There's Much More To Africa Than Safari

Africa, the world's second-largest continent, might be considered by many a land of contrasts, difficult past and uncertain future. Africa, though a place of quite a few complicated issues, lures travelers with its raw beauty, irresistible charm, and hundreds of truly unspoiled destinations. The African incredible landscapes, whether these are the harsh deserts of the North, lush vineyards in the South or surrealistic baobabs of Madagascar, have a mind-blowing power and serious potential to become really addictive.

7. Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro

Tanzania is home to two amazingly beautiful and majestic mountains: Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Located 70 kilometers (44 miles) from each other, the two summits are the iconic features of Tanzania's landscape.

Mt. Meru, an active volcano, is 4,566 meters (14,980 ft) high, while Mt. Kilimanjaro, called the top of Africa, is the continent's highest summit, and one of the world's highest freestanding mountains. It has 5,892 meters (19,331 ft).

6. Victoria Falls. Zimbabwe and Zambia.

In the Kololo language the waterfalls are called "Smoke that Thunders" and this name seems to be more adequate to this dazzling natural phenomenon.

Victoria Falls are neither the highest nor the widest, but for sure the world's largest falls - they are 1,708 meters (5,600 ft) wide and 108 meters (360 ft) high. The colossal size and the sheer enormity of the site's beauty make the falls one of the most amazing and visited destinations in Africa.

5. The White Desert. Egypt.

The White Desert, although it is only a tiny sister of the enormous Sahara, deserves the attention thanks to its uniqueness. The desert, located 45 km north of Farafra, a small oasis in Egypt, is home to amazing white rock formations that resemble giant sculptures and give the land its stunning, though a bit unrealistic look.

4. The Masai Mara. Kenya.

The Masai Mara's wildlife is immense, but striking quietness and harmony can be felt in the air of this large Kenyan natural park. The Masai Mara National Reserve is home to, among others, wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and all prominent members of the "Big Five". It is one of the best Africa's safari destinations and Kenya's truly natural jewel.

3. Madagascar

The beauty of Madagascar lies in its weirdness. This unique island features amazing plant and animal species, such as 70 varieties of lemur, 60 varieties of the pitcher plants and crazy-looking octopus trees or surrealistic baobabs. Besides its extraordinary wildlife, the island is home to beautiful sites of rice plantations, tropical beaches, lush rain forests and majestic peaks of the Ankaratra Massif highlands.

2. Western Cape. South Africa.

The lush valleys, fertile vineyards and rolling hills of the Western Cape, a province located in the south west of South Africa, form a beautiful jigsaw puzzle made of natural pieces fitting each other perfectly. The province's topographic diversity makes the Western Cape an exceptional destination of sublime beauty and captivating nature.

1. Ngorongoro Crater. Tanzania.

The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, the world's largest volcanic caldera, was formed by a giant volcano that exploded and collapsed on itself some 3 million years ago. It is not without reason that the site is called the eighth wonder of the world. The crater is home to abundant wildlife such as giant buffaloes, beautiful flamingos, wildebeests, lions, zebras, and elephants. The Ngorongoro's magical scenery and vastness make the site one of Africa's most visited destinations.