The Most Beautiful Corners of Africa

Unveil the beautiful corners of Africa, a continent woven with diverse terrains ranging from the undulating dunes of the Namib Desert to the lush Congo Basin jungles. These landscapes echo the passage of our earliest ancestors and cradle an incredible array of wildlife and communities rooted in time-honored traditions. Delve into a world where awe-inspiring natural beauty meets profound cultural experiences, and discover why Africa’s corners are among the most spectacular on the planet.

Sossusvlei

Located in Namibia, Sossusvlei is home to some of the largest and most stunning sand dunes in the world. The dunes reach up to 300 meters in height and the sand takes on varying hues of red and orange, making for an incredibly photogenic landscape. Early mornings are best for visiting Sossusvlei when the dunes create striking shadows and colors at sunrise.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, straddles the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe on the Zambezi River. Over 500 million liters of water plunge over the waterfall’s edge each minute! The falls create a constant mist that nourishes the surrounding rainforest. Visitors can view Victoria Falls from either the Zambian or Zimbabwean side.

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of Africa’s largest game reserves, providing habitat for diverse wildlife. The park is home to the Big 5 – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo. Safaris through Kruger provide opportunities to spot wildlife up close, from large herds of impala to rare sightings like leopards stalking prey.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia is home to some of Africa’s most ancient cultures and stunning landscapes. The rock-cut churches of Lalibela carved entirely out of stone, date back to the 12th century. The active volcano Erta Ale contains one of the world’s few lava lakes. The Simien Mountains contain high plateaus and peaks over 4,000 meters high that are home to some of the planet’s most endangered species.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe contains one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders – Victoria Falls. But it also boasts remarkable national parks full of wildlife viewing opportunities, like Hwange National Park, home to over 100 mammal and 400 bird species. Lake Kariba is a vast reservoir with game-filled shores and islands that visitors can explore on boat cruises.

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is the world’s largest inland delta. Seasonal flooding turns the region into a lush watery paradise full of channels, lagoons, and islands lined with papyrus. Visitors can experience the Okavango through safari drives, scenic flights, or traditional canoe rides known as mokoros. The lush delta draws all kinds of wildlife from elephants to lions, leopards, buffalo, and hundreds of bird species.

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. The crater rim provides stunning views looking down over a massive natural enclosure full of wildlife. Some 25,000 large mammals live inside the crater walls year-round, including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and endangered black rhinos. Safaris inside the crater offer close-up encounters with multiple species.

Bazaruto Archipelago

The Bazaruto Archipelago off Mozambique contains sandy islands surrounded by warm turquoise waters full of colorful coral reefs. The islands’ beaches and dunes create the perfect landscape for relaxation and watersports. Visitors can snorkel and dive the reefs to spot sea turtles, dolphins, and whale sharks. Dugong, a rare sea mammal, also inhabits the archipelago’s peaceful waters.

Maclear’s Beacon

Maclear’s Beacon marks the highest point of Cape Province in South Africa, standing over 10,000 feet above sea level. From the beacon, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views over the mountains, valleys, and forests of the Drakensberg region. The dramatic landscape contains rivers, waterfalls, and sandstone cliffs. Hiking through this landscape allows you to experience its full beauty.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Uganda‘s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest contains some of Africa’s last remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking through the biodiverse forest to spot these gentle giants is an extraordinary and endangered experience. The national park forest is also home to over 160 species of trees, 100 species of ferns, and 320 mountain birds – making it one of Africa’s most diverse forests.

Lake Malawi

Also known as Lake Nyasa, Lake Malawi contains more fish species than any other lake on earth. The massive lake offers turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and idyllic islands to explore. Visitors can snorkel, dive, kayak, or relax on the shores of Lake Malawi and take in dramatic sunrises and sunsets over the waters.

South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa in Zambia is one of Africa’s greatest national parks for walking safaris. Visitors can experience exceptional wildlife encounters on foot, spotting animals like giraffes, lions, elephants, and over 400 bird species. Nighttime walks also provide unique sightings of nocturnal wildlife under the stars.

Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach near Cape Town contains a protected colony of rare African Penguins. The beach gets its name from the giant granite boulders that line the sandy shores, smoothed over time by the waves. Visitors can swim along the beach, getting up close to the penguins. It’s an ideal place for family-friendly experiences observing the waddling, busy penguins.

Serengeti

Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park contains one of the world’s most iconic safari landscapes – endless grasslands dotted with acacia trees and teeming with wildlife. Nearly 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 480 species of birds journey across the Serengeti each year in search of grass and water. Safaris in the Serengeti offer front-row views of this extraordinary migration.

Marrakesh

As a former imperial city in Morocco, Marrakesh overflows with intricate architecture and lively culture. Wander the souks to uncover vibrant textiles, ceramics, and leatherwork. Relax in the Jardin Majorelle, a serene garden oasis. Watch performers, snake charmers, and food stalls in Djemaa el-Fna square. And dine-in old riads transformed into remarkable restaurants and hotels.

Wrap-Up

Africa, with its boundless beauty and diversity, offers a trove of unparalleled destinations that beckon travelers from across the globe. From the towering dunes of Sossusvlei to the rhythmic pulse of Marrakesh, the continent’s treasures are as varied as they are captivating. These remarkable sites, each offering its own unique allure, highlight the continent’s vast natural wonders and rich cultural heritage.