The Top 12 Most Incredible Places To Visit In Africa

There are many theories as to why this Moroccan city is painted blue, though the most popular one is that the color symbolized the sky for the Jewish refugees who moved there in the 1930's. Now, its residents also believe that the color repels mosquitoes. Whatever the reason, there's no doubt that it's made this beautiful town very unique. Visitors can also enjoy the authentic Moroccan cuisine and hand-made crafts that can be found there.

If you ever take a trip to Zanzibar, you'll want to visit Michanwi Pingwe beach. Not only does it boast white sand and clear water, but it's also home to The Rock Restaurant, which, as you might imagine, is situated on a rock. Depending on the tide, the eatery can be reached by walking, swimming, or canoeing, and once you're there, you can enjoy some fresh, high-quality seafood.

Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are the names of flat areas of clay and salt that can be found in Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia. By themselves, they don't look like anything special, but their contrast against the red dunes in the background and the dead trees that once grew there make this location seem more like a painting than a real-life place. Every few years, the Tsauchab River flows through the valley, but soon dries up, resulting in the cracked, dry ground that has made this place famous.

Seeing a forest with trees is nothing new, but how about a stone forest? The rocks that gave Tsingy de Bemarah National Park its name are unique to the area and were caused by a special type of erosion that left them shaped like jagged spikes. Tsingy, which roughly translates to "where one cannot walk barefoot," covers the entire area, and while it is a bit dangerous to walk on it, it's still a once-in-a-lifetime sight that you should take advantage of if you visit Madagascar.

Located on Pemba Island in the Zanzibar archipelago, the Manta Resort is the first hotel in Africa that offers the opportunity to stay in an underwater room. There's a lounge area on the second floor, which serves as the perfect mini "beach" to enjoy all to yourself, and the bedroom and bathroom are under the sea. You can go for a swim around the room, or if you prefer the great indoors, you can sit on your bed and watch as all kinds of marine life go about their business around you.

This volcano in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to the world's biggest lava lake. However, you're not guaranteed to see a massive red lake when you go— it takes years for the lava to pool up in the crater, and once it's full, the volcano erupts and the process starts all over again. Because of this, it's wise to consult a volcanologist if the main reason for your visit is seeing the lake. The good news is that even if the volcano doesn't live up to your expectations, you can still hike through the national park and see a wide variety of incredible wildlife.

Looking to get away from it all? Then the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique is the perfect destination. There are very few buildings here, most of which are lodges, and the rest of the area is exactly how nature designed it. The water is crystal-clear, the sand is fine and white, and wild animals such as flamingos and dolphins roam free. Whether you prefer to just wind down on the beach or prefer paragliding or sailing, this gorgeous place will let you do it all away from the rest of civilization.

The brilliant red color of this salt lake in Tanzania is caused by the microorganisms that thrive in its harsh conditions. The temperature is frequently above 100 °F, and its pH levels can rise above 12, making it extremely alkaline. Even though it's inhospitable for most animals, the area around the lake is a popular breeding ground for flamingos, which feed on the algae that can be found in the water. Because the water isn't safe to drink, the birds are safe from predators and can live without fear around the red lake.

The third-largest canyon in the world can be found in South Africa and goes on and on for sixteen miles. Looking like something straight out of a fairytale, the entire area is filled with plants and wildlife that includes everything from hippos to monkeys. If you choose to explore, you'll come across waterfalls and picturesque lookouts that provide views like you've never seen before.

As far as amazing views go, it's hard to beat the one you'll find when you stand atop Lion's Head in Cape Town, South Africa. Standing over 2,000 feet, this peak is perfect for anyone who appreciates the value of breathtaking scenery. It allows you to see the entirety of Cape Town and the ocean that borders it with ease, and the three-hour hike there isn't that bad, either — it passes many important graves and shrines that would make any history buff's day.

Kolmanskop was built up by Germans after it was discovered that the area was a perfect place to mine for diamonds. But after WWI, the diamonds began to run out, and left with no reason to stay, residents of the town began to leave until it was completely void of human life. Due to its location in the Namib Desert, nature has reclaimed the area, leaving houses and shops filled with sand. It's now a popular tourist destination and the perfect site for some very unique photography opportunities.

Often known as the Great Mud Mosque, this historic building in Mali was constructed during 1907, though the original mosque was built in the 13th century. It's made from sun-baked bricks called ferey, and every year, a festival takes place that not only celebrates the mosque, but also focuses on working together to repair it. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, and definitely a unique experience for anyone who chooses to visit it.

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