African countries ranked among the 25 best places to visit in 2025

Travelers from around the world are increasingly seeking destinations that not only offer beauty and adventure but also provide rich cultural experiences and unique perspectives.

In recent years, one continent that has captured the imagination of global explorers is Africa. Known for its vast landscapes, cultural diversity, and vibrant ecosystems, Africa offers some of the most unforgettable travel experiences.

According to BBC‘s inaugural guide to the best places to travel this year, certain destinations stand out for their exceptional travel offerings.

Each of these 25 locations is not only ready to welcome visitors with incredible experiences but is also leveraging tourism to support local communities, protect the environment, or preserve unique cultural heritage. Notably, two African countries made it to this prestigious list.

The selection process involved contributions from BBC Travel journalists and leading global sustainable travel authorities, including the United Nations World Travel Organization, Sustainable Travel International, the Black Travel Alliance, and the World Travel & Tourism Council.

Morocco was ranked 11th on the list of the 25 best places to visit in the world in 2025. Renowned for its snowcapped mountains, vast deserts, ancient cities, and rich cultural heritage, the country has long been a top destination in North Africa. However, the Al Haouz earthquake in September 2023 not only caused significant damage to parts of Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains but also severely affected the tourism sector.

As the country works to rebuild and enhance its tourism infrastructure in anticipation of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco is setting ambitious goals to double its number of tourist arrivals over the next five years.

One of the top itineraries in Morocco includes a road trip through the less-visited Rif Mountains in the northern region, bypassing crowds. The planned expansion of Morocco’s High-Speed Rail (HSR) network from 2025 to 2027 will connect Rabat to Fez, a city rich in history and UNESCO heritage.

From Fez, a 65km drive leads to the ancient village of Moulay Idriss, followed by a visit to Ouezzane, a center of Sufism. The trip continues to Talassemtane National Park for hiking and natural swimming, then heads to Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl.” Finally, the journey winds along the northern coast, with stops at Mediterranean villages like El Jebha and Tetouan.

Botswana was ranked 24th on the list of the 25 best places to visit in the world in 2025. The country is recognized as Africa’s leader in green safari tourism, thanks to its expansive wildlife reserves and eco-friendly policies. Following the Covid-19 pandemic and the introduction of a new government, Botswana’s tourism sector is set to grow in 2025, with increased demand for sustainable, culturally immersive travel experiences.

The country has also granted visa-free entry to visitors from 104 countries, making it more accessible. Key attractions include Chobe National Park, the “Elephant Capital of the World,” and the UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta. In 2025, new openings in the Okavango Delta will include the 100% solar-powered Mbamba Camp and Monachira Camp, offering eco-friendly accommodations and wildlife adventures.