7 Incredible African Experiences to Add to Your Bucket List
7 Unforgettable Ways to Experience Africa
Africa is a continent of extraordinary landscapes, wildlife and cultures, with experiences that can stay with you for a lifetime. Watch elephants gathering beside a river, drift above the savannah in a hot-air balloon, trek through rainforest in search of mountain gorillas or witness vast herds moving across the plains during the Great Migration.
And the adventure doesn’t have to end with safari. You can stand beside the thundering waters of Victoria Falls, explore remote wilderness areas or finish your journey beside the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of the Indian Ocean.
From your first early-morning game drive to an unforgettable African sunset, it is often the moments you least expect that become the memories you treasure most.
Africa is a land of unimaginable beauty, it’s landscapes ranging from white rolling beaches to open sandy desert plains to humid lush rainforests and it’s people welcoming and exciting. Whether you’re watching the sunset across the Saharan desert, taking in the rolling oceans against the sandy beaches or bird watching amongst the greenery, the colours and character of this vibrant continent will stun you and leave you breathless.
1. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Rising to 5,895 metres, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and one of the continent’s most rewarding adventures. Although no technical mountaineering experience is required, reaching the summit is a challenging trek that requires good preparation and determination.
The journey takes you through a remarkable variety of landscapes, from lush rainforest and open moorland to stark alpine desert and the icy conditions near the summit. Reaching Uhuru Peak rewards you with breathtaking views from the Roof of Africa — an unforgettable experience and a wonderful opportunity for photographers and adventure seekers alike.
Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Itinerary:
2. Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration on a Kenya & Tanzania Safari
One of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles, the Great Wildebeest Migration sees vast herds of wildebeest, zebra and other grazing animals journey across the Serengeti and into Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of fresh grazing.
Along the way, the herds face dramatic river crossings and encounters with predators, creating some of Africa’s most memorable wildlife experiences. The timing and location of the migration can never be guaranteed, but experienced guides know where the herds are likely to be throughout the year and the best areas for viewing.
Witnessing the Great Migration on a Kenya and Tanzania safari is an extraordinary experience — and one of the most remarkable natural events in the world.
Wildebeest Migration Safaris in Kenya:
3. Drift Across the Chobe River on a Botswana Safari
The Chobe River is one of Botswana’s most spectacular wildlife destinations, providing a vital source of water for the remarkable concentration of animals that inhabit Chobe National Park.
A river safari offers a wonderfully different perspective on the wildlife, with opportunities to see elephants gathering at the water’s edge, hippos and crocodiles in the shallows, and an extraordinary variety of birdlife. As the afternoon draws to a close, the river becomes particularly beautiful, with the colours of the African sunset reflected across the water.
Chobe also combines perfectly with nearby Victoria Falls, making it easy to experience two of Southern Africa’s great highlights in one unforgettable journey.
4. Spend a Night in an Underwater Hotel Room in Zanzibar
For a truly extraordinary island experience, spend a night surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean at The Manta Resort on Pemba Island, part of the Zanzibar Archipelago.
The resort’s remarkable Underwater Room floats offshore, with a bedroom submerged beneath the surface and windows offering captivating views of the marine life swimming through the surrounding reef. Above the water, guests can relax on the deck, enjoy the tranquillity of the ocean and, after dark, gaze at a spectacular canopy of stars.
Remote, romantic and wonderfully unusual, it is an unforgettable addition to a Zanzibar beach holiday and a very special way to experience the beauty of the Indian Ocean.
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- Manta Resort Pemba
5. Trek Through Bwindi Forest in Search of Mountain Gorillas
Deep in the lush forests of southwestern Uganda lies Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking through its dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family is one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences.
The trek itself is part of the adventure, following experienced guides through thick vegetation, tangled vines and ancient forest. Then comes the unforgettable moment when you encounter the gorillas in their natural habitat, observing them feeding, resting and interacting with one another at remarkably close range.
Quiet, powerful and deeply moving, a mountain gorilla encounter in Bwindi is an experience that stays with you long after you leave Uganda.
6. Experience Namibia’s Towering Sand Dunes
Namibia’s vast desert landscapes are home to some of the most spectacular sand dunes in the world. Around Sossusvlei, enormous dunes rise dramatically from the desert floor, their colours changing from deep ochre and burnt orange to brilliant gold as the sun moves across the sky.
Explore the dunes on foot, climb one of the famous ridges for sweeping views across the Namib Desert, or take to the skies on a hot-air balloon flight for an unforgettable perspective. Nearby, the striking white clay pan of Deadvlei, dotted with ancient camel thorn trees, creates one of Namibia’s most extraordinary landscapes.
Remote, peaceful and breathtakingly beautiful, the Namib Desert offers a completely different side of an African safari.
Namibia Safaris:
7. Swim in the Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders, but for those seeking an added sense of adventure, a visit to Devil’s Pool offers an extraordinary way to experience the falls.
Located on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, this naturally formed rock pool sits close to the edge of the waterfall. When water levels are safe, visitors can swim in the pool as part of a guided excursion to Livingstone Island, enjoying remarkable views across the falls and into the gorge below.
Devil’s Pool is a seasonal experience and is only accessible when conditions permit. Beyond the falls, adventurous travellers can also enjoy activities including white-water rafting, scenic helicopter flights and bungee jumping, making Victoria Falls an exciting addition to an African safari.
