A hot air balloon ride over the deserts of Morocco.
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Africa is blessed with some of the rarest and most beautiful animals in the world – a fact that entices tourists to book safaris all year round.
But safaris only scratch the surface of what the continent has to offer.
From wine tours to vibrant coastal towns, other experiences await those willing to go beyond the games and delve into the continent’s core.
For those who love hiking, Africa is blessed with many peaks — from Morocco’s Mount Toubkal to the continent’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
But there is also Mount Nyangani in Zimbabwe, which has a skyscraper above the Mutarazi Falls, the highest waterfall in the country.
South Africa’s Table Mountain can be climbed in a few hours, but adrenaline junkies may prefer to jump from Johannesburg’s Soweto Towersor the Bloukrans Bridge along the country’s famous ‘Garden Route’.
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 director for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Intrepid Travel.
He recommends Madagascar’s Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, which has two geological zones called “Small Tsingy” and “Big Tsingy”, which in the local Malagasy language refers to a place “where no one can walk barefoot”.
“The Big Tsingy Trek is not your ordinary trek!” he said, describing it as a “maze of limestone formations that look like a forest of rock.”
The limestone formations of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar.
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In Namibia, travelers can climb the iconic Dune 45 to admire the dunes of Sossusvlei, explore the eerie white clay pan of Deadvlei, or hike the scenic Sesriem Gorge.
At Victoria Falls, along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, travelers can whitewater raft, bungee jump, or swim in the Devil’s Pool, which is located on the Zambian side of the falls. Similar adventures can be found in Jinja, Uganda, where the Nile River begins.
Hot air balloons are also a popular and adventurous way to explore, with panoramic views of the Berber villages of Morocco to Kenya’s Masai Mara.
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 city in Kenya, is an example.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla visit Mombasa’s Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on 03 November 2023
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“Here, you will experience African, Indian and Arab culture in one place. Fort Jesus is one of Mombasa’s notable attractions and was built by the Portuguese in 1593. In less than 200 years, the fort changed hands nine times” , said Luciemarie Swanepoel, owner of African Sky of Diamonds Tours & Safaris.
He recommends visiting Zanzibar to wander around Stone Town Maze alleys along with Kenya’s Swahili coast, Gede historical ruins and UNESCO designation Mijikenda Kaya Forests.
The roofs of the Stone City of Zanzibar.
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“Madagascar … is another island gem, with beaches like Nosy Be and Ile Sainte Marie boasting palm-fringed shores and vibrant coastal villages,” said Swanepoel.
Durban and Cape Town are two of the best beach destinations in South Africa, he said, adding that travelers can kitesurf, snorkel, kayak or look for dugongs and whales there.
From affordable houseboats to luxury all-inclusive boutique lake cruises, Africa has a range of unique boating experiences.
Cruises along the Nile, Zambezi and Tshombe Rivers, as well as a cruise along Rwanda’s Lake Kivu, are highly recommended, as cruises can provide an impressive viewing platform for wildlife.
A boat on the Chobe River in Botswana at sunset.
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“During a river cruise, you can see a herd of elephants wade through shimmering waters, watch large buffalo gather at the water’s edge, and even spot crocodiles sneaking through pools. Hundreds of hippos also wallow in the river with only their nostrils sticking out,’ says Kate Powell, managing director of the Zambezi Queen Collection housing company.
Travelers can also cruise between villages, fish and swim in the calm waters.
“One can explore the Manambolo River in a dugout or a wooden dugout canoe, under the shadow of towering cliffs [or] stop to explore a cave and the eerie tombs of the Vaziba, said to be Madagascar’s first inhabitants,” said Intrepid’s Bencheikh.
As well as being a popular stop for world cruises, East and South Africa have their own cruise itineraries that follow the coasts and visit the offshore islands. Silversea, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC have cruises departing from Africa.
Africa cruises allow visitors to experience the continent’s wildlife, cultures and landscapes from a unique vantage point, said Kevin Bubolz, Norwegian’s vice president for continental Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
“In Port Elizabeth, the Penguin Island Cruise is a unique experience. You will travel to the world’s largest colony of African penguins in their natural habitat,” he said. “If you’re lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of playful humpbacks and bottlenose dolphins.”
Countries such as Morocco, Namibia and Ethiopia have established wine regions. But South Africa is the crown jewel of the continent.
“South Africa is known for its world-renowned wine regions, with the Western Cape being the heart of the industry,” said Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, Cape Town’s tourism and trade body.
“The areas around Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl include the famous Cape Winelands, where visitors can tour historic estates, taste award-winning wines and learn about the winemaking process.”
The wine country of Franschhoek, outside Cape Town, South Africa.
Michele Westmorland | Corbis Documentary | Getty Images
Stellenbosch is not only one of the best places for wine tours, it is also a culinary hot spot, known for its innovative food scene. Elmarie Rabe, the marketing director at Visit Stellenbosch, advises travelers to choose wineries that are committed to sustainable and organic practices.
“Also consider the travel distance between farms as Stellenbosch covers 60 square kilometres,” he said.
The best time to visit is during the harvest season from late January to March when the vineyards are in full swing. But every season has its own charm, he added.
“Spring offers lush landscapes and ideal weather, while winter is perfect for enjoying bold reds by the fireplace. Summer offers sunny days perfect for outdoor wine tasting,” said Rabe.