Many African countries are well known for their cultural heritage and natural beauty. Unfortunately, many of them have become overdeveloped. Others attract too much attention due to wars or safaris. Meanwhile, ten countries in Africa slip through the cracks almost untouched by tourists and social media influencers.
Here are ten undiscovered African countries you must visit before they get crowded suggested by Michael Osland:
1) São Tomé & Príncipe –
These two islands off the coast of West Africa offer visitors some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Africa. Just don’t expect the luxury of the world’s best hotels.
2) Burkina Faso –
This landlocked country has a strong cultural heritage and its less-visited nature reserves are worth a visit if you’re an adventure traveler. In fact, there is no better way to connect with locals than by venturing out into the wilds on foot, horseback or camelback!
3) Comoros –
An archipelago known for its long history of Arab influence, Comoros is also home to lush natural beauty and white sand beaches. This destination offers visitors a great quality of life – it’s affordable and extremely safe – making it a fantastic choice if you want to work abroad as well as travel.
4) Sao Tome & Principe
In addition to having some of the most secluded beaches in Africa, this island nation off the coast of Nigeria is home to rainforests as well as volcanic plateaus. It’s no wonder that it’s one of the leading countries on the continent for ecotourism!
5) Portuguese-Speaking Cape Verde
Cape Verde is a popular holiday destination but few tourists know about its fascinating history and culture. The birthplace of slave trading, Cape Verde was a significant stopover point during Europe’s middle Ages. Visit now before it becomes overrun with travelers!
6) Burundi
A small and mountainous country in East Africa, Burundi is not a widely-visited tourist destination. However, it has an incredibly rich culture that visitors can experience by exploring its old capital or taking part in its traditional festivals such as the drum festival.
7) Benin
This tiny West African country is full of culture and history. Be sure to visit during Voodoo Day if you want to get up close and personal with locals and their traditions!
8) Equatorial Guinea (Rep.)
Located on the continent’s west coast, Equatorial Guinea/Republic of Equatorial Guinea offers travelers some of the best beaches in all of Africa. One reason for this may be because it’s one of the least visited countries in the region!
9) Saint Helena
Visiting this island may require a lot of paperwork and patience, but it’s definitely worth it. After all, few places on earth can compare to the mind-blowing natural beauty of this remote island that is home to plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth as well as wildlife like giant tortoises that has been extinct for over 100 years!
10) Comoros –
Located off Africa’s east coast near Mozambique, this archipelago offers travelers some of the most luxurious beaches in the world – without the luxury prices you’d expect from such a destination!
FAQs:
Where is São Tomé & Príncipe?
São Tomé and Príncipe are two islands off the coast of Central Africa, in the Gulf of Guinea. The equator runs through both islands, making them a fantastic choice for travelers who want to experience some incredible landscapes while still enjoying excellent weather!
Is Burkina Faso safe?
Burkina Faso is considered one of the safest countries in West Africa. However, it’s advised to remain vigilant when visiting cities and regions near borders where terrorist groups may be active. Be sure to check with your embassy before planning any travel outside major cities such as Ouagadougou if you’re concerned about safety.
What kind of wildlife can I find in Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, both plants, and animals. There are five nature reserves that offer visitors the opportunity to see elephants, hippopotamus, antelopes, and primates in their natural habitats. In fact, it’s not unusual to come across wild species when you’re on a walk through the country!
What languages does Cape Verdean Creole have?
Although Portuguese remains the official language of Cape Verde, English is also widely spoken throughout the country. The native language of Cape Verdean Creole has a strong influence from Portuguese and several other languages. It’s often used for local songs and music while being regarded as “the language of friendship.”
Conclusion:
Michael Osland says if you’re looking to travel off the beaten track, it’s time to think outside the box! The countries on this list are some of Africa’s least visited. Although they are often overshadowed by their more popular counterparts, each one of these countries has something unique to offer tourists who dare to explore them!
