Africa's Top 10 Most Inspirational Places

1. The Okavango Delta, Botswana

A lush jewel in the Kalahari thirstland

For me, this seasonally waxing and waning wilderness is Botswana‘s greatest attraction. Whether you explore its floodplains by 4X4, its waterways by motorboat and mokoro, or its islands on foot, you’re surrounded by nature in all her glory. Hippos grunt nearby, a dazzling kingfisher flickers on the periphery of your vision and graceful lechwe antelope tread shyly through the shallows.

There is no heavy-handed human presence in the heart of the Delta – only a sense of natural harmony, and of the immense privilege it is to be here. In terms of the most inspirational places in Africa, the Okavango Delta is an undisputed front runner.

Insider tip: Traversing the Okavango's waterways in a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) is a must – cruise along with your guide and gain a unique perspective of the world around you.

2. Sossusvlei, Namibia

A Shifting Dunescape of Ochre and Amber Sand

An early morning wake-up sees you driving along a desert road as the eastern sky blossoms from steel grey to a riot of reds. Silence falls like a blanket as you stop and get out, the sand squeaking underfoot as you begin your ascent. When you reach the summit, the beauty is startling: this is Sossusvlei, home to among the tallest dunes on the planet. Gazing out over the ancient landscape, you reflect on the epochs that have risen and fallen under its steady gaze. For me, it is this timeless, striking beauty that makes Sossusvlei one of Africa's most inspiring places. 

Insider tip: As one of the top stargazing destinations in Africa, and perhaps the world, stay at the likes of Sossusvlei Desert Lodge to experience the true majesty of the night sky here.

3. Cape Town, South Africa

Africa’s Most Beautiful City

Undoubtedly one of the top travel destinations in Africa is the Mother City, like a jewel at the tip of Africa. Cape Town sparkles as one of the world's most-loved cities. Discover the majestic views from the top of Table Mountain, one of the world's New 7 Wonders, travel to the tip of Cape Point where antelope graze and dolphins cavort in the waves, sip on fine wines from Franschhoek and Stellenbosch or explore the pristine Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens on a guided walking tour. Inspiration is not in short supply in the Mother City where galleries, museums, restaurants, and cafes flourish, and adventure is never far away.  

Hike to the top of Lion's Head for one of the best views of the city, hire a bicycle and take a leisurely ride along the Sea Point Promenade, or enjoy the company of Cape fur seals on a snorkelling expedition in Hout Bay. Alternatively, trade activity for leisure and lounge on one of the many blue flag beaches in Cape Town. There's plenty to do, see, and experience in beautiful Cape Town. 

Insider tip: Cape Town and its surrounds are home to some of the best wine farms in the world, producing top-tier varietals. Spend time venturing through the winelands on the iconic Franschhoek tram or cruise through the Constantia Valley.  

4. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Thundering Home of Nyaminyami, the Zambezi’s Water God

It is slightly puzzling at first to hear thunder from a cloudless blue sky. But a towering column of mist, flung far into the air, betrays the source: Victoria Falls – the world’s largest uninterrupted sheet of falling water. Explorer Dr David Livingstone welcomes tourists to the Zimbabwean side by way of his statue, marking the start of a path that winds through dripping rainforest to postcard views of the Main Falls.

On the Zambian side, a steep descent brings you to the edge of the Boiling Pot – the source of that tower of spray. And once you have absorbed the sheer majesty of this natural wonder, Africa’s adventure capital will thrill you silly; for sheer sensory stimulation, Victoria Falls is hard to beat. Go white-water rafting, walk under the railway bridge, go bungee jumping or swim in the Devil’s Pool – Vic Falls is Southern Africa’s playground!

Insider tip: While Victoria Falls and its sheer size is a staggering sight from the on-foot tour, there's nothing that highlights its grandeur like ‘The Flight of Angels' – a helicopter flip above the Falls.  

A Tip From The Experts:

You don't need to know exactly where you want to go when you first enquire about a safari. To design the right trip, what helps most is understanding what excites you — which animals you dream of seeing, the kind of atmosphere or imagery that comes to mind when you picture Africa, and the level of comfort you prefer. With that, we can narrow down the best destinations and create something that feels truly personal and seamless. – Emma Hill, Go2Africa Safari Expert

5. Kafue National Park, Zambia

Zambia's Largest Conservation Area

Welcome to one of Zambia's largest conservation areas, and one of the least populated safari destinations. For part of the year, the Busanga Floodplains are immersed in water and largely inaccessible. The park is quiet, its wilderness untamed, and its wildlife still very much wild. As the floods recede, a lush, verdant paradise remains, brimming with life. Small streams dot the landscape creating an intricate labyrinth; once a way for prey to escape predators, the local lions have adapted and are now the ‘leaping lions' of Kafue National Park.  

You set out on an early morning game drive and witness first light peeking through the canopies and shrubbery, the landscape bathed in a golden hue. Electric game vehicles ensure your stealth as you traverse the bush, stopping to witness as the likes of red lechwe, Sharpe’s grysbok, and antelope step through the flora. Your breath is held as a bull elephant snaps the branches of a tree and steps through into your line of sight. Peace and awe prevail as the park unveils itself and you cross paths with all but another vehicle.  

Insider tip: For unrivalled wildlife viewing, stay on or near the Busanga Plains during the dry season from June to November.  

6. Etosha National Park, Namibia

A Seemingly Endless Desert Mirage

At first glimpse, Etosha is a bone-white smear on the horizon. Up close, the salt pan stretches endlessly over the landscape, its surrounding grasslands pitted with thorny scrub. An elephant enters the scene, her trunk held high as she shuffles excitedly to a waterhole.

A delicate herd of springbok, a smattering of elegant giraffe and a disco-dazzle of zebra become bright spots of colour and contrast in this neutral-toned tableau. Suddenly, a chorus of alarm calls – and there, a lioness lies panting, her jaw clamped around the throat of a young impala. This is Etosha, brutal but beautiful, a place that never fails to inspire me.

Insider tip: As the heat of the day starts to hit, try and venture out to one of the perennial water sources as wildlife will begin to gather. A real bonus is staying at a lodge or camp with an on-site hide, perfect for avoiding the heat but still being in the action.  

7. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Home to Gentle Giants, the Mountain Gorillas

It’s the promised reward that makes you soldier up steep paths behind your guide, rain sneaking into your boots, mud and sweat clinging to your face. You trek in the pulsing, unspoilt rainforest of Bwindi for one glorious reason: a face-to-face encounter with mountain gorillas. Suddenly, the guide stops. You clutch your camera and move forward silently.

A gorilla mother cuddles her infant, spot-lit by shafts of sunshine; youngsters tumble and squabble like siblings in the back of a mini-van. Then a mighty silverback male looms out of the shadows, making your heart leap as he assesses the intrusion. He sees that you are no threat and settles down to keep an eye on his family. You are dumbstruck at the obvious intelligence in their honey-warm brown eyes, surprised by the dexterity of those sausage-like fingers. This meeting, this moment, is what makes Bwindi Impenetrable Forest one of Africa’s most inspirational places.

Insider tip: While not location based, our top tip pertains to gear – ensure you have solid walking shoes or hiking boots and wear them in well beforehand. Each gorilla and chimp trek is unique, and the length of it can never be guaranteed.

8. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

The World’s Largest Unbroken Volcanic Caldera

Not only known as one of Africa's Natural Wonders, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater is also the world's largest unbroken caldera that isn't filled with water. Home to a wildlife population around 30,000 strong and spread over 16-18 kilometres (10-12 miles), this is one of the best places to witness big and plains game – including the iconic Big 5.  

An early drive to the rim of this natural wonder puts you in prime position for one of Africa's most inspiring moments: sunrise over the Ngorongoro Crater. Settling back, you descend to the crater floor, a fantastical lost world of long-tusked elephants and rhinos, big cats and placid herds of plains game. A sudden blur of pink catches your eye as a cloud of flamingos takes flight, disturbed by the lone jackal trotting across your path. Animals follow their natural rhythms everywhere you look in this sanctuary, making you reflect on the original abundance of Africa's plains before they were conquered by man.  

Insider tip: If possible, stay at a property near the gate so you're among the first vehicles down in the crater for the day. 

A Tip From the Experts:

Allow plenty of time for planning. Most travellers start planning their safari 12 – 18 months in advance to make sure they get what they want, and availability of camps and lodges is good. Especially for peak travel months between June and September. – Meg van Niekerk, Go2Africa Safari Expert

9. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Witness one of Nature's Greatest Spectacles

When queries on the most beautiful places in Africa, many will answer that the sprawling Serengeti plains alive with the unmistakable thrum of the migration top their list. Plains stretch for mile after mile, dotted with a million of East Africa's most ubiquitous creatures, the wildebeest. It's January, and nature's grandest spectacle – the Wildebeest Migration – has begun. For now, it is a time of joyful plenty: acres of fresh sweet grass and thousands of adorable wildebeest calves. 

Today, the calves cavort, watched over by doting mothers and proudly alert fathers. But a lioness watches from a distance, calculating how to separate a calf from the herd to teach her cubs to kill: the season of plenty means plenty for all – predator and prey, scavenger and bystander. Tomorrow, treacherous river crossings reign with flowing waters brimming with crocodiles hoping for the perfect opportunity to present itself. Here, amongst the plains, nature's circle of life is real, raw, and undeniable, yet equally captivating.  

Insider tip: If you're looking to witness a specific part of the Migration, it's all about timing. Plan during the most reliable window to see that event, but travel with the understanding that it's a natural phenomenon that does not follow a set schedule.  

10. Lake Malawi, Southeast Africa

Lush Forests and Lake Vistas

What is the most beautiful place in Africa, you might ask? The answer may lie on the lapping shores of Lake Malawi. With views of clear, calm water stretching as far as the eye can see, settle under swaying palms on sandy shores and watch the day unfold. Spot snorkellers along the shoreline, discovering the resident cichlid fish. Watch fishermen cast their nets far and wide, waiting with patience for the odds to be in their favour. 

Spend days luxuriating along the shore, gliding along the water in a traditional dhow, or even searching for big game in local Liwonde National Park. Thanks to the flat, quiet water, gentle kayaks and stand-up paddleboarding provide relaxing adventures to explore the shoreline while African fish eagles provide a natural soundtrack. Fewer crowds, unspoiled landscapes, and beachside bliss, it's a recipe for paradise. 

Insider tip: For those seeking a beachside escape and a little snorkelling bliss, visit during the dry season – from May to October – as the water is at its clearest, warmest, and has the greatest visibility levels.  

Ready to Explore Africa's Top Inspirational Places? 

There is no shortage of inspirational places in Africa, which one you choose depends on the adventure you're seeking – for peak relaxation, choose Lake Malawi; for thrill-seekers, Victoria Falls beckons, and for those seeking a city scene, Cape Town calls. Whatever destination you choose, our Africa Safari Experts are on hand to help you create the ultimate itinerary. Get in contact today.