etraveladmin When visiting the birthplace of civilization, you can’t help but feel the continent’s energy. It is a vast expanse of land, each with its own distinct energy and culture.
These are the top African destinations that will make you fall in love with the continent. It’s not a Wikipedia compilation; it’s first-hand advice from people who have visited Africa.
1. Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro
Nothing compares to Mount Kilimanjaro when it comes to the best places to visit in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro (Kili, as it is affectionately known) is Africa’s highest peak, and at 19340 feet, it is unsurprising that reaching the summit is a difficult and sometimes arduous task.
Those with a moderate to high level of fitness can reach the highest peak, Uhuru, and if you do, you’ll be able to say you’ve reached the summit of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. More information on Mount Kilimanjaro – Mount Kilimanjaro, How Difficult is it to Climb?
2. Serengeti National Park (Tanzania and Kenya)
The Wildebeest Migration, arguably one of the most amazing natural events on the planet, is a sight to behold. The migration takes place between the open plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara.
Over a million wildebeest and zebra migrate to greener pastures. The herbivores face a tense journey as they are closely followed by various predators hoping to exploit the stragglers’ weaknesses. A hot air balloon ride over the Wildebeest Migration is one of the best ways to see the migration.
3. Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve
Kenya’s answer to the Serengeti, the Masai Mara National Reserve, is spectacular. It is actually linked to the Serengeti. The Mara is widely regarded as one of the best places in Africa for wildlife viewing. We landed in Tanzania after flying over the Masai Mara in a hot air balloon. We saw all five of the big five animals during our safari in the Masai Mara. It is one of Africa’s most beautiful destinations.
4. Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken, unflooded volcanic caldera, is one of the best places to visit in Africa. The Ngorongoro Crater is 19 kilometres across, 600 kilometres deep (from the rim to the floor), and has a total floor area of 260 kilometres squared.
Thousands of animals coexisted peacefully while zebras pranced and lions stalked their prey. It felt like I was in a fairytale.
The Ngorongoro Crater was one of our favourite stops on our Tanzania safari. Around three million years ago, a massive volcano exploded and then collapsed on itself, forming the colossally impressive crater. Many species can be found on the crater floor, making it a “natural enclosure” for wildlife.
5. Rwanda and Uganda share the Virunga National Park.
The Virunga Mountains are a chain of volcanic mountains that run through Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Their breathtaking beauty is due to their lush and fertile slopes. The Virunga Mountains are also the last refuge for the critically endangered mountain gorillas.
Other interesting animals found in Virunga National Park and the Virunga Mountains include Chimpanzees, forest elephants, and the okapi (a mammal similar to the giraffe but with much shorter legs and neck, they have stripes down their legs).
6. Ethiopia – Lalibella
Ethiopia is not on many people’s radars, but it is a fascinating African country to visit. It is rich in historical sites and breathtaking scenery. People still associate Ethiopia with the 1980s famine, but it is a lush and green country with rocky mountains, lakes, and rivers.
Lalibella is a complex of underground stone churches. Gondar, a picturesque city with mediaeval castles dotting a lush landscape of trees and lakes, is another place to visit in Ethiopia.
7. South Africa’s Table Mountain
When Dave and I first arrived in Cape Town, it was cloudy. We’d heard it was Africa’s most beautiful city, but it took four days to reveal itself. When the rain stopped, the most breathtaking scene emerged, with the massive Table Mountain towering above. Cape Town is our favourite African city. It’s a fantastic place to base yourself while exploring everything South Africa has to offer.
South Africa has it all, from wildlife safaris to wine tours, shark diving to a great road trip, and it all starts in Cape Town.
8. Botswana’s Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is frequently referred to incorrectly as the Okavanga Swamp. It is the world’s largest inland delta, spanning 17000 square kilometres. The drying up of Lake Makgadikgadi thousands of years ago caused this unique water feature, which has drawn explorers and tourists ever since.
The Okavango River drains its water onto the Kalahari Desert plains of Botswana, forming the Okavanga Delta, an intricate and awe-inspiring labyrinth of inland lagoons, lakes, and islands.
9. Victoria Falls is located in Zambia and Zimbabwe
The site of the “largest curtain of falling water on the planet” is thousands of tonnes of water gushing downwards. Victoria Falls is a magnificent waterfall on the Zambezi River near the Zimbabwean border. One of the most well-known activities in Victoria Falls Vic is bungee jumping from the bridge that connects Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (thundering smoke) columns of water spray can be seen from miles away, and the sound shows visitors how powerful the water flow is.
10. South Africa’s Kruger National Park
Through South African nations from Zambia to South Africa. And Kruger National Park is the country’s premier wildlife viewing game reserve.
It is the premier safari destination in South Africa. However, if you are based in Johannesburg, this is the place to visit to see Africa’s Big 5.
Kariega Game Reserve, iSimangaliso Wetlands, and other private game reserves are among the others.
