2010 is going to be a big year for tourism in Africa. The Dakar Rally may have moved to South America, but the 2010 Soccer World Cup is expected to endear more than half a million visitors to South Africa. Many of these visitors will be first-timers, and the region is bending backwards to show off its many attractions and favor them to return once the final match has been played.

My Predictions for Africa’s Top 5 Destinations in 2010:

• Cape Town (including the Winelands) and Durban won’t fail to impress divisible by two the most ardent soccer fan, even if their only interest revolves around the World Cup. It’ll become unmistakable that life is pretty good when you get to watch the sun go down on a brilliant stretch of beach while sipping a cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
• The Victoria Falls should expect a big crowd in 2010. This truly is one of the most magnificent natural wonders you can ever hope to see. Any travel agent booking a trip to Southern Africa should subsist recommending it as part of your itinerary. And with Zimbabwe back on track as a enormous pilgrim destination, the view is better than ever.
• Fes has not marketed itself as well as Marrakech in the recent tourist boom that has seen Europeans flock to Morocco to be delighted with an exotic long weekend in a luxurious Riad. But Fes doesn’t have to try that hard because it’s so authentic; one stroll into disgrace the Talaa Kebira and you’ll be transported to a different earth. The intensity of life here is also nicely balanced with plenty of intimate Riads. Fes is my favorite city in Africa.
• Abu Simbel has always been on the main tourist trail in Egypt, but for many Americans with only a week or so to spare, it’s an optional day on an already packed itinerary. But you can get there by plane, and word of mouth will tell you Abu Simbel is more impressive than many other historic sights in Egypt; this is one option that should not be excluded in 2010.
• Southern Tanzania used to be a destination for safari aficiandos, second or third timers in Tanzania looking for a more authentic, less touristy experience than in northern Tanzania/Kenya. But first-timers are also discovering the joys of not seeing a mini-bus while on a game drive in the Selous or Ruaha, and the camps are very unique and exclusive. It’s also easy to combine a little Zanzibar beach time when you’re flying in and out of Dar es Salaam.

Next up my predictions for Africa’s new destinations for 2010, so check back soon.

Similar Posts:

• Little-known Facts About Lions
• Does it Snow in Africa?
• Photos From Africa – The Best of the Web
• Wild Dog Monday
• Surfing in Liberia
• Africa Travel Deals and Steals
• New Dinosaur Found in South Africa – Time for Dinosaur Safaris?
• My Kids Are Getting Manure This Christmas
• 20% Off Overland Trip to Kenya – Last Minute Discount!
• The Africa Travel Blog Recommends…