This article contains a list of tourist attractions in Africa that you should visit at least once in a lifetime.
Africa may not always register on the average traveler’s radar. I mean, what’s there to see, right? Wrong. Africa is blessed not only with rich cultures and traditions but is also home to many of the world’s most amazing and mesmerizing places.
Housing in more than 50 different countries in Africa offers you the chance to experience a perfect blend of ancient and modern, wild and urban lifestyles.
There are so many diverse adventures to experience in Africa. Different tourist attractions offer different experiences. Some attractions are well suited for those looking to relax and enjoy a quiet, serene atmosphere, lying by a crystal blue beach while sipping on a mocktail.
Some other destinations are perfect for adventure seekers. These destinations guarantee a non-stop adrenaline rush. Some other tourist attractions in Africa are for those who are looking forward to experiencing the perfect blend of cultures and traditions. Whatever experience you are looking forward to, there is something for everyone in Africa.
Here is a list of some tourist attractions in Africa you should add to your bucket list today.
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Victoria Falls, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
Sitting majestically on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989.
It is also one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Falling from a height of 108 meters (354 feet) and a width of 1,708 meters (5, 604 feet), Victoria Falls is known as the greatest sheet of falling water in the world. It is twice the height of North America’s Niagara Falls and well over twice its width.
This iconic waterfall presents a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty. This sight wowed European explorer David Livingstone so much that he named the majestic fall in honor of Queen Victoria in the 1800s.
The locals living in the area at the time called it ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya,’ meaning ‘The smoke that thunders’ This seems to be a more befitting name for this nature’s masterpiece because of the plumes of mist that hovers around the waterfall as it roars over the edge. This roaring noise can be heard from a distance of about 40 kilometers.
Tourists visiting Victoria falls can participate in adventurous activities like bungee jumping, zip lining, white water rafting, heart-stopping gorge swings, and even swimming in the devil’s pool. The more sedate tourists can go on safari adventures and experience the culture of the locals and their rich arts.
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Lekki Conservation Centre, Nigeria
In the heart of the bustling city of Lagos in Nigeria, away from the usual business of the city, is the Lekki Conservation Centre.
It was established in 1990 by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, as a reserved sanctuary for the rich flora and fauna of the Lekki peninsula, and it has since attracted thousands of tourists from all over the world.
Lekki Conservation Centre is one of Africa’s prominent and most diverse urban nature parks due to its high species richness. It is endowed with an abundance of plants and animal life, housing animals like crocodiles, monkeys, snakes, and a wide array of birds.
The most popular attraction at this conservation center is the 401meter long canopy walkway which is the longest canopy walkway in Africa. It is 22 feet off the ground. Going on this walkway is not for the faint-hearted, but it provides a rewarding scenic view of the park.
There is also a treehouse which is a 21-meters high tree platform where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the conservation center. You can also organize a picnic with your friends, families, and loved ones, play floor games, get in touch with nature, and go hiking.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Of course, any list of tourist destinations in Africa will be incomplete without the famous Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro is a freestanding mountain located in northeastern Tanzania, near the Kenya border.
It stood majestically 20 000 feet above sea level as the highest point in the African continent and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Kilimanjaro is not just Africa’s tallest point. It also doubles as the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. Thousands of people attempt to ascent Kilimanjaro yearly.
The fact that several death cases have been reported in the past and it also takes an average of 6 to 8 days to climb to the peak does not deter adventurous tourists from attempting to conquer Kilimanjaro, and quite a number of people have succeeded with the right mountaineering tools.
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River Nile, Egypt
Located in North Africa, River Nile is one of the longest rivers in the world, stretching a massive 6,695 kilometers, second only to the Amazon river.
It flows through eleven countries; Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Eritrea, and Egypt, and it has two main tributaries; White Nile and Blue Nile.
These two tributaries meet to form ‘the Nile.’ River Nile has always been an important source of life for people throughout history, even to this day. More than 95% of the Egyptian populace depends on its water.
The river and its banks are home to thousands of wildlife, including turtles, snakes, hippos, and the Nile crocodile– one of the planet’s largest reptiles.
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Olumo Rock, Nigeria
Located in the ancient city of Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun state, about an hour’s drive from the bustling city of Lagos, Olumo rock is another important tourist attraction in Africa.
This rock served as a natural fortress for the ancient Egba people during intertribal warfare in the 19th century. It stands 137 meters above sea level and attracts thousands of tourists every year.
People who visit this tourist attraction love to climb to the top of it, where it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the ancient city of Abeokuta in all its glory.
The ascent to the rock’s summit is not difficult at all, as there are stairs carved into the rock. There is also an elevator present. A visit to Olumo rock will help you learn more about the history of the Egba people and also their rich culture.
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Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti national park is found in the northern part of Tanzania. It is undoubtedly one of the best-known wildlife sanctuaries in the world. It is Tanzania’s oldest park and also a UNESCO heritage site.
This park is teeming with a wide array of wildlife species. It is home to over two million ungulates, 4000 lions, 1000 leopards, 550 cheetahs, and about 500 different bird species.
When you visit Serengeti park, you can witness the Great Migration if you are lucky enough. This is the annual migration of over a million wildebeest, and hundreds of thousands of gazelles and zebras embark on a journey across the Serengeti National Park in search of greener pastures and water.
This is definitely a sight to behold, and very few experiences can top this natural spectacle. If you enjoy Safari travel, you should visit the Serengeti National Park at least once.
Other things to do at Serengeti park include nature walks, hot air balloon safari, game drives, camping,, and much more.
Stone Town, Zanzibar
This is a city of prominent historical and artistic importance in East Africa. It is situated on the island of Zanzibar off the coast of Unguja on the west and has been in existence since the 19th century.
Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is rich with influence from the Arab, Persian, Indian, and European cultures. The town’s name was possibly gotten from the style of the stone-built homes that were erected by the Arabs.
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These buildings are famous for their intricately carved picturesque double doors, which serve as famous spots for tourists to take pictures. Places to visit in stone town include the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum, and the Persian bath.
Africa is blessed with rich cultures, traditions, arts and crafts, and countless places worth visiting. Many of these tourist attractions have been bestowed World Heritage titles by UNESCO due to their uniqueness.
You owe yourself the favor of visiting these places at least once in a lifetime. For this reason, add these African tourist attractions to your bucket list and tick them off soon.
We hope that this article on tourist attractions in Africa will be a useful guide on your next visit to Africa. have any ideas or recommendations, kindly use the comment.