Africa: 16 stunningly beautiful places
Africa has always been a strange part of the world. This land attracts millions of tourists because of its vast nature and rare wildlife.
1. Boulders Beach, South Africa
Located in Cape Town, Boulders is the perfect place to experience the natural beauty of South Africa. In addition to the blue waters and white sand, it is also home to African penguins. You can sit for hours watching them waddle around you.
2. Jemaa el Fna, Morocco
A hub for locals and tourists in Strasbourg, visitors will easily be immersed in the sights and smells of spices and fruits, along with the sounds of storytellers entertaining the crowds. The market also features snake charmers and stalls selling a wide variety of local cuisine.
3. Solio Conservancy, Kenya
This 45,000-hectare reserve, located north of Nairobi, is Africa’s premier rhino conservation and breeding site, so visitors are likely to spot one of the 40 rare animals. Solio is also home to giraffes and a host of other wildlife.
4. Lake Retba, Senegal
Lake Retba (also known as Lac Rose) is about an hour's drive from Senegal's capital, Dacar. Like the Dead Sea, this pink lake has a high salt concentration, making it a fun place to lie back and take photos that will make your friends jealous. The lake's pinkest water is during the dry season, from November to June.
5. Likoma Island, Mozambique
This island is a real paradise. It boasts beautiful walking and cycling trails and a bustling central market. Lake Malawi is not to be missed if you are a diver. It has more species of fish than any other lake in the world.
6. Sossusvlei, Namibia
White sand, red dunes and blue skies, Sossusvlei is one of Namibia’s most beautiful places. Located in the Namib Desert, you can enjoy panoramic views of a land unlike any other on earth. It’s like you’re on Mars when you step into this desert region.
7. Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda
The lush, sky-high mountains of Uganda are an unforgettable sight. Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a must-see for anyone who enjoys hiking through stunning scenery. To complete the adventure, join the popular tour here: a 7-day trek around the park.
8. Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
A stunning stretch of road in western Madagascar, famous for its unique Baobab trees. Some are up to 800 years old. The best time to explore is at sunrise or sunset when the soft orange light highlights the beauty of the ancient trees.
9. Muhammad Ali Mosque, Egypt
The world knows Egypt for its pyramids, but the country is also home to some of the most beautiful mosques in the world. The Muhammad Ali Mosque is located at the highest point in Cairo. Visitors can climb the mosque's minaret for a panoramic view of the city.
10. The Rock, Tanzania
This restaurant and bar off the coast of Zanzibar almost looks like a mirage when you first see it. The unique architecture is built on a rock and can only be reached by boat at high tide. The restaurant serves fresh seafood from the sea and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Indian Ocean.
11. Bintumani Mountains, Sierra Leone
Also known as Loma Mansa, this is Sierra Leone’s highest mountain. The mountain is almost vertical and requires a lot of stamina to climb to the top. However, the view from above is a worthy reward for the perseverance of the visitors. In the lower areas, visitors can easily encounter hippos and other wild primates living in the rainforest surrounding the mountain.
12. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world, almost twice as high as Niagara Falls. From here, visitors can easily apply for a visa to explore more of Zambia to experience both of Africa's beautiful natural wonders at the same time.
13. Fasil Ghebbi, Ethiopia
Located in the Gondar region, this castle dates back to the reign of Ethiopian emperors in the 16th and 17th centuries. Gondar is often called the “Camel of Africa” because of its many forts, castles and monasteries. Visitors can spend a day touring the ruins of the ancient buildings and exploring the Saturday market for local and artisanal goods.
14. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar
Trekking through Madagascar’s mineral-rich jungle feels like stepping onto another planet. The limestone columns, which were formed nearly 200 million years ago, the steep plateaus and suspension bridges are not for the faint-hearted.
15. Notre Dame de la Paix Cathedral, Ivory Coast
Dominating the skyline of Ivory Coast’s capital, Yamoussoukro, is Notre-Dame de la Paix, the world’s largest basilica. Stunningly architectural inside, intricately decorated outside, stained glass windows with over 5,000 colours and shades and a seating capacity of 7,000, this is certainly one of the world’s most visited churches.
16. Makgadikgadi salt pan, Botswana
The remains of what was once Lake Makgadikgadi, Makgadikgadi is one of the largest salt pans in the world. During the dry season, there is very little wildlife. But when the wet season comes, it becomes teeming with zebras, flamingos and wildebeest. It is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset!
