Top 10 Must-Do Experiences In Africa
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The continent of Africa is full of so many vastly different landscapes, from open savannahs, to deserts, to the longest river in the world. While there is so much you can see and do, here are 10 experiences you cannot miss on your bucket list trip to Africa!
There are so many incredible things to do and places to see in Africa. The items on this list were experienced by one or both of us across various trips spanning from 2010 all the way to 2016/17 when Rosh and I travelled to Africa together for 6 weeks. Prior to this, I had been twice previously. My first experience in Africa was a month-long school trip to Southern Tanzania, and I immediately fell in love with the continent. Determined to make it back some day, in late 2014, I boarded a plane, by myself, for my dream 2-month long adventure through Eastern and Southern Africa. Flash forward two years and I finally got to bring Rosh back and we embarked on a 6-week long adventure through Southern Africa.
While our experiences were a long time ago in the travel world, the only thing that is outdated about them is what we paid compared to what some of these experiences may cost nowadays. For this reason, where we have included pricing, it is current. Lastly, they are in no particular order - all these experiences are incredible and should be on your Africa travel bucket list!
The long, LONG climb up to the top of Big Daddy, in the Namib Desert, Namibia
1) GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA
Gorilla trekking is a truly once in a lifetime experience! I (Stacey) did this way back in 2014 in Uganda, but you can also go gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Congo as well. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are widely considered to be the best two places to undertake this experience.
The numbers of African Mountain Gorillas are incredibly small. In fact, their numbers are so small that often the trackers can recognise each gorilla and give them individual names. As of 2024, the numbers recorded are just over 1,000. Fortunately, through the income earned through gorilla trekking tourism, as well as the increased awareness provided, poaching has decreased and their numbers have been on a slow increase over the last few years.
Getting up and close with these magnificent animals in their natural habitat is a truly transformative experience and is largely considered the most up-close (ethical) wildlife experience in Africa.
A beautiful silverback taking in his natural environment in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
A mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
While it all sounds like a positive experience, gorilla trekking can actually be quite a difficult experience, involving trekking for an unknown amount of time, sometimes up to hours. The trekking is also through dense jungle and in intense heats. The reason the duration is unknown is due to the movements of the gorilla families. Sometimes they may be close to the beginning of the trek, other times they may be deep into the jungle.
In addition to this, there is no absolute guarantee you will see the gorillas. While they are closely monitored and tracked, they are still wild animals that move around the jungle, and if a family can’t be located by an appropriate time, the trek may be called off.
On the day of my trek, we were told the trackers had already set off to try and follow the trail of a family prior to us leaving and fortunately for us, they were located after roughly one hour of us trekking.
Once you have located the family, you will be asked to leave all your belongings except your camera, and your guide will take you closer to the family, obviously always staying at an appropriate distance. Given the occurrence of gorilla trekking, they are relatively adapted to the presence of humans and will just continue to go about their business. Your guide is trained to observe any unusual behaviours and will continuously keep track of your proximity to the gorillas.
While you’re instructed to not go up to the gorillas, this doesn’t always stop them coming up to you! We had a particular gorilla that decided to mess around with us a little bit. The first time he just walked past us, the second time he gave me a bit of a shove, and a playful kick to the stomach of a fellow trekker! Both of us were fine - despite their intense strength, this was definitely a playful nudge as he went about his day.
Once you’re with the gorillas you will only be allowed one hour with them to preserve the species and allow them to live as naturally as possible. Take some photos, but also take some time to just soak in one of the most unique experiences of your lifetime!
Uganda Travel Resources
Accommodation: Find accommodation for Kampala or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Tours: Want to leave the planning to someone else? Find a tour that suits your needs
Flights: Search for a flight deal to Entebbe
2) RIDING IN A MOKORO THROUGH THE OKAVANGO DELTA
No visit to Botswana is complete without a visit to the Okavango Delta. In fact, it is the main reason most people visit Botswana. The Okavango Delta is a large, in-land delta, home to a variety of different wildlife. One of the most popular experiences in the Okavango Delta is to ride on a mokoro through it’s many narrow channels.
The Okavango Delta is home to a large variety of wildlife and provides a unique wildlife viewing experience
The line of mokoros and their polers making their way through the Okavango Delta
Riding in a mokoro is such a unique experience. Yes, it is essentially a canoe, but a much more authentic experience. A mokoro is a dug-out canoe that is used by the local people known as the Bayei people, in the Okavango Delta due to the shallow waters.
“Polers” who control the mokoros, do so with a large pole made from a gum tree, which they stick into the water through to the ground, and use the force to push the boat along. This helps them navigate not only the shallow waters, but the narrow channels of the Okavango Delta. After giving it a go for myself it’s A LOT harder than it sounds.
The serenity…
The polers are experts at guiding the mokoros through the unique environment of the Okavango Delta
While there are other ways to experience the Okavango Delta, such as taking a flight overhead, riding in a mokoro is the most authentic and non-intrusive way to immerse yourself in this unique environment.
Sit back, relax and take in your surroundings, keep and eye out for wildlife and if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, book a tour that will allow you to bush camp right there in the delta!
Okavango Delta Travel Resources
Accommodation: Find somewhere to stay that suits your taste - Maun is the perfect base to explore the Okavango Delta!
Flights: Search for flight deals to Botswana
Tours: Want to leaving the planning to someone else? Check out a tour!
3) MARVEL AT THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF SPITZKOPPE
Namibia is one of our favourite countries in the world and Spitzkoppe is one of the main reasons for that. Namibia is full of so many unique landscapes and the red granite peaks of Spitzkoppe are one of the most spectacular ones.
The term “Spitzkoppe” is often used to describe a much larger area, known as the Spitzkoppe Nature Reserve. The reserve is home to many granite mountains that rise straight out of the desert floor. There are several key peaks within the reserve, the most famous of which is Spitzkoppe Mountain.
While Spitzkoppe is popular for it’s climbing, many are drawn to it simply to marvel at its beauty, and to stargaze during the night. Spitzkoppe is also a very popular camping location, due to the incredible landscapes. I personally have been here twice, while Rosh has been once, and it is so impressive.
If you plan a visit, we highly recommend camping, as it is a truly incredible experience.
The natural beauty that is Spitzkoppe
The Rock Arch is one of the most famous photo spots in Spitzkoppe
Spitzkoppe Travel Resources
Accommodation: Find a campsite, cabin or lodge
Tours: Find a Namibia tour
Flights: Check out flight deals to Namibia!
4) RIDE IN A HOT AIR BALLOON OVER THE SERENGETI
Hot air ballooning is a popular activity all across the world, but there may be no more unique a place to do it than right over one of the most famous national parks in the world. While a safari through the Serengeti National Park is a once in a lifetime experience within itself, soaring over the park in the early hours of the morning may be the most memorable part of your trip.
Serengeti National Park is arguably the most famous national park in the world, most famous for the Great Migration, but it is also home to abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five.
I was fortunate enough to experience this way back in 2015 with Serengeti Balloon Safaris, and it is one of my favourite things I’ve ever done. Not only is the ride incredible, but it is topped off with a champagne breakfast right there in the park.
The experience is topped off with a champagne breakfast right there in the park!
There is nothing like spotting wildlife from above! I saw herds of elephant and heaps of hippo!
Check out our experience riding the cheapest hot air balloon in the entire world!
Now a hot air balloon ride over the park will set you back a pretty penny, however, you most certainly won’t be thinking about the price tag as you soar above herds of elephant, or hippos soaking in the local watering holes!
If you’re planning a trip to the Serengeti National Park, it is recommended you book this in advance as it is incredibly popular!
Watching the sunrise over the Serengeti
Tanzania Travel Resources
Accommodation: Check out Arusha accommodation and accommodation in Serengeti National Park
Flights: Check out flight deals to Tanzania!
Tours: Want to leave the planning to someone else? Check out some tours!
5) VISIT THE TOP OF TABLE MOUNTAIN
No visit to Cape Town, or South Africa even, is complete without a visit to Table Mountain. When wandering through the streets of Cape Town, you cannot miss the huge, flat-topped mountain that stands over the city. It sits 1,085 metres above sea level, and spans approximately three kilometres from end to end.
While seeing the mountain from the city of Cape Town is a marvellous sight, it is a trip to the top that really leaves lasting memories, with panoramic views of Cape Town and views of the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. If you’re wanting to stretch your legs, you can walk up the mountain, with several different trails available, or, if you’re like us, and wanting a more relaxing journey, you can take the Aerial Cableway, which is an experience in itself. These cable-cars can carry up to 65 passengers per trip and rotate 360-degrees as you make the journey up. If you’re wanting a mix of both, you can always catch the cable-car in one direction and hike in the other!
Incredible views of Cape Town from the top of Table Mountain
The views from the top of Table Mountain are spectacular!
Up the top of the mountain, make sure you keep an eye out for some of the flora and fauna, a lot of which is endemic to the area. Some of the more common animals you might spot include the rock hyrax, porcupines and mongoose, however, if you’re really lucky, you may spot a caracal or the Table Mountain Ghost Frog.
While the views alone are enough to make the journey, there is a shop for snacks, a restaurant and some trails that take you across the top. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you even have the option to abseil down the cliff! This one is definitely not for us!
South Africa Travel Resources
Accommodation: Find a hotel in Cape Town
Flights: Search for flight deals to South Africa
Tours: Want to leave the planning to someone else? Check out some tours!
6) GO ON A SAFARI THROUGH THE NGORONGORO CRATER
Some buffalo graze in the Ngorongoro Crater
While most have heard of the Serengeti, or Kruger National Park, unless you have looked into travelling to Africa, a lot of people have not heard of the Ngorongoro Crater, and yet, it is one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in Africa.
As the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world, 17-20 kilometres wide and with walls that at their highest peak, sit 600 metres high, the Ngorongoro crater is one of the most densely populated conservation areas in Africa, with over 25,000 large animals living in the 300 square kilometre crater. It is home to the densest population of lions in the world, as well as a variety of other species, including elephants, black rhinos, leopards, buffalo, zebra and a variety of different antelope species.
Ngorongoro Crater has the densest population of lions in the world!
Despite the dense population of lions inside the Ngorongoro Crater, this guy was the star of the show on this day!
While most have heard of the “Big Five” (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and black rhino), there are actually very few national parks in Africa that are actually home to all five species. Ngorongoro Crater is one of them, and is meant to be one of the best places in Tanzania to spot the critically endangered black rhino. It is the 17-20 kilometre high walls that help protect the animals, but it is also what keeps certain species out, namely, the giraffe. There are no giraffe inside the crater, due to the steep descent.
While there is plenty inside the crater to attract the wildlife, it is also believed that many animals may have fallen into the crater and become trapped, due to the steep walls. Thereby staying in the crater, reproducing and thriving. While technically some species may be able to leave the crater if they so desire, the crater has an abundance of food and natural resources, making it a very appealing location for these animals to thrive.
No trip to Tanzania is complete without a visit to the Ngorongoro crater. While it’s neighbouring Serengeti National Park is much more well-known, in my humble opinion, the crater provides a much more fulfilling and unique safari experience. On the plus side, if you’re torn between the two, you really don’t need to pick, as they sit around 150km apart, meaning most safari companies will encourage a visit to both!
A zebra calf inside the Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro crater makes for a spectacular wildlife viewing experience!
Tanzania Travel Resources
Accommodation: Search for Arusha accommodation or a stay near the Ngorongoro Crater
Flights: Search for flight deals to Tanzania
Tours: Want to leave the planning to someone else? Check out some tours!
7) PAY A VISIT TO VICTORIA FALLS AND IF YOU’RE GAME ENOUGH… BUNGEE JUMP!
One of the many views of Victoria Falls from the Zambian side
Victoria Falls is known for it’s beautiful features, such as it’s spray, mist and rainbows!
Forming a natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is incredible to witness in person. Victoria Falls is the world’s greatest sheet of falling water, and as someone who has also seen Niagara Falls, I have to say, Victoria Falls was far more breathtaking. At the point of the falls, the Zambezi River is more than 2 kilometres wide, and the mist that rises from the falls can be seen more than 20 kilometres away!
There are plenty of options for viewing the falls with many different viewpoints and, similar to Niagara Falls, they can be viewed from two different countries in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Many will argue which side has the better view, although I’ve only ever seen it from the Zambian side of the falls.
If viewing the falls isn’t enough for you, there are plenty of adrenaline-inducing activities to take part in, including an 111 metre bungee jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge or a visit to the edge of the falls in the Devil’s Pool! If you’re not as adventurous as others, you can also visit the falls from above in a helicopter flight, or cruise down the Zambezi with dinner and drinks.
Victoria Falls Travel Resources
Accommodation: Check out accommodation on the Zambia side of the Falls or the Zimbabwe side of the Falls
Flights: Search for flight deals
Tours: Want to leave the planning to someone else? Check out some tours!
8) TRAVEL ALONG THE GARDEN ROUTE
The Garden Route is considered the ultimate African road trip, taking you from one side of South Africa to the other, with plenty of incredible stops along the way. While many will debate what actually sits along the Garden Route, the route itself technically stretches for 300 kilometres from Mossel Bay to Storms River. While sticking to the route itself provides you with countless beautiful stops, there are many well-known detours that allow you to turn this road trip into your own personalised adventure.
Addo Elephant Park is a popular slight detour along the Garden Route
Tsitsikamma National Park is a popular slight detour along the Garden Route
Some of the most popular stops along the Garden Route include George, Knysa, Wilderness and Plettenberg Bay, while the most popular slight detours include Tsitsikamma National Park and Addo Elephant Park. The Garden Route is generally considered pretty safe for everyone to drive, given it’s popularity and is the perfect way to get out of the main cities and explore South Africa.
South Africa Travel Resources
Accommodation: Search for the perfect stays along the Garden Route
Flights: Search for flight deals to South Africa
Tours: Want to leave the planning to someone else? Check out some tours!
9) EXPLORE THE ANCIENT STONE TOWN IN ZANZIBAR, AND RELAX ON A BEAUTIFUL BEACH!
After all your adventures you’ve been on so far, it’s time to head to a destination where you can relax and chill out out. Zanzibar is an archipelago of over 50 islands and islets situated off the coast of Tanzania and is widely considered one of the best beach destinations in Africa.
One of Zanzibar’s many famous beaches
Before you get to the beaches though, you have to get lost in Zanzibar’s ancient Stone Town - browse the markets, admire the unique architecture or jump on a spice tour. Zanzibar is known for its unique blend of cultures, including African, Indian, Arabian and European cultures. Even if you’ve spent months exploring Tanzania, I guarantee you won’t have seen anything like Zanzibar.
Once you’re done in the Stone Town, it’s time to head to one of Zanzibar’s many famous beaches. While you have plenty to pick from, some of the most popular choices include Nungwi Beach, Paje Beach and Kendwa Beach. Each beach has it’s own perks, with Paje known as being the best for kitesurfing and diving, while Nungwi Beach is known for it’s lively nature.
Zanzibar Travel Resources
Accommodation: Find your perfect beach stay in Zanzibar!
Flights: Search for flight deals to Tanzania!
Activities: Find the perfect things to do during your stay in Zanzibar!
10) VISIT THE WONDER THAT IS SOSSUSVLEI, AND MAYBE EVEN HIKE A SAND DUNE!
If you can’t tell already by our description of Spitzkoppe, we are big fans of Namibia. In fact, it is my favourite country in the entire world, and is definitely in Rosh’s top 5. It is full of the most spectacular landscapes, and if you can get past the heat, you’ll be able to marvel at some of the most unique landscapes in the world.
After 1-2 hours of climbing, the views at the top of Big Daddy were absolutely worth it!
While the entirety of the Namib Desert is a wonder worth exploring, one of its main draws is a visit to Sossusvlei. Translated as “dead-end marsh”, Sossusvlei is characterised by its large, white salt and clay pan, surrounded by the towering red sand dunes. These dead pans have formed due to the prevention of water from the Tsauchab River being able to reach the pans, leaving them bone dry and eerie.
Walking back through the expanse of Deadvlei after an exhausting climb to the top of Big Daddy
The famous Deadvlei
Not too far away from Sossusvlei is another famous dead pan, Deadvlei (Sossusvlei is often used to describe both). Deadvlei is famous for its skeleton-like trees, which have been preserved due to the extremely dry climate, which actually prevents the trees from decaying.
While you’re at it, you might as well climb to the top of a sand dune as well to check out the incredible views. Big Daddy towers over Deadvlei and while climbing it may have been one of the hardest things we experienced during our time in Africa, the views were absolutely worth it. Not to mention, coming down is a whole lot of fun!
On top of the world!
The top looks so much closer than it is, it feels like you’re never getting closer! Every step your feet sink into the ground, making it one of the hardest climbs.
The long climb to the top feels never ending!
Namibia Travel Resources
Accommodation: Find your perfect stay to explore Sossusvlei
Flights: Search for flight deals to Namibia
Tours: Want to leave the planning to someone else? Check out some tours!
So, are you ready to plan your next trip to Africa!? While we’ve never filmed our Africa travels, it’s definitely on our list to return to, so we hope to bring more Africa content in the future!
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