Top 7 Water Landmarks – Africa
1. Underwater Waterfall
Be amazed by the optical illusion of an underwater waterfall, a visual spectacle created by sand and silt deposits.
Accessibility:
4/5. Located off the coast of Le Morne Brabant in Mauritius, best viewed from helicopter tours. The island is served by Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.
Cost:
5/5. Helicopter tours offer the best views but can be quite expensive. Alternative views can be enjoyed from nearby mountains or drones.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. While Mauritius is a popular tourist destination, the underwater waterfall remains a unique attraction that not all visitors experience.
Special:
An optical illusion created by the underwater topography and sand movements, giving the appearance of a waterfall under the ocean’s surface.
2. Ouzoud Falls
Discover the stunning beauty of Ouzoud Falls, one of Morocco’s most magnificent waterfalls, nestled in the Atlas Mountains.
Accessibility:
3/5. Located in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco, accessible by car or guided tours from Marrakech. The nearest major city is Marrakech.
Cost:
2/5. Entrance is free, but guided tours or amenities nearby can add to the cost.
Visitor Volume:
4/5. One of Morocco’s most popular natural attractions, especially beautiful and busy during the spring months.
Special:
Morocco’s tallest waterfall, offering stunning views, a lush valley, and opportunities to spot local wildlife like Barbary macaques.
3. Victoria Falls
Witness the awe-inspiring power and beauty of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, on the Zambezi River.
Accessibility:
4/5. Located on the Zambezi River at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Accessible from towns of Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia), with international airports in both towns.
Cost:
3/5. Entry fees apply to the national parks on both sides of the falls. Activities like boat tours and helicopter flights are available at additional costs.
Visitor Volume:
5/5. One of Africa’s major tourist attractions, known for its breathtaking beauty and the thunderous sound of the falling water.
Special:
One of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world, offering stunning views and a unique opportunity to witness the natural phenomenon of the “smoke that thunders.”
4. Maletsunyane Falls
Witness the breathtaking Maletsunyane Falls in Lesotho, one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in Africa, offering spectacular views and thrilling adventures.
Accessibility:
2/5. Located near Semonkong in Lesotho, Maletsunyane Falls requires a journey through rugged terrain, often necessitating a 4×4 vehicle. The falls are a part of the Maletsunyane River in the Maloti Mountains.
Cost:
3/5. While there is no entrance fee to view the falls, the cost of getting there, including potential vehicle rental and accommodation in Semonkong, can make the trip more expensive, especially given its remote location.
Visitor Volume:
2/5. Its remote location means fewer visitors, offering a tranquil visit. It’s a draw for those seeking adventure and one of Africa’s highest single-drop waterfalls.
Special:
At 192 meters, it’s among the highest single-drop waterfalls in Africa, offering spectacular views and a dramatic backdrop for photography. The area is also known for activities like pony trekking and abseiling.
5. Seychelles
Escape to Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse ecosystems.
Accessibility:
4/5. This archipelago in the Indian Ocean is accessible by international flights to Seychelles International Airport on Mahé. Inter-island travel is facilitated by small planes, helicopters, ferries, and private boats.
Cost:
4/5. Seychelles caters to a range of budgets, but its remote location and the exclusive nature of many resorts can make visits on the pricier side, especially for accommodations on private islands or upscale resorts. Activities, dining, and inter-island travel also contribute to the overall cost.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. A popular luxury destination known for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and nature reserves. While it attracts tourists year-round, the wide distribution of islands and resorts helps maintain a sense of privacy and exclusivity.
Special:
Home to some of the most pristine natural environments on the planet, including the Vallée de Mai on Praslin, believed to be the original Garden of Eden. Seychelles is renowned for its biodiversity, including giant Aldabra tortoises and some of the world’s rarest birds.
6. Bazaruto Archipelago
Visit the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique, a group of islands offering unspoiled beaches, excellent diving, and rich marine life.
Accessibility:
3/5. Located off the coast of Mozambique, the archipelago is accessible by boat from Vilanculos and Inhassoro. Vilanculos has an airport with flights from Maputo and international destinations.
Cost:
3/5. Accommodation on the islands ranges from luxury lodges to more basic options, affecting the overall cost of a visit. Activities such as dhow cruises, diving, and snorkeling are additional.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. While it is a sought-after destination for its pristine beaches and excellent diving, the archipelago maintains a sense of exclusivity due to its relative remoteness and the limited number of accommodations.
Special:
Renowned for its clear turquoise waters, unspoiled beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, the Bazaruto Archipelago is a protected marine park and a haven for diverse marine life, including dugongs.
7. Lac Assal
Visit Lac Assal, the lowest point in Africa and the saltiest body of water outside Antarctica, surrounded by dramatic lunar landscapes.
Accessibility:
3/5. Lac Assal, situated in central-western Djibouti, is accessible by road through a journey across dramatic desert landscapes. It requires a vehicle capable of handling rough terrains, with organized tours commonly departing from Djibouti City.
Cost:
4/5. The trip to Lac Assal can be pricey, mainly due to the need for a 4×4 vehicle and a guide. While the lake itself doesn’t charge an entrance fee, the overall expense includes transportation and potential guide fees.
Visitor Volume:
2/5. Its unique location and harsh surrounding environment mean that Lac Assal is less frequented by tourists, offering a serene and almost untouched landscape.
Special:
At 155 meters below sea level, Lac Assal is the lowest point on the African continent and the third lowest in the world, renowned for its intense salinity and stunning blue waters, surrounded by a stark white salt crust and black lava fields.