At a Glance
- Africa blends ancient wonders and wild landscapes for unforgettable travel experiences.
- Iconic sites include Victoria Falls, Kilimanjaro, the Pyramids, and the Great Migration.
- Top eco-tourism, safaris, and cultural hotspots span 30 breathtaking African destinations.
Africa is home to some of the most breathtaking travel destinations in the world—where ancient civilizations meet untamed wilderness, and where geological wonders stretch across landscapes that feel almost otherworldly.
Whether you’re chasing the thunder of the Great Migration in Tanzania, hiking the sky-piercing slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, or watching the sun rise over Namibia’s scarlet dunes, each destination across this vast and diverse continent offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The allure of African travel lies in its vast contrasts. Here, you’ll find everything from Morocco’s bustling Djemaa el Fna square and Egypt’s timeless Pyramids of Giza to Senegal’s pink Lake Retba and Mozambique’s remote Bazaruto Archipelago.
The continent is also home to the world’s richest ecosystems, with top-tier safari destinations like the Masai Mara in Kenya, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and the primate-filled rainforests of Rwanda.
This Shore.Africa guide highlights 30 of the most extraordinary places to visit in Africa—handpicked for their visual splendor, cultural significance, and global appeal.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor, these destinations promise unforgettable memories and the kind of stories you’ll want to tell for a lifetime.
The Great Migration – Tanzania & Kenya
Witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles as over a million wildebeest and thousands of zebras migrate through Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara.
This bucket-list African adventure peaks between June and September and is regarded as one of the best wildlife experiences on the planet.
Table Mountain – South Africa
Soaring above Cape Town, Table Mountain delivers panoramic views of one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Accessible via cable car, it’s a must-see for landscape photographers and nature lovers.
Djemaa el Fna – Marrakech, Morocco
This bustling Marrakech square pulses with life: snake charmers, storytellers, street food vendors, and tribal musicians animate the night. It’s Africa’s most iconic open-air theatre.
Sossusvlei Dunes – Namibia
Namibia’s Sossusvlei dunes are among the highest and oldest in the world. Towering red sand waves and the eerie beauty of Deadvlei make this desert destination one of Africa’s most Instagrammable spots.
Mountain Gorillas – Rwanda
A guided trek through Nyungwe or Volcanoes National Park offers rare face-to-face encounters with endangered mountain gorillas. Rwanda is a top pick for eco-tourism in Africa.
Victoria Falls – Zambia & Zimbabwe
Known as “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls is one of the world’s largest and most powerful waterfalls, offering thrilling experiences like bungee jumping and Devil’s Pool.
Spitzkoppe – Namibia
Nicknamed the “Matterhorn of Namibia,” these granite peaks are ideal for climbing, stargazing, and photography. A natural wonder in the heart of the Namib Desert.
Sahara Desert – Morocco
Experience the Moroccan Sahara with camel treks, Berber hospitality, and star-lit nights at Merzouga’s dune camps. This is desert travel at its finest.
Pyramids of Giza – Egypt
The only remaining wonder of the ancient world, the Pyramids of Giza near Cairo are a must-see for history enthusiasts and cultural travelers exploring North Africa.
Nyika Plateau – Malawi
This high-altitude park offers rolling grasslands, waterfalls, and prolific wildlife including leopards, zebras, and antelope. Ideal for trekking and mountain biking.
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana
These otherworldly salt flats transform into a lush sanctuary during the rainy season, drawing flamingos, wildebeest, and zebra in a dramatic migration.
Draa Valley, Morocco
A hidden gem of date palms, ancient kasbahs, and red-earth villages. The Draa Valley is perfect for cultural immersion and Saharan exploration.
The Great Sphinx – Egypt
This 70-meter-long limestone statue guards the pyramids and is one of the oldest and most enigmatic monuments in Egypt. A key stop on any Nile adventure.
Mount Mulanje, Malawi
Rising nearly 3,000 meters, this granite massif offers rugged trails, waterfalls, and wildflowers, making it a must for hiking enthusiasts.
Riding Safari, Kenya
Gallop alongside zebras and giraffes in the Masai Mara. Multi-day horse safaris offer a deeper connection to East Africa’s famed wildlife.
Wonders of the Nile, Egypt
Cruise from Luxor to Aswan on a traditional felucca and explore ancient wonders like the Valley of the Kings and Kom Ombo Temple.
Flamingos at Lake Nakuru, Kenya
Home to millions of pink flamingos, Lake Nakuru transforms into a sea of color—one of the most iconic bird-watching spots in Africa.
Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
Canoe safaris here bring you face-to-face with elephants, hippos, and crocodiles along one of Africa’s most unspoiled river landscapes.
Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
This marine paradise offers powdery beaches, world-class snorkeling, and luxury eco-lodges surrounded by migrating whales and dugongs.
Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana
Famous for its baobabs and big cats, Nxai Pan blends desert isolation with rich biodiversity and dramatic seasonal changes.
Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Africa’s largest canyon stretches over 160 kilometers and plunges 500 meters deep. Its arid beauty and seasonal turquoise pools attract trekkers and nature lovers.
Solio Reserve – Kenya
A rhino conservation success story, Solio is home to over 250 black and white rhinos. Tucked between Mount Kenya and the Aberdares, it’s a serene safari escape.
Nyiragongo Volcano – Virunga, DR Congo
One of Africa’s most active volcanoes, Nyiragongo boasts a fiery lava lake within its summit crater. Adventurous hikers can camp overnight at the rim.
Mount Kilimanjaro – Tanzania
Africa’s tallest mountain stands as a beacon for trekkers worldwide. From rainforest to arctic summit, Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime climb above the clouds.
African Renaissance Monument – Dakar, Senegal
The tallest statue in Africa, this bronze colossus towers 49 meters over Dakar. Climb to the top for sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Senegalese capital.
Lekki Conservation Centre – Lagos, Nigeria
Escape the urban sprawl of Lagos on Africa’s longest canopy walkway. This eco-tourism hub offers monkey sightings, birdwatching, and family-friendly trails.
Nzulezo – Ghana
A stilt village built entirely over water on Lake Tandane. Nzulezo gives visitors a rare glimpse into aquatic living and traditional life in Ghana’s Western Region.
Cape Verde Archipelago
This 10-island chain blends African rhythms with Portuguese flair. From windsurfing on Sal to hiking Fogo’s volcano, Cape Verde offers adventure and culture in equal measure.
Lake Malawi, Malawi
Dubbed the “Lake of Stars,” this UNESCO World Heritage site boasts the highest number of freshwater fish species on Earth—making it a diver’s paradise and a conservation icon.
Lake Retba (Lac Rose) – Senegal
This striking pink lake gets its hue from high salinity and algae. Visit during Senegal’s dry season (November to June) for the most vivid colors and unique photo ops.
