Top 10 man made wonders of Africa you must visit
Africa is known worldwide for its natural physical features, such as the famous Victoria Falls of Zambia. However, the man-made wonders of Africa are also something that tourists locally and internationally cannot get enough of. So what are some of these wonders in Africa? Stick around to find out.
From the famous Victoria Falls to the wild safaris, Africa is well endowed. Nonetheless, there are other attractions made by man that top the list.
Man-made tourist attractions in Africa
Here are the top ten sites to visit:
1. The Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Egypt are among the most renowned tourist attractions in the world. They are the ancient pyramid-shaped masonry structures that were built as tombs during the Old Kingdom periods. These three pyramids are famous in Giza and are located where many famous graves were discovered. The pyramids were built in the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt during the Third Dynasty's reign around 4500 years ago.
READ ALSO: Trove of coins unearthed in Israel, traced back to 9th century
2. Abu Simbel Temples
Abu Simbel is an ancient temple that was cut from a solid rock cliff. These temples were built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 19th dynasty, 13th century BC. Abu Simbel Temples were built along the western bank of Lake Nasser, approximately 230 kilometers Southwest of Aswan.
3. Afrikaans language monument
Afrikaans language monument is also among the man-made landmarks in South Africa. This monument has kept a unique record of the languages spoken for approximately 300 years in South Africa. Many tourists visit these monuments to learn about the old languages which were used centuries ago.
READ ALSO: 20 best places to visit in South Africa this December holiday
4. Kano City Wall
Kano City Wall is an ancient landmark in Africa that was constructed between the 11th and 14th centuries and was then extended in the 16th century. The height of the wall is 50 feet, and it has a base thickness of 40 feet with 15 gates. The wall was built as a form of defence for the ancient Kano inhabitants.
5. Lalibela Rock-hewn Churches
READ ALSO: Chefchaouen in Morocco is the world's bluest city - literally
The Ethiopian churches in Lalibela are among the most visited places in the country. The Church of Saint George is among the most popular of the eleven rock-hewn churches. Constructions began in the 12th century in the reign of King Lalibela and are located in the northern region of Ethiopia. The cave churches were hewn, which means they were cut and carved out from a rock.
6. Leptis Magna, Libya
Did you know that there is a 'little piece of Rome' in Africa? Well, the Leptis Magna dates back to the reign of Emperor Septimus Severus when the Northern parts of Africa were part of the Roman Empire. The UNESCO now considers it as a World Heritage Site.
7. The Great Sphinx of Giza
The sphinx was cut from the bedrock on the Giza Plateau and was curved into a mythical creature that has the head of a human but a body of a lion reclining. It is considered to be the oldest monument in Egypt, and it is believed to have been constructed by the Ancient Egyptians in the Old Kingdom around 2558-2532 BC. The face is thought to be of the Pharaoh Khafre who was reigning at the time.
8. Axum Obelisk, Ethiopia
The Ethiopian stelae are believed to have been constructed during the period of the Kingdom of Aksum in the 4th century CE. They were used for burials and are characterised with false doors and decorations which resemble windows all round. Among the tallest of the standing stelae is the Northern stelae park, at its top, it is believed to house the original Ark of the Covenant.
READ ALSO: List of the greatest ancient mysteries of Africa
9. Osu Castle
This monument regularly reflects the history of the people of Ghana. The castle was constructed in the 1660s by Danish colonialists where they bought the land from a tribal chief in Accra. The Osu Castle later fell, and it was rebuilt again by the British in the year 1824.
10. Olduvai Gorge Museum
Olduvai Gorge Museum is located in the Ngorongoro conservation area in Northern Tanzania. Most of the remains of the earliest human being in Africa were found in Olduvai Gorge. Many people visit the Museum to learn more about early human evolution.
Frequently asked questions
The landmarks and monuments around the world often have a deep history and great stories behind them. Here are some FAQs that you might be wondering about:
What are the man-made wonders of the world?
Here are some of the man-made wonders across the globe:
- Teotihuacan, Mexico
- Colosseum, Rome, Italy
- Great Wall of China
- Bagan Temple and pagodas, Myanmar
- Taj Mahal, India
- Christ The Redeemer, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
- Easter Island Statues, Peru
READ ALSO: 15 fascinating forts and castles in Africa 2020
What are some of the landmarks in Africa?
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Vallée de Mai & Coco de Mer Palms
- Avenue of the Baobabs
- Dunes of the Namib
- Table Moutain
- Le Morne Peninsula
READ ALSO: 12 Famous African tribes - culture, rituals and traditions
Africa is a land that is rich not only in numerous tourist attraction sites but also in cultures and traditions. Briefly.co.za covered the wealth of her cultures showing different people and tribes.
Whether you are a local or foreigner to any of the listed places, you should plan and make a date to see these man-made wonders of Africa. Each of the wonders listed has a story behind, and the learning experience is quite a journey.
READ ALSO:
- 15 top museums in Cape Town
- 20 best places to visit in South Africa this December holiday
- Egypt digs up 2 500-year-old coffins, no insight into the remains
Source: Briefly News