Oh Africa. The land of lions, savannahs, imposing mountains, beautiful valleys, ancient historical sites, Bushmen culture, metropolitan cities, wine farms, and everything in between. On such a vast continent with diverse landscapes, cultures, climates, and natural surroundings, it is no wonder that so many people’s life goals include a trip to the continent. Below are some of the most popular bucket list items to tick off your African adventure list.
Experience an African safari
No true African experience is complete without a safari. A luxurious stay in a safari lodge in South Africa is the best way to treat yourself, as you will get to experience the wild in its true form but with all the comfort and elegance that you deserve. Go on an exhilarating drive and look for the Big 5 in an open vehicle, or trek through the wild with the help of a ranger and track rhinos and other wildlife on foot, while the chefs at the lodge prepare a delicious meal al fresco ready upon your return.
Witness the wildebeest migration
The wildebeest migration occurs in the Serengeti and Masai Mara in Kenya and Tanzania, and is an incredible sight of over a million of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes escaping dry lands and looking for greener pastures, while predators such as hyenas, crocodiles, and lions await. It is one of the world’s most impressive natural occurrences, making it to the top of many people’s bucket lists.
Canoe among hippos
In the Okavango Delta in Botswana as well as the Zambezi River, a popular wildlife expedition is to cruise along in a makoro, a traditional canoe. During your water-based safari adventure, keep a look out for hippos wallowing in the water, or crocodiles laying low. The makoro experience is a popular one as it allows one to get up close and personal with the aquatic plants and animals.
Hike a mountain
There are many iconic mountains on the continent of Africa, such as Table Mountain in Cape Town, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Atlas Mountains in Morocco, and the Drakensberg in South Africa, inviting many to hike and even camp there. The spectacular views, fresh air, and bragging rights of having hiked any one of those landmarks are only some of the reasons to cross this off your bucket list.
Camp in the Namib Desert
Some of the highest sand dunes are found in Namibia, specifically in the Namib Desert, one of the oldest and largest in the world. An incredibly barren land, the desert is surprisingly home to many plants and animals, including elephants, lions and zebras. Quad biking and sandboarding are two must-try activities in the desert.
View the wild from a hot air balloon
Quite a few places in Africa offer the hot air balloon experience, where you fly up, usually at sunrise, and glide over the African landscape and nocturnal animals finish off their activities and the world becomes alive. Among some of the favourite ones to try is the hot air balloon that floats over the Serengeti National Park, thus providing a unique safari experience from above.
Relax on a tropical beach
Some of the most beautiful tropical island escapes are in Africa. After an adventure-packed trip exploring the wild, many enjoy hitting the beach for some much needed R&R. Mauritius, Seychelles, and Zanzibar are a few of the most sought-after and exclusive beach destinations, making it a dream vacation to many. Their colourful marine ecosystem, turquoise calm lagoons, and soft white sand make it perfect for a relaxing holiday away from daily stressors.