The African continent is not only about impressive animals, stunning deserts and beautiful savannahs. It is also home to astonishing cities and towns that are rich in history and culture. Here is a list of the 10 most charming cities and towns to visit in Africa.
Cape Town | South Africa
Cape Town is a vibrant and colorful city with stunning beaches, beautiful mountains and some of the best vineyards in Africa. Taking the cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain at sunrise or sunset to take in the beautiful views is a must. With all the sophistication and facilities that can be found in the city, this seaside playground certainly has enough to offer to everyone.
VIDEO FEATURE
Adam Mitchell – Amazing views from the top of Table Mountain! / 2:02
Kigali | Rwanda
Not only is Kigali beautiful, but it is also the cleanest and safest capital city in the continent. The fact that it is so green and hilly adds to the aesthetic allure of the place. It is not surprising that Kigali is considered to be one of the most liveable cities in Africa. With impressive urban development plans and efficiency in road construction, Kigali has become a well organised and structured city that gives its visitors and inhabitants a feeling of peacefulness and serenity. Nothing beats the views that you get from the top of the numerous beautiful hills.
Kigali Rwanda © Jussi OllilaEssaouira | Morocco
With an ancient medina and lustrous fortifications which date back to the 18th century, kilometres of stunning beaches, and a charming harbour and fish market to stroll around, Essaouira is one the most beautiful towns to visit on the continent. It guarantees moments of peace and tranquility far away from the mayhem of bigger cities and the charmless all-inclusive resorts of Morocco. As the wind and currents are quite strong, it is the perfect spot to windsurf and kitesurf. In addition to being a picturesque coastal town, Essaouira is a water sport lovers paradise.
Essaouira Morocco © NCLuxor | Egypt
Once ancient Egypt’s capital Thebes, Luxor has attracted many travellers and Egyptologists since the 19th century. They come in search of the ancient wonders that still dominate the city’s landscape. The name ‘Luxor’ itself is translated by ‘Palaces’. Luxor is now a beautiful, vibrant city with spectacular Nile scenery and desert landscapes. It is also home to the remains of the tombs of the Pharaohs, the beautiful temple of Karnak, the Temple of Hatshepsut (the only woman who has ever been a Pharaoh), and the stunning Valley of the Kings among others. The last two are most beautiful at dawn when viewed from up in the sky while on a hot air balloon ride.
Luxor Egypt © NCDjenne | Mali
The town of Djenne is one of the oldest in the country. Indeed, its establishment dates back to 800 BC. It is a fascinating and beautiful place with mud brick houses and mosques. In fact, the largest and most creative mud-made building, the Grand Mosque, lies in Djenne. With its magnificent mud-made sights, this is certainly a town that is unique.
VIDEO FEATURE
BBC Earth – “The whole town mucks in to protect the Mosque for another year.” / 4:08
Stone Town | Tanzania
Right off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean lies the the island of Zanzibar. It combines a fascinating and rich history with beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and Stone Town is its cultural heart. Over the last 200 years, little has changed in this old city. Extravagant houses with carved wooden doors, the Sultan’s palace, winding alleys and narrow streets, and animated bazaars make Stone Town a fascinating place to wander around. No wonder that this Swahili coastal trading town is classified as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Stone Town Tanzania © NCMozambique City | Mozambique
Located on the tiny three-kilometre-long island of Mozambique, Mozambique City is a picturesque and stunning fortified city. It used to be a Portuguese trading post on the way to India. Since the 16th century, the place has kept its impressive architectural unity. Buildings are all made out of the same materials, decorative ideas and using the same techniques. The architecture also reflects the melting pot of cultures present on the island. Portuguese influences, just as much as local ones, and Arab and Indian traditions to a lesser extent can all be felt. This exceptionally pleasant town is today, one of the most fascinating towns in the region.
Polana Church, Maputo, Mozambique © Tomas ForgacWindhoek | Namibia
Windhoek, Namibia’s largest city and capital, is a tidy and modern city with stunning pastel-painted buildings and traditional German houses. Wandering through the city centre of Windhoek will instantly reveal the beauty of the place. The ambiance there is usually laid-back. As it is a somewhat small, pedestrian-friendly city, it is quite walkable. Together with the modern skyscrapers, neo-baroque cathedrals and German ‘castles’ dominate the city’s skyline. Windhoek is a hassle free and cosmopolitan city.
Lamu | Kenya
Lamu is a very relaxing and laid-back coastal town in Kenya. The only thing that could occasionally disturb the peace, is the braying donkey or the call to prayer from the many mosques. It is, in fact, one of Africa’s best preserved Swahili settlements and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travellers can spend hours strolling around the beautiful, narrow alleys in the old town. They can also relax at the nearby Shela Beach. Lamu is one of the best places to chill out, and adopt a slow, coastal lifestyle.
Lamu | Kenya © CessnaBahir Dar | Ethiopia
Wide streets with lines of palm trees and stunning river views make up Bahir Dar’s landscape. The beautiful capital of the Amhara region, and the third biggest city in Ethiopia. Located on the shores of the stunning Lake Tana, the city is home to some of the oldest monasteries and churches in the world. Visiting them is a must, and there are many boat tours to take travellers. The Blue Nile Falls are also one of the most spectacular sights to see in Ethiopia and are only a short distance away from Bahir Dar.
Children in Bahir Dar | Ethiopia © Rod Waddington
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