In the third part of my “Vacation for Free” series, I reveal how I used 137,000 Amex and Chase points to book a 7-day adventure to Kenya—covering flights from Charlotte and a full week at a stylish Hyatt hotel in Nairobi. With just under $500 in out-of-pocket costs, this trip proves you can explore East Africa without breaking the bank.

“What are good places to visit in Africa in the summer?”—it’s a question we hear all the time at Another Word For Travel.

Here’s the answer—plus a full list of 8 amazing countries to explore between June and September. From festivals in Ghana to spotting baby gorillas in Rwanda to unwinding on the beaches of São Tomé —this guide’s got culture, adventure, and hidden gems you may not have heard of (yet).