Africa is the second largest continent in the world with endless stunning landscapes, several numbers of ethnic groups, great outdoor opportunities and wildlife adventures, including the Big Five Game. Africa is an outstanding choice to spend the holidays or vacation whether you are solo-travelling or with your family.
With 54 different countries, there are countless places to go and fun activities to try out. From sightseeing nature at its peak, going on culinary tours or delighting in the vibrant nightlife, we have come up with the top 10 bucket list activities to try in Africa;
10 Best Bucket List Activities to Try in Africa
1. GO ON A SAFARI:
One of the main reasons travellers spend most of their time in Africa is to go on a wildlife safari. To enjoy an authentic African experience is to go on a safari and visit a natural reserve. Africa has a large variety of wildlife, and the most popular safari destinations are East and Southern Africa, where you can directly get close to the lions, elephants, zebras, rhinos and buffaloes.
2. ZIPLINING:
Ziplining over a waterfall is a must-try on your visit to Africa. Africa features a tremendous amount of stunning waterfalls which are formed by many rivers, including the most famous Victorian Waterfalls in Zimbabwe/Zambia. Zip lining tours can be through cables, bridges and zip lines that will give you an aerial view across large valleys and mountains.
3. VISIT AN ANCESTRAL VILLAGE:
Visiting a traditional village is a perfect bucket list experience to try in Africa because a number of these villages are preserved up till today, where tourists now flood into to take guided tours around the houses and settings that were used in the past. A visit to these villages would allow you to participate in the local culture with residents that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
4. GO HIKING:
If you are a lover of outdoor activities, which include hiking and trekking opportunities, Africa is the striking choice to conquer a mountain and reach its highest peaks. Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and Morocco’s Atlas Mountains are excellent for hiking, as well as Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains and Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains, which are not well known but have several of Africa’s highest peaks.
5. LOCAL SHOPPING:
Filling up your backpacks with a couple of items from Africa is a great way to return home with your favourite memories because no matter where you are in Africa, there are markets everywhere to get local handicrafts and souvenirs to gain more understanding about the African culture. There are also high-end shopping malls in Accra, Johannesburg, Maasai and Durban to go on a terrific shopping spree.
6. VISIT THE BEACHES:
Another way to have a wonderful time in Africa is to go to a beach in one of North Africa’s beach resorts which is a famous attractive destination for Europeans wanting to enjoy the shores and the warm sunshine. If you are not a lover of crowded places, you can escape to the south. Africa’s east and west coast has thousands of palm-edged beaches and luxurious private islands.
7. GO DIVING:
A great place to go diving in Africa is The Red Sea in Egypt which is located between Africa and Asia. Several divers explore the famous coral reefs with all kinds of marine life to see colourful fish and sharks. There are other incredible dive sites in Egypt and South Africa where you can go diving with great white sharks, whether you’re a beginner or an expert.
8. ATTEND FESTIVALS/EVENTS:
One of the top bucket list activities you should do in Africa is attending yearly festivals and events among thousands of ethnic groups and tribes. It’s important not to miss the food, film, music, sports and performances that are big enough for you to partake in.
9. VOLUNTEERING:
Volunteering in Africa should make it to your bucket list if you want to understand and appreciate a different culture than the one you are familiar with. These programs could include fundraising ideas for charities or teaching and working in a local community.
10. ENJOY THE AFRICAN CUISINE:
Africa is home to several ethnic groups, tribes and social groups. Hence, it is not surprising that there are several unique and local recipes for food and spices which are ready for you to dine in. Ensure you enjoy an exciting experience with traditional cuisines filled with Asian, European, and Arab influences.
