15 Ultimate Africa Bucket List Experiences
Africa’s distinctive nature and extremely diverse culture make the continent stand out among the rest. From an abundance of lush green spaces to the hottest of vast deserts, Africa offers some of the best views in the world. Add to that the rich diversity of cultures and wealth of wildlife, and you’d guarantee yourself an epic trip wherever you go. So, we put together this Africa bucket list to make sure you have a great adventure whenever you pay the continent a visit.
What to Add to Your Africa Bucket List?
#1 Marvel at the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
Do we need to say that one of the world’s greatest mysteries and one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world should be on your Africa bucket list? Standing in awe in front of the majestic site is hands down an unforgettable experience.
#2 Catch the sunset on Table Mountain in South Africa
Cape Town’s iconic mountain, which got its name from its flat top, is thought to be one of the oldest mountains in the world. The surreal views make catching the sunset (or sunrise) bucket-list-worthy, and if you’re not a hiking enthusiast, you can always take the cable cars.
#3 Trek Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
If you believe that life happens outdoors and you’re a true adventure seeker, then trekking Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters) should be a dream of yours. Dubbed as the Roof of Africa, the volcanic mountain is the highest mountain on the continent, and one of the world’s 7 summits.
#4 Visit the Maasai Mara tribe
The Maasai tribe is an indigenous ethnic group, whose culture is extremely iconic and distinctive. The tribe settles in Kenya and in northern Tanzania near the famous game parks in East Africa.
#5 Dive with dolphins in Mozambique
Diving with dolphins sounds like a dream, right? Well, Mozambique offers an abundance of beautiful, white beaches and crystal clear waters, which is the perfect combo for swimming and diving with dolphins.
#6 Go on a safari in Skeleton Coast in Namibia
If you’re seeking an eerie adventure, then this is it! If you’re wondering where the name came from, it’s because there used to be bone remains of seals and whales on the shore. Right now, you can find 3 shipwrecks on the 1,570-kilometre coastline with sand dunes that are 100 metres tall in the backdrop.
#7 The Seven-Coloured Earths in Mauritius
The Seven-Coloured Earths is a mesmerizing geological formation. The sand dunes there comprise rainbow colours – 7, to be more precise, as the name suggests. The attraction can be found in the Chamarel plain of the Rivière Noire District in south-western Mauritius.
#8 Go island hopping in Seychelles
When we say island hopping, most minds would go to destinations like Greece or the Philippines, but did you know you could do that in Africa? In Seychelles to be more precise. The heavenly African destination features many breathtaking islands that offer pristine beaches. Islands there include Mahé, La Digue, Praslin, and Curieuse, only to name a few.
#9 Relax in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Want to live your best life? Then Zanzibar is your destination. How do tropical fruits, African music, diverse marine life, and idyllic, warm beaches sound to you? The island off mainland Tanzania is truly heaven on earth!
#10 Explore Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia
When you think of a blue city, you often think of Chefchaouen in Morocco, and when we say blue and white, you’d probably think of Greece’s Santorini, but did you know Tunisia also has Sidi Bou Said. The Tunisian town is just as beautiful, picturesque, and worth the visit.
#11 Visit the world’s largest lava lake in Congo
Mount Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of Congo has an active lava lake that’s known to be the largest of its kind in the world.
#12 Camp in the Sahara Desert in Morocco
The Sahara is the world’s largest hot desert, and one of the best places to enjoy it is definitely Morocco. A 2 or 3-day tour to the Sahara from Fes or Marrakech would be perfect to disconnect from the world. Hanging out with the Berbers, sipping on Moroccan tea, and sleeping under the stars – could this sound any better?
#13 Chill with African penguins in South Africa
Penguins? In Africa? This definitely screams bucket-list! Boulders Beach in Cape Town is home to an African penguins’ colony which settled there in 1982. You can go for a swim, scramble the boulders that cover the beach, and meet the cute little penguins as a bonus.
#14 Stay at Giraffe Manor in Kenya
If you’d like to splurge on a luxurious experience and you happen to love giraffes, then this would be the stay of your dreams. Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel in Nairobi, that is also home to a herd of endangered giraffes. You’d be having breakfast indoors and a giraffe would be casually stealing a kiss from the window right behind you – that’s the kind of experience you’d be having!
#15 Go on an African Safari
Last but not least, you can’t go to Africa without going on an African safari. Seeing the famous Big Five game animals; the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo, is definitely one of the most unforgettable things you could do there. Some of the best parks to experience this are Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Kruger National Park in South Africa, and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
Have you checked off any of these experiences or not yet? And which one is the highest on your list? Let us know in the comments section! Meanwhile, don’t forget to check out our Europe bucket list as well.
