5 Moments to Tick Off Your Bucket List in Africa

By Caitlin Spouge

Last updated: 13th October 2023

Dreaming of immersing yourself in the outdoors, camping under the stars and waking to the wild sounds of nature as your alarm clock? A trip to Southern and Eastern Africa is all this and more. It’ll be the trip where you are pinching yourself every day. The trip you won’t stop talking about for years to the point that your friends start interrupting your stories to sarcastically say, “Sorry, did you go to Africa?”. 

Keep reading for 5 unique experiences in Africa that you will want to put straight on your bucket list. And you’re in luck, they won’t have to stay on the list for long as you can tick them all off on ‘The Great African Journey’ trip. 

1. Safaris in National Parks 

The perfect trip to Africa is filled with safaris spotting not only the Big 5 (the nickname given to the group: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos), but countless other captivating wildlife. There are so many incredible national parks ideal for game drives but the legendary Etosha in Namibia, Serengeti in Tanzania and Maasai Mara in Kenya are definitely ones not to miss. Bounce along in a 4x4 as you get magical sightings of lions lazing in the shade and giraffes chomping on the trees above. 

2. Victoria Falls

Southern Africa is full of natural wonders and the mighty Victoria Falls is, arguably, up there as the most iconic. This is a sight to behold as the world’s greatest sheet of falling water. Even if you choose to just explore the park on foot and not tackle one of the many epic adventure sports on offer, your time here will be incredible. 

If you want to get your heart racing, try out white water rafting, bungee jumping or soaring down the zipline!  

3. Camping 

If you’re going to immerse yourself in Africa’s wilderness, you’ve got to experience camp life to do it properly! Every night you’ll get involved with the cooking and gather around the fire to relive the adventures of the day. Camping in landscapes such as the Namib Desert is a must. Not only is this the oldest desert in the world but it is also home to the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei - the largest in the world! When you post your pictures of these dreamy surroundings and the blanket of stars you’re sleeping under, don’t be surprised if everyone thinks they’re photoshopped. 

4. Gorilla Trekking

If you’re a wildlife lover, this ones for you! Gorilla trekking is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. Embark on a hike through the dense Ugandan jungle and into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, searching for a family of mountain gorillas living in the wild. You won’t believe your eyes as you settle down under the canopy of ancient trees to observe these animals in their natural habitat. 

5. Meet local communities 

We can’t talk about travelling through so many countries in Africa without mentioning the amazing people you will meet. With hundreds of different cultures and traditions across the various countries you will visit, every day will be as unique as the next. From local tour guides who will show you around with an infectious passion for the land to inspiring community projects, you’ll feel welcomed by the locals everywhere you visit.

See the full itinerary for The Great African Journey here. Plus, this epic 55-day adventure can be broken into smaller modules! If you want to experience the highlights of Africa but don’t quite have 55 days, check out one of these trips: 

Cape Town to Victoria Falls Overland

Wild Africa Adventure

South Africa to Kenya Overland

Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Trek

Wondering if travelling Africa is for you? Read our article here.