Africa has its fair share of fairytale towns, with some hidden gems, fascinating history, and exciting culture. Even though the big cities in Africa really offer some amazing things to see and do, there’s always something magical about the small towns. They boast some charming features that will keep you coming back again and again.
These towns are steeped in history and culture, filled with natural beauty and magical atmosphere. You will find a range of quaint shops on its cobbled streets, charming markets, unique restaurants, and bars around. It would be like you’re taking a step back in time to the ancient African villages.
I love charming small towns in Africa, visiting each of these towns has been a memorable experience for me. Discovering the traces of Renaissance beauty in some of them is also fascinating. I have had the opportunity to visit Lamu twice, and I always want to come back. Stone Town is also another highlight for me, its charm lies in its perfectly preserved ancient appeal.
Charming Small Towns in Africa
We’ve rounded up some charming small towns in Africa to visit for magical experiences that supersede every other town.
Simons Town, South Africa
The beautiful small town is situated on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula. The journey from Cape Town to this pretty town took us about 35 minutes. It’s a great place to spend your weekend days or even a short holiday.
Simon’s Town is beloved for its bustling harbour, penguins, quaint book shops, museums, restaurants, and some striking views. The postcard-perfect town features a protected nature reserve, Boulders Beach, home to a large African penguins colony.
Don’t miss the Jubilee Square and Jetty on St George’s Street for some people-watching and photographic opportunities. You’re definitely going to have some unforgettable moments here.
Stone Town, Zanzibar
Stone Town is the old part of Zanzibar, located on the western coast of the main island. Home to about 16,000 inhabitants, the traditional old town is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Featuring a maze of narrow labyrinthine alleyways, Stone Town is a novel prehistoric-looking town with an intriguing past. Its narrow streets steal the show with its crafts shops, quaint coffee shops, and local art galleries. Apart from its authentic cultural experiences, there’s much more to this pretty old town, and you will love it here.
Did You Know: Queen’s lead singer, Freddie Mercury, was born in Stone Town.
The traditional old town brings together a mix of Arab, Indian, and European influences. It also features a wide range of interesting attractions, including the grand House of Wonders, which was initially the palace of Zanzibar’s sultan, but now a national museum.
If you love food (like me), you should not leave Stone Town without visiting the renowned Night market in Forodhani Gardens for some delicious seafood and local snacks.
Franschhoek, South Africa
Try to conjure a mental image of Franschhoek, and you may likely juggle vineyards, flowers, Cape Dutch architecture, and loads of wine. Dubbed the Cape’s French Corner, the town is just a short drive from Cape Town. It was where French Huguenots moved to when they flee from religious persecution in the late 17th century.
The town gives off a unique vibe, unlike other small towns around it. It features award-winning wine estates, superb cuisine, and of course, a range of outdoor activities. Don’t miss the hop-on-hop-off tram tour, definitely worth it if you want to see the town’s beautiful mountain-valley setting.
It’s also worth checking out the preserved Cape Dutch farmyard in Babylonstoren, well-known for its stunning garden with various fruits and flowers.
Make sure you leave yourself ample time to do a garden and art tour of Leeu Estate for an opportunity to see dramatic views of surrounding vineyards, fynbos, mountain landscapes, and gardens in Franschhoek.
Lamu Town, Kenya
No list of charming small towns in Africa would be complete without a mention of Lamu town. If you’re tired of competing with crowds in places like Mombasa, Mauritius, Zanzibar, or even the Maldives, go to Lamu Archipelago for a blissed-out off-the-beaten getaway.
Lamu is an authentic traditional town with an old-world charm, and a slow pace. When you want to get away from the breakneck tempo of your everyday routine in a city like Nairobi, you’ll find Lamu suitable for you.
The traditional town is a coastal haven that feels untouched by time. You can come here for the sea-side vibe or the mile-long swath of deserted white sand beach. Wander around the town, exploring its local markets, the very narrow streets, and alleyways while admiring the townhouses with wood-carved doors — built with coral stone and mangrove timber.
Don’t miss the Sunset Dhow Cruise around the archipelago. For an unforgettable experience, sail to Manda Island to watch the most beautiful sunset in Africa.
You’ll discover that Lamu town hasn’t really changed from how it was in the medieval ages. It’s no surprise that UNESCO recognized the town as a World Heritage Site.
READ THIS: Reasons To Visit Lamu, Kenya – I Fell in Love with the Island!
Badagry, Nigeria
If learning about slave trade history doesn’t get to you, then walking through the Slave route might just do it. These are Badagary’s signature experiences!
Just right outside Lagos in Nigeria, Badagry looks like a fairytale storybook town. The small coastal town of Badagry consists of ancient Brazillian architecture buildings, Slave museums, Slave Port, beach, and forests.
There are lots to explore, from its cultural heritage to the exciting history, as a town with the first storey building in Nigeria — including the place where Christianity was first preached in the country.
One mandatory Badagry experience? A stroll through the local markets and a taste of Nkwobi at a seaside restaurant accompanied by a chilled bottle of beer.
Even though Badagry has remained blissfully under-the-radar and beyond a particular in-the-know set, it’s definitely a place to visit while in Nigeria.
Rubavu, Rwanda
Rubavu is a peaceful waterfront retreat that looks straight out of a fairytale. The town is situated right on the shores of Lake Kivu in Rwanda. It’s also located about one hour from the Volcanoes National Park (well-known for gorilla tracking).
The town has a tropical character due to Lake Kivu, featuring red sandy beaches with warm, clear waters. It’s a great place to relax and unwind while watching the birds sing. All you need to do is to breathe in and let the natural surrounding inspire your thoughts.
Wander around the town’s palm-kine avenues littered with old colonial buildings, take a walk, or enjoy mountain biking through the Congo Nile trail that extends 227km south to Rusizi for endless lake views.
Honeymooners and lovers visit Rubavu for a romantic getaway. However, the town has plenty in store for adventurous types too.
READ THIS: 10 Unique Experiences You Need to Have in Rwanda
Luderitz, Namibia
The coastal town of Lüderitz charms visitors with a sleepy old-world atmosphere, delicious seafood, and welcoming locals. The town still retains the convivial, laid-back air of a village. It’s overflowing with brightly painted German Art Deco architecture and impressive historical buildings, including the art nouveau Goerke Haus, built into the rock face on Diamond Hill.
The town has something for everyone – you can go sailing on the lagoon or enjoy a scenic walk to see the dramatic landscapes in the surrounding. You can also go on a treasure hunt to search for a ‘Desert Rose,’ a crystallised stone – you might be lucky!
Don’t miss the chance to sample delicious seafood in Ludwritz, from fresh rock lobster, mussels to oysters.
Have you been to any of these charming small towns in African? Tell us about your experience.
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