Magdalene EnimhienomoAre you looking for the best things to do in Africa? Africa has so much to offer like some fun outdoor activities you can do.
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m loud about my love for Africa. One might think it’s because I’m African, but it goes beyond that fact. One of the reasons why Africa is dear to me is because I know that the continent has a lot to offer.
If you set out to explore the different activities and things to do in Africa, it may take you years. I even doubt anyone can fully explore all that Africa has to offer.
Come with me, let me tell you some of the things to do in Africa. Some of these activities I have done, and others I am yet to tick off my bucket list. Also, check out the most beautiful places in Africa to explore on a budget.
Amongst the numerous things to do in Africa, some of them are:
1. See a waterfall
I tried to count the number of waterfalls in Africa and I lost track at a point. I am tempted to say that you can find a waterfall in any African country. Only in Nigeria, we have more than 10 waterfalls in Nigeria scattered all over the country.
Some of them I have visited like the Erin Ijesha waterfall, almost visited Owu waterfall in Kwara state, etc. There are so many other waters in Nigeria that are still on top of my bucket list. Imagine how many we have in Africa?
A waterfall is one of your best options if you’re looking for a relaxing activity to do in Africa. I’d recommend visiting Victoria Falls in Zambia. It is the largest waterfall in Africa and a sight to behold!
Marrakech Waterfall
2. Climb to the peak of a mountain
Have you ever experienced the views of a place from the top of a mountain? If you have not, you need to as it is a surreal experience.
Anytime I visit a new country, I always try to climb to the peak of their highest point and get the best views.
3. Go horse riding
I remember the first time I engaged in horse riding and the horse threw me to the ground, but that’s a story for another day. I’ve always found horse riding to be thrilling as it brings a certain rush. My first experience of Horse riding was at Suntan Beach, Badagry. Horse riding is one of the best things to do in Africa.
You are sure to have fun when you engage in this activity, and it is one of the best things to do in Africa. You can always see horses on most of the beaches in Africa.
4. Explore the safari
If you’re a lover of wildlife, you’ve gotten an activity to do while in Africa. Although this would not be on the top of my list, I know you would have a swell time exploring the safari and seeing different animals.
The best part of it is that you get to see animals that are peculiar to the African region. Safaris are very common in Africa. So, if you’re looking for fun outdoor activities to do in Africa, add Safaris to your list.
5. Go skydiving
Here’s an activity for the daring ones! If you like to live life on the edge and feel the adrenaline rush, you should go skydiving in Africa.
It is one for the memory books and I’m sure you’d be ticking something off your bucket list. South Africa, Morocco, and Mauritius are African countries to visit if you want to go skydiving.
6. Visit the river, Nile
The river Nile holds so much history to it and is one of the places you should see in Africa. It stands as the longest river in Africa as it spans over 10 countries.
You should take a camera along so you have picture memories for yourself and also to show people that you’ve visited this historic site.
7. Try local delicacies
Need I say more about this? Every African country has its unique delicacies! When visiting Africa, trying out various local delicacies should be on your list of things to do in Africa.
Some people say that they don’t feel like leaving after trying the various local meals and drinks. If this happens to you as well, I wouldn’t be surprised.
8. Attend a festival
One of the best ways of integrating with the locals in any African town or community is by attending their local festivals. I’m always in awe at the activities that happen at these ceremonies and the fun level is always at its highest.
Festivals like the New Yam Festival and Argungu Fishing Festival in Nigeria, Mombasa Carnival in Kenya, and Maitisong Festival in Botswana are a few of the many festivals you shouldn’t miss in Africa.
9. Haggle prices at a local market
Even if you do not do much when you visit an African country, this is something you must do! The best part is that you would always see a local market.
So, have fun by going into these markets and haggling prices with the vendors. You would even make friends in the process.
10. Visit the pyramids
I know that the Pyramids of Giza come to mind as you’re reading this option. After all, Egypt has a reputation for Pyramids. In addition, the Nubian Pyramids in Sudan are also worth exploring.
You never know, you might find something historic or magical when you visit these pyramids. Ensure that it is on your checklist of things to do in Africa on your visit.
11. Walk with the lions
At a point in my life, I never knew that walking with lions was a leisurely activity. So, you can imagine my surprise, fear, and anticipation when I heard about it.
During my stay in Senegal, I was able to tick this activity off my bucket list! Was I scared? Yes. Did I do it? Yes.
You can walk with the lions in Senegal, South Africa, Zimbabwe, etc. If I can do it, you can too!
12. Go wine tasting
It was fascinating to find out that people think there are no wine farms in Africa. What do you even mean? I found it laughable as South Africa alone has a good number of them. This is a great activity to engage in if you need things to do in South Africa.
Wine tasting is one of the things to do in Africa on your visit. Come and taste the goodness in African wines!
13. Go gorilla trekking
Although I haven’t done it, Gorilla trekking is among the best things to do in Africa. It shouldn’t be surprising that such activity exists. After all, it only makes sense as there is walking with the lions.
You can go Gorilla trekking whenever you are in Rwanda. I’d be eagerly waiting to hear stories of your experience.
14. Spend time at the spice island
Many things might come to mind when you hear of spice island. In Africa, Zanzibar is commonly known as the spice island. Aside from tourism, it is also popular for its spices.
Zanzibar is one of the best places to stay when you’re in Africa as it has lots of touristy things to do. Yes, Tanzania is calling your name and you won’t regret it.
15. Walk with Rhinos
I know you’d say that I’m here with another activity that centers around animals. But can you blame me? The thrill that comes with this activity is almost next to none.
One of my favorite things about walking with rhinos is that you get to encounter endangered species that you can only find in Africa. You should visit Kenya and Zambia to engage in this activity.
16. Play with penguins
Did you know that you can lose track of time when playing with penguins? It is such a relaxing thing to do. You get to zone out on other things happening and have your focus on the penguins.
Yes, you can randomly see penguins on various beaches. But, you should visit Penguin Beach in South Africa.
17. Visit Chefchaouen
Have you heard of Africa’s blue city? You can find this place in Morocco. It stands out as all the buildings in the city are blue!
It is one of the cities on my list of places to visit in Africa, and I always get giddy at the thought of spending time there. You should visit it, experience the place, and get to know why everything is blue.
18. See the pink lake
Pink isn’t the first color that would come to mind when you think of a lake. So, the pink lake in Senegal would be a sight to behold. Interestingly, people can even swim in it! Wouldn’t you want to experience this?
You can bet that I wouldn’t stop talking about it when I engage in this activity.
19. Go kayaking
I love that you cannot be bored when you visit beaches and resorts in Africa. If there is a waterbody, you can be sure to see people who love Kayak. One of the best places to enjoy kayaking in Africa is La campagne Tropicana Beach in Lagos Nigeria.
The water is very beautiful and this activity is quite fun and relaxing.
It was during one of my trips that I learned how to Kayak and it was more fun than I imagined. You should do it too.
20. Go snorkeling
When I hear stories from friends about snorkeling, I can tell that it is an exciting activity. Although water activities are not always on the top of my list, I may be trying this activity one day.
If you’re in Egypt, you shouldn’t be bored or complain about not knowing what to do. The country gives one of the best snorkeling experiences in Africa.
21. Visit the seal colony in Namibia
You will be held by a high sense of fascination when you visit the seal colony. Here, you get to see how seals interact with each other, and just observe.
This activity is one of the best things to do in Africa. However, keep in mind that visiting this place isn’t free as you would pay a fee.
22. Explore the nightlife
It should be unthinkable to visit Africa without exploring its nightlife. When you step into an African club, you will be captivated by the high energy. The energy at these places has the power to keep you dancing from the beginning to the end.
Shoutout to all African clubs, but special recognition to Nigerian and South African clubs. These clubs deliver the right mix of Afrobeat and amapiano.
23. Go camping
You can go the extra mile in exploring Africa by staying outdoors for some days. The camping experience is usually enjoyable, especially when done in a group.
It is something you should be on the lookout for in any African country as the locals may be organizing one during your visit. It is also a perfect way of bonding with the locals and making friends.
24. Visit the beach
Visiting an African beach gives you a dive into African culture in a way that you get to see traditional items sold there. For example, the materials and jewelry you can find on these beaches have a touch of African in them. In no time, these artifacts would become sentimental to you.
25. See the red sea
I’m sure you must have heard of this place. Well, this is your opportunity to check it out during your African visit. The red sea lies between Africa and Asia. The historic nature of this place and the scuba diving experience always attract tourists to it.
Orange Bar Island, Red Sea
26. Hike it out
It may seem like I always like to praise Africa. But this continent doesn’t lack activities to do. A fact to this would be the hiking trails you can find across various African countries.
If you love to hike, find a hiking trail near you and hike it out. Trust me, you would enjoy the experience. Hiking is one of the best things to do in Africa. My first experience hiking was in Olumo Rock Abeokuta. This place is a fun place to visit. However, I have so much phobia of heights so I am always tensed whenever I hike mountains and rocks.
27. Bond with nature
One of the best things to do in Africa would be to bond with nature by visiting gardens and flower parks. Here, you get to see different flowers that you might have never seen before. You also get in-depth information on the various flowers, and even see the ones unique to Africa.
This activity is one of the best as it is sure to leave a smile on your face
28. Tick Mount Kilimanjaro off your list
Wouldn’t you want to climb the tallest mountain in Africa? Visiting Africa and engaging in activities shouldn’t just be for doing sake. You should do things that are symbolic, and of them would be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
It comes with bragging rights as not everyone can say they have accomplished this feat.
29. See an active volcano
Interestingly, there are some active volcanoes in Africa in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo. I don’t know about you, but I would love to see one.
Now, note that I’m saying SEE. Whenever you decide to engage in this activity, ensure that you are in the company of a tour guide or local of that region. It’s an essential safety procedure.
30. Travel with an open mind and have fun
Africa is waiting for you. Come, explore, and have the best moments of your life!
Travel resources for a trip to Africa
- Opt for affordable travel tours in Africa, Book it on GetYourGuide
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4. Book a hostel for your stay in South Africa on Hostelworld.
5. Book your travel insurance for health and emergencies on Insubuy.
6. For Budget-friendly hotels for your trip to South Africa, book it on Trivago.
7. For ease of moving around book your airport transfers from GetTransfers.
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