13 Unique Places You Wouldn’t Expect to See in Africa

1. Stone Town – Zanzibar

A True Cultural and Spice Sensation

Stone Town in Zanzibar is architecturally striking with a unique mix of Arab, Persian, Indian and European elements. A UNESCO World Heritage Site – in the heart of Zanzibar City – it is a tangle of winding alleyways that have remained true to character since the 19th century.

With its unique atmosphere and rich history, Stone Town is undoubtedly one of the most incredible places to visit in Africa, yet you won’t feel like you are in Africa. Discover narrow cobblestone streets infused with an Arab-style and distinct Swahili atmosphere, simply follow your feet and embrace a level of curiosity.

This ancient city is a gateway to the past, where you can peruse the Forodhani Gardens night market, or meander the Beit el-Ajaib (House of Wonders), a former sultan's palace. Little known to many, Stone Town is the birthplace of Freddie Mercury, and you'll also find a museum honouring the late lead singer for Queen.

Being a tropical paradise, it delights with a profusion of water-based activities. Sail serenely on a traditional dhow, swim with dolphins, and explore beautiful coral reefs. Few island destinations offer such intimate access to the ocean paired with perfect conditions and so many things to see and do in Zanzibar.

2. Damaraland – Namibia

The Gateway to Namibia’s Wild Side

Damaraland has a dramatic desert feel, with barren moon-like landscapes of exceptional natural beauty. It is a stark contrast to the perception of Africa with its predominantly lush and green landscapes.

This mountainous region is home to many large mammals that have perfectly adapted to the harsh geology, including the famed desert-adapted elephant, mountain zebra, and the critically endangered black rhino.

Damaraland is a pioneer of environmental conservation in Namibia. The picturesque Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain, is home to thousands of ancient rock paintings and is known as the greatest outdoor art gallery in the world.

The rocky outcrops of Twyfelfontein feature Bushmen (San hunters of the early Stone Age) engravings, which are some of the best-preserved etchings on the continent. Another highlight is the Petrified Forest, which dates back millions of years and offers a haunting landscape of gigantic, fossilised trees.

3. Uganda – East Africa

Home to Great Apes and Iconic Tree-Climbing Lions

When it comes to unique places in Africa, Uganda is a top contender. With 20% of its land dedicated to wildlife reserves, not only is it largely untouched, but also glorious in its verdant rolling hills. Shades of green stretch as far as the eye can see in some areas while others feature sprawling plains dotted with wildlife and dense rainforests hiding shy primates.  

Together, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park safely house more than half of the world's mountain gorilla population, making Uganda a prime place for gorilla trekking. Venture into the towering canopies of Kibale Forest, home to an impressive 13 species of primates, in search of chimpanzees, or along the slopes of the Virunga Mountains to seek out the elusive golden monkey. 

While Uganda is primarily lauded for its gorilla trekking, it's also one of Africa's premier game-viewing destinations. As one of the world's most biologically diverse parks, Queen Elizabeth National Park delivers on both flora and fauna; encounter four of the Big 5 and other classic game alongside safari stars, the park's tree-climbing lions.  

4. Lüderitz – Namibia

A Seaside Town and Its Deserted Neighbour

Lüderitz is a quaint harbour town on the Atlantic Coast in Namibia, surrounded by the Namib Desert. Besides enjoying ocean-fresh lobster and oysters at one of the local restaurants, walking around and admiring colourful German art-deco architecture is a popular pastime.

A mere ten kilometres inland from Lüderitz is where you will find the ghost town of Kolmanskop. It sprang to life when diamonds were discovered in 1908 and was eventually abandoned, leaving it untouched since 1954.

Today, it is a haunting and desolate destination where the sands of time have engulfed most of its once-lively 1920s culture. Windows blown out and doors ajar, buildings are filled with varying depths of sand, constantly shifting with the wind. Photographers from all over the world travel to capture striking stills of this peculiar place. While somewhat disconcerting, Kolmanskop must also feature as one of the most amazing places in Africa for adventurous and curious travellers.

5. Fish River Canyon – Namibia

Africa’s Answer to the Grand Canyon

As one of the most unique African countries, Namibia comprises vast and varied landscapes – from a shipwreck-laden coastline and desert sand meeting sea to deep canyons and sprawling salt pans. A standout is the Fish River Canyon, one of the most beautiful places in Africa, is found in Southern Namibia. It is the second largest canyon worldwide, after the Grand Canyon in the USA. With such similar terrains, we'd forgive you for feeling like you are in the States.

The canyon forms part of the state-run Ais-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, and is undoubtedly a bucket-list adventure for avid hikers looking to connect to the natural world. Some hikes can take four to five days to complete – a level of endurance readily awarded with striking views and nights spent with a bright, uninterrupted star-lit sky.

Those exploring the canyon usually make a beeline for its most expansive viewpoint – a spot overlooking the gorge from the gate of the Hobas Campsite. Nature lovers flock from all over the globe to witness its dramatic plunging ravines, sheer rock faces, and to stand in awe of this immense natural wonder.

6. Lake Malawi – Malawi

Snorkelling, Stargazing, and Safari Appeal

Malawi is affectionately known as the friendliest country on the continent and is one of the most beautiful places in Africa. It's far removed from the classic safari experience, its biggest drawcard being the sapphire-coloured Lake Malawi. Despite being a far cry from the coast, you would be forgiven for confusing it with a beachside locale. Beautiful beaches adorn sections of its shores while nearby treelines welcome a host of birdlife, providing a tranquil soundtrack.

Lake Malawi has a seductive albeit deceiving oceanic tropical island ambience. This fresh-water lake is the third largest in Africa and is home to over 500 different species of fish – more than in North America and Europe combined – making it a premier scuba diving and snorkelling destination.

The tranquil, flat lake beckons stand-up paddleboarders, kayakers, and even some fair-weather sailing. Back on land, you can join in a local big game safari at the nearby Liwonde National Park, or simply get comfortable savouring local beach culture, where days are about idle pleasures and time stands still. 

7. Boulder's Beach – South Africa

Meet the Mother City’s Penguins

Cape Town, one of South Africa's most renowned and visited cities, is often best known for its biggest landmark, Table Mountain. While that's certainly a highlight, the city has other gems to offer, including its beaches. One of the most notable is Boulder’s Beach – the only place in the world where you can have close encounters with endangered African Penguins.  

Boulder's Beach and its surrounding beaches form part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, keeping these suited aquatic creatures safe. A series of wheelchair-friendly boardwalks were constructed through the vegetation surrounding the white sands and boulders to not only give visitors the best views, but shelter nests and chicks.

Tucked away down a small road in Simon's Town, Boulder's Beach reveals itself in sections. Spend time observing the penguins as they go about their days, swim in beautifully blue water, climb along the boulders, explore rock pools, and take a moment to peruse the Boulders Visitor Centre – a place where experts give fascinating insights into the lives of the local penguins.

8. Kilimanjaro – Tanzania

Africa’s Tallest Peak

One of the most amazing places to visit in Africa is Mount Kilimanjaro. At 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. The snow-capped ‘Roof of Africa’ is a dormant volcano and is found inside the Kilimanjaro National Park but is most easily seen from Kenya. Many of the photos of Mount Kilimanjaro are actually taken from Kenya's Amboseli National Park, which has some of the best views of it. Given frequent cloud cover, getting a good photo is often a tricky task.

To climb Kilimanjaro is a great challenge, yet entirely possible for fit and active travellers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In a matter of days, you’ll climb Kilimanjaro from the hot plains of Africa through grasslands, tropical rain forests, alpine meadows, moorlands, and desert upwards into snow and ice.

9. Franschhoek – South Africa

South Africa’s French Corner and Culinary Capital

One of the oldest towns in South Africa and touted as its ‘gastronomic capital’, Franschhoek is part of the renowned Cape Winelands. This is where wine, gourmet food, and artistic creation meet, spanning centuries of refinement.

Franschhoek translates to ‘French Corner’ and subtle aspects of French culture permeate throughout the town. The French Huguenots settled in the Franschhoek Valley, with its craggy mountains, in 1688 and used the fertile valley soil and unique terroir to make classic and world-class vintages.

This small town exudes an elegant charm that is visible through the sweeping views of the vineyards, boutique art galleries, and a mix of fanciful cafes and world-renowned restaurants. Throughout the valley, internationally recognised wineries welcome guests for days spent under dappled shade accompanied by charcuterie boards and varied varietals.

10. Tsingy de Bemaraha, a Forest of Limestone Needles – Madagascar

Beachside Bliss Blends with Wild Wonder

Madagascar is known as the ‘Galapagos of the Indian Ocean' because about ninety percent of the fauna and flora is found nowhere else on Earth, distinctly different to the ‘plains of Africa'.

The Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is an otherworldly destination that few have trodden, far from the tourist crowds. The park is dominated by two spectacular limestone plateaus known as Great Tsingy and Little Tsingy. Fascinatingly, the majority of the island's mammals, reptiles, and plant life are endemic to the region. Visitors to the park should keep a keen eye for the island's most recognised mammal, its lemurs.

Scattered between the plateaus are areas of forest, savannah, lakes, and mangroves, creating an astounding variety of different habitats. A network of aerial suspension bridges was built, making it possible to explore this region by climbing from one peak to the next with the help of a trained guide.

11. The Blyde River Canyon – South Africa

The World’s Largest ‘Green Canyon’

Forming part of South Africa's larger Panorama Route, the Blyde River Canyon sits at either what you'd consider the end, or the beginning, depending on your journey. This legendary route stretches from Graskop – a small town in Mpumalanga and home to the Graskop Glass Lift and Gorge – along a winding route with a multitude of interest points, all the way to the canyon.  

In terms of sheer size, the Blyde River Canyon ranks third worldwide, but unlike the larger canyons, it's made up of lush, subtropical foliage. One of its primary features are the Three Rondavels – a triad of rounded mountainous structures emerging from the canyon, which enjoy their own viewpoints and are considered an attraction in their own right.  

Along the route, a host of breathtaking waterfalls can be found just off the well-travelled roads along with other fantastic attractions such as Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window, the Pinnacle, and even a pristinely preserved gold rush town, Pilgrim's Rest. Visits to the Panorama Route pair perfectly with an unforgettable safari sojourn in Kruger National Park. 

12. Antarctica – South Pole

An Unexpected Addition to Your African Adventure

Likely the last place you'd expect to see when talking about unique places in Africa, but the two now have an interesting link – White Desert. Founded by two world-record-holding adventure seekers, the pair have created an incredible opportunity to combine South Africa's bustling, character-filled Cape Town with Antarctica's wild, remote, and frozen landscape.

Just five hours on a private jet see guests gearing up and ascending glaciers only to chase adrenaline abseiling down. Ice cave explorations, ice biking, and even kite-skiing fill any adventure enthusiast's cup, but this continent is less about conquest, and more to showcase its status as a precious, and priceless, destination to be protected.

While calling a luxury camp home, discover the Emperor Penguins who call this icy wilderness theirs and gain extraordinary insight from the local research centre. Finally, savour the ultimate milestone and stand at the Geographical South Pole, marvelling at a compass showing every direction is north. Most importantly, enjoy travelling with a team that is wholly committed to environmental sustainability.

13. Seychelles – Indian Ocean Islands

A Year-Round Island Paradise

Featuring pristine powder-soft beaches and swaying palms, the Seychelles offers a masterclass in idyllic island bliss. One of the island's primary draw cards, aside from the obvious, is its year-round appeal. Thanks to its location, the island enjoys mild, tropical climes throughout the year – of course, there are still certain months that may be better suited to those seeking sun-soaked days.

Beyond the stretches of white sand, azure waters await filled with over 1,000 species of fish and some truly spectacular diving opportunities. On the surface, snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking await, alongside an array of other enticing water sports.

Venturing away from the beach, the Seychelles islands also house an impressive selection of aviary species as well as fascinating animals, including giant turtles. In addition to its main islands, there are also several private islands, ideal for visitors seeking an intimate and exclusive escape.

Ready to Start Planning your Travel Escape?

With so many incredibly and unique options to choose from, the decision of where to go can become a little more complex – that’s where our Africa Safari Experts come in. Get in touch with our Experts and start the process of tailor-made planning, together.