Africa is known as one of the vast and most expansive continents in the world, filled with a myriad of African landscapes, sounds, activities, and experiences. Perhaps one of the most well-known and most-sought-after of these experiences is purely taking in the countryside and the visual beauty that Africa possesses. This article will mention a few of the top-rated destinations for fantastic African landscapes throughout the continent to help identify the best locations for prime beauty. From the lush grasslands and jungles of Sub-Saharan Africa to the sand dunes and vast Sahara desert, there is something for everyone in this unique and stunning continent.
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African Landscapes: Tanzania
Tanzania is one of the best locations not just for taking in breath-taking African landscapes but also doing activities such as safaris and snorkelling off Zanzibar. With highlights such as the Ngorongoro Crater, the Great Migration, Mount Kilimanjaro, and other majestic mountains seen from reserves such as the Selous, Tanzania is an outdoor lovers’ absolute dream come true. The crystal waters of Zanzibar act as a perfect pairing with the Serengeti, Selous, or other game reserves, offering fantastic snorkelling or diving, and unrivalled white sand beaches. With hundreds of options for trekking, safaris, and just general hiking and outdoor enjoyment, the African landscapes of Tanzania leave many people awestruck and wishing for more.
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Morocco is a widely diverse nation with many fantastic African landscapes – from sea to sand dunes in the Sahara. You can enjoy the walled towns and cities such as Marrakech with the world-famous Djmaa el Fna market square, a large, market-lined town square playing host to snake charmers, Argan oil sellers, and henna tattooists. From here, a drive through the impressive Atlas Mountains takes you into rural Morocco with small clay houses lining the twisting mountain roads, with impressive views for hundreds of miles around. The Draa Valley is a bit beyond the Atlas, an expanse of plateaus between the Atlas and the Sahara. Date plantations stretch as far as the eye can see, with the occasional red-earthed mountain jutting up to the sky, hosting comfortable kasbahs. The rose-gold coloured dunes of the Sahara are an absolute must, the African landscapes where the shapes of the sand stretches for miles around, under a crystal clear, starlit sky, perfect for seeing the Milky Way.
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Egypt undoubtedly is one of the most mysterious of the African nations, with a rich history full of exciting moments and well-known Pharaohs this nation is worth a look for more than just the pyramids at Giza. Let your imagination run away with you as you explore African landscapes such as the 20 metre high Sphinx and the Great Pyramid – the only Wonder of the Ancient World still in existence. Further down, the Nile river brings you to African landscapes such as The Valley of the Kings and Queens, Luxor, and Aswan to name a few, as well as Abu Simbel to the very far south. These locations all host their own ruins and temples dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses, and have their own unique African landscapes, from the dusky desert at the Valley of the Kings, to the expansive lake at Abu Simbel, dotted with boats ushering passengers to and from Sudan. Further to the west from Cairo brings you to the mysterious village of Siwa Oasis – a date plantation in the middle of the Western Desert, home to a natural spring known as Cleopatra’s bath; a spring the Pharaoh Cleopatra was known to use during her reign as Queen. Alexander the Great also came here with his army, so Siwa Oasis is a true step back in history. The village itself is a basic, traditional mud and clay village, with tiny dusty streets and market stalls, sure to keep you engaged for hours.
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African Landscapes: Botswana
Botswana is known as one of the best up-and-coming countries in Africa for safaris and also general outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and exploring. With fantastic African landscapes such as the expansive Okavango Delta, home to herds of animals, and opportunities for exploring by canoe or motor boating great distances, the Delta is a favourite to many who visit this country. The Nxia Pan National Park is another one of the greatest African landscapes, known for its huge herds of giraffe, lions, and cheetahs as well. Nearby, the Makgadikagadi Pans are host to a vast salt plain – white and dry if the rain hasn’t been nurturing and great, but a grassy plain full of animals if the rains have been kind. Either way, this is one of the must-see African landscapes for any outdoor lover as each adds their own unique beauty to the Pans.
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This well-known country has the most visually diverse and stunning African landscapes in the region. From rugged and expansive coastlines in the south, hosting penguins and other surprises, to the mountains of Cape Town and beyond, this nation is one of the best for those who are looking for visually appealing and diverse African landscapes on their visit. With many things to do that are related to the great outdoors– safaris, cable-car tours, boat tours, and fantastic beaches, South Africa has its all-in-one neat little package for the outdoor lover. Table Mountain, perhaps one of the most famous African landscapes in the area, is a favourite amongst visitors, garnering spectacular panoramic views and incredible sunrises and sunsets.
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The Soussusvlei Dunes of Namibia are one of this country’s greatest attractions and one of the best African landscapes, having been carved out over millions of years through the movement of the tides bringing material from the orange river down to the dunes to help shape them into the majestic mountains of bright sand today. The climbing of these dunes heralds spectacular views, especially of the Deadvlei, an otherworldly expanse of dried white clay, with the occasional skeleton of ancient camelthorn trees casting dark shadows across the Earth. A final note on Namibia is the eerie Skeleton Coast, a length of coastline hosting old and unused oil tankers, and other various ships, left to rust away on the coast, giving it a ghostly feel of spooky long-lost nautical tales. Unfortunately, this beautiful African landscape is also home to many mining companies that own vast expanses of the coastline, so it’s best to check if there are tours available to avoid trespassing, which can be extremely dangerous.
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