With 144 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa, it might be a bit hard to choose which one of the landmarks in Africa to visit. Africa is different from any other continent you might have experienced before because this substantial land has some of the most incredible landmarks in the world.
From its natural scenery, fascinating historical stories and fantastic wildlife, Africa is undoubtedly the most diversified continent in the world, with 54 countries and an excellent variety of cultures. To enjoy some of these natural and artificial tourist attractions, here are a few famous landmarks in Africa that you should certainly visit;
10 Famous Landmarks in Africa
1. The Avenue of Baobabs, Madagascar:
Located in Menabe, on the western island of Madagascar, The Avenue of Baobabs is a picture-perfect destination for travellers and a stunning tourist attraction that you wouldn’t want to miss. The neatly-lined and 32 m tall Baobab trees have been growing there for over 2,800 years and are unique to Madagascar because they can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
2. The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt:
The African landmarks of Giza remain a mystery as scientists have failed to explain reasonably how the structures were built. Known as one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World, the great pyramids of Giza are an awe-inspiring tourist attraction and the tallest man-made monument on earth.
3. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe:
Known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world. It is a jaw-dropping natural sight in Africa on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe on the Zambezi River in Southern Africa. Also nicknamed Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning ‘the smoke that thunders,’ and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989.
4. Zuma Rock, Nigeria:
Zuma Rock in Nigeria is a looming natural rock formation shaped so that it resembles a human face and is 725 m high. It is surrounded by myths and legends that make the Gwari people believe that the rock is the gateway to the afterlife, while it also represents a powerful deity to the Zuba people.
5. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania:
One of the most beautiful and famous landmarks in Africa is the great Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the highest mountain in Africa, with a height of 5,895 metres (19,341 ft) above sea level and a snow-capped peak that rises above the clouds. Climbing Kilimanjaro is affordable and requires no technical skills. It is a popular bucket list item among adventurous travellers.
6. Lake Nakuru, Kenya:
If you love the sight of beautiful lakes, Lake Nakuru should be one of the items on your African bucket list to visit. Well-known for its flocks of pink flamingos, it is one of the famous landmarks in Africa. It is located on the Great Rift Valley floor in the southwestern part of the country and surrounded by picturesque judges, bush and grasslands with 188 square kilometres.
7. Table Mountain, South Africa:
With a height of 1086 m (3563 ft) above sea level, Table Mountain is one of South Africa’s iconic landmarks and most photographed tourist attractions. It was named after its flat top tabular shape and is considered to be one of the oldest mountains that offer several outdoor activities and breathtaking views of the surrounding city below with a cable car ride.
8. Sossusvlei, Namibia:
One of the most breathtaking African landmarks with red dunes composed of sand about 5 million years old is Sossusvlei in Namibia. Sossusvlei, also named “dead-end marsh”, is enclosed by massive red dunes with a large, white salt and claypan.
9. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in one of the best landmarks in Africa. It is situated in southwestern Uganda and home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, with 19 habituated gorilla groups available for a fun and exciting experience.
10. Okavango Delta, Botswana:
The Okavango Delta in north-western Botswana is a well-known African safari attraction and the largest inland delta. It is one of the most beautiful Africa Landmarks to see wildlife in their natural habitat and a dynamic ecosystem with a maze of waterways that stretches over 15,000 kilometres.
