Exploring new destinations and uncovering the world’s havens can be one of the most exhilarating experiences. Africa, a continent of immense diversity and natural beauty, offers a range of extraordinary sites that captivate and inspire.
From ancient landmarks and vibrant cultural centres to breathtaking natural wonders, Africa is home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations. Let’s explore some of the most interesting sites across this vast and enchanting continent, each providing a glimpse into Africa’s profound beauty. If you love to travel, brace yourself for some of the most fascinating sites to see in Africa.
Historical sites
Wonders of the Nile, Egypt: A cruise down the Egyptian Nile reveals relics of one of the world’s most ancient civilizations. The high point is the Valley of the Kings, with its monumental statues, and the magnificent Kom Ombo Temple, north of Aswan on the east bank. Golden!
The Nile often associated with Egypt also flows through 11 countries Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Eritrea, South Sudan and Sudan
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Ghana: Clad from top to bottom with Italian marble, with a black star at its apex to symbolize unity, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park stands tall in the capital city, Accra. It houses the famous bronze statue Nkrumah of whom African history can hardly be told without. It also has the Mausoleum – the final resting place of Ghana’s first President and Africanist, the Museum – where the personal effects and publications of Nkrumah are as well as the gardens – where there are trees planted by different world leaders.
African Renaissance Monument, Senegal: This is the tallest statue in Africa. AIts stands at 49 meters (160ft) tall, higher than the Statue of Liberty in New York. Getting to the top is an exhilarating feat that’s crowned by the breathtaking view of Dakar from the top of the monument.
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: The most famous of the structures at Giza, near Cairo, the Pyramid of King Cheops was built around 2650 BC from 2.5 million blocks of limestone. Its sides are oriented exactly to the north, south, east and west.
Landscapes, mountains, waterfalls
Victoria Falls, Zambia, and Zimbabwe: The cascading waters of the Victoria Falls will totally leave you transfixed. The spray flows at 12,800 cubic meters per second from a 108-meter height! Just magnificent.
Sahara Dunes, Morocco: The foot of the Merzouga Dunes is the ultimate location for gazing at stars, totally free of light pollution.
Table Mountain, South Africa: Table Mountain makes Cape Town one of the world’s most photogenic. Cable car rides are available to the top of the mountain, giving great views and fantastic sunrises and sunsets.
Olumo Rock, Nigeria: Olumo Rock is a massive granite monolith that stands about 137 meters (450 feet) above sea level. The rock formation situated in Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State, in southwestern Nigeria is surrounded by a lush forest and offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape. According to legend, the rock provided a safe haven for the Egba people during the Yoruba civil wars in the 19th century. Its unique features made it an ideal place for the Egba people to seek refuge and defend themselves against invaders.
Sea, sun, beaches, and resorts
Cape Verde Archipelago: From water sports and hikes through volcanic landscapes to leisure times at the scenic beaches, Cape Verde offers it all. It’s a cultural blend of African, Iberian and Brazilian influences. If you make it there between February and March, the annual Cape Verde carnival in the cultural capital, São Vicente is a must-see.
Mauritius: Adorned with powdery sands and luxe beach resorts, Mauritius offers vacationers in search of a bit of everything the perfect getaway! After exploring some of the island’s nature reserves and soaking up the sun, be sure to savour the fresh seafood while watching a traditional sea dance performance or the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Zanzibar: This Indian Ocean archipelago off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa offers something for everyone, beautiful white sand beaches and an unforgettable adventure. No trip would be complete without taking a spice tour in the countryside and exploring Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. You’ll find this is a surprisingly cheap tropical destination.
Safaris, reserves, and national parks
Riding safari, Kenya: The best way to experience Kenya’s zebras? From the back of a horse. Imagine galloping alongside the stripey beasts in the Masai Mara, covering up to 100 kilometers (62 miles) in a week.
Nyika Plateau National Park, Malawi: Nyika is one of the most unusual in Africa, with a plateau cut by numerous rivers that reach Lake Malawi by way of waterfalls off the eastern edge of the mountains. The eastern border of the plateau forms the wall of the Great Rift Valley. Nyika is perfect for trekking, mountain biking, and Jeep exploration. Antelope, zebras, and leopards are common sights.
The Great Migration, Tanzania: The sound of thunderous hooves on dirt is simply magical. The migration of wildebeest is actually a year-round event as the animals move from Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Reserve in January, up through the Serengeti around June and hit Kenya’s Masai Mara around September, before journeying south again.
There are many other sites to see aside from these 13 intriguing sites mentioned. If spoilt-for-travel was a continent, it probably would be Africa.
Written by: Kweku Sampson
This article is published by either a staff writer, an intern, or an editor of TheAfricanDream.net, based on editorial discretion.
