10 Incredible Landmarks and Icons to Visit in Africa
Believed to be the cradle of humankind, Africa’s landscape is filled with natural and artificial landmarks that tell the story of the people.
The north is rich in historical attractions, while the south is rich in wildlife and natural wonders. From the fantastic nature, everyone wants to experience, diverse people with various customs and beliefs, to incredible landscapes that are still virgin, Africa is a gem everyone should experience at least once.
Made up of 55 countries and eight territories with 144 UNESCO world heritage sites, Africa is home to many beautiful places created, craved, and shaped by Mother Nature.
Here are some of the most incredible landmarks and icons one must see in Africa.
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Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
The snow-capped MT. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the highest mountain in Africa. Standing at 20,000 feet, it is also the world’s tallest free-standing mountain making it one of Africa’s iconic landmarks.
Mount Kilimanjaro lies on the border of Kenya and Tanzania and is popular with mountain climbers, thus attracting hikers in high numbers annually.
Uhuru peak is the mountain’s highest summit, and all hikers who manage to reach the peak can document their experience in a book at the top.
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The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Located near Cairo city, the pyramids of Giza were built as temples for gods and tombs for pharaohs. The pyramids are considered one of the oldest tourist attractions and among the world’s wonders.
The pyramids are the tallest manmade monument and can be seen in outer space. They also give a glimpse into an ancient civilization.
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The Great Mosque of Djenne, Mali
The great mosque of Djenne in present-day Mali is one of Africa’s most famous landmarks since it is one of the most revered monuments and is the largest structure built of mud.
The mosque was designated in 1988 as a UNESCO world heritage site. It hosts an annual festival- Crepissage de la Grand Mosque, where the city’s residents re-plaster the mosque’s exterior with mud from the Niger and Bani rivers.
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The great wildebeest migration across the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem, Tanzania, and Kenya
Migration is one of the wonders of the world, thus attracting a considerable number of tourists.
The wildebeest migration is an annual event where millions of wildebeests, thousands of zebras, and Grant’s gazelles migrate across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem from Tanzania to Kenya.
The animals’ departure is searching for greener pastures to graze and water. Additionally, on a migration safari in the Mara or Serengeti, one can see the big 5 in their natural habitat.
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The Sahara Desert, Morrocco
The Sahara desert is among the most famous natural landmarks in Africa and the world. Covering 9,200,000 square kilometers in north Africa, the Sahara desert is the 3rd largest desert on the planet.
It is characterized by saltwater lakes, mountains, dry valleys, dunes, rocky plateaus, seasonal streams, rivers, and a few animals despite being the hottest desert in the world.
It records an average of 30 degrees Celsius of temperature annually. Visitors are enticed by the tranquillity, the beauty, the sky full of stars at night, and the Bedouin vibes.
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Victoria Falls, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
Standing at 108 meters in height and 1708 meters in width, Victoria Falls is one of the world’s and Africa’s most spectacular natural landmarks, UNESCO’s world heritage, and one of the world’s wonders.
Victoria Falls has adrenaline-spiking activities like kayaking, bungee jumping, gorge swings, river surfing, and zip wires. The fall borders Zambia and Zimbabwe along River Zambezi and can be accessed from both countries.
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The Reunification Monument, Cameroon
The Cameroon Reunification monument stands 7 meters high and is one of Africa’s important landmarks. It is located in Yaounde, Cameroon’s capital; the monument was constructed as a memorial after merging Cameroon’s Anglophone and Francophone regions.
The monument also has a twin spiral design with two serpents representing the merge. Visitors can climb to the top of the structure via a spiral staircase and enjoy city views.
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The Island of Goree, Senegal
Dubbed the door of no return, the Island of Gorre was a holding warehouse for enslaved people between the 15th to 19th centuries.
The enslaved people were sold to the Caribbean, South, and North America. The Island was also the largest slave trading center on the African coast.
The Island lies 3.5 Kilometers from Dakar off the coast of Senegal.
It is currently a pilgrimage destination for the black diaspora and serves as a contact between the West and Africa.
The Island also has a museum displaying slave artifacts that tell their history.
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The Okavango Delta, Botswana
Lying northwest of Botswana in the middle of a desert, the Okavango Delta is a vast ecosystem comprising lagoons, waterways, and small islands.
It is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the world’s wonders. The Delta’s swampy green environment is home to many endangered animals and bird species that are escaping the surrounding desert area, making it one of the best places for a safari.
The Delta also has a high population of elephants and is excellent for birdwatching, especially during the breeding season.
The Delta also features some of Africa’s premier lodges and camps.
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Lalibela Rock-hewn Churches, Ethiopia
Ethiopia is known to have diverse culture, scenic nature, and historical architecture. Deep within the Ethiopian mountains is Lalibela town, which is home to 11 churches that have been carved from rocks directly.
The churches are among Africa’s unique and mystical landmarks, dating back to the 13th century.
Africa is indubitably the most diversified continent in the world; visit to experience the fantastic wildlife, incredible landscapes, rich history, and amazing people.
