From gorgeous wild animals to beautiful beaches and ancient cities to cutting-edge technology hubs, African cities have it all. The following are the top five best places to live in Africa based on standard of living.
1. Port Louis, Mauritius
Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius, a small African Island found in the Southern Coast of the continent in the Indian Ocean. The island is about 2,000 kilometres off the coast of mainland Africa.
Port Louis is one of the best places to live in Africa, despite being the most expensive city in Africa. Nonetheless, the cost of living in the Port Louis is cheaper than 67% of the cities in the world.
The city has a deep-water harbour that is easily accessible to all types of ships. The port here is one of the biggest in the Indian Ocean region. It’s a beautiful place that has various mountains too. Moreover, the island is a major economic powerhouse. Tourism, port activities, and the manufacturing sectors are the main moneymakers for the island nation.
The social life of the city is also one to behold. There are excellent dining as well as shopping facilities. You can also purchase various products from the local vendors.
On the cultural front, the city has a diverse and vibrant culture that has a French background. This ranges from the architecture to the language. Moreover, Port Louis has the oldest racecourse in the Southern Hemisphere.
The climate is a mild tropical maritime in the whole year, which includes two seasons.
2. Durban, South Africa
Looking upon the Indian Ocean, Durban is a city in the Eastern Coast of South Africa. The city of Durban is a modern metropolis and has some of the best schools in the country. Being a coastal city, it has heavy influence from European and Indian travellers, some of whom stayed. It’s one of the best places to live in Africa if you love coastal areas.
The city is the second in the manufacturing industry in South Africa after Johannesburg. Additionally, it’s the bedrock of the South African sugar industry.
The social amenities in this city just right for anyone visiting or planning to stay. There is a seafront promenade in the uShaka Marine World, a large marine park and the famous Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Kwazulu-Natal game and nature parks also drive the tourism of the area a notch higher. The beaches on the coastline are also a perfect chill spot for locals and the tourists.
The city has a humid subtropical climate. The winters are dry while the summers are humid and warm.
3. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a port city found on the Southwest part of the Cape Penisula in South Africa. It is a beautiful city that is complemented by the coastal environment and the Table Mountain.
In the mountainous city of Cape town, you will come across slowly rotating cable cars that climb up and down and give breathtaking views. The harbour is ever busy with various activities. You’ll come across a magnitude of tourists heading to the infamous Robben Island (the prison that housed Nelson Mandela).
Cape Town is the second main economic city in South Africa and third in Africa. The city is the hub of the Western Cape province too. Additionally, it’s a hub for IT companies in Africa.
The mild Mediterranean climate in Cape Town also makes it one of the best places to live in Africa. The infrastructure, climate, and location make it very ideal for both tourists and new people to the city.
4. Johannesburg, South Africa
“Jozi” is the City of Gold. It’s South Africa’s main financial and industrial capital. Johannesburg is found in the Highveld, which is a large, grassy plateau that is found in the interior of the country.
Jo’burg is known for its mining, manufacturing and finance industries. All the mining activities have their roots here and it’s also the headquarters of the Chamber of Mines. This is the body that oversees mining in the country.
Johannesburg serves almost all the countries banks, building societies, and insurance companies. They have their head offices here. The architecture in the city is also one to marvel at.
Jozi is among the greenest cities because of the zoos and parks that are found here. The millions of trees here are responsible for the subtropical climate experienced here.
5. Victoria, Seychelles
Victoria is one of the smallest capitals in the world, located in the northeastern coast of Mahe Island of the Republic of Seychelles.
It is both a business and cultural centre for the country. The city is developed and has some of the best social amenities. This is also made possible by the number of the city’s inhabitants. It’s certainly one of the best places to live in Africa.
Additionally, the city has a unique Creole culture and the architecture resembles that of the Victorian age. Moreover, the city centre has a monumental clock that looks like Big Ben and has been ticking since 1903.
The National Botanical Gardens also has various plants and animals that are unique. Moreover, the beautiful and well-organized markets serve the community and you can buy anything. The beaches are sandy while you experience interior densely populated forests as you go further inside.
The climate found in Victoria is that of tropical rainforests with high temperatures throughout the year.
The Choice is Yours
These are just but some of the best places to live in Africa. There are many other amazing and affordable cities that you can work, travel, or live in. Finding a cheap city can allow you to save up and even travel more once your purpose is concluded there.
Mercers 21st annual report on the Quality of Living Survey indicates that various cities in Africa offer attractive environments to live, do business, and work in.