The charming capital of Côte d’Ivoire has life and color in abundance. After munching a plate of garba (fish and cassava) or braised chicken with alloco (fried plantains) in a maquis (open-air restaurant), head to the Plateau district, home of the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire and Saint-Paul’s Cathedral. While there, be sure to note La Pyramide and Postel Tower, two distinctive skyscrapers. Then stop by the bustling Adjamé or Treichville markets. Shopping enthusiasts will love Abidjan Mall, PlaYce-Marcory shopping center or CAVA (Centre Artisanal de la Ville d’Abidjan). There’s no shortage of art in Babi, and colorful works by the country’s and continent’s top artists can be found at the Donwahi Foundation, Cécile Fakhoury Gallery and LouiSimone Guirandou Gallery. Some of the cultural events not to be missed include the annual Popo Carnival, FEMUA (Urban Music Festival of Anoumabo) and MASA (Abidjan Arts and Entertainment Market).

To see Bamako in its entirety, head to Point G at the top of the Colline de Pouvoir (Hill of Power). A short distance away is the winding Niger River, which you can cross by pirogue (dugout canoe). Among the city’s most interesting monuments are the Grand Mosque and – for something completely different – the BCEAO Tower. Be sure to stop by the National Museum of Mali, and to experience local scents and sights, head to the Grand Marché of Bamako and the Maison des Artisans. At Bamako City Centre Market, stock up on produce, consult the marabouts and admire an array of jewelry and handicrafts. The home of Malian photographer Malick Sidibé, musical duo Amadou & Mariam, and singer Oumou Sangaré, this city hosts renowned events throughout the year: Rencontres de Bamako (photography), the International Percussion Festival and Les Voix de Bamako.

A bustling port city, Cape Town sits at the foot of the famous Table Mountain. Start your visit with a stroll around the vibrant Victoria & Albert Waterfront, then stop by the Malaysian district of Bo-Kaap. For an afternoon of shopping, you have a choice of the Old Biscuit Mill, the Woodstock Exchange Gardens Shopping Center or Canal Walk. The area’s most historic site is, without a doubt, Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela spent many years. Among the museums, standouts include District Six and the South African Jewish Museum. Relax in Kirstenbosch Garden, the setting for regular concerts from November to April. Those who love lazing about will enjoy the city’s two beaches: Clifton and Camps Bay. Don’t miss out on the Cape of Good Hope trail or, an hour from Cape Town, the Wine Route. Come evening, Long Street is the place to be for bars, restaurants and clubs. There are also major events throughout the year: Minstrel Carnival (a festival with roots in slavery, in January), the International Jazz Festival (March), Two Oceans Marathon (April) and the International Grand Arts Alive Festival (September).

Casablanca is renowned for its downtown, where the architecture blends Moorish and Art Deco styles. At Hassan II Mosque, the city’s emblem, its stunning minaret rises 210 meters above sea level. Hail a red taxi and explore the ancient Medina with its many stalls. Afterwards, stop by Habous district for a tasty corne de gazelle cookie at Pâtisserie Bennis, or perhaps a camel kefta from the butcher shop. Why not also stroll along the Corniche, go for a swim at Aïn Diab beach or take a surfing class at Porte 13? Shopaholics meet at Al Massira Al Khadra Boulevard – located just a short walk from ONOMO Hotel Casablanca City Center and near Morocco Mall and Anfaplace Mall. When you’re in Casa, culture is everywhere. In addition to numerous art galleries, the city hosts L’Boulevard Tremplin and Jazzablanca festivals (both June), Festival d’Anfa (July) and the Festimode Casablanca Fashion Week (November).

Located on Tombo Island, Conakry is the archetypal African colonial city overlooking the ocean. Its historic center boasts a rich and varied architectural heritage. The emblematic monuments of Guinea’s capital are the Camayanne Mausoleum (final resting place of political leader Sékou Touré), the National Museum of Guinea and the Botanical Garden. For a taste of Conakry’s ambiance, head to Madina and Niger markets, and then to Port of Boulbinet, where you can climb to the top of the lighthouse for a beautiful panorama. Boulevard du Commerce and Avenue de la République serve as the borders of Almamya, a district where fruits and vegetables, poultry, meat, fish and other local products are sold in abundance. Finally, make your way to the Loos Islands by boat or canoe, to enjoy the pristine sands and turquoise waters.

Colorful and welcoming, Dakar is washed by spray from the Atlantic Ocean. From the top of Mamelles Lighthouse, you can admire the vast city and ocean. Are you a seafood lover? Head to the edge of Les Almadies district. Explore the beaches of Yoff or Ngor, and then Gorée Island – the tragic hub of the Atlantic slave trade. Wander around the National Gallery, the Black Africa Fundamental Institute museum and the vibrant Galerie Arte. The cathedral is worth a visit, especially for its African frescoes. The animist spirit of Dakar lives on in Marché Tilène, and Marché Kermel is equally lively and dynamic. Nature-lovers will adore Hann Park, home to all of the country’s plant species as well as a zoo. On your shopping trips, don’t miss the traditional Sandanga Market or Dakar City and Sea Plaza malls. The biennial Dak’Art contemporary art festival (June) and Dakar Fashion Week (also June) are two major events in the city that Youssou N’Dour, the famous Senegalese singer, calls home.

Dar es Salaam is a major port on the Indian Ocean. Some of the city’s must-see places include the Village Museum, the National Museum of Tanzania, and the Botanical Gardens. Enjoy the spirited energy of Kariakoo Market – the beating heart of the capital – or of Kivukoni Fish Market. Mlimani City is the largest shopping center in Dar, and the Nyumba ya Sanaa cooperative offers quality textiles and handicrafts. Make time to relax on the idyllic beaches of Kigamboni, Kipepeo or Mikadi. Finally, the marine reserve of Bongoyo Island will delight both swimmers and divers. Dar es Salaam has no shortage of events: January is the month for Wanyambo Festival, which pays homage to traditional art and music. In February, don’t miss the Nyama Choma Festival, a celebration of grilled meats, and Swahili Fashion Week is held in December.

Located at the mouth of the Wouri River, Douala is the economic capital of Cameroon and, alongside Yaoundé, the country’s largest city. Douala is dotted with interesting monuments, including the Pagoda, the Palace of the Kings Bell in Bonanjo, Saint Peter and Saint Paul Cathedral, the Centenary Temple and the Maritime Museum. The Central Market and Dakar Square, both very lively, are a treat for the eyes, as are Mboppi and Deido markets, while the flower market along Avenue de Gaulle is also worth a peek. Artists and art lovers, don’t miss the Audiovisual Meetings of Douala (February) or the Douala Art Fair (end of May-beginning of June). Inquisitive minds meet at Ngondo, the traditional festival that brings together the Sawa peoples of the coastal region (December).

The coastal city of Durban is alive with African, Indian and colonial influences. Begin with a seaside stroll along the Golden Mile. Then visit the Old Court House Museum, the Port Natal Maritime Museum or the Durban Natural Science Museum, and wrap up with a stop at the Botanical Garden. A stroll through the Indian Quarter will take you to Victoria Street Market and Juma Musjin Mosque. To pick up some souvenirs, head to Wilson’s Wharf, renowned for its artisanal goods, and then to Heritage Market or Gateway Shopping Mall. The Durban Art Gallery and Kwazulu Natal Society of Arts are both well-known for their quality craftsmanship. Fearless adventurers, swim with the white sharks on the nearby reefs! All year long, Durban moves to the beat of its world-class events, including the Durban International Film Festival (July), Jomba! Contemporary Dance Experience (August-September) and Poetry Africa (October).

Sandton, a suburb of Johannesburg, is South Africa’s main business center. At its beating heart are Nelson Mandela Square and the Sandton City shopping center. The area’s upscale boutiques and trendy restaurants attract a sophisticated and glamorous clientele. Art lovers are in luck too, as a multitude of galleries can be found here. Sandton Convention Center, Johannesburg’s premier event venue, hosts the FNB Art Joburg contemporary art fair, which takes place in September. For a breath of fresh air, head to the lush oases that are Sandton Central Park and Hyundai Sky Mushroom Farm Park. A final suggestion: be sure to visit Johannesburg, a city of rare energy and bubbling artistry. Discover the many galleries and markets in neighborhoods such as Braamfontein, where you can pick up artisan souvenirs and enjoy a drink while watching a concert.

Kampala awaits you on the northern shore of sprawling Lake Victoria. A former capital of the Buganda Kingdom, bursting with noise and energy, beguiling and verdant, the city is known for its quality of life – one of the best in East Africa. As soon as you set foot in Kampala, order a rolex (the country’s iconic omelet sandwich), hop on a boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) and head to Owino Market, the largest of its kind in Uganda. Make time to visit the Kasubi Royal Tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Namirembe Cathedral, the Grand Mosque of Kampala or the Baha’i Temple. Don’t miss Nommo Gallery, which showcases Ugandan art and crafts. After a busy day, chill out in a kafunda (small roadside bar) and taste a waragi (local gin). Anyone who loves nightlife will find themselves in the lively Kabalagala district until the wee hours of the morning!

The capital of Rwanda and of African technology, Kigali reveals its cosmopolitan charms on a series of hilltops. Among the highlights are Sainte-Famille (Holy Family) Church, Madina Mosque, Presidential Palace Museum (where the wreckage of the plane that carried President Juvénal Habyarimana is on display), a natural history museum and the Genocide Memorial in Gisozi. Spend time in Kimironko or Nyabugogo markets, and take a tour of COOTRAC – a craft cooperative that brings together artisans from across Rwanda. Art galleries welcome you to stop by, the most famous one being Inema Art Center. For a breath of fresh air, go for a hike on Mount Kigali. The city’s rich cultural life revolves around the Afropolitain Nomad Festival (July), Ubumuntu Arts Festival (also July) and KigaliUp Festival (August).

Once a modest seaside capital, today Lomé aspires to greatness. Immerse yourself in Togo’s history at the National Museum, which displays jewelry, masks, musical instruments and pottery from West Africa. In the city center, the Sacred Heart Cathedral is adorned with frescoes depicting African saints. To the northeast, Akodessawa Fetish Market is well worth a visit, as are the Grand Market and Hedzranawoe Market. For a taste of delicious Togolese cuisine, take a trip to Nopegali Plage restaurant. Lovers of fine sand and coconut palms will adore the beaches of Baguida and Avepozo. As for cultural events, Lomé is ever in motion. Don’t miss FesConte (end of July-beginning of August), the Tchale Lekema festival, held at ONOMO Hotel Lomé and dedicated to Afro-urban art forms (August), and the International Book Fair (November).

Capital of Mozambique, Maputo is a port city on the Indian Ocean. Numerous monuments attest to its Portuguese colonial past: the Central Railway Station, Main Post Office, the houses of the upscale Sommerschield neighborhood. Must-sees in the city include the Natural History Museum, Maputo Fortress, the Museum of the Revolution and the tree-lined Tunduru Botanical Gardens. The National Art Museum, which showcases contemporary Mozambican artists, is also worth a visit. To really feel the city’s pulse, stroll to the central market in Baixa, the lively lower town, and then to the fish market. To pick up a few souvenirs, head to Maputo Shopping Centre. Sunbathers, make your way to Costa do Sol and hang out in one of the many restaurants and bars overlooking the beach. In February, the Marrabenta Festival celebrates the eponymous dance music, while May is the month for Azgo international music festival.

enowned for its mild climate and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, Rabat is both an ancient capital and a trendsetting city. Soak up its history at the Oudayas Kasbah, and then visit Hassan Tower. See the Zoological Garden (renowned for its Atlas lions), the Botanical Garden, the Museum of History and Civilizations, and finally St. Peter’s Cathedral. Further afield, on the site of the ancient Roman city of Sala Colonia, lies the necropolis of Chellah and its many mysteries. Want to do some shopping? The city’s main boulevards welcome you to visit their boutiques and the Mega Mall. Art lovers will appreciate the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the National Photography Museum, while music aficionados can move to the beat of Mawazine (June) and Jazz au Chellah (September) festivals.