9 FAMOUS LANDMARKS IN AFRICA
Visit these iconic African locations to make memories that will last a lifetime!
Are you looking for ideas about where to go on your next African adventure? You’ve arrived to the correct location! There are several iconic locations in Africa that would be ideal for your next journey.
Africa’s iconic sights range from jaw-dropping deserts to spectacular national parks, not to mention the stunning ancient ruins, wide coastlines, and valleys of famous temples.
We’ve put together this helpful reference to Africa’s most iconic sites. These nine destinations would urge you to visit if there are notable landmarks in Africa. If you’re feeling very daring, you can even do them all in one incredible trip.
These prominent African landmarks encapsulate the soul of the region. This continent’s fiery heart, spiritual essence, and deep-rooted soul make it really unique. Learning about each African site will enthral you and inspire you to explore the continent further.
So, let’s get started. Here are our top nine renowned African landmarks.
So, let’s get to it. Here are our top 9 famous landmarks in Africa.
1. MOROCCO
Morocco is unlike other famous landmarks in Africa. This diverse country encompasses a myriad of incredible locations within its borders. Many consider the acclaimed Sahara Desert the most famous natural landmark in all of Africa, if not the world. Running along Morocco’s eastern border with Algeria, the Sahara Desert’s vast burnt orange sand dunes have been a legendary backdrop in many films. Moreover, its natural beauty is an allure to thousands of travellers each year who experience its wonder. Morocco also has various other fabulous African landmarks to explore. For example, the High Atlas Mountains and the Todra Gorge are national landmarks offering jaw-dropping views and spectacular canyons. If you want more famous landmarks in Africa, journey to Casablanca to visit the stunning Hasan II Mosque. Then it’s onto Marrakech to surround yourself with nature at the wonderful Yves Saint Laurent Majorelle Garden.
2. THE GREAT SPHINX OF GIZA
You’ve no doubt heard of the Great Sphinx of Giza. If you find yourself venturing to Giza, Egypt, this incredibly famous landmark is a must-see. This colossal limestone statue is over 4,500 years old, 20 meters high, and 73 meters long, making it one of Earth’s largest and oldest monuments. The Great Sphinx of Giza is an astonishing sight to behold. No wonder it’s one of Egypt’s most fantastic attractions!
This extraordinary African landmark was said to have been built for Khafre, a fourth-dynasty pharaoh who lived around 2500 BC. This monument is the second highest pyramid in Giza. What’s remarkable about the Great Sphinx is that its one-meter-long nose is missing from its face. To this day, the nose has yet to be found, and no one knows why it was taken.
Its mysterious history and awe-inspiring size make the Great Sphinx one of the most famous landmarks in Africa that can’t be missed.
3. CAPE OF GOOD HOPE
The Cape of Good Hope remains one of the most famous landmarks in Africa. Located in Cape Town, South Africa, this natural landscape is known for its incredible sweeping views and in-depth history. Humans have been fascinated by the Cape of Good Hope for centuries. Historical accounts of the peninsula date back as far as the Ancient Greeks. The Cape of Good Hope is a legendary must-see African landmark because of its trading history. The Cape of Good Hope was an important location for vessels sailing from Europe to the Far East. In the 15th century, it was dubbed the “Cape of Storms” by a Portuguese explorer. Later, it was renamed the “Cape of Good Hope” by King John II of Portugal to reflect European optimism about opening sea routes to the Far East and India.
The rocky seas of the Cape are incredibly perilous. Within the past 500 years, over 3,000 ships and vessels have been taken under by the high seas. Because of these treacherous conditions, the ‘Graveyard of Ships‘ is a popular name for this famous African landmark. However, the mesmerizing landscape and its stories ensure the Cape of Good Hope remains one of the top famous landmarks in Africa. It is definitely worth a visit.
4. THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY
The Great Rift Valley is a legendary African landmark that should be at the top of your list when you visit Africa.
The Great Rift Valley is a sequence of geographic breaks within the Earth’s wall, also known as trenches. It extends from Lebanon in Asia to Mozambique in Africa and is around 7,000 km long. The Valley runs along two avenues, the Western Rift Valley and the Eastern Rift Valley, where the walls emerge through Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan. They only join together in Tanzania, where they meet at the border with Zambia.
The Great Rift Valley is a breathtaking landmark in East Africa because it is stunningly unique and captivating. In addition, the Valley is known for its regular earthquakes, hot springs, volcanoes, and geysers, which make it even more interesting to discover.
If you want to check one of the most famous landmarks in Africa off your list, we visit the joining of Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley walls on our African Lion Safari Adventure.
5. SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
The Serengeti National Park is an extraordinary landmark in Africa because it is one of the world’s most visited and famous parks to observe wild animals.
Hundreds of different wildlife species call the vast open savannahs home, making it a hot spot for thousands of travelers each year. Among the famous landmarks in Africa, the Serengeti is the only one that hosts the Great Migration. This annual migration is one of the most significant natural wildlife events and is a massive pull for tourists. With a bit of luck and strategic timing, you can witness the Great Migration in its full glory.
During the Great Migration, you observe hundreds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope as they travel from Tanzania to Kenya in search of fresh grazing water. It’s a unique part of what the Serengeti can offer its visitors. Its dramatic show is one to remember forever. The Serengeti also has a variety of other fantastic sights to see, including its stunning landscape, Kopjes rock formations, wildlife walks, lakes, and riverine forests.
If you’re interested in witnessing one of the most famous landmarks in Africa, we venture through the Serengeti and observe the Great Migration on our groundbreaking African Lion Safari!
6. LAKE MANYARA
Lake Manyara is ranked as one of the top must-see famous landmarks in Africa because of its abundance of flamingos and other wildlife. From vervet monkeys to elephants and giraffes, Lake Manyara has it all. It even has its own tree-top walkway where you can observe the wild animals and birds from above. There is one animal that many tourists hope to see when visiting this stunning African landmark: the extraordinary tree-climbing lion. These tree-climbing lions enjoy climbing trees much more than lions in neighboring parks, confusing many scientists. It’s fantastic to see if you get the chance!
Lake Manyara also attracts a plethora of flamingos. An estimated 2 million flamingos line the lake in a pure pink glow. The lake is lovely to visit, so if you are considering a journey to the Serengeti, make sure you stop at Lake Manyara on the way.
7. SKELETON COAST, NAMIBIA
If you are a true adventurer, visit the Skeleton Coastline. This epic African landmark in Namibia is known for its untamed coastline that stretches over 500 kilometers, making it one of the most daring landmarks to visit in Africa. Along this haunting coastline lies hundreds of shipwrecks that are still visible to this day. The Skeleton Coast is infamous for its dangerous sea currents, gale-force winds, and thick fog. For this reason, thousands of ships throughout history were unable to navigate through these treacherous waters to freedom.
Although the Skeleton Coast is one of the most famous landmarks in Africa, it’s not for everyone. The coast got its name because of the numerous ships and animal bones spread across the sands that have succumbed to these disastrous elements. The Skeleton Coastline is incredible to witness. However, it’s only accessible by fly-in jet, making this African landmark exclusive and expensive. The untamed wilderness is worth every penny!
8. VALLEY OF KINGS
No other place in the world is quite like the Valley of the Kings. Surround yourself in one of the most significant archaeological sites in Africa. The Valley of Kings is an important African landmark because of its historical importance and uniqueness.
The Valley, located in Luxor, Egypt, is known as the burial ground for the significant kings and royal pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. These kings and pharaohs had impressive tombs filled with personal possessions and valuable objects. For example, the legendary Tutankhamun was buried here and attracts many tourists each year. The historical monuments and structures of the Valley of the Kings are so impressive and dramatic. It is a fascinating depiction of how Ancient Egypt once was. Immerse yourself in its magic and history at one of the most exciting landmarks in Africa.
If you had to choose one of the famous landmarks in Africa to visit, the Valley of Kings should be next on your list.
9. MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK
Mgahinga National Park is a must-see landmark in Africa because of its vast gorilla population. This unique feature makes it an attraction for tourists from all over the world. Mgahinga is a beautiful national park in Uganda situated high in the sky where the clouds break. Mgahinga National Park is wild in nature and has dense forests perfect for the rare mountain gorilla inhabiting this famous African landmark. The endangered golden monkey also calls the Mgahinga National Park home.
What’s unique about Mgahinga National Park is that it was created in the early 90s to protect the mountain gorilla population specifically. They succeeded, as this beautiful African landmark is now home to 50% of the Earth’s gorilla species. With around 300 gorillas located here, it’s one of the world’s best locations to observe gorillas!
