World update: Africa continent

Requesting a dedicated World Update for Africa to enhance terrain, landmarks, and aviation infrastructure across the continent. Africa is currently underrepresented in MSFS compared to other regions, despite its vast diversity of landscapes, cultures, and aviation history. A focused update would bring significant value to the simulator community.

Wishlist Items:

  • Terrain & Photogrammetry: Improved DEM data for major mountain ranges (Atlas, Kilimanjaro, Drakensberg, Rwenzori). Enhanced coastlines and deserts (Sahara, Namib, Kalahari).

  • Landmarks & Cities: Key cultural and historical landmarks (Pyramids of Giza, Timbuktu, Victoria Falls, Table Mountain, Lalibela churches). Photogrammetry for major cities (Cairo, Lagos, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Casablanca).

  • Airports: Hand‑crafted airports for major hubs (Johannesburg OR Tambo, Cairo International, Addis Ababa Bole, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta, Casablanca Mohammed V, Lagos Murtala Muhammed). Regional highlights like Kilimanjaro, Marrakech, Dakar, Cape Town.

  • Bush & Safari Aviation: Enhanced small airstrips and safari lodges in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa. Support for bush flying missions and wildlife tourism.

  • Cultural & Environmental Assets: Unique architecture styles, improved vegetation biomes (savannah, rainforest, desert), wildlife models (elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras).

  • Career Mode Integration: Contracts and missions tied to African aviation themes (humanitarian flights, safari tours, cargo runs to remote strips).

Impact:

  • Expands simulator coverage to a continent rich in aviation and cultural heritage.

  • Provides new opportunities for bush flying, long‑haul routes, and career missions.

  • Strengthens global immersion and representation in MSFS2024.

Priority: High – Africa is one of the least represented continents in current MSFS world updates.

10 Likes

Current african aIrports condition…

Abuja DNAA:

5 Likes

This has been discussed already multiple times during various development streams. The major issue is simply the lack of available (high-res) data.

The will to do it is there, the data is not (yet)

2 Likes

In addition to what Pieter wrote, getting detailed data and displaying it can also be a political issue. I think the Polish world update was delayed for this reason?

So even if more detailed data exists, doesn’t mean Microsoft can obtain and use it.

That said, I absolutely agree with your sentiment. Most of Africa really lacks detail

Yeah, sorry. That was what I tried to imply with my “available” word :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

But indeed. It could really use some improvements.

1 Like