African places that should be on your bucket list

Our photographers come from all around the world but every entry has been taken in the splendour of the African wild. We’ve already featured some of our favourite black and white photographs as well as others from our Wildlife Portraits category which can be found on our blog. Our new category Africa off the Beaten Track is about to open and we are very excited about choosing our final category winner before getting to our grand prize. If you’re looking for inspiration for next year’s Africa’s Photographer of the Year competition, have a look below at the African places that should be on your bucket list.

Madagascar

This island destination seems to have it all, from forests to deserts and beaches. Famed for its indigenous baobabs as well as rare lemurs, Madagascar’s main port of call, Nosy Be gives insights into local culture with historical villages while at the same time providing adventure activities such as hiking, diving and kayaking. Spot whales and turtles in the crystal waters as you navigate the many secret coves of this tropical paradise.

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Known for its luxury lodges and location within the Kruger National Park, you’re certain to have an enchanting experience in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Encounter the Big 5 in this private setting and unwind by connecting with the bush in the comfort of one of these sophisticated havens within the wilderness.

Cape Wine Route

Meander along this award-winning wine route that features Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. Each of these vineyards offers fine dining as well as immaculate grounds which you’re invited to walk through while the silhouetted mountains provide a sensational backdrop.

Okavango Delta

One of the most picturesque African places on the list, the Okavango Delta in Botswana has been named one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders. Here you’re able to explore the floodplains by mokoro, a traditional boat that local guides use to get closer to the wildlife. Chief’s Island is another wonderful source of biodiversity made up of small islands that house a plethora of bird species.

Victoria Falls

Known by the locals as “the smoke that thunders”, Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world and another of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Stand atop the falls inside the Devil’s Pool as it plunges over into the Zambezi River below, a striking home to a spectacle of fish and birdlife.

Namibian Desert

While the desert may seem one of the more harsh African places, there are actually amazing species that thrive within this biome. The Nama people that originally inhabited the region have also left behind many heritage sites to explore. Get close to the earth and inspect the endemic flora or look out over the captivating Fish River Canyon. You will be enraptured even after many visits to the marvel that is Namibia.

Rwanda

Trek through rainforest in search of these vulnerable animals that are so elusive. Nothing is more thrilling than coming across a family of gorillas as they go about their lives in the heart of this dense foliage. Be enraptured by the lush greenery that feeds this tranquil haven and breathes life into the species of Rwanda.

Serengeti

Every year The Great Migration is an impressive display of wildlife, namely wildebeest, that travel great distances across the continent in search of sustenance. It is a dream-like image to behold as some safari camps invite you out onto the waters where you can be up-close with these beguiling creatures.

For more inspirational places, have a look at our Indian Ocean Islands bucket list. Make sure to enter our competition before the final winner is announced for our last category. Don’t forget to enjoy some of our latest entries by browsing through the website’s category galleries.