Wonders of Africa

Africa is a land of breathtaking sceneries and awe-inspiring natural phenomena, home to the renowned Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. These include Tanzania’s towering Mount Kilimanjaro, the ancient Ngorongoro Crater, the spectacular Great Migration across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, the vibrant Red Sea coral reef, the endless expanse of the Sahara Desert, the legendary Nile River, and the pristine Okavango Delta. Selected by world experts in a 2013 vote, these remarkable sites continue to inspire and captivate visitors from around the globe.

Yet Africa’s natural splendor extends beyond this celebrated list. Other natural wonders are scattered across the continent. Among them are the thunderous Victoria Falls, the sprawling Lake Victoria, Tanzania’s surreal Lake Natron, the rugged Fish River Canyon, and the iconic Table Mountain in South Africa.

What are the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa?

They stand out as the continent’s wonders — each a unique masterpiece shaped by time and nature. Below, we’ll look at each in more detail.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration of wildebeests and zebras earns its name due to the sheer scale: it involves over two million hoofed animals, spanning vast regions across two countries, Tanzania and Kenya. It garners more attention than any other natural phenomenon in Africa.

In the Serengeti National Park and the Maasai Mara Reserve, animals migrate throughout the year. Alongside five species of herbivores, various predators follow this migration. Lions, cheetahs, crocodiles, leopards, jackals, hyenas, and African wild dogs are part of this continuous movement across the plains of Africa. The survival race follows the East African rainy seasons, resulting in a cyclical pattern. It is a mesmerizing spectacle, known as the largest land animal migration on Earth. It attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists on safari in Tanzania and Kenya.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, located adjacent to the Serengeti, is home to a series of volcanic craters. Some still contain volcanic cones, including active ones like Ol Doinyo Lengai. In contrast, others have long since gone extinct and collapsed. Among them is an ancient Ngorongoro Crater. It is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, preserved for millions of years. Its floor is densely vegetated, and within it lies salty Lake Magadi, a favorite gathering spot for flamingos. The crater is inhabited by over 25,000 large animals, earning it the nickname of the world's largest natural zoo. Most of its wildlife remains within the boundaries of the crater, encircled by towering walls that rise more than 600 meters (1,970 feet) high.

Ngorongoro is perfect for spotting a vast array of wildlife in a short time. There’s a chance to spot all species of the Big Five on safari, though leopards and cheetahs are rare here. Ngorongoro is the only known habitat of the critically endangered Mduma’s shrew, whose numbers are dwindling due to the shrinking crater forest. Unfortunately, it is the shrew’s only natural habitat on Earth.

Red Sea coral reefs

The Red Sea's coral reefs are among the most extraordinary marine ecosystems on the planet. These waters harbor numerous unique marine species found nowhere else on Earth. The Red Sea is a diving paradise where vibrant clownfish, stingrays, sea turtles, and sharks swim among the coral gardens, creating an extraordinary atmosphere of beauty and diversity of life. To experience this African wonder, you need nothing more than a mask and snorkel. However, many prefer a complete scuba diving experience. From Africa, the reefs are accessible via Egypt, Eritrea, and Sudan.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is a wonder not only for being the highest mountain in Africa but also for its glaciers and snow-capped summit. It holds the title of the world's tallest free-standing mountain, rising majestically above the surrounding plains. Interestingly, Kilimanjaro is a volcanic mountain range consisting of three distinct volcanoes. Its slopes are home to unique plant life, including the stunning Kilimanjaro giant groundsels and lobelias. The surrounding forests shelter endemic bird species and a diverse array of wildlife. 

There is much to say about this mountain. Still, a collection of fascinating facts about Kilimanjaro might offer a more concise perspective. Despite its grandeur, climbing Kilimanjaro does not require specialized mountaineering skills, making the ascent achievable for almost anyone. Known as the "Roof of Africa", this iconic peak is located in Tanzania, a country famous for its numerous natural wonders.

Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert holds the title of the hottest place on Earth. Daytime air temperatures in the Sahara can reach nearly 50 °C (122 °F). Still, the sand itself can be much hotter, with surface temperatures recorded as high as 83.5 °C (182 °F). Its dunes constantly change shape due to winds, creating shifting landscapes. However, the Sahara isn't just about sand dunes. It boasts rocky plateaus, mountains, and water-filled oases. Despite common misconceptions, the Sahara is full of life. It is home to tiny fennec foxes, numerous snakes, and a variety of insects. Nomadic tribes have survived here for centuries. Travelers are drawn to camel caravan journeys, ancient cave paintings, and beautiful views, especially at night when the African skies are ablaze with stars. Spanning ten countries, the Sahara Desert is accessible from any North African nation.

Nile River

The Nile is traditionally regarded as the longest river on Earth. While it competes with the Amazon River, the exact length varies depending on the measurement method. Nevertheless, the Nile is a true African wonder, sustaining the lives of millions of human and animal inhabitants along its course.

The Ancient Egyptian civilization, famed for pyramids and temples, thrived along its banks several thousand years ago. Today, Nile River cruises are extremely popular. The river flows through 11 countries when considering its entire water system. It is believed to originate from the Kagera River in Tanzania, which feeds Lake Victoria. Most cruises take place in Egypt, though adventurers can sail further into Sudan by boat.

Okavango Delta

Another large and vital river system in Africa is the Okavango Delta. It is considered the largest inland delta on the planet, with no outlet to the ocean. All its water vanishes into the sands of the Kalahari Desert. This intricate system of rivers, streams, lakes, and swamps is especially stunning from above. A variety of wildlife gathers at the water's edge, including elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, zebras, antelopes and others. This location is regarded as one of the premier safari destinations in Africa. During the rainy season, travelers navigate the river by boat, creating a unique atmosphere for wildlife observation. To visit the Okavango, travelers must go to Botswana, where nearly half the delta is within the Moremi Game Reserve.

This concludes the recognized list of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders. But the breathtaking African landscapes and wondrous sites go far beyond this list. 

Other wonders of Africa

Here are some of the most famous and fascinating places in Africa that did not make it onto the list of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.

Victoria Falls

The powerful water cascades on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia form the renowned Victoria Falls, named after the British queen. This awe-inspiring sight features water cascading down from over 100 m (328 ft) with a curtain nearly 2 km (1.2 mi) wide. The falls generate enormous clouds of mist visible from dozens of kilometers away. Locals call this phenomenon "The Smoke That Thunders". That's exactly the impression the roaring, spray-filled waterfall creates. Perhaps the most spectacular vantage point for viewing Victoria Falls is the railway bridge spanning the canyon where the waters plummet. The boldest travelers venture into Devil's Pool — a small natural depression at the edge of the waterfall. During the dry season, visitors can lie in the water there. Be warned, it's risky. You can witness the marvel of Victoria Falls from either Zambia or Zimbabwe. 

Lake Victoria

Africa's largest lake bears the same name as the famous waterfall. However, they are far apart — reaching the lake from the falls requires crossing Zambia and Tanzania. Lake Victoria is so vast that it resembles an inland sea, complete with waves, its own unique climate, and a distinct ecosystem. Several islands are scattered across the lake, including Rubondo Island, Africa's largest island national park, located in Tanzania. As mentioned earlier, the lake serves as the source of the Nile River. Its waters are home to Nile perch, which can grow up to 2 m (6.6 ft) long. The lake is an ideal location for observing hippos, crocodiles, otters, and various water birds. It can be accessed from Tanzania, Uganda, or Kenya.

Flamingos on Lake Natron

Lake Natron is not classified as a national park, yet it remains an ecologically significant area.

Despite its extremely salty and alkaline waters, it serves as a home to millions of lesser flamingos, hosting up to 80% of its global population. The sight of millions of flamingos against the pink waters of the lake is nothing short of a natural wonder. The color results from algae and microorganisms that tint both the water and the flamingos' feathers. One of the most visually stunning nature documentaries, Disneynature's The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos, was filmed here. Watching it will surely inspire you to visit and stand on the shore of Lake Natron, located in northern Tanzania.

Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon is one of Africa's most grandiose natural wonders. To Americans, Fish River Canyon resembles the Grand Canyon in the U.S., often being ranked as the second most breathtaking canyon in the world after its American counterpart. Stretching 160 km (99 mi), it is undoubtedly the largest canyon in Africa. Towering rocky walls, a winding river at its base, and ancient geological formations combine to create a breathtaking landscape. Many tourists embark on multi-day treks along the canyon floor, with the most popular route spanning nearly 90 km (56 mi). Along the way, adventurers admire wild landscapes, steep cliffs, thermal springs, and glimpses of wildlife, including grazing zebras, baboons, and occasionally leopards. To visit Fish River Canyon, one must travel to Namibia.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is located at the southern tip of Africa. Found in Cape Town, South Africa, it forms a breathtaking backdrop to the city. It is an iconic feature inseparable from the city's identity. In 2011, the national park that encompasses the mountain was added to the list of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, not just of Africa but of the entire planet. Climbing the mountain is one of the most popular activities among tourists visiting South Africa. You can ascend via cable car or on foot, depending on your confidence in your stamina. The reward is breathtaking panoramic views from the summit. Standing atop Table Mountain offers an unforgettable panoramic view, reinforcing why it is regarded as one of the world's most spectacular destinations.

Even with these natural wonders, Africa's list of must-visit destinations is far from complete. Many travelers aim to visit Egypt's Giza pyramid complex, where the oldest pyramid is over 4,500 years old. Egypt also has numerous temples and sphinxes in the ancient city of Luxor. These are also considered African wonders, though they are man-made. Another example is the impressive African Renaissance Monument in Dakar, Senegal. Standing at 52 m (171 ft), it is the tallest statue in Africa.

If your main goal in visiting Africa is to go on safari, we’ve put together a guide to the best safari destinations and the safest, most exciting countries to explore. We suggest starting with Tanzania. Contact us, and we will be happy to offer several safari programs tailored to your interests.

Want to know more about Tanzania adventures?

Get in touch with our team! We've explored all the top destinations across Tanzania. Our Kilimanjaro-based adventure consultants are ready to share tips and help you plan your unforgettable journey.

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