Best spiritual destinations in Africa
Best spiritual destinations in Africa
Ancient monastic stone ruins and quiet meditation spaces in Africa
Spiritual travel in Africa is often less about a single famous building and more about a feeling, whether that comes from ancient ruins, a powerful waterfall or a long night of silence in the desert.
In Egypt, the temples of Luxor and Karnak still give a strong sense of how seriously people took the gods thousands of years ago. The dunes near Merzouga in Morocco are a popular place to spend a night in a desert camp, far from any city lights. Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, has long been a sacred place for the communities living nearby, and standing in its spray is a moving experience for almost anyone. Others find their moment on Kilimanjaro, watching the sun come up over the clouds after a slow climb through the night.
Many sacred places have their own customs, so asking a local guide what is expected can make a visit much more meaningful.
Lists by region
City in Senegal
Touba
Spiritual heart of West Africa’s pilgrimage
Amadou Bamba founded Touba in 1887 and also founded the Mouride order. The Great Mosque was completed in 1963 and its Lamp Fall minaret is 87 metres tall. The Grand Magal draws around two million pilgrims each year. Touba is the Mouride holy city and holds Bamba's burial site.
City in Egypt
Luxor
Ancient wonders on the Nile
The Opet Festival once carried the statue of the god Amun from Karnak to Luxor Temple. An avenue about 2.7 kilometres long linked the two temples. Over a thousand sphinx statues lined it. Part of Luxor Temple later became the Abu Haggag Mosque. Amun was worshipped with his wife Mut and son Khonsu.
City in Morocco
Essaouira
Atlantic Breeze, Blue Medina, Bohemian Vibe
The Gnaoua Festival of World Music has been held since 1998, usually in the last week of June. The medina became a World Heritage Site in 2001. Its mellah holds old synagogues and a large Jewish cemetery. The name Mogador is linked to Sidi Mogdoul, a Muslim saint buried there in the Middle Ages.
Historic Site in Ethiopia
Lalibela
Stone churches echoing centuries of faith
Eleven rock hewn churches stand in four groups at about 2,500 metres above sea level. Tradition credits King Gebre Meskel Lalibela, who reigned from about 1181 to 1221. UNESCO declared the site a World Heritage Site in 1978. Genna on 7 January brings multi day processions, music and rituals.
Town in Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls
The Smoke That Thunders
The Lozi name Mosi oa Tunya translates as the smoke that thunders. The Tonga name Shungu Namutitima means Boiling Water in local usage. Older names Seongo and Chongwe mean the place of the rainbow. Spray often rises over 400 metres. A moonbow can appear in the spray at full moon.
Mountain in Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro
Africa's Roof, World's Highest Freestanding Volcano
The Chagga people call the two main peaks Kipoo and Kimawenze, now rendered Kibo and Mawenzi. A Chagga legend tells of a man named Tone who angered the god Ruwa. His fleeing cattle created hills, including Kibo. Uhuru Peak stands at 5,895 metres on the crater rim of Kibo.
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