5 Top African Cities to Add to a Safari Itinerary

For decades, the allure of Africa has been the Big Five and vast, untouched savannahs. While the wilderness is truly jaw-dropping, the continent offers layered, multi-dimensional itineraries. Ones that include the modern pulse of African cities.

Vibrant urban hubs serve as the perfect introductions to their respective countries. A city exploration lets you engage with local people, see contemporary art, and learn about complex histories before you even enter the bush.

Whether you’re sipping a craft cocktail in a hidden Nairobi speakeasy or walking through a world-class contemporary art museum in Cape Town, the cities in Africa offer a different, but no less rewarding, exploration compared to safari routes.

A few iconic destinations stand out as top African cities to visit before a safari. These five seamlessly blend urban sophistication with easy access to pristine nature.

1. Cape Town, South Africa: The Leading Destination

Cape Town continues to shine as one of Africa’s premier urban destinations, ranking as the continent’s Leading City Destination at the World Travel Awards. It’s widely considered to be one of the best cities in Africa for first-time visitors, offering a breathtaking juxtaposition of dramatic natural beauty and a thriving, cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Cape Town goes far beyond surface-level sightseeing. While Table Mountain and the nearby Cape of Good Hope are must-visit natural attractions, you’ll find profound cultural depth in its vibrant neighbourhoods.

Our safari experts highly recommend spending a morning exploring the historic, cobblestone streets of the Bo-Kaap before heading to the V&A Waterfront. Here, you can explore the groundbreaking contemporary exhibitions at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA). As the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world, it offers a look into the continent’s modern creative expressions, housed in a reimagined historic grain silo.

By night, the city transforms into a global culinary capital. Seek out hidden, prohibition-style speakeasies or book a table at an awarded restaurant to experience the sophisticated, modern heartbeat of South Africa before escaping to the nearby Cape Winelands.

Expert Insight

“Table Mountain is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, offering breathtaking views over the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains. For a deeper look at the coast, the Cape Peninsula Tour is a full-day excursion to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, usually including Chapman's Peak Drive and Boulders Beach to see the African penguins.”

Chrizaan Troch, Africa Safari Expert

The famous safari destinations in the northern parts of the country, such as the private reserves of the Greater Kruger, are accessible with a two-and-half-hour flight from Cape Town International.

2. Johannesburg, South Africa: The Cultural Powerhouse

Johannesburg is well-known as the financial heart of South Africa and one of the biggest cities in Africa, but its true appeal lies in its unapologetic energy and rich history. It’s a city of resilience and creativity, offering a distinctly different rhythm when compared with Cape Town.

Johannesburg’s urban energy is palpable in creative districts like the Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank or the vibrant Maboneng Precinct, where street art, boutique galleries, and independent cafes showcase the country’s dynamic youth culture (best experienced with a private guide).

The Apartheid Museum opens a window to South Africa’s complex history. A visit to this deeply moving institution is an essential experience that provides critical context for understanding South Africa’s turbulent 20th-century history and its remarkable journey toward democracy.

Johannesburg is also the gateway to the country’s finest safari destinations. Pilanesberg National Park is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from the city, and the famous Kruger National Park is a short one-hour flight.

Starting in Jo’burg can make your subsequent wildlife encounters feel even more grounded in the country’s broader story.

3. Nairobi, Kenya: Where Wilderness Meets the Skyline

Nairobi is a dynamic metropolis that blends urban sophistication with raw natural wonders. Often cited as one of the top African cities, it’s unique globally for having a national park – Nairobi National Park – located directly on its doorstep. It’s a place where giraffes and rhinos graze freely against a backdrop of towering skyscrapers.

The city is a hub for making meaningful connections. Beyond the traditional tourist trails, you can dive into a thriving arts scene, browse the vibrant Maasai Market, or discover hidden nightlife venues that reveal the city’s modern character.

A cornerstone of any visit should be a trip to support the pioneering elephant rescue efforts at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Operating an internationally renowned orphan elephant rehabilitation programme just outside the city centre, the Trust allows visitors to witness vital, hands-on conservation in action. It’s an emotionally resonant experience that sets the perfect tone before heading out to Kenya‘s top wildlife destinations, including the Masai Mara and Amboseli.

Tip: The public visiting window at Sheldrick is strictly 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM daily, and time slots must be booked in advance.

From Nairobi, flights to one of the airstrips within the Maasai Mara National Reserve take around one hour.

4. Kigali, Rwanda: A Beacon of Renewal

Kigali doesn’t fit the chaotic stereotype often assigned to major urban centres. Instead, it’s emerging as a beacon of modernity, cleanliness, and progressive urban planning in East Africa. Known for its lush, rolling green hills and safe, quiet streets, it’s one of the top African travel cities for those looking to engage deeply with a destination’s ongoing story.

Rwanda’s capital has chosen to rebuild with remarkable hope and innovation. The city boasts a burgeoning coffee culture, with community-driven cafes offering some of the best, sustainably sourced brews in the world.

To fully grasp the country’s profound resilience, we strongly recommend taking time to reflect and learn at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This poignant place of remembrance honours the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and educates visitors on the critical importance of peace-building.

Expert Insight

“The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a powerful and moving experience that provides important insight into Rwanda's history and remarkable journey of reconciliation.”

Chrizaan Troch, Africa Safari Expert

Located just a scenic, two- to three-hour drive from Volcanoes National Park, Kigali provides a deeply moving and grounding prelude to encountering Rwanda’s majestic mountain gorillas.

5. Brazzaville, Republic of Congo: The Cultural Pulse

Exploring the Republic of Congo is a genuine off-the-beaten-path experience, with its capital, Brazzaville, offering a profoundly immersive cultural dive.

Positioned along the sweeping banks of the mighty Congo River, Brazzaville provides a striking, sun-drenched contrast to the dense rainforests waiting in the north of the country.

Expert Insight

“It’s a city that feels authentically African – vibrant, bustling, and filled with smiling people.”

Steve Conradie, Co-founder, Discover Africa

A defining highlight for any traveller is witnessing the phenomenon of La Sape (the Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People). These local Sapeurs transform the dusty streets into vibrant, joyous runways, dressed in impeccably tailored, brightly coloured designer suits. It’s a fascinating subculture that speaks volumes about pride, resilience, and identity in central Africa.

Beyond the fashion, Brazzaville invites you to marvel at the striking modernist architecture of the Basilique Sainte-Anne and browse the bustling, colourful stalls of the Poto-Poto market. It’s an essential, vibrant urban stop that injects rich human context into your journey before a short internal flight north to Odzala-Kokoua National Park for a lowland gorilla trekking safari.

The Perfect Prelude to the Wild

Experiencing the energy of Africa’s urban centres adds depth to your safari itinerary. By taking the time to explore these remarkable destinations, you elevate your trip into a rich, multi-dimensional story.

With Discover Africa arranging safe, efficient, and comfortable private transfers from the moment you land, you can transition seamlessly from the airport to an unmissable cultural playground.

Speak to one of our safari experts today, and start planning your perfect urban adventure!