Beautiful Places In Africa
Africa is a massive continent, and planning a visit can be a daunting task for the prospective traveler. To put Africa's size into perspective, consider this: the United States could fit into Africa about three times! Although it is hard to narrow down what Africa has to offer into just ten entries, we did our best to pull a sampling of the continent's most beautiful places.
10. Victoria Falls
Appropriately called "Mosi-oa-Tunya" in Tokaleya Tonga, which roughly translates into “smoke that thunders”, Victoria Falls are synonymous with the natural beauty of Africa. Found on the Zambezi River and on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the amazing falls are 5,604 feet in width and have a height of 354 feet. The waterfall is an amazing sight to behold both day and night - at nighttime, visitors may be able to see a rainbow formed on the waters of the falls caused by the light from the moon.
9. Mauritius
Although it generally stays out of the eyes of the media, the island country of Mauritius, found off of Africa's southeast coast in the Indian Ocean, has all of the makings of a dream destination, from white sand beaches to water with astonishing azure shades. An interesting fact: the long-extinct dodo bird was native to Mauritius. Today, the island country is still home to a number of unique endemic species.
8. Chefchaouen
If blue isn't already your favorite color, it will be after a visit to this Moroccan town that is straight out of a fairytale. Found in the country's northwest, Chefchaouen has existed as a city since the 1400s and today remains a major draw for tourists. If you choose to make the trek, you won't be alone, as thousands of visitors come to see the town's lovely blue hues every year. Fear not though, wary traveler: Chefchaouen has an impressive 200 hotels to cater to these tourists.
7. Djenné
Located in the country of Mali, in northwest Africa, Djenné is considered one of the wonders of Africa and a great example of the unique Sudano-Sahelian architectural style. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is best known for its massive Great Mosque, which is made from earth that had been baked in the sun and reinforced with palm leaves.
6. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
On the amazing island of Madagascar, there is the unique Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, home to rock formations that are not found anywhere else on Earth. Called a "mineral forest", the word "Tsingy" is the Malagasy word meaning "to walk on tiptoes". Although the area is rather remote to reach, tourists who are able to make the trek are rewarded with amazing viewpoints.
5. The White Desert
This national park, located in Egypt, is unique for its large formations made out of chalk rock - a type of limestone that is mostly made up of calcite. Immensely popular amongst domestic travelers, the White Desert has recently began to gain popularity with international tourists. A variety of tours are available.
4. Rwenzori Mountains
The Rwenzori Mountains can be found in Western Uganda as well as part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are unique for hosting both a tropical and alpine climates. The third highest mountain in Africa, Mount Stanley, is found in the mountain range. The tallest mountains in the range are snow-capped year round.
3. Cape Town
South Africa's second largest city has a lot to offer to the average traveller, from beautiful beaches to amazing cultural experiences (Cape Town is one of the world's most culturally diverse cities). Cape Town itself has a very beautiful natural setting, with a large harbor and mountainous surroundings. The urban area of Cape Town is the oldest of its kind on the continent.
2. Semien Mountains
The Ethiopian Highlands are truly a sight to be seen. Formed by millions of years of erosion, no two mountains in the area are the same. The mountains are not only home to a number of modest sized villages (in spite of the area's altitude), but are also home to a number of animal species, such as the Gelada monkey.
1. Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti National Park found in Tanzania is home to the famous Wildebeest Migration, which takes place annually. During this event, zebras, antelopes and other species migrate to Kenya in search of greener pastures. It has been called one of the world's most "spectacular natural events".
