Tourism across Africa is on the rise, with people from around the world seeking new adventures and exciting travel experiences. Countries such as Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa remain some of the continent’s most visited destinations. However, with all that Africa has to offer, many incredible spots tend to go under the radar.
Katherine Coetzee, a luxury African travel expert who has been in the travel and hotel industry for over 23 years, spoke about the diversity that comes with a holiday experience in Africa. She shared with the Express some underrated spots that offer experiences of a lifetime.
Katherine told the Express: “When I think of hidden gems, I think of places that offer absolutely incredible experiences but just haven’t made it onto people’s radar yet.”
Luckily, she’s given Express readers three phenomenal spots that have yet to be discovered by many tourists across the world. “What I love about all three is that they offer these jaw-dropping experiences, but without the crowds,” she said.
Fish River Canyon, Namibia
This Namibian hotspot features a gigantic ravine that is approximately 160 kilometres long, up to 27 kilometres wide and in some areas nearly 550 metres deep.
“It’s the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon, but hardly anyone knows about it. The scale is just breathtaking, and you can hike it or just take in the views,” Katherine said.
Whilst it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country, Namibia’s tourism industry saw just 558,333 visitors in 2024, nowhere near the likes of Egypt, which welcomed 15.7 million tourists in the same year.
Augrabies Falls, South Africa
The travel expert said: “Everyone heads to the Garden Route or Cape Town, but they’re missing this incredible thundering waterfall on the Orange River.”
The majestic waterfall free-falls 56 metres into an 18km gorge found below. Located at a National Park on the banks of South Africa’s largest river, the Orange River, the site offers panoramic viewpoints of the incredible landscape.
“The power of it is just extraordinary, and the surrounding landscape is so dramatic. It’s this raw, untamed part of South Africa that feels completely different from anywhere else in the country,” she added.
Makgadikgadi Basin, Botswana
The pan is one of the largest salt flats in the world, and is all that remains of what was once the gigantic Lake Makgadikgadi, which occupied an area larger than Switzerland.
“It’s these vast salt pans that stretch as far as you can see. During the dry season, it’s like being on another planet, completely white and endless. But then in the wet season, it transforms into this incredible wildlife haven,” Katherine explained.
During the wet season, visitors will find a range of unique animals, from great white pelicans and greater flamingos, to the endemic Makgadikagadi spiny agama (agama translating as lizard).
She said: “It’s so peaceful, but most people stick to the Okavango Delta and miss this completely.”