A First-Timer’s Guide for Planning a Trip to Africa

According to statistics published by the UNWTO, Africa has already recovered 88% of its international tourist arrivals when compared with pre-pandemic figures. This places Africa in the third position internationally for the most arrivals during the first quarter of 2023.

Africa is a vast continent and home to some of the Earth’s most diverse habitats and cultures. If you’re looking for unspoiled nature, ancient historical sights, and plenty of adventure, Africa is a great choice for your next international vacation.

Start planning a trip to Africa today with these helpful and inspiring pointers.

What to Expect on a Trip to Africa

If you aren’t familiar with the term ‘Africa time’ yet, you will be by the end of your trip.

African people are more in tune with the natural rhythm of things, and things happen at a much slower pace no matter where you are on the continent.

You might find this frustrating at first, but you’ll soon realize that taking it easy is one of the reasons you’re on vacation anyway.

Most African countries are much less developed than those in Europe and North America. That means cell phone signals can be erratic, gravel roads abound, and cities are much smaller than you’re used to.

You’ll also come across poverty wherever you go, particularly in the cities. Rural people in Africa view wealth differently from the way modern societies do.

Since tourism is a major moneymaker and source of employment for Africans, you can rest assured that your visit is contributing to uplifting the people you come across.

This is especially true when you visit one of the many wildlife conservancies dotted across the continent. Local communities own and run the conservancies, and they benefit directly from all tourism income.

Other things to remember when planning your trip to Africa include heat and mosquitoes. Always wear sun protection when you venture outdoors, and be sure to take precautions against malaria if you’re traveling to an affected area.

You’ll need a pair of binoculars per person to avoid arguments and plenty of backup storage space for all the photographs you’re bound to take.

Things to Do in Africa

Safari trips to Africa hold the top spot on many a traveler’s bucket list, and you’ll find no shortage of places to enjoy these thrilling expeditions.

The continent is home to Earth’s fastest, tallest, and largest land mammals, extremely rare mountain gorillas, and the legendary Big Five species. It’s also a place where you’ll discover many unusual and uniquely adapted creatures found nowhere else on Earth.

Some of Africa’s top safari destinations include:

• South Africa’s Kruger National Park
• The Serengeti in Tanzania and Kenya
• Namibia’s Etosha National Park and Namib Naukluft National Park
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Some of the exciting activities available in these wildlife havens include guided and self-drive safaris, guided bush walks, hot-air balloon safaris, birding and photography tours, rhino and elephant tracking, and kayak safaris.

These tranquil destinations are also ideal for relaxing while surrounded by nature, gazing up at unpolluted star-spangled skies, and al fresco fireside dining.

Other fun things to do in Africa include:

• Horse and camel rides
• Desert dune bike tours
• Scuba diving and snorkeling
• Beach activities
• Watersports

You’ll find all the regular kinds of activities on offer in major centers, too. These include malls, cinemas, children’s activities, sports, theaters, museums, galleries, and theme parks.

The Best Countries for Your African Adventures

There are 54 countries in Africa, but some stand out as more suited to tourist activities. The top contenders for your travels include:

South Africa

By far Africa’s most visited country, South Africa is also one of the most developed destinations on the continent.

There is very little you can’t do in South Africa. Here, you’ll find a wealth of beach, mountain, and wilderness destinations to explore and enjoy.

Some of South Africa’s most famous places include:

• Cape Town
• Winelands area
• Kruger National Park
• Drakensberg
• Karoo
• Kalahari Desert
• Table Mountain

Whether you’re looking for non-stop action or more leisurely pursuits, you’ll find just what you need in this diverse and hospitable country.

Tanzania

Tanzania offers a host of adventures at, above, and below sea level. Here you can lounge on powder-white beaches, climb Kilimanjaro, which is Africa’s highest peak, and scuba dive among brilliant coral reefs.

Serengeti National Park sets the scene for the Great Migration, which sees millions of gnus and zebras crossing the plains, with a host of fearsome predators following close behind.

Namibia

Contrary to popular belief, there’s a lot more to Namibia than the sandy expanses of the Namib Desert. Namibia is also home to bushveld environments, lush forests, salt pans, vast canyons, and quaint seaside villages.

Namibia is one of the most successful conservation countries on earth, offering excellent opportunities to spot rare black rhinos as well as the planet’s only examples of desert-adapted lions, elephants, and rhinos.

Zambia

Another haven for wildlife, Zambia is the home of the walking safari, so you’d be missing out if you didn’t embark on one of these adventures during your trip.

It also borders the incredible Victoria Falls, regarded as one of the original Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from gazing in amazement at the rushing waters, you can also take part in a host of high-adrenalin activities near the falls, such as:

• Air flips
• Bungee jumping
• Whitewater rafting
• Abseiling
• Fishing for tigerfish

More laid-back travelers can soak in the Devil’s Pool at the very edge of the Falls, hike Batoka Gorge, or take a sunset cruise along the raging Zambezi River.

Start Planning a Trip to Africa Today

While planning a trip to Africa, you’re bound to discover many more fascinations to pique your interest. Friendly people, fascinating spaces, and high adventure await all those who venture to Africa.

Would you prefer something a little closer to home for your next vacation? Browse our blog for more travel inspiration.