Top 10 Most Visited Countries in Africa for 2021

Mixi October 05, 2021 | 09:45

Which are the most visited countries in Africa or Top Tourist Countries for 2021 - according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

Most Visited Countries in Africa. Photo: KnowInsiders

As the second-largest continent on the planet, Africa has a lot to offer international travelers. you will be pleasantly surprised to know there is much more to discover on this continent. and when you see something like “Visit Rwanda” written on an Arsenal jersey, it is not just a decoration. It shouldn’t be a surprise, therefore that the most visited countries in Africa are those that have invested in marketing their tourist destinations. we’ve listed the most visited countries in Africa. We’ll explain why you should visit them, what they have to offer.

List of 10 Most Visited Countries in Africa - Top Tourist Countries

(Last updated October, 2021)

1. Egypt – 13.6 Million

2. Morroco – 12.9 million Visitors

3. South Africa – 10.5 Million Visitors

4. Tunisia – 9.4 million Visitors

5. Algeria – 2.6 million Visitors

6. Zimbabwe – 2.4 million Visitors

7. Mozambique – 1.6 million Visitors

8. Kenya – 1.6 million Visitors

9. Tanzania – 1.5 million Visitors

10. Uganda – 1.5 million Visitors

***

Which are the 10 Most Visited Countries in Africa - Top Tourist Countries?

1. Egypt – 13.6 Million

Photo: WallpaperAccess

Egypt is officially the most visited country in Africa as of 2020. The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) revealed that Egypt’s tourism sector saw a remarkable 21 percent growth in 2019, welcoming 13.6 million visitors, according to a report released on January 20. The report further highlighted that the Middle East was the world’s fastest-growing spot welcoming international tourists while growth slowed down in Asia and the Pacific. It added that Europe also saw slow growths compared to previous years, at only four percent.

Egypt is by far one of the most visited countries in Africa—owing to its historical records, background and values which has contributed immensely to the ever-growing tourism sector. Over 11.34 million tourists spent around 121 nights in 2018, with each tourist spending well over $100 per night. The majority of tourist arrivals are from Europe, Asia, Arab, Germany and United Kingdom. As in most tourist destinations in Africa, Europe remains the biggest market for Egypt’s tourism—account for 7 million visitors in 2018 alone.

2. Morroco – 12.9 million Visitors

Photo: Lonely Planet

The second-most visited country in Africa is Morocco. This Northern African nation saw a whopping 12.9 million visitors in 2019, making it the most visited country on the entire continent.

So just what is it that makes Morocco so appealing? The culture of Morocco is sure to be a big drawcard, considering there is nowhere in the world quite like it. The sights, sounds and colours of the medina is enough to leave you mesmerised. Then there’s the food – oh the food! Think tagines, plenty of spice and endless sweet pastries to finish off the day.

Some of the highlights of Morocco include Marrakesh, one of the most chaotic and charismatic cities in the world. Then, of course, there is Fes, a historic city with so much culture you could spend a week here and not scratch the surface. If you’re taking a tour of the country, consider stopping by Essaouira as well. This beautiful beach town has a European feel to it, with all the rugged charm of Northern Africa.

3. South Africa – 10.5 Million Visitors

Photo: Money Inc

This country comes in third on the list, but it is the front runner for safari-goers. South Africa remains the most popular choice for a safari, where you can spot the big five and spend some time out in the wilderness.

The country also has a vibrant manufacturing industry, with almost 90 percent of all the platinum metals on earth and 41 percent of all the gold in the world.

4. Tunisia – 9.4 million Visitors

Photo: World Travel Guide

Many thanks to its Mediterranean beaches, and remains of antiquity in Carthage and capital Tunis, more than 9.4 million visited Tunisia in 2019.

Must-see in Tunisia – from sprawling mosque complex of the Great Mosque of Kairouan to coastlines bustling with modern-day seaside restaurants boasting stunning sea views. Postcard-perfect beaches remain a major draw to this North African nation.

5. Algeria – 2.6 million Visitors

Photo: Twitter

The fifth-most-visited African destination on this list, is Africa’s largest country, Algeria. From its snow-flecked mountains to the stunning coastlines, it has so much to offer tourists. Cities such as Algiers and Constantine boast an urban and modern charm mixed with traditional, Islamic and historical colonial architectures. No surprise that is home to some of the most beautiful mosques, and most beautiful botanical gardens in Africa.

6. Zimbabwe – 2.4 million Visitors

Photo: Culture Trip

There are many reasons to visit Zimbabwe, but most of them start with safari and end with the Victoria Falls. This landlocked country in Southern Africa is still one of the most popular choices for safari goers in search of the big five. The game viewing in Zimbabwe is second to none, but the Victoria Falls are unlike any other. As one of the world’s largest waterfalls, they extend some 1,708 metres in length.

7. Mozambique – 1.6 million Visitors

Photo: Pinterest

The industry attracts more foreign investment than any other part of the country’s economy. Tourist arrivals in the country numbered 240,000 in 1999. UNWTO figures suggest approximately 578,000 tourists, an increase of 23% from 2004. Tourism receipts in 2001 were US$ 64 million and in 2005 were US$ 130 million. The sector employs 32,000 people. About one-third of the country’s visitors are from South Africa. Arrivals of non-resident tourists at national borders. In 2017, arrivals for Mozambique was 1.45 million.

Arrivals of Mozambique increased from 441,000 in 2003 to 1.45 million in 2017 growing at an average annual rate of 10.13%. Numbers as at 2019 has increased to 1.6 million. Certainly one of the most visited countries in Africa as 2021.

8. Kenya – 1.6 million Visitors

Photo: Deccan Herald

As the most visited country in East Africa, Kenya, has always commanded a respected popularity when it comes to tourism industry in Africa. Thanks to its natural charms (savannahs, equatorial mountains, national parks and wildlife) and desirable warm temperatures all year round.

Must-see in Kenya – Nairobi National Park, uniquely being one of the only national parks that exists within a capital city. All members of the big five are found in the Masai Mara National Reserve, the traditional peoples of Kenya are also a popular tourist attraction, with the colours and cultures.

9. Tanzania – 1.5 million Visitors

Photo: Vietnam Visa Letter

Tanzania’s tourism sector saw a spike in arrivals which rose from 1.33 million in 2017 to 1.49 million in 2018—thanks to increase in international arrivals from Europe, Asia, the Pacific, Americas, Middle East and Africa. Although visitors hailing from Europe still accounts for the largest arrivals in recent years.

Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most famous national parks and natural attractions, including majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Consequently, the most popular things to do in Tanzania and the reason many people visit the country, are the safaris and wildlife-related adventures.

10. Uganda – 1.5 million Visitors

Photo: Storyteller Travel

Uganda has different types Tourism activities that are organized on a daily basis in the country. Uganda Tourism Board is the main organization or board which is in charge of Tourism growth, economy and it’s under the ministry of Tourism. As of 2020 Uganda is among the top tourist countries in Africa

Uganda Tourism Board is a private sector which joins Uganda as a Tourist destination and promotes Tourism products like landscape and wildlife, Uganda welcomes different visitors which are grouped as Tourists. Uganda registered 1.5 million tourist arrivals in the year 2018 representing a 7.4 percent growth from the arrivals registered the previous year, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities revealed on Wednesday. The statistics were announced during the tourism sector review workshop for the year 2018 they a little more by 2019 year-end stats.