These 16 Places In Africa Will Blow Your Mind

*hops on a flight tomorrow*

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1. Boulders Beach, South Africa

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Located in Cape Town, Boulders Beach is a perfect spot for you to experience the amazing natural beauty of South Africa’s capital. While the beach is stunning with its blue waves and white sand, the real draw is the colony of African penguins that have made this beach their home. You could watch them waddle around for hours!

2. Jemaa el Fna, Morocco

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As a bustling hub for locals and tourists alike in Marrakesh, you'll be immersed in the sights and smells of local spices and fruits and the sounds of storytellers entertaining crowds. You might even find a snake charmer, but if that's not your thing, you can head to the food stalls instead to try the local cuisine.

3. Solio Reserve, Kenya

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This 45,000-acre reserve is located just north of Nairobi and well worth the visit. It's one of the leading sanctuaries and breeders of African rhinos, so while staying or touring there, you're sure to see as many as 40 of the majestic animals at one time. Also keep your eyes peeled for adorable giraffes and other wildlife roaming about the park.

4. Lake Retba, Senegal

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Lake Retba (known to locals as Lac Rose) is about an hour from Senegal's capital of Dacar. Like the famous Dead Sea, this shockingly pink lake is high in salt, making it the perfect place to float, relax, and maybe grab a few photos for Instagram! Its color is at its peak during the dry season (November to June), so be sure to plan your trip accordingly!

5. Likoma Island, Mozambique

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This island, one of two on Mozambique's stunning Lake Malawi, is a true paradise. It boasts amazing walking and biking trails (there are almost no cars on the island) and a bustling central market you can spend hours exploring. A must on this island is snorkeling in the lake itself, which is home to more species of fish than any other lake in the world.

6. Sossusvlei, Namibia

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With white sand, rusty red dunes, and clear blue skies, Sossusvlei is one of Namibia's most beautiful destinations. Located in the Namib Desert, you can explore these otherworldly views via 4x4 for an unforgettable experience you won't find anywhere else. You'll seriously feel like you've been transported to Mars as you take in the desert landscape.

7. Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda

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The lush greenery and sky-high mountains of Uganda look like something straight out of Pandora. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is the perfect place for anyone looking for amazing hiking spots that lead to even more amazing views. For the ultimate adventure, try the park's most popular trek: a seven-day circuit of the entire park.

8. Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

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This stunning stretch of road in western Madagascar is well-known for its unique Baobab trees, some of them over 800 years old. Pro tip: Try arriving at sunset or sunrise, when the soft orange glow highlights the beauty of these ancient trees.

9. Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Egypt

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Egypt is known for the pyramids, of course, but it's also home to some of the most spectacular mosques in the world. The Mosque of Muhammad Ali sits atop Cairo's highest point, so make sure to climb to the roof to get the best views of the city. Bonus: The inside of the mosque is just as mesmerizing as the outside.

10. The Rock, Tanzania

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This restaurant and bar off the coast of Zanzibar almost seems like a mirage at first glance; it appears to be floating but is actually built on a rock! It’s only accessible by boat during high tide, and once you get there you’ll be able to enjoy fresh seafood and drinks, all with a 360-degree view of the Indian Ocean.

11. Mt. Bintumani, Sierra Leone

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This point, also known as Mt. Loma Mansa, is the highest peak in Sierra Leone. While a challenge to hike (it's a steep ascent almost the entire way up), the views of the lush green valley below are well worth it. You can also spot wild pygmy hippos and various primates in the rainforests surrounding the lower slopes.

12. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

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Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is considered one of the largest waterfalls in the world, almost doubling Niagara Falls in height and featuring the world's largest sheet of falling water. Plus, it's easy to enter both Zambia and Zimbabwe under one visa so you can experience both sides of this stunning natural wonder.

13. Fasil Ghebbi, Ethiopia

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Located in the Gondar Region, this fortress dates back to the Ethiopian emperors of the 16th and 17th centuries. Gondar is often called the "Camelot of Africa" for its many fortresses, castles, and monasteries. You could spend an entire day visiting the ruins of these ancient buildings and then another exploring the Saturday Market to shop local and handmade goods.

14. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar

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Trekking through Madagascar's mineral forest feels like a whole other planet. The limestone needles formed nearly 200 million years ago, but now the site is considered a national park where visitors from around the world gather to hike the steep plateaus. The hanging bridge is definitely one of the most popular photo spots, but be warned: It's not for the faint of heart.

15. Notre-Dame de la Paix, Côte d'Ivoire

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Rising from the skyline of the Ivory Coast's capital of Yamoussoukro is Notre-Dame de la Paix, the largest basilica in the world. The inside is just as (if not more) stunning than the ornate outer grounds. A guided tour through the church reveals gorgeous stained glass windows consisting of 5,000 colors and shades, as well as 7,000 seats — all outfitted with personal air conditioning.

16. Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

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The remains of what used to be Lake Makgadikgadi, these salt pans are some of the largest in the world. During the dry season, there is very little wildlife to see, but the wet season brings plenty of native animals, such as zebras, flamingos, and wildebeest. It's especially stunning during dawn and dusk!

So which spot are you heading to first?