Africa's Top Ten Travel Wonders

It is virtually impossible to list a top ten of African travel wonders list without omitting a number of other spectacular sights. Here is my list. How many have you seen?
1. Mountain Gorillas of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
Nothing can ready you to spend an hour visiting an habituated gorilla family in the rain forests of Central Africa. With over 98% commonality of DNA with humans, you can see and feel their emotions of a family group which varies from 8 to 20, led by an alpha male - the silverback - with a silvery blanket of hair down his back. Seriously endangered, tourism promises their best chance of survival.
2. Wildlife Safari in East Africa
The African rift valley offers the most thrilling variety of viewing wildlife anywhere on the planet. Across game parks in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, viewing the great African wildlife is an experience to savor. Way beyond Discovery Channel, seeing in real life a stalking pride of lions, a cheetah or a leopard hunt down its prey gets your heart racing. Try to see the so-called Big Five, the buffalo, elephant, lion, rhinoceros and leopard, along with the familiar antelope, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and hippos.
3. Pyramids and Sphinx of Egypt
The three giant Pyramids of Giza, just outside Cairo, have stood proudly over 5000 years of Egyptian history. These statuesque giants stand in a stark sandy expanse, touts selling camel rides or various crafts and wares. The evening light and sound show describes the pharaonic history with colorful lights and piercing lasers.
4. Victoria Falls
The locals call it "The Smoke that Thunders" in their native language, describing the plumes of spray and the exploding water as the calm waters of the mile-wide Zambezi River suddenly plunges over 100 yards into a deep chasm below. These majestic waterfalls dramatically varies mood from the dry to the wet seasons and are often lit by dazzling rainbows.
5. Nile River and Egyptian Temples
Flotillas of river boats ply the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Settling into a shady area on the boat, you can view at a gentle pace the narrow fertile strip of land being intensively farmed as it has sustained ancient populations for centuries. This narrow green strip of land is the only break from the arid golden Saharan sands which extend as far as the eye can see. Luxor's Temple of Karnak is worship on an unequaled scale with more than 1 x 0.5 miles of pillars, carvings, walls and temples. The pharaohs' final places of rest sit on the opposite bank in the Valley of the Kings - a barren sandy ravine.
6. Sahara Desert
Achingly hot by day and cool by night, the arid vastness of the Sahara is a dream-laden sight. Beaten over the centuries with wind and erosion, saw-toothed mountains, rocky escarpments and towering dunes lay out a savage terrain. The oasis towns show a struggle for survival over the centuries, the small patches of green highlighting the invaluable resource of water.
7. Moroccan Cities of Marrakesh and Fès
With their labyrinthine souks, Marrakesh and Fès both boast remarkable medinas which challenge every human sense. With many craft shops (including leatherworks, metal workers, carpet weavers),food stalls and teashops, the enchanting aromas of spices clash with the evil odors of the dye pits. Marrakesh's immense Djemaa el Fna square becomes a nightly showcase of snake charmers, soothsayers, jugglers, entertainers and magicians as you enjoy dinner from the variety of fresh food stalls and fresh juice bars.
8. Dogon Villages of Mali
The Dogon people live in small simple villages along the 120 mile Bandiagara Cliff. Their unusual mud-brick houses are built along the cliff edge providing places to sleep, common areas for meetings and for grain storage.
9. Leptis Magna
Africa's finest Roman ruin overlooks the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Being a full Roman city in its time, Leptis Magna includes the remains of athletic areas, theatres, a central forum, markets and temples.
10. Zanzibar
The Spice Islands are a relaxing break from African travel and the game parks with its Arabic heritage, the old Stone Town and exotic palm-fringed beaches. The honeycomb of ancient alleyways are lined with whitewashed houses adorned with superbly carved doors. Culturally separate from Tanzania, quaint bazaars and stunning mosques provide a treasure trove of opportunities, between relaxing sessions on the beach.
Africa has numerous attractions, travel wonders and experiences from the Arabic north through to South Africa in the south. Travel with an open mind and enjoy this remarkable and diverse continent.