LOOK: Explore the most stunning destinations on the African continent

Blyde River Canyon on the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga South Africa. Picture: Unsplash

Blyde River Canyon on the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga South Africa. Picture: Unsplash

Published Aug 30, 2024

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When it comes to beautiful sites, it’s no secret that there is no other place like Africa. The continent is vast with natural beauty and wonders.

It is the second biggest continent on earth, the cradle of humankind and has amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. From north to south, east to west, the continent has plenty of adventures to explore.

If you’re looking for places to add to your travel bucket list, here are some of the most beautiful places on earth, Africa edition.

Victoria Falls: Zimbabwe/Zambia

Victoria Falls, also Mosi-oa-Tunya, on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Picture: Unsplash

Victoria Falls is one of the most expansive waterfalls globally, spanning over 1 700 meters in width and plummeting up to 108 meters into the Batoka Gorge. Its sheer size and power make it a breathtaking natural spectacle.

Le Morne: Mauritius

Le Morne in Mauritius and its optical illusion of an under water waterfall. Picture: Unsplash

Famous for the illusion of an underwater waterfall from an aerial view, Le Morne Beach nestled at the foot of Morne Brabant at the tip of the peninsula is ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius.

Indeed, it has all the characteristics of a dream beach: a long stretch of white sand, crystal clear waters and palm trees.

Avenue of Baobabs: Madagascar

The Avenue of Baobabs in Madagascar. Picture: Unsplash

The Avenue of Baobabs, on the west coast of Madagascar linking Morondava and Belo Tsiribihina, is framed by dozens of rare and ancient baobab trees creating a setting so beautiful and unique that it may become the country’s first official natural monument.

These giant, dry season-deciduous trees are more than 800 years old with trunks that are over 150 feet around and a sight to marvel at.

Deadvlei : Namibia

The Deadvlei in Namibia. Picture: Unsplash

Deadvlei is a paradise for photographers as the contrast between the pitch-black trees and bleached-white pans, and the rusty-red dunes and deep blue sky make for incredible images.

Close to Sossusvlei, Deadvlei is a clay pan characterised by dark, dead camel thorn trees contrasted against the white pan floor.

The pan was formed when the Tsauchab River flooded and the abundance of water allowed camel thorn trees to grow.

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans : Botswana

Zebras crossing a stream in Nxai Pan National Park, one of the Makgadikgadi Pan salt flats. Picture: Unsplash

The largest salt pans in the world, the Makgadikgadi Pans are a breathtaking sight – a vast sea of white that was once the centre of a huge lake that evaporated more than 2 000 years ago.

When it rains during the wet season, the pans fill with water and attract large numbers of zebra, springbok and wildebeest, followed closely by predators, making for fantastic game viewing.

Spectacular breeding colonies of flamingos can also be seen.

Pyramids of Giza: Egypt

The pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Picture: Unsplash

The oldest and largest of the historic landmarks are the pyramids of Giza. These are a sight to behold and were constructed more than 4 500 years ago.

The Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure are the three principal pyramids. The historical significance of the Giza pyramids and the opportunity to learn about ancient Egyptian mythology are further justifications for going there.

They play a significant role in the history and culture of Ancient Egypt and, as such, provide insights into this intriguing society.

Blyde River Canyon: South Africa

Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga South Africa. Picture: Unsplash

The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world at 26 946ha, after the Grand Canyon in the US and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia, and is the largest “green canyon” due to its lush subtropical foliage, with the deepest precipitous cliffs of any canyon on the planet.

Tundavala: Angola

The Tundavala Gap or Tundavala Escarpment in Angola. Picture: Tripadvisor

The Tundavala Fissure, also known as the Tundavala Gap or Tundavala Escarpment, is a natural geological formation located in the Huíla Province of south-western Angola.

It is a breathtaking natural wonder that offers stunning panoramic views and is a popular tourist attraction in the region.

The Tundavala Fissure is considered one of the natural gems of Angola and provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the country's stunning natural beauty.

Lake Nakuru: Kenya

Flamingos at Lake Nakuru in Kenya. Picture: Unsplash

Lake Nakuru in Kenya is just a three-hour drive from Nairobi in the Great Rift Valley. It boasts an abundance of wildlife and spectacular landscapes.

Think black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs and hippos occupying euphorbia forests, acacia woodlands, savannah grasslands and rocky escarpments around a shallow, alkaline lake.

It is also worth visiting due to its thousands of beautiful pink flamingos that cover the lake.