Astonishing wildlife, magnificent culture, and remarkable nature are the three things that make Africa so wonderful. This continent is home to world-class destinations and safaris, attracting millions of tourists annually. Want to explore Africa but don’t know where to start? Or are you having trouble choosing among the 54 countries because they are all amazing? Then, check out our Africa bucket list for places and activities you must try!
Amazing Places and Activities for your Africa Bucket List
- Luxor, Egypt
- Morocco
- South Africa
- Kenya
- Namibia
- Botswana
- Seychelles
- Mauritius
- Cape Verde
- Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
- Witness the Great Migration in Tanzania
- Baobab Avenue, Madagascar
- Hike the Table Mountain in South Africa
- See Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia
- See Lake Malawi in Malawi
Luxor, Egypt
Starting the list with this incredible Northern African country. Dotted with historical ruins and monuments, Egypt invites everyone – from history lovers to adventurers – to visit. One of the best places you must see in Egypt is Luxor. In the region, you can witness the marvelous civilization of Ancient Egypt. Temples, museums, and tombs are lined on the desert-like land. So, if you love history and picturesque places, you must definitely check out Luxor.
Must-see Places: Karnak Temple, Temple of Hatshepsut, Temple of Luxor, and Valley of the Kings
Must-try Activities: Hot air balloon ride in Luxor
Morocco
Displaying a wonderful collaboration between a few different cultures, Morocco is a one-of-a-kind place to visit. Ancient medina or cities, lovely mosques, colorful potteries, and magical deserts are the things you can find in Morocco. Moreover, there are lots of beautiful sceneries in Morocco, from the manmade Chefcaouen village to the naturally-formed sea arch in Legzira Beach. It is an amazing place to visit if you love photography or rich culture.
Must-see Places: Marrakesh, Erg Chebbi Dunes, Chefcaouen, and Volubilis
Must-try Activities: Stroll around ancient souqs, try Moroccan food, and sample Moroccan wine.
South Africa
We have to include South Africa if we are talking about an Africa travel bucket list. South Africa is one of the best countries in Africa for tourism. The beautiful country offers brilliant seashores, marvelous wildlife, amazing natural scenery, and gorgeous national parks. Besides that, wonderful culture, food, and a hip city also complement the charm of South Africa. You have a great choice of things to do, from seeing African penguins to having insane parties in Johannesburg. For that reason, South Africa is a total charmer!
Must-see Places: Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Cape Peninsula, Durban, and Hermanus
Must-do Activities: See African penguins in Boulders Beach, whale-watching, sample some wine in Cape Winelands, and go on safari tours
Kenya
This East African country is a haven for everyone who loves nature. Kenya is known for its ethereal landscapes, from grassy savanna to marvelous coastlines. Besides that, Kenya also offers a large number of wildlife species, both fauna and flora. If you love safari, bird-watching, or other outdoor activities, Kenya must be added to your bucket list. Moreover, Kenya is also home to one of Africa’s most vibrant cities, Nairobi. So, Kenya has the best of both worlds – marvelous nature and a feisty city!
Must-see Places: Nairobi, Masai Mara National Park, Nairobi National Park, Diani Beach, and Watamu Marine Park
Must-do Activities: Safari tours, hike Mount Kenya, learn local culture in villages like Maasai Village, and soak up the sun on Kenya’s beaches
Namibia
Looking for the prettiest country in Africa? Then, you must check out Namibia! The Southern African country has an incomparable natural beauty, with lines of blazing deserts and astonishing savanna. It is home to one of the world’s most remarkable deserts, the Kalahari Desert. Moreover, Namibia offers canyons and bodies of water that can leave you speechless, like Fish River Canyon. Thus, because of its lengthy distances between destinations, Namibia is a great place to go for a road trip.
Must-see Places: Etosha National Park, Fish River Canyon, Namib-Naukluft National Park, and Skeleton Coast
Must-do Activities: Safari tours in the national parks, go on road trips around the country, visit traditional villages, and go stargazing
Safari in Botswana
Botswana is one of the best safari destinations in Africa. The pristine landscape and a large number of wildlife species are the reasons behind it. Thus, you can see lots of wild animals, from fascinating big cats to enormous African elephants, roaming around the untouched nature. Moreover, Botswana also displays a piece of the Kalahari desert’s beauty, offering a more diverse attraction in the country.
Must-see Places: Etosha National Park, Fish River Canyon, Namib-Naukluft National Park, and Skeleton Coast
Must-do Activities: Safari tours in the national parks, go on road trips around the country, visit traditional villages, and go stargazing
Seychelles
A tropical paradise in Africa? Sounds really good, doesn’t it? Then, you can find it in Seychelles. The island country is blessed with unbelievable natural beauty, from the turquoise Indian ocean to glimmering sandy beaches. The beaches are also one-of-a-kind, with gigantic boulders and lush palm trees that you can only find in a few countries in the world. It is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Why not? The glorious charm of Seychelles will leave your jaw drop. Moreover, Seychelles is also a safe country to travel to. So, it is great to add Seychelles to your bucket list.
Must-see Places: Anse Source D’Agent Beach, Anse Lazio, Takamaka Bay, and Aldabra
Must-do Activities: Diving, snorkeling, beach-hopping, seeing the rare large tortoise in Aldabra, and going bird-watching in Praslin National Park
Mauritius
We cannot get enough of a paradise with pristine waters and jaw-dropping beaches. Then, we put Mauritius on the list. This small island nation displays exquisite landscapes that resemble heaven on earth. The aquamarine ocean, powdery beaches, and rugged mountains are a few natural landmarks that are dotting the country. Moreover, Mauritius also offers exciting activities, smiling faces, and affordable options that make travelers love the island.
Must-see places: Grand Baie, Black River Gorges National Park, Port Louis, Le Morne, and Flic & Flac Beach
Must-do Activities: Snorkeling in Île aux Aigrettes, hiking, sampling some seafood, and seeing dolphins on the East coast of Mauritius
Cape Verde
Cape Verde is an archipelago country that is situated off the coast of Africa. Thus, it is a perfect place for you who is looking for a sunny place with pristine beaches. Furthermore, Cape Verde is quite remote and there is still no mass tourism there. However, it is actually the charm of Cape Verde. You can enjoy the white, powder-like sanded beaches for your own, as well as discover laidback neighborhoods and smiling faces on the islands.
Moreover, Cape Verde offers gorgeous nature and a wide choice of activities. You can find an island that has gentle sharks and offers a one-of-a-kind experience to swim with them. Moreover, if you want to spend a fantastic night, you can go to clubs and bars that are lined in the city.
Must-see places: Boa Vista, Islands of Sal, Ribeira Brava, and Praia de Santa Maria
Must-do activities: Diving, snorkeling, hiking, kitesurfing, swimming with baby sharks, and partying
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Dreaming of watching animals in the wild? Then, you must try gorilla trekking in Uganda. In the lush jungle of Bwindi, marvelous species from great apes to birds thrive. Thus, Bwindi Jungle is also a UNESCO World Heritage that preserves the endangered mountain gorillas. So, you can see the gorillas roaming freely in their natural habitat as you visit this magnificent natural reserve. Moreover, Bwindi Jungle also offers long-stay options for visitors. You can go for a three or four-day tour and stay in a jungle lodge. Sounds interesting, right?
Witness the Great Migration in Tanzania
The great migration is probably one of the best wildlife phenomena. It is when a group of wild animals, such as wildebeest and zebras, migrate from one place to another at a certain period of time. The large herd of migrating animals, which consists of hundred-thousands to millions of individuals, is a fascinating thing to see. Thus, you can watch it with your own eyes in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. The great migration in Tanzania starts around May and reaches its peak in June-July. The herds move from Serengeti National Park to Masai Mara National Park in Kenya.
Baobab Avenue, Madagascar
Looking for somewhere dreamy and picturesque? Then, you must head to Madagascar. There is an ‘avenue’ of the rare Baobab trees in this island country. Besides the amazing scene of towering baobab trees and the sand-colored path, Baobab Avenue has been considered a natural monument since 2015. It is a great way to preserve this endangered flora amidst deforestation and other environmental issues.
Nowadays, Baobab Avenue is a marvelous travel destination. Travelers from around the world are eager to see the remarkable tree species that can live up to 2,000 years. Besides that, the picturesque scene of the lining baobab trees is also hunted by photographers.
Hike the Table Mountain in South Africa
Standing tall on the grounds of South Africa, Table Mountain can captivate everyone who sees it. The flat-topped mountain is notably the most popular natural landmark in the country. It overlooks Cape Town, the capital of South Africa, and stands around 1086 m high. Thus, you can enjoy the mountain from far – like from Cape Town – or get your feet on its valleys.
Hiking is a top thing to do in Table Mountain. There are several hiking trails in Table Mountain, from the jungle trail of Skeleton Gorge to the family-friendly Woodstock Caves. Moreover, Table Mountain welcomes hikers from different levels and physical strengths. It is a great option for everyone who loves nature and outdoor activities.
See Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe
What to do in Africa? – you might ask, especially if you are looking for something extraordinary. Then, you should check out this bucket list destination. Victoria Falls is nestled between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. The waterfall itself is huge, stretching about two kilometers wide.
Moreover, it challenges the brave to do adrenaline-rushing activities, such as rafting and microlight flights. Besides that, if you are looking for a calmer activity and choosing to enjoy the beauty of this legendary waterfall, you can hop on a boat and go on tours. You can either take a sunset cruise tour from Zambezi river or walk along the footpath of the national park.
See Lake Malawi in Malawi
Another beautiful natural landmark that you should see in Africa is Lake Malawi. Like its name, the lake is nestled in the small country of Malawi. The lake is one of the deepest lakes in the world and plays an important role in the study of evolution. For that reason, Lake Malawi is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Moreover, Lake Malawi offers an intriguing beauty. It has a line of sandy shore, glimmering waters, and an exquisite underwater landscape. Lake Malawi is one of the best spots for freshwater snorkeling, as you can see hundreds of species of fish there.
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