Africa naturally evokes visions of the wide open savannah dotted with acacia trees, as the sun settles over the horizon. While this type of landscape is typical of African safari destinations, the continent is incredibly diverse with hidden gems in nearly every corner. This article reveals a varied selection of ten of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Africa.
1. Sossusvlei Dunes & Deadvlei, Namibia
There is a stillness in Sossuvlei that cannot be captured in words. As the sun rises, the east facing side of the dunes are illuminated while the west remains in shadow. Iconic and inherently photogenic, the dunes are also a wonderful place to be at dawn when the silence seems to last forever. Read our other blog post on how to capture the sunrise in Sossusvlei.
2. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Ngorongoro is an inactive caldera which has attracted a huge diversity of wildlife species resident to the crater floor. The views from the crater rim are magnificent, and a game drive within the crater awards travelers with a surprising and delightful diversity of ecosystems.
3. Table Mountain, South Africa
Flat-topped Table Mountain has become an iconic symbol of Cape Town, and of South Africa. An unusual diversity of flora lives within the Table Mountain National Park, and the views from the top are out of this world – a must see for any visitor to Cape Town.
4. Virunga National Park, Uganda
One of the most biologically diverse parks in the world, Virunga is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Several families of habituated gorillas live amongst the lush mountains, making it an ideal destination for primate encounters.
5. Giza Pyramids, Egypt
The oldest of the 7 world wonders, the Giza Pyramids have the unique allure of being one of the only remnants of ancient civilization. An enriching journey to the pyramids would include reading stories of ancient Egypt and the pharaohs for whom they were built.
6. Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is a massive wildlife-rich oasis in the middle of an otherwise arid country. Home to an impressive and concentrated diversity of wildlife, the delta is also brilliant for birding safaris.
7. Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
The second largest canyon in South Africa (after the Fish River Canyon), Blyde River Canyon is a magnificent work of art by Mother Nature. Blyde River Canyon is enjoyed from “Three Rondavels” viewpoint to really soak in the magnificence of the landscape.
8. Franschhoek, South Africa
Franschhoek Valley is a rich and verdant farming region best known for its New World wines and charming pseudo-French culture, which is attributed to the Huguenots. In the quaint little village, world-class restaurants and boutiques provide ample opportunity for exploration. Further afield in the surrounding foothills, jaw-dropping views are the ideal backdrop for wine tasting on a balmy summer’s day.
9. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
An ideal wildlife habitat, Serengeti National Park provides the iconic African backdrop to one of the most magnificent animal encounters on the planet – the wildebeest migration. The Serengeti and Masai Mara together are the typical African landscape of wide open savannah dotted with Acacia Trees.
10. Zanzibar, Tanzania
The hub of the ancient Spice Route, Zanzibar enjoys post-card perfect turquoise seas with dhows sailing in the trade winds. A kind of tropical paradise, the island has a sultry warmth and an enduring history that calls visitors to its balmy shores year after year.
Have you ever visited a breathtaking landscape in Africa? Let us know in the comments!
Willow Constantine is the Founder of Bespoke Safari Co. Bespoke Safari Co. is a boutique travel agency offering cutting edge curated travel experiences in Africa.
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