Articles
AFRICAS MOST FAMOUS LANDMARKS
The continent of Africa comprises of 47 to 55 countries, depending on who you ask. Some include in that number of 55 the Island nations off the coast of Africa. So what is the lure of Africa that people are so fascinated with? The abundant wildlife, the spectacular beaches, the friendly people and their cultures, what is it? No one can answer that question except for the person who visits. So, not in any particular order, we would like to showcase some (and believe me there are a lot more) of the famous natural landscapes that Africa has to offer anyone looking to see why Africa will call you back for another visit.
Victoria Falls
These falls are without a doubt among the most amazing and breathtaking waterfalls in the world, the others being Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Niagara Falls in Canada. Located on the Zambezi River at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, the falls spans a width of 1.7 km and a height of 108 metres. Preserved in its natural state, Victoria Falls inspires visitors as much today as it did David Livingstone in the 1860s. If you’re the adventurous type, you can go rafting the wild rapids below the Falls, and one can kayak, canoe or go on guided walking safaris. There is plenty to keep you busy and thrilled around the Falls.
Serengeti National Park
Tanzania’s most famous park, the Serengeti is known worldwide for it’s annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest in the company of thousands of zebra gazelle, which in turn become a feast for the predators like the lions, cheetah, crocodiles and hyena. The park spans 5,700 sq. miles and comprises a wide range of landscapes and wildlife including the Big Five. Plan to spend a few days in the park to do justice to its size and in order to see the huge variety of wildlife to be found there.
Masai Mara
World famous Masai Mara in Narok County, Kenya is famous for its exceptional population of lions, leopards and cheetah and also for the annual migration of the wildebeest, zebra and gazelle that come into Mara from Northern Serengeti. All members of the Big Five are found in the Mara, together with large groups of Hippos and crocodiles in the Mara and Talek rivers. As in Serengeti, Mara also has other wildlife in huge numbers and would also need at least a few days to absorb all it has to offer.
Sossusvlei Sand Dunes
Sossusvlei is a perfect specimen of Namibia’s unspoilt desert beauty. It is a sale and clay pan situated in the largest conservation area in Africa, the Namib-Naukluft National Park. This photogenic area is famous for its large, red sane dunes, which are some of the tallest sand dunes in the world and is one of Namibia’s most visited attractions. The sand in the Namib desert is red in colour due to its iron oxide content and as the lighting changes during the day, so does the appearance of the dunes.
Avenue of the Baobabs
Also known as the Alley of Baobabs, these 800 year old trees in Madagascar line the dirt road between Morondava and Beloni Tsiribihina in the Menabe region. This striking landscape draws travelers from around the world, making it one of the most visited locations in the region.
The Pyramids of Egypt
The Great Pyramids, near Cairo, are world renowned Egyptian icons, pictured in various Hollywood movies. However, these massive tombs are literally the resting places of the mummified remains of Egypt’s dead pharaohs, the sacred resting places leaders of history can continue to receive prayers, food, and other offerings in the afterlife. The most recognized tombs at this location are that of Pharaoh Khufu (or Pharaoh Cheops) and the great Sphinx, the half-human half-lion monument.
Okavango Delta
A labyrinth of languid lagoons and dreamy lakes, something out of science-fiction-fantasy, can be found stretched out along the Okavango River in Botswana. The purity and tranquility of the Okavango Delta draws a berth of wildlife that seeks sustenance from this unique water feature in the midst of virtual desert.
Omo River
For a real cultural shock, take a tour to the remote Omo River, located in Southwestern Ethiopia. This experience will introduce you to more than 50 indigenous tribes who call this region home. Many of the people’s here remain true to their traditional beliefs and tribal customs and live in primitive African tribal camps.
Mountain Gorillas, Virunga Mountains
The Virunga Mountains stretch along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). But it’s the forests in the area that house a true natural treat! These mountains are home to the endangered mountain gorillas, which you can see perched among the countryside and active volcanic surroundings as you hike up the mountain’s major peaks—Mounts Karisimbii, Nyirangongo, and Nyiragira.
Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon is located in the south of Namibia. It is definitely one of the most beautiful canyons in the world, as well as the second largest canyon in the world and the largest in Africa. The Fish River canyon is one of Namibia’s most visited tourist attractions, featuring a gigantic ravine, in total about 100 miles (160 km) long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 metres deep.
Mt. Kilimanjaro
The highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world at a height of 5,895 metres above sea level. The mountain is also one of the most famous mountains in the world, probably thanks to the Ernest Hemingway’s famous short story The Snows of Kilimanjaro. Climbing the mountain and reaching the top of Africa has become a popular attraction among the more adventurous tourists from all over the world. The summit of the Kilimanjaro features the Furtwängler Glacier - a small remnant of an enormous icecap which once crowned the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, and will most likely disappear entirely over the next few years
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is a conservation area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crater itself stretches 19 km across and is 600 meters deep. It is the world’s largest unspoiled, dry volcanic caldera. The Ngorongoro crater acts as a protective enclosure for over 25,000 of large animals, including black rhinoceros, lions, hippos, wildebeest, zebras, elands and gazelles – all of which live on the large crater floor.
Seychelles’ Island Escapes
Seychelles' magnificent tropical islands possess unrivalled beauty, and represent the ultimate tropical island destination for the discerning traveller, living up to the country's slogan - "Seychelles ... as pure as it gets". The islands of the Seychelles have to be counted among the best kept secrets on earth and, without doubt, rank among the safest and purest destinations anywhere.
Zanzibar & Pemba Islands
Zanzibar trades under the name 'Spice Island', and has lured travellers for centuries, some in search of spices, some in search of slaves and still others in search of an idyllic home. Nowadays most visitors are in search of its beautiful beaches. Commonly known as Zanzibar, the island's name is actually Unguja, and is part of the Zanzibar archipelago, which also includes Pemba.
