5 African Getaways to Add to Your Travel Bucket List

Plan a holiday around a novel African experience you'll never forget – from a gorilla adventure in Rwanda to a beach escape on the coast of Zanzibar.

The COVID red list has left South Africans fantasising about out-of-country trips. Luckily, you don't have to travel far to experience an exotic dream holiday. Our beautiful continent has plenty of bucket-list experiences, and if you just can't wait to scratch that travel itch, most African nations are allowing SA travellers to visit, often with lighter quarantine restrictions than elsewhere. ​

Zimbabwe – The Smoke That Thunders

Find out why Victoria Falls is one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Located on the Zimbabwe/Zambia border, on the mighty Zambezi River, this neighbouring marvel offers a whole host of activities from hiking through the rainforest to see the falls to a mini river cruise to catch a glimpse of hippos, crocodiles and other surrounding wildlife. And if you're feeling particularly daring you can bungee jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge.

Holiday Experience on offer: Victoria Falls Explorer with Contiki

Botswana – Okavango Delta Safari

Chobe National Park is Botswana's most diverse reserve and is home to the Chobe River, lush grasslands, brimming lagoons and an incredible variety of wildlife. When you head out on a safari, expect to see herds of elephant and buffalo (in BIG numbers) as well as giraffes, lions, hippos, zebras and even a cackle of hyenas – the list goes on. Bird spotters would also very much be in their element on this trip.

Holiday Experience on offer: Wildlife Photo Safari

Zanzibar – Beach Paradise

For an island-style getaway, who needs Bali or Thailand when you have Zanzibar just off the African continent? We're talking about sunset cruises, scuba diving on the Mnemba Reef, kitesurfing and anything else you'd expect to break up your lazy sessions of cocktails on the beach. You can also enjoy walking tours of Stone Town, Jozani Forest and spice farms (after all, Zanzibar is known as "Spice Island").

Holiday Experience on offer: Beach Escape with Contiki

Morocco – Desert Dreams

Morocco has become a popular holiday destination in recent years. Who hasn't seen a mandatory hot air balloon picture on Instagram? It's rather difficult to find a desert destination that offers as much as this North African country. Culture, culture, culture! Morocco is brimming with it. Be prepared to be wowed by medieval architecture and ancient Roman ruins or tantalised by tasting fragrant tagines and chermoula-marinated fish (the country does border the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean).

Holiday Experience on offer: Kasbahs and Desert

Kenya and Rwanda – Mountain Gorilla Adventure

There are many reasons for tourists to book a flight to East Africa, but two of the most popular are once-in-a-lifetime adventures: visiting the Masai Mara in Kenya, a savannah wilderness park featuring rolling grassy hills (almost like The Lion King setting come to life); and laying eyes on mountain gorillas after hiking in the tropical forests of Rwanda. Mountain gorillas are endangered due to threats to their habitat, which makes seeing these great apes in the wild unforgettable.

Holiday Experience on offer: Masai Mara and Gorilla Adventure

Inspired to broaden your horizons and travel outside of South Africa? Luckily, you don't have to go too far.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or medical advice.