The Most Incredible Places In See In Africa
Africa is a continent of remarkable diversity — rich landscapes, powerful wildlife encounters, vibrant cultures, and moments that stay with you long after you’ve returned home. From towering mountains and vast deserts to tropical islands and thundering waterfalls, Africa offers some of the most awe-inspiring destinations on the planet.
If you’re dreaming of your next adventure, here are 12 of the most incredible places to see in Africa that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
1. Sossusvlei, Namibia
Deep in the heart of the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei is home to some of the highest sand dunes in the world. The burnt-red dunes against a bright blue sky are unforgettable, especially at sunrise. Climbing Dune 45 or wandering through the eerie, white clay pan of Deadvlei feels like stepping onto another planet.
2. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Bwindi is one of the most biologically diverse rainforests in the world and offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience: trekking to see endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. The misty forest, dense vegetation, and the quiet power of standing metres away from a gorilla family is something you never forget.
3. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Often referred to as the “Garden of Eden,” the Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Its lush floor is teeming with wildlife — lions, elephants, rhinos, flamingos, and more — all contained within dramatic crater walls. It’s one of the most unique safari landscapes in Africa.
4. Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland deltas and one of Africa’s most extraordinary ecosystems. Flowing into the Kalahari Desert, it creates a lush oasis of waterways, lagoons, and islands. Exploring the delta by traditional mokoro canoe while wildlife moves quietly along the banks is pure magic.
5. Victoria Falls, Zambia & Zimbabwe
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is nothing short of spectacular. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), the sheer power and sound of the falling water is breathtaking. For the adventurous, swimming at the edge in Devil’s Pool is both terrifying and unforgettable.
6. Table Mountain, South Africa
Rising above Cape Town, Table Mountain is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Africa. Whether you hike to the top or take the cable car, the panoramic views of the city, coastline, and ocean below are incredible. It’s a place where nature and city life blend beautifully.
7. Zanzibar Island, Tanzania
Zanzibar is a tropical escape with layers of history and culture. Think white-sand beaches, turquoise water, spice markets, and winding alleyways in Stone Town. Whether you’re snorkelling coral reefs or wandering through historic streets, Zanzibar offers both relaxation and rich cultural experiences.
8. The Sahara Desert, Morocco
The Sahara is vast, powerful, and deeply humbling. In Morocco, you can trek across rolling dunes, ride camels at sunset, and sleep under a sky filled with stars in a Berber desert camp. The stillness and scale of the desert is something that’s hard to put into words — it has to be felt.
9. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
At 5,895 metres, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and one of its most recognisable landmarks. Even if you don’t plan to summit, seeing the snow-capped mountain rising above the surrounding plains is extraordinary. For those who do climb it, the journey through changing climates is as memorable as the summit itself.
10. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
The Maasai Mara is synonymous with classic African safari landscapes. Rolling grasslands, acacia trees, and an abundance of wildlife make this one of the best places in Africa to see lions, cheetahs, elephants, and — if you time it right — the Great Migration.
11. Chefchaouen, Morocco
Tucked into the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is famous for its blue-washed streets and calm, creative energy. Wandering through the town feels peaceful and almost dream-like, making it a beautiful contrast to Morocco’s busier cities.
12. Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
One of the largest green canyons in the world, Blyde River Canyon offers dramatic viewpoints, waterfalls, and winding river scenery. It’s often overlooked, but easily one of South Africa’s most beautiful natural areas — especially at sunrise.
Final Thoughts
Africa’s beauty is vast, varied, and deeply moving. From deserts and deltas to islands and mountains, these destinations highlight just how diverse the continent truly is. Whether you’re chasing adventure, wildlife encounters, cultural depth, or moments of stillness, Africa has a way of leaving its mark on you.