Africa is a continent with different landscapes, making it a popular destination for tourists. The Sahara desert attracts visitors to see the sand dunes and the iconic sandstone rock formations featured in many films. Central Africa has some of the world’s most beautiful rainforest landscapes, home to gorillas, elephants, and wild animals. Southern Africa has beautiful coral reefs that can be explored while snorkeling or diving.
Explore your options for safaris, historical sites, and more as you plan your next trip to this fascinating continent.
1. The Sahara Desert
The Sahara desert is the largest hot desert in the world. This means that this attraction has many tourist activities that are centered around its environment. Some of these include camel riding, sandboarding, and photography.
Sandboarding in the Sahara can be done on a camel or on foot. Sandboarding has become popular because of the huge dunes that are spread across this desert. The people who do it often end up standing at the top of the world’s largest sand dune- Mount Chinguetti.
One popular tourist destination of the Sahara Desert is the city of Timbuktu. Timbuktu is a historical city in Mali and is one of the most popular tourist attractions. It was extremely important during the Middle Ages and used to be a center for Islamic scholarship and commerce.
2. Lions Mountain Parkrica
Lions Mountain Parkrica is a safari destination in Kenya. It is a popular park for tourists who want to see lions, elephants, and giraffes. Lion Mountain Parkrica is a place that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the African wilderness. When you arrive at the entrance of this park, you will be greeted by a lion and elephant who will lead you into this safari destination. The scenery at Lions Mountain Parkrica includes green hills and trees and wildlife such as giraffes and other animals.
The activities at Lions Mountain Parkrica are focused on the wildlife. There are several types of activities related to the safari, including horseback riding, watching the animals from the comfort of your vehicle, and hiking through the jungles. You can also visit the giraffe’s feeding ground or go for an elephant walk. Lions Mountain Parkrica is a perfect place for tourists to take in the African wilderness while maintaining safety.
3. Table Mountain, South Africa
Table Mountain in South Africa is a popular tourist attraction. This mountain is located near Cape Town and can be seen from different points in the city. At the top of Table Mountain, you will find spectacular views of the city below, including Table Bay and Robben Island. It is also possible to see the Atlantic Ocean from the summit of Table Mountain. This mountain is accessible via cable cars. The two most popular routes for these cables are Senttebogt’s Kloof and Platteklip Gorge.
The walk up to this mountain is rewarding in its own right because it offers visitors an opportunity to explore Cape Town’s rich biodiversity while they walk through forests, exotic gardens, and up tall mountains. Besides walking up to the mountain, tourists can also ride a cable car up to the peak. It is possible to hike all the way up Table Mountain on foot using Platteklip Gorge.
4. Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Kenya
Mount Kilimanjaro is a mountain located in two countries- Tanzania and Kenya. Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Mount Kilimanjaro was created by volcanic eruptions. The environment at this mountain ranges from dry desert to rainforest climates with different ecosystems that include meadows, forests, and snowfields up on the top of the mountain.
Mount Kilimanjaro is a popular tourist destination for many reasons. It is possible to climb the mountain and make it to the top for sunrise or sunset. People who hike up to the summit will be rewarded with stunning views of crater lakes and glaciers.
There are different lakes at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The most well-known lake is called Lake Kigelia. This lake is located in Tanzania and is known for its pink waters, which come from a species of flamingo that resides there.
Mount Kilimanjaro also has different types of volcanic craters, including the famous Kibo Crater, Mawenzi Crater, and Shira Crater. These craters have been revered as sacred places by local tribes for centuries.
5. Bwindi and Kibale National Park
Bwindi and Kibale National Park are located in Uganda. The park has a rich diversity of species that include mammals, birds, and reptiles. Bwindi and Kibale National Park is a safari destination because it offers safaris for tourists who want to see wildlife in their natural habitats. Visitors have the opportunity to safari on foot or safari from a vehicle. Near the park, there are also different types of accommodations available for tourists to stay overnight.
Kibale National Park is known for its primate diversity. Thirteen different species of primates live in the park, including chimpanzees and red-tailed monkeys.
Final Thoughts
The African continent has different landscapes, from deserts to lush jungles. We hope this article has helped you narrow down your options for a safari or other adventure in Africa. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the wildlife and experience nature firsthand at these national parks and game reserves.