The beauty of Africa is as vast and varied as its vast land mass. From mesmerizing deserts, majestic mountains and tropical islands to extraordinary wildlife and captivating human-made monuments, Africa offers more than you could see in one visit. While it is difficult to narrow down just a few of the continent’s many attractive destinations, you may enjoy learning about the following list of five beautiful places in Africa.
1. Cape Town, South Africa
Awe-inspiring landscapes, vibrant districts, and remarkable historical sites make Cape Town one of the most beautiful cities in South Africa. Surrounded by stunning beaches and lush vegetation, this coastal city with plenty of fun activities in Cape Town for visitors is dominated by an extraordinary landmark. Table Mountain. Opt for a cable car ride or hike up to the mountain’s flat plateau to enjoy fantastic panoramic views across the city and Cape of Good Hope.
Bo-Kaap, one of the city’s most lively neighborhoods, is brimming with rich history and a mix of cultures that is every bit as colorful as its rainbow-hued colonial buildings. A stroll along Cape Town’s picturesque Victoria and Alfred Waterfront offers a myriad of shops, restaurants, museums, an aquarium and the Cape Wheel. You can also catch a ferry ride from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront to Robben Island to tour the prison where the famous South African president, Nelson Mandela, was held imprisoned with other political activists during the apartheid era.
The Garden Route, one of the most popular attractions in South Africa, is a beautiful scenic drive that can be accessed from Cape Town. You’ll drive along rolling green hills, dramatic coastal cliffs, and charming villages while encountering elephants, ostrich farms and seal colonies.
2. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
The largest and most spectacular waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s most beautiful attractions. Located on the Zambezi River and the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, this roaring waterfall plunges over a cliff into a massive whirlpool before gushing through a series of gorges.
While visiting Victoria Falls, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and thrilling adventures that include bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, zip lining, kayaking, fishing, river cruises, helicopter tours and elephant rides. Take a safari into the surrounding Zambezi National Park to spot white rhinos, lions, and leopards.
3. Zanzibar
Considered a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean just off Africa’s eastern coast, Zanzibar is an archipelago of islands featuring white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, turquoise water, vibrant culture and historical treasures. Whether you go by plane, ferry or high-speed boat, Zanzibar is just a short ride from the mainland of Tanzania.
Go island-hopping between Zanzibar’s beautiful islands to soak up the sun or experience the underwater world by snorkeling and scuba diving. Tour spice farms and learn how spices like cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg have driven Zanzibar’s economy for centuries. Get lost in the maze of the historic Stone Town while taking in beautiful old architecture, museums, and delicious street food.
4. Uganda
A landlocked country in the central-eastern part of Africa, Uganda is chock-full of extraordinary natural beauty, from the spectacular Mountains of the Moon to the stunning Victoria Lake, Africa’s largest lake. You can view breathtaking waterfalls like Murchison Falls, Sipi Falls and Ssezibwa Falls as well as exotic islands such as the Ssese Islands. You can meet and interact with indigenous tribes like the Bantu people to learn about their culture.
Tour national parks like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to see an impressive amount of wildlife such as mountain gorillas, giraffes, hippos, lions, elephants and chimpanzees. The capital city, Kampala, offers beautiful cathedrals, temples, museums, art galleries and colorful markets.
5. Egypt
No trip to Africa would be complete without visiting Egypt to see the remarkable monuments created by some of the world’s most ancient civilizations. See world-famous attractions like the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and tombs of ancient pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings. Check out important historical sites and cultural venues in captivating cities like Alexandria and Cairo. Ride a camel through the desert, take a boat cruise down the Nile River, hike up Mount Sinai and go scuba diving in the Red Sea.
While this list of five beautiful places in Africa doesn’t even come close to discussing all of Africa’s natural, historical and cultural wonders, we hope it gives you an idea of the continent’s incredible diversity. What places in Africa would you add to this list?