Top Best Things To Do on Your African Safari : When it comes to picking what to do in Africa, the alternatives are almost endless. Wildlife is central to so many of the continent’s activities, from the Great Migration and the Big Five to following gorillas and swimming with great white sharks.
But Africa’s magnificent natural splendor is more than just a backdrop for its incredible animals: climb its highest peak, float over the Masai Mara in a hot air balloon, or scale a Sossusvlei sand dune. Whatever you do, make your own African Safari bucket list and start checking off some of these things. Begin by perusing our list of the top 20 things to do in Africa.
Top Best Things To Do on Your African Safari.
Witness the Great Migration in Masai Mara or Serengeti.
Nothing compares to the big migration in terms of animal observation. Every year, around 2 million wildebeest, zebra, and Thomson’s gazelle travel through northern Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and western Kenya’s Masai Mara National Park.
Predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas are never far away when there is so much food on the move. Nature at its most spectacular, especially when the herds cross the Mara River, where crocodiles lurk. There are times when the herds are so numerous that the land itself appears to be alive.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Safari Over the Masai Mara.
In a hot-air balloon, soar above one of Africa’s most magnificent savannah vistas. The warm, golden light of morning reveals so many gorgeous landscapes all throughout the acacia-studded grasslands as the sun rises over the eastern horizon. Even elephants and giraffes appear little from far above the Mara in breathtaking calm as you track the courses of rivers and animal herds below. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi National Park.
There is no more profound meeting in nature than getting up close and personal with a family of eastern mountain gorillas. You’ll hear these captivating creatures before you see them as you climb into the deep forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with an expert guide. The gorillas may include lively juveniles, kind moms and aunts, and, of course, fearsome silverback males who have become accustomed to your presence. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure.
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Climbing Africa’s highest peak, Mt Kilimanjaro (5,895m/19,340ft), is a significant task, but it might be one of the most rewarding weeks of your life. Enjoy the companionship of trekking with fellow climbers before leaving the tree line and heading for the summit snows. When you reach the summit, you’ll feel as if you’re staring down into the heart of Africa, and in many ways, you are.
Search for the Big Five in Serengeti National Park.
Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s genuinely great wildlife destinations, is simply one of the greatest places to visit in Africa. As part of your safari, you will be able to view the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). There will be many additional species to view, including zebra, giraffe, and cheetah. But the Big Five continue to entice, and only the rhino is a challenging prize.
Swim with Whale Sharks at Mafia Island in Tanzania.
Whale sharks are the world’s largest living fish species, and swimming with them off Tanzania’s Mafia Island is an African bucket list event. These giants will see you as nothing more than a curiosity, so you have nothing to worry. But remember to breathe: these creatures are so magnificent that you can find yourself holding your breath in awe.
Visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar certainly lives true to its unique moniker. This historic island off the coast of Tanzania offers it all: beautiful beaches, an intriguing history, and superb Swahili architecture, to mention a few highlights. Zanzibar has never lost its magical charm, with its laid-back tropical pace of life, superb food, and the tiniest scent of spices carried along by the trade winds that still blow in off the Indian Ocean.
Spot Rhinos in Ngorongoro Crater.
The rhino is the most difficult to locate of all the wonderful African megafauna you may encounter on safari. However, black rhinos are doing well and are easily discovered in the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most stunning land formations and something of a lost world for animals. A day spent in the crater is one of the nicest things you can do in Africa. Seeing a rhino while there is an added bonus.
Track Chimpanzees in Gombe or Kibale National Parks.
For more than 50 years, Jane Goodall and her team of scientists and volunteers have been researching chimps at Gombe National Park in western Tanzania. You can also enjoy chimpanzee trekking tours in Kibale Forest National park, Budongo forest and Queen Elizabeth national park in Uganda. It’s an incredible wildlife experience to follow in their footsteps by trailing human-habituated chimps across the jungle. Observing them up close will make you realize how similar we are to our closest animal cousins.
Visit the Masai in Kenya and Tanzania.
The traditional Maasai people live in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. Spending time with a Maasai village or family provides a unique glimpse into modern African culture. The Maasai, who coexist with animals and preserve their traditions whenever feasible, provide community tours, homestays, and guide services in a world where they have lived for millennia.
In summary, there is so much to explore and discover in Africa and an African Safari is just what you and your family or friends need for your vacation. Get in touch with our team of expert travel consultants at Explore Rwanda Tours and put together the best itinerary for your African Safari to any East African country of your choice.
