Five (5) Bucket List Adventures in Africa

Published 1 month ago on August 07, 2024

by Jonas DuPont

Africa is wild place. Literally. The world’s biggest continent offers so much to do from luxury safaris, city escapes, to tropical beach holidays. Figuring out what to in Africa is daunting, so we have narrowed down five bucket list items that you cannot miss when visiting Africa.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia

The Victoria Fall is one of the world’s largest waterfalls, located in the Zambezi River, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Spanning 1,708 meters wide, and 108 meters high, it is no wonder why it is described by the Kololo tribe living in the area as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” meaning “The smoke that Thunders.” Discovered by Scottish missionary David Livingstone in 1855, the falls were named after Queen Victoria. At the high of the rainy season, columns of spray can be seen from miles away as more than five hundred million cubic meter of water per minute plummet over the edge. The area is popular for white water rafting, bungee jumping, game fishing, horse riding, and sightseeing, and is home to incredible wildlife such as elephant and hippopotami.

A famous feature of the falls is the naturally former “Devil’s Pool,” an infinitely pool that sits on the lip of the falls on the Zambian side. When the Zambezi River flow is at a certain level, usually between September and December, a rock barrier forms an eddy with a minimal current. The pool allows adventurous swimmers to plunge in relative safe in front of the point where the water cascades over the falls.

Príncipe, São Tomé and Príncipe

Principe is the smaller, norther major island of the country of Sao Tome and Principe, on the west coast of Africa in the Gulf of Guinea. This remote little-known island is a heavily eroded volcano estimated to be over three million years old. Often described as a lost ‘Eden,’ this Atlantic Ocean paradise, while not easy to get to, is well worth the journey. Many describe Principe as the closest to an untouched paradise in the world with its untouched rainforests, plastic-free beaches, and friendly locals.

The island has something for everyone, from the adventurous traveler to those who just want to lay on the beach. If you’re a chocolate lover, this is the place for you. The country is home to the best chocolate in the world and is famous for its cocoa production. the unspoiled waters of Sao Tome and Principe means the adventurous traveler will find exquisite snorkeling and scuba. Water enthusiasts will see the most beautiful coral reefs, leatherback turtles, sharks, and rays.

Luxor, Egypt

Egypt is dotted with historical ruins and monuments and invites everyone to visit. Luxor is affectionately known as the world’s largest open air museum and is home to some of the country’s most significant surviving monuments. This North African country is rich is archeology and you can see the ruins of civilization of Ancient Egypt. The desert is scattered with temples, museums, and tombs. Formerly known as Thebes, the great capital of the Egyptian Empire, the city was home to some of the most important kings of the ancient world including Tutankhamun and Ramses. Today, it is one of Egypt’s most popular destinations for travellers who flock to the city to explore the East Bank and West Bank of the Nile where ancient civilizations once stood. Luxor is a wonderful blend of the old and new with the modern city built amid the ruins of the ancient. The city lies on the east bank of the Nile about 312 miles (500 kilometres) south of Cairo. While the quickest way to get from Cairo to Luxor is by air, we recommend a luxury cruise on the famed Nile to really experience the ancient riverbanks and lesser-known monuments along the way.

The best time to visit the region is between October and April when temperatures are cooler.

We recommend visiting the Valley of the Kings, seeing Karnak Temple, taking a hot air balloon trip over the city, and visit Luxor temple.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda

Scientists estimate that there are only around 1000 mountain gorillas that still survive and most of them live in three heavily protected national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. The parks only issue a number of permits every year to protect the gorillas and the habitat, making this a very special bucket list experience.

Great Migration, Serengeti (Tanzania) and Maasai Mara (Kenya)

The Great Migration is one of Africa's best known, most epic, and spectacular safari experiences. It's the annual journey of nearly two million wildebeest (accompanied by almost a million zebra, gazelle and other antelope, all watched over by a mass of predators) as they chase the rains across Tanzania and Kenya in search of better grazing. Viewing this wildlife spectacle will take your breath away.

The Maasai Mara, is another wonderful place to witness the great migration. The regions known for its big cats, tree-climbing lions, and the annual migration of over one and a half million wildebeest. Big 5 game viewing (lion, buffalo, rhino, leopard and elephant) is extraordinary and while game drives are the traditional way to explore the reserve. Why stop there? Hop on a hot air balloon for the most spectacular ride over the grasslands. It's not only the wildlife that makes the Maasai Mara so special, but the chance to engage with the rich culture of the local Maasai people.

Jonas DuPont

An avid traveler and seasoned writer who has journeyed across more than 40 countries, sharing his unique experiences and insights with a growing audience of adventure seekers and travel enthusiasts. With a passion for discovering hidden gems and immersing himself in diverse cultures, Jonas's travel blog combines practical tips, stunning photography, and captivating storytelling. Whether he's navigating bustling city streets or exploring remote landscapes, Jonas offers readers an authentic glimpse into the world's most fascinating destinations, inspiring them to embark on their own unforgettable journeys.