Awesome places in Africa you should visit at least once in your lifetime

Africa is dubbed as the mother continent due to the fact that it was the first continent to be inhabited on earth and so it comes as no surprise that Africa has one of the most stunning destinations in the world. Talk of majestic wildlife, jaw-dropping flora, lush mountains or pristine pearly beaches and you’ve got a glimpse of what Africa got to offer.

Check out the following fascinating places that you should add to your bucket list and visit once in your lifetime.

1.  Masai Mara, Kenya

Offering astounding and superb scenery especially at dawn and dusk Masai Mara which is located about 5 hour’s drive from the capital city, Nairobi is one of the few places on earth where you’ll experience diverse wildlife and unmatched safari experience.

The highlight of this destination is the prominent wildebeest migration which happens every year around June where thousands of animals embark on migration in an attempt to save their lives from drought.  They cross the Tanzania- Kenya border from the beautiful Serengeti Park into Masai Mara and this survival for the fittest journey is the most breath-taking sight to witness.

2. Ranomafana National park, Madagascar

Just the mention of the word Madagascar evokes images of the most exotic and tropical places on the globe. The fourth largest island on earth is rich with unique and rare species, sparkling beaches and little charming villages steeped in amazing tribal history, making it a special destination.

Now, if you are a nature lover, you might want to leave your itinerary open because Madagascar is one of those countries you plan to visit for a week and you end up staying forever!

But Ranomafana has a little heaven of everything with a varied range of serene flora and fauna. You can start off by visiting the endangered species of golden bamboo Lemur, then later enjoy a relaxing bath under the warm running water from a couple of waterfalls spread within the park.

3. Sand dunes, Namibia

Often referred to as ‘Land of the Brave’, Namibia is a land that abounds with silty, ochre-colored and the biggest dunes in the world. But that’s not all there is to see in this awe-inspiring nation- there are lines of rugged mountaintops jutting through the country and ample opportunities for wildlife watching.

But let’s stick with the dunes for now.  Astounding sand dunes of Sossusvlei are largely known as one of the Namib Desert’s most iconic and scenic places with out-of-the-world views across the vast plain land.

Be sure to set out on your safari early in the morning to witness the sunrise behind the dunes or better still, stay late at dusk and soak in the ambiance as the sun goes down.

4. Waterfalls, Zambia

Zambia boasts tons of life-giving rivers that form large lakes and create waterfalls with exceptional beauty.  Victoria Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the country and the glorious thundering waterfall has drawn thousands from far and wide to witness its magic.

Every tree, plant, and rocks glitter with water droplets as the air around feels super-charged with its purity and freshness. Scary, mysterious and gorgeous, all these words apply to this spectacular waterfall and many others found in Zambia.

5. Ts’ enhlanyane, Lesotho

Surprisingly, Lesotho is one of the most underrated countries in Africa, but trust me, it’s one of the best travel destinations in the world boasting an array of majestic mountains adorned with all that nature has to offer- simply a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Ts’enhlanyane National Park is situated deep in the front range of the beautiful Maluti Mountains, right at the foot of Holomo pass. This stunning Park boasts an array of wildlife, prolific birdlife and fauna which makes it a perfect destination for a nature getaway.

6. Lake Abbe, Djibouti

Djibouti is one of the tiniest countries in Africa but amazingly parked with great things to see and do both by the land and by the sea most interesting places being the capital city where you can satisfy your taste bud with international culinary delights like my favorite Yemeni oven baked fish with bread. 

Try a two-day jeep trip to the beautiful Mars-like terrane of Lake Abbe plus an overnight stay in the nomad encampment. On your way, you’ll get to see an oasis, witness nomadic cute villages and some rare wildlife.

On your way back to the city, you can float in the charming Lake Assal- a stunning lake that’s saltier than the Dead Sea and also the second lowest place in the world- the place is as hot as the hell’s fire so have your water bottle to remain hydrated.

7. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a rich tapestry of flavors, culture, and landscapes plus brimming with adventurous. The magnificent and most popular Flat-topped Table Mountain may be the star, the most scenic hiking trail in the world, but that’s just a single highlight of thousands of other marvelous spots.

You can head to Clifton Beach or Boulders for some sand, surf, and sun or, if you happen to be a history geek like me, you can experience Mother city’s rich history from Robben Island or the District Six Museum, both at which you’ll learn about the struggles of this beautiful city to overcome apartheid.

8. Tanneries, Morocco

Morocco is such an interesting country from extremely warm weather, friendly welcoming people to exotic food with a great blend of various cultures you just can’t get enough of this nation.

Well, it may not come as a cheap option compared to other African countries but it’s definitely worth every penny. The imperial city of Fez is a great place to start as you witness the famous leather production that has followed the handy traditional process passed down through generations.

The leather industry began as early as the city’s foundation and being still in operation to date is arguably the most impressive fact. The largest of the three tanneries in the city of Fez is Chouara tannery which happens to be the city’s most iconic sight.