Tour Africa. What is there not to do there? Traveling to Africa tops the bucket lists of a majority of travelers, but only recently has the continent actually become a reality by everyday globetrotters. It’s the kind of place you’ve been dreaming about since you were young, and as much as you may have been exposed to the experiences you can have there, Africa is still somewhat a beautiful mystery. If you ever do get the chance to go, make sure you add these unique adventures to your African bucket list:
1.) Going on a Safari
This is much more than your over-priced, amusement park animal exhibit. Going to a safari in Africa is truly a lifetime experience. It’s one of the last places in the world where majestic animals like lions, giraffes, hippos, zebras, etc., can be seen in their natural habitat right in front of your eyes. There’s dozens of tours of there that’ll take you through the Serengeti, depending on how you want to go about it.
2.) Do A Homestay with an African Tribe
We’ve all seen portrayals of tribes in movies and documentaries, but there’s of course a lot we don’t see. Doing a homestay with an African tribe might be way out of your comfort zone, but that is precisely why we travel. This experience will give you a unique opportunity to see a side of African culture that not many get to see, but many often make assumptions about. Let a tour do the work for you while you spend more time getting to know your host family.
3.) Dive with Sharks
Travel is all about trying new, and sometimes terrifying, things. One of these frightening adventures involves diving with sharks. Most of these tours are in South Africa, where the beaches are some of the most popular in the world; not only for shark-diving of course, but for surfing and luxurious beach holidays. No worries, you’ll be in a cage for this!
4.) Outdoor Adventure
There are gorgeous places to hike all over Africa, where you can get the chance to participate in outdoor activities you literally cannot do anywhere else. That’s because here in Africa, you can bungee jump over Victoria Falls, or cruise on the world’s fastest and longest zip line in the world, which happens to be in South Africa.
5.) Volunteer
There are tons of ways to volunteer all over Africa, no matter what your skills are or what your desire is to help. Whether you prefer to volunteer in a school, with wildlife, sustainability, healthcare, or even shelters for cats and dogs, there’s something out there from everyone. Do as much or as little as you’d like, and let making a difference be a whole new kind of travel experience. Volunteer on a tour to find exactly what you’re looking for.
6.) Attend a Festival
Africa has some of the world’s most amazing festivals, and getting to go to one while you’re here is definitely one for the books. Attend the Lake of Stars in Malawi, the Harare International Festival of the Arts, or Festima in Burkina Faso. There’s also hundreds of other tribal festivals that would be amazing to go to if you got the chance (maybe during your homestay?).
7.) Try Some Amazing Cuisine
Food in the different parts of Africa may surely not be something you’re used to, but it’s worth trying nonetheless. From the delectable dishes in Ethiopia, flavorful mixes in West Africa, Mediterranean delights in Morocco, or humble traditions of a small tribe, the options to please your palate are endless.
Author’s Bio: Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in South Korea as an English teacher and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com.
