Africa boasts some of the most exciting and awe-inspiring attractions in the world. This mighty continent has everything – from unique wildlife encounters to dramatic natural landscapes.
Looking for inspiration for your next trip to Africa? Just take a look at our favorite places on the continent right here!
Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe
If there’s a finer border between two nations anywhere on Earth, we don’t know what or where it is. Crashing into an almost sheer ravine etched out by the Zambesi River over millennia, Victoria Falls is generally considered the world’s largest curtain of water.
An attraction which is a feast for all the senses, you’ll not only absorb the sight of this incredible natural wonder, but also hear its roar and even feel its spray as you cross Knife Edge Bridge. (Raincoats can be rented.)
Visible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls has become one of Africa’s adventure capitals, where you can bungee, bathe in Devil’s Pool, go white water rafting or hover above it all on a scenic helicopter ride. The choice is yours!
The Mountain Gorillas of Uganda
If you’re wondering what to do in Uganda, there’s only one answer. Trekking to a habituated family of mountain gorillas deep within the tree cover of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is nothing short of amazing and should be at the top of anyone’s list of safaris in Africa.
The effort of the hike, which can last anywhere from 45 minutes to six hours, is contrasted with encountering some of the last of their kind where they feel most comfortable – in their home.
Seeing their expressions close up, discovering the strong bonds which exist between family members, and learning about their passive nature from your ranger guidemakes gorilla trekking an attraction that will remain with you for the rest of your life.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
When the snows and glacier fields of Mount Kilimanjaro were spotted by outsiders for the first time, the reports they sent back home weren’t believed. Although reaching the summit of Africa’s highest mountain now resides firmly on many bucket lists, in many ways the multiday hike remains unbelievable.
Whether it’s the forests of the lower slopes, full of exotic birdlife and animal species worth the journey alone, or experiencing sunrise from the summit itself, there’s no doubting Mount Kilimanjaro is amazing.
The views are breathtaking, and the achievement of reaching Uhuru (Freedom) Peak at 5,895 meters satisfying beyond measure!
Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
The Quirimbas Archipelago may not be as well known as the other incredible attractions we’re highlighting, but be sure that in the future these islands off the coast of Mozambique will be held with the same respect as Victoria Falls, Uganda’s mountain gorillas and Mount Kilimanjaro.
A fascinating combination of traditional coastal culture, fantastic secluded beaches, and top-rated snorkeling and diving, you miss the Quirimbas Archipelago at your peril.
Little more than outcrops of coral which have peeked out from above the surface of the shallows, only a handful of the 32 islands are set up to receive travelers, and then only small numbers of visitors at any one time, ensuring there’s a minimal ecological footprint left behind.
Don’t Miss Africa’s Top Attractions
African vacations are often reduced to big game drives or daytrips to the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. But this continent of 54 nations is in fact one of the most diverse and inspiring corners of the globe. Sure, it has some of the finest wildlife viewing on the planet, but there are also a multitude of other amazing attractions to consider!
