The Most Beautiful Places in Africa

The Sahara is the largest hot desert on earth, spanning 11 different countries in northern Africa – including both Morocco in the west and Egypt in the east. The Moroccan Sahara is a relatively small sliver of land, known for its golden dunes and tranquil oases. 

The Egyptian Sahara is equally magical and much larger, covering a considerable part of the country. Here you’ll find prehistoric whale skeletons, the ancient Qarun Lake and the lush oasis of Siwa. Whichever part of the Sahara you visit, both beauty and adventure are guaranteed.

Victoria Falls tops the list of Africa’s most impressive waterfalls. Boasting the largest sheet of falling water in the world, this thundering spectacle sits on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, making it possible to visit the falls from either country.

The Zimbabwean side generally offers the best views, while the Zambian side is ideal for adrenaline seekers hoping to swim in Devil’s Pool or go whitewater rafting. From either side and any angle, it’s easy to see why some consider this the most beautiful place in Africa.

Mount Kilimanjaro may be the tallest peak in Africa – and the tallest free–standing mountain on earth – but its staggering height is far from the only exceptional thing about it. Here you’ll encounter dense rainforests, stark savannahs and even snow at the summit.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a once–in–a–lifetime experience and a surprisingly accessible challenge. It’s also the best way to fully appreciate the mountain’s beauty, including the astonishing panoramic views of Tanzania that await you at the top.

Serengeti National Park is a quintessential safari destination promising some of the most beautiful landscapes in Africa. Its sweeping plains and sturdy baobabs are complemented by epic wildlife viewing experiences, including Big Five safaris.

The Serengeti is gorgeous at any time of day or night, from the gentle light of dawn to the sparkling stars after dark. It’s an essential stop on any tour of Tanzania and the perfect complement to other renowned destinations like the Ngorongoro Crater and Singita Grumeti.

White sand, crystalline water and a tropical climate are the defining features of Zanzibar, an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania known primarily for its main island (also called Zanzibar). The perfect place to unwind after a safari, this island paradise’s natural beauty is enhanced by the atmospheric Stone Town, a historic trading hub.

If you’re looking for total seclusion, head to one of Zanzibar’s smaller isles like Pemba Island or Mafia Island. In addition to the privacy and pristine nature on shore, you’ll also find an endless array of beauty in the vibrant coral reefs beneath the waves.

The historical importance of the Nile River is well established, but many people don’t realise how stunning the river and its surroundings are until they see it in person. In fact, gliding along its shimmering surface on a luxury cruise is among our favourite ways to explore Egypt.

Along the way you’ll be treated to splendid sunsets over the water; stops at intriguing cities such as Cairo, Luxor and Aswan; and sightings of aquatic animals like dolphins and Nile crocodiles. Of course, you can also admire the river’s beauty from shore if you’d rather stay on dry land.

Located in northern Botswana, the Okavango Delta is one of the most unique natural environments on earth. Every year the delta is flooded with waters that flow from Angola through Namibia and finally to Botswana, only arriving when the country is at its driest. 

The result of this contradictory phenomenon is an influx of animals in search of water sources, creating a spectacular seasonal display of diverse wildlife, waterways and islands. The scarcity of camps and lodges within the delta means that it remains wonderfully wild and unspoilt.

If you’re wondering how this national park got its name, look no further than the thick foliage and abundant bamboo that renders it – almost – impenetrable. The word Bwindi means ‘place full of darkness’ in the local language spoken in this corner of southwestern Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is world-famous for its mountain gorillas and the many other mammals that call it home, in addition to its highly diverse plant life. This exceptional density of flora and fauna is precisely what makes it one of the most beautiful places in Africa.

Table Mountain is the crown jewel of Cape Town, one of the three capitals of South Africa – a country that boasts more than its fair share of beauty. The peak is named for its unusually flat summit, resembling a tabletop, and offers more than one of the best hikes in South Africa.

You can climb Table Mountain via the popular Platteklip Gorge Trail or the challenging Skeleton Gorge Trail (or take a cable car). However you reach the top, once there you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the city and the sea.

Some sites offer a familiar sort of beauty, while others redefine our understanding of the concept itself. Sossusvlei is one such place. Located within Namibia’s enormous Namib–Naukluft National Park, this desert landscape is known for its reddish sand dunes and silvery clay plans.

Rather than lush landscapes or panoramic views, Sossusvlei is infused with an otherworldly sense of emptiness. Amid the desolate beauty, you might be lucky enough to spot desert–adapted species like the bat–eared fox or dune lark.