Africa is fast becoming a renowned tourist destination with amazing tourist attractions in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt and South Africa making waves and ushering in a new era in tourism. In countries like Kenya, tourism contributes a significant part to the national revenue every year.
Certain tourist attractions are popular because there is a special feeling for people who visit such places and this is outside of the fact that places like this have very rich heritage and recognition. There are a few places in Africa that are worth mentioning when it comes to Africa’s most popular travel destinations.
Here are the 10 most famous tourist attractions in Africa.
10. Omo River Region, Ethiopia
The Omo River Region is an area in the south-west of Ethiopia, home to more than 50 different tribes. If you love African culture, you should pay a visit to this place as it has a huge cultural heritage. It is still a place in Africa where many traditional customs and beliefs are very much intact for most tribes and this has made it an enchanting tourist attraction for those interested in African culture. The region is quite remote and difficult to access by vehicle. The warriors often hurled Kalashnikovs (rifles) over their backs. This can be a little disconcerting, but the tribes are friendly and this is often the only western accessory you will see from them.
9 . Zanzibar
Zanzibar, just next door in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania, ranks among Africa’s top 10 tourist attractions, largely because of its fascinating history and incredibly beautiful beaches. It was one of the regions in Africa where the Stone Age was highly established and it became a prosperous and advanced region made up of many autonomous trading cities. Zanzibar was known for spices and ivory, and part of its history was that it was a major hub in the days of the slave trade.
The stone town of Zanzibar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the island’s biggest tourist attractions with pretty traditional houses, narrow streets, a sultan’s palace and many mosques. You will enjoy clear, flat sandbars perfect for wading turquoise waters. and many small, almost deserted islands.
8. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro has placed Tanzania for the second time among countries with exceptional travel attractions in Africa. It is the tallest mountain in Africa and one of the top tourist attractions for adventure travel. It offers a dreamy mountain hike and its dormant volcanic cones are probably nothing to worry about. If you would like to climb to the highest point in Africa, then prepare to climb Kilimanjaro, which is 5896m and will take you 6 days.
Also see: 10 Interesting Facts About Africa That Will Amaze You
7. Virunga Mountains (tracking of gorillas), Democratic Republic of the Congo
About 700 mountain gorillas remain worldwide. Around 450 live in an extinct volcanic region called Virunga in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in East Africa, while the remaining 350 live in a nearby area of Bwindi in Uganda. If you love a life of adventure that mixes challenge with excitement, then plan a trip to Virunga National Park or Parc National des Volcans (PNV), located in the north of the country and its share of the mountain gorilla population lies. The park covers an area of about 75 square kilometers and includes six volcanoes. Virunga National Park has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
6. Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is the second largest city in Morocco. Located at the foot of the ice-capped Atlas Mountains, the imperial city of Marrakech is large and quite noisy. The great thing about the city, however, is its enchanting and rich history. It is considered one of the most culturally rich places in Morocco. If you follow archeology you will know that numerous stone tools have been found in the area. If you engage all your senses on a daily basis, you will have a lot of fun. There are certain places that you should definitely visit when you are in this city. These include places like the Majorelle Gardens or the Gardens surrounding the Saadian Tombs and the local Farmer’s or Flea Market where you can spend a lovely Saturday morning.
5. Cape Town
Have you ever thought of Cape Town as one of the most famous tourist attractions in Africa? Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in South Africa. It is home to the well-known Blaauwberg Beach and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are just a short drive from the city. Beautiful and awe-inspiring, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve offers wildlife encounters, stunning ocean views and trails for hikers. You can top off your holiday by visiting Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 27 years before he was ousted as South African President.
4. Djenne, Mali
The town of Djenne is one of the oldest towns in Mali, and quite an interesting place full of adobe houses decorated with paint. Djenne was born around 800 BC. Founded in the 1st century BC and was a major market hub, but it doesn’t just end there. If you want to experience creativity with mud, you should travel to Djenne. The largest mud house in the world is located here: the Great Mosque. Made of adobe with wood sticking out of the walls, it is a magnificent sight. The Grand Marche is a Monday market and one of the most colorful markets in West Africa. Thousands come from across the region to sell their wares.
3. Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya
One of the most important and popular travel destinations for tourists is in Kenya. Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya is known as Africa’s largest game reserve. Many African lions and the Maasai live in the region. With 570 recorded bird species, 95 mammal species with more than 2 million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle per year, this is definitely one of those places in Africa and July to October is the time of year you don’t want to miss as this is the timing , where most animal migrations are observed.
2. The Victoria Falls
In the southern part of Africa; between Zambia and Zimbabwe is one of the most important natural wonders in Africa and one of the seven wonders of the world. The Victoria Falls are practically the largest waterfall in the world. This finding comes from combining height and width to create the largest single layer of flowing water. The falls are best seen from the Zambian side and between June and July. This is because in the heart of the rainy season it is almost impossible to see the bottom of the falls. Some of the activities you can do at Victoria Falls include hiking or walking at the top of the falls and across the gorge. These trails allow you to see the falls face-to-face and follow the falls along the opposite side of the canyon.
1. The Pyramids and the Sphinx
If you have been to Egypt you would definitely have seen the Pyramids and the Sphin. It is one of Egypt’s most popular tourist attractions. The pyramid is said to have been built between 2589 B.C. And 2504 BC. To have been built, nothing is known about the implementation of the construction. The last surviving of the seven wonders of the world is the Great Pyramid of Giza. There are three main pyramids in Giza; The great pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops), the pyramid of Kafhre and the smaller pyramid of Menkaura and each pyramid were used as a burial place for one of the pharaohs of Egypt. In front of the pyramids lies the Great Sphinx, this huge cat-like sculpture has fascinated millions of visitors. The Great Sphinx or as the ancients knew, “Shesib Ankh” or “the Living Image”,
References:
Cape Town official website: http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/Pages/default.aspx