>>2885339
Eritrea is a good first timer too.

don't be afraid of the visa. You can pay a tour company to get you a visa on arrival for 100 bucks.

Also, you don't need a tour guide with you the whole time contrary to popular belief. You just need to stop by tourism ministry in Asmara if you're leaving the capital to get a permit

Easy mode Africa:
Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya, Eritrea, Gambia, Namibia, Botswana, Rwanda
Medium mode Africa:
Ghana, Togo, Benin, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Mozambique,
Malawi, Lesotho, Swaziland
Various levels of hard (for a normal traveller): everywhere else with some countries (South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt) having mix of super easy to ultra hard

>>2885436
Admittedly would prefer to avoid the countries in Africa closest to the Middle East given recent political events going on.

But now you have my interest because I didn't realize Benin and Togo were safe to visit. What would you even do in those countries?

>>2885454
Benin, Ghana, and Togo are pretty chill for west africa

Togo + Benin an easy itnerary (further north you go more of a pain logistics are)
>Lome (friendly city, beach, culture)
>Kaplime (amazing jungle hikes, use kaplime as your hub it's a laid back city and very friendly)
>Koutammakou area for history and rural life
>Cotonou (Sorta like Lome but a little less interesting, but you can do a day trip to Ganvié which is worth it. Reminds me of Tonle Sap villages in Cambodia but with no tourists)
>Ouidah (python temple ( and go to voudou ceremonies
>Abomey (See the ancient capital, good for history)
If you want really intrepid hiking and camping go further north in either but the closer you get to the border it does become risky politically and all

>Admittedly would prefer to avoid the countries in Africa closest to the Middle East given recent political events going on.
Fair but you could fly via Istanbul instead of Dubai and avoid any risky flights. You're way more likely to get mugged in Windhoek than have an Iranian drone hit you in Asmara

>>2885473
Eritrea is listed as "Avoid non-essential travel" in my country though. Aren't they nicknamed the North Korea of Africa because they kill their own people for trying to escape into Ethiopia?

>>2885489
Are you an Aussie? Australia's travel advisory for Eritrea is really hardcore. USA has it listed as as dangerous as France lol

And yes they are but life there is way more normal than North Korea. Eritrea is more like China or something. If you go there and decide to do political activism or go to areas you aren't allowed it's not smart. But if you go there and are just a tourist it's fine and safe.

>>2885339
Well if you can speak German, you could check out the city of Swakopmund. Beer in Namibia is top tier compared to some of the others so I would at least try one lager while in the city.

Culturally there should be a marketplace that sells stuff, but I also know there was some kind of antique store I didn't have the chance to check out.

Nature wise, I'd look to see if any tour groups start in this city. The city is close to one of the most beautiful deserts in Africa. Otherwise if you want a more traditional safari, try going to Etosha through a tour group out of Windhoek.