A few days ago, astronauts travelled into space in search of one of humanity’s final frontiers. It is a reminder of how far people will go in search of discovery. Yet, across Africa, there are places that inspire the same sense of wonder without leaving Earth.
The continent holds a wide range of destinations, from heritage sites tied to long histories to natural formations defined by time and geography. Travelling across Africa brings encounters with cultures, landscapes, and environments that stay with visitors long after they leave.
Here are some of those destinations.
Namib Desert, Namibia
Located within the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the Namib Desert stretches along Namibia’s Atlantic coast and is widely considered one of the oldest deserts in the world. At Sandwich Harbour, dunes rise directly into the ocean, creating a meeting point of sand, sea, and fog. The area also holds traces of shipwrecks and supports wildlife adapted to harsh conditions.
Nosy Iranja, Madagascar
Nosy Iranja consists of two small islands linked by a white sandbar that appears during low tide. Off Madagascar’s coast, it is known for clear turquoise waters and serves as a nesting site for sea turtles.
Olumirin Waterfall (Erin-Ijesha), Nigeria
Olumirin Waterfall in Osun State features seven cascading levels along the slopes of the Effon Ridge. Each level reveals a different view of rocks, vegetation, and flowing water moving through natural stone formations. It remains one of Nigeria’s most visited natural sites.
Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
Between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina in western Madagascar lies a stretch of road lined with ancient baobab trees. Some of the trees stand up to 30 metres tall and have remained in place for centuries. The location draws attention especially during sunrise and sunset.
Wase Rock, Nigeria
Wase Rock rises sharply from the plains of Plateau State as a volcanic plug nearly 300 metres high. It is one of Nigeria’s most distinctive natural formations and sits within an area that also serves as a bird habitat, including species such as the Ross’s white pelican.
Lake Retba, Senegal
Lake Retba, also called Lac Rose, sits near Senegal’s Atlantic coast. Its pink colour comes from algae that thrive in its highly saline waters. The shade becomes more visible during the dry season, and the density of the water allows easy floating.
Aurora Australis (Southern Lights), South Africa
The Aurora Australis is a natural light display caused by solar particles interacting with Earth’s magnetic field. While usually visible closer to Antarctica, it has appeared in parts of South Africa during strong geomagnetic activity, briefly lighting up the night sky with shifting colours.