The top 10 Beautiful Cities in Africa.
Africa is home to some of the world’s oldest and most advanced civilizations, including Ancient Egypt, Nubia, and Ethiopia. These civilizations left behind incredible monuments and artifacts that provide a glimpse into Africa’s rich and diverse history, and continue to influence the continent’s culture and traditions to this day.
For centuries, Africa was the center of an extensive network of trade routes known as the Trans-Saharan trade, which connected the continent with the Mediterranean world, the Middle East, and Asia. This trade brought goods, ideas, and technologies to Africa, and helped shape the continent’s economies and cultures.
Africa is a continent with a rich and diverse culture, with over 2,000 languages spoken and a population of over 1.3 billion people. It’s home to a wide range of landscapes, from deserts to rainforests, and is known for its vibrant cities, rich history and diverse wildlife. In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most breathtaking cities in Africa and what you can expect to see and do when you visit them.
Before we go through our list of the top 10 beautiful cities of Africa, let us acquaint ourselves with the people of Africa.
Culture & Tradition
Africa is a vast and diverse continent with a rich cultural heritage. Here we give a general overview of some of the traditions, cuisines, dressing, and languages that are common across the continent.
Traditions
African cultures are defined by their rich traditions, which often revolve around communal living and a close connection to the land. Many African communities place a strong emphasis on extended family and tribal connections, and many traditional rituals and ceremonies are focused on celebrating these relationships.
Favorite Cuisine
African cuisine is as diverse as the continent itself, but some common ingredients include cassava, plantains, maize, yams, and rice. Popular dishes include stews, curries, and soups, often made with a variety of spices and herbs. Some African countries, such as Ethiopia, are known for their injera, a type of sourdough flatbread made from teff flour.
Dressing
African dress varies widely depending on the country and the cultural group, but traditional clothing often includes brightly colored, patterned fabrics, elaborate headwraps, and intricate jewelry. In many African cultures, dress is an important way of expressing cultural identity, and traditional clothing is often worn for special occasions and celebrations.
Languages
Africa is home to thousands of languages, many of which are indigenous to the continent. The most widely spoken African language is Swahili, followed by Hausa, Amharic, Yoruba, and Zulu. Additionally, many African countries have official languages that are a legacy of European colonization, such as French, Portuguese, and English.
Africa’s culture is rich, diverse, and deeply rooted in tradition, with a vibrant mix of languages, cuisines, dress, and cultural practices that reflect the continent’s unique history and heritage.
Now we are ready to dive into the list of the top 10 beautiful cities in Africa.
Marrakech, Morocco
Known as the “Red City”, Marrakech is a city full of vibrant colors, delicious food, and a rich history. Visitors can explore the city’s famous markets such as the Bahia Palace and the Jardin Majorelle, which was once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Wildlife enthusiasts can also take a trip to the nearby Atlas Mountains, where they can see a variety of animals including Barbary macaques, and if they’re lucky, the endangered Atlas bear.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is famous for its stunning beaches, and Table Mountain, Cape Town is a city that offers something for everyone. Take a cable car up Table Mountain for breathtaking views of the city and the ocean. Visit the famous Cape of Good Hope, and see the African penguins at Boulders Beach. Cape Town also offers plenty of opportunities for adventure, such as shark cage diving and bungee jumping.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Another city worth mentioning is, Zanzibar. Like Cape Town, it is known for its stunning beaches, and rich history. Visitors can explore the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a tour of the city’s slave market, where you’ll learn about Zanzibar’s dark past. Be sure to also take a trip to the Jozani Forest Reserve, home to the rare Red Colobus monkey.
Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Often shortened to Vic Falls and known as the “Smoke that Thunders”, Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. Visitors can take a dip in the Devil’s Pool, a natural pool at the edge of the falls, and take a helicopter ride over the falls for an unforgettable experience. Along with that, visitors can take a safari in the nearby Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park to see a variety of animals including elephants, lions, and buffalo. The falls were discovered by David Livingstone in 1855, and they were named after Queen Victoria.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Because of Africa’s history, Addis Ababa is often called the “Capital of Africa”. Addis Ababa is a city rich in history and culture. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, including the Ethiopian National Museum, which houses the famous Lucy fossil, and take a walk through the beautiful Trinity Cathedral. Visitors can also take a trip to the nearby Menagesha Forest to see a variety of animals including baboons, bushbuck, and bushpig. Addis Ababa was founded in 1887 by Emperor Menelik II, and it has served as the capital of Ethiopia ever since.
Tunis, Tunisia
Tunis is described as the “Gateway to the Sahara”. It is a city that blends the old with the new. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Carthage, and the Bardo Museum, which houses one of the most important collections of Roman mosaics in the world. Visitors can also take a trip to the nearby Ichkeul National Park to see a variety of animals including flamingos, and wild boar. Tunis was founded byPhoenicians in the 8th century BC and it has been a major city in North Africa for centuries.
Asmara, Eritrea
Asmar, known as the “African Art Deco”, is a city that is full of stunning architecture from the 1930s. Visitors can take a walk through the city’s historic center and see the many Art Deco buildings, including the Cinema Impero and the Fiat Tagliero Building. Visitors can also take a trip to the nearby Asmara Botanical Garden to see a variety of plants and flowers. Asmara was founded in the 16th century by the Ottoman Empire and it served as the capital of Italian Eritrea during the colonial period.
Dakar, Senegal
Dakar boasts of a vibrant culture and stunning beaches. It is a city, without a doubt offers something for all travelers. Visitors can explore the city’s many markets, such as the Sandaga Market, and take a trip to the nearby Dakar Island, where they can see a variety of wildlife, including dolphins and sea turtles. Dakar was founded by the French in 1857 as a colonial settlement, and it has served as the capital of Senegal since its independence in 1960.
Lagos, Nigeria
The “Commercial Capital of Nigeria”. Lagos is a city that is full of life. Visitors can explore the city’s many markets, such as the Balogun Market, and take a trip to the Lagos Lagoon, where they can see a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles and snakes. Lagos was founded in the 15th century by the Yoruba people, and it has been an important center of trade and commerce for centuries.
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Known as the “Land of Honest Men”, Ouagadougou is a city that is full of history and culture. When you visit Ouagadougou, be sure to explore the city’s many museums, such as the National Museum of Burkina Faso, and take a walk through the city’s historic center, where they can see a variety of traditional houses and architecture. Visitors can also take a trip to the nearby Nazinga Game Ranch to see a variety of animals including elephants, lions, and antelopes. Ouagadougou was founded in the 15th century by the Mossi people and it has served as the capital of Burkina Faso since its independence in 1960
Do’s and Donts
When travelling to these cities, it’s important to remember to respect the local culture and customs. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and be aware of local laws and regulations. Be sure to also protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated. It’s also a good idea to have cash on hand, as not all places accept credit cards.
Accommodation guide
There is a wide range of accommodation options available in these cities, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. Prices vary, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $200 per night for a hotel room. There are also plenty of Airbnb options available, which can be a great way to save money.
If you’re planning a trip to Africa, be sure to add these cities to your list. We would love to hear about your experiences, so please share your photos and stories with us. Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you again soon.
And remember, you can also book your trip right here on iGateTravel, by checking out available bookings in our city guide. Here you can book accommodation, tours or hire a car.