There’s nowhere else on Earth like the African continent, with its untouched deserts like the Sahara, wildlife-spotting opportunities in the Serengeti, and interesting tribes like the Maasai, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Maybe you’re an avid hiker looking to scale rugged mountains like Kilimanjaro or after something less strenuous like a night camping with the Berber tribe in Morocco. Whatever your tastes, the list of exciting expeditions you can experience in Africa is endless.
With so many adrenaline-pumping adventures in Africa, it can be daunting when it comes to choosing the right one for you. To help you with your decision-making, we’ve designed this list of unmissable, thrilling excursions you cannot miss.
Before You Leave
Maybe you’re already imagining yourself surrounded by wildlife, wonderful nature, and incredible views. However, while the thrill of the unknown is part of the journey, smart travelers know that some experiences require advance planning.
Fortunately, thanks to modern technology, securing your spot on a once-in-a-lifetime safari or a guided hike up Mount Kilimanjaro is just a click away. Most companies use an online booking system for tour operators, which not only guarantees your place but also offers the flexibility to choose your dates, select specific tours, and even make special requests—all from the comfort of your home.
So make sure you plan everything in advance, as you can do it with ease from home and avoid unpleasant surprises once the adventure is happening.
- Climb Kilimanjaro
Africa’s highest mountain needs no introduction. The monstrous Kilimanjaro in northeastern Tanzania stands at a whopping 5,895 meters and attracts trekkers from around the globe to take on the grueling five-day climb.
You can take various routes to the top of Kilimanjaro, including Lemosho, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Machame, Marangu, Shira, and Umbwe. Bear in mind that each has its own difficulty level, so researching each one before booking a package is advised.
Anyone who wants to climb Kilimanjaro must hire a guide to take them there. It’s illegal to trek without one, so you’ll have to book a multi-day package with one of the various local providers before you touch down in Tanzania.
- Camp With the Berber Tribe in the Sahara Desert
Venture deep into the Moroccan part of the Sahara Desert to camp overnight with the Berber tribe. This ethnic group can be found in various African countries other than Morocco, including Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, and much more.
From the city of Marrakech, you can take a three-day excursion across the country to the mesmerizing Sahara Desert. You’ll get to spend a night camping under the stars with the tribe, learning about their local traditions and way of life. But that’s not all; on your way to the Sahara, you’ll drive through the majestic Atlas Mountains and stop by ancient villages like the jaw-dropping Aït Benhaddou.
- Take a Safari Through Kruger National Park
Hailed as one of the best wildlife spotting destinations on the planet, a safari through Kruger National Park in South Africa should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list.
Some of the animals you can see in Kruger National Park include rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, elephants, and so much more. With a park area of a whopping 7,523 square miles, it’s no wonder tourists flock there in droves every year to see the famous Big 5.
Kruger National Park is open for tourists all year round. However, the best months for spotting are August and September. This is when a lot of the animals will be after all the water sources, making them easy to find.
- Gorilla Trekking Across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo
Are you a wildlife lover? You can’t miss this 10-day trek through the rainforests of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to see a group of endangered mountain gorillas.
On this excursion, you’ll spend ten days scaling through dense jungles and across volcanic mountains in search of the last few gorillas of this kind on Earth. A great thing about this experience is that the funds raised through these treks go towards conserving the gorillas and keeping them healthy and alive. So, you know your tourism dollars are going to the right place.
- Go Whitewater Rafting in Uganda
Uganda is famed for being one of the top places in the world to go whitewater rafting. The small town of Jinja is a Mecca for adventurers hoping to hit the rapids of the Nile, which flows out of the beautiful Lake Victoria.
There are plenty of tour operators in Jinja offering multi-hour excursions with training and safety equipment included. It’s always important to research beforehand to ensure you book with the right company that follows all the safety precautions.
Rafters will have the chance to take on the 20 km of rapids with mild and rough routes available to choose from. If you’re brave enough, we recommend you take on the Big Four, the roughest rapids. However, if you’re not a strong swimmer, it’s best that you avoid it.
Book Your Adventure to Africa Today!
In a continent as big as Africa, these are only a handful of the adventures waiting to be experienced. However, you can be sure you’ll have the time of your life and be left with memories you’ll never forget.
Just be aware that all of the adventures we’ve mentioned are outdoor-based. Most of Africa lies within the intertropical zone between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer, meaning many countries experience heavy monsoon seasons. So, planning your trip during the appropriate season is essential.
