lion at serengeti

Top 5 Adventures in Africa

Africa is home to some of the greatest adventures on the planet. As one of the best wildlife destinations on earth, it hosts all kinds of exotic birds and animals in its lush interiors. The Serengeti, Masai Mara, Ngorongoro, Kruger… we’re just getting started! It’s easy to lose sight of everything else in front of all that beauty, but Africa also hosts several other adrenaline-pumping activities.

Cheetah in Masai Mara
Captured this adorable Cheetah in Masai Mara, Kenya

Here are the top 5 adventures in Africa

Each destination on this list presents a surreal experience, and all tend to make it to many bucket lists around the world!

Wild Buffalo
Wild Buffalo taking a mud bath at Zululand Rhino Reserve

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

mount kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa, is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Rising to a height of 5895 meters, it presents several hiking routes to the top, each known to offer a unique challenge. The climb introduces you to five stunning ecosystems that range from a dense forest to lush grasslands to moors, so you’d want to stop every now and then, clicking pictures as you go. And once you do make it to the top, give yourself a pat on the back and enjoy what is possibly the best sight in all of Africa. That exotic snow-capped summit might not survive the next generation, so try to make the most of it while you still can.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

lion at serengeti

Very few people forget their safari in Serengeti experience. Perhaps it’s the view from the park entrance or the sight of a huge pride of lions walking across the plains, perhaps it’s the stunning migration that follows Africa’s seasons since time eternal or the sheer excitement of leaving civilization to get back to the wild. Whatever your reasons, you’re sure to enjoy every moment you spend in the best wildlife-watching destination on the planet. The sight of 1.5 million animals at the same time might be what draws thousands of visitors to the Serengeti, but the birthing of as many as 8000 wildebeest calves is an equally mesmerizing event. And that’s not all. You also get to see the incredibly rare black rhino along with the Big Five, zebra, buffalo, giraffe, gazelle, duikers, impala, hartebeest and more than 500 species of birds. Game drives are a sure-fire way of getting close to the wildlife, but did you know that the Serengeti is one of the few national parks of Africa that offers hot-air balloon rides and guided walks as well! You really cannot imagine the delight of a balloon flight until you’re soaring above the park, nor can you truly enjoy the walk until you’re uncovering countless mysteries that each trek holds in store for you. Once you’re done exploring the wild, come back to your lodge, equipped with all modern luxuries and amenities for a memorable night under starry skies.

Bwindi Forest National Park, Rwanda

adventures in africa

Deforestation, poaching, decades of war – each has taken a toll on the mountain gorillas of Africa. Less than 700 of our closest cousins remain today, and more than half of these live on the slopes of the Virungas. Tracking these mountain gorillas has become one of the hottest and most popular adventures in the African continent. There’s something thrilling about walking through a dense forest, climbing steep slopes trailing the primate. The joy of diving into the untamed wild simply cannot be replaced in our futuristic, concrete jungles. Tours usually tend to be hectic and short-lived, but none come back from a trip to Bwindi feeling disappointed.

Victoria Falls

rainbow at victoria falls

Victoria Falls has been attracting travelers since the early 18th century. Popularly considered to be the extreme adventure capital of Africa, these stunning falls present an overdose of excitement through activities such as bungee jumping off the bridge, swimming to the edge of the largest waterfall on the planet, white-water rafting along some of the wildest rapids and helicopter flights over the falls. Once you’re done soaking in all that adventure, head over to the sun deck of your luxury hotel, raising your glass of wine to a pod of crocodiles and hippos lazing in the Zambezi River.

The Nile, Uganda

white water rafting in the nile

The Nile has been at the center of African exploration since the early 19th century. Once critical to trade and commerce in the region, the Nile attracts all kinds of adventure lovers with a variety of activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping and kayaking. The Ugandan town of Jinja is quickly emerging as the kingdom of adventure in East Africa. It offers some of the best and fiercest Class IV and V rapids along with mesmerizing riverside views. For something gentler, take a look at those horseback rides through tea estates, sugar plantations and local villages. There are sunset rides and overnight safaris to choose from as well!

What’s your thrill-sin? Do you plan to visit Africa and dive into its phenomenal natural beauty and undying adventure in the near future?

Jo

7 thoughts on “Top 5 Adventures in Africa”

  1. This is a great list of adventures. I have to say that seeing the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda (which I assume is just the other side of the border) is still my most amazing travel and wildlife experience ever! I would go again tomorrow if I could. Victoria Falls was also totally awesome, but I would like to return when there has been more rain to see it in full flow. I am yet to go to Tanzania, but it’s definitely on my list!

  2. Probearoundthe Globe

    I’d love to do all those adventures one day, but I’m also a bit torn about visiting the Gorillas in Rwanda. I feel soon it will be like Elephant rides: a big no-no for tourists/travellers to partake in such activities. I do agree that each item on your list has adventure written all over it!

  3. Mark & Kate @ Vagrantsofthewor

    All are very excellent places to visit and will be the adventure of a lifetime. I must admit though that I’m more keen with seeing Mount Kilimanjaro, Victoria Falls and the Nile.

  4. Oh my goodness, I never knew you could take a hot air balloon flight over the Serengeti!? That sounds absolutely incredible. It makes me think of the third Jurassic Park movie, when the plane dips down low and hundreds of dinosaurs come into view, just roaming around. The thought of seeing something similar in real life just blows me away.

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