5 African Countries To Discover

5 African Countries You Have to See in Your Lifetime

Africa is a continent of contrasts. Vibrant cities, vast deserts, abundant wildlife, and communities with histories that stretch back millennia. At Roane Travel Design, we believe in timing your trip to align perfectly with your travel goals. Whether you dream of witnessing the Great Migration, trekking through misty forests to see gorillas, or sipping morning coffee as elephants wander past camp there’s an ideal moment waiting for you somewhere on the continent.

1. Tanzania: Following the Great Migration

Tanzania is one of the most rewarding safari destinations on Earth. The Great Migration defines much of its rhythm, but wildlife viewing is excellent year-round.

When to go:

• December–March: Witness the calving season in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains, where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth within weeks, attracting predators in one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles.
• June–October: The herds move north toward Kogatende and the Mara river, this is the best time to see thrilling river crossings and clear, dry landscapes ideal for photography.
• April, May & November (Short Rains): The Central plains transform into vibrant green, wildlife is still abundant and visitor numbers are lower, offering a more relaxed experience.

Beyond the Serengeti, explore the Ngorongoro Crater (year-round game viewing) and Tarangire National Park (best June–November). End your adventure on the beaches of Zanzibar where June–October and December–March bring dry, sunny days and turquoise waters.

Why we love it: Tanzania is where wild adventure and laid-back beauty meet. Thrilling game drives by day, Indian Ocean sunsets by night, all in one unforgettable journey. Discover what your travel itinerary could look like!

2. Rwanda: Gorilla Encounters in the Mist

Small in size, big in spirit. Rwanda is where you’ll trek through emerald mountains to lock eyes with mountain gorillas, an encounter that humbles even the most seasoned traveller. But the adventure doesn’t end there. Akagera National Park has become one of East Africa’s most exciting safari spots, with lion, rhino, and elephants thriving once more. In the south, Nyungwe National Park invites you into ancient rainforest canopies alive with chimpanzees and rare birdlife. And in Kigali, contemporary galleries, lively cafés, and a growing coffee culture reveal a nation alive with creativity and energy.

When to go:

• June–September & December–February: The dry seasons provide the best gorilla hiking conditions and visibility.
• March–May & October–November: The forest is lush and photogenic with fewer visitors – ideal for photographers.
• Extend your journey with a visit to Akagera National Park, now home to the Big Five (best June–October) or explore Nyungwe Forest where chimpanzees and rare birds thrive year-round.

Why we love it: Rwanda offers one of the world’s most moving wildlife encounters, complemented by a culture that is vibrant, welcoming, and endlessly inspiring. Discover what your travel itinerary could look like!

3.  South Africa: A World in One Country

South Africa’s diversity is unmatched: Cape Town’s Table Mountain and coastline, the rolling vineyards of the Winelands, and Kruger’s big-game safaris. It’s a country where you can sip award-winning wines at lunch and spot lions at sunset. Add in world-class golf courses, vibrant cultures, and the warmth of its people, and you’ll see why South Africa is often called a world in one country.

When to go:

• The best time for safaris in Kruger National Park is May–October (Dry Winter), when animals gather at waterholes and visibility improves. November–March (Summer Rains): The bush turns lush and green, alive with young animals and migratory birds.
• Beyond the bush, Cape Town and the Garden Route present perfect Summers from October–April, while the Cape Winelands delight year-round with wine tasting, dining, and scenic drives.

Why we love it: South Africa brings together spectacular landscapes, unforgettable wildlife, and some of the most welcoming people you’ll ever meet.

4. Egypt: Timeless and Thrilling

Few places make history feel as alive as Egypt. Standing before the pyramids of Giza or cruising the Nile past ancient temples is the kind of travel moment you’ll replay forever. But beyond the monuments, Egypt is vibrant and modern, with Cairo’s energy and the coral reefs of the Red Sea adding layers to every journey.

When to go:

• October–April: Comfortable weather makes this the ideal time to explore Cairo’s ancient treasures, cruise the Nile, and visit Luxor and Aswan.
• May–September: Hot but less crowded, and perfect for diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea.

Why we love it: Egypt blends timeless wonder with modern vibrancy, offering history and adventure in equal measure. Discover what your travel itinerary could look like!

5.  Zimbabwe: Adventure with a Heartbeat

Victoria Falls is awe-inspiring, its spray rising high above the Zambezi River. But Zimbabwe is also home to excellent safari experiences in Hwange National Park, where wildlife sightings are exceptional yet far less crowded than elsewhere. Expert guiding and warm hospitality make the experience even richer.

When to visit: 

• July–October: The dry season concentrates wildlife along river
• May–June: Visit Victoria Falls at its fullest, when the roaring water creates a mist visible for miles.
• November–April: The green season brings lush scenery, incredible birding, and quieter lodges.

Why we love it: Zimbabwe delivers both the drama and adventure of one of the world’s natural wonders and intimate safari moments away from the crowds.

Wander Differently

There’s no single “best” time to go to Africa – only the right time for you. Every season across the continent brings its own magic, from thundering herds to quiet sunrises over majestic landscapes.

At Roane Travel Design, our travel experts use firsthand experience to match your journey with the rhythm of the continent. We craft experiences that feel personal, purposeful, and unforgettable. Get in touch to start planning your African adventure. Get in touch and let the adventure begin.