The Most Beautiful Places in Africa

Last updated on May 10th, 2023 at 10:26 pm

Welcome to our journey through the most beautiful places in Africa, the “Mother Continent.” Africa has traditionally been a treasure trove of beautiful landscapes, incredible natural beauty, and unequaled beauty due to its vast cultural diversity.

In this blog post, we explore stunning African destinations. We’ll focus on places like South Africa’s Blyde River Canyon. The canyon stretches 16 miles (26 km) in the Mpumalanga region. It’s among the world’s most picturesque canyons. From lush rainforests to magnificent waterfalls, Africa’s diverse landscapes and natural marvels await your discovery.

Join us as we uncover the continent’s hidden gems and share our passion for the unparalleled beauty that Africa has to offer.

East & Central Africa

1. Lake Naivasha, Kenya

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake located northwest of Nairobi, Kenya. It is part of the Great Rift Valley.

It is a popular destination for tourists visiting Kenya due to its unique and diverse attractions. A big reason people like visiting Lake Naivasha is to see lots of different kinds of birds. There are more than 400 different types of birds you can spot there. Hippos, giraffes, and buffalos are among the wildlife that lives in the area.

Popular activities at Lake Naivasha include a boat ride on the lake, a safari to see the wildlife, or a hot air balloon ride to see the amazing views from above.

Another unique attraction of Lake Naivasha is the opportunity to visit Hell’s Gate National Park, where visitors can hike, bike, or rock climb amidst stunning scenery, including towering cliffs, geothermal vents, and hot springs.

2. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is located northwest of Rwanda. It is home to 340 of the 780 mountain gorillas that are still in the wild today.

The starting point for all gorilla safaris in Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park, which is home to the majority of the mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation area. The park is the most accessible gorilla national park in the world thanks to its convenient location just over two hours drive from Kigali’s international airport.

There are excellent opportunities to go gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda. However, many visitors prefer Rwanda because the terrain here is generally a little bit more open while gorilla trekking, making it simpler to get a decent view.

3. Zanzibar, Tanzania

The Zanzibar archipelago is situated off the coast of East Africa. Stone Town, a historic commerce hub with Swahili and Islamic influences, is located on Unguja, the main island of Zanzibar.

The miles of pure white sand beaches and clear blue water on Zanzibar are the main attractions for tourists.

Zanzibar’s spices are well-known and spice farming is a significant contributor to Zanzibar’s economy, second only to tourism. Because cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper are produced there, the islands are also known as the Spice Islands.

Zanzibar is the best place to go if you want an exotic vacation that won’t break the bank.

The best time to visit Zanzibar is between July and September during the archipelago’s dry season, which is also its busiest tourism season. However, most of the year, sunny skies and temperatures between 28 and 34 degrees Celsius (82.4 and 93.2 Fahrenheit) are the norm, making travel still desirable.

4. Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Located in northern Ethiopia lies Simien Mountains National Park. Escarpments, steep valleys, and a high plateau make up its rough landscape, which is home to the endangered Walia ibex and Gelada baboons.

The park is significant for the protection of biodiversity since it is home to numerous species that are in danger of extinction, such as the iconic Walia ibex, a wild mountain goat that is unique to its habitat, the Gelada baboon, and the Ethiopian wolf.

5. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Africa’s Serengeti environment spans northern Tanzania.

It is the only area in Africa where extensive land-animal migrations still occur, and it is best known for its enormous herds of plains animals, including wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras. In 1981, the park, a popular international tourist destination, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

As a travel destination, the Serengeti is more than worthwhile. It is without a doubt one of the top safari destinations in Africa, if not the best. It is known for the great wildebeest migration and is home to all five of the big five animals.

Although you should schedule your trip to coincide with The Great Migration, the best months to visit Serengeti National Park are January through February or June through September.

6. Church of Saint George, Ethiopia

One of the eleven rock-hewn monolithic churches in Lalibela, a town in Ethiopia’s Amhara Region, is the Church of Saint George.

Of the eleven churches in the Lalibela region, it is one of the most well-known and was constructed last. It has been dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Lalibela, King of Ethiopia, set out to create a replica of Jerusalem and designed the churches’ buildings and religious locations accordingly.

The Church of Saint George, also known locally as Bete Giyorgis, was the last of Lalibela’s eleven rock-hewn churches to be constructed. It was built by King Gebre Mesqel Lalibela of the Zagwe dynasty and continues to hold significant cultural and theological significance.

Excavating a free-standing stone block out of the bedrock and clearing the area around it of all trash was necessary for building the chapel. The church’s outline was then painstakingly removed by the stone masons, who also shaped the building’s interior as they progressed.

7. Nabiyotum Crater, Kenya

In Lake Turkana, there lies a magnificent geological wonder called the Nabuyatom Crater.

The term “Jade Sea” was given to Lake Turkana because of its well-known greenish-blue hues. It is the world’s biggest alkaline lake. The largest lake in Kenya is Lake Turkana, which is 300 km long and 50 km wide (although, Lake Victoria which is shared with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are larger).

Massive crocodiles that are silent killers that approach unseen are common in Lake Turkana. So take care! Although taking a boat on the lake is unquestionably recommended, seeing the El Molo village feels rather manufactured.

8. Bwindi Forest, Uganda

In southwest Uganda, there is a sizable prehistoric forest called the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Bwindi Park, which spans 32,000 acres and is situated in southwestern Uganda at the meeting point of plain and mountain forests, is renowned for its outstanding biodiversity and is home to more than 160 kinds of trees and 100 species of ferns.

According to the most recent 2019 Gorilla Census, there are 459 individual mountain gorillas living in the park. The Bwindi population of mountain gorillas comprises roughly half of all mountain gorillas in the world.

9. Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano. Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira are the three volcanic cones found there. With a height of 5,895 meters above sea level and roughly 4,900 meters above its plateau base, it is both the highest peak in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.

The highest free-standing mountain in the world and the tallest mountain on the African continent is Mount Kilimanjaro. 9. Mawenzi, Shira, and Kibo are the three volcanic cones that make up Kilimanjaro. The highest mountain, Kibo, remains dormant and has the potential to erupt again, while Mawenzi and Shira are extinct.

Many hikers, athletes, and nature lovers have their sights set on climbing Kilimanjaro. But at a height of 19,341 feet and a failure rate of about 50%, reaching the pinnacle requires a lot of effort against overwhelming obstacles. Mount Kilimanjaro is a climb that is totally worthwhile.

In order to have the finest Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing experience as a novice, you need be thoroughly informed of the circumstances, seasonal climates, prices, and requirements to adequately equip yourself for this adventure.

10. Sudd, South Sudan

The Sudd in South Sudan is of the largest tropical wetlands in the world and the largest wetland in Africa.

The Sudd may be South Sudan’s most valuable economic resource. If correctly managed, it might perpetually produce revenue, employment, and irreplaceable ecosystem services. The Sudd’s ecosystem services are thought to be worth about USD 991 million annually.

UNESCO is considering classifying three locations in South Sudan as world historic sites. They consist of the Deim Zubier Slave Route Site, Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, and Sudd Wetlands.

The Sudd supplies the Nilotes with both a water source and crucial grazing ground for cattle during the dry season (Sutcliffe 2009). The majority of the tribes in the Sudd watershed are nomadic and follow the Bahr el Jebel’s annual cycle of movement and rainfall with their vast herds of cattle.

11. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

The world’s largest intact caldera is the Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania, which was originally a massive volcano.

The Ngorongoro Crater is a towering structure located in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The biggest inactive, unbroken, and unfilled volcano caldera in the world is located in this popular tourist destination in Africa.

If you’re in the region, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is worth a visit even though it’s not technically a part of Serengeti National Park. The Ngorongoro Crater, the sixth-largest intact volcanic caldera in the world, and the Olduvai Gorge are located at this location, which borders the eastern edge of the Serengeti.

Indian Ocean Islands

1. Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

The Grandidier’s baobab grove often referred to as the Avenue of the Baobabs or the Alley of the Baobabs, is located in the Menabe region of western Madagascar.

The baobabs on this boulevard are unique to Madagascar. The baobab species found in the Avenue of the Baobabs is called Adansonia Grandidier.

There are eight different species of lemur, including the uncommon pale fork-marked lemur and the white sifaka. Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur, the tiniest primate in the world, can also be found there.

Lizards, snakes, and tortoises are also common here.

2. Praslin, Seychelles

Praslin is an island in Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean.

Praslin is great for nature lovers who want to visit the Vallée de Mai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Anse Lazio beach, one of the most well-known in the world, is one of the magnificent beaches in Praslin.

The best months to travel to Seychelles are April and May or October and November because these are the calmer times between the two trade winds that batter the island every year.

3. Piton de la Fournaise, Réunion

On the eastern side of the Indian Ocean island of Réunion, there is a shield volcano called Piton de la Fournaise. With an average eruption every nine months, it is currently one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It is situated close to Madagascar on Reunion Island, one of France’s overseas possessions in the Indian Ocean.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2), a gas that irritates the respiratory tract, and small particles are released into the air during an eruption of Piton de la Fournaise.

However, because the Piton de la Fournaise is an effusive kind of volcanism, with the emission of fluid and hot lava flows, and not at all an explosive volcanism, the eruptions of the Piton de la Fournaise are not dangerous for the inhabitants of Reunion Island.

4. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar

In the northwest of Madagascar, in the Melaky Region, is a national park called Tsingy de Bemaraha.

Due to the abundance of flora and animals, the Tsingy of Bemaraha is regarded as a hub for endemism. Criteria (vii): The Tsingy de Bemaraha Integral Nature Reserve is an exceptional example of a rare or particularly noteworthy geological phenomenon.

The Great Tsingy zone is only open from June to November, therefore this is the best time of year to come even though the park is open from April to November.

5. Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius

On the western side of the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, there is a peninsula called Le Morne Brabant.

Since 2008, Le Morne Brabant has been recognized by UNESCO as a “Le Morne Cultural Landscape” World Heritage Site. The site, which formerly served as a haven for runaway slaves, is now a significant memorial full of sentiment and history.

North Africa

1. Abu Simbel, Egypt

The historical landmark Abu Simbel, which consists of two gigantic rock-cut temples, is located in the town of Abu Simbel, Aswan Governorate, Upper Egypt.

It is the biggest and most majestic of the temples built during Ramesses II’s reign and one of the most beautiful in all of Egypt. It was dedicated to Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, as well as the deified Ramesses.

Ramses built the Temple at Abu Simbel in Egypt to intimidate his enemies and elevate himself among the gods.

Abu Simbel has two temples that were carved out of rock. Four huge statues of Ramesses II, the pharaoh who ruled from 1303 to 1213 B.C., each standing around 69 feet (21 meters) tall, may be seen at the entrance to the bigger of the two temples.

2. Giza, Egypt

The Egyptian city of Giza is located close to Cairo on the west bank of the Nile. Among the iconic Egyptian buildings that may be found on the Giza Plateau are three enormous pyramids built as royal mausoleums in the 26th century BC.

The Pyramids of Giza are the biggest and most well-known pyramid formations in the world. They were constructed during the Old Kingdom era as a tribute to specific Pharaohs of Egypt’s fourth dynasty.

Yes, visitors are allowed to go inside the Pyramid of Giza.

3. Chefchaouen, Morocco

The city of Chefchaouen, sometimes known as Chaouen, is located in the Rif Mountains, northwest of Morocco.

Chefchaouen, Morocco’s “Blue Pearl,” is well famous for its unique blue and white-painted residences.

Two days are more than enough time to see all the main attractions of Chefchaouen because of its small size.

4. Hoggar Mountains, Algeria

The Hoggar Mountains are a highland region in southern Algeria’s central Sahara, close to the Tropic of Cancer. The mountains cover around 550,000 km2 of land.

Algeria is well known for its warm hospitality, its northern Mediterranean climate, and the Sahara, which covers about 90% of the country.

5. Dougga, Tunisia

In 1997, Dougga was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which deemed it to be “the best-preserved Roman minor town in North Africa.”

It was built in AD 205. The arch of Alexander Severus, which was constructed between 222-235, is still mostly intact despite losing its upper components. The capital and the Temple of Juno Caelestis are both equally far away from it.

The entire temple (Divina Domus) was built by Lucius Marcius Simplex and Lucius Marcius Simplex Regillianus using their own funds.

Tunisia is a country in North Africa. Through the millennia, conquerors and travelers have been drawn to Tunisia by its accessible Mediterranean Sea coastline and strategic location, and its easy access to the Sahara has brought its people into contact with people living in the interior of Africa.

6. Fez, Morocco

The city of Fes in northern Morocco is frequently referred to as the nation’s cultural center. It is most renowned for its walled Fes El Bali Medina, which features colorful souks, medieval Marinid architecture, and an antique ambiance.

Morocco’s Fez, commonly spelled as Fes, has long been regarded as the nation’s spiritual home. It served as the nation’s capital until 1925. The UNESCO-designated Fez Medina is one of the world’s largest areas devoid of automobiles.

7. Aswan, Egypt

Since ancient times, the Nile River city of Aswan has served as the strategic and commercial hub of southern Egypt.

Aswan is renowned for its stunning views of the Nile Valley, important archaeological monuments, and serene atmosphere. It is the ideal winter getaway because of its mild, year-round weather. The city offers beautiful vistas and attractions for those who want to take a felucca trip across the Nile (Egyptian sailboat).

Aswan is generally regarded as a secure tourist destination in Egypt. Although pickpocketing and street theft are uncommon in Aswan, tourists are nonetheless recommended to use the same caution as they would when visiting other foreign cities. Be cautious in congested locations, for example, as that is one way to assure safety in Aswan.

West Africa

1. Rhumsiki Rock, Cameroon

Rhumsiki is located in the Mandara Mountains, 34 kilometers from Mokolo, and just a few miles from the Nigerian border with Adamawa State.

Due to its unique lunar landscape, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cameroon and is a necessary stop on all tours in the Far North.

Rhumsiki has been called “one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world” and tourists are attracted to the area because of its breathtaking scenery.

Other attractions here include blacksmiths, potters, weavers, and spinners, as well as native dancers and the féticheur, a fortune-teller who foretells the future by observing how a crab manipulates pieces of wood.

2. Bandiagara, Mali

Bandiagara is a small town and urban community in the Mali region of Mopti. The name, which refers to the communal bowl in which meals are served, loosely translates to “big eating bowl.”

The Bandiagara plateau is one of West Africa’s most stunning locations due to its geological, archaeological, and ethnological significance as well as the surrounding terrain.

The location features stunning cliffs, sandy plateaux, and stunning architecture (houses, granaries, altars, sanctuaries, and Togu Na, or communal meeting places).

In 1989, 400,000 hectares, comprising 250 settlements around the Bandiagara Escarpment, were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site to aid in the preservation of Dogon and Tellem cliff houses.

3. Ganvie, Benin

Ganvie is a lake village on Lake Nokoué in the nation of Benin. With a population of over 20,000, it is the largest lake village in Africa and is quite popular with travelers.

Ganvie is made up of about 3,000 stilt houses. Stilt houses are made of red ebony wood which is rot-resistant and ideal for stilts.

4. Lake Retba, Senegal

North of Senegal’s Cap Vert peninsula, around 30 kilometers northeast of Dakar, is where Lac Rose is located. Its pink waters, which are the result of Dunaliella salina algae, gave it its name. Some portions of the water have a high salt concentration of up to 40%.

One of Africa’s richest sources of algae is Lake Retba, sometimes known as “Lac Rosa” in Senegal. Due to the high densities of “Dunaliella salina” micro-algae and halophilic archaea, Lac Rosa, as implied by its name, has a rose or pink color.

Senegal is not the safest place to travel, generally speaking. It has incredibly high rates of violent and small-time criminality. To reduce the likelihood that something bad will happen, you should exercise caution and take all reasonable safety precautions.

5. Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire

Yamoussoukro is the capital city of Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro is the largest Christian church in the world and was dedicated on September 10, 1990, by Pope John Paul II.

According to Guinness World Records, it is the largest Christian church in the world.

6. Tiébélé, Burkina Faso

Tiébélé is a tiny, circular settlement with a population of around 1.2 hectares that is located in the southern part of Burkina Faso, a landlocked nation in west Africa, close to the border with Ghana. The Kassena people, one of the earliest ethnic groups to settle on Burkina Faso’s territory, call this place home. The Kassena are committed to agriculture and are well-known for growing beans, sesame, corn, and peanuts.

Amazing traditional Gourounsi architecture and ornately adorned walls can be found in Tiébélé.

The women of the hamlet are the only ones permitted to make these amazing works of art in the open on the dwellings, which are all made of mud and earth.

Every house is constructed from mud, earth, straw, and wood and is tastefully adorned in the Gourounsi manner. The hand-painted murals depict items from daily life or allude to religious symbolism.

The dwellings in the village are built in a circular pattern, with vertical walls that are 30 cm thick to provide a strong defense against intruders and shelter from the sweltering heat. Only a little aperture to permit light in serves as the only windowless surface.

7. Great Mosque of Djenné, Mali

A massive brick or adobe structure in the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style, the Great Mosque of Djenné. On the Bani River’s flood plain in the Mali city of Djenné, the mosque can be found.

During the Middle Ages, the ancient mosque presided over one of the most significant Islamic learning institutions in Africa, drawing thousands of students to Djenné’s madrassas to study the Quran. In 1988, UNESCO named the Old Town of Djenné, which includes the Great Mosque, a World Heritage Site.

The Great Mosque rose to prominence as one of the most significant structures in the city, mostly as a result of its use as a political symbol by both the populace and colonial powers like the French, who occupied Mali in 1892.

8. Kakum National Park, Ghana

Ghana’s Central Region, close to the coast, is where you’ll find Kakum National Park.

There are numerous herbaceous and woody plant species there. Numerous rare and threatened creatures, like the elephant, Bongo, Yellow-backed Duiker, and Diana Monkey, can be found in the forest. The only canopy walkway on the African continent was installed in Kakum National Park in March 1995.

9. Abuja National Mosque, Nigeria

The national mosque of Nigeria is the Abuja National Mosque, commonly referred to as the Nigerian National Mosque. The mosque was constructed in 1984 and is accessible to non-Muslims, excluding when prayers are being said.

In the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria’s Abuja, the national mosque was constructed in 1984. The Central Business District’s Independence Avenue is where you may find it. According to Hongkiat Survey, the mosque is one of the top 50 most beautiful religious buildings in the world. It has four minarets and a gold-colored dome.

10. Bureh Beach, Sierra Leone

Bureh Beach is one of Sierra Leone’s most stunning beaches.

Due to crime and civil upheaval, use extra caution in Sierra Leone. Country Summary: Robberies and assaults are common violent crimes in Sierra Leone, particularly in the capital city of Freetown. The resources needed by local police to adequately handle significant crime situations are frequently lacking.

Blood diamonds, also known as conflict or war diamonds, were mined and sold for use as weapons during the brutal civil war that raged in Sierra Leone from 1991 to 2002. They are well-known across the world.

The movie “Blood Diamond” is based on actual events that happened in Sierra Leone during the civil war, despite the fact that it features fictional characters. In the movie, rebel organizations are shown attacking villages, enslaving Sierra Leoneans, using children as combatants, and operating illegal markets that are frequently disregarded.

Southern Africa

1. Bo-Kaap, South Africa

Bo-Kaap, located in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, is a vibrant and colorful neighborhood that is rich in history and culture.

This area is home to a unique blend of Cape Malay, Dutch, and British influences. Known for its colorful buildings, rich history, and delicious cuisine, Bo-Kaap is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Cape Town

10 Reasons Why Bo-Kaap Should Be on Your South African Bucket List

2. Victoria Falls, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

victoria falls zambia zimbabwe — Image by Jürgen Bierlein from Pixabay

Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world and is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is home to a wide range of exotic plants and animal species.

About two-thirds of Victoria Falls is located in Zimbabwe and one-third is in Zambia. Therefore, Zimbabwe has the best vantage points for a complete overview of the falls.

However, the best time to visit Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool is during the low water season which can only be done on the Zambian side.

3. Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

The Blyde River Canyon is a 26 km (16 miles) long canyon in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Although it is one of the most breathtaking canyons in the world, it is much smaller than canyons in Asia, the Grand Canyon, and the Fish River Canyon.

It’s one of the world’s deepest canyons. It is 16 miles long and 3280 feet deep, according to estimates. It is also the greenest.

The Blyde River Canyon Reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including zebra, impala, baboons, and other primates.

4. Sossusvlei, Namibia

Sossusvlei is a salt and clay pan surrounded by tall red sand dunes in Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft National Park.

This picturesque region is one of Namibia’s most popular tourist destinations and is known for its enormous, red sand dunes, some of the tallest sand dunes in the world. The words “Sossusvlei” come from the Afrikaans and Nama languages.

Even though Sossusvlei is literally translated as “dead-end marsh,” seeing it is a breathtaking experience you shouldn’t pass up if you’re traveling to Namibia.

5. Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta is a huge inland river delta in northern Botswana. It is well known for having large grassland expanses that periodically flood, fostering a flourishing wildlife habitat.

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the biggest inland deltas on earth. The Okavango River floods the savanna instead of emptying into the ocean like most river deltas do, creating a distinct and dynamic inland delta.

The Okavango Delta is one of the most exclusive wilderness areas in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site serves as the stage for the magnificent spectacle of wild Africa and offers unmatched wilderness experiences in a tranquil inland delta that is unlike anyplace else on Earth.

6. Namaqualand, South Africa

Namaqua National Park is located in the Northern Cape Province, not far from South Africa’s border with Namibia.

Namaqualand is a popular vacation destination because of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, its springtime wildflowers, its wealth of minerals, and its extensive cultural heritage.

The best time to visit Namaqualand is early to mid-August.

7. Tundavala Gap, Angola

Tundavala Gap is a 2,200-meter-high lookout point on the edge of an enormous cliff called Serra da Leba in Angola. At the summit, you’ll get a breathtaking view of most of Angola.

You can go to Tundavala Gap any time of year. Because it can get hot in the afternoon and there can be a blue haze, it is advisable to climb to the peak in the morning. The afternoon haze will make any photos you take look less appealing.

8. Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana

Makgadikgadi Panis one of the largest salt flats in the world. It is a salt flat located in the center of a dry savanna in northeastern Botswana. The pit is all that’s left of the formerly gigantic Lake Makgadikgadi, which dried up tens of thousands of years ago after covering an area greater than Switzerland.

The largest salt flats in the world, the Makgadikgadi Pans span more than 30 000 km2. Its enormous size dwarfs the world’s largest continuous salt pan, the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.

9. Table Mountain, South Africa

In South Africa, Table Peak is a mountain with a flat top that serves as a notable landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town. Many visitors take the cable car or hike to the top, making it a popular tourist destination.

Table Mountain, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is home to an astounding 8,200 plant species, of which over 80% are fynbos. It is also a part of the Cape Floral Kingdom World Heritage Site.

The dry summer months of October to March are the ideal time to visit Table Mountain. Before it gets crowded and hot, the morning is the ideal time of day. Either start your hike early or take the first cable car (it leaves at 8:00 or 8:30). Stunning sunsets from the summit are another reason I adore the evening.

10. Lake Malawi, Malawi

Lake Malawi is an African Great Lake in the southernmost lake in the East African Rift System and is situated between Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. It is also known as Lake Nyasa in Tanzania and Lago Niassa in Mozambique.

A large variety of fish species, most of which are endemic, may be found in Lake Malawi. In fact, the lake’s southern portion, which is a part of Lake Malawi National Park, was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.

The dry season, which lasts from May to October, is the ideal time to travel to Malawi. It’s a colder time of year with temperatures ranging from 64°F to 91°F, bright sunshine, lush green surroundings, and crisp evenings.

11. Maletsunyane Falls, Lesotho

A 192-meter-high waterfall called Maletsunyane Falls is located in Lesotho, an African nation. The town of Semonkong, which is also called after the falls, is close by where it is situated.

It actually boasts the “highest lowest point” of any nation. No other country can rival Lesotho’s base elevation of 4,593 feet (1,400m). It is the only autonomous state totally above 1,000 meters on the earth (3,281ft). This is why it has the suitable moniker “Kingdom of the Sky.”

Generally speaking, Lesotho is seen as being much safer than its neighbor, South Africa. Lesotho has a reputation for being a refuge from all the political unrest that has afflicted other African nations.

12. Franschhoek, South Africa

The town of Franschhoek is located in South Africa’s Western Cape and features Cape Dutch-style buildings and centuries-old vineyards.

The town of Franschhoek takes pride in being known as the “culinary capital of SA” because of its excellent cuisine. You have a ton of food options thanks to the 36 restaurants in Franschhoek and the four South African chefs who have received five stars for their culinary creations.

Franschhoek is one of the most sought-after locations in the nation due to its illustrious wine estates, five-star accommodations, and Michelin-rated restaurants in addition to its abundance of modern art galleries, and a great network of hiking and mountain biking trails, and soigné café society.

13. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Off the coast of southern Mozambique, there are six islands that make up the Bazaruto Archipelago. They are renowned for their white sand beaches and are located within Bazaruto National Park.

The tranquil islands of Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago are renowned for their pristine beauty and varied ecologies. More than 2000 different fish species, as well as whales and dolphins, call the pristine coral reefs home.

Although street crime, often involving knives and firearms, is widespread in Maputo and on the rise in other towns and tourist hotspots, most trips to Mozambique are trouble-free. Consult local advice if you’re in one of the most dangerous urban regions. Be on the lookout at all times.

14. Johannesburg, South Africa

The largest city in South Africa and the provincial capital of Gauteng, Johannesburg, had its beginnings as a gold-mining community in the 19th century. Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu previously lived in the vast Soweto township.

The area is known as South Africa’s financial hub and is where 74 percent of corporate headquarters are located. The Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE), the only stock exchange in South Africa, is ranked among the top 20 exchanges in the world by market capitalization.

March through May and September through November are the ideal months to travel to Johannesburg. Crowds thin out, costs drop, and the weather is comparatively mild and dry during these off-peak months.

15. Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Although the word is occasionally used to refer to the entire Namib Desert coast, the Skeleton Coast is the northern portion of Namibia’s Atlantic coast and is located south of Angola from the Kunene River to the Swakop River.

Though in modern times the coast harbors the skeletal remnants of shipwrecks captured by offshore rocks and fog, the area’s name stems from the whale and seal bones that once littered the shore from the whaling business.

The largest ship graveyard in the world, it is estimated that over a thousand ships washed ashore on the shore. The sailors who managed to survive the ferocious ocean currents and arrive on land ultimately perished from dehydration in the hard and dry desert environment.

The Skeleton Coast Park features more species than many other parks in Southern Africa, despite its dry and hostile look, including Namibia’s famous desert-adapted elephant, black rhino, lion, cheetah, giraffe, gemsbok, zebra, springbok, spotted hyena, and unique endemic reptiles.