Africa is a major hub for tourists from all across the world. The continent boasts of beautiful lakes, mountains, historical sites and structures that anyone would give whatever they could to experience it.
However, in the midst of all these beauty, there is a need to be careful as there are some tourist attractions that are typical danger zones and could end up quite badly for tourists. Here are ten of them.
1. Devil’s Pool at Victoria’s Falls, Zambia
Devil’s Pool is a natural pool of water that’s situated atop of Victoria Falls, renown for being among the largest waterfalls in the world. Right on the edge of this massive waterfall, a calm pool of water forms.
This is known as the Devil’s Pool Victoria Falls. And daring visitors can actually swim in this pool which is just on the edge of Victoria Falls! Swimming can only take place between September and December when a natural rock barrier forms, but it is still extremely dangerous.
Several people have plunged to their death from the Devil’s Pool, including one famous tour guide, who managed to save one of his charges who had started to fall. Unfortunately, he slipped during the rescue and lost his own life instead.
2. Lake Natron, Tanzania
Lake Natron is a mineral-rich soda lake in northern Tanzania, at the border with Kenya. It’s home to hundreds of thousands of, however, Lake Natron has an unusually high alkaline content and a pH level of 10.5, which is the same as ammonia.
To put it simply, Lake Natron will burn the skin off humans and most animals. In addition to the whole skin burning thing, temperatures around the lake can reach a whopping 60 degrees Celsius (140 Fahrenheit).’
Basically, the only thing that can survive here is the flamingos. The lake is made up of both hydrogen and sulfide, so most animals will die as soon as they touch its waters. And yes, that includes human travellers, too!
3. Danakil desert, Ethiopia
Located between northeastern Ethiopia and southern parts of Eritrea, the Danakil Desert is so dangerous that it is nicknamed ‘Hell on Earth’. The main feature of the dangerous desert is the almost complete absence of breathable oxygen in its territory.
The air here is burnt and is filled with poisonous gases, so people can only be in certain areas of the desert for a very short time without risking their lives. Tourists are still showing up to experience the blazing hot temperatures and risking their lives in the process.
Active volcanoes, gassy geysers, a lack of oxygen, and temperatures of around 120 degrees Fahrenheit are all the things you can look forward to if you decide to visit ‘Hell on Earth’.
4. Zambezi River, Zambia
The Zambezi flows through a grand total of six countries: Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, before it empties out into the Indian Ocean.
Long considered one of the most extreme locations for whitewater rafting in the world, the Zambezi River is not one to take lightly. The stones and trenches that often leave boats unturned are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the dangers you’ll face.
Each section of rapids has its own name, which you might think is cute until you hear what they’re called. In addition to all this, you’ve also got the river’s natives to worry about – crocodiles and hippos are common in the Zambezi, and they’re not exactly considered friendly locals.
5. Erta Ale Volcano, Ethiopia
At more than 2000 feet high and 120 degrees Fahrenheit, Erta Ale is one hot spot you don’t want to visit. It’s one of the few active volcanoes in the world, but it’s the only volcano in the world with two active lava lakes, making it one of a kind.
It’s no surprise that people want to view this phenomenon for themselves, but it does come with risks. It’s so dangerous due to the heat (and lava!) that the only way to view it is by helicopter.
On January 16, 2012, a group of European tourists was attacked at Erta Ale. Five tourists were killed, two taken as hostages and seven others wounded.
6. Lake Kivu, Rwanda And the Democratic Republic Of The Congo
Situated on the border of both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s largest and most important lakes. ‘Majestic’ seems like an understatement when you’re trying to find the words to describe it.
But tales of swimmers being swallowed whole and dead fish mysteriously appearing on the surface give us a different picture of what lies beneath.
Lake Kivu has fascinated scientists in every field due to the methane gas trapped in its depths. If the gas is ever released, it would spell untold disaster for everyone and everything in the vicinity.
7. Lake Nyos, Cameroon
Lake Nyos can be found in Cameroon and is one of the world’s only exploding lakes. It erupts periodically and in 1986, the lake released a huge plume of carbon dioxide killing about 1,700 people and 3,500 livestock.
Basically, nothing survived for 15 miles. Today, things aren’t as precarious as they once were, as pipes exist to siphon the carbon dioxide from the lake. The risk still hasn’t been completely eradicated, but for the most part it’s considered safe.
8. Tatooine, Tunisia
This Tunisian village inspired filmmaker George Lucas who took it for the iconic desert planet when he filmed the original Star Wars in Tunisia. However, this region is no longer safe for tourists to visit, so you may have to put your tour on hold for now.
Recent terrorist activity in nearby Libya has made the area of Tataouine unstable, as it is in the path of traveling jihadists hoping to join infamous terrorist group, ISIS.
Tourists have already perished in Tunisia, after an attack on the Bardo Museum in Tunis left 19 dead. Best to leave it until there’s no further risk of attacks, we think.
9. Port Moresby, New Guinea
The port city of Port Moresby is located in the eastern part of New Guinea. It is the capital of the state and at the same time one of the most dangerous cities in the world. If you look at the city from a bird’s-eye view, it won’t seem scary and dangerous.
It is unlikely to return back from the port town, as the lower strata of the population consumes human flesh. A casual visitor can be killed with a natural purpose, just to provide food for locals and their families.
10. Andohahela National Park, Madagascar
The island of Madagascar houses Andohahela National Park that may be called one of the most beautiful places in the world. Rare endemic plants are growing there. The park territory is home to 12 species of lemurs, as well as more than 120 species of birds.
Though a huge tourist attraction, it is now considered to be extremely dangerous. The reason for this is a high level of crime. Despite the high level of danger and inaccessibility of the reserve, every year it is visited by about 1,500 travellers.
