Chad The Aloba Arch is the largest natural arch formation outside of the United States. Spanning an estimated length of 250 feet, with an arch height of nearly four hundred feet, it is arguably the most amazing natural feature located in the country of Chad. Due to its remoteness and ongoing difficulties in the region, it is one of the least visited record-holding natural … [Read more...]
EYE OF THE SAHARA
Mauritania The Eye of the Sahara, also known as the Richat Structure, is an immense circular rock formation located in the Mauritanian Sahara. Over 25 miles across, it was once thought to be the remains of an ancient impact crater. However, it is now believed to be the remains of a lava dome, though the jury is still officially out. To date the Eye of the Sahara is remote, … [Read more...]
BLYDE RIVER CANYON
South Africa Blyde River Canyon is the second largest canyon in Africa and the largest green canyon in the world. With all but the steepest canyon walls covered in lush green foliage, it is South Africa at its most beautiful and exotic. Incredibly rich in wildlife, the canyon is home to many species of primates. The entire gorge is protected in the Blyde River Canyon Nature … [Read more...]
FISH RIVER CANYON
Namibia The Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa, and one of the most touristed places in Namibia. The immense ravine, carved over millions of years by the Fish River, is nearly one hundred miles long. The canyon is located in theAi-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park which encompasses the border region of Namibia and South Africa. Human activity in the canyon … [Read more...]
SAHARA DESERT
Morocco/etc. The Sahara Desert is the largest desert (exluding the polar deserts) and one of the largest ecological zones on Earth. Sprawing across the entirety of North Africa, it covers approximately one third of the world’s second largest continent (it would completely engulf Europe). Almost any visitor to North Africa will almost by default see the Sahara Desert. But … [Read more...]
NAMIB DESERT
Namibia The Namib Desert is believed to be the oldest desert on Earth. It is also one of the lease densely populated places in Africa outside of certain regions of the Sahara. Because of this it is one of the least visited and most pristine places on the continent. Much of it is protected as part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The strip of land along Africa’s … [Read more...]
SPINY FOREST
Madagascar The Spiny Forest of southern Madagascar is one of the world’s most unusual woodlands. Largely a scrubland with desert-like conditions, the Spiny Forest is home to a number of species of trees that have specially adapted to the climate, including cacti and baobobs. A small part of the forest is protected within the Andohahela National Park, which is a UNESCO World … [Read more...]
CONGO RAINFOREST
Congo/Cameroon The Congo Rainforest is the largest rainforest in Africa and the second largest in the world after the Amazon. Crisscrossed with many rivers and waterways, the heart of the rainforest is the namesake Congo River, one of the longest on the continent. The Congo, once referred to as the ‘Dark Heart of Africa’, was the epitome of exotic adventure to the European … [Read more...]
BOYOMA FALLS
Congo Boyoma Falls is Africa’s second best known waterfall, and though perhaps less impressive, is historically of similar importance. Formerly known as Stanley Falls, it consists of seven drops totaling 200 feet along a long stretch of the Lualaba River. It has been a very popular fishing spot for locals since long before the European era. The heart of the Congo Rainforest … [Read more...]
VICTORIA FALLS
Zambia/Zimbabwe Victoria Falls is, by some measures, the world’s largest waterfall (based on a combination of height and width). It is also one of the greatest natural wonders of the African continent. The falls are known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or ‘the smoke that thunders’. Over the last few decades, as more infrastructure has been added to the area, the number of annual … [Read more...]
