Best Cities For Expats In Africa part 2 – Part one is here.

10 Best Tourists Attractions to Visit in Africa

Africa is one of the most diverse continents in the world. It’s home to some major natural attractions like Victoria Falls and many cultural highlights. That being said, let us have a look at the greatest tourist attractions in Africa.

1)    The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Topping the list of best tourist attractions to visit in Africa is the Great Pyramid of Giza, located in Egypt. This is considered one of man’s greatest marvels and a must-see for anyone visiting Africa. It was built 4,500 years ago during a period that lasted 20 years involving 100,000 men. The pyramid rises at 481 ft (146 m) high, with a base covering 13 acres. Every year, about four million tourists visit this attraction.

2)    Victoria in Seychelles

This is the largest island of Seychelles and covers 86 sq km. It’s about 400 km away from Africa’s east coast, making it one of the best tourist attractions to visit in Africa. Tourists can opt to stay in any of its exclusive resorts in bungalows with a pool and rich vegetation in a secluded bay. Other tourist attractions to visit in Africa include the botanical garden, catamaran trip around the island, and diving.

3)    Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa

Table Mountain is one of South Africa’s most beautiful scenic spots that feature an almost flat tablet-shaped mountain whose granite core rises to 3,554 ft (1,085 m) above sea level. The mountain’s flat top has an area covering 57 sq mi (150 km2).

It is famous for the flat-topped Table Mountain, which served as a significant landmark when ships were in the Cape Town harbor. It can be seen almost everywhere in Cape Town and is one of the most popular tourist attractions to visit in Africa.

4)    Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve in Madagascar

The limestone formations found here are like a maze, making it difficult for visitors to see beyond them. There is an area where there are many deep caverns and caves. While there, visitors can take a bath in its hot spring waters or see the rare birds that have their own natural habitat here.

5)    The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

This is one of the best tourist attractions to visit in Africa because it’s home to thousands of animals, especially elephants, lions, zebras, hippos, and giraffes. Tourists can visit the Serengeti in different seasons when there are different animals in various places around the park.

6)    Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

This is a dormant volcano rising to a height of 19,341 ft (5,895 m) above sea level with a base covering an area of 189 sq mi (490 km2). Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and has been named one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and one of the top 10 tourist attractions to visit in Africa.

7)    Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania

This is a vast extinct volcano covering 8,000 acres (32 km2). The crater walls have a number of animals that can be seen as they graze or hunt for food. On the crater floor, many animals can be seen while on safari. Visitors will definitely enjoy exploring this tourist attraction to visit in Africa.

8)    Visiting a Maasai village in Kenya

In the past, there have been conflicts between the Maasai tribe and tourists because some tribesmen were not educated on how to treat a tourist.

However, some tribesmen have learned the value of tourism in their community and are working hand in hand with tour operators in ensuring that tourists have a great time. There are many Maasai tribes in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda which offer tourists to visit them so they can see how these people live.

9)    Luxor Temple in Luxor, Egypt

This is one of the oldest temples in Egypt, which was built over 3,000 years ago by Amenhotep III. This temple has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list and features many ancient Egyptian artefacts, including statues of pharaohs and many other things. There are also substantial black-granite statues of the pharaoh Ramses II which stand 66 ft (20 m) tall and weigh 1,200 tons each.

10) Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

This is a very large complex featuring a mosque, two minarets, and eight different domes with beautiful blue tiles, which can be seen from other areas in the city. Visitors will definitely enjoy exploring the many rooms that this mosque has, which includes a library containing 12,000 manuscripts. It also features a room for women with a fountain used to wash before praying.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Africa

What will I need to prepare to live in Africa?

Africa is different than where you are now. Prepare yourself for these differences to avoid culture shock. Ask yourself what you will need to prepare before moving here, such as food, clothes, money, assets (obvious things like that).

What language do people speak in Africa?

There are many different languages spoken in Africa, depending on the area you move to. If you want to avoid being confused by people talking around you, learn a few words of their language. Even knowing a few numbers or hand gestures will give you a better chance at communicating with them.

How do I contact 911 in case of emergencies?

It is important to know how to call the authorities in an emergency, whether fire, medical, or police. Make sure you know how it works in Africa if you want help quickly when needed.

Conclusion

Living in Africa has its pros and cons. It may be one of the most beautiful places on Earth, but it can also be dangerous. This way, you should always consider their surroundings carefully before moving to the continent. Nonetheless, refer to this platform for more information regarding the cost of living in Africa and others.

Best Cities For Expats In Africa part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Africa is one of the largest continents in the World and has a very long history. For thousands of years, cultures have been coming and going, leaving their own unique impacts on the land. The diversity that exists today across Africa results from this long history, making it a hotspot for adventure seekers who want to make a difference in a new land.

With the continent’s long history of empires, expanding trade routes, and wars, it’s not surprising that there are many different cultures across Africa today. However, not all countries in Africa are equally welcoming to expats looking for a new home.

To know which African cities will provide you with an opportunity to experience all of the cultures on offer in this big continent, take a look at our expat guide to the best cities for expats in Africa. One of the key criteria used when choosing which countries and cities would be included in this list.

According to many publications, Africa is one of the regions where the number of expats is particularly low. This means that many destinations on this list will be very different from the ones you live in now and may require a bit more research to get used to.

Today, we have compiled this article to meet your needs. If you’ve been surfing the internet to get the right information about the best cities for expats in Africa, look no further. Aside from this fact, we will walk you through the interesting facts about living in Africa as an expat. Read further to get the full details.

Interesting Facts about Living in Africa

Living in Africa can be an extraordinary experience. If you’re planning to come out here for travel or work, here are the top 8 most interesting facts about living in Africa that everyone should know.

Transportation Is Cheap and Readily Available

Public transport like bus and train systems are extremely good (in some countries), making it incredibly easy to get around. Anyone interested in seeing the entire country by bus or train will get their wish, as long as they are willing to spend some time on the road!

Conversely, owning a vehicle is incredibly cheap. For example, if you wanted to buy a decent-sized car in South Africa, the chances are that it would only cost about 8 000 USD, which is on par with buying a car in the states. Even if you wanted to repurchase a small hatch, it would still only cost about 3 000 USD.

Transportation costs are also low compared to western values; for example, getting around by taxi will only cost about $1 0 per trip on local trips and maybe $4 on longer trips.

No Real Health Concerns

Africa is a very healthy continent overall, but there are some risks like malaria and bilharzia (found in some parts of the Nile River). However, these risks can be managed by taking precautions like sleeping under mosquito nets, wearing long sleeves, and using mosquito repellent.

People Are Incredibly Friendly

Africans are also very friendly people who will go out of their way to help you if they see that you’re in need. This is especially true if it’s something small like taxi directions or advice. I’ve never once been refused help by a local person.

In addition to this, if you’re out drinking with Africans, they will buy rounds of drinks for everyone in the bar without hesitation.

High Chance of Seeing Wild Life

Africa is also one of the best places to see animals in their natural habitat in all their glory. For example, in South Africa, there are numerous safari opportunities to see lions, elephants, leopards, and even rhinos. These experiences will be a memory to last a lifetime!

The Food Is Delicious

I have yet to meet a cuisine I didn’t like in Africa so far! African cooking varies from place to place, but some mainstays are pretty common. One of these is Ugali, which I would describe as the African version of mashed potatoes mixed with flour and salt, which can be eaten plain or rolled up into small balls to pick up sauces.

It’s definitely an interesting taste, but you get used to it very quickly! For me, it tastes quite mild compared to the spices and chilis that are used in cooking. Another staple is ‘fufu,’ which is also made from flour, but instead of being cooked like a dumpling, it’s soaked in water to form a doughy ball.

It doesn’t have much taste on its own, so if you’re looking for something bland, then fufu is perfect. If you ever come to South Africa, I would recommend checking out the famous bunny chow! This is a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry and can be found in most townships across the country.

It might seem like an odd thing, but it’s incredibly delicious! A national dish of South Africa is ‘bobotie,’ a dish made from spiced mince, and it’s delicious too.

The Weather Isn’t Bad

Depending on where you are in Africa, the weather can be quite mild. For example, South Africa has four main seasons, but it’s never too cold or hot. If anything, it’s usually too wet or dry! However, for those who love snow, then there is always skiing nearby (in places like Lesotho and Swaziland), just a few hours away from Cape Town.

Great Place to Make Friends

By living in Africa for a year, I have made some amazing friends worldwide who will be friends for life. This is because many people come here on gap years, internships, or even visits when they are younger, and it’s an amazing way to meet new and interesting people.

There Is Always Something Happening

Africa is an incredibly fast-paced continent where there are always things going on. Whether it’s a festival in the Tanzanian islands, a sports match in Cape Town, or even just watching locals party out in the township; there will always be something to do.

14 Best Cities for Expats in Africa

Many people worldwide dream of living and working abroad, but not everyone dares actually to move. If you’re looking for a new home and want to explore Africa, we’ve rounded up some of the best places for expats in Africa.

1.    Nairobi

Population: Over 3 million Locations: Eastern Africa, south of Somalia, north of Tanzania

Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya. It’s a world-class metropolis with all the necessary amenities to make life comfortable for expats. Nairobi has everything you need, from international schools to shopping malls, and being so close to nature makes it an ideal place to live in Africa.

2.    Kigali

Population: Over One million Locations: Central Africa, Rwanda

Kigali is the capital of Rwanda. It’s a fast-growing city known for its safe streets and stable economy. Expats who live in Kigali tend to praise the security it offers as well as the low cost of living—the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $650/month.

3.    Dar es Salaam

Population: Over 4.3 million Locations: Eastern Africa, Tanzania

Dar es Salaam is the largest city in Tanzania, and it’s known for its high crime rate, so this might not be the best choice if you’re looking to live somewhere safe. However, there are some good reasons to move here. The Tanzanian government is trying to improve the city by building new infrastructure and offering more tourism attractions, so it’s definitely worth considering if you want to live in Africa.

4.    Cairo

Population: Over 16 million Locations: Northern Africa, Egypt

Even though Cairo is pretty hot and crowded, there are still some opportunities for expats here. If you’re a business professional who wants to take their career to the next level and explore new things, this might be an ideal place for you. Plus, there are several universities within the city to continue your education.

5.    Windhoek

Population: Over 300,000 Locations: Southern Africa, Namibia

Windhoek is the capital of Namibia—a place known for its wide-open spaces and desert landscapes. Expats here enjoy living in a city that still feels like a small town. Windhoek has an international airport and a developing tourism industry, so it’s a good place if you want to explore Africa while still being comfortable.

6.    Accra

Population: Over 2 million Locations: West Africa, Ghana

The capital of Ghana is known for its high crime rate and traffic congestion, but it’s also a great city if you’re looking to do some volunteer work. Expats here really like the fact that there are several bars and nightclubs, but be careful because fights can break out frequently (or there could be a kidnapping if you’re walking on your own late at night).

7.    Kampala

Population: Over 2 million Locations: East Africa, Uganda

If you love to travel and want to experience different cultures, Kampala might be your best bet as one of the top cities for expats in Africa. Living here is pretty cheap, but you have to be careful with the crime. There are certain areas where expats tend to avoid going after dark, making life a bit difficult at times.

8.    Lagos

Population: Over 22 million Locations: West Africa, Nigeria

Lagos is known as one of the most densely populated cities in the world, so it might not be the best choice if you’re looking to escape from a big city lifestyle. Expats here praise Lagos for its rich culture and vibrant nightlife, but at the same time, they complain about how many people are trying to scam them.

9.    Cape Town

Population: Over 4 million Locations: Southern Africa, South Africa

Living in Cape Town is not for everyone because it’s known as one of the most expensive cities in Africa, so you might have trouble making friends if you don’t have a big salary. That being said, it’s not hard to find job opportunities here because the economy is doing so well. The city also has a lot of great beaches and hiking trails if you’re looking to get some fresh air.

10. Windhoek

Population: Over 300,000 Locations: Southern Africa, Namibia

Windhoek is the capital of Namibia—a place known for its wide-open spaces and desert landscapes. Expats here enjoy living in a city that still feels like a small town. Windhoek has an international airport and a developing tourism industry, so it’s a good place if you want to explore Africa while still being comfortable.

11. Addis Ababa

Population: Over 3 million Locations: East Africa, Ethiopia

If you’re looking for an exciting place where you can make a difference and help others, Addis Ababa might be the right choice. Expats here value the beauty of the Ethiopian culture and their experiences learning new languages (many locals speak at least three different languages). There aren’t many bars or nightclubs, but there are several malls and things to do if you’re looking for an entertaining night out.

12. Algiers

Population: Over 3 million Locations: Northern Africa, Algeria

If you want to live in North Africa but don’t like Morocco (Algiers is right next door), the city of Algiers might be a good choice. Expats praise how easy it is to travel to other places around the continent from here because there are often cheap flights from Algiers. It’s a pretty safe city too, but the only downside is that it can get boring at times.

13. Asmara

Population: Over 600,000 Locations: East Africa, Eritrea

If you want to live in Africa but are looking for a different experience than other expats, Asmara might be the best choice. It’s known as one of the safest cities on the continent, and there are also many job opportunities for expats who have the right skills.

14. Lusaka

Population: Over 1 million Locations: Southern Africa, Zambia

Living in Lusaka is pretty cheap, and the city has a vibrant culture, so it could be a good choice if you want to experience living in Africa without spending too much money. Expats here complain about how often they get sick because the roads can be poorly maintained and there is a lot of air pollution.

5 Places Suitable For Expats in Tanzania

Tanzania is a popular tourist destination for many people, so you may feel tempted to consider it as a first-stop for your expatriation. Though the country has been developing rapidly over the past few years and its economy grows at three times faster than the global average.

One of the first things most people think about when they hear “Tanzania” is animals. And this is because; the country is home to the world’s largest surviving elephant population. However, Tanzania has a lot more to offer than just safari and wildlife watching.

There are five places in particular that may be of interest for expats willing to relocate here and start their life from scratch. Let’s see what each of these five places has in store for everyone looking for a new job and place to live.

1.       Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa and about 32km south-east of the country’s mainland. It consists of Unguja (better known as simply “Zanzibar”) and Pemba islands. The archipelago is probably the most exotic place in Tanzania. Not only due to its unique culture but also thanks to its beaches and endless ocean views.

For expats willing to start their own business here, Zanzibar offers plenty of opportunities. For instance, you can launch your own diving centre or rent a hotel room for a few months to offer your services to the resort visitors.

On the flip side, if you’re not afraid of challenges, there are many things that can be done in this developing country by expats willing to invest their time and effort into it. According to official statistics, 85% of Zanzibar residents live under $2 per day, which makes it an excellent place for expats looking to make friends and local contacts.

Another thing many people fail to consider is legal registration upon arrival. Since Tanzania is a developing nation, it has its own system of residency, work permit and business registration procedures. You can’t just come here and start doing everything the way you did it back at home.

In that case, there are certain rules to abide by, and a number of things worth paying attention to. Therefore, if you let a Zanzibar Shipping agent deal with all the paperwork for you, your life will be much easier.

2.       Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s biggest city, located on the coast of Indian Ocean. It’s one of the biggest ports in East Africa, and it offers plenty of opportunities both for business people who want to start their own company here and for expats willing to relocate. That being said, the city is home to about 4million residents, so you will hardly lack any amenities should you choose this location as your new home.

However, you need to be aware of several things before moving here. First of all, don’t choose Dar es Salaam as your primary relocation destination if you just want to do some volunteer work or take a break from life for a while. As this is Tanzania’s biggest city, it means that the cost of living is higher than in other places in the country. Therefore, you need to have a well-paying job lined up before making the big move.

As you can see, relocating to Dar es Salaam isn’t so easy. Before doing something like this, you should really get informed about the pros and cons of life in Tanzania and be sure that it’s what you want to do. If you’re fully aware of the situation and ready to move here, though, it’s a good idea to get in touch with local Zanzibar Shipping agents and ask for their assistance.

3.       Arusha

If you decide to relocate somewhere in Tanzania, Arusha is definitely the right choice. It’s the third most populous city in Tanzania, after Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, and it offers a big selection of hotels and resorts for international visitors.

To be more precise, the city is home to around half a million people. Not only is that, but almost all of them live in relatively small houses and apartments dotted across Arusha National Park. The city is situated in the foothills of Mount Meru, near Tanzania’s border with Kenya, which makes it a popular travel destination for people who want to climb the mountain or just have a short break from work.

The climate here is very pleasant throughout the year. Moreover, there are two seasons – rainy and dry – but even during wet periods the temperatures never go too low. This way, you can get around without any problems.

4.       Bagamoyo

If you are looking for a quiet place to work, have a nice house with lots of space around it and don’t mind the fact that there is only public transport in this part of Tanzania, Bagamoyo might be your perfect destination. It’s located on the coast in the north-western part of the country, not too far from the border with Kenya.

As a beautiful city, it’s still possible to see wildlife around the town, but it’s definitely not as easy as in other places on this list. Beside, if you want to spot lions or elephants in Africa, Bagamoyo is probably not the best place to do it.

The main reason why this place is an excellent choice for expats is that it’s quite safe and very quiet. Also, there is virtually no violent crime reported in Bagamoyo, and most of the people who live here prefer to stay away from crowded areas and huge cities.

The majority of expats in this place either work remotely or start their own businesses with help from local Tanzanians. So, if you want to relocate somewhere in Africa where you can determine your own future, this is the place to go.

5.       Kigoma

This is the gateway to Lake Tanganyika, one of the African Great Lakes. If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe, this is the place to go. It’s not exactly known as a party destination, but there are still some sightseeing opportunities and good restaurants to check out here.

Best Tourist Attractions in Tanzania Today

One of the best things about living in Tanzania is that it’s got a good variety of landscapes and weathers. If you don’t like it there, you can drive up to 3 hours north or south and find yourself in an entirely different climate. However, if you like adventure, you’ve come to the right place.

Whether your idea of a good time is diving with sharks or hiking up the steepest mountain in Africa, Tanzania has got you covered. Without further ado, here are the best tourist attractions that might just get you packing your bags.

Moshi/Mount Kilimanjaro

If adventure is what you’re looking for, you can never beat climbing to the top of Africa. At 5895m, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and one of the tallest freestanding mountains in the world. Despite its height, it’s not that difficult to climb.

In fact, you just need to be fit enough to walk 2-3 hours per day over 5 days through dank, dark clouds and past glaciers. You can climb with a tour operator like African Sky who takes care of everything like the groceries, camping equipment and porters to carry it all. Or you can go as an independent trekker; the choice is yours.

The Marine Reserves around Pemba Island

This island off the coast of Tanzania is home to some of the best scuba diving in Africa. If you’re lucky, you may even see a whale shark. Besides, the waters around Pemba are teeming with life. Therefore, you can do dives or snorkelling excursions at Menai Bay, Kicha Island, and Manta point, around Matemwe village.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area

This is one of the most unique places in Tanzania. It’s a massive conservation area with a high density of animals, but unlike the national parks where you have to keep your distance for fear of scaring them away, here you can get within touching distance of elephants, zebras and even lions.

In addition, the Ngorongoro Crater is a massive spectacle. It’s the world’s largest unbroken caldera, with an age of 600,000 years, and you can see it all on wildlife-watching hikes or in 4×4 vehicles.

The Island Of Zanzibar

This is where to go if you want to soak up some culture; the ancient stone buildings and cobbled streets are like stepping back in time. Here, you can take a stroll down the narrow alleys and see women balancing pots of fruit on their heads, kids running around barefoot and men smoking shisha. Not only is that, but there are also plenty of beaches to lounge at. So, if you feel like doing nothing for a day or two, Zanzibar is the place to go.

The Serengeti National Park

If you want something more traditional, why not go on safari in the Serengeti? You can go on a day trip or an overnight one. The Serengeti is the best place in all of Africa to see lions, hyenas and cheetahs in their natural habitat. But it’s not just about the animals; you’ll get to experience stunning scenery too.

Conclusion

Living in Tanzania can be a great experience, but it’s important to remember that not everyone is suited for this kind of change. If you aren’t the type who enjoys learning about new cultures and meeting people from different backgrounds, then it might be best to stay at home. However, if you’re excited about moving here then by all means come on down! This is a great place to live once you learn the ropes.