Things to Do in Africa
Activities to Do in Africa
The surreal things to do in Africa offer the tourists the perfect amalgamation of fun, thrill, and daunt. The umpteen varieties of activities available in the various countries of this continent are sure to cater to the wanderlust soul of every travel enthusiast, including couples, families, and backpackers.If you are having a hard time figuring out what to do in Africa for a memorable tour, be sure to get a chance to choose from soothing activities like boat rides in the breathtaking national parks to exhilarating tasks like trekking the highest mountains. While the adrenaline seekers can enjoy wildlife safari at Lake Manyara National Park, the history lovers can collect age-old Egyptian facts at the Luxor Temple. Likewise, the honeymooners can enjoy a romantic experience at Mnemba Island, while the family travelers can spend a mind-boggling day shopping and food touring at Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
While the amazing activities to do in Africa go beyond a specific list, here is a compilation of the most popular things tourists usually love to engage in, at the various places of this exuberant destination.
The Namib Desert, located along the Atlantic coast of Namibia, is one of the oldest and driest deserts in the world, with some areas having gone without rain for over 10 million years. Stretching over 2,000 kilometers, it covers much of Namibia's western region, including the Skeleton Coast and the famous Sossusvlei dunes. The desert is renowned for its striking red sand dunes, some of which reach heights of up to 300 meters, making them some of the tallest in the world. These dunes are composed of fine, wind-blown sand, and their color comes from the high iron oxide content.
God’s Window is a breathtaking viewpoint located along the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Offering sweeping views over lush forested valleys, towering cliffs, and distant mountains, it’s renowned for its stunning natural beauty, often shrouded in mist, which gives it an almost mystical appearance.
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What are the best things to do in Africa?
1. Take a Wildlife Safari at Lake Manyara National Park: If you are wondering what to do in Africa for fun and thrill, head to Lake Manyara National Park with your loved ones and engage in exhilarating game drives that let you spot some of the landscape’s big cats. Spread from the Soda Lake to the Gregory Rift, this national park in Tanzania is home to a plethora of native African wildlife, including African leopards, Maasai lions, African bush elephants, Tanzanian cheetahs, blue monkeys, Grant’s zebras, hippos, gazelles, and giraffes.
Location: Tanzania
2. Enjoy Mokoro Ride across the Okavango Delta: One of the most serene and peaceful things to do in Africa for every traveler is to ride the traditional Mokoro across the calm Okavango Delta. During your Mokoro safari, try spotting some interesting wildlife including hippos, Nile crocodiles, and the slaty egret. You can also soak in the mesmerizing sunset views as you enjoy your water ride and interact with the locals to learn about the culture of the place. If you want some more adventure, you can choose to go camping in the wilderness of the Okavango Delta.
Location: Botswana
3. Pay a Visit to Luxor Temple: If you are confused about what to do in Africa at night, pay a visit to the famous Luxor Temple at sunset and marvel at this architectural masterpiece with the entire temple lit up and the stones of the structure glowing beautifully. Constructed by Ramses II and Amenhotep III, this magnificent shrine is dedicated to Amun, Mut, and Khons. This graceful monument shelters in it the Avenue of Sphinxes, the Great Court of Ramses II, the Mosque of Abu Al Haggag, the Colonnade of Amenhotep III, the Sun Court of Amenhotep III, the Hypostyle Hall, the Barque Shrine of Amun, and the Sanctuary of Amenhotep III.
Location: Egypt
Price: LE100 for adults and LE50 for students
Timing: 6 AM to 9 PM
4. Take a Stroll through Chefchaouen: If you want to click some good Instagramable pictures of your Africa tour, never forget to pay a visit to the famed “Blue City” of Morocco, Chefchouen. This stunning city is known popularly among the travelers for its flamboyant blue streets, cracked doors, and stairways. While you are at Chefchaouen, spend time getting happily lost in the charming streets, relishing some flavoursome orange juice, and hiking a couple of the majestic surrounding mountains
Location: Morocco
5. Explore Mnemba Island in Tanzania: One of the most favorite things to do in Africa for adventure seekers and couples is to go on an excursion to the exotic Mnemba Island in Tanzania. The warm and clear waters of this island offer you the chance to enjoy a plethora of adrenaline-fuelled water activities including whale watching, scuba diving, dolphin spotting, and snorkeling.
Location: Tanzania
6. Hike the Table Mountain in Cape Town: Strap on your hiking shoes and set out to hike the famous Table Mountain of Cape Town. While there are many routes to select, the best one is the trail, which starts from the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. While you hike here, you can spot endangered vegetations and the Table Mountain Ghost Frog.
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
7. Go Shopping at Sandton City: Going on a shopping spree to Sandton City is one of the most-loved things to do in Africa for both families and couples. Making for one of the most lavish and fanciest malls in South Africa, this place is packed with top brands, such as Mont Blanc, Gucci Lacoste, and Armani. The mall also boasts some swanky multi-cuisine restaurants that offer the perfect setting for an intimate dinner.
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Timing: 9 AM to 7 PM
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8. Relish Fresh Seafood at Pigalle Restaurant: If you are a foodie by heart, trying out the delectable steaks and fresh seafood at Pigalle Restaurant can be one of the most tempting things to do in Africa for you. Making for one of the most popular restaurants of South Africa, this fine dining outlet is known for its elegant decor, lively dance floor, live band, and flavoursome food. Some of the top rated delicacies to relish at Pigalle Restaurant include Ostrich steak and Chalmar steak.
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Timing: 12 PM to 2.30 PM and 6.30 PM to 10.30 PM, from Monday to Saturday.
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What are the best adventure activities to do in Africa?
2. Surfing at Curralinho Beach: Experience surfing at its best at the untamed Curralinho Beach of Cape Verde. The warm ocean waters, the crazy waves, and the minimal current is perfect for enjoying the best surfing experience here.
3. Wildlife Safari at Chobe National Park: Take a thrilling wildlife safari at the breathtaking Chobe National Park in Botswana and enjoy spotting umpteen varieties of endangered species, such as brown hyena, cheetah, and wild dogs. Considered to be the third largest national park of the country, the national park also lets you witness a variety of diverse landscapes including grasslands, thick scrub, and moane woodland.
4. Trekking Mt. Kilimanjaro: Go on an adventurous trekking tour to the 5,895-meter tall Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest freestanding mountain. Lying in the breathtaking Kilimanjaro National Park, the Kilimanjaro trek features three volcanic cones and umpteen varieties of flora and fauna. This mountain can be trekked via 7 distinct routes - Mweka, Lemosho, Machame, Umbwe, Marangu, Shira, and Rongai.
5. Camping at Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Experience jungle camping in the surreal wilderness of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. While you camp here, you can enjoy game drives and spot the “Big Five” or witness the popular Ngorongoro Crater. You can also spot zebras and experience the wildebeest migration.
6. Water Rafting at Victoria Falls: Go for a rejuvenating and equally thrilling water rafting in the largest waterfall of the world, the Victoria Falls. Lying on the Zambezi River, this waterfall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that lets you soak in the mesmerizing splendors of nature while you raft here.
Recommended Read: Beautiful Places In Africa
What are the romantic things to do in Africa?
1. Enjoy Shopping Together at Melrose Arch: One of the most romantic things to do in Africa is to go on a shopping spree to Melrose Arch with your beloved. This lavish shopping mall boasts a plethora of showrooms, boutiques, and shops selling fashion, jewelry, and body care products. This place also has splendid restaurants and hosts music concerts from time to time.
2. Go on a Romantic Date to Havana Grill: Take our sweetheart on a dinner date to Havana Grill, which is known as a paradise for the grill and steak lovers. Here, you can savour the most delicious T bone steak and seafood platter while soaking in the breathtaking views of popular Umhlanga Rocks.
3. Experience Bird Watching at Lake Chrissie: Pay a visit to one of South Africa’s largest lakes, Lake Chrissie and spend time watching the colourful birds together. Spread across a width of 3 kilometers and length of 9 kilometers, this lake also features bountiful marine species. While you are here, you can enjoy Frogging Safaris that offers you the chance to spot a variety of frogs in the muddy landscape
4. Take a Walk Through History at Thebes: Take an exploration tour of the ancient city of Thebes and get an insight into the old culture and heritage of Egypt. Dating back to the 11th century, this place is also dotted with historically rich destinations, such as Valley of the Queens, Valley of the Kings, Karnak, and Luxor.
5. Spend a Day at Anse Source D’Argent: If you are wondering what to do in Africa with your lover, head to Anse Source D’Argent to spend some intimate hours in the land of white sands, dramatic boulders, swaying palms, and turquoise waters. While you are here, you can either go snorkeling or laze on the tranquil shores together.
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What are the best things to do in Africa with family?
1. Enjoy a Family Dinner at Ristorante La Trinita: Take your family for a scrumptious dinner at the most amazing Italian restaurant of South Africa, Ristorante La Trinita. This restaurant flaunts an elegant decor and specializes in Panna Cotta, Springbok carpaccio and Panzerotti.
2. Go Cruising at Lake St. Lucia: Enjoy cruising with your loved ones at Lake St. Lucia, a World Heritage Site, lying in Isimangaliso Wetland Park. While you ride across the waters, try spotting waterbucks, reedbucks, and hippos on the shores.
3. Enjoy a Day Out at Victoria & Alfred Waterfront: Head to V&A Waterfront and spend your day enjoying an extravagant and relishing local seafood. Lying in Cape Town, this place is packed with international fashion brands, quirky shops, local markets, and multi-cuisine restaurants
4. Experience Night Camping at Selous Game Reserve: If you are thinking what to do in Africa with your family, hike to the Selous Game Reserve and enjoy camping in the wilderness. Sprawling across 5,000 sq.km., this place is home to over 2,000 plant species, 350 bird species, and reptiles.
5. Engage in Watersports at Pemba Island: Go on an excursion to Pemba Island and indulge in water skiing, boating, snorkeling, and diving in the azure ultramarine waters.
Recommended Read: Places To Visit In South Africa
What is the best time to visit Africa?
The best time for visiting and enjoying outdoor activities to do in Africa varies from East to South. That said, while the most ideal time for enjoying Southern Africa safari is from May to October, the perfect time for experiencing Eastern Africa safari is from January to March and June to October.
How to reach Africa?
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What is Africa famous for?
The worldwide popularity of Africa can be credited to its picturesque islands, pristine beaches, flamboyant markets, jazz music, World Heritage Sites, inspiring landscapes, mesmerizing mountains, bountiful wildlife, and adrenaline-fueled outdoor activities.
How to reach Africa from India?
The best way of traveling to Africa from India is taking a direct flight to the destination. Prime airports of Africa like SSR International Airport (MRU) in Mauritius, O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport (CPT), and Cairo International Airport (CAI) in Egypt are conveniently connected to important Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore by direct flights
Do I need a visa for Africa?
Yes, tourists visiting Africa will need to obtain a valid visa to enter into the various countries in this destination. While certain nations, like South Africa, allow entry of American and European tourists without any visa, most of the African nations require you to have a valid tourist visa
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Is Africa a safe?
Yes, Africa is one of the safest and most peaceful destinations you can travel to. The wildlife safaris offered here are well-managed and one will hardly experience any corruption when it comes to tourism
What documents should you carry while traveling to Africa?
The important documents that you are expected to carry along with you while traveling to Africa include:
1. Your passport
2. Your visa
3. Flight tickets
4. Vaccination certificates
5. Proof of financial means (payslips or bank statements)
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Is Africa worth visiting?
Yes, Africa is totally worth visiting for every kind of travel enthusiast. From its exuberant cosmopolitan cities, dreamy white sand beaches, and breathtaking national parks to its idyllic islands, magnificent heritage sites and delectable cuisines, every element of Africa will propel you to visit this wonderful destination at least once in your lifetime.
What is famous in Africa for shopping?
Tourists visiting Africa usually like to shop for:
1. Colorful textiles
2. Protea ring
3. Rusks
4. Chic fashion wears
5. Groot Constantia wines
6. Water blommetjie bredie
7. Cape Malay spices
8. Rooibos tea
9. Beaded necklace
10. Sea-salt products
11. Carrol Boyes
12. Rhino force bracelet
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How is the weather in Africa?
The weather in Africa can be more precisely classified on the basis of the various regions. While East Africa experiences distinct rainy and dry seasons, Southern Africa generally has a more temperate weather. North Africa experiences a dry desert climate, marked by significantly less precipitation and high temperatures.
Which are the famous wildlife parks in Africa?
1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: Known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Serengeti National Park is famous for its diversity of fauna and flora and breathtaking natural beauty. Preserving a major part of the African wildlife, this national park lets tourists participate in many thrilling activities to do in Africa including great wildebeest migration and Lion Game Hunts.
2. Kruger National Park, South Africa: Founded back in 1898, Kruger National Park propels tourists with its bewildering African ‘Big Five’ population. This animal conservation and breeding area is known popularly for its mountain biking tours, elephant back safari, and self-drive safari. Don't forget to book your Kruger National Park tickets in advance for a hassle-free journey.
3. Amboseli National Park, Kenya: With the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro serves as its backdrop, Amboseli National Park shelters over 47 raptor species and 400 bird species. This national park makes for one of the best game reserves in Africa that lets you spot wild elephants, colourful birds, and the most stunning sunset.
4. Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya: Considered to be a piece of paradise for the birdwatchers, Lake Nakuru National Park has a unique kind of algae in it that propels a plethora of beautiful flamingos to this spot. In addition to flamingos, the park also shelters other birds including Goliath Heron, African fish eagle, and pied kingfisher.
5. Etosha National Park, Namibia: Established as a game reserve in 1907, Etosha National Park offers you the best opportunity to spot cheetahs. Known for its diverse landscapes including grasslands, dolomite hills, savannas, and arid lake beds, this national park lets its visitors experience jungle camping and wildlife safaris.
6. Ngorongoro National Park, Tanzania: Ngorongoro National Park is a home to many Maasai pastoralists, the popular Ngorongoro Crater, and bountiful African wildlife. This park offers the visitors some of the most exciting things to do in Africa including Maasai village walks and crater rim tours.
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