17 Best Things to Do in Africa: Top Travel Experiences & Adventures

May 6, 2025
ABS, Africa travel

From gorilla trekking and Victoria Falls to the Pyramids of Giza and Zanzibar beaches, discover the 17 best things to do in Africa for unforgettable wildlife, culture, and adventure experiences across the continent.

17 Best Things to Do in Africa

Africa is a vast and vibrant continent full of natural wonders, unique wildlife, and deeply rooted cultures. From the iconic savannahs of East Africa to the sun-soaked beaches of the Indian Ocean and the ancient cities of North Africa, the continent offers unforgettable adventures for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, history lover, or thrill-seeker, there’s something on this list that will stir your soul and leave lasting memories.

Here are 17 of the best things to do in Africa—from rare wildlife encounters and scenic safaris to cultural explorations and aquatic thrills.

1. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda

Trekking to see endangered mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Uganda or Rwanda is one of the most moving wildlife experiences on the planet. The trek itself winds through thick vegetation and mountainous terrain, but the reward—standing face-to-face with a silverback and his family—is worth every step.

Where: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda), Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
Best time: June to September, December to February

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2. Swim with Whale Sharks in Tanzania

On the quiet island of Mafia off Tanzania’s coast, you can swim with whale sharks in crystal-clear waters. These gentle giants congregate here between October and March. Though enormous, they are completely harmless, and snorkeling alongside them is both thrilling and peaceful.

Where: Mafia Island Marine Park, Tanzania
Best time: October to February

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3. Witness the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania

The Great Migration is the world’s most spectacular wildlife movement. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles travel between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of greener pastures. Watching this natural phenomenon—especially the dramatic river crossings—is a bucket-list experience.

Where: Serengeti (Tanzania), Masai Mara (Kenya)
Best time: July to October (Kenya), December to March or May to June (Tanzania)

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4. Track Big Tuskers in Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park in Kenya is famed for its herds of big tuskers—elephants with tusks so long they nearly touch the ground. Against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, these gentle giants roam freely in open terrain, providing ideal conditions for photography and close encounters.

Where: Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Best time: June to October (dry season)

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5. Safari into the Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken volcanic caldera in the world and one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife havens. Often referred to as a “natural zoo,” it’s home to the Big Five, endangered black rhinos, and thousands of grazing animals, all enclosed within a collapsed volcanic rim.

Where: Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Best time: June to October, or December to February for clearer skies

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These unforgettable East African experiences offer everything from rare primate encounters to massive migrations and volcanic marvels. In the next section, we’ll explore more of Africa’s must-do activities—including desert adventures, river safaris, cultural experiences, and marine getaways across Southern, North, and West Africa.

6. Feel the Power of Victoria Falls

Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls—known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders”—is one of the world’s largest and most awe-inspiring waterfalls. You can view it from various angles, swim in the Devil’s Pool during low water, or take a microlight flight over its thunderous cascade.

Where: Livingstone (Zambia) or Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe)
Best time: February to May (peak flow), August to October (for Devil’s Pool)

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7. Explore the Dunes of Sossusvlei

In Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft National Park lies Sossusvlei, home to some of the world’s tallest sand dunes. Climbing Dune 45 or Big Daddy at sunrise reveals surreal landscapes of red sands and bleached clay pans. Nearby Deadvlei features ancient camelthorn trees frozen in time, creating dramatic photographic scenes.

Where: Namib Desert, Namibia
Best time: May to September (cooler temperatures)

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8. Safari by Canoe in the Okavango Delta

Glide silently through a network of reed-lined channels in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) and explore the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most unique ecosystems. Spot elephants, sitatunga antelopes, hippos, and hundreds of bird species as you navigate through this wetland paradise.

Where: Okavango Delta, Botswana
Best time: June to October (flood season)

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9. Discover Cape Town’s Natural and Cultural Treasures

With the iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop, Cape Town is a melting pot of nature, culture, and adventure. Visit Robben Island, explore the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap, surf in Muizenberg, hike Lion’s Head, or enjoy a sunset drive along Chapman’s Peak. Cape Town also serves as a gateway to nearby wine estates and coastal reserves.

Where: Western Cape, South Africa
Best time: October to April (sunny and dry)

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10. Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Nile Valley

Stand before the last surviving ancient wonder of the world at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Explore the Sphinx, sail on a felucca down the Nile, and uncover treasures of ancient civilization in Luxor and Aswan. Egypt offers a unique blend of archaeology, mythology, and living heritage.

Where: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan – Egypt
Best time: October to April (cooler weather)

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11. Experience the Timbuktu of the Sahel

Long a center of learning and trade, Timbuktu in Mali holds mythical status in global history. Explore its ancient mud mosques, desert libraries, and Tuareg culture. Though remote and requiring careful planning, visiting this fabled city is a deep dive into Africa’s medieval Islamic heritage.

Where: Timbuktu, Mali
Best time: November to February (cooler Sahelian temperatures)

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12. Cruise the Nile or Chobe Rivers

River cruises in Africa offer a relaxing yet wildlife-rich way to explore. On the Chobe River in Botswana, enjoy up-close views of elephants swimming and bathing. In Egypt, a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan reveals temples, tombs, and timeless landscapes along the riverbanks.

Where: Chobe River (Botswana), Nile River (Egypt)
Best time: June to October (Chobe), October to April (Nile)

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13. Hike Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest peak) or Mount Kenya is a dream for many hikers. Both offer incredible views, changing ecosystems, and a sense of personal triumph. Kilimanjaro is non-technical but physically demanding, while Mount Kenya’s peaks are more rugged and less crowded.

Where: Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), Mount Kenya (Kenya)
Best time: January to March or June to October

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14. Discover the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela

Lalibela’s medieval churches, carved entirely from rock, are a marvel of architecture and faith. These 11 UNESCO-listed sites were constructed in the 12th century as a “New Jerusalem.” Pilgrims continue to gather here for religious festivals like Timket and Meskel.

Where: Lalibela, Ethiopia
Best time: October to March (cool and dry)

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15. Chill on the Beaches of Zanzibar or Mozambique

From Zanzibar’s spice-scented streets to Mozambique’s pristine islands, Africa’s Indian Ocean coast is a paradise of soft sands, turquoise waters, and relaxed culture. Enjoy diving, dhow sailing, seafood feasts, and beachside sunsets that stretch endlessly.

Where: Zanzibar (Tanzania), Bazaruto and Quirimbas (Mozambique)
Best time: June to October (dry season)

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From gorilla trekking in misty forests to cruising the Nile and lounging on white-sand beaches, Africa offers a kaleidoscope of unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re exploring ancient cities, climbing volcanic peaks, or witnessing nature’s rawest spectacles, these experiences are the essence of travel in Africa.

Plan your African adventure with expert-curated itineraries tailored to your passions and dream destinations.