The Phoenix Rising: 10 Places of Incredible Revival in Africa to Discover in 2026 (2)

In a world starved for hope, Africa’s phoenixes rise in 2026—10 epic rebirths demanding your witness. Ditch outdated tropes. Feel the raw pulse of transformation… For the first part click here:

6. Liuwa Plain, Zambia: The Return of the Queen’s Kingdom

The Punch: The sky is immense, the horizon a perfect, unbroken line. In the vastness, a lone lioness once wandered. Today, the roar you hear is not one of solitude, but of a family.

The Story: Liuwa Plain is the setting of one of Africa’s most moving conservation dramas. Poaching reduced its lion population to one: the legendary Lady Liuwa. Her lonely existence became a symbol of loss. “We watched her for years, a queen without a kingdom,” a conservation officer shares. “To see her finally accept the new males, to see cubs born on this plain… it was a moment of pure joy.” Today, a thriving dynasty reigns over Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration.

Why 2026? Seek true wilderness here. Feel the wind whip across the plains, watch thunderstorms build in the distance, and experience a safari that is less about ticking off a list and more about feeling the emotional weight of a kingdom restored.

7. Benguerra Island, Mozambique: The Underwater Eden

The Punch: Slip beneath the surface and the world dissolves into a kaleidoscope of blue. A majestic dugong, the gentle “sea cow” of legend, glides past. This is the magic of a protected ocean.

The Story: This jewel of the Bazaruto Archipelago was at risk, its coral reefs fading. But a partnership between conservationists and luxury eco-lodges created a sanctuary. “We sell paradise, so we must protect it,” says a local dhow captain. “The fish are returning, the coral is breathing again. The ocean is giving back what we have given it.” It’s a powerful testament to how responsible tourism can heal.

Why 2026? Sail on a traditional dhow as the setting sun paints the sky orange and pink. Feel the fine, white sand between your toes, and dive into a vibrant underwater world, knowing that your visit actively contributes to its rejuvenation.

8. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: The Mountain City’s Green Lungs

The Punch: Stand in the newly built Unity Park and look out. Below you, a city of 5 million people breathes. You can hear the hum of traffic, but here, you smell eucalyptus and freshly cut grass.

The Story: Ethiopia’s high-altitude capital was known for its chaotic energy. But an ambitious “beautifying” project has given the city new green lungs. Rivers have been cleaned, sprawling parks have replaced wastelands, and public spaces for art and recreation have bloomed. “This is for us, for the people,” a university student says, sitting by the river. “It makes you feel proud of your city. It makes you want to be outside, to share it.”

Why 2026? Explore a capital city that is investing in its own well-being. Walk along the riverfront, sip world-class coffee in a cafe overlooking a lush park, and feel the optimistic, forward-looking energy of a metropolis in the midst of a green transformation.

9. The Shaba National Reserve, Kenya: A Landscape Rediscovered

The Punch: The light in Shaba is different. It’s a stark, beautiful light that falls on lava fields, filters through acacia trees, and illuminates the rust-red water of the Ewaso Ng’iro River.

The Story: This is the landscape that captured the heart of conservationist Joy Adamson. For years, Shaba remained a forgotten gem, overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. Now, it is being rediscovered. “This place has a wild spirit,” a Samburu guide explains. “It’s not an easy beauty, but it’s a true one.” New, eco-conscious lodges are drawing travellers who seek solitude and a connection to a raw, untamed piece of Kenyan heritage.

Why 2026? Be one of the few to trace the footsteps of legends. Track the “Special 5″—rare species adapted to this arid land—and watch as the sun sets over the dramatic Bodich rock. This is your chance to be part of the beginning of Shaba’s next chapter.

10. Cotonou, Benin: A Culture’s Homecoming

The Punch: You are standing in front of a royal statue, its bronze glowing under the museum lights. But this is not in Paris or London. This is Cotonou. The treasure is home.

The Story: For over a century, Benin’s most sacred cultural artifacts were held in Europe. Their return in 2021 sent a jolt of energy through the nation. Cotonou is now harnessing this power, becoming a cultural powerhouse. “These are not just objects; they are our history, our identity,” an artist in the new crafts district declares. “Their return has ignited a fire in us. Now we have a story to tell the world, in our own voice.” New museums and art spaces are rising, fueled by this creative explosion.

Why 2026? Come to Cotonou to feel the energy of a nation reclaiming its soul. See the returned treasures with your own eyes, explore the galleries where a new generation is defining Beninese art, and witness the birth of West Africa’s next great cultural capital.

…stay tuned for the concluding part of this piece.

^{This article was the cover story in Travels & Thrills magazine Vol 2: Issue 1 (Valentine’s Edition), published in February 2026.}