When people think of holidays in Africa, popular places like Cape Town, Marrakech, or Zanzibar often come to mind. But Africa is filled with hidden gems — lesser-known destinations that offer breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and unforgettable experiences without the crowds or the tourist prices.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet coastal escape, a cultural adventure, or a nature retreat, here are 10 underrated African destinations you should absolutely add to your travel bucket list.
1. Lamu, Kenya 🇰🇪
Lamu is a serene island off Kenya’s northern coast, known for its Swahili architecture, car-free streets, and slow island pace. It’s the kind of place where donkeys are still the main form of transportation.
Why visit?
- Unspoiled beaches
- Historic Old Town (a UNESCO site)
- Unique culture and architecture
Perfect for: Romantic getaways, cultural retreats, slow travelers.
2. Souss-Massa, Morocco 🇲🇦
While Marrakech and Fes steal the spotlight, Souss-Massa offers a more authentic Moroccan experience with coastal cliffs, desert dunes, and Berber villages.
Why visit?
- Wildlife at Souss-Massa National Park
- Untouched beaches like Sidi R’bat
- Off-the-beaten-path desert adventures
Perfect for: Nature lovers, photographers, bird watchers.
3. Idanre Hills, Nigeria 🇳🇬
Just outside Ondo City lies the majestic Idanre Hills — a group of ancient mountains with mystical landscapes, historical sites, and panoramic views.
Why visit?
- Hiking and trekking adventures
- Ancient settlements and shrines
- Rich Yoruba mythology
Perfect for: Adventure seekers, local tourists, history buffs.
4. Tofo Beach, Mozambique 🇲🇿
Tofo is a hidden beach paradise along Mozambique’s southern coast, famous among scuba divers and beach lovers.
Why visit?
- World-class diving with whale sharks and manta rays
- Rustic beach vibes and fresh seafood
- Beautiful, less crowded beaches
Perfect for: Ocean explorers, couples, backpackers.
5. Kpalimé, Togo 🇹🇬
Tucked in Togo’s lush hills, Kpalimé is an artsy mountain town filled with waterfalls, hiking trails, and local craftsmanship.
Why visit?
- Mount Agou hikes
- Hidden waterfalls and forests
- Traditional batik and pottery workshops
Perfect for: Nature enthusiasts, artists, and solo travelers.
6. Mahébourg, Mauritius 🇲🇺
While the northern beaches of Mauritius are more popular, Mahébourg — a coastal town in the southeast — offers authentic Creole charm.
Why visit?
- Blue Bay Marine Park for snorkeling
- Historical museums and markets
- Quiet beaches and laid-back culture
Perfect for: Families, budget travelers, history lovers.
7. Banfora, Burkina Faso 🇧🇫
Banfora is a picturesque town surrounded by natural wonders, including waterfalls, rock formations, and sugarcane fields.
Why visit?
- Karfiguéla Waterfalls
- The Domes of Fabedougou (natural rock sculptures)
- Lake Tengrela for hippo spotting
Perfect for: Eco-tourists, explorers, cultural travelers.
8. Bahir Dar, Ethiopia 🇪🇹
Situated on the shores of Lake Tana, Bahir Dar is a peaceful city known for its ancient monasteries, lake views, and proximity to the Blue Nile Falls.
Why visit?
- Boat trips to island monasteries
- Visit the dramatic Blue Nile Falls
- Explore the cultural heart of Ethiopia
Perfect for: Spiritual seekers, nature lovers, cultural travelers.
9. Assinie, Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮
A hidden gem for beach lovers in West Africa, Assinie offers luxury and relaxation with far fewer tourists than Abidjan or Grand-Bassam.
Why visit?
- Private beach resorts and lagoon houses
- Water sports and jet skiing
- Local seafood and vibrant sunsets
Perfect for: Group getaways, honeymoons, luxury escapes.
10. Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique 🇲🇿
A cluster of pristine islands along the Indian Ocean coast, the Quirimbas offer some of the most secluded beach escapes on the continent.
Why visit?
- Untouched coral reefs for diving
- Private island experiences
- Traditional dhow sailing trips
Perfect for: Honeymooners, luxury travelers, off-grid adventurers.
✈️ Final Thoughts
Africa is full of surprises — and its most magical destinations are often the ones that don’t make the glossy magazine covers. If you’re craving something different for your next holiday, skip the crowds and discover the soul of the continent in these underrated gems.
When people think of holidays in Africa, popular places like Cape Town, Marrakech, or Zanzibar often come to mind. But Africa is filled with hidden gems — lesser-known destinations that offer breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and unforgettable experiences without the crowds or the tourist prices.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet coastal escape, a cultural adventure, or a nature retreat, here are 10 underrated African destinations you should absolutely add to your travel bucket list.
1. Lamu, Kenya 🇰🇪
Lamu is a serene island off Kenya’s northern coast, known for its Swahili architecture, car-free streets, and slow island pace. It’s the kind of place where donkeys are still the main form of transportation.
Why visit?
- Unspoiled beaches
- Historic Old Town (a UNESCO site)
- Unique culture and architecture
Perfect for: Romantic getaways, cultural retreats, slow travelers.
2. Souss-Massa, Morocco 🇲🇦
While Marrakech and Fes steal the spotlight, Souss-Massa offers a more authentic Moroccan experience with coastal cliffs, desert dunes, and Berber villages.
Why visit?
- Wildlife at Souss-Massa National Park
- Untouched beaches like Sidi R’bat
- Off-the-beaten-path desert adventures
Perfect for: Nature lovers, photographers, bird watchers.
3. Idanre Hills, Nigeria 🇳🇬
Just outside Ondo City lies the majestic Idanre Hills — a group of ancient mountains with mystical landscapes, historical sites, and panoramic views.
Why visit?
- Hiking and trekking adventures
- Ancient settlements and shrines
- Rich Yoruba mythology
Perfect for: Adventure seekers, local tourists, history buffs.
4. Tofo Beach, Mozambique 🇲🇿
Tofo is a hidden beach paradise along Mozambique’s southern coast, famous among scuba divers and beach lovers.
Why visit?
- World-class diving with whale sharks and manta rays
- Rustic beach vibes and fresh seafood
- Beautiful, less crowded beaches
Perfect for: Ocean explorers, couples, backpackers.
5. Kpalimé, Togo 🇹🇬
Tucked in Togo’s lush hills, Kpalimé is an artsy mountain town filled with waterfalls, hiking trails, and local craftsmanship.
Why visit?
- Mount Agou hikes
- Hidden waterfalls and forests
- Traditional batik and pottery workshops
Perfect for: Nature enthusiasts, artists, and solo travelers.
6. Mahébourg, Mauritius 🇲🇺
While the northern beaches of Mauritius are more popular, Mahébourg — a coastal town in the southeast — offers authentic Creole charm.
Why visit?
- Blue Bay Marine Park for snorkeling
- Historical museums and markets
- Quiet beaches and laid-back culture
Perfect for: Families, budget travelers, history lovers.
7. Banfora, Burkina Faso 🇧🇫
Banfora is a picturesque town surrounded by natural wonders, including waterfalls, rock formations, and sugarcane fields.
Why visit?
- Karfiguéla Waterfalls
- The Domes of Fabedougou (natural rock sculptures)
- Lake Tengrela for hippo spotting
Perfect for: Eco-tourists, explorers, cultural travelers.
8. Bahir Dar, Ethiopia 🇪🇹
Situated on the shores of Lake Tana, Bahir Dar is a peaceful city known for its ancient monasteries, lake views, and proximity to the Blue Nile Falls.
Why visit?
- Boat trips to island monasteries
- Visit the dramatic Blue Nile Falls
- Explore the cultural heart of Ethiopia
Perfect for: Spiritual seekers, nature lovers, cultural travelers.
9. Assinie, Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮
A hidden gem for beach lovers in West Africa, Assinie offers luxury and relaxation with far fewer tourists than Abidjan or Grand-Bassam.
Why visit?
- Private beach resorts and lagoon houses
- Water sports and jet skiing
- Local seafood and vibrant sunsets
Perfect for: Group getaways, honeymoons, luxury escapes.
10. Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique 🇲🇿
A cluster of pristine islands along the Indian Ocean coast, the Quirimbas offer some of the most secluded beach escapes on the continent.
Why visit?
- Untouched coral reefs for diving
- Private island experiences
- Traditional dhow sailing trips
Perfect for: Honeymooners, luxury travelers, off-grid adventurers.
✈️ Final Thoughts
Africa is full of surprises — and its most magical destinations are often the ones that don’t make the glossy magazine covers. If you’re craving something different for your next holiday, skip the crowds and discover the soul of the continent in these underrated gems.
And when you’re ready to book a stay, remember: verified shortlets give you the freedom, comfort, and local experience that no hotel can match.
👉 Start exploring Africa like never before. Your next hidden paradise is just a few clicks away.