Africa's 10 'most beautiful' cities revealed in ranking - Cape Town not number 1 for once

The continent boasts an incredible range of landscapes from bone dry deserts to dense rainforests. Divided into 54 countries, each is home to some beautiful cities boasting impressive historic architecture to stunning natural views.

Such a diverse range means if can be difficult to narrow down the options to the very best. Luckily, Tempo English has done the hard work for looking for their next exciting adventure. Revealed below are the 10 "most beautiful" African that must be added to your travel bucket list for 2025.

10. Gaborone, Botswana

Gaborone is trhe capital and largest city of , home to just under a quarter of a million people, about 10% of the country's total population. The city lies between Kgale Hill ("The Sleeping Giant") and Oodi Hill, near the confluence of the Notwane and Segoditshane rivers in the southeastern corner of Botswana, just under 10 miles from the South African border.

It is a modern city known for its Western style, contemporay buildings and prestigious educational institutions. For those looking for something a bit more natural, it is also an ecosystem for various native species, such as blue wildebeest, vervet monkeys, rock dasses and gemsbok.

9. Marrakech, Morocco

bustling city of Marrakech is one of the most beautiful in the world. It blends modern and ancient architecture in an incredibly impressive manner, with markets lining its streets. These markets sell a variety of products, from woven sandals and spices, all the way up to beautiful rugs and cooking pots.

The city lies at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and was founded in around 1070, meaning the city exudes history. The Jemaa el-Fnaa is one of the best-known squares in Africa and is the centre of city activity and trade. It has been described as "a metaphorical urban icon, a bridge between the past and the present, the place where (spectacularized) Moroccan tradition encounters modernity." It has been a UNESCO since 1985.

8. Zanzibar, Tanzania

The coastal city of in Tanzania boasts some of the most pristine and picturesque beaches in the world, according to Business Insider Africa. Zanzibar is actually an archipelago, off the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean. It consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, referred to informally as Zanzibar and home to this city) and Pemba Island.

Zanzibar City comprises two main parts, Stone Town and Ng'ambo (literally "The Other Side"). The two areas were historically divided by a creek, which has since been filled in. Ng'ambo is a much larger, modern area that developed around Stone Town after the Zanzibar Revolution.

7. Windhoek, Namibia

Found right at the centre of Namibia lies the city of , in the Khomas Highland plateau area, around 5,600ft above sea level. It boasts an impressive number of unique historical sites, including the Christuskirche church, which combines neo-gothic with art nouveau architecture.

For those craving a holiday in the sun, Windhoek boasts over 300 sunny days a year and experiences a hot semi-arid climate, with an annual average temperature above 18C. It is also known as the art capital of Namibia, home to the National Art Gallery, National Theatre and the National Museum. For those keen to learn about the city's history, head to the Independence Memorial Museum.

6. Johannesburg, South Africa

stands as one of the most prosperous cities in Africa. Its landscape boasts everything from towering skyscrapers and upscale hotels to museums and cultural attractions, solidifying its position on the list as one of Africa's most beautiful cities. Home to over 5.5 million people in the City of Johannesburg alone and over 14.8 million in the urban agglomeration, it is classified as a megacity and one of the 100 largest urban areas in the world.

The city is located within the mineral-rich Witwatersrand hills, the epicentre of the international mineral and gold trade. The richest city in Africa by GDP and private wealth, Johannesburg functions as the economic capital of South Africa. Home to key anti-apartheid leaders, including Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, be sure to explore Soweto and the Mandela House, as well as the Apartheid Museum.

5. Lamu, Kenya

Lamu, Kenya, is famous for its coastal views. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the best examples of Swahili settlement - an ethnic group from the East African Coast. The city is found on , which in turn is part of an archipelago of the same name.

The town contains the Lamu Fortt on the seafront, constructed in the early 1820s. It also boasts 23 mosques, including the Riyadha Mosque, built in 1900, and a donkey sanctuary, home to some 3,000 animals. Once a centre for the slave trade, there are several museums, inclduing the Lamu Museum, as well as others dedicated to Swahili culture.

4. Stone Town, Tanzania

Heading back to and Zanzibar, next on the list is the old part of Zanzibar City, Stone Town. Stone Town is a city of prominent historical and artistic importance in East Africa. Its architecture, mostly dating back to the 19th century, reflects the diverse influences underlying the Swahili culture, giving a unique mixture of Arab, Persian, Indian and European elements.

For this reason, the town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The heart of Stone Town mostly consists of a maze of narrow aleys lined by houses, shops, bazaars and mosques. Most of the streets are too narrow for cars, meaning bicycles and motorbikes are the prefered mode of transport. The Old Fort, a heavy stone fortress, is a must see, which was built in the 17th century by the Omanis to protect the city from European invasions.

3. Cairo, Egypt

capital, Cairo, claims third place on the list. The area that would become Cairo was part of ancient Egypt, as the Giza pyramid complex and the ancient cities of Memphis and Heliopolis are nearby. Cairo's historic centre was awarded World Heritage Status in 1979.

The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities cannot be missed on a trip to Cairo, home to the most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities in the world, iwth some 136,000 items of display, including the tomb of Tutankhamun. For something a little more modern, be sure to stop and gaze at the Cairo Tower, a free-standing tower with a revolving restaurant at the top. Finally, the Citadel, a fortified enclosure on an outcrop of the Muqattam Hills, is a must see.

2. Cape Town, South Africa

Coming in at number two, as a surpise to many, is South Africa's . It is the country's oldest city and the legislative capital, home to its parliament. The city is known for its harbour and for its landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point. For the nature lovers, an estimated 2,200 spcies of plants are confined to Table Mountain - more than exist in the whole of the UK.

In Table Bay, six miles from the city is Robben Island. This island was the site of a maximum security prison where many famous apartheird-era political prisoners served long prison sentences, including Nelson Mandela and two future presidents, Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma. It was declared a Horld Heritage Site in 1999.

1. Nairobi, Kenya

Finally, the number one city in Africa is Nairobi, the capital and largest city in . Nairobi has many parks and open spaces throughout the city, with much of the city covered with trees and green spaces, which has earned it the nickname of "The Green City in the Sun". The most famous park is Uhuru Park, which covers 13 hectares and is home to an artificial lake and several national monuments.

The bordering National Park houses native African wildlife such as zebras, giraffes and rhinos. Music performances and traditional dances can also be enjoyed in Nairobi.