The currency of African countries serves as a unique window through which one can view the places and histories that shape national identity. For travelers, the images on banknotes can serve as inspiration for new adventures.
A study conducted in 2024 and published in the journal People and Nature analyzed 4541 banknotes from 207 countries and found that African notes depict mammals more frequently than notes from any other region. Five countries whose currency points to places worth discovering are presented below.
Zambia: The Land of Waterfalls
The Zambian banknote celebrates the country's natural diversity. The Bank of Zambia's heritage series features six waterfalls alongside wildlife, local flora, and other national symbols. The most famous is Victoria, or Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means 'The Thunderous Smoke.'
The Zambezi River plunges into a deep canyon on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, raising mist high above the surrounding tropical forest. This atmosphere can only be felt by standing next to the waterfall, feeling the spray, and hearing the roar of the water below. In addition to Victoria, visitors can see the Kalambo Falls, located near the Tanzanian border, as well as Lumangwe and Chisimba Falls, which offer additional reasons to explore less-known Zambian landscapes.
Botswana: Life on the Water
The P50 Botswana banknote depicts the Okavango Delta, including a person traveling in a mokoro—a traditional canoe—and an African fish eagle. In northwestern Botswana, seasonal floods spread across the Kalahari sands, forming a network of channels, lagoons, and islands. This wetland area supports exceptional biodiversity.
A mokoro trip offers a calmer alternative to traditional safari. Guided by an experienced paddler, visitors glide through reeds, observing birds and spotting wildlife along the banks. Depending on the water level and location, there are other ways to explore, such as walking safaris and vehicle safaris. Here, the safari unfolds at water level, and the landscape changes with the seasons.
Seychelles: A Biodiversity-Rich Island Nation
The 2016 Seychelles banknote series immortalized the archipelago's unique flora and fauna, including the coconut palm and the Aldabra giant tortoise. On Praslin Island, the Vallée de Mai reserve protects the coconut palm forest. Their seeds are the largest in the plant kingdom, and the UNESCO World Heritage site allows visitors to explore the remarkable local forest.
Furthermore, the Aldabra Atoll is home to one of the world's largest populations of giant tortoises. Its remote location has helped preserve its unique ecosystem, and access is carefully regulated to protect the environment. These locations provide a compelling reason to explore Seychelles beyond the beaches, especially for those interested in rare species and protected habitats.
South Africa: The Big Five
South African banknotes feature a portrait of Nelson Mandela on the front and one of the 'Big Five' animals on the reverse: the rhinoceros, elephant, lion, buffalo, or leopard. The design merges the country's democratic history with its natural heritage. Each animal evokes associations with a specific type of safari. Kruger National Park is known for wildlife viewing, while provincial and private reserves across the country offer different ways to experience the savanna.
Safari does not have to mean an expensive lodge stay. National parks provide self-drive routes and communal camps, allowing exploration at one's own pace and within various budgets. The notes also reflect changes in the nation's history. Previously, South African banknotes featured Jan van Riebeeck, whereas the introduction of Mandela's portrait placed the country's first democratic president at the center of the currency.
Zimbabwe: From Waterfalls to Ancient Stone Cities
Zimbabwe's updated Big 5 ZiG banknote series, set to be released in 2026, combines five landmarks with five types of wildlife. The designs include Matobo Hills, the Parliament of Zimbabwe, the Kariba Dam, Victoria Falls, and the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. The Matobo Hills are known for their granite formations, rock art, and cultural significance. The Kariba Dam rises above a vast reservoir popular for boating and fishing, with nearby wildlife areas.
Great Zimbabwe is a particularly significant site. This settlement was built and expanded roughly between the 11th and 15th centuries and served as an important center of trade and political power. Its monumental stone walls remain a outstanding example of pre-colonial African architecture. For a deeper understanding of Zimbabwe's past, Great Zimbabwe offers a chance to walk through the remains of a once-thriving African civilization.
A Pocket Guide
African banknotes are more than just a means of payment; they represent small windows into the places, wildlife, and history that shape this continent. These designs are just a starting point, and the wildlife they celebrate faces real conservation challenges. However, they give us a reason to look more closely at the places behind these images.
Next time you receive change, take a moment to flip over the note. Your next African adventure might already be in your pocket.