Africa is not just a destination, instead, I describe Africa as a feeling, an adventure, a story you live in real-time. There are so many fun things to in Africa from the lustrous beaches to the picturesque landscape. These 15 Africa travel experiences have to be part of your bucket list. You need to experience at least once in your life.
Africa is the place where my heart races with excitement at every turn, whether I’m locking eyes with a lion on safari or sinking my toes into the softest, whitest sand I’ve ever seen. If you haven’t been, let me tell you right now, you’re missing out on some of the most jaw-dropping, soul-stirring experiences on the planet.
So, grab your passport, your spirit of adventure, and let’s dive into 15 absolutely unmissable Africa travel experiences you must have at least once in your life.
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15 Africa travel experiences
Africa has so many fun things to do and explore. Whether you want explore the beautiful Sahara desert of west Africa or the vast safari in easy Africa, there us no dull moment.
Here are 15 Africa travel experiences that are worth your time, effort and money. I highly recommend you add one of these experiences to your bucket list.
Go on Safari in the Serengeti (Tanzania) or Maasai Mara (Kenya)
I promise you, nothing, and I mean NOTHING, compares to seeing African wildlife in its natural habitat. If you go during the Great Migration (July–October), get ready to witness millions of wildebeest, zebras, and antelope literally throwing themselves across the crocodile-infested Mara River. It’s nature at its most brutal and beautiful.
Even outside the migration, game drives in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park or Kenya’s Maasai Mara give you front-row seats to lions basking in the sun, leopards snoozing in trees, and elephants gently herding their babies across golden grasslands. And trust me, watching a giraffe walk across an African sunset is a kind of magic you’ll never forget.
Spot Lemurs in Madagascar
Madagascar is home to lemurs, and let’s be honest, they’re adorable! Whether you visit Andasibe or the famous Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar feels like a different world.
Witness the Blue Nile Falls (Ethiopia)
Often called “the smoking water,” these thundering falls in Ethiopia are absolutely breathtaking. If you’re into photography, the misty rainbows over the falls will make your camera very happy.
Sleep Under the Stars in the Sahara Desert (Morocco)
Riding a camel across the endless dunes of the Sahara Desert feels straight out of a movie. And when night falls? The sky explodes with millions of stars.
You’ll stay in a Berber tent, sip sweet mint tea by the fire, and listen to traditional drumming under the night sky. Pure magic.
Hike to the Top of Olumo Rock (Nigeria)
If you’re looking for a mix of adventure and history, Olumo Rock is a must-visit. Located in Abeokuta, this ancient rock served as a natural fortress for the Egba people during wars in the 19th century.
The climb itself is fun, with natural stairs and man-made ladders leading you to the top, where you’ll get incredible panoramic views of the city below. Along the way, you’ll see old hideouts, sacred shrines, and even some rock carvings that date back centuries.
Plus, the stories from the local guides? Absolutely fascinating!
See the Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)
No matter how many times you’ve seen pictures of the Pyramids of Giza, nothing prepares you for the moment you stand in front of them. These bad boys are over 4,500 years old, older than Stonehenge, the Colosseum, and even Machu Picchu!
I highly recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting (and fewer crowds). Oh, and if you’re feeling extra adventurous? Take a camel ride around the pyramids. Yes, it’s cliché, but in the best way possible.
Explore the Bustling City of Lagos & Its Beach Escapes (Nigeria)
Believe me, Lagos is pure energy! It is chaotic, vibrant, and absolutely electric. If you love cities that never sleep, Lagos will give you everything and more. Start your adventure at Lekki Conservation Centre, where you can walk across the longest canopy bridge in Africa, spotting monkeys and exotic birds along the way.
Then, head to Nike Art Gallery, an incredible five-story building packed with over 25,000 pieces of art showcasing Nigeria’s rich culture.
But wait, Lagos isn’t just about the city vibes. Escape to the beaches! Tarkwa Bay and Ilashe Beach offer golden sands and refreshing waters just a short boat ride from the hustle and bustle. Order some fresh suya (spicy grilled meat) and coconut juice while you relax under the palm trees.
Also check out our blog post on fun things to in Lagos state Nigeria. Many of the things on this list are budget friendly.
Swim with Whale Sharks in Mozambique
Swimming with whale sharks in Mozambique is one of those “pinch me, is this real?” experiences. These gentle giants can grow up to 40 feet long, and yet, they glide through the water with such grace.
Tofo Beach is one of the best places in the world to see them, and the best part? They’re completely harmless. You can snorkel right alongside them as they peacefully cruise through the crystal-clear waters.
Hike Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
I still get goosebumps thinking about the first time I saw Mount Kilimanjaro towering over the African plains. It’s the highest peak in Africa (5,895m/19,341ft), and the best part? You don’t even need technical climbing skills to do it!
It’s tough, don’t get me wrong. Altitude sickness is real, and those last few hours before sunrise on summit day feel like pure survival mode. But the moment you stand at the top and watch the sunrise over Africa? Every single step is worth it. If you’re even slightly into hiking or pushing yourself, Kilimanjaro should be on your bucket list.
Visit Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe)
They don’t call it “The Smoke That Thunders” for nothing! Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. If you go during the high water season (February–May), the sheer power of the falls will leave you speechless.
Want to level up the adventure? Try Devil’s Pool. It is a natural infinity pool right on the edge of the falls. It’s terrifying, thrilling, and absolutely unforgettable.
Relax on the Beaches of Zanzibar (Tanzania)
Picture this: powdery white sand, turquoise waters, and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Welcome to Zanzibar, an island paradise off the coast of Tanzania.
Spend your days swimming in the crystal-clear Indian Ocean, eating fresh seafood, and exploring Stone Town, a historic Swahili trading town with a fascinating blend of cultures.
Road Trip Along The Garden Route (South Africa)
If you love epic road trips, South Africa’s Garden Route is a dream. Think rugged cliffs, lush forests, and some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see.
Along the way, you can visit Knysna’s famous lagoon, go bungee jumping off Bloukrans Bridge (the world’s highest bridge bungee!), and even explore the caves at Cango Caves. You can also spot whales in Hermanus.
Trust me, you’ll want at least a week for this one.
Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda or Uganda
What could compare to looking into the eyes of a mountain gorilla in the wild? These creatures share 98% of our DNA, and seeing them interact up close is mind-blowing.
You’ll hike through thick jungle in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda), and when you finally find a gorilla family, you’ll sit just a few feet away as they groom each other, play, or just stare right back at you.
It’s expensive, yes. But so worth it.
Go Dune Surfing in Namibia
Ever wanted to surf… on sand? In Namibia, you can! The towering dunes of Sossusvlei are perfect for sandboarding, and it’s just as fun (and exhausting!) as it looks.
Explore the Souks of Marrakech (Morocco)
Marrakech is sensory overload in the best way. The souks (markets) are an absolute maze of spices, carpets, lanterns, and leather goods. I got lost more times than I can count, but that’s part of the fun!
One minute, you’re smelling fresh mint tea being poured; the next, you’re watching artisans hammer intricate patterns into brass trays. And let’s not forget Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square where snake charmers, storytellers, and street food vendors create an electrifying atmosphere like nowhere else on Earth.
Which of these 15 Africa travel experiences will you be doing this year? Which of these 15 Africa travel experiences is on your travel bucket list? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Ciao for now.
