Best African countries to visit for epic things to do

​By Roxanne Reid
Think African travel and chances are the first word that pops into your mind is safari. Much as I love wildlife and safari, there’s so much more to Africa than that. This collaborative post highlights some of the best African countries to visit for epic things to do, from scuba diving and surfing to hiking on the rim of a live volcano.

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We’ve hiked and e-biked, camped out in a cave, ridden a motorbike and sidecar, crossed national parks on horseback and tracked desert-adapted rhino on foot. But of all our adventures and activities in southern Africa, these are some of my highlights.

1. Hot air ballooning over Sossusvlei, Namibia

We climbed into the basket of a hot air balloon among the sand dunes at Sossusvlei well before dawn, then floated up into the sky as pink started to flush the low clouds. We looked down on a dreamscape of sand dunes, mountains and fairy circles, watched the desert come to life. We even spotted wildlife like gemsbok, springbok and ostrich. Despite the noise and heat of the flame that whooshed every now and then to keep us afloat, it was an ethereal experience as we drifted with the wind towards the landing site. We had a ‘crash’ landing, which meant that the basket overturned but we’d prepared for that and landed safely on our backs, unhurt. We ended with a slap-up brunch and sparkling wine on a dune. It’s expensive, but find the money; this hot air balloon experience will live on in your memory forever.

2. Climbing a sand dune in Namibia

One of the most popular activities at Sossusvlei in the Namib-Naukluft Park is climbing a sand dune. These are 5 to 80 million years old and a rich red thanks to iron oxide in the sand. Dune 45 is one popular climb, but we tackled the higher, 320m Big Daddy dune for superb views over Dead Vlei – a white clay pan photographers love for its dead camel thorn trees. Although they’re 900 years old, these skeletons are still standing because there’s no moisture in the desert to rot them. Climbing a sand dune is tough slogging because your feet sink into the soft sand, but also a chance to focus on tracks and small creatures. I worried that walking on the dunes might damage them, but the wind sweeps the footsteps away within a day. Don’t rush to the top as fast as you can; rather linger to drink in the view and appreciate the moment.

3. Quad biking on the Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

We explored the moonscape of the Makgadikgadi pans on quad bikes, sticking to existing trails so as not to damage the environment. It’s a featureless landscape, not a landmark on the horizon. The pans used to be lakes a million years ago, before tectonic movement formed a ridge to the west and water could no longer flow into them. When the lake water evaporated, it left behind salt and other condensed minerals. After the excitement of riding into the middle of nowhere, kicking up dust, we stopped to allow the silent sunset to creep over us. Once it was dark, the sky was a spectacular canopy of stars. If you do this trip with Planet Baobab, you can opt to sleep overnight on the pans and enjoy an uninterrupted view of every star in the southern hemisphere.

4. Flying over Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is on any Africa lover’s bucket list, a powerful display of tumbling water, rising spray and thundering noise. Thanks to the generosity of a friend, I got to fly in a helicopter over the Falls a few years back to get a bird’s eye view and appreciate just how big and powerful they are. The pilot made a few passes so everyone saw the spectacle from their side of the chopper and could take photographs, but still the 10-15min flight was over way too quickly. When David Livingstone approached Victoria Falls in his canoe back in the 19th century he could see the spray from miles away. He wrote, ‘Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.’ See them from the air and you’ll realise just how splendid this UNESCO World Heritage Site really is.

5. Canoeing the Zambezi River, Zimbabwe

Mana Pools and the Sapi Concession next door make up a true wilderness area in northern Zimbabwe. This is where to go for a walking safari, to see bull elephants stand on their back legs to reach into the trees for a tasty meal. It’s also where you can get into a canoe and paddle yourself down the Zambezi River to feel closer to what is truly the lifeblood of the area. You’re so quiet that you see lots of water birds, maybe hippos and crocs, or elephants forging across the water to an island to find food. Trust your guides to keep you safe. A late afternoon paddle lets you watch the changing colours of the sky at sunset, and the reflections in the water.

6. Ziplining through the Tsitsikamma Forest, South Africa

We went ziplining with Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours in one of the Garden Route’s indigenous forests, surrounded by huge yellowwoods, giant ferns and forest birds. We climbed to a wooden platform 30m above the forest floor and got the first anxious step off the platform and slide out of the way. After that it was all Tarzan-and-Jane fun zipping from tree to tree on the ten slides – the longest of them a thrilling 91m. Although there are 500 species of tree here, only the Cape hard pear and the giant Outeniqua yellowwood have been used for the platforms, which are built in a way that doesn’t damage the tree. Our guides briefed us well and helped us every step of the way; they also explained a bit about forest ecology between the slides.

7. Hiking in Kruger National Park, South Africa

​A three-night Wilderness Trail in the Kruger National Park is one of the best ways to get an authentic bush experience. It’s not extreme hiking, more a twice daily nature immersion. It was a chance to explore untouched wilderness areas on foot where we didn’t have to obsess about the Big Five, though we did see elephant, lion and leopard on the Olifants Trail. Instead, we got excited about birds, tracks, broken bits of grass and what they might be telling us, trees and shrubs and their uses to man and animals, even dung. Our expert guide and tracker exploded with interesting information, they entertained us and kept us safe. We overnighted in basic huts, got well fed by the camp chef, and lay in bed at night listening to the calls of lions, hyenas and hippos. We loved the remoteness and getting away from the Kruger crowds.

Obviously, I haven’t been everywhere or done everything so I asked other travel bloggers about their favourite activities in Africa. Here are the comments and photos they shared. You can find out more about each experience in the writer's blog link.
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8. Paragliding on the Garden Route, South Africa

If you’re looking for adventure, South Africa has it all. I loved paragliding on the Garden Route with SA Paragliding Adventures at Sedgefield, close to Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. The experience was wonderful from start to finish, from the friendly staff who made us feel at ease to running forwards off a big hill and taking in the stunning views over the rolling hills, rivers and never-ending beach. I thought it would feel really fast but when you’re up there floating, it’s still and peaceful. Every so often you’ll lift up through an air thermal, which is exciting. They will even let you steer yourself for a short time. Drifting over the world below and seeing it from a different perspective is truly magical.
​Sam Topping, Honest Explorer

9. Rock climbing in the Cederberg, South Africa

The Rocklands in South Africa’s Cederberg mountains is well known in the rock climbing community as one of the best bouldering destinations in the world. Professional and amateur rock climbers from all over the globe travel here to test their strength and skill on sandstone boulders. Friends and I went for two weeks and barely had time to scratch the surface of all the climbing opportunities. All we did was eat, sleep and rock climb (with rest days every so often to restore our muscles). It’s a rock climber’s playground, and you could spend years travelling back to this place and still not climb everything it has to offer. If you’re keen on climbing and looking for a taste of adventure, put bouldering at the Rocklands at the top of your adventure list in Africa.
Allison, She Dreams of Alpine

10. Pony trekking in Lesotho

A few years back I joined a pony trek experience from Mount Moroosi in the south of Lesotho to Malealea. We had to pack all our food and supplies for about five days. It was special to travel on horses through areas where nobody, or rather no white people, had been before because of course this is the daily mode of transport for the local Basotho population. The people don’t have much but while on our trek we had women come to us with a handful of berries to taste and in the evenings, after we had asked the chief for permission and set up our tents, they would come to sit with us. This five-day pony trek experience is one of my fondest memories of Lesotho.
Jessy Lipperts, Planet Pilgrims

11. Sailing in a dhow in Mozambique

The area around Inhambane and Tofo along Mozambique’s southern coastline is off the beaten tourist track, with only a small airport linking the region. The Bay of Inhambane is therefore a beautiful place to enjoy a dhow cruise to soak up the picturesque surroundings. A dhow is a traditional sailing boat typically used to transport goods or as a fishing vessel. The best time to enjoy a dhow cruise is as the sun begins to set, allowing you a stunning view as the light fades. Your guide will offer up a feast of snacks and drinks to enjoy as you bob along. As you tuck in and sip on a cold 2M beer, your captain will sail you around the estuary, pointing out some of the most interesting spots and explaining the area’s traditions and history.
Laura & Charlie, The Travelling Stomach

12. Hiking in the desert, Namibia

Tok Tokkie Trails is a three-day, two-night guided hike through the NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia. The landscape will be etched in your heart for years to come. Nothing compares to treading a path through the desert by day and sleeping under the stars by night. The 22km hike is perfect for beginners, crossing gently undulating sand dunes, expansive grassy plains, and a small rocky mountain. You’ll learn about the desert’s natural features and inhabitants, from the graceful oryx to the hardy tok tokkie beetle. At day’s end, rest your weary bones in eco-luxe desert camps. Enjoy a three-course dinner, wash off the desert dust with a hot bucket shower, and sleep under the stars on cosy stretcher beds. The real party starts after dark, when one of the darkest skies in the world explodes with stars and the most vivid Milky Way you’ve ever witnessed.
Claire, The Adventurous Flashpacker

13. Skydiving in Namibia

Swakopmund, a desert oasis on the west coast of Namibia, is one of the main adrenalin capitals of southern Africa. The most popular adventure activity is skydiving. What could be better than jumping out of a plane at an altitude of 3000m above what is considered to be the oldest and most picturesque desert in the world? From above, you can see where the desert meets the waters of the icy Atlantic Ocean, which is also known as the Skeleton Coast. What also makes skydiving Swakopmund special is that the area is very remote. The instructors are all very professional and there’s a chilled atmosphere while you wait for your jump. Enjoy the scenery while hurtling towards the ground at near terminal velocity until your chute opens, which is when you can admire the breathtaking view for a few extra minutes.
Sabine & Sean, The Travelling Chilli

14. Swimming in Devil's Pool, Victoria Falls, Zambia

Devil’s Pool in Zambia is often touted as the world’s most dangerous infinity pool. It’s best described as a natural infinity pool that sits atop the thundering Victoria Falls. It’s possible to swim there when seasonal water levels allow (usually mid August to mid January, though this varies from year to year). The adventure begins at the Royal Livingstone Hotel. From there, thrill seekers travel across the Zambezi River by speedboat to Livingstone Island, where David Livingstone first set eyes on the Falls. After a short swim across the Zambezi, we lowered ourselves into the Devil’s Pool and allowed its currents to push us to the edge of Victoria Falls. It was an incredible moment, hanging over the edge of one of the world’s greatest wonders. 
Elaine & David, Show Them The Globe

15. Climbing an active volcano in the DRC

Mount Nyiragongo is an active volcano in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with the largest lava lake in the world. The climb is tough – straight up the side of a volcano that’s over 3350m high, with zero switchbacks to ease the pain. There’s also a risk of militia activity in the country, although I felt safe while I was there. The climb was worth all of the pain, fear and physical effort it took to get there. A magical moment was reaching the top of the volcano and peering down into a pool of bubbling magma. It felt like staring down into the centre of the planet, and I spent hours sitting in silence, staring in awe. That night, I camped beside the crater, listening to the lava splashing below me, too excited to sleep. This is definitely one of the most epic things you can do in Africa.
Lauren Juliff, Never Ending Footsteps

16. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Imagine coming face to face with an ancient cousin of our species in the deep and dense forests of Africa. That experience 16 years ago was one of the most memorable of my life. As we started the hike I wondered why the guides had machetes, but soon discovered the bamboo forest grows rapidly every day so they have to cut branches to make the tracks passable. My shoes became loaded with thick mud from the wet soil so good hiking shoes are a must. Coming eye to eye with a group of gorillas was thrilling. They were right in front of us – an enormous silverback, some females and little ones in a large family group. They saw us too but just went about their daily lives, ignoring us while we were in awe of them.
Jyoti Baid, Story at Every Corner

17. Hiking in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

We went on a thrilling two-hour hike in Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park. We started out in the rain armed with hiking poles. A slippery path led us down into the rain forest and we made slow progress, but it was exhilarating to listen to the sounds of exotic birds. The climax of our experience was a suspended canopy bridge that stretched 200m across the rain forest. Walking across the bridge, which shook violently at every step, was an adventure in itself and not for the fainthearted. As we stood in the middle of the swaying bridge looking down at the forest 60m below, the sky transformed into a palette of shades of orange. The sun setting among flitting clouds provided a moment so magical that it remains etched in our memory.
Sandy & Vyjay, Voyager

18. Trekking the Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda

This has to be one of the most epic and rarest adventures you can have in Africa. Fewer than 10 000 people visit each year (the number of people who do the multi-day hike is capped, and even this isn’t reached). These are the legendary Mountains of the Moon, a range of snow-capped peaks on the equator in the heart of Africa. The mountains straddle Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but are most accessible in Uganda. Forests of cabbage-like trees, giant lobelias, trees draped in Spanish moss and shrouded in mist, hidden lakes, equatorial glaciers – it’s a magical, other-worldly landscape. There are basic huts to stay in and a guide and porters are mandatory. They help ease the difficulty of an often-muddy trek, and hiring them gives local people employment and an inherent investment in helping to preserve this fragile environment.
James Ian, Travel Collecting

​19. Chimp trekking in Uganda

We went chimp trekking in Uganda in two places – in the Kibale National Forest and in the Kyambura Gorge. Each was a different experience and I’d recommend doing both if you have time. At Kibale National Forest we trekked through the forest for about an hour before we found the chimps. We first ​heard them howling in the treetops then spent an incredible hour with them. Though you are meant to maintain a distance from the chimps, they kept coming close even when we tried to move away. Our experience at the gorge was very different, calmer and quieter. Even though we only saw them from a distance because of inclement weather, it was still amazing. I’d recommend adding the chimps to your Uganda bucket list.
Leona Bowman, Wandermust Family

​20. Climbing Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Climbing Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is a phenomenal challenge. I trekked with eleven other hikers and an amazing team of guides and porters. I was impressed with the support, the food, the expertise, the safety while on the hike. I chose the longest trek, Lemosho route, to give myself more time to acclimate to the altitude. Altitude sickness is a major factor in some hikers not making it to the summit. Each day we walked about 16km, really slowly. We ate great food and slept in tents. Most nights we had a view of the peak. Day by day the ecosystem changed, from lush forest to barren alpine desert. Summit night was the most challenging; we hiked through the night to reach the summit at sunrise. We were freezing, short of breath and exhausted but it was worth it to make it to the top.
Megan McCormick, Beyond the Photos

21. Snorkelling at Chumbe Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania

I’ve snorkelled in many parts of the world but was blown away by Chumbe Island Coral Park in Zanzibar, Tanzania, with its array of tropical fish and colourful coral. An award-winning private nature reserve in the Indian Ocean, the marine sanctuary has 440 fish species and 90% of the coral diversity in East Africa, with 200 species of hard corals. The pristine coral reef is so fiercely protected that only 16 visitors are allowed on the island at a time and scuba diving isn’t permitted unless it’s for research purposes (conservationists have spent 20 years researching and protecting the area). I booked a day visit to Chumbe Island from Stone Town, a tour that included snorkelling, a nature walk, lunch and learning about the conservation project at the island’s eco-lodge (you can also book an overnight stay). For snorkelling enthusiasts visiting Tanzania, this is an experience not to be missed.
Helen Suk, Not Without My Passport

​22. Hiking salt lakes and a volcano, Ethiopia

​I did an epic four-day trip through the Danakil Depression, a large swathe of desert stretching from Ethiopia into Eritrea. One of the hottest places on Earth, it has some of Africa’s most bizarre landscapes. The first night you watch the sun set over a salt lake. You may meet salt miners hauling their loads on camels’ backs for the three-day walk back to Mekele. On the second day, you visit Dallol – a mini-volcano in the salt flats that spouts sulphuric acid to create an ever-changing technicolour landscape. On the third night, you reach the base of the active volcano Erta Ale. You hike 12km to the top in scorching heat. You camp right on the rim of a lava lake and walk down to within a couple of metres of the crater rim, shoes melting under your feet, falling through semi-hardened lava, waiting for your guide to yell ‘run’ if a wave comes too close.
Carrie Mann, Trains, Planes and Tuktuks

23. Scuba diving in Egypt’s Red Sea​

There’s no better thrill than exploring the vast underwater world, and Egypt is the perfect place to do it. Visibility is good, temperatures are pleasant (even in the colder winter months), and the gorgeous reefs and majestic wrecks are a sight to behold. Marine life is abundant and really diverse. You could encounter whale sharks, clown fish, stonefish, eagle rays, murrays, seahorses, turtles and more. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two. Convinced yet? Scuba diving in Egypt is a wonderful experience for both novice and expert divers. It was the highlight of my three-week solo trip to Egypt, and there’s not a doubt in my mind that I’ll return to explore the Red Sea’s underwater world some more.
Lisa Vandenbossche, Clumsy Stray Cat

24. Surfing in Taghazout, Morocco

Is surfing in Morocco a thing? It sure is. Not many people realise there are some killer spots here to catch waves. When I found out, I was glued to the idea and ended up staying in Taghazout for over a month learning how to be a surf bum. There are lots of beaches with great surf a few hours in either direction of Taghazout. The waves cater to beginners and pros so everyone can enjoy them. Taghazout surfing has camps for the totally clueless; you can go out every day for a week and get your skills and confidence to a point where you can go out alone. The best part? This usually expensive sport is pretty cheap here. After my camp, I was renting a wetsuit and board for the whole day for only US$7.
Nina Ragusa, Where in the World is Nina?

25. Camel riding in the Sahara Desert, Morocco

A night in the Sahara Desert remains one of my favourite memories. We rode camels into the desert to stay with Berbers, an ethnic people indigenous to North Africa. I’d had no previous experience with camels and soon discovered that an hour’s ride is not for everyone. Once we arrived at the campsite, all pain was forgotten. Just before sunset the rays of sunlight reflected off the sand dunes, forming a golden halo. At night, we gathered around a long wooden table to enjoy couscous and tagine cooked by our hosts. We chatted about life and the future, drifting off for a chilly February night in our tents. In the morning, we rode back with our camels and said goodbye to our charming hosts. I’d definitely recommend adding such an experience to your bucket list.
Daisy Li, Beyond My Border

26. Trekking in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco

In Morocco’s Atlas Mountains is the highest peak in North Africa – Mount Toubkal. A Toubkal trek to the summit is a challenging yet rewarding experience, especially if you take a couple of extra days to enjoy the Berber villages at its base. Going with a guide, such as Aztat Treks, on this journey is essential and makes the overall trek incredibly rewarding, especially learning about the region’s history and culture, and experiencing authentic accommodations and beautifully made food. Mount Toubkal is 4187m high so reaching the summit is no small feat. Preparation, plenty of food and water, taking breaks along the way, and acclimating to the thin air overnight at the Refuge Toubkal help make for a successful trip.
Christa Rolls, Expedition Wildlife

27. Biking across the Sahara to West Africa

It’s not all that hard to bicycle across the Sahara Desert – if you have stamina and don’t mind the sun and wind. A tar road goes all the way from Morocco, through the Western Sahara and Mauritania. Granted, there are still issues with landmines if you venture off road in the Western Sahara, but other than that it’s quite a reasonable undertaking. We did this 2000km trek in 2007, and even then there was cell phone connection pretty much everywhere except in Mauritania. The cell phone towers usually had a big wall around them, creating shaded spots to have a break from the sun. On a bike you connect with the locals. Where else will you get your water from, and stock up on food? After all, there’s no money spent on gas or diesel, but all the more on rice and beans.
Chantal, Earth Nomads

28. Cooking in The Gambia, West Africa

We don colourful outfits from the rail of clothes in Ida’s courtyard kitchen and head off to the local fish market, feeling a little self-conscious. The market is on the beach and it’s a riot of colour, noise and action. Brightly painted pirogues, the local fishing boats, are being unloaded while seagulls squawk overhead. Guided by Ida, we buy ingredients for the West African dish, fish benachin. Back in her courtyard, we are each assigned a task, some peeling and others pounding, crushing up the ingredients for a spicy sauce to be served with the fish. Soon a benachin (which means ‘single pot’) is bubbling away. When it’s ready, we sit on the floor, eating out of one bowl as is the tradition, while Ida tells us more about Gambian life. It’s a day out I recommend as an insight into the local culture.
Kathryn Burrington, Travel With Kat

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