People often refer to the Karoo Heartland as the "dry heart" of South Africa, as it's a semi-desert land that features a rugged landscape, shaped from vast, flat plains and rocky mountains. If you're looking for a travel experience that's slightly off the beaten track, a visit to this lesser-traveled part of the world would certainly fit the bill.

Aptly called “The Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is a vibrant and beautiful country. Its location near Congo in the heart of Africa has gifted her with stunning scenery featuring mountains galore. This along with its enticing cultural heritage makes Rwanda an incredible trip for anyone with a desire to explore. It is also a country with a tragic past and offers profound lessons from which to learn.

The continent of Africa is so large, you can fit the landmass of the United States, China, and India and still have room to spare. With 54 countries recognized by the United Nations, it can be difficult to decide which country to visit. Not to mention the wide variety of landscapes that grace the continent from savannas, to tropical forests, to coastlines. To help you narrow down which country or city in Africa you should visit, here are the 15 best places to visit in Africa.