The Top Five Travel Destinations in Africa in 2023

Wildlife on a Safari

By Conrad Green VISION 4.

Africa is fast developing into the continent of preference for most travelers and tourists worldwide especially amongst those in love with nature, wildlife and natural reserves. It provides visitors with the perfect blend of ancient and modern, wild and urban features and places to visit for the ideal vacation or adventure. A data published in the Travel Africa Magazine shows that some 67 million tourists visited Africa in 2018 pre-pandemic, representing a 7% rise from the previous year. Home to more than 50 countries, it is difficult to narrow for the best place to visit list but whether you are looking to explore beaches and resorts at Mauritius or Seychelles, or hoping to see the wild life on a Safari in Tanzania, Kenya or Namibia, there are no shortages of things to do for travelers of all types.

In this article, you will find the top 5 travel destinations to visit in Africa together with things to do, places to go, and the best period to visit drawn from travel experts, tourists experience and researched data all put together so that travelers can appreciate this culturally rich, vibrantly colored and extremely welcoming continent.

1. MAURITIUS

This islandic nation appeals to vacationers in search of a bit of everything. Though its main draws are its powdery sands and luxury resorts, this small nation east of Madagascar also charms visitors with its mix of Dutch, French and British colonial architecture; friendly locals and tasty teas and rums. After a day of exploring and soaking up some sun, retreat to one of the island’s premiere properties to savor fresh seafood while watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean. If you are someone with love for dolphins, you can travel to the Northern isles aboard a beautiful cruise ship to encounter dolphins and whales as well as get a broad view of all the beautiful beaches and island resorts of this country

When to Visit Mauritius: July to September is the ideal period to visit this island. These are the driest months thus making daytime very lovely at about 270 C/810F. However, the east and south coast can be windy when the trade winds blow.
Where to Stay: If you are in Port Louis the capital, you will find lots of resorts and hotels like Heritage Le Telfaire wellness resort or Tamassa resort which are very popular amongst tourists.

2. ZIMBABWÉ

Zimbabwe has developed into a top destination for tourists in recent years. A popular touristic location in this country is the Victoria Falls mostly visited just after the rainy seasons when water volumes are high. Dubbed “The Smoke That Thunders” this impressive waterfall produces a huge sound of water rushing into a pool some 300 plus feet below sounding like the roll of thunder, and the mist that spews back up resembles thick smoke. It produces a very impressive sight. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls is on the mighty Zambezi River and creates the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. This waterfall is also impressive for its length which creates a 1.7 kilometer long curtain of water as it drops. For the best views of the falls in full, you will want to explore the Zimbabwe side where you can follow a walking trail to various viewpoints but you can expect to be drenched when the water volume is high.

On the Zambian side, you can get very close to the falls themselves and if you are brave enough, you can take a dip in Devil’s pool which literally sits on the top of the falls before they tumble down.

When to Visit Zimbabwe: The best time to visit this country is in April just after the rainy season is over. Zimbabwe can have very long rainy periods and water levels making it very uncomfortable during the rainy season.
Where to Stay: If you visit the Victoria Falls, both sides have lodging options as well as restaurants to savor local dishes and also a blend of seafood.

3. TANZANIA

Tanzania comes 3rd on this list of top vacation locations in Africa with lots of positive feedback from visitors who love wildlife and nature. Actually, it is one of the go-to places for those who love wildlife. First of all, it is home to Mount Kilimanjaro with an elevation of 19,341 feet making it Africa’s highest mountain, and it also holds the world record for the highest freestanding single mountain. Rising from the plains of the Serengeti, it is a dormant volcano and creates a stunning backdrop for wildlife safaris in the region. It is a natural habitat for wildlife with various categories of endangered species found around and on the mountain area itself.

Most people visit Kilimanjaro to climb to its summit. It is especially popular because the trek involves no rock climbing expertise or mountaineering equipment. The weather in this region too is very friendly but however, you will need to be in good shape and adjusted to the altitude. The trek to the top takes a minimum of six days and you will need to go on a guided excursion. Tanzania is home to elephants and giraffes around this mountain which provide spectacular backdrops of the mountain itself.

When to visit: There’s no bad time. June to October offers great general wildlife viewing and an opportunity to catch the mass animal migration. Many repeat visitors prefer April and May when the country side, is at its greenest, and tourist volumes are lowest.
Where to stay: There are dozens of midrange to up-market lodges and tented camps in the area around the mountain as well as several camp sites.

4. CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa is a top destination in Africa with several coastal cities but with none better than Cape Town. With its numerous hiking trails, miles of dramatic scenery and stunning beaches (including one with wild penguins), Cape town carters to both adventurous and laid-back travelers. Getting here isn’t cheap but it’s possible to find convenient, budget friendly lodging. Apart from hiking, visitors can amongst other things take the aerial cable up Table Mountain, visit Nelson Mandela’s jail cell on Robben island, explore the world renowned Constantia valley wine region and trek through the Cape of Good hope on the southern tip of Africa. This city indeed is an ideal travel destination with colored beaches, rolling vineyards, sizzling cuisine and a thriving nightlife.

When to Visit Cape Town: The best time to visit Cape Town are from March to May and from September to November. These seasons boast enviable weather, fewer crowds and lower prices. When planning your trip, it is important to note that the seasons here are reversed: South Africa’s summer corresponds with America’s winter and vice versa.
Where to Stay: Cape Town boast a lot of 5 star hotels with mid-range prices such as the Dock house boutique hotel Cape grace hotel and Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel.

5. SEYCHELLES

A grouping of 115 Islands in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles has long attracted those looking for a truly relaxing getaway. Here, tourists can spend their day lounging on pristine, crowd free beaches like Anse Volbert and Anse Lazio. Tourist can also head deep into the UNESCO world heritage listed Vallée de Mai nature reserve to gaze at its unique flora and fauna. The most popular visited island here is Mahé which is home to the capital Victoria. If you are someone who loves yachts and coastal lines, this is your perfect destination with charter yachts ready to carry guests out to the outer islands and beaches in this country.

If you love dolphins, you can visit the island called l’île aux Bénitiers to snorkel and swim with dolphins as well as sunbathe on the sunny beaches and explore the island’s coral reefs

When to Visit Seychelles: The best times to visit are April, May, October, and November. These months represent the transition times between hot and humid northwest trade winds (from November through March) and the cooler southeast trade winds that define April through October. A visit during these months offers more mild conditions ideal for sunbathing, wildlife watching and scuba diving. No matter when you visit, you will encounter temperatures averaging 80s. It is important to note that heavy crowds and tourist presence are high during the months of November to January.
Where to Stay: The country is loaded with hotels, resorts and lodges which are present across every area with beaches and islands. But it’s worth nothing that lodging here is quite expensive.

Africa is fast growing as a touristic hub for visitors all over the world. Leaders in most of these countries are realizing the impact that the tourism sector has on the annual GPA of most of these countries. With this growth, it is very possible in seeing Africa developing into the number one touristic destination in the not too distant future. Don't miss out on the adventure - subscribe to our newsletter today and start planning your African dream getaway!

HOW AFRICAN FASHION TRENDS ARE GAINING ATTENTION IN THE WORLD
OF DESIGN AND “HAUTE COUTURE”

By Conrad Green Njweipi, VISION 4.

The African fashion industry has been quietly blossoming and is now valued at $31bn according to the African business insider in a 2022 report published on the growth of the fashion industry in Africa. Pioneers of the African fashion industry like Nigeria’s Adebayo Oke-Lawal who’s the creative force behind menswear brand Orange Culture, which has been nominated for an LVMH prize and was recently presented at the London Collections Men stated that “Made in Africa” may not yet have the same cachet as “Made in Italy” or “Made in France” but with the increasing demand for African wears worldwide, the industry is sure to witness significant growth in value in the coming years. It is true that Africa only counts for a small portion of the $1.5 trillion global fashion industry, but with the presence of most African designs on several runways and major fashion shows like the Paris Fashion week and the New York Fashion show is testament to the growth and sphere that these designs are gaining. Adebayo Lawal speaking to GQ magazine during the just recently concluded Paris fashion week stated that “I see the African fashion industry becoming a landmark for the global media, major fashion buyers and other important fashion stake holders. The fashion industry in Africa is proving itself to the world and showing that its voice is literally unstoppable, fresh and highly profitable. The world is taking notice”

Orange Culture outfit at the recently concluded LVMH awards.

Maki Oh is another African brand gaining acclaim worldwide with major influencers like Beyonce, Rihanna and even Michelle Obama having all worn its clothing. Founded by Maki Osakwe in 2010, the Lagos based womenswear brand has gained major endorsements with Michelle Obama even inviting the young designer to the White house. Osakwe makes all her clothes from scratch in her home country. Her designs are celebrated for their bold prints and liberal application of raffia and silk fringing. African designers realize that solid partnerships need to be built with international retailers, suppliers and customers if brands ever hope to challenge the dominance of world renowned labels like Dior and Prada. But with the creation and promotion of major fashion events in Africa like the Fashion week Nigeria, Soweto design show which showcases typical South African designs, and the Fashion week Africa which brings together designers from all over the African continent and worldwide, the platform is set in order for African couture to gather attention from major fashion industry stake holders.

Beyonce & crew wearing “Maki Oh” during the set of her video clip “Lemonade’

These fashion shows have helped African designers understand the importance of the fashion calendar (which is a vital tool during the production of designs) and how to relate to important buyers and press. These shows also create room for consistency which are essential in the world of fashion designs. Oke-lawal believes that far from being just an opportunity to showcase new designs, African fashion shows have a significant business role too “The experience exposes African designers to the reality of the fashion industry worldwide. It has helped us understand the importance of fashion, not only creativity, but also as a business,” adds Oke-lawal.

Rihanna donning a Maki oh outfit.

There is also a growth in the interest for East and South African designs. According to the African business insider, High profile US and European retailers are increasingly looking to East-African countries in particular Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda for garment manufacturing. South African designers like Laduma MaXhosa has been gaining attention worldwide and causing a lot of stair lately. His hugely popular knitwear brand MaXhosa which draws attention from the Xhosa rite of passage (a rite in South Africa), could be described as a bolder version of the Italian brand Missoni. It has already garnered a huge following around the globe including several cast members of the Marvel blockbuster movie Black Panther who wore MaXhosa’s designs to the world premiere of the smash hit movie.

MaXhosa designs.

The 10th edition of the annual textile event ‘Origin Africa’ held in Dar es Salaam was a platform and an opportunity for experts from the public and private sector to showcase and forecast the future of the East African cotton, textile and garment industry. The presence of representatives from top publications such as Vogue and Vanity Fair to witness the latest African fashion trends and its designers are testament to the growth and recognition the African fashion industry is gaining worldwide. This event was an opportunity for Rwandan fashion label Millecollines to showcase its designs to fashion experts across the globe. Founded by Spanish designers Marc Oliver and Ines Cuatrecasas in Kagali in 2007, the brand aims at combining international trends with African influences by collaborating with East African artisans and using traditional techniques and fabrics. The design currently distributes in Nairobi with five stand-alone stores where their distribution is focused. But they also have stocks in Barcelona and in the US. The growing demand for its design has made the brand to plan the opening of several of its retail outlets across several capitals in Africa and the world by December 2024.

Millescollines collection during the “Origin Africa” fashion show.

Finally there is a small Central African country making a late entry into the African fashion industry but with lots of talented designers who are gaining worldwide recognition. Cameroon has been able to enter the scene with designers such as Imane Ayissi and John Tchoundi.

Growing up within a family of artist, Imane Ayissi had plans of becoming a professional dancer, joining the National Ballet of Cameroon. His mother had an interest in fashion and so he decided to become a stylist. He spent years dressing some of the greatest dancers and choreographers in the world as well as creating his line of dresses. Following these, Imane moved into the world of modelling working with brands like YSL and Dior which helped him gather international attention.

It was this shift that inspired him to focus on creating his African outfits for women. His ability to create clothes out of such varied textures and dimensions are what makes Imane’s pieces so unique. Much like his dual culture (African and French) most of his designs appear paradoxical combining unlikely colors and fabrics with avant-garde silhouettes comprising of traditional materials and textiles as well as Parisian Haute couture which have the least environmental impact.

Imane’s presentation during a fashion show in Paris.

Sika’a is another Cameroonian brand gaining attention worldwide with its Founder John Tchoundi showing enormous promise. Just two years into the African fashion journey the Sika’a mission is to produce elegant and inventive handmade garments. Hailing from West Cameroon, the focus is on producing wonderful high-end garments from sustainable fabrics. Sika’a is ahead of the curve for an industry that is still developing and gaining attention. Its founder promises more development and growth in the coming years.

Designs by SIKA”A collection.

It is also important to state the growth of the media and the internet as well as e-commerce in Africa which are tools which have greatly contributed to the development and visibility of the African fashion industry worldwide. As such designers are able to blend ideas during production from tips gotten from the design culture of other countries without necessarily having to travel there. The internet also helps fashion entrepreneurs to take orders and make deliveries through online marketing techniques. Africans can also purchase from retailers with no physical presence on the continent and allow small fashion houses to showcase their collections to a global audience. African shopping websites like Jumia and Konga are democratizing access to fashion and offering on trend fashion at all price levels.

The African business insider projects a 22% increase in the demand for African fashion wears and design by 2025 which shall be a significant 9% increase from its current state this fiscal year. Which should be an encouraging detail for African fashion entrepreneurs. “These products are beginning to gain their well-deserved visibility,” says bethelhem Tilahun Alemu, founder of soleRebels, Africa’s fastest growing Footwear Company.

10 African Fashion Brands Worth Trying

Have you ever heard of the term ‘A-beauty’? It is short for African Beauty. African beauty brands are popular, but they have progressively dominated the market in recent years. A-beauty has made its mark and influence among big brands in the international beauty market. In the past, getting African fashion products was a big struggle. However, now you can find a wide range of African beauty brand products in fashion malls.

Top 10 African Beauty Brands Worth Trying

To learn more about the 10 top African beauty companies highlighting the rich beauty history, keep reading below.

1.ANDREA IYAMAH (Nigeria)

ANDREA IYAMAH, owned by the Nigerian fashion designer, Andrea Dumebi Iyamah, is one of the famous African clothing lines strongly inspired by ethnic cultures. Since its founding in 2011, the brand has stayed true to creating authentic clothing and resort wear that celebrates African roots and cultures. Clothes designed by the brand have bold colors and modern femininity. It is a blend of various cultures and themes. The brand specializes in custom couture, ready-to-wear and retro swimwear. ANDREA IYAMAH has gained massive popularity, and big names like Michelle Obama, Kate Hudson, Gabrielle Union, and Ciara have flaunted clothing designed by ANDREA IYAMAH.

2.Thebe Magugu (South Africa)

Thebe Magugu offers some of the most modern and unique clothing. The sleek, fashion-forward styles that intersect with the themes from Africa’s past will blow your mind away. The South African Brand Thebe Magugu designs smart, multifaceted clothes for females. You can buy ready-to-wear clothing and accessories designed by the brand in shopping malls worldwide.

3.Hanifa (Congo)

Hanifa’s clothing lines celebrate women’s bodies and have designed flattering garments for fashionistas worldwide. This African fashion brand has some of the best clothes with beautiful pops of color and silky fabric. You can find beautiful silhouettes in a wide variety of colors. Hanifa is now making waves in the fashion industry. If you want to feel the elegance of an African woman, you must try this brand.

4.Lisa Folawiyo (Nigeria)

Lisa Folawiyo has launched women’s wear and accessories. The brand has incorporated a combination of textiles and bright colors. The collection effortlessly provides high-quality apparel with unique designs and widely accepted prints, where each piece comes with a unique story. If you have a strong eye for tailoring and fit, then Lisa Folawiyo’s clothing line will impress you. The modern, feminine silhouettes don’t compromise traditional African aesthetics.

5.Lemlem (Ethiopia)

Ethiopian supermodel and designer Liya Kebede has launched this African fashion brand. This brand is inspired by the need to create a market for Ethiopian weavers and clothes made from handwoven fabric. Lemlem means “bloom and flourish” in the native language of Ethiopia. Lemlem is committed to elevating the artisanship of Ethiopia and expanding production and jobs across Africa. The clothes designed by the brand are woven from natural cotton, which makes it one of the most ethical fashion brands.

6.Ozwald Boateng (British-Ghana)

A British Ghanaian fashion designer is the brand's owner. Ozwald Boateng is famous for clothing lines that are a blend of classic British tailoring style and Ghana style as well. This menswear fashion brand focuses on creating a style that men love. You can find classic suits, jackets, and tailed pants for all types of men.

7.Ami Doshi Shah (Kenya)

Ami Doshi Shah's trademark fashion brand, which she manages under her own name, combines her Kenyan background with the Indian heritage. She is a jeweler and applied artist living in Nairobi, Kenya. The artist trained at the Birmingham School of Jewelers and has received several awards for her wonderful art of creating unique jewelry. She was nominated for Best Apprentice Designer UK and The African Designers and received the renowned Goldsmiths Award. Her works are so beautiful that you will fall in love with them right away. Ami Doshi Shah's distinctive creations are a must-try if you enjoy wearing unconventional jewelry.

8.Lisou (Tanzania)

If you want to add more silk pieces to your wardrobe, then Lisou will satisfy all your needs. Rene Macdonald, a Tanzanian-born fashion designer, owns the African fashion label Lisou. The finest silks are used to make the designs for clothing, which is the highlight of Lisou. It is highly recommended for women who adore silk. The Lisou collection features many timeless yet contemporary shapes. Rene handcrafts the athletic patterns herself. If you want to enjoy an easy-breezy and soft fluffy feel, don’t forget to check out the Lisou clothing collection. We are sure you will end up spending your entire paycheck because one piece might not be enough!

9.Tongoro

Tongoro is ideal for a man who is not afraid to experiment with bold prints. This is the perfect African fashion brand if you want to try out-of-the-box designs and styles. Sarah Diouf has designed menswear for the classic man. She draws influence from her travels in Africa and Paris. Her collection is a gentle expression of love for men. The entire print and tailoring of every cloth designed by the brand are on point! If you have watched the series ‘Dynasty ‘, then you must have seen Tongoro.

10.54 Thrones (America-Nigeria)

54 thrones sell some of the best products for your skin. The brand’s founder, Christina Funke Tegbe, has produced clean beauty, African products for people worldwide. The brand focuses on ‘the richness and culture of the continent and its people.’ 54 Thrones uses key ingredients that are homegrown and high quality. For example, ingredients like Ghanaian baobab and Moroccan argan oils are included in most of the products made by the brand. You can find the harvested skin solutions and protect and heal your skin.

Conclusion

If you opt to buy from African beauty brands, you will discover that there is a plethora of them. Choosing only one can be a challenging task. We have made it easy for you by compiling a list of the best African beauty brands to try. Please let us know in the comments if you have tried any of these brand and if they are some other brands that should be on the list that we have missed.

I look forward to reading your comments.

Sincerely,

Reference Links:

https://africanvibes.com/10-contemporary-african-fashion-brands-on-the-global-scene/

https://answersafrica.com/african-clothing-brands.html

https://www.stylerave.com/african-fashion-brands-designers-2021/