Must-see attractions in Africa

  • Queen's View

    Malawi

    For really impressive views, head for Queen’s View on the eastern side of the plateau. It's named after Queen Elizabeth, wife of King George VI (and…

  • Ain Al Arais

    Siwa Oasis

    The closest spring to central Siwa is Ain Al Arais, a cool, inviting waterhole with a grotto-like bottom, just five minutes’ walk from the main market…

  • Soysambu Conservancy

    Southern Rift Valley

    This private conservancy offers quite extensive wildlife viewing, as well as camping. It is home to colobus monkeys, Rothschild's giraffes and about 450…

  • Constantia Uitsig

    Cape Town

    Call in here to sample a crisp sémillon, luscious chardonnay-based MCC brut or limited-release Red Muscat d’Alexandrie in the tasting room, located at the…

  • Barberton History and Mining Museum

    Mpumalanga

    In the old Transvaal Hotel (1882), this treasure trove of local history exhibits a hotchpotch of items from weaponry and greenstone samples to some fool's…

  • National Museum

    Nigeria

    The National Museum has displays of beautiful brasses. There are photographs of pieces which were stolen by the British during the sacking and destruction…

  • Toteil

    Sudan

    Don't miss this village at the southern edge of the Taka Mountains. It's noted for its atmospheric cafes serving delicious coffee and popcorns in lovely…

  • Springfield

    Winelands

    Some of the wines here are unfiltered – try the uncrushed Whole Berry for something different. Bring your own picnic to enjoy in the peaceful grounds,…

  • Mt Binga

    Zimbabwe

    The highest point in the Chimanimani Range is the 2437m-high Mt Binga on the Mozambican border, a stiff three-hour climb from the mountain hut site. Carry…

  • Fort William

    Ghana

    Now open to the public, this former slave fort hosts lively and fascinating tours, delivered by enthusiastic guides. Having served as a prison from 1962…

  • Grand Barra

    Djibouti

    This spectacular plain of dried and cracked white clay, 27km long and 12km wide, was once an ancient lake. You can't miss it if you're heading to Lac Abbé…

  • Islands

    Dahab

    This underwater Alice in Wonderland–esque site south of Dahab offers an outstanding topography of coral alleyways, amphitheatres, valleys and gulleys…

  • Playa de la Ribera

    Ceuta

    Ceuta's urban beach is jam-packed during summer with nearly nude Spaniards and fully clothed Moroccan women. The beach is lined with cafes and bars…

  • Church of St Francis of Assisi

    Zimbabwe

    The Church of St Francis of Assisi was constructed between 1942 and 1946 by Italian POWs to commemorate 71 of their compatriots who died in Zimbabwe…

  • Chikale Beach

    Malawi

    On the southern side of Nkhata Bay, Chikale Beach is a popular spot for swimming and lazing on the sand, especially at weekends. After church on Sunday,…

  • Divuyu Village Remains

    Botswana

    An adjunct to the Rhino Trail is a short but hazardously rocky climb along what is sometimes called the Divuyu Trail, leading to the scattered remains of…

  • National Cultural History Museum

    Pretoria

    Concentrating on the cultural history of South Africa, this museum features exhibitions on San rock art, Iron Age figurines from Limpopo and a small…

  • Poacher's Lookout

    Tsavo West National Park

    A short distance northwest of Severin Safari Camp, this hilltop vantage point offers fine views out over the park, and especially fine views west to the…

  • University Museum

    Stellenbosch

    This fabulous Flemish Renaissance–style building houses an interesting and varied collection of local art, an array of African anthropological treasures…

  • Qubbet Al Hawa

    Aswan

    On the hilltop above the Tombs of the Nobles lies this small domed tomb, constructed for a local sheikh or holy man. The steep climb up is rewarded with…

  • Kings Beach

    Port Elizabeth

    Sandy central beach, popular for sunbathing and swimming in the shallows. Take extreme care when swimming; the current is very strong.

  • Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

    Stellenbosch

    This small nature reserve is 8km southeast of town and set within a timber plantation. There is a 10km scenic drive, plus hiking trails ranging from 5km…

  • Aquarium de la Réunion

    Réunion

    In the modern Port de Plaisance complex, the quite engaging Aquarium de la Réunion houses a series of excellent underwater displays, including tanks with…

  • Malabo National Park

    Bioko Island

    This new park is next door to the airport, and covers an area of 870,000 sq metres. The park offers restaurants, a sports area, activities for children, a…

  • President's Residence

    Maputo

    Mozambique's presidential complex is a beautiful and impressive structure overlooking Maputo Bay. Photographs are not permitted. It is also not permitted…

  • Plage Isri

    Al Hoceima

    This 100m-long grey-sand beach is a good option for soaking in some rays outside of the city bustle. A few food shacks along the beach serve fresh catch…

  • Ain Qurayshat

    Siwa Oasis

    Ain Qurayshat, about 20km east from Siwa Town, has the largest free-flowing spring in the oasis. The best way to reach the spring is via the causeway…

  • Maison du Curcuma

    Réunion

    Learn more about the virtues (and fragrances) of turmeric and vetiver at this small museum in a cute Creole house. It also sells delicious homemade…

  • God's Window

    Blyde River Canyon

    A viewpoint offering amazing vistas. Take the trail up to the rainforest (300 steps), where you might spot rare birds, including the elusive loerie, on…

  • Keurbooms River Nature Reserve

    Plettenberg Bay

    This riverine reserve is a glorious place to swim, angle, picnic or paddle. There are canoes to rent (R135 per day) or you can take a ferry trip down the…

  • Sha’ab Al Erg

    El Gouna

    Ease of access means this is an excellent dive site for beginners, though veteran divers will still enjoy the towering brain corals and fan-encrusted rock…

  • Mauritius Glass Gallery

    Mauritius

    The Mauritius Glass Gallery produces unusual souvenirs made from recycled glass. You can see pieces being made using traditional glass-blowing methods in…

  • Marabou Beach

    Mirleft

    Bisected by a massive, imposing boulder, this beach is petite compared to its neighbours, but the waves are no less intense. Avoid swimming at high tide,…

  • Nuweiba Beach

    Nuweiba

    This rather lovely sweep of golden sand straddles the coastline just south of Nuweiba City. It's the widest strip of beach in the Nuweiba area so is good…

  • Thilo von Trotha's Grave

    Fish River Canyon

    At the southern end of Kooigoedhoogte Pass, on the west bank of the river, lies the grave of Lieutenant Thilo von Trotha, who was killed here in a 1905…

  • Nyamandhlovu Viewing Platform

    Zimbabwe

    A driving loop via Main Camp will take you to Nyamandhlovu Pan, with the high-rise Nyamandhlovu Viewing Platform overlooking a water hole popular with…

  • Plage de St-Pierre

    Réunion

    One of St-Pierre's major draws is its beach, a long, fine sweep of pale sand massaged by aquamarine waters. It's exposed to the prevailing winds, though…

  • Fortaleza Real de São Filipe

    Cabo Verde

    For sweeping views, take the curving trail up to this dramatic cliff-side fort built in 1593. A 15-minute film in English and Portuguese gives an overview…

  • Camel Market

    Khartoum

    On the far western edge of Khartoum, this market is spectacular, especially on Saturday, but there is no public transport (a taxi will cost at least S£150…

  • Owela Museum

    Windhoek

    Part of the National Museum of Namibia, located about 600m from the main building, exhibits at the Owela Museum focus on Namibia’s natural and cultural…

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