Looking for the ultimate bucket list experiences in Africa? I’ve traveled to several countries across this stunning continent, and I’m excited to share my personal picks for must-do adventures. From witnessing the Great Migration in Kenya to hiking Table Mountain in South Africa, Africa offers some of the most unforgettable experiences on Earth.
These are the kind of experiences that stay with you forever. So, let’s jump right into the ultimate Africa bucket list and get you inspired for your next adventure!
Top Africa Bucket List Activities in 2025
Below, we’ll cover everything you need—from the best seasons to visit to insider tips on accommodations and transport. So, are you ready to check off these epic African adventures from your bucket list? Let’s go!
1. Gorilla Trekking, Uganda
You’re looking at $800 for a permit in 2025, which honestly isn’t cheap, but I can tell you it’s worth every penny. The experience starts with a bumpy 8-10 hour drive from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, though you can skip most of that with a quick flight to Kihihi if you’re not into marathon road trips. I’ve done both, and the flight definitely wins for comfort.
The actual trek can be anywhere from 2-8 hours depending on where your gorilla family decided to hang out that day. You’ll be in a group of maximum 8 people with armed rangers who know these forests inside and out. When you finally find them, you get exactly one hour with the gorillas – and trust me, it flies by way too fast. The dry seasons (June-August and December-February) are your best bet for easier hiking conditions and better trail access.
Book at least 3-6 months ahead because permits sell out fast, especially during peak season. Stay somewhere close to the park entrance the night before since treks start early. Volcanoes Safari runs some excellent packages that handle all the logistics. Just remember to bring good hiking boots and rain gear – this is a rainforest after all, and it can get muddy real quick.
- Read next: Stunning Places to Visit in Uganda
2. Great Migration, Tanzania
This is hands down one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles on the planet. We’re talking about over 1.5 million wildebeest plus hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles moving across the Serengeti in a massive circular migration. I’ve seen it twice, and it never gets old watching this endless river of animals stretch to the horizon.
For the famous river crossings everyone talks about, plan for July through September when the herds hit the Mara River in northern Serengeti. The crossings are pure chaos – animals jumping into crocodile-infested waters while lions wait on the other side. It’s brutal and beautiful at the same time. February through March is calving season in southern Serengeti, where you’ll see thousands of babies being born daily.
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha, then either take a small plane into the park or drive (which takes about 6 hours). Safari costs run $200-700+ per day depending on how fancy you want to go. Companies like &Beyond and Asilia Africa know exactly where to position you for the best action. Just don’t expect to have the place to yourself – the river crossings can get pretty crowded with safari vehicles.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Places in Tanzania
- You may also like: Awesome Things to Do in Serengeti National Park
3. Shark Diving, Cape Town
Cage diving with great whites in Cape Town is absolutely terrifying in the best possible way. Most operators run trips from Gansbaai, about a 2-hour drive from Cape Town. You don’t need any diving certification since you stay in a surface cage, but you definitely need nerves of steel when a 15-foot shark comes cruising up to check you out.
White Shark Diving Company and Marine Dynamics are the top operators, and they’ll kit you out with everything you need. The best time to go is April through October when water visibility is clearest and shark sightings are most frequent. Expect to pay around $150-250 for the full experience, including wetsuit, breakfast, and boat ride.
I went in June and saw four different sharks, including one massive female that looked like she could swallow the cage whole. The water’s cold (around 14°C), but the adrenaline keeps you warm. Most people base themselves in Cape Town rather than staying in Gansbaai – there’s way more to do in the city, and you can easily drive down for your shark date.
- Read next: Best Places to Live in South Africa
4. Hot Air Ballooning, Namib Desert
Floating over the Namib Desert at sunrise is pure magic – those red sand dunes and white salt pans look completely surreal from above. Most flights launch from near Sesriem, close to the famous Sossusvlei dunes. You’ll need to wake up stupid early (like 4:30 AM), but watching the sun paint those dunes every shade of orange and red makes the early start totally worth it.
Namib Sky Balloon Safaris runs the main operation here, and they do it right – about an hour in the air followed by champagne breakfast in the middle of nowhere. The whole experience costs around $400-500 per person, which includes pickup from your lodge and that fancy breakfast. April through October are the best months when it’s cooler and less windy.
I did this in May and honestly couldn’t believe how quiet it was up there – just the sound of the burner and endless views of the world’s oldest desert. Sometimes you’ll spot oryx or springbok wandering around below, which is pretty cool. The flight itself is smooth as silk, even if you’re not usually great with heights.
5. Table Mountain, Cape Town
Hiking up Table Mountain is like getting a full-body workout with the world’s best reward at the top. The Platteklip Gorge route is the most popular – it’s basically a relentless uphill slog for 2-3 hours, but the views over Cape Town and the ocean are absolutely insane. I’ve done it three times and still get blown away by that final reveal at the summit.
If you’re not feeling the hike, the Table Mountain Cableway will get you up there for about $20 round trip. But honestly, earning those views makes them so much better. The India Venster route is more challenging with some scrambling required, but you get way better views along the way.
Weather changes crazy fast up there, so check conditions before you go and bring layers. I got caught in fog once and couldn’t see two feet in front of me – not fun when you’re on a narrow ledge. The best hiking months are April-June and September-November when it’s cooler and less windy. Always hike with someone else and carry plenty of water.
- Read next: Hidden Gems in South Africa
6. Ancient Ruins, Egypt
Walking through Giza and seeing the Great Pyramid up close is one of those moments that makes you feel tiny in the best way. These things have been standing for over 4,500 years, and you can actually climb inside some of them (for an extra fee). The Sphinx is smaller than you’d expect from photos, but still pretty incredible when you think about how old it is.
Fly into Cairo International Airport and you’re only about 30 minutes from Giza. Entry to the pyramid complex is around $10, but you’ll pay extra to go inside the actual pyramids. Luxor is where things get really wild – the Valley of the Kings tombs are mind-blowing, especially Tutankhamun’s tomb if you’re willing to pay the premium.
I spent three days in Luxor and could’ve easily spent a week. The Karnak Temple complex took over 1,000 years to build, and walking through it feels like being in an ancient city. Just be prepared for aggressive vendors and bring sun protection – it gets seriously hot. Most guided day tours start around $50 per person and are honestly worth it for the historical context.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Egypt
- You may also like: Best Airlines to Fly to Egypt
- For more reading: Stunning Hidden Gems in Cairo
7. Surfing, Taghazout
Taghazout has transformed from a sleepy fishing village into Morocco’s surf capital, and I can see why. The waves here are consistently good from October through April, with Anchor Point offering rides up to 500 meters long on the right day. It’s way more laid-back than other surf destinations, with a cool mix of Berber culture and international surf vibes.
Fly into Agadir Al Massira Airport and it’s only 40 minutes north to Taghazout. The village is small enough to walk everywhere, and you’ll find surf shops and schools all over. Surf Berbere and Taghazout Surf Hostel are solid choices for lessons and gear rental – expect to pay around $20-40 per day for lessons and $10-15 for board rental.
I spent a week there in November and scored perfect waves almost every day. Hash Point, Panoramas, and Mysteries all offer different types of breaks depending on your skill level. The tagine after a long surf session hits differently when you’re watching the sunset over the Atlantic. Week-long surf packages with accommodation, meals, and lessons start around $400, which is pretty reasonable.
8. Nile Cruise, Egypt
Cruising down the Nile is like traveling through a living history book. Most cruises run between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at major temples and tombs along the way. I did a 5-day cruise and it was the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration – floating past traditional villages during the day, then exploring ancient temples in the afternoon.
You can choose between luxury cruise ships with pools and spas or traditional feluccas (sailing boats) for a more authentic experience. The fancy boats start around $100 per day and go up from there, while felucca trips are much cheaper but more basic. Temple of Kom Ombo and Temple of Edfu are usually included stops, along with Philae Temple in Aswan.
The best part is waking up to completely different scenery every morning – sometimes it’s desert, sometimes green farmland, always with the Nile flowing alongside. I loved watching local fishermen and farmers going about their daily lives from the deck. Most cruises include meals and guided tours, so you don’t need to worry about planning anything.
9. Chimpanzee Tracking, Rwanda
Trekking through Nyungwe Forest to find chimpanzees is like being in a real-life nature documentary. This ancient rainforest is incredibly lush and misty, home to 13 primate species including our closest relatives. The permits are only $90 (way cheaper than gorilla tracking), and you get to spend time watching chimps swing through the trees and interact with each other.
Fly into Kigali International Airport and it’s a scenic 5-6 hour drive to Nyungwe. The best tracking months are during the dry seasons (mid-December to February and June to September) when trails are less muddy and chimps are easier to find. The trek starts early morning and can be pretty challenging – thick vegetation, steep paths, and sometimes slippery conditions.
I went in July and we found our chimp group after about 2 hours of hiking. Watching them groom each other and play in the canopy was incredible. The guides are experts at reading chimp behavior and following their calls through the forest. There are a few eco-lodges near the park, ranging from basic to luxury, so you can stay close to the action.
- Read next: Jaw-Dropping Destinations in Rwanda
10. Baobab Avenue, Madagascar
Baobab Avenue near Morondava is like walking through an alien landscape. These massive trees are over 800 years old and look completely surreal, especially at sunset when they’re silhouetted against the sky. There’s no entry fee to visit, and you can walk around freely taking photos and just absorbing the otherworldly atmosphere.
Fly into Morondava from Antananarivo (about a 1-hour flight) and it’s just a short drive to the avenue. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to October when skies are clear and perfect for photography. The trees are most photogenic during golden hour – about an hour before sunset when the light is magical.
I spent an entire afternoon there just wandering among these ancient giants. Each tree has its own personality and shape, and some are absolutely massive. Local guides can tell you about the ecological and cultural significance of baobabs to Malagasy people. Morondava has decent accommodation options, from simple guesthouses to more comfortable hotels, and makes a good base for exploring the area.
- Read next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Madagascar
11. Sandboarding, Namibia
Sandboarding down massive dunes in Namibia is like snowboarding but way more forgiving when you fall. The dunes around Swakopmund can reach several hundred meters high, and racing down them on a board is pure adrenaline. You can choose between lying down (faster, easier) or standing up (more like traditional snowboarding).
Fly into Walvis Bay from Windhoek and take a short shuttle to Swakopmund. Sessions typically cost $50-100 per person including equipment and instruction. The soft sand makes crashes pretty painless, so it’s perfect for beginners who want to try something extreme without major consequences.
I did both styles and honestly had more fun lying down – you can reach some serious speeds and the sand cushions everything. Swakopmund itself is a charming German colonial town with good restaurants and accommodation options. The contrast between the desert and the Atlantic Ocean is pretty striking, and there are other adventure activities like quad biking if you want to make it a full adrenaline weekend.
12. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
Standing next to Victoria Falls is like being next to the edge of the world. The sound is absolutely deafening, and during flood season (February-May), the spray soaks you from hundreds of meters away. Local name Mosi-oa-Tunya means “the smoke that thunders,” which perfectly describes the experience.
You can fly into either Livingstone Airport (Zambia) or Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe). Entry fees are around $30 for international visitors. The Zimbabwean side offers better facilities and maintains good flow year-round, while the Zambian side is less touristy but can be less impressive during dry season when parts of the falls dry up.
I visited in April during high water season and got completely drenched just from the mist – bring rain gear! The Rainbow Falls viewpoint on the Zambian side offers incredible views, and you can often see rainbows in the spray. Both sides have good accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury safari lodges. The falls are genuinely one of those natural wonders that photos can’t capture.
- Read next: Stunning Places to Visit in Zambia
- You may also like: Incredible Places to Visit in Zimbabwe
- For more reading: Magical Destinations to Visit in Africa
13. Kruger Safari, South Africa
Kruger National Park is probably the easiest place in Africa to see the Big Five, with some of the highest wildlife densities on the continent. Self-drive safaris are totally doable here, which makes it way more affordable than guided options. I’ve done both, and there’s something cool about being in control of your own safari experience.
Most people fly into Johannesburg then drive or take a local flight to Hoedspruit or Nelspruit. Park entry fees are about $25 for international visitors, and you can camp or stay in rest camps inside the park from around $30 per night. The dry winter months (May-September) are best for wildlife viewing since animals congregate around water sources.
I spent a week there in July and saw lions almost every day, plus elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are most productive when animals are active. The park is massive (bigger than some countries), so plan to stay in different camps to cover more ground. Satara and Olifants camps are great for big cat sightings.
