14 African Icons

Introduction

Africa is one of the most diverse and beautiful places on earth. This diversity can be seen in its geography, climate, and even flora and fauna. It is home to some of the most famous icons on our planet such as Victoria Falls (Zambia & Zimbabwe), The Great Rift Valley Lakes (Kenya & Tanzania) and Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania).

1. Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is an inland delta in Botswana. It is the world’s largest inland delta and the largest wetland in Africa, covering an area of 14,000 square kilometers (5,400 sq mi). The Okavango River flows into it from Angola via a series of swamps and lakes, which reach their highest water levels during February and March.

The Okavango Delta has been designated as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites since 1995 because of its exceptional natural beauty and diversity; it supports over 500 species of birds including many threatened with extinction such as eagles, storks and cranes as well as several other endangered animals such as lions and leopards

2. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is the most popular tourist destination in South Africa and is home to Table Mountain, where you can see one of the seven natural wonders of the world: Table Mountain. It’s also home to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years during apartheid.

The city is known as “the birthplace of South Africa” because it was there that Jan van Riebeeck first set foot on African soil in 1652; he established a trading post at what would become Cape Town after sailing from Holland with three ships full of settlers who were looking for safe harbor from pirates and other dangers at sea (they didn’t get much luck).

3. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia

• Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia

Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Africa. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means it’s been recognized as having cultural and natural value. The falls are located on the Zambezi River, which forms part of Zimbabwe’s border with Zambia–so they’re shared by two countries (and you can visit both sides!).

4. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world, at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet) above sea level. It’s also Africa’s highest peak and part of an inactive volcano that has three main peaks: Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo.

The mountain was formed millions of years ago when lava flowed out of what was then an active volcano and hardened into rock over time. The last eruption took place about 200 years ago; since then it has been dormant but still active geologically speaking because magma continues to move underground through cracks in its sides called dykes.

5. Table Mountain, South Africa

Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town in South Africa. It is a significant tourist attraction, with many visitors using the cableway or hiking to the top and back.

Table Mountain has been declared as part of Table Mountain National Park which was proclaimed in 1998. The park covers an area of 740 km2 (290 sq mi), including most of Cape Town’s metropolitan area as well as its surrounding towns such as Simon’s Town, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg.

6. Kruger National Park, South Africa

South Africa is home to Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in the world. It’s home to around 1,500 species of plants and animals–including elephants and rhinos–and has been called “the most famous park on Earth” by National Geographic.

It was founded in 1898 as a hunting ground for Dutch royalty, who hunted there until 1910 when it became South Africa’s first national park. Today it attracts millions of visitors each year who come to see its diverse ecosystem: one third savannah grassland; one third bushveld (a transitional biome between savannah and forest); one sixth mountain fynbos (South African shrubland); two percent highveld grasslands; four percent floodplains; six percent riverine woodland; five percent riparian forest; seven percent swampy marshlands; five percent sandstone cliffs/rock outcrops

7. Rift Valley Lakes, Kenya and Tanzania

• Rift Valley Lakes, Kenya and Tanzania

The Great Rift Valley is home to some of the most unique lakes in Africa. Lake Nakuru and Lake Natron are both soda lakes, while Lake Manyara and Lake Naivasha are freshwater lakes. In addition to these four, you can also explore Magadi Soda Dam (a huge expanse of white salt flats), Bogoria National Park (where you can spot thousands of flamingos) or even go diving in Lake Turkana!

8. Sossusvlei Dunes, Namibia

Sossusvlei is a desert area in Namibia. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world and has some of the most unique landscapes you will see on this planet. There are many different types of wildlife in this park including lions, zebras and giraffes!

9. The largest salt flats in the world – Lake Nakuru, Kenya and Tanzania

• Lake Nakuru is a great place to view flamingos.
• Lake Nakuru is also a great place to view the sunset and sunrise.
• The lake is not only a good spot for birdwatching, but also for stargazing! You can see the moonrise and moonset here as well as sunsets and sunrises if you’re lucky enough to be there at just the right time of year (or month).

10. Abu Simbel Temples (Egypt)

In the 13th century BC, Pharaoh Ramses II built two temples in Nubia to honor himself and his wife Nefertari. The temples were carved into a cliffside on the west bank of the Nile River and moved to higher ground when Egypt’s Aswan Dam was built (they’re now on dry land). They’re considered sacred by locals who believe that if you touch these giant statues with your hands, you’ll be blessed with good luck forevermore.

The site was added as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 because it “represents an outstanding example of early religious architecture which illustrates key stages in ancient Egyptian art from its beginnings through to its maturity.”

11. Masai Mara Game Reserve (Kenya) A million wildebeests crossing the Mara river is one of the most amazing sights in Africa that all should experience!

Masai Mara Game Reserve (Kenya)

A million wildebeests crossing the Mara river is one of the most amazing sights in Africa that all should experience! There are also lots of different types of wildlife in this park such as lions, zebras and giraffes. Then there are many different types of animals that are not commonly seen by tourists such as hyenas and cheetahs!

Conclusion

Africa is home to some of the most amazing sights in the world, and they are all worth seeing!