Africa: 16 stunningly beautiful places
Africa has always been an exotic 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 stunning 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, and the sounds of storytellers entertaining the crowds. The market also features snake charmers and a wide variety of local food stalls.
3. Solio Conservancy, Kenya
This 45,000-hectare reserve, located north of Nairobi, is Africa’s leading rhino conservation and breeding reserve, so visitors are likely to spot one of the 40 rare animals. Solio is also home to giraffes and many 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 is at its pinkest 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 a must-see if you are a diver. It has more fish species 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 in the world. It’s like you’re on Mars when you step into this desert area.
7. Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda
The lushness and towering mountains of Uganda are an unforgettable sight. Rwenzori Mountains National Park attracts 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
This stunning stretch of road in western Madagascar is famous for its unique Baobab trees, some of which are up to 800 years old. The best time to explore is at dawn or dusk 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 minaret to enjoy panoramic views 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, from the top, the surrounding natural scenery becomes a worthy reward for the perseverance of the tourists. In the lower areas, tourists can easily encounter hippos and other wild primates living in the rainforest around 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 jungle feels like stepping onto another planet. The limestone columns 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. Stunning architecture inside, intricate decoration outside, stained glass windows with over 5,000 colors 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 world’s largest salt pans. During the dry season, there is little wildlife. But come the rainy season, it becomes teeming with zebras, flamingos and wildebeest. It’s especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset!
