Most beautiful places in Africa to visit on your next trip

most beautiful places in Africa

The most beautiful places in Africa highlight the rich diversity and natural wonders of this huge continent. Africa is a world of natural wonders, impressive wildlife and unique cultures. If you travel to Africa, expect to have your eyes opened to some of the most epic landscapes on earth. Africa is the second-largest continent on earth and contains 54 countries, each with its own unique travel appeal. Here’s our pick of the most beautiful places in Africa.

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

avenue of baobabs, most beautiful places in Africa

Nestled in the Menabe region of western Madagascar, the Avenue of the Baobabs is like something from another world. A dirt road lined by ancient Baobab trees, this is Madagascar’s best-known sight. Baobabs are known as the ‘tree of life’, due to their water-absorbing abilities. During the wet season, Baobabs drink up moisture, storing it in their huge tree trunks. Once the dry season rolls in, Baobabs are able to produce nutrient-dense fruits, earning them their unique nickname. Furthermore, the trunks of the Baobab tree can be harmlessly tapped into for fresh drinking water during the dry season.

As well as their life-giving properties, the Baobab trees have a unique appearance, with their fat tree trunks and towering branches, reaching a maximum height of 23 meters. The Avenue of Baobabs is home to around 25 ancient trees, some of which are more than 800 years old! This unforgettable natural wonder is particularly memorable at sunset, as the mighty trees cast giant silhouettes over across the otherwise barren landscape. Certainly, one of the most beautiful places in Africa to experience on a tour of Madagascar.

Victoria Falls, Zambia

Victoria Falls, Africa

The Victoria Falls marks the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is known as the ‘smoke that thunders’ for its powerful misty waters that can be heard from almost 40 kilometers away! The Victoria Falls are said to be the ‘most beautiful waterfalls in the world’. Explorer David Livingstone named the falls after Queen Victoria. With a width of 1,708 meters, this awe-inspiring curtain of water is situated on the Zambezi River.

Visitors to this UNESCO World Heritage Site can view the falls from both sides of the border. A number of viewing platforms and paths provide different perspectives of the ‘smoke that thunders’. Nevertheless, the iconic Knife-edge Bridge provides the finest view of the Eastern Cataract and the Main Falls.  The water level of the Zambezi River varies throughout the year. Therefore, the best time to experience the falls is in April, at the end of the rainy season.

Sossusvlei, Namibia

Soussesvlei - most beautiful places in Africa

Sossusvlei is Namibia’s most spectacular natural attraction and one of the most beautiful places in Africa. This salt and clay pan is part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the largest conservation area in Africa. An otherworldly landscape of white salt pans, towering orange sand dunes and fossilised trees, in contrast to the bright blue African sky. Sossusvlei, meaning ‘dead-end marsh’, is the spot where the Tsauchab River stops, prevented from flowing any further by the mighty sand dunes of the Namib Desert.

If you visit Sossusvlei you can hike towering sand dunes, admire lonely fossilised trees and spot unique wildlife such as wild oryx, jackals and ostriches. A paradise for photography enthusiasts, you can even stay overnight in the area, giving you the chance to watch the sunrise or sunsets over the sand dunes.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is a city in northwest Morocco, recognised around the world for its unique appearance. This charming city stands out for its bright blue buildings. Chefchaoeun is known as the ‘Blue Pearl of Morocco’. It is one of the most photographed destinations in the country. One of the most beautiful cities in Africa, this magical place is nestled on a hillside, surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes. Chefchaouen is often included as a day-trip on a tour of Morocco, and this charming city is sure to enchant you with its colorful streets and vibrant blue buildings.

Simien Mountains, Ethiopia

Simien Mountains: most beautiful places in Africa

Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains are an untouched landscape in the northern reaches of the country. Home to exotic wildlife, mountains and shadowy valleys, this vast wildness is one of the most beautiful places in Africa. Deep cliffs, covered in an emerald carpet of trees and grasslands characterise this region. The Simien Mountains are renowned for their rich biodiversity and rare wildlife. These include the endemic Gelada baboon, the Capra ibex, Simien foxes and Ethiopian wolves. Wildlife enthusiasts treasure the Simien Mountains for their unique animal life and stunning backdrops. The Simien Mountains are a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as wonderful wildlife and pristine natural landscapes, small rural communities can also be found here. A must-see on a tour of Ethiopia.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is a natural paradise, situated in the highlands of Tanzania. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a huge volcanic caldera, home to some of the most captivating wildlife on earth. Wildlife lovers flock to Ngorongoro to see the large variety of wildlife that inhabit its fertile crater floor, covering an area of 102 square miles. Furthermore, it is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa. Wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater includes the famous ‘Big 5’, as well as cheetahs, wildebeest and rich birdlife. With abundant wildlife and a unique landscape, this is one of the most beautiful places in Africa. A trip to the Ngorongoro Crater also gives you the chance to experience the culture of the local Maasai community.

 

So now you know the most beautiful places in Africa, where will you choose to explore first? Discover the magic of this vast continent with our range of trips to Africa and experience these wonderful sights for yourself!

 

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