13 Of The Most Beautiful Places In Africa – Highlights And Things To Do

As the globe’s second-largest continent, Africa holds more wonders than you can see in just a lifetime. Evocative and magical landscapes and stories will appear in front of your own eyes.

Deciding on the best things to do in Africa is definitely a challenge. From outstanding pyramids to majestic waterfalls to animals in the wild, Africa will blow you away.

With its 54 countries surrounded by oceans, Africa is one place in the world that will leave your soul touched. Each country offers endless attractions, so creating a finite list of places to visit in Africa might seem almost futile.

I hope this post will inspire you to explore Africa wide and far. So, without further ado, here are the top 13 most beautiful places to visit in Africa.

Best Things To Do In Africa

We have put together this list of the things to do in Africa by including a diverse range of places and activities to suit every travel taste.

#1 Sossusvlei Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia

Imagine bright orange dunes and white-ish soil stretching for miles dotted by skinny, brown trees, all contrasting with the deepest blue sky. Sounds like a dream? It’s an actual place in Namibia, Africa. 

The Sossusvlei surely is among Africa’s most beautiful places. The oldest desert in the world, the Sossusvlei, lies in the heart of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. A large salt and clay pan, the Sossusvlei features dunes up to 400 meters high and has a unique ecosystem. 

The desert’s name translates to “dead-end marsh” because the dunes prevent the Tsauchab River from flowing any further, blocking it from reaching the Atlantic Ocean.

Despite the Namib Desert’s dry conditions, you can find a great variety of animals and plants that have adapted to survive. One such animal is the Namib Golden Mole, a small mammal that lives in burrows under the sand. 

Visiting the Sossusvlei is always a spectacular adventure, but if you want to marvel at something even more astonishing, you should travel here after it rains.

This weather condition is somewhat exceptional, but when it rains, the Tsauchab River fills the clay pan, creating a sort of glassy “lake” where the surrounding dunes reflect on. 

If it rains enough, the pan can hold water for up to a year, so there is no better time to plan a trip to Namibia. 

#2 The Great Pyramids at Giza in Egypt

The Great Pyramids of Giza are among the most popular Africa tourist spots. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located just outside Cairo, Egypt’s capital city. 

Built to house the dead pharaohs and the items they would need to travel in the afterlife, pyramids are sublime architectural constructions.

For a long time, Egyptian pyramids were believed to be constructed by the pharaoh’s slaves who commissioned them. However, recent archeological studies show that those building the pyramids were wage workers.

The pyramids of the Giza complex were erected between 2700 and 2500 BC and are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Of the three pyramids, the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops, also called the Great Pyramid, is the oldest and the biggest. The Great Pyramid is the only Ancient World Wonder still mostly intact.

It remained the tallest building in the world until 1311 CE when the Lincoln Cathedral was built in England. 

The other two pyramids of the Giza complex are the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure.

One of our favorite things about the Great Pyramids of Giza is that you can enter them! All three pyramids can be accessed by paying an additional fee, and the experience is simply memorable.

The best one to explore from the inside is the Great Pyramid itself, which you can enter through a hole in the pyramid’s north face.

To reach the Pharaoh’s Chamber at the top of the pyramid, you will need to climb a ramp through a dark and narrow tunnel. The closer you get to the chamber, the hotter and humid it gets – so this is definitely not an experience for those with claustrophobia!

#3 Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe

In Africa, you will find many natural wonders, and one of the must-sees is the Victoria Falls. Listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls falls right on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia.

The locals call it “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, which literally translates to “smoke that thunders”, and this is precisely the sensation you will have when at the site.

The calm Zambezi River plunges into a chasm 100 feet down and plumes into a mist wall that roars. The scene is enchanting and will make you feel like you are on the set of a fantasy movie.  

Visitors can access the top of the falls from either country but will find more viewpoints on the Zimbabwe side, which is inside the Victoria Falls National Park.

From here, you will get the best impression of the waterfalls’ epic scale. On the Zambian side, the lookout points are inside the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, offering a completely different angle. 

#4 Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

Among the most iconic hikes you can do, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is definitely one of the top things to do in Africa. Rising 5,895 meters high, Mount Kilimanjaro is the continent’s highest peak, soaring above the Tanzanian landscape. 

Kilimanjaro is not a regular mountain but a large volcano made of ash, lava, and rocks; it features three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo is the summit of the mountain, and it is a dormant peak, which means that it could possibly erupt again. The other two are instead extinct. 

The pairs who first reached the summit of Kilimanjaro were Dr. Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller in 1889. But reaching it is not easy, and you need to be adequately prepared and in great physical shape to make it. However, climbing to the top to marvel at the sun peeping above the clouds is something you will never forget.

Have you ever seen a vast lake that can be mistaken for a sea? If not, traveling to Africa and visiting Lake Malawi is a great idea.

One of the continent’s largest lakes, Lake Malawi sits on the border of Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. It has recently been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its astonishing biodiversity, only comparable to the Galapagos. 

You can do many activities in Lake Malawi, but our favorite is diving! In fact, this lake contains 13,000 species of tropical fish, many of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Snorkeling is a great alternative if you are not much of a diver. The lake’s clear and calm waters provide perfect visibility conditions. 

This tropical paradise boasts unspoiled beaches with a mountainous backdrop for the most relaxing experience. The lake’s waters are also ideal terrain for various watersports, like sailing and kayaking. 

When you are done enjoying Lake Malawi’s beaches and waters, travel around the area for extraordinary birdwatching opportunities and safaris or to visit traditional fishing villages.

#6 Cape Town in South Africa

Called by locals “Mother City”, Cape Town is among the best places to visit Africa. As the most urbanized city in South Africa, Cape Town is a great spot to base yourself to explore the rest of the country, which boasts seemingly endless beautiful sights. However, don’t think that Cape Town is just a city with nothing to offer; on the contrary, it is gorgeous and has plenty of activities to do.

Stroll around Cape Town neighborhoods to get to know the history of the city and South Africa. Among the unmissable areas is District Six, a now-trendy neighborhood with cool bars and restaurants but where you can still see the signs of the apartheid.

The District Six Museum is interesting to visit as it highlights individual stories of displacement and resistance from first-hand accounts. 

Another must-see neighborhood is Bo-Kaap, one of the city’s oldest areas. It is inhabited by the Cape Malays, descendants of the slaves imported by the Dutch in the 16th and 17th centuries. This district boasts absurdly gorgeous and colorful buildings, and it is one of the picture-worthy areas of Cape Town.

Cape Town is also a perfect destination for those looking for outdoor activities. Hiking the legendary Table Mountain, Africa’s southernmost tip, and admiring stunning panoramic views from its top is an activity that needs to be on your bucket list.

More awesome hikes we suggest you do around Cape Town are Lion’s Head, the perfect spot to watch the sunset, and Skelton Gorge, a 4.5-hour trek that will take you through an indigenous forest that ends at Table Mountain’s summit.

Make sure to check out our 1 week itinerary of Cape Town which gives you a detailed guide on how we did our trip there a few years ago.

#7 Kruger National Park in South Africa

Africa is known worldwide for its safaris. An adventure like no other, embarking on a safari is the how to see close up the “Big Five” – Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Buffaloes, and Rhinoes (both black and white).

One of the best places to do it is the Kruger National Park in South Africa. The park covers nearly 20,000 square kilometers and is part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park.

This international collaboration with the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique and the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe allows animals to move across states’ borders to live as freely as possible.

The Kruger National Park encompasses different ecosystems, including savannah and woodland, and the many habitats permit the existence of an astounding variety of flora and fauna.

Besides the Big Five, you can see nearly 150 different species of large mammals and the so-called Little Five, which are among the smallest animals on the planet. If you are like us, you will remain in awe, marvelling at fast cheetahs and the endangered African wild dogs. 

If you are planning your first safari, you might wonder how it works. At Kruger National Park, you can drive your own car, hire a park driver, or go on beautiful walking hikes. The best time to spot wildlife is in the early morning or late afternoon, but night drives will allow you to look at unique animal species.

Well, grab the bull by the horns, and stay overnight inside the park to go on multi-day safaris! 

Also, don’t miss out on our guide on How To Plan a Safari in South Africa for more inspiration and tips & tricks. One of them is that we think that the best way to enjoy a safari in South Africa is to combine a private reserve (i.e. stay at Elephant Plains Game Lodge) with Kruger National Park.

#8 Sahara Dunes in North Africa

Among the most beautiful parts of Africa, the Sahara desert is the world’s largest hot desert, mostly impassible due to its unfriendly climate. So, how can you visit this incredible natural wonder? Luckily for you, there is an access point to the Sahara from the northern part of Morocco.

The timeless Sahara Desert is a world of its own, made of harsh conditions but also extreme beauty. Stretching across multiple countries in North Africa, the best part to visit is the famous Erg Chebbi in Morocco, close to the border with Algeria. The landscape here is almost too good to be true.

A sea of orange sand made up of towering and undulating dunes formed by blowing the winds. The area’s beauty has resulted in it being the set of many movies and photoshoots, and you will see why as soon as you land foot on it. 

There are many activities you can do in the Sahara Desert. Go on a camel ride while admiring the sunset, pump your adrenaline by sand-boarding on the high dunes, or camp out for the night to sleep surrounded by profound silence and under the shining stars.

Visiting the Sahara Desert is about more than just landscapes. Nomadic Berber groups, the ethnic group indigenous to North Africa, still inhabit the area. For a top trip, try to meet these groups to connect with their ways of living and learn about their traditions, music, and food.

#9 Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya

Looking for that iconic shot of swaths of flamingos filling your frame? Lake Nakuru National Park is the place to be. This scenic lake is home to one of the largest congregations of flamingos out there, with one million of this bird flying over its waters. 

Lake Nakuru National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can see many more animals besides flamingos. Covering an area of 45 square kilometers, it is one of the significant wildlife habitats in Kenya, hosting about 56 different species of mammals, including four of the Big Five (lions, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes).

Lake Nakuru National Park also hosts one of the biggest rhino sanctuaries in the world, which was established to protect the highly endangered black and white rhinos. However, the park is particularly renowned for being a birding paradise, with a recorded 400 bird species living here. 

The best activities inside the park are game viewing and bird watching, especially of the beautiful flamingos. These birds are attracted by the enormous amounts of blue-green algae growing in the lake. The flamingos you will see at the park are of two types, lesser and greater flamingos, with the former being the majority.

The two sub-species can be told apart from their different bodies, with the lesser flamingo having an extended black shade all over their beaks. On the contrary, the greater flamingo has a black streak only at the tip of its beak.

Already from afar, you will see the flock of flamingos at the Lake Nakuru National Park. The waters seem to be painted pink, so much so that Lake Nakuru is nicknamed the “Pink Lake.”

For the best viewpoint to admire this living pink carpet, head to the top of the Baboon Cliff, inside the national park.

#10 Zanzibar, Tanzania

Besides unique wildlife and centuries-old architectural wonders, Africa boasts gorgeous archipelagoes. Zanzibar is one such place.

This archipelago in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanzania, consists of many small islands and two large ones, Unguja (also called Zanzibar) and Pemba Island. 

Paradisiacal beaches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and rich history and local culture make Zanzibar one of Africa most beautiful places to visit. Often chosen by honeymooners for their love trip, Zanzibar is a perfect destination for every traveler.

People travel to Zanzibar mainly because of its white sandy beaches lined by tall palm trees. The island’s turquoise waters house coral reefs teeming with marine life. You can enjoy a vast array of activities, including exploring the underwater world, sailing on a traditional dhow, or just sunbathing and chilling at the beach.

But there is more to do in Zanzibar. Stroll around the island’s capital, Stone Town, to see the architectural delights of this UNESCO-listed place. The town boasts buildings in different styles reflecting the island’s long and varied history.

From Arab mansions to grand Indian residences, Stone Town will be a wonder for your eyes! Make also sure to check out the Forodhani night market, where you can enjoy delicious local foods, and the Slave Market Museum, one of the largest markets for trading slaves back in the 18th century. 

Zanzibar is indeed a breathtaking African spot, one where you can dive into the archipelago’s cultural heritage and the marvelous waters of the Indian Ocean.

#11 Chefchaouen, Morocco

Morocco is a wonderful North African country boasting many wonderful things to see. One of these is the blue city of Chefchaoeun.

Its nickname doesn’t come randomly, as this charming city has bright blue buildings everywhere. Nestled on a hillside and surrounded by the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen blue buildings come from the Jewish inhabitants who fled here during the Spanish Inquisition. 

Wander through the cobbled streets of the Medina, where you will find quaint squares with lovely cafès, beautiful mosques, and vibrant souks. Shop in the souks for amazing handicrafts, leather goods, and fragrant spices. Something else you should do in Chefchaoeun is hike up to the abandoned Spanish Mosque, a fantastic vantage point from admiring the blue city.

Among the city’s many blue buildings, a couple of others stand out for their different color. The first is the Kasbah, the walled fortress erected between the 15th and 16th centuries and made with salmon-colored stones. The fortress is in Andalusian-Magreb style.

Today, the Kasbah houses the Ethnographic Museum, which we highly recommend visiting to learn more about the local area and population. The other evident building in the city is the Grand Mosquée, built with beige bricks and featuring an octagonal minaret, typical of Andalusian architecture. 

With its picturesque setting and laid-back atmosphere, seeing with your own eyes the unique Chefchaouen is one of the unmissable Africa things to do.

#12 Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

If you want something magical from your trip to Africa, there is no better place than the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This dense and misty jungle in Uganda is one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites you will find in Africa. It is one of the four last remaining habitats of the mountain gorilla. 

For wildlife enthusiasts, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is an incomparable wonder! By visiting it, you can track whole families of gorillas alongside many other species, including chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, and elephants.

Meeting big but gentle gorillas face-to-face is an exhilarating and humbling experience. To have this adventure, you must get a special permit before entering the park. You can then walk six hiking trails with one of the park guides to have the chance to see the gorillas and the other diverse wildlife. 

The hiking trails are fantastic, as they permit you to spot incredible animals while also boasting landscapes you will hardly forget. For instance, the Muyanga Waterfall Walk runs along the Ivi River. It has a spectacular 100-foot tall waterfall.

The Rushura Hill Walk offers instead breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes and Lakes George and Edward on a clear day.

#13 Okavango Delta in Botswana

This list of beautiful places Africa has come to its last entry, and we had to include the Okavango Delta. As one of the world’s largest inland deltas, the Okavango Delta is affectionately called Africa’s Last Eden for the incredible wonders it boasts. 

The Okavango River is fed from the high waters of Uganda. It flows into the plains of the Kalahari Desert in Namibia before finding its end in Botswana and the Indian Ocean. 

The delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna, including elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.

Seeing from above, the Okavango Delta is a mosaic of lagoons, islands, and channels with lush vegetation. However, it is at ground level where you can feel the area’s true magic. You can explore the delta’s waters by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe, or venture on a walking safari on the islands to meet the wildlife.

The Okavango Delta is not just a place to visit, but one where you will find yourself immersed in the rhythms of nature.

Travel Insurance For Travel in Africa

When planning a trip to Africa, one of the most important pieces you’ll need besides hotel and flight is travel insurance.  You never know what will happen when you’re on the road and you want to make sure you are covered.  Thing is, travel insurance doesn’t have to be expensive. 

Learn more about finding the best travel insurance.

Where To Stay In Africa

Here we are sharing our favorite hotels in Cairo, Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and Zanzibar that you may consider staying if traveling in one of these places.

Map of Most Beautiful Places in Africa

The below are all of the places in Africa mentioned in this article.

Closing Thoughts

Thinking about where to go in Africa is an overwhelming task indeed. With its 54 countries boasting wonderful attractions for every taste, there are some more objectively beautiful spots on the continent.

Whether you love safaris to admire wildlife, explore the underwater world, get lost in lush forests, hike giant mountains, or visit astonishing human constructions, Africa is somewhere to be.

With these 13 things to do in Africa, we hope to have given you a better idea of where to plan your next trip on the continent. From Morocco’s undulating Saharan sand dunes to the surreal landscapes of national parks, Africa promises an unmatched travel experience.

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So what do you think? Are there dream destinations you have on your list within Africa that you’d like to go in the future? Have we missed somewhere on this list that you’d like to see added? Drop a comment below!

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