10 Amazing Places in Africa

10 Amazing Places in Africa

Everyone’s idea of beauty is different. What one person sees as beautiful, another person might see as average. One thing is for sure however, everyone can agree that Africa is beautiful with a capital B.

With some of the most stunning natural spaces, cities, towns, mountains, and deserts, the African continent is home to the Big Five, the huge natural predators we all see on TV. Whilst safaris are commonplace here, there are countless other spots to head to, but the sheer size of it can make it hard to narrow down your choices. Luckily for you, we’ve put together 10 of the most beautiful places and experiences to visit in Africa. Which will you head to first?

Everyone has seen photos of it but seeing it person is really something else. Cape Town is a fantastic spot to visit regardless of what is around it, but seeing this huge mountain rise majestically in the background makes the city something extremely special indeed. Surrounded by amazing beaches and lush greenery, Cape Town is a spot to put to your visit list, as well as a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain itself. The views are divine, and if you can head there at sunrise or sunset, you’ll have your mind blown, for sure.Tanzania overall is stunningly natural and beautiful, but one experience which will stay with you forever is seeing the Great Migration for yourself. The sound is what will really get you, but the vision of millions of wildebeest and zebras thundering across the landscape is truly magnificent. You can catch the migration at various spots, at various times, as it starts in January, as the animals leave the Ngrongoro Reserve, arriving in the Masai Mara in Kenya sometime in September. The journey takes them through the Serengeti and various other landscapes, so do some research and plan your visit accordingly.There is a huge creature waiting for you in Rwanda’s stunning rainforest – the mountain gorilla. You can join a guided tour and head into the rainforest, checking out the beautiful landscape as you go, and waving to various types of wildlife as you pass. Of course, the main attraction is the Silverback gorillas, which are tracked and looked after by the guides taking visitors into the rainforest itself. Aside from the gorillas, Nyungwe National Park is an amazing place to visit, and it is the highest elevated canopy in this region of the continent.

There is no place more iconic in terms of African culture than Morocco’s stunning city of Marrakech. The busiest public square is called Djemaa el Fna, where you can see snake charmers, dancers, listen to music, and watch authentic daily life going on around you. It’s a fantastic spot to visit, and you can also head into a traditional souk and try your hand at haggling for some souvenirs to take home. Of course, this square is also famous for its delicious and very cheap street food, which will leave your taste buds begging for more.

Everyone has heard of the Masai Mara, and this is one of Africa’s premier safari regions too. Located in the south west of Kenya, running along the border with neighbouring Tanzania, the Masai Mara is home to the Big Five, as well as all manner of other species of wildlife. The huge open spaces will leave you open mouthed in wonder, and the sunsets and sunrises here are truly mind-blowing. If you’re a fan of stargazing, this is a top spot too. Put simply, a safari in the Masai Mara is a once in a lifetime thing.Photo Credit: Olivier Bruchez, License

Namibia is mostly desert, but as you venture into the Namib Desert itself you will find something quite special – the Spitzkoppe. This is a group of ‘mountains’ made of granite which reach a huge 5900 feet and seem to arise out of nowhere. They are amazing to see in person, and are a true hotspot for bird watchers, those who love to watch the stars, and anyone who likes climbing. The feel of being in the desert is also like nothing else you can imagine.

Photo Credit: Flowcomm, License

Located in both Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls are one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and are the largest waterfalls on the planet. That description in itself should have you heading there quickly! Victoria Falls were discovered back in 1855, and are known by several names locally. If you’ve ever seen Niagara Falls in person, be prepared to go one better, because the flow of water here is more than what you would have seen in Canada, and the nature around it ten times more mind-blowing too.

We’ve already touched upon the fact that Namibia is packed with desert expanses, and Sossusvlei Dunes highlights that even more. These dunes are huge and be sure to get your comfortable shoes on and climb the dunes for a stunning view, right over a huge part of the desert called Deadvlei, where you will see dehydrated tree skeletons, which didn’t survive the harsh desert conditions. Truly amazing.Ancient Egypt is something which has fascinated the modern world for years but seeing these huge pyramids for yourself is something you can’t miss. Located near to Cairo, in the region of Giza, you’ll find countless tours which will take you right up to the pyramids themselves, where you can explore and stand in awe. There are several chambers you can access as part of different tours, so shop around for the best one for you. If you want to continue your Ancient Egyptian interests, you can continue to the Valley of the Kings.

The Sahara is one of the most famous regions in the world, and the chance to see these huge dunes for yourself should be taken. There are several small towns in Morocco where you can venture into the Sahara but be sure to head to Merzouga Dunes for the best star spotting conditions and views. This is one or the camera!

 

These are just ten places to put on your African bucket list, with countless more besides.