The Most Instagrammable Spots in Africa and How to Get There

Africa. The name itself conjures images of vast savannas, dramatic sunsets, and wildlife roaming free. It’s a continent that doesn’t just invite you to see it, but to feel it, to experience it, and, for many of us, to capture it. In a world where sharing our journeys has become part of the adventure itself, finding those picture-perfect, awe-inspiring locations is a key part of the travel experience. Your camera roll becomes a story, and Africa offers a library of epic tales.

But Africa is immense, a tapestry of 54 countries, each with its own unique landscapes and hidden gems. So where do you even begin to find those jaw-dropping, scroll-stopping scenes that do justice to its beauty? That’s where we come in.

Curated by experts who have deep knowledge of the continent’s most photogenic locations, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to Africa’s most Instagrammable spots. This isn’t just a list; it’s a blueprint for your photographic adventure. We’ll take you from the vibrant streets of ancient cities to the heart of the untamed wilderness, sharing not only what to capture but how to capture it. And, most importantly, we’ll explain how to get to these often-remote locations, turning a dream photo into a tangible reality.

Get your camera ready. Your journey into Africa’s most photogenic landscapes starts now.

1. The Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: The Great Migration

Why It’s Instagrammable: The Serengeti is the Africa of your imagination. It’s the endless plains dotted with acacia trees, the dramatic skies, and the sheer density of wildlife. The ultimate prize for any photographer is capturing the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle thunder across the plains. A shot of the chaotic, dramatic river crossings at the Mara River is, without a doubt, one of the most powerful images you can capture in the natural world. Picture this: a lone giraffe silhouetted against a fiery orange sunset, or a low-angle shot of a lioness gazing intently from a rocky kopje. Every moment here is a potential masterpiece.

Pro Photography Tip: Golden hour is your best friend. The soft, warm light of early morning and late afternoon makes the landscape glow and gives animal coats a beautiful texture. For migration river crossings, use a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or higher) to freeze the action. Don’t be afraid to zoom out and capture the vastness of the landscape with the animals as a part of it context is everything here.

What to Pack for the Perfect Shot: Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, olive) is essential to blend in. A wide-brimmed safari hat not only looks the part but is practical. For your gear, a beanbag is a game-changer for stabilizing your camera on the safari vehicle’s edge, ensuring crisp, clear shots.

How to Get There: The journey to the heart of the Serengeti can seem complex, typically starting from Arusha. You can fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and then take a smaller bush plane directly to one of the park’s many airstrips. This is the quickest way to immerse yourself in the action. Alternatively, a guided drive from Arusha allows you to see more of the Tanzanian landscape. At Travel Africa & More, we handle all the logistics. We arrange the flights, the 4×4 vehicles with pop-up roofs for optimal viewing, and the expert guides who know exactly where to be and when for those unforgettable photographic moments.

2. Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, Namibia: The Surreal Dune Sea

Why It’s Instagrammable: Step into a real-life painting. The Namib Desert is home to some of the highest sand dunes in the world, and Sossusvlei is its heart. The dunes are famous for their fiery, rust-red color, which changes dramatically with the light. Your destination is Deadvlei, a white clay pan punctuated by the skeletal remains of 900-year-old camel thorn trees. The contrast of the dark, dead trees against the white pan, the red dunes, and the deep blue sky is utterly surreal and endlessly photogenic. Climbing Dune 45 or the towering Big Daddy for sunrise offers a panoramic view that will leave you speechless.

Pro Photography Tip: The best light is at sunrise and sunset. The low sun creates deep, dramatic shadows on the dunes, accentuating their curves and scale. For Deadvlei, get there early to capture the soft morning light. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire scene the trees, the pan, and the towering dunes behind. Experiment with low angles to make the ancient trees look even more imposing.

What to Pack for the Perfect Shot: Lightweight, breathable clothing is a must. For a pop of color against the red dunes, consider a flowy white or blue dress or shirt. Sturdy walking shoes, sunglasses, and a hat are non-negotiable. Don’t forget to protect your camera gear from the fine desert sand.

How to Get There: Sossusvlei is located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, about a five-hour drive from Windhoek, the capital. A 4×4 vehicle is essential, especially for the final sandy stretch to Deadvlei. You can self-drive, but navigating Namibia’s gravel roads requires confidence. To make the journey seamless, our team can arrange a fully-equipped 4×4 rental or a private guided tour. We recommend staying at a lodge just outside the park gates, or even better, inside the park, to get access to the dunes before sunrise.

3. Victoria Falls, Zambia & Zimbabwe: The Smoke That Thunders

Why It’s Instagrammable: Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls is a force of nature. At its peak, more than five hundred million cubic meters of water per minute plummet over the edge, creating a spray that can be seen from miles away. The sheer scale and power are difficult to capture, but the opportunities are endless. From the Zimbabwean side, you get the classic frontal views of the Main Falls. From the Zambian side, you can get incredibly close, even taking a dip in the Devil’s Pool a natural rock pool right on the edge of the falls (during the dry season). A helicopter flight, the “Flight of Angels,” offers a perspective that truly shows the scale of this Natural Wonder of the World.

Pro Photography Tip: Protecting your camera from the constant spray is your top priority. Use a waterproof cover or even a simple plastic bag. A lens cloth is essential for wiping your lens. To capture the silky, flowing water effect, use a tripod and a slow shutter speed. For a unique shot, visit during a full moon to witness and photograph a “moonbow,” a lunar rainbow created by the spray.

What to Pack for the Perfect Shot: A bright-colored raincoat is both practical and makes for a great photo. Quick-dry clothing and waterproof shoes are also recommended. For the Devil’s Pool shot, your best swimwear is all you need.

How to Get There: You can fly into Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone, Zambia. Both towns are hubs for activities around the falls. Crossing the border between the two countries is straightforward with the KAZA UniVisa. Let us take the hassle out of planning. We can arrange your flights, transfers, and accommodation, and pre-book all your activities, from guided tours of the falls to that once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride.

4. Table Mountain, South Africa: The Urban Wonder

Why It’s Instagrammable: Few cities in the world are blessed with a landmark as iconic as Table Mountain. This flat-topped monolith dominates the Cape Town skyline and offers some of the most spectacular urban-meets-nature views on the planet. The classic shot is from below, with the “tablecloth” of clouds rolling over the top. But the real magic happens at the summit. From here, you have a 360-degree panorama of the city, the Atlantic Ocean, and the rugged peaks of the Twelve Apostles. A photo from Lion’s Head at sunrise, with Table Mountain in the background, is another iconic Cape Town shot.

Pro Photography Tip: Sunset from the top of Table Mountain is an absolute must. The city lights begin to twinkle below as the sky explodes in color. Use a tripod to get sharp, clear shots in the fading light. During the day, a polarizing filter can help cut through the haze and make the blue of the ocean and sky more vibrant.

What to Pack for the Perfect Shot: The weather on Table Mountain can change in an instant, so pack layers, including a windbreaker. For a classic silhouette shot against the sunset, wear something with a distinct shape.

How to Get There: Getting to the Lower Cableway Station is easy via taxi or ride-sharing from anywhere in Cape Town. The cable car ride to the top is an experience in itself, with rotating floors offering panoramic views. For the more adventurous, there are numerous hiking trails, with Platteklip Gorge being the most direct route. Our South African itineraries always include Cape Town, and we can pre-book your cable car tickets to avoid the long queues, especially during peak season.

5. Chefchaouen, Morocco: The Blue Pearl

Why It’s Instagrammable: Tucked away in Morocco’s Rif Mountains lies Chefchaouen, a city painted in every shade of blue imaginable. Wandering through its labyrinthine medina is like stepping into a dream. Every alleyway, doorway, and staircase is a photo opportunity. The blue walls are complemented by colorful flower pots, intricate Moroccan textiles, and the occasional friendly cat posing for a photo. It’s a place to get lost with your camera, discovering new compositions around every corner.

Pro Photography Tip: The light in the narrow alleyways can be tricky. Early morning is best, as the soft light filters through and the streets are less crowded. Don’t just focus on the wide shots; capture the details the ornate doorknockers, the texture of the painted walls, the colorful patterns of the goods for sale.

What to Pack for the Perfect Shot: To stand out against the blue, wear contrasting colors like yellow, orange, or white. A traditional Moroccan djellaba, which you can buy in the market, also makes for an authentic and beautiful photo.

How to Get There: Chefchaouen doesn’t have its own airport or train station. The most common way to get there is by road from major cities like Tangier (about 2.5 hours) or Fes (about 4 hours). We can arrange a private driver for a comfortable and scenic journey, allowing you to stop for photos along the way. A private transfer takes the stress out of navigating public transport and ensures you arrive right at the edge of the beautiful blue medina.

6. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: The Ancient Marvel

Why It’s Instagrammable: No list of photo spots in Africa would be complete without the last surviving wonder of the ancient world. The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx have captivated travelers for millennia. Their sheer scale and age are mind-boggling. The classic shot is of the three great pyramids aligned, but there are many other creative angles. Capture the Sphinx “kissing” the pyramid of Khafre, or head out into the desert on a camel for a panoramic view of the entire plateau.

Pro Photography Tip: To avoid the crowds and the harsh midday sun, be at the gates right when they open. The light is softer, and you’ll have moments of solitude. For a unique perspective, walk up to the panoramic viewpoint on the hill to the south of the main pyramids. This is the best spot to get all nine pyramids in one frame.

What to Pack for the Perfect Shot: A linen scarf or head covering is perfect for that classic desert explorer look and provides protection from the sun. Lightweight, modest clothing is respectful and practical.

How to Get There: The Giza Plateau is located just on the outskirts of Cairo. A taxi or Uber from downtown is the easiest way to get there independently. However, navigating the site and dealing with touts can be overwhelming. A guided tour is highly recommended. Our Egypt specialists can arrange a private tour with an expert Egyptologist who will not only help you get the best photos but also bring the history of this incredible site to life.

7. Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar: The Cathedral of Trees

Why It’s Instagrammable: This is one of the most enchanting and unique landscapes on Earth. A dusty, red dirt road is flanked by dozens of majestic baobab trees, some over 800 years old. Their massive, smooth trunks and spindly branches reach for the sky, creating a scene that feels otherworldly. It’s a place that commands reverence. At sunrise and sunset, the trees are cast in dramatic silhouette against a colorful sky, creating a truly magical and unforgettable image.

Pro Photography Tip: Sunset is the most popular and arguably the most beautiful time to be here. Find a spot and set up your tripod before the sun starts to dip. Experiment with silhouettes. After the sun has set, stick around for the “blue hour,” when the sky takes on a deep blue hue that contrasts beautifully with the warm colors of the landscape.

What to Pack for the Perfect Shot: The red dust gets everywhere, so wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the scale of the trees and the road stretching between them.

How to Get There: The Avenue of the Baobabs is located on the west coast of Madagascar, about a 45-minute drive from the town of Morondava. Getting around Madagascar can be challenging due to road conditions. We strongly recommend a private vehicle and driver. Travel Africa & More can create a custom Madagascar itinerary that includes the Avenue of the Baobabs, as well as the country’s other unique attractions, from lemur-filled rainforests to pristine beaches.

8. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda: The Gorilla Encounter

Why It’s Instagrammable: A photograph of a mountain gorilla in its natural habitat is more than just a picture; it’s a profound connection with one of our closest relatives. The experience of trekking through the dense forest and spending an hour with a gorilla family is life-changing. Capturing the intelligence in a silverback’s eyes, the playfulness of a young gorilla, or the gentle bond between a mother and her infant is a photographic challenge and an incredible privilege.

Pro Photography Tip: Flash photography is strictly forbidden. The forest canopy can make the lighting very dim, so you’ll need to use a high ISO (800-3200) and a wide aperture (f/2.8-f/4) to get enough light for a sharp image. A lens with a focal length of 70-200mm is ideal, as you will be at a regulated distance from the gorillas. Focus on the eyes they are incredibly expressive and are the key to a powerful portrait.

What to Pack for the Perfect Shot: You’ll be trekking through dense, often muddy forest, so sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, and a long-sleeved shirt are essential. Gardening gloves can be helpful for pushing past thorny branches. Pack your camera in a waterproof bag.

How to Get There: The journey to Bwindi is an adventure in itself. Most travelers fly into Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and then take a domestic flight to a nearby airstrip like Kihihi, followed by a road transfer. Gorilla trekking permits are limited and must be booked far in advance. This is where our expertise is invaluable. We secure your permits, arrange all your transport and accommodation, and ensure you are fully prepared for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Your African Story Awaits

Africa is a continent that imprints itself on your soul. It’s a place of immense beauty, profound experiences, and endless photographic opportunities. From the iconic to the undiscovered, every corner holds a new perspective, a new story waiting to be told through your lens.

Planning a trip to capture these incredible locations can feel daunting. The logistics can be complex, the distances vast. But you don’t have to do it alone. At Travel Africa & More, our passion is crafting bespoke journeys that turn your travel dreams into reality. We handle the details, so you can focus on the experience and on capturing the moments that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Ready to start planning your own Instagrammable African adventure? Contact one of our travel experts today, and let’s start writing your story.