaches along the city’s coast, Tangier promises a captivating cultural and adventurous journey for any traveler.
20, Imlil
Imlil, nestled in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, is a charming rustic village that offers a unique gateway to the splendid Toubkal National Park. Known for its quaint kasbahs, verdant valleys, snow-capped peaks, and tranquil trekking routes, it's a hub for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. Venture further, and it serves as a base camp for mountaineers aiming to climb Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. Imlil is renowned for its traditional Berber hospitality and culture, from the vibrant souks selling local artistry to homecooked delicious Moroccan cuisine. The rural serenity and captivating scenery of Imlil truly makes it an unmissable spot in every Moroccan journey.
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