Fun Facts About Africa’s Famous Landmarks

Africa is home to some of the world’s most iconic and awe-inspiring landmarks, each with its own unique history, cultural significance, and sometimes quirky backstories. Here are some fun facts about a few of Africa’s most famous landmarks that you might not know:

1. The Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)

• Oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: The Great Pyramid of Giza, built around 4,500 years ago, is the only one of the original Seven Wonders still standing today. It was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years!
• Originally Shiny: The pyramids were once covered with highly polished Tura limestone, which made them shine brightly in the sun and visible from miles away. Sadly, the casing stones have been lost over time.
• Alignment with the Stars: The pyramids are perfectly aligned with the Orion constellation, which many scholars believe was a deliberate choice to reflect the Egyptians’ religious connection to the stars and the afterlife.

2. Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe and Zambia)

• Largest Curtain of Falling Water: While not the highest or the widest waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls holds the title for the largest curtain of falling water, with over 500 million liters of water plummeting over its edge every minute during the rainy season.
• Local Name, Mosi-oa-Tunya: Victoria Falls is known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” in the local Tonga language, which means “The Smoke that Thunders,” due to the enormous spray and roaring noise the falls produce.
• Swim at the Edge: One of the most thrilling attractions is Devil’s Pool, a natural rock pool at the edge of the falls, where daring visitors can swim right next to the 108-meter drop.

3. Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)

• Highest Free-Standing Mountain: Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.
• Three Volcanic Cones: Kilimanjaro is made up of three volcanic cones – Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. While Mawenzi and Shira are extinct, Kibo is dormant and could potentially erupt again.
• Climbing with No Special Equipment: Despite its impressive height, Kilimanjaro is one of the few mountains of its size that can be climbed without technical mountaineering gear. Many trekkers reach the summit, enjoying breathtaking views from the “Roof of Africa.”

4. Table Mountain (South Africa)

• One of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World: Table Mountain was named one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2011, due to its unique flat-top shape and biodiversity.
• Home to an Entire Ecosystem: The mountain hosts over 2,200 species of plants, 70% of which are found nowhere else in the world. The Cape Floral Region, including Table Mountain, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Cableway With a Twist: The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway rotates 360 degrees as it ascends, giving passengers panoramic views of Cape Town and the surrounding ocean.

5. The Great Mosque of Djenné (Mali)

• World’s Largest Mud Brick Building: This iconic structure is the largest mud brick (adobe) building in the world and is a prime example of Sudano-Sahelian architecture.
• Annual Repairs Festival: Each year, the people of Djenné hold a festival to replaster the mosque using mud, ensuring its preservation. The whole town participates, making it a lively and community-oriented event.
• Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: The mosque, along with the historic town of Djenné, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, recognized for its cultural and historical significance.

6. The Sahara Desert (North Africa)

• World’s Largest Hot Desert: The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world, covering an area of about 9.2 million square kilometers, almost the size of the United States!
• Once a Lush Green Oasis: About 10,000 years ago, the Sahara was a fertile savannah with lakes, rivers, and forests. Cave paintings found in the region depict ancient wildlife like giraffes and elephants.
• Snow in the Sahara: Although rare, it has snowed in the Sahara Desert! In 2018, parts of the desert in Algeria saw a light dusting of snow, creating a surreal landscape of orange sand dunes topped with white snow.

7. Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela (Ethiopia)

• Carved from Single Rocks: These 11 medieval churches were carved entirely out of single blocks of rock and connected by a series of underground tunnels. They were built in the 12th century and remain active places of worship today.
• King Lalibela’s Divine Vision: According to legend, King Lalibela was instructed by angels to create a “New Jerusalem” in Ethiopia after Jerusalem was captured by Muslims in 1187. The churches are designed to replicate sacred Christian sites in the Holy Land.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: The churches were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 due to their unique architecture and historical importance.

8. Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)

• Largest Unbroken Caldera: Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed about 2-3 million years ago.
• A Wildlife Paradise: The crater is a microcosm of East African wildlife, hosting over 25,000 large animals, including elephants, lions, and endangered black rhinos. It’s one of the best places in Africa to spot the “Big Five” in a relatively small area.
• Maasai Livelihood: The Maasai people still live around the crater, herding cattle and coexisting with wildlife in a delicate balance between traditional life and conservation.

9. The Avenue of the Baobabs (Madagascar)

• Ancient Giants: The baobab trees along this road in western Madagascar are over 800 years old, with some believed to be more than 1,000 years old. These iconic trees can reach up to 30 meters in height and have trunks that store thousands of liters of water.
• Unique to Madagascar: While baobabs are found in other parts of Africa, the species along this avenue, Adansonia grandidieri, is native only to Madagascar.
• A Sacred Landmark: The baobabs hold cultural significance for the Malagasy people, and there are myths about how the baobab was planted upside-down, with its roots reaching for the sky.

In conclusion, Africa’s landmarks are not just visually stunning but also steeped in history, mythology, and natural wonders. From ancient pyramids and sprawling deserts to lush waterfalls and wildlife-filled craters, each of these iconic locations tells a fascinating story that enriches our understanding of the continent’s diverse and vibrant heritage.