Faith Nyasuguta
Travel platform KAYAK’s 2025 Travel Check-In report – echoed by global travel outlets and analysts – has placed Morocco and Zimbabwe among the world’s must-visit countries this year, based on surging traveler interest and expert recommendations.
KAYAK’s analysis is driven by millions of real-world flight and hotel searches. That helps explain why Zimbabwe stood out as a “trending” pick: flight searches to Harare and Bulawayo jumped sharply this year. The interest reflects growing curiosity about Zimbabwe’s mix of world-class safaris, the thundering Victoria Falls, and a rising reputation for wellness tourism, including thermal springs and retreat-style travel.
Morocco, by contrast, earned its place on lists for different reasons. The kingdom welcomed a record 17.4 million visitors in 2024, overtaking Egypt as Africa’s most visited country. Its growth comes from a combination of expanded air links, new hotels, and massive event-driven infrastructure upgrades as it prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. For travelers, this means easier access to iconic cities like Marrakech and Fez, the Atlas Mountains, coastal towns, and the Sahara Desert.
Other rankings reinforce these choices. HelloSafe’s 2025 travel index rated Morocco highly for affordability, climate, safety, and tourist appeal, while international spa and wellness reports highlighted Zimbabwe as a surprising contender for travelers seeking peace, rejuvenation, and low-density escapes. Together, these endorsements combine hard data (search and booking patterns) with editorial judgment (expert curation).
For would-be visitors, Morocco offers cultural depth: ancient medinas, rich cuisine, bustling souks, and increasingly modern infrastructure. It is seen as one of the safer, more accessible destinations in North Africa. Zimbabwe offers a different experience: untamed landscapes, safari parks such as Hwange, family-friendly adventures, and the majestic Victoria Falls, which alone attracts close to a million people annually.
Practical tips matter, too. Morocco is best enjoyed in spring or autumn when the weather is mild, while Zimbabwe’s peak wildlife season falls between May and October during the dry months. Both countries have improved international connectivity, though travelers are encouraged to book early for peak attractions and use ethical tour operators that benefit local communities.
Morocco and Zimbabwe have risen to the top of 2025’s travel rankings for very different but complementary reasons. Morocco dazzles with history, accessibility, and culture; Zimbabwe charms with wilderness, serenity, and adventure. For travelers seeking a 2025 journey that blends authenticity with discovery, these two African destinations are standing tall.
RELATED:
