Africa Scenic Drives Map

Aswan

Nile Islands, Nubian Culture, Golden Light

7.1

Highway 75 runs 280 km south across empty desert to Abu Simbel. The drive takes 3 to 4 hours one way. Lake Nasser appears in the distance now and then. Most travellers leave near 4 am to reach the temples when the site opens at 6 am. Fill the tank in Aswan.

Highlights:

⚙️ Marvel at the High Dam, Egypt’s modern engineering wonder
🏛️ Visit the magnificent Philae Temple dedicated to Isis
⛵ Sail on a traditional felucca at sunset along the Nile

Livingstone

Gateway to Victoria Falls Adventure

7.7

Between March and May the Zambezi is at its fullest and the spray is thickest. Victoria Falls is only about 10 km from town. Locals call the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means the smoke that thunders. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park has a short game drive along the river.

Highlights:

🦁 Go on a game drive at Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
🚣‍♂️ Take a thrilling white-water rafting trip on the Zambezi
🌊 Witness the thundering Victoria Falls, a natural wonder

Ouarzazate

Gateway to the Sahara & Cinema

7.0

Growers in the Valley of Roses pick petals each April and May. Roads east of town form the Route of 1,000 Kasbahs, a loop of palm oases and mud brick villages. The Dades Gorge drive is about 60 km and has switchbacks. Todra Gorge has walls about 300 metres tall.

Highlights:

🕍 Discover the old Jewish synagogue and local heritage museum
🎬 Tour the Atlas Studios where famous movies like Gladiator were filmed
🏰 Visit the iconic Kasbah Taourirt and explore ancient Berber architecture

Chobe National Park

Elephant Haven in Botswana

7.9

Botswana's first national park grew from a game reserve set up in 1960. Its riverfront trails follow the Chobe River between Ngoma and Sedudu Gates. Elephants and buffalo come to drink in the late afternoon. April to October is the dry season. Self-drive is possible, though Savuti tracks are very sandy.

Highlights:

🐘 Watch massive elephant herds at Chobe Riverfront
🚤 Take a boat cruise on the scenic Chobe River
🦁 Join thrilling game drives for wildlife spotting

Swakopmund

Coastal charm meets desert horizons

8.9

Cooler than the desert behind it, this fog-wrapped coast has the C34 road. It runs about 300 km north through Henties Bay towards Torra Bay. The stretch to Henties Bay was paved in 2019. Beyond it the road is made of packed sand and salt.

Highlights:

🤿 Scuba dive among vibrant coral reefs
🐪 Ride camel across the white dunes
🏖️ Sail on the Atlantic coast at sunset

Lalibela

Stone churches echoing centuries of faith

In the northern Ethiopian highlands, a road climbs towards Asheton Maryam. This church is carved into a cliff on Mount Abuna Yosef. A newer road cuts the walk to about 10 minutes. Yemrehanna Kristos is 30 km away. Nakuta La'ab is 7 km out and is best at sunset.

Highlights:

⛪ Attend a local church service in traditional attire
🚶‍♂️ Explore the ancient monastery complex on foot
🏰 Visit Lalibela's rock-hewn churches at sunrise

Atlas Mountains

Majestic peaks echo ancient desert horizons

8.5

Tizi n'Tichka is a pass above 2,200 metres on the road from Marrakech to Ouarzazate. French army engineers built it in 1936. It has more than 100 turns and cliffside villages. Stop at Kasbah Telouet and Aït Benhaddou on the way. Snow can close it from November to March.

Highlights:

🐫 Ride a camel across the Atlas desert plateau
✨ Stargaze from Toubkal Base Camp overnight
🏔️ Hike Oukaimeden's alpine trails at sunrise

Garden Route

Scenic vineyards and coastal cliffs

Salt air and damp forest smells drift through the car window along the N2. The route runs about 300 km from Mossel Bay to Storms River. Bloukrans Bridge gives a view over a deep river gorge. Wilderness has quiet lakes and the Touw River. Robberg Nature Reserve is near Plettenberg Bay.

Highlights:

🍤 Savor fresh seafood at a coastal village
🏞️ Explore Tsitsikamma National Park’s canopy walkway over cliffs
🚗 Drive scenic Garden Route, stop at Knysna Heads

Best scenic drive destinations in Africa