9 Things to Do in Africa Beyond Safari

Move beyond passive observation and become an active participant in protecting Africa's precious wildlife and supporting its communities. A luxury journey can be a force for good, offering exclusive opportunities to engage directly with pioneering conservation and philanthropy projects. This hands-on approach transforms your vacation into a meaningful, purpose-driven experience, allowing you to contribute to a lasting legacy while creating unforgettable memories.

• Active Involvement: Assist in vital conservation activities like rhino notching or elephant collaring alongside expert veterinary and anti-poaching teams.
• Community Connection: Visit and support local schools, clinics, or community-run enterprises that are directly funded by sustainable tourism.
• Behind the Scenes: Gain unparalleled access to the operational hubs of conservancies, learning firsthand about the challenges and triumphs of wildlife protection.
• Expert Insight: Spend time with researchers and conservationists on the front lines, gaining a deep understanding of the intricate ecosystems you are helping to preserve.

Top Places for Conservation Experiences

• Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya
• Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya
• Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, South Africa
• Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
• Desert Rhino Camp, Namibia
• Singita Grumeti, Tanzania

Best For: Purpose-driven travelers, families seeking educational experiences, and anyone passionate about making a positive impact through their journey.

When to Go: Conservation is a year-round endeavor. However, specific activities like animal collaring are often planned during the cooler, dry seasons from June to October for easier access and animal safety.

Explore more opportunities in our African safari travel guide or find inspiration for your trip with our African safaris and vacations.

Journey back in time to uncover the deep and complex history of the African continent, a cradle of humankind and home to powerful ancient civilizations. Beyond the savannas lie architectural and archaeological wonders that tell epic stories of faith, power, and trade. Exploring these historic sites offers a profound connection to the continent’s rich past and reveals a narrative far older and more diverse than many imagine.

• Architectural Marvels: Witness the impossible, rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia or the grandeur of the temples at Karnak and Luxor in Egypt.
• Lost Kingdoms: Wander through the enigmatic stone ruins of Great Zimbabwe, the former capital of a vast and powerful trading empire.
• Ancient Art: Discover millennia-old rock art galleries etched into the landscapes of Namibia’s Twyfelfontein or South Africa’s Drakensberg.
• Crossroads of History: Explore the poignant history of the slave trade on Senegal's Goree Island or the ancient medinas of Fes and Marrakech in Morocco.

Top Historic Sites to Visit

• The Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania
• Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania
• The Temples of Luxor and Karnak, Egypt
• Great Zimbabwe National Monument, Zimbabwe
• The Medina of Fes, Morocco
• Twyfelfontein Rock Art, Namibia

Best For: History buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, and cultural explorers seeking to understand the continent's profound and ancient roots.

When to Go: Generally, the dry seasons are best for comfortable touring. For East African sites in Tanzania, the dry season from June to October is ideal. For Southern African sites like Zimbabwe, the best time is from April to October.

For more inspiration, take a look at our Top Reasons to Visit Egypt on Vacation.

Experience the vibrant, contemporary pulse of Africa in its bustling urban centers, where a creative renaissance is unfolding. The continent is a global force in modern art, music, and fashion, with its cities serving as dynamic hubs for innovation and style. From world-class art galleries to infectious Afrobeats and trailblazing fashion scenes, exploring urban Africa showcases a forward-looking continent brimming with creative energy.

• Contemporary Art: Discover cutting-edge African art at galleries like the Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town or within the vibrant Maboneng Precinct in Johannesburg.
• Global Rhythms: Immerse yourself in the music scenes of Lagos, the birthplace of Afrobeats, or enjoy live music festivals across the continent.
• Trailblazing Fashion: Explore the studios of local designers and attend glamorous fashion weeks in cities like Accra, Lagos, and Johannesburg.
• Urban Culture: Feel the creative energy of the streets, from colorful public art to bustling markets where modern trends and traditional crafts collide.

Top Hubs for Modern Culture

• Cape Town, South Africa
• Johannesburg, South Africa
• Nairobi, Kenya
• Marrakech, Morocco

Best For: Culturally savvy travelers, art collectors, music lovers, and fashionistas looking to connect with Africa’s modern, creative soul.

When to Go: This is a year-round experience, but can be timed to coincide with major events like the Cape Town Art Fair in February.

If Morocco appeals to you for a cultural trip, see our Morocco tours and vacations.

Framed by nature's magnificent backdrops, Africa's cities radiate a vitality that reflects the continent’s diverse spirit. These hubs blend culture and commerce. Exuberant market stalls and historic architecture meet modern skylines, and exploring these urban centers reveals a hypnotic juxtaposition of tones and traditions. This allows you to peel back layers of history and discover how jumbled facades hide intriguing destinations with their own unique style.

• Vibrant Rhythms: Experience the energy of city life, from bustling streets to lively, colorful markets.
• Cultural Blends: Discover a harmonious mix of cultures and histories expressed through food, music, and art.
• Historic Hubs: Explore centers of commerce and heritage where informal traders line streets with unique goods.
• Natural Backdrops: Admire stunning cityscapes framed by iconic mountains, oceans, and other natural wonders.
• Hidden Gems: Uncover intriguing and exciting destinations like Cape Town’s colorful Bo-Kaap that have cultivated their own distinct atmosphere and style.

Top Cities to Visit

• Cape Town
• Stone Town
• Nairobi
• Moshi
• Durban
• Kigali
• Livingstone
• Johannesburg

Best For: Urban explorers, foodies, and travelers who enjoy the dynamic energy of city life and cultural fusion.

When to Go: This depends on the city. Cape Town’s prime season is September through April, while East African cities like Nairobi are pleasant during their dry seasons, from June to October and January to February.

For more information on what you expect in a destination like Cape Town, see our Cape Town Culture and History Tour.

A beach break is the perfect way to conclude an African safari, offering a serene setting to relax and re-energize. While many visitors are drawn to the mammal-inundated interior, the continent's stunning coastline remains largely unexplored. Its empty white-sand beaches and hidden bays deliver revered scenes of escapism, where coconut palms and postcard panoramas are framed by majestic forests and mountains.

• Perfect Postlude: Relax and rejuvenate on a tranquil beach after the excitement of a safari adventure.
• Unexplored Escapes: Discover the serene ambiance of secluded beaches and hidden bays away from the crowds.
• Postcard Panoramas: Lounge on tropical shores fringed with glowing white sand and swaying coconut palms.
• Majestic Backdrops: See how coastlines are guarded by dramatic forests and mountains, creating a secluded feel.
• Pristine Waters: Experience the magnetic glow and tranquility of the continent's crystal-clear coastal waters.

Top Beaches to Visit

• Bazaruto Archipelago
• Zanzibar Island
• South Africa’s Wild Coast
• Diani Beach
• South Africa’s Garden Route

Best For: Relaxation seekers, honeymooners, and anyone looking for a tranquil bush and beach combination.

When to Go: The dry seasons are best. For East Africa, this is June to October and January to February. For Southern Africa's coastlines, it varies by region.

Take a look at our best safari and beach vacation packages for more inspiration.

From the iconic summit of Mount Kilimanjaro to the wild trails of the Great Rift Valley, Africa is dotted with a series of inimitable mountains perfect for hiking. Instead of one long chain, these peaks are often standalone cones, offering summit expeditions that can take anywhere from a single day to a full week. Many of these mountains are patrolled by high-altitude wildlife and their rolling escarpments and lush plateaus provide a thrilling and immersive adventure.

• Iconic Peaks: Conquer famous summits like Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya on guided trekking expeditions.
• Wild Trails: Explore inimitable hiking paths that crisscross dramatic landscapes like the Drakensberg Mountains.
• High-Altitude Wildlife: Encounter unique animal specialists that thrive in the fertile and rugged mountain habitats.
• Immersive Adventures: Find excitement around high-altitude plateaus, lush forests, and rolling escarpments.
• Unique Formations: Discover a continent where mountains dot the landscape as individual cones and massifs.

Top Mountains to Explore

• Mount Kilimanjaro
• Mount Kenya
• Mount Meru
• Drakensberg Mountains
• Damaraland
• Rwenzori Mountains
• Lesotho
• Volcanoes National Park

Best For: Active adventurers, avid hikers, and anyone seeking a physical challenge with spectacular scenic rewards.

When to Go: The dry seasons offer the safest and most pleasant conditions. For Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, this is January to March and June to October.

If you are an avid hiker, find more information in Zicasso’s Kilimanjaro Climb and Wildlife Safari Tour.

Welcome to a continent of 3,000 tribes and over 1,000 languages, a patchwork of cultures that has evolved in diverse habitats and continues to preserve ancient traditions. An African safari is also a cultural journey, offering evocative tales and the chance to engage with distinct lifestyles. There is no single image to represent the people of Africa, and meeting with various groups, from the Maasai to the San, reveals a multiplicity that creates a lasting and profound cultural experience.

• Incredible Diversity: Engage with a continent of thousands of distinct tribes and a rich tapestry of languages.
• Living Traditions: Witness and learn about iconic customs that have been preserved and passed down through generations.
• Cultural Journey: Understand that any trip to Africa is an immersive experience in unique and varied lifestyles.
• Evocative Stories: Hear compelling tales and discover the distinct histories of different local communities from the people themselves.
• Personal Encounters: Gain a lasting appreciation for the continent's multiplicity through authentic meetings with its people.

Top Cultural Excursions

• Visit a Maasai community
• Meet with the Himba
• Learn local customs from the Zulu
• Travel remote plateaus with the Samburu
• Uncover secrets of the desert with the San bushmen
• Explore traditional lands with the Hadzabe

Best For: Immersive travelers, lifelong learners, and those seeking authentic connections with the people whose ancestral lands they are visiting.

When to Go: Cultural encounters are available year-round. For a deeper immersion, time your visit with unique festivals, such as Rwanda's Kwita Izina gorilla-naming ceremony, typically in September.

For a glimpse of the cultural experiences you can enjoy in Africa, see our Intimate Tribal and Safari Experiences in Northern Namibia.

Africa's rollercoaster of wildlife continues along thousands of miles of coastline and into the water, where bountiful marine life mixes the common with the unusual. The continent offers unique aquatic adventures, from diving with great white sharks and swimming with dolphins to watching different whale species breach just offshore. Whether you are exploring tropical reefs teeming with colorful fish or sailing across crystal-clear waters, you can travel at a peaceful pace or venture into uncharted marine territories.

• Coastal Wildlife: Extend your wildlife adventure from the savanna to the sea, where unique marine life thrives.
• Thrilling Adventures: Choose from iconic experiences like cage diving with great white sharks or swimming with dolphins.
• Pelagic Giants: Witness incredible spectacles such as breaching whales or the magnificent annual sardine run.
• Vibrant Reefs: Snorkel or scuba dive among spectacular coral systems filled with unforgettable tropical fish.
• Pristine Waters: Sail across crystal-clear seas for a slow and peaceful exploration of the underwater world.

Top Marine Experiences

• Cage dive for great white sharks
• Scuba at Mnemba Atoll
• Snorkel or scuba at Watamu National Marine Park
• Watch for whales in Hermanus
• Embrace tropical marine life in Madagascar
• Watch for dolphins off the Zanzibar coast

Best For: Divers, snorkelers, marine life enthusiasts, and adrenaline seekers.

When to Go: This is highly specific to the activity. Whale watching in Hermanus is best from June to November. The sardine run is May to July. Scuba diving in East Africa is best during the dry seasons.

Visiting Hermanus on our South Africa Whale-Watching Tour and African Safari between June and December will give you the chance to spot these magnificent creatures close to the shore.

From valleys scarring distant deserts to sand dunes that rise for thousands of miles, Africa is full of surreal and incredible wonders. Beyond the savanna, you can discover waterfalls that tumble with a thunderous echo, famous lakes that provide serene days, and tumultuous rivers that offer unique adventures. These destinations are often regular parts of an itinerary, serving as natural highlights that continue the continent's promise of color, enchantment, and discovery.

• Surreal Wonders: Discover incredible and often unknown landscapes, from the Fish River Canyon to the Namib-Naukluft dunes.
• Thundering Waterfalls: Witness the immense power and beauty of iconic waterfalls like Victoria Falls and Tugela Falls.
• Serene Escapes: Enjoy the calm rurality of historic Cape Winelands or spend peaceful days exploring vast lakes.
• River Adventures: Find unique excursions, from mokoro trips on the Okavango Delta to cruises along the Nile River.
• Constant Enchantment: Add natural highlights to your itinerary that showcase the continent’s breathtaking diversity.

Top Landscapes to Visit

• Cape Winelands
• Namib-Naukluft Sand Dunes
• Nile River
• Okavango Delta
• Zambezi River
• Victoria Falls
• Tugela Falls
• Murchison Fall
• Fish River Canyon
• Blyde River Canyon
• Lake Malawi
• Lake Victoria

Best For: Photographers, nature lovers, and anyone in awe of the planet's diverse and dramatic geological formations.

When to Go: This varies. Victoria Falls is at its most powerful from February to May. The Okavango Delta's floodwaters are highest from June to August. The Cape Winelands are beautiful year-round, but best during the harvest, from February-April, or spring, from September to November.

Take to a mokoro in the Okavango Delta for a different perspective of the wildlife. See our best Botswana tours and vacations for more information.

From trekking across historic landscapes and discovering vibrant cities to relaxing on gorgeous beaches and exploring unique marine worlds, Africa makes a grand impression at every turn. You can find wonder in a hidden waterfall, seclusion in a marine sanctuary, or connection within an ancient tribe, with each new experience opening your eyes to the ceaseless majesty of Africa.

Using this guide as a starting point, you can begin to envision how these elements can be woven into your ideal luxury journey. The perfect trip is one that is tailored to you, and our destination specialists are here to craft a personalized itinerary that reflects your unique interests. For additional inspiration, explore our African safari travel guide or browse our African safari tours and vacations.