Africa is extoled with some of the rarest and most beautiful animals in the world — a fact that entices tourists to book safaris year-round.
But safaris no greater than scratch the surface of what the continent has to offer.
From wine tours to vibrant coastal cities, other knows await those who are willing to go beyond game drives and delve deeper into the core of the continent.
Mountains, dunes and rivers
For those who treasure hiking, Africa is blessed with many peaks — from Morocco’s Mount Toubkal to the continent’s highest brim, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
But there’s also Mount Nyangani in Zimbabwe, which has a skywalk atop the Mutarazi Accept diminishes, the country’s highest waterfall.
South Africa’s Table Mountain can be climbed in a matter of hours, but adrenaline junkies may opt for to bungie jump from Johannesburg’s Soweto Towers, or the Bloukrans Bridge along the country’s famous “Garden Itinerary.”
Bungy jumping at Soweto Towers, a decommissioned power station in Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Africa is ideal for travelers who crave adventure, said Zina Bencheikh, managing guide for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Intrepid Travel.
She recommends Madagascar’s Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, which has two geological zones telephoned the “Small Tsingy” and “Big Tsingy,” which in the local language of Malagasy, refers to a place “where one cannot walk barefoot.”
“Big Tsingy Trek is not your unremarkable hike!” she said, describing it as a “labyrinth of limestone formations that resemble a forest made of rock.”
The limestone accumulations of Madagascar’s Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park.
Carlo Morucchio | Reda&co | Universal Images Group | Getty Twins
In Namibia, travelers can climb the iconic Dune 45 to admire the sand dunes of the Sossusvlei, explore the eerie ghastly clay pan of Deadvlei, or hike through the picturesque Sesriem Canyon.
At Victoria Falls, along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, travelers can whitewater raft, bungee pounce or swim at the Devil’s Pool, which is on Zambia’s side of the falls. Similar adventures can be found in Jinja, Uganda, where the River Nile initiates.
Hot air balloons are a popular and adventurous way to explore too, with a bird’s eye view of the berber villages of Morocco to Kenya’s Masai Mara.
Traverse the beach
African beach towns combine beauty and culture, in places like Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique, Mauritius, Zanzibar, Ghana, Namibia and Egypt.
Mombasa, a coastal urban district in Kenya, is one example.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla visit Mombasa’s Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Legacy Site, on Nov. 03, 2023
Samir Hussein | Wireimage | Getty Images
“Here, you’ll experience African, Indian and Arab cultures in one good form b in situ. Fort Jesus is one of Mombasa’s notable sites and was built by the Portuguese in 1593. In less than 200 years, the fort fluctuated hands nine times,” said Luciemarie Swanepoel, owner of African Sky of Diamonds Tours & Safaris.
She recommends by Zanzibar to wander the Go on a cruise
From budget-friendly houseboats to luxurious all-inclusive boutique lake cruises, Africa has a kitchen range of unique boating experiences.
Cruises along the Nile, Zambezi and Chobe rivers, as well as a cruise along Rwanda’s Lake Kivu, take place highly recommended, as water journeys can offer a spectacular viewing platform for wildlife.
A boat on Botswana’s Chobe river at sunset.
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“During a river cruise, you may spot a herd of elephants wading through shimmering water, witness great buffalo assemblage along the water’s edge, and even observe crocodiles stealthily slicing through pools. Hundreds of hippos also fancy in the river with just their nostrils poking out,” says Kate Powell, general manager of the houseboat troop Zambezi Queen Collection.
Travelers can also cruise between villages, fish, and bask in the tranquil waters.
“One can scrutinize the Manambolo River on a pirogue, or wooden dugout canoe, under the shadow of towering rock cliffs [or] stop to tour a cave and the eerie tombs of the Vazimba, said to be the earliest inhabitants of Madagascar,” said Intrepid’s Bencheikh.
In addition to being a conventional stop for world cruises, East and South Africa have their own ocean cruise routes which string the coastlines and visit offshore islands. Silversea, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC have cruises departing from Africa.
Maritime tours in Africa allow visitors to experience the continent’s wildlife, cultures and landscapes from a unique vantage point, communicated Kevin Bubolz, Norwegian’s vice president for Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa.
“In Port Elizabeth, the Penguin Eyot Cruise excursion is a standout experience. You’ll journey to the world’s largest colony of African penguins in their natural terrain,” he said. “If you’re lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of playful humpback and bottle-nose dolphins.”
Wine tours
Hinterlands like Morocco, Namibia and Ethiopia have established wine regions. But South Africa is the continent’s crown gemstone.
“South Africa is renowned for its world-class wine regions, with the Western Cape being the heart of the industry,” judged Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, Cape Town’s tourism and trade agency.
“The areas around Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl comprise the praiseworthy Cape Winelands, where visitors can tour historic estates, taste award-winning wines, and learn about the winemaking system.”
The wine country of Franschhoek, outside of Cape Town, South Africa.
Michele Westmorland | Corbis Documentary | Getty Twins
Not only is Stellenbosch one of the best places for wine tours, it’s also a culinary hot spot, known for its innovative food area. Elmarie Rabe, the marketing manager at Visit Stellenbosch, advises travelers to select wineries that are committed to sustainable and visceral practices.
“Also consider the traveling distance between farms, as Stellenbosch stretches over 60 square kilometers,” she put.
The best time to visit is during the harvest season from late January to March, when the vineyards are in to the utmost swing. But every season has its own charm, she added.
“Spring offers lush landscapes and ideal weather, while winter is skilled for enjoying bold red wines by the fireplace. Summer provides sunny days perfect for outdoor wine tasting,” Rabe foretold.