Tourist Attractions in Africa
Africa is a continent of diverse and stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and fascinating wildlife. It offers countless destinations for travelers who want to experience its wonders, from ancient pyramids and mosques to tropical islands and waterfalls. Here are some of the best tourist attractions in Africa that you should not miss.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is one of the most popular and beautiful cities in Africa, located at the southern tip of the continent. It is surrounded by majestic mountains, such as Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, and boasts stunning beaches, such as Camps Bay and Clifton. Cape Town is also a cultural hub, with a vibrant mix of people, cuisines, arts, and history. You can visit the historic Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years; explore the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, where the Cape Malay community lives; enjoy the scenic Cape Winelands, where you can taste some of the finest wines in the world; or take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the ocean.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia
Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world, and one of the top tourist attractions in Africa. It is located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, where the Zambezi River plunges over a cliff into a narrow gorge. The falls are about 1.7 kilometers wide and 108 meters high, creating a massive curtain of water that produces a thunderous roar and a mist that can be seen from kilometers away. The falls are also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means “the smoke that thunders” in the local Tonga language. You can view the falls from various vantage points on both sides of the river, or take a helicopter or microlight flight for an aerial perspective. You can also enjoy various activities around the falls, such as bungee jumping, white-water rafting, canoeing, zip-lining, or swimming in the Devil’s Pool, a natural pool at the edge of the falls.
Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx are among the most iconic and ancient monuments in the world, and one of the best tourist attractions in Africa. They are located on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt’s capital city, and are part of a complex that includes several pyramids, tombs, temples, and statues. The largest and most famous pyramid is the Great Pyramid of Khufu, which was built around 2560 BC as a tomb for the pharaoh Khufu. It is about 146 meters high and covers an area of 13 acres. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one that still stands today. The Sphinx is a colossal statue of a lion with a human head that faces east towards the rising sun. It is believed to represent Khafre, Khufu’s son and successor, who built another pyramid nearby. The Sphinx is about 20 meters high and 73 meters long. It is one of the oldest and largest sculptures in the world.
At 5,895 m, Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa. This volcanic massif stands in splendid isolation above the surrounding plains, with its snowy peak looming over the savannah. The mountain is encircled by mountain forest. Numerous mammals, many of them endangered species, live in the park. It is the highest point in Africa and a tallest free-standing Mountain. Because of its shrinking glaciers and ice fields, which are projected to disappear between 2025 and 2035, it has been the subject of many scientific studies.