African experiences to add to your bucket list
Many passionate travelers consider Africa to be a bucket-list destination, but what are the bucket-list experiences to have while you’re there? While some are self-evident, such as seeing exotic animals in the wild, there are likely a handful you haven’t considered. These alternatives can assist you in creating the ideal African itinerary.
Marvel at Victoria Falls in Zambia
Between Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa, Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River. Mosi-oa-Tunya, the world’s largest and most spectacular waterfall, translates to “Smoke that Thunders” in the local language. Visitors can enjoy one of the most dramatic whitewater rafting trips on Earth down the Zambezi, zip-line from one side of Bakota Gorge to the other, or even bungee jump into the spray of neighboring falls, in addition to taking beautiful photographs. A sunset ride along the Zambezi’s tranquil stretch right above Victoria Falls would be a less heart-pounding option.
Serengeti Migration in Tanzania
The Serengeti in Tanzania is one of the few areas on Earth where wildlife can roam freely, and bright sunrises and balmy nights help to create spectacular days. Leopards, lions, elephants, and birds are all typical sightings, but the Serengeti’s annual migration is something that should be on everyone’s bucket list. It is the world’s largest animal migration, with half a million wildebeest and a quarter million zebras, and various tour operators may take you there to witness it.
Observe Gorillas in Rwanda
Mountain gorilla tracking in Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime activity that, until recently, few people would have been ready or able to undertake due to the country’s war-torn past. With its undulating hills and mountains enshrouded in mist every morning, this small nation on the highest African plateau in the middle of the continent gave origin to the phrase “gorillas in the mist.” While hiking gorillas can be difficult and take up to eight hours, the payoff of seeing some of the less than 1004 remaining animals is well worth the effort. To prevent overtourism of the endangered gorillas, Rwanda has 12 groups of gorillas that can be visited by a maximum of 96 (8 per family) people per day. Various tour companies lead journeys through the dense forest.
Safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is one of the best places in the world to see wildlife and one of Africa’s largest game reserves. With 145 mammal species, including the Big Five (black rhino, elephant, leopard, lion, and Cape buffalo) and a diverse range of other critters, it has the most diverse biodiversity on the continent. Giraffes, hippos, and cheetahs coexist with wild canines, crocodiles, eagles, multicolored hornbills, and parrots in the park. It’s also a fantastic option for people searching for a more economical, easily accessible self-drive safari and a fun activity to do while visiting South Africa.
Trek Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain at 19,000 feet, is a challenge, especially when the weather is uncertain. The walk might take anywhere from five to nine days or more, depending on the route, to experience all four seasons in one day. Your prize? Panoramic views that take your breath away, and a great sense of accomplishment. Some of the wildlife you might see, including as lions, zebras, wildebeests, crocodiles, gazelle, and buffalo, make it worthwhile.
In Egypt, visit the Giza Pyramids
Everyone should see the Pyramids of Giza at least once, with the Great Pyramid of Giza being the most well-known of the collection that stands just outside Cairo. It is one of the world’s ancient Seven Wonders, dating back over 4,600 years and whose construction is still a mystery today.
Sunrise over Namibia’s Dune 45
Talking about sand dunes, Dune 45, Namibia’s most famous dune, offers one of the world’s most spectacular sunrises. While it isn’t the tallest dune in the Namib desert, it is the most popular since it can be climbed. Many people climb the 262-foot-high dune early in the morning to watch the sun rise. It’s not easy, but it’s another bucket-list adventure that’s well worth the effort.
Camel Treks in the Sahara, Morocco
Riding a camel through the limitless sands of the Sahara is an immensely bizarre experience that can be had from the Moroccan settlement of Merzouga. It is located on the outskirts of the spectacular Erg Chebbi, a 30-mile-long and 3-mile-wide sand dune system that reaches heights of 1,150 feet. Camel treks are a great opportunity to get a taste of Bedouin living and spend evenings in a desert camp, waking up to the sun’s rays bathing the dunes in gold.