30 of the most breathtaking destinations in Africa

Boasting vast landscapes and an abundance of wildlife, Africa, the world’s second-largest continent, stands as a top choice for photographers seeking the ultimate shot.

Add to that the feeling of being in a place untouched for centuries, and sometimes even millennia, and you'll discover some of the most inspiring and awe-inducing destinations on Earth.

Here are 30 of Africa’s most extraordinary locations you must experience when you visit the continent:

1. The Great Migration, Tanzania

A photo can’t fully capture the deafening sound of hooves pounding the earth as over a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra make their epic annual trek, but this event is undeniably one of the greatest spectacles.

The migration is a continuous journey, starting in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Reserve in January, passing through the Serengeti by June, reaching Kenya’s Masai Mara by September, and then heading south once more.

2. Table Mountain, South Africa

Table Mountain not only enhances Cape Town, one of the world’s top beach destinations, but also adds to its allure as one of the most picturesque cities on the planet.

Take a cable car to the top of this iconic peak for breathtaking views, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and endless photo opportunities. Challenge yourself: Can you narrow it down to 50 photos?

3. Djemaa el Fna, Morocco

Djemaa el Fna is the most vibrant square in the world, a true African experience. In the heart of Marrakech’s ancient medina, snake charmers, henna artists, storytellers, date vendors, and fresh orange juice stalls bring the afternoon to life.

As dusk falls, the square transforms—tribal drummers, dancers, and street food vendors offering grilled meats, fresh bread, and salads fill the air with the scent of smoke and spice, continuing until the early hours.

4. Sossusvlei Dunes, Namibia

Sossusvlei, which translates to ‘the gathering place of water,’ is an awe-inspiring destination—but be sure to bring your own water to avoid dehydration in this harsh, yet stunning, environment, Namibia's top attraction.

The towering dunes here have been shaped over millions of years by sand carried from the Orange River, swept into the Atlantic, and then returned by the surf.

Climbing the dunes rewards you with stunning panoramas, including the eerie Deadvlei—an expanse of white, cracked clay dotted with the haunting remains of ancient camelthorn trees.

5. Mountain Gorillas, Rwanda

A face-to-face encounter with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s dense rainforest will be a memory you’ll carry forever. Several tour operators offer guided treks to observe silverbacks and their families in their natural habitat.

At over 6,000 feet above sea level, Nyungwe National Park is a remote area spanning more than 386 square miles in southwest Rwanda. Here, visitors can meet a variety of primates and explore the highest canopy in East Africa.

6. Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or 'The Smoke That Thunders,' is one of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls in the world. The first European to witness this wonder was Scottish explorer David Livingstone, who arrived in 1855.

Since then, millions have felt the mist from the powerful 108-meter-high waterfall, which has been recorded flowing at a staggering 12,800 cubic meters per second—twice the flow rate of Niagara Falls at its peak.

7. Spitzkoppe, Namibia

Namibia’s desert landscapes are so captivating that there's another landmark worth mentioning on this list.

The Spitzkoppe is a collection of striking granite peaks in the heart of Namibia’s Namib Desert, with the highest peak reaching nearly 1,800 meters (about 5,900 feet). It's a paradise for climbers, geologists, stargazers, and birdwatchers, especially those keen on spotting weaver birds.

8. Sahara Dunes, Morocco

The most accessible part of the Sahara is on Morocco’s northern edge. You can embark on a trek with Berbers from Zagoura or set up camp in Tazzarine, where runners from across the globe participate in the famous Marathon des Sables each spring.

The base of the Merzouga Dunes offers an unrivaled spot for stargazing, completely free from any light pollution.

9. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The Pyramid of King Cheops, the most iconic structure at Giza near Cairo, was built around 2650 BC with 2.5 million limestone blocks. Its sides are precisely aligned with the cardinal directions—north, south, east, and west.

The Chephren Pyramid, built by Cheops’ son, mirrors the size of its predecessor and contains the entrance to a burial chamber that still holds the massive granite sarcophagus of King Chephren.

The Pyramid of Mycerinus is smaller than both Cheops and Chephren's pyramids, with all three surrounded by smaller pyramids and dozens of tombs.

10. Nyika Plateau National Park, Malawi

Nyika, the largest national park in Malawi, is one of Africa’s most unique landscapes, featuring a vast plateau crisscrossed by rivers that flow into Lake Malawi through waterfalls cascading off the eastern mountains.

The eastern edge of Nyika forms the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. Its rolling hills with gentle slopes make the park an ideal location for hiking, mountain biking, and Jeep adventures.

The park is teeming with antelope and zebra, and boasts one of the highest densities of leopards in all of Central Africa.

11. Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

In the vast expanse of the Makgadikgadi Pans in the Kalahari Desert, you can almost hear the pulse of your own blood in the stillness. This desolate land was once home to a massive lake that evaporated thousands of years ago.

In winter, if the rains have been plentiful, the landscape transforms, with vibrant grass sprouting and bringing a surge of wildlife—zebra, wildebeest, and flamingos—all breaking the silence in a dramatic display.

12. Draa Valley, Morocco

Nestled between the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara’s dunes, the Draa Valley is one of Morocco’s most stunning and rewarding landscapes, with vast date plantations and ancient kasbahs made of red earth rising dramatically against the sky.

Zagora, located at the valley's southern tip, serves as a convenient base with good accommodations and eateries. A five-hour drive from Marrakech takes you through the breathtaking Atlas Mountains—though it's better to avoid driving yourself.

13. Sphinx, Egypt

This massive monument stands on the path leading to Egypt's Valley Temple of King Chefren. The Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a human, stretches 70 meters in length and rises 20 meters high—about the height of a six-story building.

While the Sphinx has often been regarded as female, many experts believe its face resembles that of King Chefren.

14. Mount Mulanje, Malawi

At about 3,000 meters (roughly 9,850 feet), the Mulanje Massif towers over the surrounding lush landscape. It is divided by the Fort Lister Gap, a wide pass carved out by the Phalombe and Sombani rivers.

The mountain is marked by vast rock basins and narrow gorges carved by rushing streams. A challenging hike rewards you with breathtaking vistas.

Along the way, you might spot monkeys, hares, voles, and a vibrant carpet of wildflowers that bloom after the rains. Butterflies are also a common sight, adding color to the landscape.

15. Riding Safari, Kenya

Want to get up close to Kenya’s zebras? The best way is on horseback. Riders can gallop alongside these striped creatures in the Masai Mara, covering up to 100 kilometers (62 miles) over the course of a week.

16. Wonders of the Nile, Egypt

A journey along Egypt's Nile, preferably on a romantic felucca rather than a busy tourist boat, unveils the treasures of one of the world's oldest civilizations.

The highlight of the trip is the Valley of the Kings, with its towering statues, as well as the stunning Kom Ombo Temple, located on the east bank of the Nile, just north of Aswan.

17. Flamingos, Kenya

Lake Nakuru National Park hosts over a million flamingos, offering one of Kenya’s most unforgettable sights. The lake has become renowned for its incredible bird spectacle, with vast flocks of vibrant pink birds filling the alkaline waters and stretching into the wide sky.

18. Lower Zambezi, Zambia

Canoeing safaris along the Lower Zambezi offer close encounters with hippos, elephants, and other wildlife as they drink from the river and its tributaries near camp.

Fishing enthusiasts can also enjoy a variety of camps and lodges situated along the riverbanks, catering to their passions.

19. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

A 10-minute helicopter ride over the Bazaruto Archipelago to Azura Retreats on Benguerra Island is a journey worth taking on its own. The destination is the perfect finish to the adventure.

This boutique hotel, tucked away on a remote desert island and part of a Marine National Park, offers the chance to witness whales, dolphins, and dugongs in their natural surroundings.

20. Nxia Pan National Park, Botswana

Near the entrance to Botswana’s Nxai Pan National Park, the Baines Baobabs stand tall. Named after Victorian explorer and artist Thomas Baines, who immortalized them in his watercolor paintings, their fruit is said to taste like sherbet.

The Nxai Pan National Park is ideal for observing the vast, salt-encrusted pans typical of the Kalahari. It's also a great place for spotting lions, leopards, cheetahs, and unusually large herds of giraffes.

21. Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Stretching over 160 kilometers (100 miles) and plunging up to 500 meters (1,640 feet) deep, Fish River Canyon is an awe-inspiring natural wonder. During the dry season, turquoise pools formed by seasonally flowing water add to its beauty, making it a sight to behold.

22. Rhinos at Solio Reserve, Kenya

Nestled in the valley between the dramatic slopes of Mount Kenya and the rolling peaks of the Aberdare Mountains, Solio Reserve is home to around 250 black and white rhinos, making it one of the best places to witness these increasingly endangered species.

23. Nyiragongo Volcano, Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

With a diameter of over 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) and a constantly bubbling lava lake, Nyiragongo Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Africa. Its eruption in 2002 displaced half a million people, leaving a lasting impact on the region.

24. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest peak, drawing thousands who dream of summiting its heights. Known as a 'Sky Island,' it supports a variety of unique ecosystems.

Climbers ascend through lush rainforests and alpine meadows, eventually crossing a barren, moon-like landscape before reaching the twin summit, often above the clouds.

25. Lake Malawi, Malawi

Lake Malawi, one of the largest bodies of freshwater in the world, was named the 'Lake of Stars' by Dr. David Livingstone during his journey here over 150 years ago.

Home to over 1,300 species of tropical fish, Lake Malawi boasts the highest diversity of fish species in any lake, and its freshwater diving is unparalleled.

Recognized by UNESCO for its exceptional biodiversity, Lake Malawi National Park was designated as the world’s first freshwater park and is now a World Heritage Site.

26. African Renaissance Monument, Senegal

Rising to 49 meters (160 feet), the African Renaissance Monument in Senegal is the tallest statue in Africa, surpassing the Statue of Liberty in height.

Reaching the top of this monumental statue is an exhilarating challenge, rewarded by a stunning panoramic view of Dakar.

27. Lekki Conservation Centre, Nigeria

For an unforgettable adventure, take a stroll on Africa’s longest canopy walkway and immerse yourself in Nigeria’s natural beauty.

The Lekki Conservation Centre provides a peaceful retreat from the busy pace of Lagos, offering a slice of tranquility amidst nature.

28. Nzulezo, Ghana

Nzulezo, which means ‘surface of water’ in the Nzema language, is a village built entirely on stilts over a lake.

The village of Nzulezo is entirely built on stilts, floating above Lake Tandane in western Ghana.

Nzulezo offers a rare opportunity to experience life on water, and visitors can enjoy a taste of Akpeteshi, a locally brewed gin made from Raffia palm.

29. Cape Verde Archipelago

The Cape Verde archipelago, located in the North Atlantic, is made up of 10 islands, offering a unique fusion of African, Iberian, and Brazilian cultural influences.

Cape Verde has something for everyone, from exciting water sports and volcanic hikes to relaxing moments on its picturesque beaches.

If you're visiting between February and March, don't miss the vibrant Cape Verde Carnival in São Vicente, the cultural heart of the islands.

30. Lake Retba (Lac Rose), Senegal

One of the rare pink lakes in the world can be found in Senegal's Cap-Vert peninsula.

Lake Retba, also known as Lac Rose by locals, is one of the saltiest lakes on Earth. Its vibrant color comes from bacteria that produce a red pigment to absorb sunlight.

The best time to witness the lake's brightest pink shades is during Senegal's dry season, from November to June.