Africa conjures up images of deserts and safaris, and while this is true, there are also lush landscapes and even very historical places to see in this continent. Travelers have much to explore here, and they may start with these top ten attractions that will introduce them to the beauty of the African nations.
Maasia Mara National Reserve, Kenya
This connects also to the Serengeti National Park, creating a huge safari destination that allows visitors to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Beyond seeing the wonderful herds and the native plant species, tourists can also take a hot-air balloon ride like no other, offering them also a view of the spectacular animals from above.
Victoria Falls, Zambia
This wonderful attraction has a local name that translates to “The Smoke That Thunders”, which is an attempt to explain the force of the water rushing down the waterfalls. Visitors get to marvel at this power while being enveloped by the mist created by the waterfalls. In fact, it has the largest volume of water falling, at some point during the rainy season more than 625 million liters of water flow over the edge.
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Many people forget that Egypt is a part of Africa, so exploring the pyramids is a must for any traveler. Visitors can marvel at the architectural feats of man way before advanced machinery. In fact, there are very few structures that are 5,000 years old that have survived the test of time like the Pyramids.
Dienne, Mali
Dienne is one of the oldest cities in sub-Saharan Africa, having been founded in 800 AD. Because of its location in the Niger Delta, it was a natural spot for traders back in the 17th and 18th Century, bringing together goods between the forests in Guinea and the Sahara Desert.
Cape Town, South Africa
There are very few areas in South Africa that can compete with the sceneries of Cape Town. With mountains and beaches easily accessible from the modern city, it is easy to understand why many European settlers chose this place. This is why it also remains as the most culturally diverse city in the continent.
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech invokes visions of markets and its quaint stalls and delicious smells. In fact, this imperial city is hands-down one of the most colorful and charismatic in Africa. Visitors can simply get lost in the maze-like streets in the old city, enjoying the buzz of activity. For a break, they can escape to the Majorelle Gardens.
Omo River, Ethiopia
A trip to Africa is not complete without visiting the indigenous tribes that have mainly kept their traditional ways and customs. The region of the Omo River is a perfect example of these isolated areas that allow them to survive undisturbed. You may, however, gain insight through a visit to these tribes, doing so through an organized tour is highly recommended.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
This National Park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area and is the best place to visit the mountain gorilla. These critically endangered animals can be found in one of the last mountain gorilla habitats, spanning three countries (Rwanda, Uganda and DRC).
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Hiking up the highest free-standing mountain belongs to the adventurer’s bucket list. Though it is not as tough to climb, meaning there is no climbing gear or expertise necessary to make it, would-be climbers still need to train and prepare for altitude sickness.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Beyond the breathtaking beaches, this trading post is also known for its history of spice trade; Stone Town is the top destination. The UNESCO World Heritage site has traditional houses, a palace, mosques, and interesting narrow alleys.