Must-see attractions in Africa

  • Ecomuseum

    Gabon

    This simple ecomuseum contains artworks, archeological artifacts, cultural information on the people who live here, and more than 150 species of plants.

  • Urithi Tanga Museum

    Northeastern Tanzania

    Tanga’s old boma has been rehabilitated, and now houses this small but worthwhile museum, with historical photos and artefacts from the area.

  • Bab Al Mahruq

    Cairo

    The western entrance into Al Azhar Park is through the medieval gate of Bab Al Mahruq in the old Ayyubid walls.

  • Lighthouse

    The East

    Next to the tourist office, the small lighthouse – the only one on the island – is worth a gander. It was built in 1845 and is still in operation.

  • Babalala Picnic Spot

    Kruger National Park

    One of Kruger's designated picnic spots. Between Shingwedzi and Punda Maria, in the park's far north. There's excellent birdwatching in the vicinity.

  • Lirhanda Hill Lookout

    Western Kenya

    Depending on where you're staying, it can be about a five-hour return hike to Lirhanda Hill. Being there for sunrise or sunset is highly recommended.

  • Sunset Dam

    Kruger National Park

    On the doorstep of Lower Sabie, the dam is often alive with birdlife, hippos, crocs and more. Given its proximity to the rest camp, it can get busy.

  • Palm Beach

    Agadir

    A relaxed private beach with showers, toilets and a kids' play area. Seclusion from the main beach means a more serene visit for families and women.

  • Plage de Petit Boucan

    Réunion

    At the southern end of Boucan Canot's main beach, you'll find this smaller, much quieter beach, but swimming is forbidden and there's no lifeguard.

  • Town Museum

    Namibia

    The town museum, housed in the 1903 residence of the settlement’s first colonial postmaster, recounts the historical roots of Rehoboth from 1844.

  • Farol Dona Maria Pia

    Cabo Verde

    Built in 1881 and named after a Portuguese queen, this wind-battered lighthouse provides a scenic vantage point for views across the coastline.

  • Haroune Aqueduct

    Moulay Idriss Zerhoun

    Also known as the Roman aqueduct (though it's not that old), this is a remarkable structure probably built to provide water to Moulay Idriss.

  • Williams Falls

    Malawi

    From the southern side of the plateau you can hike through some beautiful indigenous forest and past a trout farm to this impressive cascade.

  • Emperor's View

    Malawi

    Emperor’s View is named after Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, who visited in 1964. It gazes down on Zomba town and out towards Mulanje.

  • St Matthew's Cathedral

    Khartoum

    With its various turrets, slender spires and a large rose window, this building resembles a fairy-tale castle. There are services on Sunday.

  • Lugards Falls

    Kenya

    One of the prettiest stretches along the Galana River, Lugards Falls is a wonderful landscape of water-sculpted channels and striated rocks.

  • Independence Arch

    Accra

    This imposing arch adjacent to Independence Sq is crowned by a large black star, Ghana's national symbol. Note: taking photos is forbidden.

  • Jardim dos Namorados

    Maputo

    Wonderful for families, with a children's playground, pedalo rentals, lots of space, a good and inexpensive cafe and views over Maputo Bay.

  • Marsa Bareika Beach

    Ras Mohammed National Park

    Yellow arrows point the way to the sandy beaches and calm waters of Marsa Bareika, an excellent spot for snorkelling and safe for children.

  • Ras Bir Lighthouse

    Djibouti

    About 6km east of the centre, this well-kept lighthouse is worth a gander. It’s completely isolated, and there’s an eerie atmosphere.

  • Seal Point Lighthouse

    Sunshine Coast

    Built in 1878, this lighthouse is the tallest masonry tower on the South African coast, and marks the second-most-southern tip of Africa.

  • Buyangu Hill Lookout

    Western Kenya

    It's a 4km drive or walk from the park entrance to Buyangu Hill, from where there are uninterrupted views east to the Nandi Escarpment.

  • Near Garden

    Sharm El Sheikh

    Near Garden reef is home to a lovely chain of pinnacles. Depth: surface to more than 40m. Rating: intermediate. Access: shore or boat.

  • Coptic Church

    Khartoum

    Khartoum's Coptic minority uses this church off the main drag along the Nile. It's an elegant building, with two imposing bell towers.

  • Plage de Terre Sainte

    Réunion

    This small, intimate beach in the Terre Sainte neighbourhood is rarely crowded. It's great for sunbathing. Note that there's no shade.

  • Paul Cluver Wines

    Western Cape

    A worthy stop on the Elgin wine route, offering fine wine, a pleasant country-style restaurant and mountain-bike trails (permits R80).

  • State House

    Dar es Salaam

    An imposing complex set amid large grounds, the State House was originally built by the Germans and rebuilt after WWI by the British.

  • Lisbon Falls

    Blyde River Canyon

    This waterfall is a highlight of the Blyde River Canyon area, especially in summer (October to March), when the water flows hardest.

  • Law Courts

    Sierra Leone

    The ornate Law Courts have been beautifully restored following considerable war damage. Located immediately east of the Cotton Tree.

  • Marina

    Northern Tunisia

    The heart of Tabarka is its marina, just northeast of the town centre. It’s a popular place to hang out, go for a drink or stroll.

  • Timbavati Picnic Area

    Kruger National Park

    One of Kruger's designated picnic spots. Northwest of Satara. Have a late lunch here as a prelude to a loop along the S127 and S39.

  • Kampala Hindu Temple

    Kampala

    Right in the city centre, this temple has elaborate towers and a swastika-emblazoned gate. Peek inside to see the unexpected dome.

  • Aqaba Beach

    Ras Mohammed National Park

    A track (with brown arrows) leads to Aqaba Beach. Just offshore is the Eel Garden dive site, named after an eel colony 20m down.

  • St-Pierre Church

    Réunion

    Built in 1765, St-Pierre church is one of St-Pierre's many architectural gems and features an elegant peristyle and two towers.

  • Le Morne Public Beach

    Mauritius

    A narrow sliver of sand at the tip of the peninsula, this beach has lovely rooms but very little space, especially on weekends.

  • Salt Lake

    Ras Mohammed National Park

    This stunningly aqua-blue salt lake is about 200m inland from Ras Mohammed's Mangrove Channel and is a popular swimming stop.

  • Jewellery Souq

    Tetouan

    Tetouan is known for its artisans, and this is the spot in the medina where you'll find a collection of jewellery boutiques.

  • Mathekenyane

    Kruger National Park

    The top of this granite kopje south of Skukuza has an uninterrupted panorama of the surrounding wilderness (best at sunset).

  • Red Rocks

    Kruger National Park

    Lions, giraffes, rhinos and elephants are often sighted at this spot on the Shingwedzi River. It's off the H1-6 on the S52.

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