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10 Lesser Known African Countries That Are Worth Visiting

Updated: Oct 25, 2022

These lesser-known countries come with their unique cultures, landscape, food, and attractions that most travelers may not have experienced before.

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By Joshua Chiedu


Africa is a vast continent with so many countries that offer unique experiences. Despite being the second-largest continent in the world with lots of unique cultures and experiences, only a few popular African countries are frequently visited.


Even though it is a good thing to have a favorite destination in Africa, it does not hurt to check out other countries around the continent to get more experiences. When visiting Africa, head over to these countries to experience new cultures, food, history, and adventures.


10/10

Nigeria

Nigeria may be the giant of Africa in terms of population and other factors but when it comes to tourism numbers, it ranks low when compared to South Africa and Morocco.


People visiting Nigeria mainly come for business, but the country is also a great place for leisure travel.


With its numerous cultures, attractions, and delicious food, there is so much to enjoy in Nigeria.


Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River State is a great place to begin an adventure in Nigeria but besides the resort, visitors in Nigeria can also check out Ashum waterfall in Enugu, Olumo rock in Ogun State, and Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi.


To get a better experience of the vibrant lifestyle of the country, head over to Ikeja in Lagos State and take a walk through the streets.


9/10

Algeria

Located in North Africa, Algeria is one of the least visited countries on the continent despite its amazing offerings.


The country is the largest in Africa, and it is endowed with a desert landscape, unique rock formations, and stunning architecture.


The country also has a rich history and there are several ruins and museums around the country that shed more light on this history. Algeria is also one of the best places from which to see the magnificent Sahara Desert.


8/10

Uganda

Uganda is a great place to see wildlife especially primates and the country is also endowed with the largest freshwater lake in the world.


The country’s jungles host the highest number of mountain gorillas and primates in the world, but Uganda also features other wildlife such as lions, zebra, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and many other animals that make up a great safari adventure.


The rich cultural diversity, delicious food, and welcoming nature of the people are more things one will enjoy here. With its vast uncultivated lands and natural creations, the country is a great place to enjoy nature and also engage in some thrilling outdoor adventures.


7/10

The Gambia

The Gambia is most famous for its long stretch of coastline most of which is uncrowded and pristine.


People from all over the world come to the country to relax on these beaches and enjoy some natural scenery.


Besides the beaches, the Gambia is also a great place to witness wildlife and bird watch as there are hundreds of bird species across the country.


6/10

Botswana

Botswana is a great place for those seeking to witness elephants in their numbers as the country is home to the largest population of elephants in the world.


Botswana also features an amazing wilderness area that hosts a wide variety of animals from big cats to buffalos, antelopes, and giraffes. The Kalahari Desert covers most parts of Botswana which makes the country a great place to also enjoy some desert adventure.


Botswana has also been said to be the birthplace of all modern humans and there are several archeological sites around the country one can visit to learn more about its ancient history.


5/10

Djibouti

The name Djibouti may not be known to many travelers, but this country is one of the best places to visit in Africa.


The country is located in the Horn of Africa, and it is endowed with an interesting history, stunning architecture, impressive wildlife, and beautiful coastlines.


Djibouti is also regarded as one of the most peaceful countries in the world but those who want some adventures will also have opportunities to hike, fish, bird watch, and dive around the country.


4/10

Republic of Congo

The Republic of the Congo is often neglected when it comes to destinations to visit in Africa, yet this country offers one of the best safari vacations in the world.


This country is quite different from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its features include several national parks that host a large population of gorillas, chimpanzees, and apes as well as other animals such as elephants, leopards, and hundreds of bird species.


Besides the wildlife, travelers in the country can also people watch in the vibrant cities or visit the waterfalls and active volcanoes around the country.


3/10

São Tomé And Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe is often described as heaven on earth due to its lush forests and beautiful beaches which create opportunities for exciting adventures.


In São Tomé and Príncipe, travelers can spend their time hiking through the lush forest or watching rare sea turtles on the beach. The dual island nation is also endowed with waterfalls and towering mountains that create opportunities for more adventures.


The food, historical attractions, and bird-watching opportunities here are more reasons why this country is worth visiting.


2/10

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is more than just lush forests where palm trees and wildlife thrive. It is also a great place to enjoy undisturbed relaxation at a white sand beach and enjoy some delicious fruits.


In Sierra Leone, one can learn about the heart wrenching history of slavery in Freetown, enjoy a delicious rice meal, or watch chimpanzees at the national parks and wildlife refuges around the country.


1/10

Burkina Faso

Everything about Burkina Faso is interesting from its name which means “land of honest men” to its abundant wildlife, lush rainforests, and its nightlife.


One great way to explore this amazing country is to take a walk through a market and engage in souvenir shopping.


For more outdoor adventures, visit one of the national parks to watch the country’s wildlife which includes monkeys, lions, elephants, giraffes, and a wide variety of birds.


There are also some interesting ruins and unique rock formations worth checking out in the country.






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