For many years, thrill-seekers and adventurers have been called to the landscapes of Africa. From exhilarating safaris and abundant wildlife to towering waterfalls and rock formations, there are experiences here for every kind of traveller.
Keep reading to discover the top 10 adventures in Africa that will keep you coming back for more!
Witness the Great Migration on the Masai Mara
Between July through October, you can witness millions of wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras, gazelles, and other animals migrating across the Masai Mara, searching for food and water. Masai Mara National Reserve is the largest game reserve in Kenya and showcases beautiful rolling hills and vast grassy plains.
On a Masai Mara Safari Tour, you will spend six unforgettable days exploring Masai Mara and the surrounding area, spotting incredible wildlife, and marveling and the stunning African wilderness. Start by enjoying a boat trip on the lovely Lake Naivasha. This freshwater lake lies northwest of Nairobi, and provides a serene environment and spectacular landscape.
Spend a day at Hell’s Gate National Park, home to jaw-dropping scenery, from towering cliffs and volcanoes to gorges and geothermal steam. Finally, spend the last half of the journey enjoying spectacular game viewing at Masai Mara, where you will see plenty of wildlife and breathtaking African sunsets.
Gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Forest
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, located in southwestern Uganda, is known for its incredible biodiversity, housing over 160 species of trees. More importantly, this forest is home to several gorillas, making it a premier destination for gorilla trekking.
On this gorilla trekking tour, you can spend four days marveling at the area’s incredible wildlife, and more specifically, witnessing gorillas in their natural habitat. You will start this Africa adventure safari with a game drive in Lake Mburo National Park, home to vast numbers of zebras, enormous antelope, and massive buffaloes.
The next day, the tour will head to the Bwindi Forest, where your tour guide will navigate you through the incredibly dense rainforest to follow a gorilla group. Afterward, relax at Lake Bunyoni, surrounded by lush, green hills. You’ll notice the 29 islands of in all shapes and sizes in the water, making this a genuinely enchanting waterfront area.
Go on a safari game drive
Africa is best known for its abundant wildlife throughout its many game reserves and national parks, so a safari game drive is a must-do while visiting Africa! On this safari adventure in Rwanda, you can experience an authentic game drive and so much more.
This 9-day journey begins with a game drive in Akagera National Park, where you can search for rhinos, buffaloes, lions, zebras, giraffes, and impalas. The tour includes gorilla and monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park, canoeing on the Twin Lakes, and wildlife viewing in Nyungwe National Park. In this park, you will have the opportunity to experience chimp trekking and a canopy walk 60 meters above the forest. The final leg of this adventure includes hiking on the Isumo Waterfalls Trail and a tea plantation tour.
White water rafting on the Nile
There’s no better African adventure than spending a day white water rafting on the Nile! As one of the mightiest rivers in Africa, you are guaranteed to get a thrill from the rushing rapids, shallow pools, and rocky islets. On this Uganda Wildlife Safari, spend 12 days enjoying the animals of Uganda, Ssese Island, and, best of all, rafting on the Nile. Covering many experiences throughout Uganda, this is one of the most thrilling African adventure safaris.
Beginning in Jinja, the first day of this adventure will be spent rafting the Nile River. Luckily, this rafting journey is open to those of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. The next day, enjoy a sunrise game drive in Murchison National Park. Be on the lookout for lions, leopards, and plenty of birds. Depart for Kibale Forest National Park, which is a bit of a drive from Murchison, but the scenery along the way is nothing short of incredible.
Spend the next few days exploring the Kibale Forest, wildlife viewing on the Kasenyi plains, and gorilla trekking in Bwindi. The last portion of this adventure is located on Ssese Island, where you can enjoy the natural island beauty, splash in the water, or go for a boat ride.
Explore Cape Town
Take a break from the African wilderness by experiencing the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Cape Town. As the capital of South Africa, Cape Town has a population of around 4 million, meaning that there are endless neighborhoods, restaurants, and attractions to experience.
For a beachy, coastal vibe, take some time to explore the Sea Point neighborhood, home to several brunch spots, yoga studios, and restaurants. The promenade is a great place to go for a walk or bike ride. You can also check out Woodstock, Cape Town’s designated hipster neighborhood. Here, you can find several craft beer joints, artisan markets, colorful buildings, street art, and local boutiques. An excellent way to go from neighborhood to neighborhood is through the hop-on, hop-off red bus, a convenient and affordable way to explore the city.
For those who love wine, you’ll want to drive about 20 minutes outside of the city to Constantia, an area with plenty of scenic vineyards and wineries. Between vibrant neighborhoods, shopping, restaurants, and wine tasting, Cape Town abounds with urban adventures.
Fly a helicopter over Victoria Falls
Located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of the largest waterfalls on earth. Cascading over the Zambezi River in southern Africa, Victoria Falls is one of the most exhilarating sights to see while traveling through Africa.
Witnessing the magnificent Victoria Falls through a thrilling helicopter flight is truly a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience. As you soar above the enchanting mist, the cascading falls below will keep you mesmerized and captivated. On a Victoria Falls Helicopter Flight, you can choose between the “Flight of Angels,” a shorter ride, or the longer “Zambezi Spectacular Flight.” This adventure is guaranteed to be memorable no matter which one you choose.
Explore Murchison Falls National Park
Nestled on the banks of Lake Albert in northwest Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is one of the most visited national parks in Uganda. As the largest national park in the country, Murchison Falls is home to over 75 species of mammals and 450 bird species, along with the largest population of crocodiles on the Nile.
During this trip to Murchison Falls, you will spend three days exploring this vast park, and the remaining five days exploring the rest of Uganda. While you are in Murchison Falls, enjoy a boat trip at the waterfall’s base, where you might see a hippo or crocodile, and then a hike to the very top of the falls. You will spend the rest of the journey spotting monkeys in Kibale Forest National Park, riding a boat on the Kazinga Channel, and searching for tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Recover from all of that action by spending the journey’s final stretch at the relaxing Lake Bunyoni.
Learn about the Great Pyramid
If you are a history enthusiast, the Great Pyramid is a must-visit attraction while traveling through Africa. Located in present-day Giza in the greater Cairo area, the Great Pyramid is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one that has been well-preserved.
As you ride a camel through the desert and around the Giza Pyramids, you will feel like you have been transported to ancient Egypt. Wander through the Egyptian Museum to learn more about the ancient Egyptians and explore the vast collection of mummies, artifacts, and treasures. Afterward, visit the Khan el Khalili bazaar to browse local goods, fabrics, and antiques. This full-day tour will allow you to experience the best of Egypt while getting a taste of ancient history.
See the Big 5 in Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park might be one of the most iconic areas in all of Tanzania, if not in all of Africa. As a World Heritage Site, the setting of several famous movies, and the home of millions of animals, it’s not a trip to Africa without a visit to Serengeti.
This Serengeti Safari includes a 6-day journey through this iconic national park. The adventure begins in Lake Mayanara National Park, on the way to Serengeti. In Lake Mayanara, you will see an abundance of elephants, flamingos, and tree-climbing lions. The next day, explore the Ngorongoro Crater, which has the greatest concentration of wildlife on the entire planet.
For the rest of the journey, you will be exploring Serengeti, which is especially well-known as the home of the Big 5, which includes lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and elephants. Serengeti is believed to have the highest population of lions, and African Leopards are also plentiful in this region. While you’re here, you will also likely see zebras, gazelle, and wildebeest. This journey is an animal-lover’s paradise!
Go island-hopping in Quirimbas National Park
Africa is well known for the wild safari experiences and spectacular wildlife, but many travelers don’t realize that this continent is home to some of the most incredible beaches in the world. Quirimbas National Park is located on a series of islands just off the coast of northern Mozambique.
These 32 coral islands boast bright white sand, crystal-clear blue water, and several endangered species below the water’s surface. This UNESCO biosphere reserve is a spectacular spot for world-class snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, or scuba diving. If nothing else, soak up the sun, take a deep breath, and recover from a week of thrilling African adventures and wildlife in this pristine tropical oasis.
