Africa is a vast continent of sprawling savannahs and huge deserts home to many exotic wild animals typically in the popular movie production industry. But it is the hidden jewels and destinations that are off of the beaten path that really capture our sense of adventure. These hidden gems offer special, authentic experiences and provide a chance to support sustainable tourism as well. Getting out of the norm to less traveled places is where travelers can experience Africa at its purest and make a difference in local communities. It is in these remote pockets of the continent that you discover what Africa really stands for, providing a hidden+rewarding experience.
PART 1: NORTH AFRICA
- Atlas Mountains: Escape from the cities and head to the stunning Atlas Mountain instead of staying inside busy streets. Explore some of the traditional Berber villages positioned on mountains that still maintain their ancestral lifestyle. Enjoy numerous trekking trails that take you through a variety of terrains such as cedar forests, and plateaus amongst others. Meet Bedouin tribes and enjoy their legendary hospitality.
- Kushto: Morocco’s Atlantic & Mediterranean coasts are the refreshing anteroom to her inland wonders. The quaint blue-washed buildings of Essaouira and the windswept beaches make this a favorite spot for surfers, artists (and lots of kite flyers). Shop the lively souks of the medina and dine on seafood at harbourside restaurants TANGIER | History meets adventure at this northwestern African city, where the world of Arab-Muslim Africa brushes up against the Mediterranean coast of Europe. Discover secluded beaches and hidden coves, far from the tourist trail and bask in its cosmopolitan city vibes.
- Tunisia: There’s a lot more than just desert in Tunisia. Islands such as Djerba and Pantelleria present some of the most untouched beaches while still allowing for an impressive history. Interesting to history nuts, Tunisia is a paradise. You can explore the ancient ruins of Carthage and the iconic Amphitheater of El Jem, or dig into Dougga´s Roman past. Surprises also persist deep in the Tunisian desert, on all sides of the Sahara. Boasting the apparent highlights (the ethereal Chott el Jerid salt lake and hidden oasis retreats are unique)
- Algeria: The diverse country of Algeria is more than its deserts. It is a geological marvel and home to ancient cave paintings: Tassili n’Ajjer National Park. Or hop along the coast of Algeria, with destinations like Oran and Tipasa., a fishing village rendered in 1st-century ruins. Further inland, the Kabyle region immerses visitors into cultural life featuring rustic village homes, deep forests, and unpretentious Berber hospitality. The diversity of Algeria will come as a surprise and likely captivate travelers.
PART 2: SOUTH AFRICA
- Namibia: Way more than the world-famous Skeleton Coast; the Namibian coastline has hidden gems for an intrepid traveler. The charming coastal town of Lüderitz combines colonial architecture with its wild surroundings — dine on fresh seafood and wildlife-watch for seals, penguins, and whales. Fish River Canyon — One of the largest in the world, this canyon is full of dramatic landscapes and hiking trails. Farther afield, the Namib Desert, outside of Sossusvlei’s well-trodden trails to its famous dunes offers up secret over-sand peaks coupled with invisible wildlife and an unparalleled sense of solitude. At night the stars in this corner of an ancient desert truly are something magical. Every single one of these destinations displays the incredible natural beauty that Namibia offers.
- Botswana: Botswana’s abundant natural beauty goes far beyond the popular Okavango Delta. Makgadikgadi Pans are eerie, changing lands that can look like something out of a dream — or better still when zebras and wildebeest in their thousands come here to give birth after the seasonal rains. Go on an exhilarating game drive and look out for uncommon animals like meerkats Central Kalahari Game Reserve — Here you will find a true safari vacation where its hot, dry plains are freely walked by giraffes near the beautiful bushes and lions or even some cheetahs. While Chobe National Park is famous for its dense concentrations of elephants, hidden lagoons teem with birdlife and game from hippos to crocodiles as well as lions and leopard.
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe is seen beyond just the touristy Victoria Falls, providing visitors with a rich history and plentiful landscapes to explore. The Great Zimbabwe Ruins consist of vast stone structures that display the sophistication and even sizeableness of an African people who founded a golden civilization just as advanced, and complicated as well these: 700 to Hwange National Park. Enjoy game viewing in the Wild at Hwange, one of Africa’s best wildlife parks with plenty of opportunities to see elephants, lions, and leopards doing what they do naturally as well. Refreshing differences from the extreme western contrasts include cool and greenery full Eastern Highlands with an offer of charming colonial towns, and scenic tea plantations. Go one this cooler and greener area to enjoy stunning views, trek through virgin forests, and search for endemic species of birds. All of these treasures remain undiscovered and showcase the beautiful landscape that Zimbabwe has to offer.
PART 3 EAST AFRICA
- Ethiopia: With the enthralling mix of ancient history and natural sites, Ethiopia. There are also the iconic rock churches of Lalibela, and even further north to the Simien Mountains for some fabulous trekking amid endemic wildlife. Explore the Omo Valley and meet with tribes who practice ancient traditions in remote communities. The Bale Mountains National Park is a paradise for nature lovers because of its untapped biodiversity, exceptional landscapes, and many endemic species.
- Tanzania: Zanzibar attracts the highest number of tourists but that is just part of Tanzania’s allure. The rest comes as follows: Explore the unspoiled beaches, and colorful underwater world of Mafia Island or seek a unique safari-beach adventure in Saadani National Park. Pemba Island offers a more peaceful getaway, its clear waters making excellent venues for diving and snorkeling. The coast of Tanzania is the ideal mix between relaxation and adventure.
- Kenya: Though it’s a far destination, Kenya is worth the plane ride with its varied ecosystems and amazing other wildlife outside of just Masai Mara. Samburu National Reserve — unique wildlife and cultural encounters. For a truly wild safari experience get off the beaten track and place Meru National Park, known for its wilderness with wandering elephants. With a range of habitats, and game as diverse as it is prolific, Tsavo East & West National Parks make for an interesting safari experience.
PART 4: WEST AFRICA
- Senegal: Senegal is a captivating combination of coastal beauty and cultural heritage. The Casamance region is home to stunning beaches, with big opportunities for birdwatching around lush mangroves. Discover the wildlife of a UNESCO Sine-Saloum Delta Saint Louis is a taste of history and culture with beautiful streets, colonial architecture, and energy. A trip to Senegal — a country so welcoming, of such varied landscape that it makes your dumping ground look even worse by comparison.
- Ghana: On the one hand, it works on its tropical nature without any clue from today’s world and what needs to be seen in an episode. Loving waters in Volta, face the roaring current on Lake Volta for fishing trips, boat rides, or repose. Kakum National Park with its canopy walkway for a thrilling adventure. Traditional villages and colorful markets taking you on a journey through history feature widely in Northern Ghana.
- Nigeria: The least of you would become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. Cross River National Park: For those with an interest in wildlife, the Cross River National Park is home to gorillas that you can see living out their days in as close a natural environment as possible. Absorb the spiritual energy at this World Heritage Site. — Wikimedia Take a Boat Trip: For the ultimate off-the-beaten-path experience, head to Kainji Lake National Park for wildlife and adventure on the water. For those who take the plunge, Nigeria’s hidden gems promise just that.
Africa is a continent of endless discovery. Beyond the well-trodden paths lie hidden gems waiting to be explored. Embrace the spirit of adventure, respect local cultures, and contribute to sustainable tourism as you uncover the magic of Africa’s lesser-known corners. You may also like other posts in our Social section.
