While countries like South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco see their fair share of visitors, much of this spectacular continent remains unknown in the minds of travellers. Though it receives a very small share of global tourism, Africa is home to some of the world’s most dazzling natural, cultural, and historical wonders.
Some of them, like Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, Zambia and Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, and Kenya’s Masia Mara, are well known – but, wander off the beaten path and there’s a whole other world of wonder just waiting to be discovered. These bucket-list-worthy destinations may have slipped under the radar, but their beauty will leave you awed.
Plus, visiting lesser-known places often means you can look forward to a more immersive experience, with plenty of opportunities to interact with locals and gain a deeper understanding of the culture and history. Prices tend to be much cheaper than popular tourist destinations too.
So, to get you inspired, here are 10 hidden gems in Africa to add to your travel list.
1. The Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
Unfairly overshadowed by its more popular neighbours Tanzania and Zambia, Mozambique remains largely unexplored to many. But this country doesn’t only have a rich colonial history and diverse tapestry of culture, it’s also jaw-droppingly beautiful. One of the most impressive destinations is the Bazaruto Archipelago, a string of islands that’s essentially a marine paradise. Declared a protected area in 1971, these five islands – two of which are uninhabited – are known for breathtaking scenery and exceptional biodiversity.
Each island has a unique character, but all have seemingly-endless stretches of white sand and crystal clear blue seas. And, if you’re interested in diving and snorkelling, you’re in the right place. Colourful coral reefs teem with life, and some of the most fascinating aquatic inhabitants include whale sharks, endangered sea turtles, and rare dugongs. The eponymous Bazaruto Island also boasts inland lakes and wetlands where you can spot crocodiles and all kinds of exotic birds.
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2. Tsavo West National Park, Kenya
If you’re yearning for the wilderness, to explore beautiful, rugged scenery while observing some of the world’s most incredible animals, then Tsavo West National Park may be for you. Situated in southeast Kenya, Tsavo West is one of the country’s largest national parks. Covering around 3,000 square miles, it features a huge variety of landscapes – from rolling plains and rocky peaks to dense woodlands and volcanic cones. Plus, it’s close to the coast, so it’s perfect if you want to hit the beach after your safari.
While it may not be as celebrated a national park as Kruger, Serengeti, or Masai Mara, Tsavo West offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. Lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, buffalos, hippos, and rhinos are found here, as well as rare birds like the Basra reed warbler and corncrake. The arid beauty of Tsavo West is entrancing, and the views are exceptional. The jagged ridge of the Ngulia Hills rises up from the famously red earth, while the majestic Kilimanjaro looms in the distance…
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3. Lake Malawi
Known as the ‘Lake of Stars’, Lake Malawi is the third largest lake in Africa. Sitting prettily between three countries – Tanzania, Mozambique, and Malawi – this vast, shimmering lake was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, making it the world’s first freshwater national park. Its protected status is thanks, in part, to its biodiversity; 1,300 species of tropical fish (including a head-scratching 850 species of colourful cichlids) live here, which is more than in any other lake in the world.
But Lake Malawi isn’t just popular with fishing enthusiasts. The shoreline boasts stunning beaches and characterful villages, so if you’re looking for a relaxing beach break away from the crowds, it ticks the box. The pristine waters are perfect for swimming and diving, the warm sands are ideal for kicking back on, and the seafood is as fresh and delicious as you’d expect. If you want to stay active, you can go water skiing, or explore the lake by canoe. And, in the evening, the sunsets are truly breathtaking.
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4. Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
There’s little doubt that Ethiopia is one of Africa’s ultimate hidden gems. This massively misunderstood nation is one of the continent’s most uniquely beautiful and culturally captivating countries – not to mention geographically diverse. But, while it’s home to tropical forests, lush meadows, and glimmering lakes, it’s perhaps the Simien Mountains that are most impressive. Located in the Amhara Region in the north, this national park is spellbinding.
Often viewed as Africa’s answer to North America’s Grand Canyon, Simien National Park is studded with deep ravines and jagged peaks, and is home to the country’s highest mountain, Ras Dejen. The eastern side of the park is a UNESCO Heritage Site, and it’s here you’ll find the most dazzling scenery. Among the thundering waterfalls, primaeval forests, and alien-like fauna, you can find all kinds of fascinating wildlife – including baboons, wolves, leopards, lynxes, hyenas, ibexes, and jackals.
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5. Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
The seemingly endless salt pans of Makgadikgadi may not be as famous as Bolivia’s Uyuni, but they’re no less impressive. Botswana’s own salt pans are one of the world’s largest – and certainly one of the stillest and quietest; according to local legend, you can hear your own blood flow here. The name Makgadikgadi even means ‘vast, lifeless land’ – and while there’s plenty of silence and solitude here, there’s far more life than you might initially think.
The shimmering salt pans are interspersed with swathes of vegetation and, despite the seemingly inhospitable environment, they’re home to one of Africa’s largest zebra populations. During the wet season, the pans are flooded with water, attracting other animals like springbok and wildebeest – as well as predators, making for fantastic wildlife viewing. But, the desolate beauty of Makgadikgadi is its calling card, and the views of lone baobab trees in the midst of all this nothingness are haunting.
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6. Damaraland, Namibia
Namibia is one of Africa’s most stunning and diverse countries, and parts of it have a truly otherworldly beauty. While the rolling red sand dunes and gnarled, blackened trees of Namib-Naukluft National Park are pretty well-known, Damaraland has managed to slip under most tourists’ radars. This vast stretch of land boasts remarkable rock formations, evocative scenery, excellent hiking trails, fabulous bird watching, and some of best-preserved prehistoric rock art on the continent.
One of Damaraland’s most recognisable landmarks is the Spitzkoppe, a group of granite peaks that rise like a mirage above the desert plains. As one of Namibia’s most rugged peaks, the Spitzkoppe is popular with rock climbers – but many visit just to admire the unique rock formations. Under the endless blue skies, they look even more impressive. Damaraland is also home to lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes and hyenas, as well as critically endangered black rhinos, so there’s plenty here for wildlife fans too.
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7. Djibouti
Probably the least known country in Africa, Djibouti may be small, but it packs a serious punch. Located in the Horn of Africa, and bordered by Somalia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea, this tiny coastal country is a land of contrasts and extremes. Few places in the world have such alien-like landscapes, and there are all kinds of otherworldly natural wonders to discover. From majestic canyons and shimmering salt flats to bizarre rock formations and sweeping grasslands, it’s wonderfully unique.
The capital, Djibouti City, is a blend of East African, Arab, and European influences, but it’s away from the city that you’ll find the real treasures. The jagged limestone chimneys of Lac Abbé look like they belong on another planet, while the crater lake of Lake Assal, with its white salt plains, black lava fields, and emerald waters, is equally surreal. The coast boasts ivory beaches and crystal-clear waters, and the diving and snorkelling is excellent. Remember to keep an eye out for whale sharks!
8. Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
Morocco might be home to many popular filming locations, but there’s one standout. If Aït Benhaddou looks familiar, it’s because it has some very impressive film credits. Lawrence of Arabia was filmed here, as was Jesus of Nazareth, The Mummy, and Gladiator. And no wonder it’s a favourite of historical epics, as this UNESCO-listed mudbrick village looks like it’s frozen in time. Believed to have been established in 757, the town’s founder Ben-Haddou is buried in a tomb behind this magnificent earthen city.
While it can sometimes get busy with tour groups, nothing detracts from the sheer spectacle of Aït Benhaddou. Sprawled over a hill above a shallow river and swaying palm trees, these dark red buildings are some of the best preserved and elaborately decorated in the country. Most of the original village inhabitants have moved across the river, but some have small shops in Aït Benhaddou where you can pick up locally-made artefacts and souvenirs.
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9. São Tomé and Príncipe
Africa’s second-smallest country is one of its most beautiful – yet many people haven’t even heard of it. Located 130 miles off the west coast of Africa, the two-island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) sits just above the equator. Known as the Chocolate Islands due to its many cocoa plantations, it consists of two volcanic archipelagos. Lapped by clear turquoise waves, STP is safe, welcoming, and packed with cultural and geographical treasures.
The islands were uninhabited until they were discovered by the Portuguese in 1470, and while most of the 200,000-strong population live on São Tomé, only 8,000 reside on Príncipe. This unspoiled island is a mysterious Lost World where you can trek through jungles, swim in pristine waters, and spot all kinds of birds. São Tomé is home to the dreamy Lagoa Azul lagoon as well as Pico Cão Grande, a huge, volcanic rock that breaks through the jungle canopy like a skyscraper.
10. Stone Town, Zanzibar
Tanzania’s Zanzibar Island is so vibrantly beautiful that seeing it for the first time can feel like you’ve slipped into a dream. The sugar-white beaches are some of the best in the world, the waters are an astonishing turquoise, and soaring palm trees sway in the warm breeze. But Stone Town, located in the heart of the capital Zanzibar City, is just as mesmerising. Awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000, this historic quarter is an intriguing blend of Persian, European, and Indian influences.
You can spend hours losing yourself in the maze of spice-scented streets, admiring the architecture, and people-watching at Jaws Corner, a shark mural where locals meet. A real effort has also been made to restore Stone Town’s more dilapidated areas, and gourmet restaurants and chic hotels have sprung up out of crumbling mansions. In the evening, the seafront gardens turn into a bustling street food market too, where you can sample local delicacies like coconut crab curry and ‘Zanzibar pizzas’ – crispy stuffed pancakes.
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Final thoughts…
Stretching for over 5,000 miles, Africa is one of the most diverse continents in the world. Home to 54 distinct countries, it boasts fascinating wildlife, compelling culture, sensational scenery, and warm, welcoming people.
Yet, despite all Africa has going for it, it remains underrated as a travel destination. While South African safaris or Nile river cruises are always popular, so much of this country is virtually undiscovered when it comes to tourism.
But if you’re searching for adventure, a sense of wilderness, and a desire to do something different, this can be a good thing. Venturing off the beaten path doesn’t only mean you’ll avoid crowds and inflated prices, it also means your experience will be more honest, authentic, and meaningful.
Away from commercial tourist hubs and throngs of sightseers, you can be present, absorb your surroundings, appreciate the natural beauty, and forge genuine connections with locals. And, when it comes to hidden African gems, the 10 destinations featured above are just the tip of the iceberg!
For more inspiration, you might want to check out our article, 8 African destinations for a life-changing adventure. Or, for a more personalised account of travelling through Africa, why not check out Lifestyle Editor Elise Christian’s feature; 10 highlights from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana?
You can also explore Africa holiday deals using the button below.
Are you intrigued by any of these destinations? Or do you have your own ideas about Africa’s best hidden gems? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences in the comments below!