Africa is blessed with some of the rarest and most beautiful animals in the world, enticing tourists to book safaris year-round. However, safaris only scratch the surface of what the continent has to offer. From wine tours to vibrant coastal cities, Africa presents a plethora of experiences for those willing to delve deeper into its diverse landscapes.

Mountains, Dunes, and Rivers

For hiking enthusiasts, Africa is home to numerous peaks, from Morocco’s Mount Toubkal to the continent’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Additionally, Zimbabwe's Mount Nyangani features a skywalk atop the Mutarazi Falls, the country's highest waterfall. South Africa's Table Mountain can be climbed in a matter of hours, while adrenaline junkies may prefer bungee jumping from Johannesburg’s Soweto Towers or the Bloukrans Bridge along the famous “Garden Route.”

Zina Bencheikh, managing director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Intrepid Travel, recommends Madagascar’s Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. This park features two geological zones, “Small Tsingy” and “Big Tsingy,” named for their challenging terrain. “Big Tsingy Trek is not your usual hike,” she said, describing it as a “labyrinth of limestone formations that resemble a forest made of rock.”

In Namibia, travelers can climb the iconic Dune 45 to admire the sand dunes of the Sossusvlei, explore the eerie white clay pan of Deadvlei, or hike through the picturesque Sesriem Canyon. At Victoria Falls, along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, visitors can whitewater raft, bungee jump, or swim at the Devil’s Pool on the Zambian side of the falls. Similar adventures can be found in Jinja, Uganda, where the River Nile begins.

Explore the Beach

African beach towns offer a blend of beauty and culture in places like Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique, Mauritius, Zanzibar, Ghana, Namibia, and Egypt. Mombasa, a coastal city in Kenya, is a notable example. Here, tourists can experience a mix of African, Indian, and Arab cultures. Mombasa’s Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Portuguese in 1593, is a must-see.

Luciemarie Swanepoel, owner of African Sky of Diamonds Tours & Safaris, recommends visiting Zanzibar to wander the labyrinthine alleys of Stone Town, along with Kenya’s Swahili Coast, the historical Gede ruins, and the UNESCO-named Mijikenda Kaya Forests. Madagascar is another island gem, boasting beaches like Nosy Be and Ile Sainte Marie, known for their palm-fringed coasts and vibrant coastal villages.

In South Africa, Durban and Cape Town are top beach destinations, offering opportunities for kitesurfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and whale watching.

Go on a Cruise

From budget-friendly houseboats to luxurious all-inclusive boutique lake cruises, Africa offers a range of unique boating experiences. Cruises along the Nile, Zambezi, and Chobe rivers, as well as Rwanda’s Lake Kivu, are highly recommended. These water journeys provide a spectacular viewing platform for wildlife. Kate Powell, general manager of the houseboat company Zambezi Queen Collection, highlights the chance to see herds of elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and hundreds of hippos.

Cruise enthusiasts can explore the Manambolo River on a pirogue, or wooden dugout canoe, under towering rock cliffs or stop to explore caves and the eerie tombs of the Vazimba, said to be the earliest inhabitants of Madagascar. East and South Africa have their own ocean cruise routes, with Silversea, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC offering departures from Africa.

Wine Tours

Countries like Morocco, Namibia, and Ethiopia have established wine regions, but South Africa is the continent’s crown jewel. Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, Cape Town’s tourism and trade agency, notes that the Western Cape is the heart of the wine industry. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl are part of the famous Cape Winelands, where visitors can tour historic estates, taste award-winning wines, and learn about the winemaking process.

Elmarie Rabe, marketing manager at Visit Stellenbosch, advises travelers to choose wineries committed to sustainable and organic practices. She recommends visiting during the harvest season from late January to March, but notes that each season has its own charm.

The best time to visit is during the harvest season from late January to March, when the vineyards are in full swing. However, each season offers its own unique charm: spring brings lush landscapes and ideal weather, while winter is perfect for enjoying bold red wines by the fireplace, and summer provides sunny days ideal for outdoor wine tasting.