25 Most Beautiful & Famous Landmarks in Africa

All Landmarks in Africa You Need to See!

The endless vastness, safaris and the big five are the things most people immediately think about when they hear Africa.

And yes that’s right, the continent is definitely known for all of these three things. However, Africa also features the most breathtaking natural landmarks as well as man-made monuments that impress with their outstanding architecture.

The continent is huge and each of its 57 countries is home to unique attractions and landmarks. Moreover, there are 144 UNESCO World Heritage sites, all great in their own way.

Unfortunately, I’ve only been to a handful of African countries so far. That is why I asked other travel bloggers to share their favorite landmarks in Africa to create this comprehensive list for you.

So, here are the 25 best African landmarks you should definitely put on your bucket list!

I’ve already extended mine too! 😉

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)

Famous Landmarks in Morocco

1. Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca

Recommended by me

One of the most impressive landmarks in Africa is the Hassan II Mosque located in Casablanca. This opulent monument needs to be part of every Morocco itinerary!

Africa’s second-largest mosque lures with its turquoise ornaments, grand entrance doors and lovely fountains on every side. Not only from outside it’s an absolute stunner but inside it’s even more breathtaking.

Probably the coolest thing about the mosque is the fact it sits on a platform over the Atlantic Ocean and part of its floor is made of glass so worshippers can pray directly over the sea!

In total, the mosque can hold up to 105,000 worshippers and its 210m-tall minaret is said to be the highest one in the entire world. 

The Hassan II Mosque is open all year round from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm. 

Guided tours are conducted in French, English, German and Spanish and last around 45 minutes. You can’t buy tickets online but get them at the ticket office on the front side of the complex or book a tour with hotel pickup included. 

The ticket price is MAD 130 (around $12) per adult and MAD 30 for children. 

2. Erg Chebbi

Recommended by Martina of PlacesofJuma

Erg Chebbi in Morocco is definitely one of the most stunning landmarks in Africa.

These breathtaking dunes are located in Merzouga in Morocco, a tiny desert town in the southeast of the country. If you are planning a desert trip in Morocco, then you should definitely travel to this famous area.

Impressive and absolutely unique is the Erg Chebbi because it is one of the most beautiful parts of the Sahara.

Here you can expect an imposing landscape like out of a picture book. The dunes have a height of up to 150- 200 meters and conjure up an almost surreal scenery.

It is worth booking a night or better two nights in a Berber desert camp. Here you sleep under the sky in the middle of the Erg Chebbi, an experience that you will remember forever.

A real highlight, however, are the spectacular sunsets, which you can best enjoy from the top of a high dune.

Tours you might find interesting:

3. Chefchaouen

Recommended by Stephanie of The Unknown Enthusiast

Chefchaouen is one of the most extraordinary cities you will ever visit in Africa and even the entire world.

The whole village is painted in varying shades of blue and is just incredibly stunning. Flowers, bins of spices, and carpets hung out by shops on the streets add colorful contrast to the blue walls.  

The main thing to do in Chefchaouen is to wander the medina and delight in all the picturesque little corners you’ll find.

You can also hike to the Spanish Mosque that sits in the hills overlooking the city, eat at a rooftop restaurant, shop the souks, or go hiking in the nearby Rif mountains. 

As it is a small village, one day is plenty of time to experience what Chefchaouen has to offer. You can spend the night in the town, or you can visit on a day tour from nearby cities like Tangier or Fes. 

Whether you spend two hours or two days, you won’t soon forget your time in the stunning blue pearl of Morocco. 

Tours you might find interesting:

4. Medina of Marrakesh

Recommended by Carine of We Did It Our Way

Marrakesh is a unique place with its rich history, amazing architecture and vibrant places to discover.

But its gem has to be the Medina or the old city center. Not only is it an important landmark in Morocco, but also one of the most famous landmarks in Africa. 

The Medina was founded in 1070-72 by the Almoravids. Back then, the city was known as the political, cultural and economic center of the area.

Today, walking around the Medina, you can still feel its importance walking around its many historical monuments from that era like the Koutoubia Mosque, the Kasbah, the battlements, monumental doors and gardens.

Today, there are also the Bahia Palace, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Saadian Tombs, several great residences, Place Jamaâ El Fna and the souk where you can find anything and everything you could want in terms of Moroccan souvenirs and more.

The Medina is an open space that is free for all to visit. It’s open 24/7 and no matter when you go, expect to see plenty of crowds, both locals and tourists bustling about. Don’t be surprised to get pushed aside by donkeys, or be offered tasty things to try. 

You can easily spend up to five days in Marrakesh from where you need to plan at least one day to explore the large Medina.

Famous Landmarks in Egypt

5. Valley of The Kings

Recommended by Joanna of The World In My Pocket

Valley of the Kings is one of the most important sites of Egypt. No trip to the country is complete without a visit to the Valley of the Kings.

Located near Luxor, on the west bank of the Nile, the Valley of the Kings is the resting place of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom. The most famous tomb here belongs to Tutankhamun, which is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.

Whilst the objects of the tomb can be seen at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the mummy of the pharaoh is still inside and can be visited.

The Valley of the Kings is a must-visit if you have two days in Luxor. The entry to the archaeological site costs EGP 240 plus another EGP 40 if you want to ride on the electric train from the entrance to where the tombs are located.

This is recommended, as there is no shade in the valley and the walk can be quite demanding in the heat.

There is an extra fee of EGP 300 if you want to see the tomb of Tutankhamun. The entrance ticket allows you to visit three tombs. Each day there are different ones open, to protect the interiors from over-tourism. 

The Valley of the Kings is open from 4:00 am until 4:00 pm in winter and 5:00 pm in summer. 

Tours you might find interesting:

6. Pyramids of Giza

Recommended by David & Intan of The World Travel Guy

A travel bucket list for Africa wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt!

The pyramids are less than an hour’s drive from the airport in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, so they’re not too hard to get to, either.

Built in 2560 BC, the Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest man-made object in the world for 3,800 years. It’s the oldest of the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World, and the only one still standing today. Needless to say, it’s an amazing sight.

While you’re at it, you can also see the Great Sphinx, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh. It’s the oldest surviving sculpture in Egypt!

The entrance fee for the Giza Pyramids is a very reasonable 240 Egyptian Pounds (around $10 USD) and the opening hours are generally 6:00 am to 10:00 pm every day.

Tours you might find interesting:

7. Abu Simbel

Recommended by Pamela of The Directionally Challenged Traveler

One of the most famous landmarks in Africa is both historically impressive and a huge engineering feat. Visiting Abu Simbel Temple in southern Egypt is a must-do for any traveler.

It’s actually two temples that date back to the 13th century. The first and larger temple is a monument to Ramesses II while the second, smaller one is a monument to his favorite wife, Nefertari.

While the colossal temples are impressive, travelers should know that Abu Simbel was also the home of UNESCO’s first international rescue mission of a cultural site.

When the Aswan High Dam was scheduled to be built, researchers realized that the temples would be flooded. Engineers from around the world took apart both temples and moved them above Lake Nassar.

If you look closely, you can see the lines of the blocks. The success here led the way for hundreds of cultural and historical sites to be saved! 

Most people visit Abu Simbel from Aswan by bus. A few hours to explore the two temples and admire the Aswan Dam are all you need.

There are a few hotels near the temple if you want to stay closer. Admission to the temple is EGP 255, but if you want to take photos inside the temple it’s an additional EGP 300. 

Tours you might find interesting:

Famous Landmarks in Kenya

8. Nairobi National Park

Recommended by Leyla of Women on the Road

If you happen to be passing through Kenya, one of the best things to do in Nairobi, the capital, is to go on a mini safari. And you can do that without even leaving town, by visiting Nairobi National Park.

This park is only a few kilometers from the center of town and it isn’t fenced, so the occasional warthog or monkey makes its way out. Lions, too, have been known to escape and give locals a scare as they amble down a street.

You might expect a park in the middle of town to be small, with a few animals but hardly worth seeing.

You’d be quite wrong: at 117.21 square kilometers, the park is huge, home to a variety of wildlife – giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, lions, rhinos… pretty much every animal you’ll find in the Masai Mara except for elephants.

A couple of hours spent here will probably satisfy your need to see wildlife – not to mention the extraordinary view of Nairobi’s skyline in the distance as you are surrounded by wildlife.

If you have your own car, you can drive yourself around the park. If not, take a taxi to the gate, and either hop on the park shuttle (it only operates on weekends and holidays though) or rent a car and driver at the entrance.

And make sure you visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage while you’re here – it will warm your heart.

Tours you might find interesting:

9. Maasai Mara

Recommended by Melodie of Travel Must Do’s

Maasai Mara National Reserve is located in southwest Kenya and borders the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the south.

Maasai Mara is a unique wildlife conservation haven, famous for its spectacular natural diversity of wildlife. The reserve is home to some of the continent’s most iconic wildlife, including lions, elephants, and zebras.

The best time to visit Maasai Mara depends on what is most important to experience.

For the Great Migration visit from July to October. Birdwatchers should visit from November to March. For fewer crowds, plan a visit during the “long rains” rainy season from March to May, animals will still be easily-spotted.

The entrance fee for Maasai Mara National Reserve is $80 for non-resident adults, children three to 18 years old pay $45 and infants and children under three enter free of charge.

There are a few things that are simply must-dos when you visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

First, take a hot air balloon ride over the reserve for an unforgettable experience. Secondly, visit a Maasai village to learn more about their culture and way of life. Finally, go on safari drives to see the wildlife up close.

You won’t be disappointed by what the Maasai Mara has to offer!

Tours you might find interesting:

10. Samburu National Reserve

Recommended by Lindsey of Have Clothes, Will Travel

Samburu National Reserve is a fantastic wildlife conservation in the Northern part of Kenya.

It has a variety of rare animal species living within it, such as the Beisa Oryx, Longneck Gerenuk, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, and the Grevy Zebra. This reserve also has nearly 1,000 elephants! 

This is not a popular region to visit in Kenya, and therefore, has a very authentic and “off the grid” feeling when you are on safari.

The weather here is also very arid and warm, you’ll need to adjust what to wear on safari here, as the temperatures are almost always around 32°C/90°F during the day.

Three nights is an ideal amount of time to spend on safari in Samburu National Reserve. The park entry fee for people who are not residents of Kenya is $70 for adults and $40 for children under the age of 12.

No one can be in the park between 6:00 pm – 6:00 am unless you are camping overnight. The park also does not allow game drives at night.  

Tours you might find interesting:

Famous Landmarks in Namibia

11. Fish River Canyon

Recommended by Alya of Stingy Nomads

Fish River Canyon in Namibia is one of the most famous landmarks in Africa and the second most visited attraction in Namibia.

The canyon is situated in the extreme south of the country, 120 km north of the border with South Africa. It’s the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon in the USA.

The canyon boasts a massive ravine that is 160 km long and 500 m deep. In some places, the width reaches 30 m. It’s an impressive landmark and a must-include place on a Namibia road trip itinerary. 

The viewpoint at Hobas campsite (the main access gate) is the best place to admire the size and beauty of the canyon. One can spend a couple of hours enjoying the views, taking photos, and visiting the information point.

Hiking the Fish River Canyon route is the ultimate adventure that takes around four to five days. Due to extreme heat, this hike can only be completed during the cooler winter months.

The entrance gate is open daily from sunset to sunrise and the admission fee is $10 per person.

On the way to the canyon, you can see some deer and other animals such as mountain zebras, antelopes, and kudus.

12. Etosha National Park

Recommended by Shara of SKJ Travel

Etosha National Park is a big five-game park in northwestern Namibia renowned for the diversity and abundance of its wildlife, with particularly good chances of spotting critically endangered black rhinos.

Although its dominating feature is an enormous salt pan where wildlife can be scarce, throughout the rest of the park, animals crowd around numerous waterholes, virtually guaranteeing wildlife sightings during the dry season, June – October.

The wet season presents the magic of the salt pan filling with water and reflecting the sky. Etosha is easy to see by self-drive on the network of well-graded roads.

There are four gates into the park and six camps with a variety of lodging, from campgrounds to luxurious chalets. Opening time varies according to sunrise and closing time according to sunset.

The foreign admission rate is NAD 150 per adult. As with all game parks, the more time you can spend, the better the chances are of seeing all the animals on your list.

Three nights with at least two full-day game drives should be the bare minimum. Okaukuejo camp provides a unique opportunity to witness nocturnal wildlife with a seating area at a floodlit waterhole.

Tours you might find interesting:

13. Sossusvlei

Recommended by Martha of May Cause Wanderlust

Sossusvlei is one of those places that makes you feel like you’re on another planet: white clay pans surrounded by towering red sand dunes and, in the most iconic spot, dead black trees appear caught in a macabre dance.

It is both eerie and endlessly fascinating – and should feature on any Namibia itinerary.

Sossusvlei was formed by the Tsauchab River failing to reach the ocean and ending instead in a series of marshy pools between the dunes of the Namib desert. It does still occasionally flood from the river, but most of the time, the ground is dry white clay. 

The main things to do in Sossusvlei are climbing dunes (the most popular ones are Big Daddy and Dune 45) and hiking in the vleis – most commonly Deadvlei, the most photogenic one with the blackened trees.

You can also see some wildlife in Sossusvlei. The most likely animal you will spot is the impressive Gemsbok (or Oryx), a large antelope with two huge straight horns.

Sossusvlei is in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Entry is NAD 150 per adult, plus NAD 50 per car, which works out to about $25 for two people and one car.

The gate to the park opens at sunrise, and cars start lining up early to catch the first light in the dunes. The drive is wonderful – it is flanked by huge snaking dunes on both sides of the road like sandy sentinels.

Famous Landmarks in South Africa

14. Boulders Beach

Recommended by Emily of Emily Embarks

Boulders Beach is a world-famous beach in Simon’s Town, South Africa, noted for its colony of African penguins.

This beach is one of the very few places in the world where these penguins can be seen in their natural habitat, so making a quick trip to this popular spot is absolutely worth your time.

Entrance fees range between 88 and 176 South African Rands per child or adult, respectively, and allow you a full day between the viewing boardwalks or nearby beaches, but an hour or two is really all you need.

Boulders Beach is open every day from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, so try to stop in around sunrise and sunset for some spectacular photo opportunities!

It’s important to note that while these penguins may seem cute and cuddly, it’s crucial to give them their space. Don’t touch them or get too close, and remember to always dispose of any trash properly.

They will bite if they feel threatened, but if you maintain mutual respect for their privacy and habitat, you’ll have a sensational experience. Plus, take your time on the boardwalk, you can see their babies nesting all along the fenceline!

Tours you might find interesting:

15. Kruger National Park

Recommended by Paul of Anywhere We Roam

Kruger National Park is one of the largest safari parks in Africa covering almost 20,000 square kilometers.

With several of the big five thriving in Kruger, it’s a great place to spot safari animals. But Kruger is special for the fact that it’s one of the best places in the world to see leopards.

The best time to visit Kruger is in the dry season from May to October when animals congregate around waterholes and are much easier to see.

Over this period, Kruger is open between 6:00 am and 5:30 pm, and it costs ZAR 440 per adult to enter (ZAR 220 for children under 12).

There is a wide selection of accommodations just outside the park, however, staying inside the park provides early access to the safari drives.

Satara Camp is central and known for excellent cat spotting, whereas Oliphants Camp is in a beautiful location overlooking the river in an area favored by elephants.  

Guided tours can be booked with rangers, but a self-drive safari is a fantastic way to experience Kruger National Park.

Tours you might find interesting:

16. Table Mountain

Recommended by De Wet & Jin of Museum of Wander

Cape Town is a city of unfathomable natural beauty and at the heart of it is Table Mountain. Capetonians and visitors love the mountain, which is, in many ways, the city’s psyche.

It is a South African National Park and one of the Seven Wonders of Nature. A visit to Table Mountain is a must on any Cape Town itinerary.

Most tourists visit Table Mountain by cable car. This revolving cable car gives you a panoramic view in all directions as you ascend 1,067 meters to the top.

From the top, you’ll have a gobsmacking view of the city, harbor, Atlantic coast and beaches below. 

There are several hiking paths on the flat summit to explore the mountain further while enjoying the incredible fynbos vegetation and spotting cute little dassies (almost like rock rabbits).

There is also a restaurant where you can get something to eat or drink. Plan to spend at least two hours enjoying the beauty of Table Mountain

Cable cars run (weather permitting) between 8:30 am and 6:00 pm daily and cost ZAR 390 ($22) for the return trip. You could also join the locals and hike up the mountain for free, which is quite challenging but rewarding.

For the iconic view of Cape Town with the mountain behind it, drive to Bloubergstrand and enjoy the view while walking along the beach.

Tours you might find interesting:

Other Famous Landmarks in Africa

17. Bwindi National Park, Uganda

Recommended by Ellie of El On The Move

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda is one of the highlights of a trip to Africa.

Bwindi National Park is a highly dense forest that borders the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is home to 345 species of birds, 221 species of butterflies and 120 species of mammals.

As well as this, it is home to the famous Mountain Gorilla in the wild. This endangered species of mountain Gorillas can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda or the DRC so to visit them is an exceptional experience.

Because of this rarity, the Ugandan government only allows 72 visitors daily to the Gorilla families. The permits to see the Gorillas for a foreigner are $700 per day and can sell out up to six months in advance.

This permit includes guides to hike to the gorillas and one hour with the gorillas. The entrance ticket to the park without seeing the Gorillas is significantly cheaper at $45 per day.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is an eight-hour drive from Kampala or a one-hour flight. To make the most of your time here, spend at least one night and two days.

Tours you might find interesting:

18. Murchison Falls, Uganda

Recommended by Lara of The Best Travel Gifts

Murchison Falls National Park is a must-visit when traveling in Uganda.

Not only can you find the world’s most powerful waterfalls here (the eponymous Murchison Falls), but it’s also home to no less than 75% of the world’s entire population of the Rothschild giraffes.

On top of that, you can spot four of the big five here. Only the rhinos are lacking, but the large number of hippos and crocodiles in the Nile definitely make up for that.  

The park is located in northwestern Uganda and can best be reached by car or by booking a tour from Kampala.

Aim to spend at least one night (preferably two or more) in one of the lodges inside the park, so you have enough time to visit the falls, go for a sunset and sunrise game drive and take a boat ride to spot crocodiles and hippos.

The entry fee is around $45 per person for 24-hour access and another $40 for a car. To visit the different viewpoints of Murchison Falls, you will need to pay $15 and $10 and the boat cruise costs $30.

It’s open 24/7, though you’ll want to avoid driving around the park after sunset.

Tours you might find interesting:

19. Bunce Island, Sierra Leone

Recommended by Abi of I’m Going On An Adventure

Bunce Island is an almost forgotten piece of land found in Sierra Leone’s Tagrin Bay, just east of Freetown – named so by resettled slaves from the Americas. 

The tiny island is among the important and famous landmarks in Africa offering visitors the opportunity to view and explore the ruins of a fort used in the transport and imprisonment of slaves during the Atlantic slave trade between the 16th century and 20th century.

If you enjoy history or are interested to learn more about the West African slave trade, Bunce Island is somewhere you have to visit.

Due to its sad and extremely dark past, the island has a distinct mood surrounding it making it a solemn place to visit which has almost been taken over by the jungle. 

Even so, it’s possible to see the ancillary buildings referred to as the slave castles, bastions, walls of the merchants’ quarters, the gunpowder magazine, and the gate to the slave house. 

You’ll need a guide to visit the island, and unless you’re accustomed to West Africa travel most of your trip will be guided. Sierra Leone is a wonderful place but it is still very much off the beaten track with tourism still in its infancy.

20. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

Recommended by Giorgy of G-Extreme Travel

Victoria Falls is one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world. Straddling the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, this magnificent waterfall is truly a sight to behold.

Why it’s so special?

Firstly, it is the largest sheet of falling water in the world. And secondly, the beauty of the falls – with their spray, mist, and rainbows – is simply breathtaking, making it one of the most spiritual places in Africa.

If you’re planning a visit to Victoria Falls, bear in mind that you will need to enter via two gates in two different countries. However, most people choose to enter based on the country they are staying in or the time of year they are visiting.

Entry into Zimbabwe costs about $30 and Zambia costs $20. All children between six and 12 years old pay 50% of the adult fee and children under six enter free of charge. This rule applies to both countries.

Summer opening times in Zimbabwe (1st September to 30th April) are from 6:00 am until 6:00 pm. Winter (1st May to 31st August) is from 6:30 am until 6:00 pm. Zambia opening times are from 6:00 am and close at 6:00 pm (all year round).

You should for sure spend one to two whole days in this beauty on earth.

Keep in mind that mid-mornings and mid-afternoons are both good for Rainbows, as you can view east to west in the mornings and west to east in the afternoon.

One of the Zambian side’s great advantages over the Zimbabwean side is that the exit gate is close to the 1st viewpoint, so you can watch the sunset over Victoria Falls and still exit the park before the gate closes.

Tours you might find interesting:

21. Sao Filipe Church, Cape Verde

Recommended by Paulina of Paulina on the Road

Sao Filipe is a city situated on the west coast of Fogo island. It is the capital of the island and has a lot to explore.

One of the most attractive sights of the city is the Sao Filipe church which is known to be the most important catholic church in the town. It has a contemporary style and was built in 1849.

It has two attractive clock towers that have been renovated more than once. You will also be able to explore some of the well-preserved colonial houses in front of the church. These houses are from the 18th century. 

The church has a unique style dating back to the 18th century. Covered in a whole blue color, the church stands apart from any other building in the town. You should consider spending approximately one to two hours in the church.

If you are wondering where to stay in Cape Verde on Fogo island, check out Casa Alcindo in the volcano crater.

22. Île de Gorée, Senegal

Recommended by Agnes of Voice of Guides

Visiting the small island, enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage, dotted with picturesque colorful bougainvillea-draped houses, makes a perfect day trip from Dakar.

Boats leave approximately every 90 minutes from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm from Dakar’s main ferry terminal, with more regular departures on Sundays.

A ferry ticket costs CFA 5200 for a roundtrip for foreigners + CFA 500 as a tourist tax to enter the island.

The island is perfect for observing local artisans and getting Senegalese souvenirs, such as jewelry, masks, baskets, or textiles. 

However, besides being a perfect escapade from the bustling city of Dakar, Île de Gorée, the biggest slave-trading center of the African coast from the 15th to the 19th century under different European colonists, stands as a memorial to the tragic story of enslavement.

The ground floor of the House of Slaves (Maison d’Esclave) contains the tiny dark cells of slaves with muskets and the “door of no return,” the embarkation point of countless innocent people transported to the New World, whereas the landlords stayed on the upper floor.   

The citadel in the northern part of the island houses the small IFAN Historical Museum that gives an overview of the main events till freedom from the French was achieved in the 20th century. 

23. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Recommended by Deb of Introvert with Itchy Feet

The Okavango Delta, with its constant water presence, is an insanely beautiful part of northwestern Botswana.

This unique African landmark is one of Botswana’s most lush and fertile areas. Paradoxically, the Delta sits at the edge of the renowned Kalahari Desert.

Hot and humid during the rains of summer, the wet season sees the eclectic population of birds explode. From African Fish Eagles to Saddle-billed Storks, even non-bird people will be fascinated.

Winter – dry season –  brings flood waters from Angola via the Cubango River. If you’re here when waters rush into the Delta’s channels and lagoons, you’ll see the whole place come alive.

A myriad of antelopes, predators, and herbivores such as giraffes and hippos take advantage of the incredible food supply. Over a third of Africa’s elephants also pass through the Okavango Delta each year.

Lions of the Delta are particularly impressive. With the enormous food supply, together with the extra muscle built swimming through the flooded channels, they tend to be bigger and stronger than any other population in Africa.

Any time of year, the Okavango Delta is one of the most spectacular landmarks in Africa. Go for a week or a weekend – it won’t be long enough.

Tours you might find interesting:

24. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Recommended by Helen of Helen in Wonderlust

Located on the Kenya/Tanzania border, towering over the town of Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro is a beautiful sight to behold.

Kilimanjaro or ‘Kili’ as it is affectionately known, is the highest and most iconic mountain in Africa at 5,895m and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Whilst it’s one of the ‘seven summits’, it’s a non-technical mountain, and therefore attracts intrepid climbers, of all skill and fitness levels, from all over the world. 

There are seven main routes to ascend Kilimanjaro, taking between five and nine days to complete. Each trail has its advantages and disadvantages – some are relatively easy and some quite difficult, whilst some are very beautiful and others less so.

The best advice for climbing Kilimanjaro is to choose the right route for you and to allow yourself enough time to acclimatize, which will give you the best chance of reaching the top. 

Moreover, make sure to write down what to pack for Kilimanjaro to be prepared for all weather conditions!

The mountain is open to climbers all year round, however, it’s best to climb it in the dry seasons, from January to February and June to October, when there is little chance of rain.

25. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar

Recommended by Linn of Brainy Backpackers

One of the most impressive landmarks in Africa is the remote Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park and strict nature reserve in western Madagascar.

Featuring two razor-sharp limestone forests towering up to 100 meters above the ground, this is one of the most unique natural sites you will ever see. 

The Petit Tsingy (Little Tsingy) is the easiest hike and only reaches 20 meters above the ground, while the Grand Tsingy (Great Tsingy) is the real adventure and can be done with a harness along a fun via Ferrata route across old, wooden hanging bridges, vertical ladders, and terrifying climbs.

In the shade of the limestone spires, you find a wild and unique biodiversity of rare plants and wildlife.

If you want to hike the Tsingy de Bemaraha, you must first travel to Morondava, which is the closest city, and the closest airport.

From there, you must either rent a 4WD or a driver with a 4WD and travel for a whole day on dirt roads and across a river crossing before reaching Bekopaka where the headquarters of the park is situated.

This is also where you pay the park fees (approximately $10 a day) and the mandatory guide that will take you on your hikes.

The park is open between April and November. However, the Grand Tsingy doesn’t open before June.

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Do you want to travel like me?
Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources:

Flights: I prefer using CheapOair or Skyscanner to book flights. The destination everywhere feature is perfect for finding some cheap deals!

Accommodation: Booking.com is my favorite site to find some great hotel deals. I do love staying at a local place as well, thus I book an Airbnb every now and then.

Travel Insurance: There are many reasons why travel insurance is important and I never travel without one. I use the simple and flexible one from SafetyWing that protects me against unforeseen events.

Tours: I love taking tours to explore destinations like a local. My favorite website to book them in advance is GetYourGuide.

Camera Gear: I use a Nikon D5300 camera with an 18-105 mm and a 10-20 mm wide-angle lens to take my photos.