American travel YouTuber Drew Binsky, who has achieved the remarkable feat of visiting all 197 countries across the globe, has now revealed his definitive top three African destinations after extensively exploring all 54 nations on the continent. The seasoned content creator, who completed his worldwide journey in Saudi Arabia back in 2021, has provided comprehensive travel guidance and practical tips for adventurers considering an African expedition.
Surprising Selections from a Seasoned Traveller
Following recent trips to Australia and New Zealand with his family, Binsky has distilled his extensive African experiences into a curated list of preferred destinations. He suggests that his choices might challenge conventional expectations for those planning African travels, enthusiastically remarking: "It might even make you book a flight out here to experience the adrenaline rush for yourself." His selections offer a compelling blend of natural wonders, cultural richness, and accessibility that could inspire even hesitant travellers.
Tanzania: The Ultimate African Destination
Securing the premier position in Binsky's African rankings is Tanzania, the East African nation home to over 66 million people. This marked the YouTuber's fourth visit to the country, where he confessed: "I could not get enough of this place right now." His journey included immersive time with the Hadzabe tribe, among Africa's last remaining hunter-gatherer communities, followed by spectacular wildlife viewing in Serengeti National Park during the zebra and wildebeest migration.
Binsky's Tanzanian adventure continued to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ngorongoro Crater, which he described as astonishingly vast: "I've never seen a crater in my life that's this big. I mean, it goes on forever." Further highlights included Mount Kilimanjaro, the world's tallest free-standing mountain, and the island of Zanzibar with what he called some of "the most beautiful beaches in the world."
His enthusiastic recommendation leaves little room for doubt: "If you can only visit one country in Africa, let it be Tanzania. It's safe, the streets are clean, there are no scams here, everyone's super nice, they speak English - you will absolutely love it."
Ethiopia: Cultural Richness and Culinary Excellence
Ethiopia, with its population exceeding 128 million, claimed second place in Binsky's assessment. Having visited nine times, he praised the nation's "many amazing cultures" and urged travellers to venture beyond the capital Addis Ababa. His Ethiopian exploration included Dire Dawa in the east and the ancient city of Harar, another UNESCO-recognised site with deep Somali heritage.
The YouTuber highlighted remarkable destinations including Lalibela with its extraordinary ancient Christian rock formations, and noted Ethiopia's unique religious landscape: "Ethiopia is split between Islam and Christianity, and they have a really interesting branch of Christianity that's really unique." His journey extended to Tigray in northern Ethiopia, where he trekked to ancient churches carved into mountainsides, and visited Gandha with its significant Jewish community.
Binsky also explored the Omo Valley in south-western Ethiopia, home to what he described as "some of the most incredible tribes in the world with fascinating traditions." His culinary praise was equally effusive: "Ethiopia has the best food in Africa. The best coffee in the world is there. I can go on and on about Ethiopia."
Namibia: Vast Landscapes and Unique Encounters
Completing the top three is Namibia, the south-west African nation with a population just under three million, making it the world's second least densely populated country after Mongolia. Binsky marvelled at Namibia's distinctive geography: "It's one of the only places in the world where you can find beautiful sand dunes that intersect exactly with the ocean." He added: "Now I can finally see why everyone always falls in love with Namibia - this place is as good as it gets."
His Namibian itinerary included Etosha National Park, followed by Windhoek, which he described as a "cool capital city" where "the people are so lovely and friendly, they speak great English." The journey culminated at Sossusvlei, where he praised the "incredible nature" and the striking sight of trees emerging from sand dunes.
Binsky also visited the Himba tribe near the Angola border, admiring their distinctive clay hairstyles and cultural traditions. He reflected on these tribal encounters: "I really love visiting the tribes in Africa - it's so enriching and so amazing to appreciate their cultures and traditions."
Through his detailed accounts and enthusiastic recommendations, Drew Binsky provides not just a travel guide but a compelling invitation to experience Africa's remarkable diversity, from Tanzania's wildlife spectacles to Ethiopia's cultural treasures and Namibia's breathtaking landscapes.
