Africa doesn't reduce to a single trip. A long weekend in Morocco, a Tanzanian safari, a Seychelles beach break or a South African road trip are four very different experiences with distinct seasons, budgets and logistics. Our guide covers 10 field-tested destinations, sorted by sub-region.
🔄 Updated May 22, 2026
Africa at a glance
Destinations covered
10
Sub-regions
3
Min flight from Paris
~3h (Morocco)
Max flight
~12h (Cape Town)
Average / day
€40 – 300
Time difference
-1h to +3h
Best overall season
June to October (East African safaris)
Choose in 30 seconds
Short-haul cultural escape, sub-Saharan safari or Indian Ocean island. Seasons and budgets differ sharply. Here's how to orient yourself before zeroing in on a destination.
For a short-haul cultural escape
Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt. 3-to-4-hour flights, immediate change of scenery, modest budgets (€40 to 80 per day in comfort).
For a safari
Tanzania (Serengeti), Kenya (Masai Mara), South Africa (Kruger). The great wildebeest migration is best seen between July and October.
For premium beaches
Seychelles, Mauritius, Zanzibar. €200 to 400 per night in 5★ resorts, dry season from April to October.
For adventure
Madagascar (baobabs, Tsingy), South African Garden Route, southern Morocco. Demands logistics but pays off.
For value for money
Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt. €40 to 60 per day in comfort, direct flights all year round.
Calendar
North Africa is best outside summer (excessive heat). East Africa follows two dry seasons (June-October and January-February). The Indian Ocean avoids cyclone season from January to March.
| Month | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| January – February | Morocco (except desert), Egypt, South Africa (austral summer), Tanzania (mini dry season), Seychelles |
| March – April | Full Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Madagascar (end of season) |
| May – June | Kenya (start of dry season), Cape Town, Mauritius, Réunion |
| July – October | Tanzania + Kenya safari peak (wildebeest migration), Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa (Kruger) |
| November – December | Morocco, Egypt, coastal Tanzania (Zanzibar), Madagascar (before cyclones) |
All destinations
🇲🇬 €2,000 – 3,500
🇲🇺 €1,800 – 3,800
🇸🇨 €2,800 – 6,000
€900 – 1,700
Decide
Under one week
Morocco (Marrakech + desert), Egypt (Cairo + express Nile cruise), Seychelles or Mauritius. No real safari is possible in 7 days (transit + recovery).
2 weeks
Full Tanzania or Kenya safari, Garden Route in South Africa, full Morocco loop (Marrakech + Fez + desert + Atlas + Essaouira).
3 weeks or more
Safari + beach combo in Tanzania (Serengeti + Zanzibar), full South Africa traverse, in-depth Madagascar north-south.
| Style | Destinations |
|---|---|
| Backpacker < €1,800 | Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Cape Verde |
| Comfort €2,500 – 4,000 | Luxury Morocco, South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius |
| Premium €5,000 – 12,000 | Tanzania / Kenya safari lodges, Seychelles, Mauritius luxury |
Family with children
Morocco (short-haul, mature infrastructure), Mauritius (all-inclusive, safety), Tunisia. Trickier: safari with children under 6.
Honeymoon
Seychelles, Mauritius, Zanzibar, Madagascar (Nosy Be). Safari + beach combo in Tanzania for active couples.
Backpacking
Morocco, Madagascar (rough transport but accessible), Tunisia. Avoid DIY safari: go through an agency.
High-end safari
Tanzania (Serengeti, &Beyond, Singita), Kenya (Maasai Mara, Cottar's), South Africa (Sabi Sand).
Diving
Red Sea in Egypt (Marsa Alam, Hurghada), Madagascar (Nosy Be), Seychelles, Mauritius.
Road trip
Garden Route in South Africa (10 days), Morocco loop by car (12-15 days), Madagascar north-south (3-4 weeks).
Before you leave
Visa-free
Morocco (3 months), Tunisia (3 months), Mauritius, Seychelles (free prior authorisation), Cape Verde.
E-visa or visa on arrival
Kenya (e-visa), Tanzania (e-visa), Madagascar (on arrival), Egypt (on arrival, USD 25 cash).
Vaccine vigilance
Yellow fever mandatory for Kenya and Tanzania. Recommended across sub-Saharan Africa. Antimalarial drugs depending on zone.
Official source
Always check France Diplomatie before buying the ticket. Passport valid 6 months after return date. Consult an international vaccination centre 4 to 6 weeks before departure for sub-Saharan destinations.
Essential comparisons
Evacuation from a remote lodge is critical (can exceed €30,000). Minimum €500,000 medical cap recommended.
View →Withdrawal fees are often high across the continent. Revolut or Wise save 4 to 6 % on conversions.
View →Good coverage in North and South Africa. Patchy in Kenya and Tanzania on safari (4G in cities only).
View →Detailed sheet for each continent destination.
View →FAQ
Explore elsewhere
Thomas Bernard ✓
·Geographer & traveler
Thomas Bernard covers this geographic area for L'Heure du Voyage.
