For years, flying from the USA to Africa has meant enduring a number of layovers and navigating complicated routings by means of Europe or the Center East. However that’s beginning to change.
A rising variety of U.S. airways are launching nonstop flights to main African cities this 12 months, making the continent extra accessible than ever for American vacationers. Right here’s what it is advisable to know in regards to the new, upcoming routes to Africa.
Accra, Ghana, with Delta
Beginning December 1, 2025, Delta Air Traces will start each day, seasonal service from Georgia’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Worldwide Airport (ATL) to Kotoka Worldwide Airport (ACC) in Accra, Ghana, on Airbus A330-900neo plane. The brand new flights will complement Delta’s present year-round nonstop flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy Worldwide Airport (JFK) to Accra.
What to do in Accra
Begin with a go to to Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, which honors Ghana’s first president and the nation’s independence motion. Then wander by means of the artsy, historic Jamestown district. For purchasing, Makola Market is filled with vibrant textiles, handcrafted beads, and on a regular basis necessities, whereas boutiques equivalent to Calcul and Nakoi showcase up to date, upcycled Ghanaian style. Should you’re craving a seaside day, head to Labadi Seashore, town’s most well-known stretch of sand, which presents stay music, horseback rides, and among the greatest people-watching on the town. For excursions, contemplate World Expeditions, which simply launched its Highlights of Ghana, Togo, and Benin journey for 2025.
The place to remain in Accra
When it’s time to loosen up, town has loads of trendy stays, from the luxurious Kempinski Resort Gold Coast Metropolis to the boutique Villa Monticello. Later this 12 months, Hilton Accra Cantonments can be anticipated to open.
Dakar, Senegal, with United
United Airways will launch direct flights from Washington Dulles Worldwide Airport (IAD) to Blaise Diagne Worldwide Airport (DSS) in Dakar, Senegal, this summer season. The service, which is able to begin Could 23, 2025, will function 3 times weekly aboard a Boeing 767-300ER. It is going to be a part of present seasonal service provided by Delta out of IAD and New York’s JFK airport that kicks off in Could.
What to do in Dakar
Start your journey with a go to to Île de Gorée, a UNESCO-listed island that gives a sobering have a look at the historical past of the transatlantic slave commerce. Then, dive into town’s energetic markets, like Marché Kermel and Marché Sandaga, for colourful textiles, handcrafted jewellery, woven baskets, and tie-dye attire (which has a deep cultural significance in Western Africa). Dakar’s artwork scene is equally compelling, from the IFAN Museum of African Arts, one of many oldest artwork museums in West Africa, to the greater than 50 lively galleries of Village des Arts.
Corporations like Intrepid and Discover Worldwide provide group, land-based excursions, whereas Kensington builds customized, personal journeys. Equally, Selection Cruises presents a deep dive into Senegal’s coast and Gambia’s namesake river on its seven-night “West African River Cruises: Dakar to Dakar” crusing, which additionally spends time in Senegal’s Sine-Saloum Delta and River Gambia Nationwide Park.
The place to remain in Dakar
For lodge stays, contemplate Terrou-Bi, a classy seaside resort, or BOMA, with its fashionable bungalows.
Marrakech, Morocco, with Delta and United
Delta will fly to Morocco for the primary time, beginning October 25, 2025. The route will join ATL with Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) on Boeing 767-400ER plane 3 times every week. Equally, United launched a flight from New Jersey’s Newark Liberty Worldwide Airport (EWR) to Marrakech on October 24, 2024, which operates 3 times every week on Boeing 767-300ER planes.
What to do in Marrakech
If you’re in Marrakech, Jemaa el-Fnaa, a full of life sq. stuffed with road performers, market stalls, and the scent of scorching tagines, is a spot you shouldn’t miss. From there, wander the maze-like Medina, the place artisan-crafted textiles, leather-based items, and brass lanterns fill the souks which have stood for hundreds of years. Historical past buffs can discover the beautiful Bahia Palace and the medieval Ben Youssef Madrasa, whereas botanic lovers can go to Jardin Majorelle, which has lengthy been a hub for town’s creatives. Artwork lovers ought to head to the Museum of African Modern Artwork Al Maaden, which reopened on February 2, 2025, after intensive renovations following the 2023 earthquake.
The place to remain in Marrakech
Within the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is understood for its historic palaces, conventional hammam spas, sprawling gardens, and distinctive lodge scene. Afar favorites embrace the lately reopened Kasbah Tamadot and the 102-year-old La Mamounia, plus the Park Hyatt Marrakech, which opened in July 2024.