Top 20 Most Visited Cities in Africa 2025 (Where Tourists Flock the Most)

Travelers, tourism stake­holders, travel researchers, tour operators, and curious explorers often ask: What are the most visited cities in Africa in 2025? Where do tourists go the most today?

This guide gives you a detailed look at the top 20 most visited cities in Africa in 2025, based on tourist arrivals, hotel bookings, attractions, and travel growth. Learn why these destinations stand out, what to expect as a visitor, how they rank, and which search terms are trending.

Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious where travelers go in Africa, this article gives you everything you need.

What Makes a City Popular with Tourists?

Tourist arrivals depend on many factors:

• Air connectivity and affordable flights

• Unique attractions (culture, beaches, wildlife, heritage)

• Safety and tourist infrastructure

• Visa access and ease of travel

• Marketing and global awareness

A top tourism destination offers a mix of these factors to attract millions of guests annually.

Top 20 Most Visited African Cities in 2025

Here’s the full list from most to least visited:

1. Marrakesh, Morocco

• Annual visitors: ~3.2 million

• Why it’s popular: Majestic medinas, vibrant souks, UNESCO sites, high-end riad hotels, and desert tours.

• Tourists flock for experiences like food tasting, traditional hammams, and Sahara excursions.

2. Cape Town, South Africa

• Annual visitors: ~2.8 million

• Known for Table Mountain, Robben Island, coastal panoramas, vineyards, and upscale restaurants.

• Offers safaris, adventure sports, and rich history.

3. Cairo, Egypt

• Annual visitors: ~2.4 million

• Attractions: Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Nile cruises, Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo.

• Ideal for history lovers and Middle Eastern culture fans.

4. Johannesburg, South Africa

• Annual visitors: ~2 million

• Tourists visit for museums, heritage sites, Soweto tours, and vibrant arts.

• Excellent gateway city for South African travel.

5. Nairobi, Kenya

• Annual visitors: ~1.8 million

• Known for Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Center, Karen Blixen Museum, and safari access.

• A mix of wildlife and urban tourism.

6. Dakar, Senegal

• Annual visitors: ~1.5 million

• Rich culture, music, Goree Island, beaches, and arts festivals.

• Increasingly popular for West African tourism.

7. Accra, Ghana

• Annual visitors: ~1.4 million

• Attractions: Cape Coast Castle, Jamestown, beach resorts, music, cuisine.

• Gateway for heritage tourism and modern city life.

8. Tunis, Tunisia

• Annual visitors: ~1.2 million

• Medina, Carthage ruins, seaside resorts, desert trips.

• Blends Mediterranean and North African appeal.

9. Zanzibar City, Tanzania

• Annual visitors: ~1.1 million

• Stone Town, spice farms, beaches, coral reefs, UNESCO site.

• A top island destination for romantic getaways and snorkeling.

10. Lagos, Nigeria

• Annual visitors: ~1 million

• Known for vibrant nightlife, music, art, beaches, shopping malls.

• A fast-growing destination for Afropolitan tourism.

11. Kigali, Rwanda

• Annual visitors: ~950,000

• Gateway to gorilla treks, Genocide Memorial, clean city environment.

• Fast-growing eco-tourism hub.

12. Casablanca, Morocco

• Annual visitors: ~900,000

• Mosque Hassan II, modern architecture, Atlantic coastline.

• Business and cultural tourism blend here.

13. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

• Annual visitors: ~850,000

• Historic churches, national museums, close to Simien Mountains.

• Rapidly growing tourist infrastructure.

14. Durban, South Africa

• Annual visitors: ~800,000

• Golden Mile beaches, Indian Ocean, uShaka Marine World, world heritage sites.

15. Maputo, Mozambique

• Annual visitors: ~750,000

• Portuguese architecture, coastline, seafood tourism.

16. Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

• Annual visitors: ~700,000

• Business tourism, nightlife, cultural centers.

17. Victoria, Seychelles

• Annual visitors: ~650,000

• Pristine beaches, marine parks, luxury resorts.

18. Harare, Zimbabwe

• Annual visitors: ~600,000

• Gateway to Victoria Falls, national parks.

19. Windhoek, Namibia

• Annual visitors: ~550,000

• Desert safaris, German colonial feel, adventure tourism.

20. Port Louis, Mauritius

• Annual visitors: ~500,000

• Luxury beaches, water sports, multicultural heritage.

📊 Summary Table: Most Visited Cities in Africa 2025

Why These Cities Rock with Tourists

1. Unique Cultural Offerings: Markets, festivals, traditions.

2. Iconic Landmarks: Pyramids, Table Mountain, beaches.

3. Safari Access: Nairobi, Harare’s proximity to national parks.

4. Luxury Resorts: Zanzibar, Victoria, Port Louis offer high-end stays.

5. Business Hubs: Lagos and Johannesburg draw business tourism.

6. Historic Depth: Cairo, Tunis, Marrakech offer rich heritage.

FAQs – Most Visited Cities in Africa 2025

Which city gets the most tourists in Africa?

Marrakesh leads with around 3.2 million tourist arrivals in 2025.

Is Cape Town more visited than Johannesburg?

Yes. Cape Town attracts slightly more international tourists than Johannesburg due to scenic beauty and heritage sites.

Which West African city draws most visitors?

Dakar (~1.5 million), followed by Accra (~1.4 million) and Abidjan (~700k).

Are island cities like Mauritius and Seychelles in top 20?

Yes. Victoria (Seychelles) and Port Louis (Mauritius) feature in the top 20 despite smaller populations.

Why Cairo is so visited?

Iconic monuments like the Pyramids, Sphinx, museums, and Nile cruises make it a top choice for history enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts: Where Tourists Go in Africa in 2025

The most visited cities in Africa in 2025 draw tourists for their scenic beauty, culture, history, wildlife, and business opportunities. From Marrakesh’s vibrant medina to Cairo’s ancient heritage, each city offers something special.

If you’re planning a trip, working in tourism, or analyzing travel patterns, these 20 cities mark where Africa truly attracts visitors today. Each city’s visitor numbers reflect a mix of natural charm, infrastructural readiness, and storytelling power.