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Best aquarium destinations in Africa

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Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
7.6
The Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit at the V&A Waterfront aquarium shows ragged tooth sharks. Spotted gully sharks live in its kelp forest. African black footed penguins and northern rockhopper penguins share a dedicated exhibit. About 500,000 visitors pass through the aquarium each year.
Highlights:
  • 🍽️ Explore the V&A Waterfront and dine by the sea
  • 🚡 Ride the cable car for breathtaking city views
  • 🥾 Hike to the top of Table Mountain
Durban
Sunny beaches and rich culture
7.1
uShaka Marine World opened on 30 April 2004 on 16 hectares of land. Its tanks hold a combined 4.6 million US gallons of water. About 10,000 animals lived there in 2010. The uShaka Wet n Wild water park lies inside the same grounds, so one visit can combine aquarium and slides.
Highlights:
  • 🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Durban promenade and enjoy the ocean views
  • 🐠 Explore uShaka Marine World and its giant aquarium
  • 🏖️ Swim and surf along Durban’s famous Golden Mile beaches
Mauritius
Tropical Bliss in the Indian Ocean
8.6
Odysseo opened in September 2021 near Le Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis. It is the first oceanarium in Mauritius and the Mascarene Islands. Its 45 tanks hold a combined 2 million liters. About 4,500 animals from over 200 species live there, all from the Indian Ocean. Sharks appear in an outdoor tank.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel among coral reefs in Blue Bay Marine Park
  • 🥾 Hike to the summit of Le Morne Brabant
  • 🏝️ Relax on the turquoise shores of Trou-aux-Biches Beach
Hurghada
Red Sea Bliss and Adventure
7.0
The Grand Aquarium opened in 2015 and is described as the largest aquarium in Egypt. Only uShaka Marine World in Durban is larger in Africa. The nearby Red Sea averages about 24 degrees Celsius. Diving sites around the Giftun Islands include shipwrecks such as the El Mina and Rosalie Moller.
Highlights:
  • 🚢 Ride a submarine tour to explore Red Sea depths
  • 🐠 Discover marine life at Hurghada Grand Aquarium
  • 🤿 Snorkel vibrant coral reefs at Giftun Islands
Zanzibar
Turquoise Waters and Spice Perfume
7.4
The Mnarani conservation pond in Nungwi is run by a nonprofit that aims to protect sea turtles. Local people bring in turtle eggs they find so the eggs can hatch there. Injured adult turtles recover in the pond. Once a year in February, hatchlings and recovered adults are released into the ocean.
Highlights:
  • 🐒 Visit Jozani Forest to see rare red colobus monkeys
  • 🤿 Snorkel in the clear waters of Mnemba Atoll and spot vibrant marine life
  • 🏰 Explore Stone Town's narrow streets and historic sites
Nairobi
Where urban life meets wild adventures
6.4
Started in January 1961, the snake park at the National Museum of Kenya includes an aquarium. It shows freshwater fish from Kenyan lakes, dams and rivers. Species from Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika are also on display. A marine section presents assorted fish, live corals and other invertebrates from the Indian Ocean.
Highlights:
  • 🐘 Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and meet baby elephants
  • 🦩 Feed endangered giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
  • 🦒 Go on a safari at Nairobi National Park
Two Oceans Aquarium
Marine Wonder at Cape Town Waterfront
Opened on 13 November 1995, the aquarium stands at the V&A Waterfront. It holds over 300 species and about 8,000 animals. Its largest tank holds 2,000,000 litres of water. The Kelp Forest Exhibit houses shoals of coastal fish and living South African kelp. The name refers to where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet.
Highlights:
  • 🐧 Visit interactive touch pools and penguin exhibits
  • 🦈 Watch ragged-tooth sharks and graceful rays
  • 🌊 Walk through the 10-meter-long ocean tunnel
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