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Top 5 Natural Wonders of Africa

Wildebeest migration
Wildebeest migration (photo: shankar s)

Africa is one of the world's most incredible places, but the continent is so vast that it is impossible to see everything it has to offer.

However, these are five of the best-known natural wonders, all of which should make any traveler's bucket list for Africa.

1. The Great Migration

The Great Migration is one of the most unbelievable wildlife sights anywhere in the world.

By far the planet's longest and biggest overland migration, the Great Migration spans Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara, an area covering 18,641 square miles.

Wildebeests are the most common animals sighted during migration season, with around 1.5 million wildebeests traveling through Africa to set up in a new home.

They are accompanied by some 200,000 zebras.

The best time of the year to see the Great Migration is July to August in Kenya, with the Mara River arguably the prime place from which to view this stunning sight.

Visit Safari Bookings to book your safari tour to Serengeti National Park.

Zebra
Zebra in the Ngorongoro Crater (photo: Sarah Tzinieris)

2. Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's hidden gems, home to some of the most diverse wildlife you'll find anywhere on Earth.

This gigantic volcanic caldera is home to an estimated 25,000 animals. Almost every species of wildlife that can be found in East Africa can be seen in the crater.

Rare, endangered animals such as the black rhino and the African buffalo, among others, live in the crater.

Among the many incredible sights of the Ngorongoro Crater is Lake Magadi, which is in the southwest sector of the crater.

It is particularly well-known as it is typically inhabited by thousands of mainly lesser flamingos.

The crater is so beloved that it is often called Africa's Garden of Eden.

Browse the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority website for more information.

Feluccas
Feluccas are the traditional Egyptian boats used on the Nile River (photo: David Lee)

3. River Nile

No trip to Africa would be complete without experiencing the Nile, which is, of course, the longest river in the world.

The Nile spans ten countries, and if you want to hunt for the river's source, there are two places to try: Uganda and Ethiopia.

The mouth of the Nile is a lot easier to find in Egypt. A river cruise down the Nile is a fantastic trip for anyone wanting to check out one of the most important rivers in Africa.

Explore some interesting facts about the River Nile here, and if you’re interested in visiting the Nile, contact Holiday Supermarket.

Sahara Desert
Dawn in the Sahara Desert (photo: Jamie McCaffrey)

4. The Sahara Desert

Along with the Nile, the Sahara Desert is probably Africa's most famous natural landscape.

The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world, covering 11 different countries across North Africa.

Dunes in the Sahara Desert can reach as high as 600 feet, and, in total, the desert covers some 3.5 million square miles, about the same geographical area as China or the United States.

Read more about the Sahara Desert from The Encyclopedia of Earth.

Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side (photo: Alessandro)

5. Victoria Falls

No African adventure safari is complete without seeing Victoria Falls, one of the most incredible waterfalls in the world.

Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall on the planet due to its width of 5,604 feet and its height of 354 feet.

Over 1,766 cubic feet of water per minute plunge through the waterfall at the peak of the rainy season in Africa.

Victoria Falls is ideal for visiting the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and the Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe.

Hippos and crocodiles are among the many types of animals that can be spotted at the waterfall.

Visit the Victoria Falls tourist website for more information.

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This post was brought to you in partnership with Holiday Supermarket.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

Dave Rowler

Thursday 14th of July 2016

Other wonders of Africa include volcanic area of Dallol in the middle of the desert in Ethiopia, the Seven Coloured Earths in Mauritius, the Lake Retba in Senegal, the Richat Structure in Mauritania, Table Mountain in South Africa, the Makgadikgadi Pan and many more. Africa is a very beautiful continent.

Mahée Ferlini

Tuesday 28th of July 2015

This is a wonderful list and truly some of the greatest events and places to see in the world. Your pictures really took me there and were greatly appreciated. Victoria Falls is truly amazing. Thank you so much for the read and the pictures as well!

Stephen Mueller

Wednesday 15th of July 2015

I believe that every part of this world is blessed by the nature, just that they haven't been discovered yet. Love to have a chance to visit them too. Great article and on-point photos!

Izy berry

Monday 13th of July 2015

Omg !! África is beautiful I don't have words to describe this

Jhon Lingkon

Sunday 12th of July 2015

Before i dying i will go VICTORIA FALLS one day. Your article inspired my.

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