Tourism across Africa is making a bold comeback, with international arrivals climbing steadily as global travel rebounds post-pandemic. While Europe and Asia often steal the spotlight in global tourism rankings, several African cities are carving out their space on the international travel map—each offering a unique mix of culture, history, natural beauty, and economic vitality.
According to the Top 100 City Destinations Index 2024 by Euromonitor International, eight African cities earned their spot among the world’s most visited. But what makes these cities so appealing to global travelers, and what trends can we observe from the data? Let’s dive into the numbers and the stories behind them.
Top 8 Most Visited Cities in Africa (2024)
| Rank | City | Country | International Arrivals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johannesburg | South Africa | 4,120,800 |
| 2 | Marrakesh | Morocco | 2,838,100 |
| 3 | Hurghada | Egypt | 2,735,700 |
| 4 | Cape Town | South Africa | 1,370,000 |
| 5 | Casablanca | Morocco | 1,050,000 |
| 6 | Durban | South Africa | 830,000 |
| 7 | Accra | Ghana | 760,000 |
| 8 | Lagos | Nigeria | 710,000 |
1. South Africa Steals the Spotlight
South Africa dominates the list, with three cities—Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban—attracting over 6 million combined international visitors.
- Johannesburg, often called the “Gateway to Africa,” ranks first on the continent, with over 4.1 million visitors. It’s not just a business hub; its growing arts scene, museums, and nearby wildlife attractions make it a well-rounded destination.
- Cape Town, framed by Table Mountain and pristine coastlines, is a bucket-list location for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
- Durban, less globally hyped than its siblings, thrives with its warm Indian Ocean beaches and strong Indian-African cultural fusion—making it a hidden gem for repeat travelers and beachgoers.
This clustering signals South Africa’s success in building tourism infrastructure and maintaining a balance between urban tourism and natural escapes. It also reflects strong performance across Euromonitor’s six pillars, especially Tourism Policy, Health & Safety, and Sustainability.
2. Morocco’s Magical Appeal
Morocco has long been a favorite among European travelers due to its proximity, affordability, and exotic allure. In 2024:
- Marrakesh, with nearly 2.8 million visitors, blends centuries-old souks, lavish riads, and the high-energy pulse of Djemaa el-Fna square. It continues to thrive as a cultural capital.
- Casablanca, often overshadowed by its flashier sister cities, still draws over a million visitors thanks to its role as a commercial capital, port city, and entry point to Moroccan modernism.
Morocco’s emphasis on preserving heritage while expanding luxury tourism (especially in Marrakesh) places it high in Tourism Performance and Infrastructure metrics.
3. Egypt’s Coastal Comeback
While Cairo may be the first Egyptian city that comes to mind, it’s Hurghada—a Red Sea resort town—that makes this list, ranking third overall in Africa with over 2.7 million arrivals.
Once a quiet fishing village, Hurghada has transformed into a world-renowned diving and beach destination. Its popularity soared during the pandemic recovery, appealing to travelers seeking sun-soaked getaways in a relatively uncrowded setting.
Egypt’s strategy to diversify tourism away from overcrowded archaeological hubs toward its coastlines seems to be paying off.
4. West Africa’s Emerging Stars
Two West African cities round out the top eight:
- Accra is gaining traction as a cultural and digital hotspot, particularly among the African diaspora. Events like Afrochella (now Afrofuture) and Ghana’s “Year of Return” campaign have positioned it as a meaningful and modern travel destination.
- Lagos, Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, draws business travelers and culture hunters alike. Despite its infrastructure challenges, Lagos’s music, fashion, and art scenes continue to earn it a place on the map.
Their inclusion is significant—not just for the numbers, but for signaling a growing interest in West African travel beyond traditional safari circuits.
Why These Cities Stand Out: The Euromonitor Edge
The Top 100 City Destinations Index isn’t just about how many tourists come through the airport—it assesses cities holistically across six key pillars:
- Economic and Business Performance – Cities like Johannesburg and Lagos thrive here.
- Tourism Performance – Marrakesh and Hurghada shine.
- Tourism Infrastructure – South African cities lead with solid transport and accommodation systems.
- Tourism Policy and Attractiveness – Morocco’s visa facilitation and cultural promotion are notable.
- Health and Safety – A critical post-pandemic factor; Egypt and Ghana have improved scores.
- Sustainability – With growing global eco-awareness, cities like Cape Town are investing in sustainable tourism practices.
Final Takeaway
Africa’s top tourist cities offer a dynamic mix: from the wild urban energy of Johannesburg to the serene shores of Hurghada, the spice-laden streets of Marrakesh to the bustling beats of Lagos. While the numbers are important, what truly stands out is the individuality of each city and the broader story of a continent stepping confidently into the future of global travel.
As travel trends shift toward meaningful, immersive, and diverse experiences, Africa isn’t just participating in the tourism boom—it’s helping redefine it.