Top 13 Landscape Landmarks – Africa
1. Maloti-Drakensberg
Wander through the breathtaking landscapes of Maloti-Drakensberg Park, where ancient rock art meets awe-inspiring mountain vistas.
Accessibility:
3/5. Maloti-Drakensberg Park is relatively accessible by car with numerous entry points, though some areas may require a 4×4 or a hike to fully explore.
Cost:
3/5. The cost can vary depending on chosen activities, such as hiking, viewing rock art, or enjoying the natural scenery. Accommodation options range from camping to luxury lodges.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a wide range of activities in a breathtaking environment, though it rarely feels overcrowded.
2. Cape of Good Hope
Journey to the Cape of Good Hope, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet amidst the stunning backdrop of South Africa’s fynbos.
Accessibility:
4/5. Easily reachable by car or tour bus from Cape Town. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport.
Cost:
2/5. Entrance fee is reasonable, offering good value for exploring South Africa’s iconic coastal point.
Visitor Volume:
4/5. Popular with tourists, especially in summer, but spacious enough for peaceful exploration.
Special:
Often mistaken as the southernmost point of Africa, it’s a key landmark for sailors historically and offers breathtaking ocean views.
3. Simien Mountains
Trek through the breathtaking Simien Mountains in Ethiopia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to rare species like the Ethiopian wolf, Gelada baboons, and the Walia ibex.
Accessibility:
2/5. Located in northern Ethiopia, the Simien Mountains National Park is accessible by road from Gondar. The rugged terrain requires hiking or mule treks to fully explore.
Cost:
3/5. Entry fees and guide services are required for visiting the park. While the cost of basic services is moderate, the remote location and need for guides can add to expenses.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it attracts tourists for its stunning landscapes and wildlife. Efforts to preserve the natural environment limit the impact of tourism.
Special:
Home to rare species like the Ethiopian wolf and Gelada baboons, the park offers dramatic scenery with jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys, and highland plateaus.
4. Santo Antao
Explore Santo Antao, Cape Verde’s green jewel, known for its rugged mountains, verdant valleys, and scenic hiking trails that reveal the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Accessibility:
3/5. Accessible via ferry from São Vicente, Cape Verde, Santo Antão is known for its rugged landscapes. Roads and trails traverse the island, but some areas can only be reached on foot.
Cost:
2/5. Travel and accommodation on the island are relatively affordable. Hiking and exploring can be done independently, although hiring local guides can enhance the experience.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. Its dramatic scenery attracts hikers and nature lovers. While it is becoming more popular, the island retains a sense of untouched beauty and tranquility.
Special:
With its steep mountains, deep valleys, and lush terraces, Santo Antão offers some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the Cape Verde archipelago, showcasing the island’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
5. Ngorongoro
Explore the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a unique safari experience with a vast population of wildlife in a volcanic caldera.
Accessibility:
3/5. Located in Tanzania, part of the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Accessible by vehicle, with tours typically departing from Arusha. The nearest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Cost:
4/5. Entry fees and safari tours can be pricey but offer a comprehensive experience of wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Visitor Volume:
4/5. A popular safari destination known for its high density of wildlife, including the Big Five, within the crater.
Special:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a large volcanic caldera, home to diverse ecosystems and a significant concentration of wildlife.
6. Fish River Canyon
Explore Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa and the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia, known for its immense size and scenic vistas.
Accessibility:
2/5. Situated in southern Namibia, it’s one of the largest canyons in the world. Accessible by road, it’s a long drive from major cities, with the nearest significant town being Keetmanshoop. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended for some of the rougher roads leading to the canyon.
Cost:
2/5. An entrance fee is required for access to the Ais-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, which includes the Fish River Canyon. Additional costs might include accommodations and guided tours.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. While it attracts tourists for its breathtaking views and hiking opportunities, its remote location ensures it’s never too crowded.
Special:
Known for its immense size and spectacular vistas, the Fish River Canyon offers one of the world’s largest and most dramatic hiking experiences, with a canyon trail that is open during the cooler months.
7. The Skeleton Coast
Adventure through The Skeleton Coast, a stretch of the Namibian coastline known for its shipwrecks, dense fogs, and untamed wilderness.
Accessibility:
2/5. Stretching along Namibia’s northern coastline, The Skeleton Coast is remote and largely inaccessible, with limited access roads and strict control areas. Access is primarily through organized tours, which may include fly-in safaris.
Cost:
4/5. Visiting The Skeleton Coast can be expensive, largely due to its inaccessibility and the cost of guided tours or fly-in safaris required to explore the park.
Visitor Volume:
2/5. Its remote nature and access restrictions mean visitor numbers are low, offering an exclusive experience of one of the world’s most untouched wildernesses.
Special:
Known for its stark beauty, shipwrecks, and unique wildlife, The Skeleton Coast is a hauntingly beautiful wilderness area, offering dramatic scenery and a sense of isolation at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
8. Zanzibar
Immerse in the enchanting beauty of Zanzibar, an island paradise off the coast of Tanzania, known for its vibrant culture, pristine beaches, and historic Stone Town.
Accessibility:
4/5. Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, accessible by flights to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport on Unguja Island (commonly referred to as Zanzibar Island) or by ferry from Dar es Salaam.
Cost:
3/5. Zanzibar caters to a wide range of budgets, with accommodation ranging from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses. Activities and tours vary in price, with some beaches and historical sites free to explore.
Visitor Volume:
4/5. A popular destination known for its beautiful beaches, Stone Town’s rich cultural heritage, and spice tours. It can get crowded, especially in peak tourist seasons.
Special:
Famous for its white-sand beaches, clear blue waters, and the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Zanzibar also offers excellent snorkeling, diving, and cultural experiences.
9. Kubu Island
Discover Kubu Island, a mystical granite rock island adorned with ancient baobabs, set against the stark beauty of the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana.
Accessibility:
2/5. Kubu Island is located in the Makgadikgadi Pan of Botswana. Access is challenging, typically requiring a 4×4 vehicle due to the rough terrain and lack of paved roads leading to the island. It’s most easily reached from Gweta.
Cost:
3/5. There are no facilities on Kubu Island, so visitors must be fully self-sufficient. Costs include vehicle rental and camping fees. The remote nature of the island and the requirement for 4×4 vehicles increase the overall expense of a visit.
Visitor Volume:
2/5. Its remote location and the need for specialized vehicles to access the site mean that visitor numbers are relatively low, offering a secluded experience.
Special:
A mystical place known for its baobab-studded landscape, Kubu Island offers extraordinary views of the salt pans and is rich in history and spirituality for the local people.
10. Blyde River Canyon
Experience the breathtaking vistas of Blyde River Canyon, one of the world’s largest green canyons, offering panoramic views and rich biodiversity.
Accessibility:
4/5. Located in northeastern South Africa, accessible by car with several viewpoints along its length. The nearest major airport is in Nelspruit.
Cost:
3/5. Some viewpoints and attractions may charge a fee, but many parts of the canyon can be enjoyed for free or a nominal charge.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. A well-known landmark that attracts tourists, but its vast area allows for peaceful exploration.
Special:
One of the largest canyons on Earth, featuring spectacular scenery, rich biodiversity, and iconic viewpoints like the Three Rondavels.
11. Tsingy de Bemaraha
Venture into Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in Madagascar, famous for its limestone karst landscapes, known as ‘tsingy’, and a haven for unique wildlife.
Accessibility:
2/5. Located on the western coast of Madagascar, the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is challenging to reach, with access primarily via road during the dry season and often requiring a 4×4 vehicle.
Cost:
3/5. Entrance and guided tour fees are moderate but necessary for safe navigation of the park’s limestone forests and canyons.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. Its UNESCO World Heritage status attracts eco-tourists, but its remote location and the physical demands of exploring its karst landscapes keep the crowds manageable.
Special:
The park is famed for its limestone karst pinnacles, known as “Tsingy”, offering a unique and rugged landscape that is home to diverse wildlife, including several lemur species.
12. Ennedi Plateau
Explore the vast and mysterious landscapes of the Ennedi Plateau, with its rock formations and ancient petroglyphs.
Accessibility:
1/5. Located in a remote area of Chad, access is challenging and usually requires a 4×4 vehicle and an experienced guide. Nearest major access point is N’Djamena, requiring long overland travel.
Cost:
5/5. The difficulty of access and the need for specialized guides and equipment make visits expensive.
Visitor Volume:
1/5. Its remote location ensures that only a few adventurous travelers visit, offering an exclusive experience.
Special:
Features stunning natural arches, sandstone formations, and ancient rock paintings in a desert landscape.
13. Pico do Fogo
Ascend Pico do Fogo, the highest peak of Cape Verde, part of an active volcano offering challenging hikes, stunning panoramic views, and a unique lunar landscape.
Accessibility:
2/5. Situated on Fogo Island in Cape Verde, Pico do Fogo is the country’s highest peak and an active volcano. Access to the volcano’s base is by vehicle, but reaching the crater rim requires a challenging hike.
Cost:
3/5. While there’s no fee to hike Pico do Fogo, hiring a guide is recommended for safety and to navigate the terrain, which can add to the cost of the visit.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. The volcano attracts adventurers and hikers, but its rigorous trek ensures that visitor numbers are moderate, preserving the natural experience.
Special:
Ascending Pico do Fogo offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the unique experience of standing on the rim of an active volcano’s crater.