10 Best Cities to Live in Africa 2024

August 31, 2023 Abiodun Adewusi

What are the best cities to live in Africa? Social media has always been filled with debates about which cities are the best in Africa. Some people believe their home cities are the best places to live in while others feel that all cities are the same.

With such views, people from other continents might be confused about which city they would like to visit. However, there is a simple way to find the information they need before packing their bags.

Thanks to the Mercer Cabinet Index, we have access to quantitative research with which we can rank the cities on the continent. Furthermore, the index is based on ranking criteria such as socio-cultural, political and social environment, health, education, utilities, transports, urban infrastructures, and housing.

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Best Cities to Live in Africa

Now here are the 10 best cities to live in Africa.

Gaborone, Botswana

Gaborone is a modern, cosmopolitan city but small city. However, it grows at an amazing rate. It also offers an interesting city centre and essential services.

First comers are impressed by the decent and modem housing while the city has world-class schools. It also has excellent medical facilities such as the Life Gabonrone Private hospital that meet international standards.

Moving around the town is easy as the city has a cheap but slightly unreliable public l transport system. For air travel, the city has the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport which also provides lounges and WiFi for intending passengers. The city is also safe, clean and secure.

Windhoek, Nambia

Windhoek is the capital city of Nambia which has modern buildings, well maintained public facilities and vibrant culture. It also stands as one of the largest and most populous cities in the country.

The city is relatively peaceful than most African capitals however like most cities in the world, petty crime occurs frequently. Previously, the city used to be the cleanest in Africa but recent cases of widespread littering and a disease outbreak have moved it to the fourth position.

Casablanca, Morocco

This city is the largest in the country as well as its economic hub. It also has features that make it one of the best African cities to live in.

Casablanca has an international airport that offers international and local flights while trains provide comfortable and safe trips between cities. Road transport is also safe and comfortable as its motorways are well maintained and free from congestion. It even has interesting and beautiful landmarks that attract visitors from across the world.

Rabat, Morocco

Rabat is a beautiful coastal city that serves as the administrative capital of Morocco. It is also the third-largest city in the country with a vibrant culture.

Like Casablanca, the city has various transport options such as trains, trams, and taxis. It also an international airport for flights to Europe and the Middle East.

The city boasts of various tourist attractions including historical sites and beautiful beaches. It also has a climate that consists of hot dry summers and mild winters.

Tunis, Tunisia

This is the capital of this beautiful North African country. It also stands as its largest city. You can easily move around Tunis as it has a reliable and fast train network. Trams are also available if you are looking for an alternative to the city’s buses.

Tunis is generally safer than most areas on in Africa however petty crimes such pickpocketing occur on the streets. It also has various beautiful landmarks including the Medina of Tunis.

Victoria, Seychelles

Designated as the capital of Seychelles, Victoria is its largest city that is located on the north-eastern part of Mahe Island. It is also the site of the island’s nations primary higher institution of learning – the University of Seychelles.

The city is safe for residents and visitors but there are cases of non-violent crimes such as burglaries and break-ins. The beautiful island also has a good transport system that includes taxis, buses, and ferries.

Johannesburg, South Africa

Also known as Joburg, this city is the largest in South Africa and one of the largest urban areas on the globe. It is also the capital of the Gauteng province.

The city offers natural beauty due to its beautiful tended gardens in every location. It also has a wide range of shopping malls, museums and natural attractions such as the Johannesburg zoo.

Residents and tourists have access to a bus service that is cheap and comfortable. It also has a rail system that is run by the local authorities.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is another beautiful South African city that ranks highly on the Mercer index. Known as the legislative capital of South Africa, the city is a major destination for visitors across the world

Public hygiene is maintained by local authorities while efforts are made by concerned agencies to upgrade its beaches and public spaces. Furthermore, the city has an extensive rail network and bus services.

Durban, South Africa

Durban’s higher ranking is mainly due to its high-quality housing, plentiful recreational offerings, and good consumer goods availability. However, the city’s crime problems keep it from climbing higher on the list.

Durban ranks highly on this list because it offers world-class housing, recreational facilities, and high-quality consumer goods. It also has less crime than most cities in the country.

Port Louis, Mauritius

According to the Mercer index, Port Louis is the best African city to live in. This capital city stand has a busy port that supports the island nation’s economy.

The city is vibrant and plays host to various places of interest while its transport system is effective and reliable.

That concludes our list of the best cities to live in Africa. What are your opinions? Share in the comments.

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