Africa is brimming with diverse landscapes, interesting cultures, fascinating creatures and the friendliest of people. With credentials ranging from best game reserves in the world to Cape Town, the city that tops every ‘best of’ list’, it’s no wonder this magical place is on everyone’s travel bucket list. Here is your definitive list of African experiences to work into your travel plans.

 

1. Witness the Great Migration

Be part of the ‘greatest wildlife show on earth’ when millions of wildebeest (along with gazelle and zebra) make their way from the endless plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya in search of food and water. As the animals travel on their epic journey, they are stalked by predators looking for an easy meal. The circular odyssey covers almost 2000 kilometers and actually takes place throughout the year, but the most dramatic spectacle comes in July and September as they attempt to cross the Grumeti River where crocodiles are lying in wait.

Main tourist season: June to October

Itineraries: Southern Tanzania Safari & Kenya Escapes Safari

Read our Guide to the Migration here.

 

2. Take a dip in Devil’s Pool

Teetering on the edge of Victoria Falls, Devil’s Pool is a natural rock pool that at certain times of the year becomes shallow enough for you to swim in. While the views are next level, this is definitely not one for the fainthearted! You can swim right up to the edge of the pool, bringing you within inches of the tonnes of water cascading downwards. You can also zip-line across the gorge or opt to see the Falls from a helicopter.

Good to know: The pool is on the Zambian side and is only swimmable between late August and early January.

Itineraries: Victoria Falls, Chobe & The Delta

Take a look at our other thrilling Big Adventures here.

 

3. Visit to a traditional Maasai village

Those who love to travel will tell you that the best bit is often the different cultures and people you meet along the way. Maasai village life is a mix of traditions, ceremonies and community engagement, where families live off the land and in harmony with one another. Getting a taste of local Maasai life can be a truly humbling experience, with a peek into the everyday existence of these fascinating people in their natural surroundings.

Did you know: The Maasai wear the colour red not only because it symbolises their culture but they believe it scares away lions. The red robe often worn by the men is called a ‘shuka.’ 

 

4. Mokoro down the Okavango Delta

The Delta is the pièce de résistance of Botswana. Named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, this inland waterway is both a permanent and seasonal home for a range of wildlife, from elephant and hippo, to giraffe, cheetah, springbok, rhino and more. Incredibly, the endangered Cape wild dog thrives here. Of course, the area is also bird and fish-rich. Canals, lakes, swamps and islands create an exciting, maze-like labyrinth, best navigated with a traditional dug-out canoe called a mokoro. As you float along the shallow waters you’ll be able to get up close and personal with African’s animals.

Tree preservation: Traditionally, mokoros have been made from the trunks of large trees such as ebony and Kigeli, but more modern ones are increasingly being made out of fibre-glass.

Itineraries: Victoria Falls, Chobe & The Delta, Botswana Highlights

 

5. Run with the herds on horseback safari

Traditional game vehicle safaris take you deep into the bush and provide you with fascinating wildlife encounters, but nothing beats a horseback safari. You literally ride with the animals, side by side, as the wind whips through your hair and a collective of hooves thunders over the savannah. You’ll be guided by professional rider guides who will take excellent care of you, plus horseback safaris vary in terms of experience, catering for everyone from the seasoned rider to the complete novice.

Find out more about Horseback Safaris here.

Click here to find out more about a more traditional Big Five Safari.

 

6. Scuba dive in the Indian Ocean

Africa is also home to some of the greatest dive spots in the world. The Quirimba Archipelago in Mozambique, often referred to as the “African Caribbean”, is a firm favourite, boasting a colourful underwater world brimming with a variety of sea creatures and coral reefs. The crystal-clear turquoise waters magnify everything, making all the tropical colours pop. Both snorkelling and PADI-certified diving are available.

Did you know?: The Quirimba Archipelago consists of 32 coral islands with only a handful being permanently inhabited.

Suggested itineraries: Mozambique Island Escape or Kruger & Mozambique Beach

Other similar destinations: Mauritius, Zanzibar & The Seychelles

Take a look at our selection of Island Escapes here.

 

7. See Africa by luxury rail

Journeying through Africa by train allows you to enjoy the magical changing landscapes from the comfort of your very own luxurious compartment. Your locomotive oozes all the charms and nostalgia of yesteryear, from fine dining in evening wear to your own personal butler. Rovos Rail has a superb reputation for delivering quality train experiences and is a firm favourite with our customers.

Itineraries: South African Luxury Rail, Luxury Rail Namibian Safari & Romantic Cape, Kruger & Luxury Rail

 

8. Discover Cape Town, ‘the most beautiful city in the world’

There’s nothing we can say about Cape Town that hasn’t already been said countless times, but that’s exactly why you need to experience it at least once in your life. Take the revolving cable car up to the top of iconic Table Mountain, walk the panoramic peninsula of Cape Point and drive over breathtaking Chapman’s Peak. You’ll sample world-class cuisine, soak up the sun on famous beaches & meet friendly locals in the city’s numerous bars and cafes.

Suggested Itineraries: Cape, Garden Route & Safari, Cape Town, Wine & Whales & Cape Town, Kruger & Vic Falls

 

Whatever your African dream looks like, we would like nothing more than to help you make it a reality. Our experienced and knowledgeable travel consultants are waiting to answer any questions you may have and help you figure out where to start. Get in touch for freely given advice with no obligations.