There are now 1,410,374,411 people living on the African continent. These people have contributed to the huge range of cultures that exist in the expansive continent and shaped its history. So when you throw in the rich biodiversity there, which ones are the parts you must visit?
It is impossible to make all the stops in one trip. However, we can help plan your visit with our essential stops when visiting Africa.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls sits between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is accessible from either country. It is a huge waterfall on the Zambezi river, that has a height of 108 meters and a width of 1708 meters. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and is home to several unique animals and plant species.
Although the falls had been known to western geographers for some time, it was the explorer David Livingston who brought it to the public attention and named it after Queen Victoria.
To the locals, it has the moniker of Mosi-oa-Tunya, which translates as the smoke that thunders. If you visit, it will become apparent why, when you hear the immense noise generated by the cascading water.
The falls are a tourist magnet, so don’t expect to visit them and be alone. However, the ride there is through beautiful, lush savannah so it is a journey well worth taking.
Djenne, Mali
Mali is not one of the immediate tourist hotspots many would place on their Africa itinerary. If you want to get off the beaten track and experience something wonderful, then add the small town of Djenne to your list.
Djenne itself dates back to the 3rd century. It rose to prominence alongside Timbuktu, as gold, salt and slaves were transported and sold along the Saharan trade routes.
What makes it truly remarkable is the architecture. Most of its buildings are made from adobe, which is clay pulled from the earth and baked in the sun. All of this is then reinforced with palm.
The centerpiece of this is its Great Mosque. It stands on the site of an older building that fell and dates back to 1907. Along with the old town, the area is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano, that rises from the Kilimanjaro National Park. Made of three distinct cones, its highest summit is Uhuru Peak which stands at an elevation of 5895 meters. It is part of the great Eastern Rifts Mountain.
Often abbreviated to Mt Kilimanjaro, it is the subject of much scientific research. It is expected that its glaciers and ice fields will have disappeared by 2035 due to climate change. All of this means you should try to see it now rather than later.
One of the perks of visiting Kilimanjaro is that the surrounding country of Tanzania is a holiday location in itself. The bustling Dar Es Salam is worth a visit just to experience a true African metropolis. You can also do a day trip to the Ngorongoro Crater.
Serengeti National Park
Another African adventure waiting for you in Tanzania is the Serengeti National Park. Situated in the north of the country, it spans over 15,000 square kilometers. When you conjure up images of Africa, the Serengeti is probably the one that springs to mind.
The park is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, and over 500 species of bird. Home of the great migration, this is where wildebeest head in their droves, pursued by the big cats and crocodiles that inhabit the marshes.
Part of its appeal is that it has several diverse regions in three sections. There is a plain, more dense forest near the river areas and a northern, sparse area that is rarely visited.
After your visit, if you still want wildlife in a different location head to the island of Zanzibar. This tropical locale has an amazing, historical central city known as Stone Town. However, its marine diversity is where the true attraction lies.
Pyramids of Giza
Even though the Pyramids of Giza are so commonly seen in the media, they will still take your breath away when you visit them. The scale of these buildings is astounding, especially when you think about how many people it took to build them.
The Great Pyramid was built to house the Pharoah Khufu, around the 26th century BC. As part of the Giza Pyramid Complex, it is the only one that is still intact. 2.3 million blocks weighing 6 million tonnes make up its mass.
Close to this is the famous Sphinx, a great statue with a lion’s body and a human head. Evidence suggests it dates from around 2558–2532 BC, and that its nose was lost for an unknown reason in the middle ages.
Sossusvlei
If you don’t know about the Sossusvlei, you will have seen it before in films and television. Its name comes from the African word for the marsh, which is vlie, and a local word for ‘no return’. However, with the right day trip in place, you don’t need to worry about that.
The landscape here is made of dry lakes, formed from orange and red clay. Situated in the southern Namib Desert, it is surrounded by withered trees and a bright blue contrasting sky. Few places on the planet look as otherworldly as this.
Visiting Africa
Now you know the essential stops when visiting Africa, plan your trip carefully. It could take many trips over a few years, or a lifetime. However, it will be an excursion you cherish forever.
This article is one of many to help you get on the road. From flights to accommodation, stop back and let us help plan your next trip.