Some places are visited, but Africa is felt. 50 Breathtaking Places in Africa is a collection of experiences that define what it means to truly travel in Africa—moments where nature overwhelms, history humbles, and landscapes astonish.
Whether it’s standing in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro or locking eyes with a silverback gorilla in the depths of Uganda and Rwanda forests, this list is your key to a breathtaking adventure.
Visit Africa has selected these 50 attractions to reveal Africa’s wildest experiences you can have. Start here!
1. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia
Standing at the edge of Victoria Falls, the roar of the Zambezi River drowns out every other sound. A dense mist rises, soaking you in seconds as the massive curtain of water crashes 108 metres into the gorge below.
The name Mosi-oa-Tunya—”The Smoke That Thunders”—captures the full essence of this place. Whether you’re watching the falls from the Knife-Edge Bridge, taking a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, or daring to swim at Devil’s Pool, every moment here is exhilarating.
2. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Touching the ancient limestone blocks of the Great Pyramid, you stand in the presence of a civilisation that flourished over 4,500 years ago. The Pyramids of Giza are the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, a testament to the ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians.
The sheer scale of these structures is staggering, and as the sun sets behind the Sphinx, casting an amber glow over the desert, you can’t help but wonder about the hands that built them.
3. The Great Wildebeest Migration, Kenya/Tanzania
The ground vibrates beneath your feet as over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles thunder across the plains of the Serengeti of Tanzania and Masai Mara of Kenya. The air is thick with dust, the grunts of wildebeest and the distant growls of lions filling the landscape.
Watching these animals navigate the perilous Mara River, where crocodiles lurk just beneath the surface, is witnessing the raw power of nature in its purest form.
4. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Step by step, Kilimanjaro reveals itself—a journey that begins in lush rainforests and ends above the clouds, where the air is thin, but the triumph is immense.
Each step takes you through a world of changing landscapes: from dense rainforests alive with colobus monkeys to alpine deserts where nothing but silence lingers. At 5,895 metres, the air is thin, but the moment you reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise, with the vast African plains stretching below, is one of unparalleled triumph.
Depending on the chosen route, it takes between five to nine days to reach the summit, with popular trails including the Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, and Rongai routes, each offering a unique challenge and scenery.
5. The Sahara Desert & The Erg Chebbi Dunes, Morocco
Sitting atop a camel, the undulating dunes of Erg Chebbi stretch endlessly before you, bathed in golden hues as the sun dips below the horizon.
At night, the desert transforms—silent, endless, and filled with stars so clear they seem within reach. Sleeping in a traditional Berber tent, surrounded by the stillness of the Sahara, is an experience that lingers in your soul.
6. Table Mountain, South Africa
Riding the rotating cable car up Table Mountain or tackling the challenging Platteklip Gorge hike, you emerge at the summit to a view that stops you in your tracks. Cape Town sprawls below, the Atlantic glistening, Robben Island visible in the distance.
The mountain is home to a unique floral kingdom, and if you’re lucky, a dassie (rock hyrax) might scurry past your feet as you soak in the panorama.
7. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
The thick rainforest of Uganda’s Bwindi is alive with the sounds of birds and rustling leaves, but nothing prepares you for the moment you lock eyes with a mountain gorilla.
These gentle giants, just a few metres away, move through the foliage with an almost human-like presence. Trekking through steep, tangled terrain to spend an hour with them is one of the most intimate wildlife encounters on the planet.
8. Kruger National Park, South Africa
South Africa’s Kruger isn’t just about spotting the Big Five; it’s about feeling the pulse of the bush, the thrill of tracking wildlife, and the humbling realisation that here, you are a guest in nature’s grand theatre.
Here, the Big Five roam freely, and every game drive is a story waiting to unfold. Watching a leopard drape itself over a tree branch, or an elephant herd gather at a waterhole at sunset, is Africa at its most raw and beautiful.
9. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Descending into the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania feels like entering another world. This massive volcanic caldera, 600 metres deep, is teeming with life.
Lions, rhinos, zebras, and flamingos thrive in this natural bowl, where the landscape is as breathtaking as the wildlife.
10. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
In the mist-covered volcanoes of Rwanda, the footsteps of legendary conservationist Dian Fossey still echo. Trekking through the dense jungle of Volcanoes National Park, you enter the world of the mountain gorillas.
The moment a silverback gazes at you with deep, knowing eyes, you realise you’re in the presence of something extraordinary.
11. Zanzibar’s Stone Town, Tanzania
Walking through the narrow alleyways of Stone Town, the scent of cloves and cardamom lingers in the air. Ornately carved wooden doors hint at the rich Swahili, Arab, and European influences that shaped this UNESCO-listed town.
From the historic House of Wonders to the lively Darajani Market, Stone Town is a portal into the past, where every street tells a story of trade, culture, and resilience.
12. The White Desert, Egypt
In the heart of Egypt’s Western Desert, limestone rock formations sculpted by millennia of wind erosion create a landscape that defies imagination.
As the sun sets, these ghostly white monoliths glow under a silver moon, making you feel as though you’ve stepped onto another planet. Spending a night in a desert camp here, under a sky flooded with stars, is a humbling and unforgettable experience.
13. Sossusvlei, Namibia
In Namibia, the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei rise like waves frozen in time, shifting hues from fiery orange to deep crimson as the day progresses. Climbing Dune 45 at sunrise, the sand cool beneath your feet, rewards you with a breathtaking panorama of the Namib Desert.
Below, Deadvlei’s stark white clay pan, littered with centuries-old desiccated trees, paints one of the most hauntingly beautiful sights on Earth.
14. The Avenue of Baobabs, Madagascar
Along a dusty road in western Madagascar, towering baobab trees stand like ancient guardians of the land. Some over 1,000 years old, their thick, gnarled trunks store water through the dry seasons, a testament to nature’s resilience.
As the sun sets, their silhouettes stretch across the sky, creating a scene so otherworldly it feels like stepping into a storybook.
15. Lake Natron, Tanzania
Blood-red waters stretch toward the horizon, framed by black volcanic rocks and the imposing Ol Doinyo Lengai, the “Mountain of God.” Lake Natron, with its high alkalinity, is one of the most inhospitable places for most life—except for the millions of flamingos that nest here.
Watching them wade through the mirror-like surface, their pink plumage in stark contrast to the crimson lake, is a surreal and mesmerising sight.
16. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
Off Mozambique’s coastline, the Bazaruto Archipelago offers a slice of untouched paradise. White sandbanks vanish into turquoise waters, dolphins dance in the waves, and dugongs graze on seagrass meadows.
Whether you’re snorkelling among vibrant coral reefs or gliding over the water in a dhow, the tranquillity of Bazaruto is a world away from modern life.
17. Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda
Rising through mist and cloud, the Rwenzori Mountains are a land of glaciers, moss-draped forests, and exotic wildlife. Trekking here takes you through an ethereal world of giant lobelias and waterfalls, culminating in snow-capped peaks.
This is one of Africa’s most challenging but rewarding adventures, a place where few have ventured, yet the beauty is beyond comparison.
18. Tassili n’Ajjer, Algeria
Hidden in the vast Sahara, Tassili n’Ajjer is a treasure trove of ancient rock art, with over 15,000 petroglyphs depicting a world long forgotten.
Images of elephants, giraffes, and even people swimming tell the story of a Sahara that was once lush and teeming with life. Standing in the shadow of these carvings, you can almost hear the whispers of a civilisation lost in time.
19. Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
Stretching endlessly into the horizon, Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans are among the largest salt flats on Earth. In the dry season, the landscape is a dazzling white nothingness, where silence reigns.
When the rains arrive, the pans transform into a shimmering oasis, attracting thousands of flamingos and zebra herds. A night under the stars here, with no artificial light for miles, is an experience of pure solitude and wonder.
20. Loango National Park, Gabon
In Loango, Gabon, West Africa, the wilderness spills onto the beaches, where elephants stroll along the surf and hippos wade through the shallows. This is one of Africa’s last great wildernesses, where dense rainforests, savannas, and lagoons teem with wildlife.
A safari here is unlike any other—you might see a gorilla peeking from the foliage before watching whales breach offshore, all in a single day.
21. Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Standing at the edge of Fish River Canyon, the immensity of this natural wonder takes your breath away. As the second-largest canyon in the world, its rugged cliffs stretch as far as the eye can see.
The best way to experience it? A multi-day trek through its depths, where the silence is broken only by the sound of the Fish River winding through ancient rock formations.
22. Ganvié, Benin
Floating villages might seem like a concept from a faraway world, but in Benin’s Ganvié, life has existed on water for centuries. Built on stilts over Lake Nokoué, the village is home to the Tofinu people, who took to the waters to escape persecution.
Canoes glide between wooden houses, markets unfold on boats, and daily life here is a testament to resilience and adaptation.
23. Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
Unlike most canyons dominated by desert hues, Blyde River Canyon is draped in lush greenery, making it one of the largest ‘green’ canyons in the world.
The panoramic viewpoints, such as God’s Window, offer sweeping views over waterfalls, rock formations, and the distant lowveld. Hiking trails take you deep into a world of rare plant species and dramatic escarpments.
24. Djenné & The Great Mosque, Mali
The Great Mosque of Djenné is not just a place of worship—it is a masterpiece of Sudano-Sahelian architecture. Built entirely from sun-dried mud bricks and reinforced with palm beams, it is the largest mud-brick building in the world.
The annual replastering festival brings the community together, ensuring this UNESCO World Heritage site remains standing for generations.
25. Lake Assal, Djibouti
This hypersaline crater lake sits at 155 metres below sea level, making it the lowest point on the African continent. Its turquoise waters contrast sharply with the surrounding salt flats and volcanic landscapes, creating an otherworldly scene.
The lake’s salinity is even higher than that of the Dead Sea, allowing visitors to float effortlessly in its mineral-rich waters.
26. Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda
A haven for biodiversity, Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Home to 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, it offers exhilarating canopy walks and dense jungle trails.
Walking above the forest on the 160-metre-long suspension bridge, with the treetops swaying beneath your feet, is an experience like no other.
27. Skeleton Coast, Namibia
The eerie of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast is named for the many shipwrecks that litter its shores, their rusted hulls half-buried in the shifting sands.
This desolate stretch of coastline is a stark, hauntingly beautiful place where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Namib Desert. Seals bask on the beaches, and desert-adapted elephants roam the dunes, making it a unique wilderness for intrepid explorers.
28. Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
A chain of 32 coral islands stretching along Mozambique’s coastline, the Quirimbas Archipelago is an unspoiled paradise. Traditional dhows sail past pristine beaches, and beneath the crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs teem with marine life.
From the historic town of Ibo Island to the untouched atolls, this is one of Africa’s most secluded and spectacular destinations.
29. The Okavango Delta, Botswana
A lush oasis in the middle of the Kalahari, the Okavango Delta floods seasonally, creating a shifting labyrinth of waterways and islands.
Unlike any other safari experience, here you explore by mokoro—a traditional dugout canoe—gliding silently past elephants, hippos, and lions. The delta’s immense beauty and rich wildlife make it a must-visit for nature lovers.
30. Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya
One of the few parks in Africa where you can walk and cycle among wildlife, Hell’s Gate is an adventurer’s dream. Towering rock formations, geothermal hot springs, and dramatic gorges make up this rugged landscape.
The park’s imposing cliffs inspired the setting of Disney’s The Lion King, and exploring it on foot or bike brings you face to face with zebras, giraffes, and antelopes.
31. Curieuse Island, Seychelles
A place where time slows down, Curieuse Island is home to the Aldabra giant tortoise, some of which are over 100 years old.
The island’s red earth, mangrove forests, and stunning beaches make it a natural wonder. Watching the tortoises lumber across the landscape or snorkelling in the island’s turquoise waters offers a perfect escape into nature.
32. The Pink Lake (Lake Retba), Senegal
A lake that turns a striking pink due to its high salt content and unique algae, Lake Retba is a marvel of nature. Locals harvest salt from its shores, their boats floating on the bubblegum-hued water.
Best seen in the dry season when the pink is most vivid, this lake feels like something out of a dream.
33. The Dogon Country, Mali
High in the sandstone cliffs of Mali’s Bandiagara Escarpment, the Dogon people have built villages that defy gravity. Their traditions, art, and architecture have remained largely untouched for centuries.
Walking through the ancient paths of the Dogon, surrounded by stunning rock formations and sacred sites, is like stepping into another era.
34. Sainte-Marie Island, Madagascar
Once a hideout for notorious pirates, Sainte-Marie Island is now best known for its incredible whale-watching.
Each year, humpback whales migrate through its warm waters, breaching and playing just off the coast. With secluded beaches and historic pirate graveyards, this island is a unique blend of nature and history.
35. Chefchaouen, Morocco
Tucked away in the Rif Mountains, Morocco’s Chefchaouen is a sanctuary of blue hues and peaceful charm. The town’s signature blue-washed streets, originally painted to symbolize the sky and heaven, create an atmosphere of serenity.
For breathtaking views, hike to the Spanish Mosque at sunset, when the town glows under the fading light. Visit in spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making exploration more enjoyable.
36. Pendjari National Park, Benin
While East Africa is famous for its wildlife, Pendjari offers an equally incredible safari experience without the crowds. Here, lions, elephants, hippos, and buffalo roam freely in a vast, untouched landscape.
The park is one of the last strongholds of the West African lion, making it a crucial conservation area.
37. Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius
As you ascend Le Morne Brabant, the landscape shifts from dense forests to towering rock faces, each carrying echoes of a painful past. This UNESCO-listed mountain once sheltered runaway slaves who refused to live in chains, choosing instead the perilous cliffs over surrender.
The final climb to the summit is both physical and emotional—standing at the peak, the ocean sprawls beneath you like an unbroken promise of liberation.
38. The Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
With boiling lava lakes, neon-coloured sulfur springs, and vast salt flats, the Danakil Depression looks like a landscape from another planet.
One of the hottest inhabited places on Earth, this extreme environment is both harsh and mesmerising. Walking through the bubbling sulfur fields and lava lakes of Erta Ale volcano is a surreal adventure like no other.
39. Île aux Cerfs, Mauritius
A postcard-perfect island off the coast of Mauritius, Île aux Cerfs is known for its white sandy beaches, lush golf courses, and water sports.
Whether you prefer kayaking through mangroves, snorkelling in crystal-clear lagoons, or simply lounging on a beach, this island paradise has something for everyone.
40. Kasanka National Park, Zambia
Each year, millions of fruit bats darken the skies of Kasanka in one of nature’s most underrated wildlife spectacles.
Between October and December, this small but vibrant park becomes the stage for the largest mammal migration on Earth, as straw-coloured fruit bats arrive from across Africa to feast on seasonal fruits.
Beneath the bats, rare species like the sitatunga antelope and shoebill stork thrive in the swampy wilderness.
41. Lalibela, Ethiopia
High in Ethiopia’s rugged highlands lies Lalibela, where 11 medieval churches have been hewn directly into the volcanic rock. More than just architectural marvels, these churches are living places of worship, where priests in flowing white robes chant ancient hymns.
At dawn, when the rising sun casts shadows over the cross-shaped Church of St. George, it is easy to see why Lalibela is considered one of the most extraordinary spiritual sites in the world.
42. Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo
Deep within the Congo Basin, Odzala-Kokoua National Park is a haven for one of Africa’s most elusive primates—the western lowland gorilla. Trekking through thick rainforest to observe these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat is a thrilling experience.
The park is also home to forest elephants, bongo antelopes, and vibrant birdlife, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
43. Tsodilo Hills, Botswana
A sacred site for the San people, Tsodilo Hills is a UNESCO World Heritage site covered in over 4,500 ancient rock paintings. These artworks, dating back thousands of years, tell the story of early human existence in the region.
Walking among these sacred hills, where spiritual ceremonies have taken place for centuries, offers a powerful connection to Africa’s deep past.
44. The Dogon Cliffs, Mali
Built into the Bandiagara Escarpment, the cliffside villages of the Dogon people are one of Africa’s most unique cultural sites. The ancient dwellings blend seamlessly into the rock, and Dogon traditions, including masked dances and animist rituals, have been preserved for centuries.
The challenging trek to these remote settlements offers an unforgettable journey into a culture rich with symbolism and heritage.
45. Khan El Khalili, Egypt
Stepping into Khan El Khalili is like travelling back in time to the heart of medieval Cairo. This sprawling bazaar has been a hub of trade and culture since the 14th century, where merchants once dealt in gold, silks, and spices.
Today, it remains a vibrant marketplace teeming with handwoven carpets, intricate brass lanterns, and aromatic spices that fill the air. Sip on traditional mint tea at El Fishawi, Cairo’s oldest café, as you take in the market’s timeless atmosphere.
The best time to visit is in the late afternoon or evening when the golden light enhances the intricate details of the souk, and the bustling crowds bring the historic alleyways to life.
46. The Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Simien Mountains boast dramatic escarpments, deep valleys, and unique wildlife, including the endemic gelada baboons.
With its jagged peaks and mist-covered plateaus, this mountain range is one of Africa’s most striking landscapes. Hiking through the Simien Mountains offers panoramic views and a chance to see rare Ethiopian wolves and walia ibex.
47. The Drakensberg, South Africa
The towering peaks of the Drakensberg form a breathtaking natural barrier between South Africa and Lesotho. This UNESCO-listed mountain range is dotted with ancient San rock art, cascading waterfalls, and rugged trails.
Whether you’re hiking to the Amphitheatre’s edge or exploring the lush valleys, the Drakensberg is an adventurer’s dream.
48. Timbuktu, Mali
Once a thriving centre of trade and learning, Timbuktu has long been shrouded in legend. Though its golden age has faded, the city’s ancient mosques, manuscripts, and mud-brick architecture still hold the echoes of a time when scholars from across the world flocked here.
Visiting Timbuktu is stepping into history itself, a place that still stirs the imagination of travellers.
49. Tsingy de Bemaraha, Madagascar
A labyrinth of limestone pinnacles, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is one of Madagascar’s most unique landscapes.
These razor-sharp formations, known as “Tsingy,” create a seemingly impassable fortress of rock, with narrow suspension bridges allowing adventurers to navigate the dramatic scenery. Rare lemurs and exotic birds thrive in this remote and mysterious world.
50. The Chad Lakes, Chad
Scattered across the heart of the Sahara, the Chad Lakes are a breathtaking anomaly in an otherwise arid landscape. These seasonal lakes support migratory birds, nomadic herders, and unique aquatic ecosystems.
A journey to the Chad Lakes is not just about the scenery but about witnessing the resilience of life in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
