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Sub-Saharan African Countries With the Most Tourists

Sub-Saharan African Countries With the Most Tourists

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Tourism in Africa has been on the rise for years, making it home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world. The tourism potential across the African continent is incredible, with breath-taking scenery, unique wildlife, and cultures steeped in traditions that are thousands of years old. The following countries experienced the highest numbers of international tourist arrivals in sub-Saharan Africa,* which come as no surprise given the wealth of opportunities they offer for visitors.

*International tourist arrival statistics are provided by data sets from the World Bank, using 2012 figures

Source: Data.WorldBank.org, AFDB.org, WorldBank.org, UN.org, LonelyPlanet.com

Rwanda-Direct.com
Rwanda-Direct.com

10. Rwanda – 815,000

Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is a never-ending landscape of green hills, punctuated with lush forests that are home to over one-third of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorillas. Along with other unique primate species, birds, volcanoes, game reserves, and incredible beaches and islands, Rwanda is truly a paradise for visitors who are also looking for a taste of the country’s unique culture and traditions.

HotelDealsAfrica.com
HotelDealsAfrica.com

9. Cameroon – 817,000

Filled with white sand beaches, dense rainforests, magnificent active volcanoes, and breath-taking desert views of the Sahel, Cameroon offers vast opportunities for tourism. Good transportation infrastructure makes travel within Cameroon easier, and the delicious cuisine that’s offered as a blend of Francophone, Anglophone, and African cultures should not be missed.

ProudlyAfrican.info
ProudlyAfrican.info

8. Zambia – 859,000

Though the biggest draw in Zambia is undoubtedly its claim to one side of the magnificent Victoria Falls, there is far much more to see in this incredible country as well. Walking safaris allow visitors to view the abundant wildlife and raw wilderness, while the Zambezi River offers entire ecosystems all to itself. Zambia has also carved out a name in adventure tourism, offering a variety of adrenaline activities, such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, and more.

RBS.ac
RBS.ac

7. Mauritius – 965,000

For those looking for a beach holiday, Mauritius has become a top destination, with world-class beaches and in a luxurious tropical setting that cannot be matched. For those that tire of the sand and surf, Mauritius also offers a rich history, from the bustling capital of Port Louis to the rich biodiversity of its national parks. The welcoming spirit of the Mauritian people is well-known, as is its incredible séga music and infectious party spirit!

TravelBieber.com
TravelBieber.com

6. Tanzania – 1,043,000

Tanzania is best known for its incredible wildlife and national parks that offer some of the continent’s best safari opportunities, as well as the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro that tempts mountaineers to attempt to reach its summit by the thousands every year. The Tanzanian coastline also offers many opportunities for visitors, including sailing, scuba diving, and, of course, sun bathing, among other activities.

TheKingdomofSwaziland.com
TheKingdomofSwaziland.com

5. Swaziland – 1,093,000

The tiny kingdom of Swaziland offers an incredible number of activities for visitors, from adventure activities like mountain biking and white water rafting, to stunning vistas and unmatched walking tracks, all set in a unique and vibrant culture with frequent country-wide celebrations. The culture is known for its relaxed and welcoming nature, and Swaziland is a common stop for those en route to South Africa’s Kruger National Park, helping to increase its tourism numbers.

ZNCC.co.zw
ZNCC.co.zw

4. Zimbabwe – 1,794,000

Tourism in Zimbabwe has been rebounding in recent years after decades of violence and economic difficulty, and with good reason. The country’s national parks are home to the Big Five, among hundreds of other animal species, and Zimbabwe’s claim to the other side of Victoria Falls draws thousands of visitors each year.

E-TourismFrontiers.com
E-TourismFrontiers.com

3. Mozambique – 2,113,000

The Mozambican coastline is undoubtedly the country’s biggest draw, offering some of the best scuba diving and surfing opportunities on the African continent. The unique culture boasts some of the region’s most popular nightlife, and off-the-beaten-tracks that wind through the country’s bush offer visitors endless opportunities to spot elephants, lions, birds, and much, much, more.

NigeriaEmbassyGermany.com
NigeriaEmbassyGermany.com

2. Nigeria – 4,673,000

Nigeria offers an enormous wealth of opportunities for visitors, as its wildlife and multiple cities draw millions of people each year. Lagos is filled with top-notch restaurants and nightlife, while smaller villages offer glimpses of the unique and storied history of the country. The rich history is set amongst spectacular scenery that is home to incredible national parks and vast biodiversity.

Backpack.Wordpress.com
Backpack.Wordpress.com

1. South Africa – 9,188,000

By and far the most popular tourist destination in sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa is a tourist’s paradise. The bustling cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town offer bumping nightlife, world-class cuisine, and unique arts and music, while the nation’s vast national parks are home to the Big Five, and much more. South Africa’s coastline offers plentiful opportunities unto itself, from internationally ranked surfing beaches to scuba diving, to the one-of-a-kind rock hopper penguins in the south. South Africa’s rich, albeit difficult, history have created a culture that is absolutely worth exploring, making it indeed a Rainbow Nation.