Why You Should Add African Destinations to Your
2025/2026 Bucket List
Written by Melanin Travels Magic
Introduction
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to immerse yourself completely in the diverse tapestry of African culture, landscapes, and experiences all in one incredible journey? We recently embarked on an ambitious challenge that would forever change our perspective on travel and cultural exploration: visiting five African countries in just three months.
This wasn’t just any ordinary trip. Our mission was multifaceted – to attend major African travel conferences, deepen our knowledge of East and Southern African destinations, and forge meaningful collaborations with hotels and tourism boards across the continent. What we discovered exceeded every expectation and reinforced why Africa deserves a prominent place on every traveler’s bucket list.
The journey took us through South Africa’s poignant historical sites, Kenya’s wildlife conservation efforts, Tanzania’s soul-stirring islands, Uganda’s hidden cultural treasures, and Zambia’s perfect blend of modernity and natural wonders, Zimbabwe hidden gems Eastern Highlands full of colonial history, spiritualty & resilience and amazing Mountains & leafy landscape perfect for both Luxury stay & adventure travel, Seychelles Iconic most popular
islands & waters: Praslin Mahe. Each destination revealed unique stories, flavors, and experiences that collectively paint a picture of a continent bursting with untapped potential for conscious travelers.
Table of Contents:
- Introduction: Why You Should Add Africa to Your 2025/2026 Bucket List
o Attending Major African Travel Conferences
o Forging Collaborations with Hotels & Tourism Boards - South Africa: Where History Meets Modern Urban Vibrancy
o Johannesburg – Following Nelson Mandela’s Trail & Black Heritage Tours
o Cape Town – Community Tourism, Food & Art, Digital Nomad Hotspot
o Why Visit South Africa (Flights, Costs, Accessibility) - The Importance of Eco-Tourism & Sustainability
o Kenya – Conservation Meets Community Tourism
o Tanzania – Stone Town, Paje, Jambiani & Wellness Shopping - Uganda: The Hidden Cultural, Adventure & Culinary Gem
o Classic Attractions: Gorilla Trekking, Ziwa Rhino Park
o Adventure in Jinja: White-water Rafting & Gorges
o Dolwe Island & Crater Lakes Exploration. o Organic Culinary Experiences & Kampala Nightlife - Zambia: When Modernity Meets Natural Treasures
o Infrastructure & Accessibility
o Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) and Safari Experiences
o Cultural Richness and Independence Spirit - Zimbabwe: Luxury Meets Spirituality in the Eastern Highlands
o Where Luxury Resorts Meet Mountain Adventure – Mountain Lakes Villa Resort, Tea Farms & Skybridge
o Eastern Highlands – Colonial History & Cecil Rhodes Farm
o Culinary & Wine Tasting Experiences
o Sacred Hiking on Mount Nyangani – Spiritual Etiquette & Trail Details
o Best Time to Visit the Eastern Highlands - Seychelles: Iconic Islands & Crystal-Clear Waters
o Praslin, Mahé & Other Highlights (Upcoming Trip Teaser) - Practical Guides & Travel Tips
o Optimal Travel Seasons (South Africa, Zambia, Seychelles, Zimbabwe)
o Direct Flight Routes from the USA to Africa (Delta, United, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian, Royal Air Maroc, EgyptAir)
o Redeeming Airline Miles for African Travel (AAdvantage, Flying Blue, Aeroplan, Emirates Skywards)
o Maximizing Hotel Loyalty Points (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, Hyatt)
o Quick Packing Guide for East & Southern Africa - Conclusion: Africa is Calling
o Summary of Transformative Experiences
o Call-to-Action: Plan Your Multi-Country Africa Trip for 2025/2026 - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Best Time to Visit Zanzibar & Diani Beach
- Best Time to Visit South Africa & Zambia
- Where to Find the Best Wellness Holidays in Africa
- Best Agro-Tourism Destinations in Africa
South Africa: Where History Meets Modern Urban
Vibrancy
Johannesburg – Never Forget Your Roots
Our South African adventure began with an invitation to speak at a major travel trade show, but it evolved into something far more meaningful through our collaboration with Visit Joburg tourism board. The three-day Black heritage and cultural experience following Nelson Mandela’s trail was nothing short of transformative.
Walking through Johannesburg’s museums dedicated to apartheid history, we gained profound insights into South Africa’s complex past and remarkable resilience. The city taught
us an invaluable lesson: never forget your history and culture, but always build forward.
From the bustling streets of Soweto to the sophisticated art galleries of Maboneng, Johannesburg seamlessly weaves its painful past with an optimistic future.
Cape Town – Community Tourism at Its Finest
Cape Town, recently voted the best city in the world for 2025, showcased the incredible power of community tourism. Our township tours weren’t just sightseeing experiences; they were genuine cultural exchanges that directly supported local history museums, art galleries, and culinary workshops. These community-driven initiatives often don’t benefit from the
mainstream tourist attractions but offer the most authentic and impactful travel experiences.
Examples of Community tours in Cape Town townships: From cycling to partying or walking tours to Food Community tours in Langa, available on our North American partners
Tourifique:
https://tourifique.com/activities/location_id=18742&location_name=South_Africa
Why Visit South Africa:
- Johannesburg:
Immerse yourself in athentic South African and Zulu culture, explore world-class restaurants, enjoy vibrant nightlife, and access the legendary Kruger National Park for world-renowned safari experiences. Plus, flights from London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam start from just £400 return ( $540 return flight). Also Or Tambo is the busiest airport In Africa so a great regional hub to explore further the Southern african region, we’ve used it to go to Cape Town, but also Harare in Zimbabwe as flights are much cheaper and you have several low coast companies to fly from, from Flysafair & Lift or more traditional to Airlink & South Africa Airlines. - Cape Town:
From dramatic mountain landscapes and pristine beaches to glamorous wine-tasting vineyard tours, cultural art scene whether at V&A waterfront or Franschoek Art Galleries
within the wine estate and challenging hiking opportunities, Cape Town offers something for every traveler. Affordable direct flights are available for £400 return ( $540 return
flight equivalent to) during nine months of the year from London UK. But also very popular among digital nomads and remote workers during the West Winter month which
is their Summer, due to easy access to their high speed internet, road infrastcructures, low cost living with food, groceries and Uber (average trip cost 2 to 5 dollars max similar to Brazil) and qucick access to sunset Braai (local BBQs) and beaches & tidal pools for a cold dip in the morning! You also have so many music festivals outdoors in between
December and March the peak of their summer that will get your groove back on in no time.
The Importance of Eco-Tourism & Sustainability: Lessons
from Kenya & Tanzania
Kenya – Where Conservation Meets Community
Our time in Kenya revealed the critical importance of eco-tourism and how tourism seasonality impacts local communities. Even during Diani Beach’s rainy season, we discovered a jewel that continues to support local communities through sustainable tourism practices. Our networking sessions with Kenya Women in Travel highlighted the passionate, caring nature of Kenyans and their commitment to responsible tourism.
The Swahili spices, particularly the fiery chili blends, became a daily highlight, while the country’s incredible nature and wildlife provided the soul restoration we didn’t know we needed. Nairobi impressed us as Africa’s best capital for infrastructure, offering easy navigation and excellent access to services that make it an ideal base for exploring the region.
Tanzania – Where the Heart Finds Home
Having visited Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania multiple times, we always experience that unmistakable feeling of coming home when we land. Our typical itinerary involves transitioning through Stone Town for one or two days to recover from long flights, then
heading to the southeast coast.
Paje offers the perfect combination of convenience, access to exceptional restaurants, kitesurfing beaches, and remote work opportunities with stunning views. For those seeking more intimacy, Jambiani provides a private beach experience that feels like your own personal paradise. Beyond the numerous eco-tourism and water activities, Tanzania offers diverse Swahili, Indian, and European cuisine, natural spa treatments, and wellness shopping opportunities featuring dried sea moss, superfood powders, shilajit, baobab, moringa, ginger, sea moss soaps, and natural loofah sponges.
Uganda: The Eastern African Hidden Cultural, Adventure and Culinary Gem
Classic Attractions with Unexpected Surprises
Uganda surprised us at every turn, from the classic western attractions of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking to Queen Elizabeth National Park’s diverse wildlife. Ziwa Rhino Park offered the thrilling experience of walking safaris with white rhinos, while the Port Portal Crater Lakes region provided perfect opportunities for kayaking, cycling, and hiking.
The adventurous Jinja region, famous for its stunning gorges and white-water rafting, gave way to hidden gems in the northeastern region, including the remarkable Dolwe Island. This unique destination on Lake Victoria houses over 20,000 ancient granite rock formations, offering a fascinating alternative to Seychelles’ legendary granite formations.
Green Hills and Organic Delights
Uganda’s landscape captivated us with its green, hilly terrain, landlocked yet rich with numerous lakes and the source of the Nile River. The culinary experiences were exceptional – everything is organic, and we encourage every visitor to taste it all without hesitation. The country offers incredible sporting activities including rafting, cruising, cycling, trekking, hiking, bungee jumping, and fishing, all while providing meaningful cultural and community outreach opportunities to support local communities. Uganda’s emerging nightlife scene in Kampala offers a blend of local bars featuring traditional music and modern clubs where you can dance to Afrobeat rhythms late into the night.
Zambia: When Modernity Meets Natural Treasures
Infrastructure Meets Wonder
Zambia impressed us with its ability to seamlessly align modern infrastructure and facilities with extensive road networks and domestic flight connections linking major cities and 21 national parks. While home to the world wonder Mosi-oa-Tunya (meaning “The Smoke that Thunders” – the local name for Victoria Falls), Zambia also boasts the second-largest
wildebeest migration after the Kenya-Tanzania circuit.
The country’s safety record, incredibly welcoming people speaking 73 languages alongside English, and position as a wildlife tourism hub make it an ideal destination. From witnessing the second-largest wildebeest migration and walking with lions to exceptional bird watching opportunities, Zambia offers natural wonders paired with amazing food experiences that
reflect its rich cultural diversity.
Cultural Richness and Independence Spirit
With 73 tribes and languages coexisting since independence in 1964, Zambia represents the beautiful complexity and unity that characterizes modern Africa. The country serves as a perfect example of how African nations can preserve their cultural heritage while embracing progress and development.
Zimbabwe: Where Luxury resorts matches the perfect Mountainy Backdrops for adventure Travel
Luxury Zimbabwe Travel: Adventure & Wellness in the
Eastern Highlands
If you’re dreaming of combining luxury travel, mountain adventures, and eco-tourism in Zimbabwe, look no further than the breathtaking Eastern Highlands. This region offers
dramatic mountain landscapes, colonial history, and spiritual hiking experiences — all paired with upscale resorts and farm-to-table dining.
Where Luxury Resorts Meet Mountain Adventure
We spent a week in the Eastern Highlands and stayed at two incredible five-star properties, including the brand-new Black-owned Mountain Lakes Villa Resort — a must-visit for
travelers seeking authentic, community-driven luxury.
This eco-friendly resort is set against lush green hills, featuring its own peach and raspberry orchard, a serene mini-lake, and panoramic views perfect for sunrise meditation.
Activities & Highlights:
- Ecotourism: Hike the Nyangani Mountains, the highest point in Zimbabwe, with trails for all levels.
- Adventure: Test your courage with the skybridge and skyline trail — perfect for adrenaline seekers.
- Agro-Tourism: Visit nearby tea farms and botanical gardens to see how Zimbabwean tea is grown and processed.
- Luxury Retreat: Enjoy farm-fresh cuisine, wellness treatments, and sunset views after a day of exploration.
This stay coincided with our visit to the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, making it the perfect combination of business networking and nature immersion.
Eastern Highlands: Where Spirituality Meets Ancestral Resilience
The Eastern Highlands are more than a mountain destination — they are a place where history, culture, and spirituality intersect.
Learn Colonial History
We toured Cecil Rhodes’ house and farm, learning about his role in British colonialism and its impact on Zimbabwean agriculture. Today, Zimbabwe continues to export peaches, raspberries, and tea leaves to global markets — products you may recognize in UK
supermarkets.
Culinary & Cultural Experiences
One highlight was sampling a local passion-fruit wine — imagine a blend of South African Chenin Blanc and French Rosé — perfect for sundowners. We visited during fall (April– May), when the sasa tree forests exploded in shades of red, orange, and green, creating a scene that felt like a Canadian autumn.
Sacred Hiking on Mount Nyangani
Our journey ended with a hike up Mount Nyangani, a sacred mountain where Zimbabwean ancestors once hid to escape colonization.
- Spiritual Etiquette: Hikers are encouraged to remain silent, avoid profanity, and show respect to the spirits who once lived in these mountains.
- Trail Details: We climbed two of the seven levels in just under two hours (the full hike takes around four hours). The experience left us deeply reflective and connected to Zimbabwe’s ancestral history.
Why Visit the Eastern Highlands
Best Time to Visit Experience
April – May Perfect for hiking and foliage — cool weather, vibrant colors, fewer crowds
June – October Combine with safaris — dry season brings great wildlife sightings
November –February Lush green landscapes & flower bloom in the Eastern Highlands
Seychelles :
At the time of writing this article, our Seychelles trip is approaching so make sure to follow our social media & blog to learn more about our adventures there from October 2025.
Conclusion: Africa is Calling
Africa is an incredibly rich continent with 54 countries, 30 of which are actively welcoming visitors year-round. Each country we visited offered unique history, culture, and compelling reasons to visit, whether for wildlife experiences, cultural immersion, historical exploration, culinary adventures, wellness opportunities, agro-tourism, or community tourism.
Our 6 month journey pushed us far outside our comfort zones and rewarded us with unforgettable experiences: Visiting Tea plantations in Nyanga region in Zimbabwe, Ziplining in between mountains & Waterfall at in Zimbabwe, walking safaris with rhinos in Uganda, swimming in Africa’s pool-shaped tidal pools at Tiwi, Diani Beach in Kenya, exploring the culture and history of South African townships, wine tasting in Franschhoek & Groot
Constancia vineyards, sea moss skincare wellness treatments in Zanzibar, and witnessing the magnificent Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls) in Livingstone, Zambia.
Africa is calling for you in 2025/2026, and we can’t recommend strongly enough that you answer that call. The continent offers transformative experiences that will challenge your preconceptions, expand your worldview, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best pro tips for multi-city flights to East and Southern Africa?
Book multi-city tickets through major hubs like Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa), Kenya Airways (Nairobi), or South African Airways (Johannesburg). Consider open-jaw tickets that allow you to fly into one city and depart from another. Book at least 3-4 months in advance for better prices, and consider flying mid-week for lower fares. Use airline alliances to maximize points and benefits across different carriers.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar and Diani Beach?
The best time for both destinations is during the dry seasons: June to October and December to March. Avoid April-May (long rains) and November (short rains). However, the “rainy season” still offers beautiful experiences with fewer crowds and lower prices. For kitesurfing in Zanzibar, July-September offers the strongest winds.
What’s the optimal time to visit South Africa and Zambia?
South Africa: April-May and September-October offer mild weather and great wildlife viewing. Winter (June-August) is excellent for safari but can be cold. Summer (December-
February) is hot but great for Cape Town beaches.
Zambia: May-October (dry season) is ideal for wildlife viewing and Victoria Falls visits. November-April is hot and wet but offers lush landscapes and better bird watching.
What’s the optimal time to visit Seychelles & Zimbabwe?
Seychelles – Best Time for Beach & Quiet
Goal Recommended
Months Why This Is the Best Window
Beach Perfection (calm
water, clear snorkeling)
April – May
October – mid-November
- Winds are light, so seas are calm — perfect for swimming, paddleboarding,
and snorkeling. - Visibility underwater is at its peak → best for divers.
- Sun is strong but not too harsh; humidity is moderate.
Avoid Crowds (peaceful
resorts & lower rates)
Late September – early November
- Slightly outside the European summer
holidays → fewer families and honeymoon rush. - Shoulder season pricing: great deals on resorts and flights.
- Still dry enough to enjoy all outdoor activities.
Quiet & Secluded
Experience (island- hopping in peace)
Mid-May – mid-June
- Right after Easter break, before school holidays → very relaxed vibe.
- National parks and famous beaches like Anse Lazio are less busy, giving you that castaway feeling.
- Good mix of sunny weather and fewer tour boats.
Zimbabwe – Wildlife & Eastern Highlands Bloom
Goal Recommended
Months Why This Is the Best Window
Prime Wildlife
Safaris (Hwange, Mana Pools)
Late June – October
- Dry season → animals gather around waterholes and riverbanks, making sightings easy.
- Sparse vegetation improves visibility for big cats, elephants, and wild dogs.
- Almost zero rainfall, so dirt roads are fully accessible and malaria risk is lower.
Victoria Falls at Its
Best April – June
- Water level still strong from rainy season but
not too high, so spray doesn’t obscure the view. - Rainbows over the falls are spectacular.
Eastern Highlands
Bloom & Lush Landscapes
November –February
- Start of the rains transforms Nyanga &
Bvumba into lush, misty, flower-filled landscapes. - Birdlife explodes, orchids bloom, tea plantations look vibrant.
Goal Recommended
Months Why This Is the Best Window
- Great for photographers and hikers who enjoy green hills and waterfalls.
Balance of Dry & Green (perfect for combo trip)
April – early May
- Transitional season → Eastern Highlands are
still green from the rains, but safari parks are
drying out and wildlife sightings start improving. - Fewer tourists, lower lodge rates — great value.
Bonus Tip: Pair Eastern Highlands (Nov–Feb) with a short safari in private concessions — many offer lush, dramatic backdrops for photos and newborn wildlife sightings.
Takeaway
- Seychelles: Go April–May or October–early November for quiet beaches +crystal-clear water.
- Zimbabwe: Go June–October for big game, or Nov–Feb if you want to see the Eastern Highlands in bloom and enjoy lush scenery.
- For a dual experience (wildlife + greenery): April is your best bet — you’ll catch the Highlands still lush and safari parks just opening up for peak game viewing.
Where are the best places in Africa for wellness holidays?
Top wellness destinations include Zanzibar (sea moss treatments, natural spas), Morocco (hammams, argan oil treatments), Kenya (eco-lodges with spa treatments), South Africa (wine country wellness retreats), and Rwanda (mountain meditation retreats).
Many eco-lodges across East Africa now offer holistic wellness programs combining nature immersion with traditional healing practices.
What are the best places in Africa for agro-tourism?
Uganda leads in agro-tourism with coffee plantation tours, tea estates, and organic farm stays. Kenya offers flower farm visits and coffee experiences. Rwanda’s tea plantations provide stunning mountain views. South Africa’s wine regions offer vineyard tours and harvest experiences. Ethiopia’s coffee origin tours provide authentic bean-to-cup experiences.
Where are the most direct routes to fly to Africa from the USA?
Airline U.S. Origin African
City/Airport Country/Region Frequency / Notes
Delta Air Lines
ATL
(Atlanta) Johannesburg (JNB) South Africa Year-round non-stop.
(delta.com)
ATL
(Atlanta) Cape Town (CPT) South Africa
Seasonal non-stop
(operates during peak
periods). (delta.com)
ATL
(Atlanta) Lagos (LOS) Nigeria Regular non-stop.
(FlightConnections)
JFK (New York) Dakar (DSS) Senegal Seasonal non-stop.
(FlightsFrom)
ATL
(Atlanta) Marrakech (RAK) Morocco
Announced non-stop
starting Oct 25, 2025
(3x weekly). (Condé Nast Traveler)
ATL
(Atlanta) Accra (ACC) Ghana
Announced seasonal
non-stop from Dec 1,
2025 (daily). (Condé Nast Traveler)
United Airlines
EWR
(Newark) Johannesburg (JNB) South Africa Year-round non-stop.
(FlightConnections)
EWR
(Newark) Cape Town (CPT) South Africa
Non-stop service (seasonal patterns).
(FlightConnections)
IAD
(Washington-Dulles)
Cape Town (CPT) South Africa
Newer non-stop; operating per current schedules.
(FlightsFrom)
IAD
(Washington- Dulles)
Accra (ACC) Ghana Year-round non-stop.
(Flights From)
IAD
(Washington- Dulles)
Lagos (LOS) Nigeria Year-round non-stop.
(Flights From)
EWR
(Newark) Marrakech (RAK) Morocco
Launched Oct 25, 2024
(3x weekly). (Condé Nast Traveler)
Kenya Airways
JFK (New York) Nairobi (NBO) Kenya (East Africa hub)
Year-round non-stop
(generally 5–7x weekly). (Kenya Airways)
Egypt Air JFK (New York) Cairo (CAI) Egypt Daily non-stop.
(Flights From)
IAD
(Washington-Dulles)
Cairo (CAI) Egypt
Regular non-stop (near-daily).
(FlightsFrom)
Ethiopian Airlines
IAD
(Washington-Dulles)
Addis Ababa (ADD) Ethiopia (East Africa hub)
Daily non-stop (7x weekly typical).
(Ethiopian Airlines)
JFK (New York) Addis Ababa (ADD) Ethiopia
Regular non-stop (schedule varies by season). (Ethiopian
Airlines)
ORD
(Chicago) Addis Ababa (ADD) Ethiopia
Non-stop; multiple
weekly frequencies.
(FlightsnFrom)
ATL
(Atlanta) Addis Ababa (ADD) Ethiopia
Non-stop; several flights weekly.
(Flights From)
Royal Air Maroc
JFK (New York) Casablanca (CMN) Morocco (North
Africa hub)
Year-round non-stop.
(delta.com)
IAD
(Washington- Dulles)
Casablanca (CMN) Morocco Year-round non-stop.
(FlightsFrom)
MIA (Miami) Casablanca (CMN) Morocco
Non-stop; typically several times weekly.
(FlightsFrom)
BOS
(Boston) Casablanca (CMN) Morocco Non-stop; seasonal
patterns. (FlightsFrom)
Delta /United (New for 2025)
IAD
(Washington- Dulles)
Dakar (DSS) Senegal
United starts May 23, 2025 (3x weekly).
Delta also operates
seasonal JFK–DSS.
(Condé Nast Traveler)
Azores Airlines
(seasonal)
BOS
(Boston) Praia (RAI) Cabo Verde
Intermittent/seasonal
non-stop; verify current season. (Wego)
How Can I sue my airmiles to redeem on airlines for my next African trip?
Points Program
Partner Airlines (Where You Can Redeem)
African Destinations You Can Book
American Airlines
AAdvantage
- Qatar Airways
- Royal Air Maroc
- British Airways
(OneWorld)
Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Mali,
Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Tunisia
Virgin Atlantic / Air France
KLM (Flying Blue)
- Virgin Atlantic
- Air France / KLM
- Kenya Airways (via
Flying Blue)
Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Livingstone (Zambia), Victoria Falls
(Zimbabwe/Zambia), Cape Town (South Africa), Democratic Republic of the
Congo
United MileagePlus / Aeroplan
- United
- Air Canada (Aeroplan)
- Avianca (Star Alliance
partners)Redeemable on
Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish
Airlines, South African
Airways
Mali, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Tanzania, South Africa, Gabon, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Niger
Emirates Skywards
- Emirates Seychelles, Madagascar, Ghana, Côte
d’Ivoire, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Guinea
(Conakry), Senegal
How can I reddem loyalty points on my hotel stay for my next trip to Africa?
Hotel
Loyalty
Program
Key Redemption Perks Best African Destinations
Marriott
Bonvoy
- Earn Elite Night Credits +
Points when you stay - Transfer points to 40+
airlines (Qatar, Emirates,
Ethiopian, etc.) - Flexible award chart for
peak/off-peak stays
Ghana, Zambia, Cape Verde, Uganda, Ethiopia, more
Hilton Honors
- 5th Night Free when
booking entirely with points - Combine with
Gold/Diamond perks for
free breakfast & upgrades - Large footprint in Africa
Seychelles, Mauritius, Kenya, Egypt
Hyatt • Best value per point (as
low as 3,500 points/night)•
Great for off-season luxury
stays Egypt, Morocco, South Africa
General
Hotel Points
Strategy
- Sign up free for Marriott,
Hilton, Hyatt programs - Earn via hotel stays, co-
branded credit cards,
shopping/dining partnerships
Wide coverage across key African cities and tourist regions
- Use Points + Cash to
stretch your redemptions - Unlock perks like free
nights, upgrades, late
checkout
Top African
Gems for
Points Travel
(Works across Marriott,
Hilton, Hyatt programs)
Egypt 🇪🇬, Morocco 🇲🇦, Ghana 🇬🇭, Uganda 🇺🇬, Kenya 🇰🇪, Tanzania 🇹🇿, Ethiopia 🇪🇹, South Africa 🇿🇦, Cape Verde
🇨🇻, Congo & DRC 🇨🇬🇨🇩, Mauritius 🇲🇺, Seychelles 🇸🇨, Zambia 🇿🇲
Quick packing guide for Eastern and Southern Africa holidays?
Essentials: Neutral-colored clothing for safari, layers for temperature changes, comfortable walking shoes, sandals, sun hat, sunscreen (SPF 50+), insect repellent, first aid kit, universal adapter, portable charger, and quick-dry clothing.
Safari-specific: Binoculars, camera with extra batteries, long pants and sleeves for evening, warm jacket for early morning game drives.
Beach destinations: Reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, light cover-ups, waterproof phone case.
Health: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required for some countries), malaria prophylaxis (consult your doctor), basic medications, and travel insurance.
About Melanin Travels Magic
We are a Multi-awarded Black diasora travel agency, specialising in reconnecting the Black diaspora Travelling Africa, The Caribbean & Brazil. Curating Transformative Black heritage & leisure Travel experiences for Solo, group of Friends & Families & Corporate retreats while empowering the local black communities. We were funded in 2020 and have served over 250 + customers travelling in 15+ destinations reconnecting in Africa, the Caribbean, Brazil & Mexico.
Travel with Us: https://www.melanintravelsmagic.com
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