7 Things You Can Strike Off Your Bucket List by Visiting Africa

Africa truly is a once in a lifetime experience for many travelers, so it’s only natural that you’d want to make the most of your trip. In this post, we’ll be looking at 7 bucket list experiences that will make your trip to Africa everything you’d dreamed it to be. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a wildlife lover, or want the ultimate in luxurious relaxation, you need look no further than this spellbinding continent.So, let’s have a closer look at 7 things you can strike off your bucket list in Africa!

1. See the Big 5 on safari

Africa is home to some of the most jaw-dropping national parks on the planet, and there’s no better place to see nature’s giants in their natural habitat. As well as the big 5: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and cape buffalo. The savannahs of Africa also offer chances to see giraffes, hippopotamuses, zebras, and lots of other wildlife.Happily, there are safaris to suit every budget too – so whether you’re looking for bargain basement prices, travelling with the family, on a honeymoon, or money is simply no object, there’ll be a tailor-made experience for you.And it’s not just in one location that you’ll be able to witness these beasts – Kruger National Park in South Africa, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Chobe National Park in Botswana all give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with the big 5!

2. Visit one of the 7 wonders of the Natural World

Zambia’s Victoria Falls is the widest curtain of water in the world and considered one of the 7 natural wonders, so you won’t want to miss out on ticking this awe-inspiring natural feature off your bucket list! Happily, you can easily incorporate the Victoria Falls into other experiences such as glamping in the Okavango Delta or safaris.If you’re an adrenaline junkie, visit the Victoria Falls from August to December – as the low water season is the best time to go white-water rafting on the Zambezi. However, if you just want to gaze from afar, then consider coming between May and October. There’s virtually no rain, the weather is mild, and it’s when the risk of malaria is lowest.If you’re feeling really brave, take a dip in the Devil’s Pool a natural rock swimming pool on the edge of the mighty falls. You’ll get an incredible view – just don’t get too close to the edge!

3. Trek into the domain of gorillas and chimpanzees

You won’t be seeing gorillas and chimpanzees on the open plains, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on seeing these gentle giants. There are less than 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild and they’re all found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.A guided gorilla trek is the perfect way to see them in the wild, and it’s one of the highlights of any trip to Africa. Visit between June and September or December and February for the best chance of coming face to face with these beautiful, and sadly, endangered creatures.Advanced booking is necessary as you need permits for this unforgettable trip into either Mgahinga Gorilla Park or the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

4. Experience the vibrant city life

When people think of Africa, they usually jump to safaris or natural wonders before they think of cities. However, there are several cities in Africa that offer excellent dining options, history, art and culture, and nightlife!Often cities are seen as a jumping off point for other activities, but it’s always a good idea to explore a bit and spend some time getting to know the place you’ve arrived into.Take the cableway to the top of Table Mountain for panoramic views of Cape Town, experience the exciting and cosmopolitan lifestyle of Nairobi, or learn about ancient Egypt in Cairo. Africa’s cities have the potential to surprise and delight as much as any safari!

5. Get to know locals and visit their villages

Of course, activities we’ve mentioned so far don’t give you much opportunity to meet locals and find out about their cultures and lifestyles. However, when staying at one of the fantastic Eco-lodges that are dotted throughout Africa’s national parks, there’s the opportunity to do just that.Kenya and Tanzania alone are home to over 160 tribes who speak over 200 languages. Learning about local culture is a chance that you shouldn’t pass up, as you’ll have the chance to see how people live and take part in activities like cattle herding or visiting schools. You may even make something with the tribes people - a memorable souvenir to take home.There’s another aspect to meeting a tribe too – you’re helping to preserve endangered cultures by practicing responsible tourism.

6. Step into the past with a captivating rail journey

When you say luxury train travel, what springs to mind? The Orient Express? Perhaps the Trans-Siberian? It’s not often that Africa will be the first place that springs to mind. However, luxury train travel is a decadent and unforgettable means of transport to reach the Victoria Falls, Cape Town, and Botswana.5-star train travel in Africa means that all of your accommodation, meals, and drinks will be taken care of, allowing you to settle back into the luxury of your carriage and enjoy the awe-inspiring landscapes and stopping off points.

7. Have a luxury beach break

All of the activities above are pretty full-on and exhausting. And while ticking off bucket list activities is never boring, it can be said that it’s quite tiring and sometimes you need to just rest, relax, and recuperate before moving onto the next adventure or heading back home to the daily grind.A luxury beach break is a perfect excuse to lie back, forget about the world, and do nothing. Watch the sunset or experience friendly and authentic African hospitality in a world-class setting. If you do get itchy feet from doing nothing, you can always fit in some scuba-diving or snorkeling in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean! Aiming to tick off your bucket list around the world? Check out Trip101!Written by Gel Evangelista