The 2025 Travel List: African Alternatives to Sought-After Destinations
Every new year brings its own travel buzz. In 2025, jet-setters are eyeing trendy destinations like Brazil, Japan, and Thailand for their rich culture, tantalising cuisine, and jaw-dropping scenery. But what if we told you Africa has equally spectacular alternatives that are waiting to be discovered?
Whether you’re chasing adventure, pristine beaches, or a deep cultural connection, Africa offers all this and more—without the crowds and with its own unique twist. Here’s how the continent is serving up serious competition to the year’s hottest travel spots.
Brazil 🇧🇷 → Cape Verde 🇨🇻
Tropical paradise? Check. Afro-Latin vibes? Double-check. While Brazil’s samba rhythms and Copacabana Beach lure travelers, Cape Verde offers a laid-back escape with equally lively culture. This Atlantic archipelago combines volcanic landscapes with golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and a rich Creole heritage. Wander through the cobblestone streets of Cidade Velha, dive into island life in Sal, or dance to soulful morna music in São Vicente.
Top tip: Keen travelers can join in The Wander Series trip to Cape Verde this April.
2. Japan 🇯🇵 → Morocco 🇲🇦
Morocco matches Japan’s enchanting blend of ancient traditions and modern allure. Lose yourself in the maze-like souks of Marrakech, marvel at the intricate mosaics of Fez, or find peace in the blue-hued town of Chefchaouen. Like Japan’s cherry blossoms, Morocco’s Atlas Mountains come alive in spring, while the desert dunes of Merzouga offer an experience as unforgettable as any Kyoto temple.
3. South Korea 🇰🇷 → Rwanda 🇷🇼
Korea is famed for its balance of high-tech cities and tranquil countryside. Rwanda mirrors this harmony in its capital Kigali—an innovative, eco-forward hub surrounded by rolling green hills. Step outside the city, and you’ll find Rwanda’s crown jewel: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, an intimate encounter with nature that rivals any urban experience.
4. The Balkans 🇲🇪🇦🇱🇭🇷→ Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire 🇹🇬 🇬🇭 🇨🇮
If the Balkans’ diversity draws you in, West Africa’s cultural trio—Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire—offers an equally rich palette of experiences. In Ghana, explore history at Cape Coast Castle and dance the night away in Accra. Togo’s serene mountains and voodoo traditions provide a fascinating cultural deep dive. Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire dazzles with its buzzing cities, palm-lined beaches, and artistic hubs like Abidjan.
5. The Alps 🏔 → Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains 🇪🇹
Why trek the Alps when you can conquer the “Roof of Africa”? Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to dramatic peaks, unique wildlife, and awe-inspiring vistas. Here, you’ll spot Gelada baboons perched on cliff edges and witness landscapes that seem straight out of Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
6. Thailand 🇹🇭 → Zanzibar, Tanzania 🇹🇿
Thailand is a well-trodden paradise, but Zanzibar offers the same dreamy beaches with a vibrant Swahili twist. Explore Stone Town, a UNESCO-listed cultural crossroads, then unwind on the powdery shores of Nungwi. With e-visas making travel easier for African passport holders, this Indian Ocean escape is more accessible than ever.
7. Italy 🇮🇹 → Egypt 🇪🇬
Rome’s 2025 Jubilee Year is sure to draw millions, but why jostle with crowds when you can stand in awe of Egypt’s timeless wonders? From the Pyramids of Giza to the serene beauty of the Nile River, Egypt promises a historical odyssey that rivals the Eternal City. Don’t miss Luxor, often called the world’s greatest open-air museum.
8. Australia 🇦🇺 → Namibia 🇳🇦
Namibia’s landscapes are every bit as dramatic as Australia’s. Trade the Outback for the surreal dunes of Sossusvlei or the rugged Skeleton Coast. Namibia’s wildlife experiences—like tracking desert-adapted elephants and rhinos—add an element of adventure that’s uniquely African.
9. Vietnam 🇻🇳 → Senegal 🇸🇳
Vietnam is a foodie paradise, but Senegal is hot on its heels. Dakar’s street markets serve up bold flavors, from freshly caught seafood to thieboudienne, the country’s beloved rice-and-fish dish. Pair this with Gorée Island’s historical depth and Senegal’s soulful mbalax music, and you’ll leave with stories to rival any Mekong Delta adventure.
10. Maldives 🇲🇻 → São Tomé & Príncipe 🇸🇹
If the Maldives’ overwater bungalows call your name, São Tomé & Príncipe delivers tropical seclusion with an eco-conscious twist. These volcanic islands are teeming with biodiversity, secluded beaches, and cocoa plantations that make for a deliciously unique escape. Think luxury, but with a splash of adventure.
11. Switzerland 🇨🇭 → Zambia 🇿🇲
Switzerland’s alpine charm is undeniable, but Zambia offers equally breathtaking vistas with an added sense of raw wilderness. Marvel at Victoria Falls, one of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders, or take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Pair that with a safari in South Luangwa National Park, and you’ll be pinching yourself the entire trip.
The Year of Africa
Africa’s travel renaissance is here, offering experiences that blend culture, adventure, and nature in a way few other destinations can. As 2025 unfolds, let this be the year you explore the continent’s hidden gems. Whether it’s a sunset over the Simien Mountains or the rhythm of Cape Verdean beats, Africa promises to transform your travel dreams into unforgettable memories.
Which African destination will you choose this year?
If you’re looking to travel Africa this year and want to know where to start, The Wander Series have various group trips this year.