5 most popular destinations in Africa, Summer 2011

Summer vacations might be common, but – for most people – summer vacations in Africa are not. If you’re one of the select few who’s got a trip to Africa planned for this summer, you’ll no doubt have some of the most interesting travel stories to tell in the fall. While the rest of your friends are showing off photos of the Eiffel Tower or a beach in Bali, you can point to photos from a safari…

Africa is an enormous continent, and while it can be hot year-round in some places, in others the northern hemisphere’s summer is the winter season. In particular, South Africa and other countries in the southern part of the continent are in the midst of their winter in July and August. This doesn’t mean they’re particularly cold (depending on where you go), however, so it can still be a good time to enjoy the spectacular outdoor sights Africa has to offer.

Some destinations are more popular than others, so here’s a rundown of the most popular African travel destinations for summer 2011, based on what people are actually searching for on our sites.

1. Johannesburg
One of the most popular destinations in Africa is South Africa, and the busiest airport in the country is in Johannesburg. There’s plenty to keep you busy right in Jo’burg, and it’s easy to hop on a short flight from there to anywhere else in the country, too.

>> Find cheap tickets to Johannesburg

2. Nairobi
Another spot in Africa that’s long been a popular destination is Kenya, largely due to the huge number of people who have “African safari” on their bucket lists. Nairobi is the capital and home to the main airport.

>> Find cheap flights to Nairobi

3. Cape Town
The second South African city on this list is popular for reasons that are easy to understand. From the fabulous beaches to the array of outdoor activities (hike up Table Mountain, anyone?) to the proximity to South Africa’s wine country, it’s a great vacation spot.

>> Find cheap tickets to Cape Town

4. Casablanca
Movie nostalgia aside, Casablanca isn’t necessarily the best place to experience Morocco. It is, however, a major gateway into the country – and from there, it’s easy enough to get to more interesting cities like Fes and Marrakech.

>> Find cheap flights to Casablanca

5. Cairo
Cairo’s reputation as a huge and chaotic city is completely justified, and it remains one of the most popular destinations in Africa. Why? Incredible museums and historic sights certainly help, but it’s hard not to love a city from which you can see the great pyramids.

>> Find cheap tickets to Cairo

photo by eguidetravel