4 historical sites in Africa you should consider visiting on your next holiday

These sites tell a story of diversity and rich historical heritage of the continent. Here are four historical sites in Africa, travellers or fun lovers should considering visiting.

1. Fort Jesus, Kenya

Fort Jesus is in Mombasa, Kenya. It was built between 1593 and 1596 on the order of King Philip I of Portugal to guard the Old Port of Mombasa.

The Fort was designed by an Italian, Giovanni Battista Cairati. The 421-year structure is one of the most outstanding and well-preserved Portuguese military forts in the world.

The 2.36 hectares wide fort was converted into a museum in 1961 and has become a popular attraction for tourist, students and researchers. Within the museum, some of the attractions include collections of many archaeological artifacts such as Manda, Ungwana, Gede and others.

The site also houses the shipwreck of the San Antonio de Tana, which is one of the first deep sea excavations in Africa. Fort Jesus is also a UNESCO World Heritage centre.

2. Larabanga Mosque, Ghana

Larabanga Mosque is the oldest mosque in Ghana, and possibly across all of West Africa. It was built by a Moorish trader, Ayuba in 1421.

The fifteen-century structure was influenced by western Sudanese architecture and was constructed using timber, pyramidal towers, buttresses and triangular perforations.

Larabanga Mosque is one of eight mosques in Ghana built in the similar style and is a holy site for Ghana’s Muslim population.

The building was reconstructed in the 1970s by the World Monuments Fund, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, and American Express.

3. Telouet Kasbah, Morocco

Telouet Kasbah(fortress) is one most impressive Kasbah in Morocco.

Telouet Kasbah is a fortress built by the powerful El Glaoui family, which ruled the region between late 19th and early 20th century. It was the seat of power of the family.

Most travellers en route the Quarzazate usually opt to visit the village of Telouet, to see the famous Kasbah.

Though abandoned, the fortress still maintains its ornate decorations. There are many restaurants and two small hotels near the site.

4. Isimila Stone Age site, Tanzania

Isimila Stone Age site was discovered by archaeologists in late 1950s in Tanzania. The site has a high number of artifacts which are between 60,000 and 100,000 years old.

Within the archaeological site, there is a small museum which houses most of the discoveries made since the 1950s.

The main pillar area is accessed via a walk down into a steep valley. Tourists have to secure the service of tour guide which cost about Tsh10,000 per tourist group.

The best time for visitation is noted as morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is not too high.