Africa is home to some of the rarest and most beautiful animals in the world – a fact that attracts tourists to book safari tours year-round.
But safari is just the tip of the iceberg on this continent.
From wine tours to vibrant coastal cities, there are other experiences waiting for those willing to go beyond game drives and explore deeper into the heart of the continent.
mountains, dunes and rivers
For those who love hiking, Africa is home to many mountain peaks – from Mount Toubkal in Morocco to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the continent’s highest peak.
But there is also Mount Nyangani in Zimbabwe. Overpass Mutarazi Falls is the highest waterfall in the country.
South Africa’s Table Mountain can be climbed in a few hours, but adrenaline junkies might prefer bungee jumping from it Johannesburg Soweto Toweror along the Bloukrans Bridge, the country’s famous “Garden Route”.
Bungy jumping at Soweto Towers, a decommissioned power station in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Thomas Janisch | Time on the Move | Getty Images
Zina Bencheikh, managing director for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Intrepid Travel, said Africa is an ideal destination for adventure-hungry travelers.
She recommends Madagascar’s Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, which has two geological zones called “Little Tsingy” and “Big Tsingy.” In the local language of Madagascar, “Big Tsingy” refers to “a place where you cannot walk barefoot.” ”.
“The Big Tsingy Trek is not your ordinary hike!” she says, describing it as “a maze of limestone formations that resemble a forest of rocks.”
Limestone formations in Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar.
Carlo Morucchio | Reda&co | Universal Image Group | Getty Images
In Namibia, visitors can climb the iconic Dune 45, admire the dunes of Sossusvlei, and explore the eerie white clay disk of Deadvlei, Or hike through the picturesque Sesrim Gorge.
At Victoria Falls on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, visitors can go whitewater rafting, bungee jumping or swimming at the Devil’s Pool on the Zambia side of the falls. Similar adventures can be seen in Jinja, Uganda, where the Nile River originates.
Hot air ballooning is also a popular and adventurous way to explore, offering bird’s-eye views of Morocco’s Berber villages and Kenya’s Masai Mara.
Explore the beach
African beach towns in places like the Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique, Mauritius, Zanzibar, Ghana, Namibia and Egypt combine beauty and culture.
The Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa is one example.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fort Jesus in Mombasa on November 3, 2023
Samir Hussain | Wire Image | Getty Images
“Here you will experience African, Indian and Arabic cultures under one roof. Fort Jesus, one of Mombasa’s famous attractions, was built by the Portuguese in 1593. In less than 200 years, the fort changed hands nine times Second-rate.
She suggested a walk in Zanzibar maze of stone town alley as well as Kenya’s Swahili Coast, the historic Gede site and the UNESCO-named Mijikendakaya Forest.
Rooftops of Stone Town, Zanzibar.
Jeremy Villasis | The Moment | Getty Images
“Madagascar… is another island gem, with beaches like Nosy Be and Ile Sainte-Marie boasting palm-fringed shores and vibrant coastal villages,” Swanepoel said.
Durban and Cape Town are two of South Africa’s best beach destinations, she said, adding that visitors could kitesurf, snorkel, canoe or look for dugongs and whales there.
boat trip
From affordable houseboats to luxury all-inclusive boutique lake cruises, Africa offers a range of unique boating experiences.
Cruises along the Nile, Zambezi and Chobe rivers, as well as along Lake Kivu in Rwanda, are highly recommended as water tours can provide a spectacular viewing platform for wildlife.
A boat on the Chobe River in Botswana at sunset.
Peter Unger | Stone | Getty Images
“While cruising on the river, you may see a herd of elephants wading in the sparkling water, large buffalo gathering at the water’s edge, or even a crocodile sneaking through the pool. Hundreds of hippos are also on the river. Rolling around inside, only the nostrils were exposed.
Travelers can also cruise between villages, fish, and sunbathe in the tranquil waters.
“One can explore the Manambulo River in a canoe or wooden canoe in the shadow of towering rock cliffs, or stop to explore the caves and eerie tombs of the Wazimba people, said to be Madagascar’s earliest inhabitants. ,” said Dreadnought’s Bencheikh.
In addition to being popular stops for world cruises, East and South Africa also have their own ocean cruise lines that cruise along the coastline and visit offshore islands. Silversea, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises all have cruises departing from Africa.
Kevin Bubolz, Norwegian’s Vice President for Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa, said sea voyages to Africa allow travelers to experience the continent’s wildlife, culture and landscapes from a unique perspective.
“The Penguin Island Cruise in Port Elizabeth is an extraordinary experience. You will travel to the largest natural habitat of African penguins in the world,” he said. “If you’re lucky, you might also see playful humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins.”
wine tour
Countries such as Morocco, Namibia and Ethiopia have established wine-producing regions. But South Africa is the crown jewel of the continent.
“South Africa is renowned for its world-class wine regions and the Western Cape is the center of the industry,” said Wrenelle Stander, chief executive of Cape Town-based tourism and trade body Wesgro.
“The area around Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl includes the famous Cape Winelands, where visitors can visit historic estates, taste award-winning wines and learn about the winemaking process.”
Franschhoek wine country is located on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa.
Michelle Westmoreland | Corbis Documentary | Getty Images
Not only is Stellenbosch one of the best places for wine tours, it’s also a gastronomic hotspot, renowned for its innovative food scene. Elmarie Rabe, marketing manager at Visit Stellenbosch, advises travelers to choose wineries committed to sustainable and organic practices.
“Also consider the driving distance between farms, as Stellenbosch stretches over 60 square kilometers,” she said.
The best time to visit is during harvest season from late January to March, when the vineyards are booming. But every season has its own charm, she adds.
“Spring offers lush landscapes and ideal weather, while winter is perfect for enjoying rich red wine by the fire. Summer is sunny and perfect for outdoor wine tasting,” says Rabe.
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