23 Unique Places in Africa You Should Add to Your Bucket List

There are 54 countries in Africa filled with unique languages, cultures, and diverse people. Whether you are into adventurous hikes through jungles or making your way through bustling markets to find statement pieces to wear, there is something for everyone. Here is a list of 23 underrated places that you should consider for your next holiday.

01

Le Morne Brabant (Mauritius)

Le Morne Brabant is a mountain that sits in the Indian Ocean in the southwest of Mauritius. It was named a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2008 since it was used as shelter by runaway slaves in the 18th century.

02

Lake Kivu (Rwanda)

Lake Kivu is one of the African Great Lakes. It lies on the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. Lake Kivu sits on a rift valley and a reserve of methane gas which means that approximately every 1,000 years, the lake explodes.

The area is also known for great coffee farms and brews that have a hint of sweet lime balanced with blueberry fruitiness.

03
Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)
Flickr user fischerfotos

Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)

So many questions still surround how these geometrically perfect structures could have been built over 4,000 years ago. Whether you're interested in archaeology or not, the pyramids of Giza are one of the wonders of this world that everyone should witness.

04
Chefchaouen (Morocco)
Flickr | Steffan Jenssen

Chefchaouen (Morocco)

Chefchaouen is a blue-washed mountain town situated in northwestern Morocco that was established in 1471 as a sanctuary for Jewish and Christian exiles from Spain.

05
Sossusvlei (Namibia)
Flickr | Eric Bauer

Sossusvlei (Namibia)

Sossusveli is a salt pan surrounded by towering sand dunes that can be as high as 1,000 feet. This desert transforms into a haven for aquatic birds, as it's filled with greenery and hosts a lake when the Tsauchab River collects enough water.

06
Victoria Falls  (Zambia and Zimbabwe)
Flickr user abibhattachan

Victoria Falls (Zambia and Zimbabwe)

In the 1800s, the Kololo tribe described it as "The Smoke That Thunders" due to its sheer size and power. Victoria Falls is one of the wonders of the world and is a truly life-changing experience to witness.

08
Namaqualand (South Africa)
Flickr | flowcomm

Namaqualand (South Africa)

This is for your inner flower child or botany passions: if you imagine running through a carpet of wildflowers, Namaqualand is for you. The diversity in soil and land makeup gives this arid region a rainbow of different flowers after the May to July rains.

09
Praslin (Seychelles)
Flickr | So Seychelles

Praslin (Seychelles)

Tropical rainforests for you to explore, crystal clear waters, some of the finest hotels . . . Praslin is the island escape we all dream of filling our Instagram with.

10
Lake Retba (Senegal)
Flickr | Jeff Attaway

Lake Retba (Senegal)

Lake Retba or Lac Rose ("Pink Lake" in French) neighbors the Atlantic Ocean. It has salt contents that could rival the Dead Sea's status and its unusual pink color is a result of the dunaliella salina bacteria, which produce a red pigment to absorb sunlight.

11
Zanzibar (Tanzania)
Qali Id

Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Zanzibar is a historical trade site with Swahili and Islamic influences. A true cultural crossroad, it is home to history, fusion foods, and incredible ocean adventures. This island will reset your mind, body, and soul.

12
Lake Malawi (Malawi)
Flickr | Joachim Huber

Lake Malawi (Malawi)

Lake Malawi, or the "lake of stars," is one of the deepest lakes in the world and has more tropical fish than any lake in the world (1,300 species). So whether you're into diving, snorkeling, kayaking, or chilling out, these shimmering waters have something for everyone.

13
Skeleton Coast (Namibia)
Flickr | Pius Mahimbi

Skeleton Coast (Namibia)

The Skeleton Coast is haunted with the bones of whales and ship wrecks, all the while home to a striking contrast between the desert and Atlantic Ocean. This is a must for any history buff who is seeking an adventure.

14

Dakar (Senegal)

Dakar is a vibrant beachside town with great food and friendly people. Whether you want to go island hopping or learn how to surf, you will be met with hospitable people wherever you turn.

15

Franschhoek Wine Valley (South Africa)

Franschhoek means "French corner" in Dutch, stemming from the French who settled in the Cape, bringing with them their vast knowledge of wine-making and making this small town a must visit for food- and wine-lovers alike.

16

Nairobi (Kenya)

Nairobi is a cosmopolitan city with nightlife that could rival the best on the continent, restaurants and quaint cafes popping up everywhere, and an atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.

17
The Great Mosque of Djenné (Mali)
Flickr | Ralf Steinberger

The Great Mosque of Djenné (Mali)

Djenné is a World Heritage Site, and the Great Mosque is the largest mud-built structure in the world. So if you're into checking off bucket list destinations, this should be one of your must visits.

18

Fez (Morocco)

Fez is one of Morocco's oldest cities, known for its medieval architecture, incredible food, and leather tanneries.

19

Jinja (Uganda)

Jinja is known to be the source of the Nile, but in recent years has become a outdoor person's dream. From whitewater rafting, kayaking, quad biking, and mountain biking to horseback riding, this town has activities to get everyone's adrenaline rushing.

20
Avenue of Baobabs (Madagascar)
Flickr | Rod Waddington

Avenue of Baobabs (Madagascar)

A dirt road winds its way through these giant (98-foot-tall) trees that are said to be over 800 years old. The best time to go is during sunrise or sunset so you can witness the trunks magically change color and the landscape be painted with the long shadows of these alien-looking tress.

21
Bo-Kaap (Cape Town, South Africa)
Flickr | yeowatzup

Bo-Kaap (Cape Town, South Africa)

Bo-Kaap is a culturally unique neighborhood in Cape Town, with the residents having a mixed heritage from Africa, India, Malaysia, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka, all as a result of the Dutch slave trade. The cobblestone streets are lined with vibrant-colored homes. This neighborhood is a sure stop if you're ever in Cape Town and are looking for new cuisine and experiences.

22

Tsingy de Bemaraha (Madagascar)

Also known as the Forest of Stones, Tsingy de Bemaraha is a national park filled with limestone pinnacles and undisturbed forests housing endangered birds and lemurs.

23

Lamu (Kenya)

Lamu was historically part of the trade route from Asia down the eastern coast of Africa, bringing spices, textiles, and so much more. It has remained stuck in time with slow living, quiet beaches, and breathtaking private villas.