A wide diversity of landscapes, scenes, natural wonders, and landmarks may be found throughout the large continent of Africa. However, the continent still has an underdeveloped tourism sector and expensive travel practically everywhere. There are still many areas of this continent that have hardly been touched by travellers.
Yet Africa is home to some of the world’s most stunning and spectacular natural wonders. While some are well-known, others are just starting to become famous. In addition to craters, lakes, and coral reefs, they also include strong waterfalls, dry deserts, tall mountains, canyons, and national parks.
All of the major regions of the continent are covered in this topic on the natural wonders of Africa, which is organised by country for better comprehension. So let’s investigate the magnificent natural treasures of Africa. Africa’s nature attractions are abundant and varied with many wonderful experiences with nature to explore
Transnational natural wonders of Africa
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia border
Victoria Falls is the most famous waterfall in Africa and probably the world. It is also one of the largest waterfalls, with a width of 1,708 m. The original name of the waterfalls is Mosi-o-Tunya meaning “The smoke that thunders,” but most frequently, it is known as Victoria Falls, named after Queen Victoria by Dr. Livingstone.
The waterfalls are on the Zambezi River, separating Zambia from Zimbabwe. Very close to the falls, you will find Victoria Falls Bridge, built in 1905. The bridge connects Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe and Livingston in Zambia. And it is still used for cars, pedestrians, and trains.
Everyone should include seeing Mosi-o-Tunya Falls on their bucket list since, in addition to being an African Wonder, it is also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. You must enter Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls National Park to view the falls up close. There are numerous paths and vantage points in the park. Simply viewing and feeling the water of these waterfalls is an amazing experience.
Whitewater rafting in the Zambezi River, helicopter tours, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls bridge, and swimming in the Devil’s Pool are just a few of the amazing activities available in Victoria Falls. Be aware that the water flow varies depending on the season, with the dry season having very little water.
The Namib Desert, Namibia, and Angola
The Namib Desert is another natural wonder of southern Africa. Although the Namib desert is usually only associated with Namibia (it was named the country after all), it runs from southern Angola into Namibia, ranging from almost 1 600 km. This means that the Namib desert is a transnational natural wonder.
On the Namibian and Angolan borders, it is possible to visit the desert, however it is considerably simpler to do so in Namibia, particularly in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Despite being a sizable desert, Namib is not the biggest in the world. On the other hand, it is one of the two oldest deserts in the world, along with the Atacama in Chile, with a lifespan of up to 80 million years.
The Namib desert, which is regarded as one of the driest places on earth, is home to several of Namibia’s most notable geographical features, including well-known locations like Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, the enormous sand dunes, and the Skeleton Coast.
The unusual Welwitschias, a plant frequently referred to as a living fossil, are also found in Namib.
The Namib is mostly a sand desert made up of an infinite sea of enormous sand dunes, as those in Sossusvlei. It’s a lot of fun to go on a safari across the desert and sand dunes. In addition, the Skeleton Coast offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and enormous dunes.
