Africa is a continent filled with dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, and breathtaking natural experiences. From towering dunes to active volcanoes, its diverse terrains inspire travellers to seek similar adventures around the globe.
If you’ve ever dreamed of dune trekking, volcano hiking, or exploring the rainforest, this guide will showcase African adventures and highlight their global counterparts.
Dune Trekking: Namibia → Utah, USA
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park/Camden & Hailey George/Unsplash
- Namibia: The Sossusvlei dunes in the Namib Desert are among the tallest in the world, soaring over 300 meters. The red sands shaped by the wind create a surreal playground for photographers and adventure seekers alike. Sunrise hikes reward you with spectacular shadows and desert serenity.
- Abroad: Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Utah resembles Namibia’s stunning red dunes. You can sandboard down the soft slopes or explore the striking formations, feeling as if you’ve entered the African desert—without leaving the United States.
Volcano Hikes: Mount Cameroon → Costa Rica
Summit at Mount Cameroon/Betterfoto/Wikimedia Commons
- Mount Cameroon: As Africa’s highest active volcano, Mount Cameroon offers challenging trails that traverse lush rainforests, volcanic craters, and panoramic summit views. Trekking here is as much a journey through diverse ecosystems as it is a test of endurance.
- Abroad: Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano and Poás Volcano offer accessible hikes with views of crater lakes, lava fields, and rich biodiversity. Adventure lovers seeking a volcanic experience can enjoy tropical forests, waterfalls, and wildlife similar to Africa’s volcanic landscapes.
Desert Landscapes: Ennedi Plateau, Chad → Wadi Rum, Jordan
Wadi Rum/Lior Dahan/Unsplash
- Ennedi Plateau: Towering sandstone arches, dramatic rock formations, and isolated desert springs make this UNESCO World Heritage Site a must-visit for adventurous travellers.
- Abroad: Wadi Rum in Jordan or the American Southwest (Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park) offer comparable “moonlike” landscapes, where hiking, jeep tours, and stargazing bring the desert to life.
Moonlike Terrains: Danakil Depression, Ethiopia → Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
The Danakil Depression/Araştırmacı Ekanrın/Wikimedia Commons
- Danakil Depression: One of the hottest and lowest places on earth, this otherworldly desert features salt flats, lava lakes, and vibrant mineral deposits. It’s a landscape that feels alien yet awe-inspiring.
- Abroad: Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni, with its vast salt flats and surreal reflections, provides a similarly stark and mesmerizing adventure for visitors seeking extreme landscapes.
Rainforest & Wildlife Treks: Korup National Park, Cameroon → Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
Amazon rainforest on the Urubu river, Brazil/Andre Deak/Wikimedia Commons
- Korup National Park: Dense, ancient rainforests home to rare primates and exotic wildlife make this park a hidden gem for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
- Abroad: The Amazon rainforest offers a comparable lush escape. Canoe rides, guided wildlife tours, and canopy walks immerse travellers in biodiversity similar to Africa’s tropical heartlands.
Alpine Adventure: Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda → Andes, Peru
Rwenzori Mountains/Rafał Kozubek/Wikimedia Commons
- Rwenzori Mountains: Known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” this tropical alpine environment features glaciers, high-altitude lakes, and sweeping vistas near the equator.
- Abroad: Trekking the Andes in Peru offers a similar high-altitude adventure with breathtaking views, glacial landscapes, and mountain lakes.
Volcanic Crater Lakes: Virunga Volcanoes, Rwanda/Uganda → Indonesia
Mount Bromo/Jakub Hałun/Wikimedia Commons
- Virunga Volcanoes: Active volcanoes combined with rich biodiversity make trekking here a unique experience. Hikers may encounter gorillas, lush forests, and dramatic summit panoramas.
- Abroad: Indonesia’s Mount Bromo or Ijen Volcano provide comparable volcanic landscapes, often paired with sunrise treks and distinctive wildlife encounters.
Nomadic Desert Experience: Sahara, Morocco → Simpson Desert, Australia
Sahara, Morocco/Sergey Pesterev/Unsplash
- Sahara: Experience endless dunes, camel caravans, and nights under a starlit sky. The desert’s scale and tranquillity are unmatched, offering both challenge and serenity.
- Abroad: Australia’s Simpson Desert or the Empty Quarter in the Arabian Peninsula offer similar desert adventures with sandboarding, guided treks, and remote wilderness immersion.
Forested Peaks & Waterfalls: Mulanje Mountain, Malawi → Scottish Highlands
Glenfinnan Viaduct/Scottish Highlands/Unsplash
- Mulanje Mountain: Steep ascents through forests to rocky plateaus reveal panoramic views and cascading waterfalls, perfect for hikers seeking a mix of terrain.
- Abroad: The Scottish Highlands or New Zealand’s Southern Alps provide similarly dramatic hikes with forested valleys, alpine peaks, and rewarding vistas.
Why travel across continents?
African landscapes are not unique; they inspire exploration and adventure around the globe. From the fiery sands of Namibia to the steaming volcanoes of Cameroon and the lush rainforests of Uganda, these terrains encourage travellers to dream beyond borders. Exploring similar landscapes in other parts of the world offers a fresh perspective and highlights the universal beauty of Earth’s most remarkable environments.
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