The 8 Most Magical Tours In Africa - Updated 2024

best tours in africa
Hannah
Hannah 
Updated
| 5 min read

Africa is steeped in natural wonder, vast landmass, the different landscapes and climates - from the searing Sahara to the sleepy Savannah. It has both tropical rainforests and bustling metropolises with raw coast line on either side. Africa it seems has it all, with millions of tourists flocking to visit this magical continent every year it’s easy to see why, but with so much to choose from and so much to see, it’s hard to know how to begin your African adventure. Luckily we here at Trip101 have you covered. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of the ‘Best Tours in Africa’ to start exploring this magical continent, from the elusive Elephant trail in Namibia, to Victoria Falls and the Garden Route, we’ve got your back, so pack up, strap in and don’t miss a beat.

1. For a taste of the exotic head to Morocco (from USD 756.0)

Maroc Marrakech Jemaa-el-Fna Luc Viatour
Source: Photo by user Lviatour used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Morocco, the jewel of Northern Africa. This tour takes you on a guided journey through the most intriguing/impressive parts of Morocco. It includes coach pickups and transfers, allowing you to make the most of your free time in some of Northern Africa’s most mesmerizing cities. Get lost in the Souks of Marrakech, immerse yourself within the rich culture of Fez and be amazed at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Medina (the old city); after each day of adventure you’ll rest easy knowing that you’ll be staying in 3-4 star accommodation.

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Casablanca, Marrakech, Meknes, Fez, Rabat 5-Day from Spain

Duration: 5 days

42 reviews

2. Witness the start of mankind at the Cradle of Humankind (from USD 159.19)

best tours in africa | witness the start of mankind at the cradle of humankind
Source: instagram

This family friendly tour takes you from your accommodation to the world famous Cradle of Humankind; just one of the eight African World Heritage Sites listed by UNESCO. Witness the beginnings/origins of humanity within a world class exhibition which explores our 3-million year old ancestral home. Experience the Maropeng Exhibition – ‘Maropeng’ being a Setswana word meaning, ‘returning to the place of our origins’. The tour then brings you back to the modern world as you move onto a beautiful lion park where you have your chance to touch and interact with a lion cub and cheetah.

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From Johannesburg: Cradle of Humankind and Lion Safari

Duration: 9.0 hour

28 reviews

3. Wild Namibia - for the photographer within you (from 2653.12 USD)

Elephants
Source: Pixabay

Namibia, Africa’s Western gem, swept up between the Namib Desert and the Elephant Coast, is often said to be the perfect starting point for anyone wishing to start their African adventure. Viators 10 day tour is the perfect way to explore this spectacular country, hitting some of the most spellbinding scenery along the way including; mesmerizing landscapes and adventure around every corner. You’ll be certain that your adventure to Namibia won’t disappoint.

Lonely Planet describes Namibia as an “Elephant Stomping Ground.” It is here that you will get your chance to meet some of the incredible desert elephants; once widespread throughout Africa, can only now be found in Namibia and Mali.

10 Day Namibia Tour from Windhoek

Price: from 2653.12 USD

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4. days in South Africa - safari to sea (from 4639.03 USD)

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

South Africa is an incredibly diverse country, with a seemingly endless choice of things to do and places to stay. It can be understandingly overwhelming when trying to decide how to spend your time in such a vibrant place, ensuring that you enjoy as much of the trip as you possibly can.

Viator, like the magical company they are, have taken the pain out of the planning with offering their amazing, ‘14 Day Discover South Africa Tour’ - a trip that takes you to the best parts of sensational South Africa whilst staying in luxury accommodation. This small group tour takes you to have your chance to see the ‘Big Five’ in the wild, through the infamous Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe Reserves, then onto having a chance to experience Swazi and Zulu culture. If that’s not enough, you’re then flown off to drive down the lustrous Garden Route and explore Cape Town, the city by the sea, shadowed only by Table Mountain.

14 Day Discover South Africa

Price: from 4639.03 USD

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South Africa Tour Guide

Jakes

Jakes

Jakes is registered and accredited with FET Certificate Tourist Guiding. He is competent to advise clients on all essential aspects of travel in South Africa having passed the SA Specialist course from South African Tourism. As a good story teller, he makes any historical situation or site come to life; and this is what makes him to stand out as a knowledgeable and exciting guide. “I’m always attempting to assist and improve the environment, motivating communities to protect nature in order to create a sustainable eco-system, and to protect all species for future generations. My love for nature and history brought me to the most beautiful and spectacular places in South Africa, and that is where I want to take my tourists as well.”

Tours by Jakes

South Africa Tour Guide

Thabang Molefe

Thabang Molefe

My name is Thabang Molefe, Director/ Owner of Tsalanang Travel & Tours. I’m a qualified National Tourist Guide in South Africa, born and breast fed in Johannesburg. I have worked in the sports & events industry where I discovered my passion for traveling, and later worked with some of the TOP destination management/operators in South Africa. I love meeting people, and exchanging knowledge, I’m an outgoing person who loves discovering and learning about history, culture and nature. As part of my value standard, I always try to change the way “the world” perceive certain parts of South Africa and Africa as a hole. I have traveled the southern African region extensively and speak various South African languages. Looking forward to meet you on one of my tours.

Tours by Thabang

South Africa Tour Guide

Denis Kilumbila

Denis Kilumbila

5. Sand, stars, Sahara - three day desert adventure (from USD 444.0)


Do you want adventure? Sand by day, stars by night and not an inch of sea in sight? Then this three day Sahara Desert trip is for you, intrepid traveller! Take an air conditioned trip through this wild North African landscape, staying in the likes of Ouarzazate, where films such as the iconic ‘The Mummy’ (I’m talking 1999) and ‘Gladiator’ were filmed.

Travel through and over the High Atlas mountains to stay in lost desert camps, rising only to the sun to the east as it illuminates the spectacular Sahara landscape around you.

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Marrakech Sahara Desert 3-Day Tour with Ouarzazate

Duration: 3 days

3 reviews

6. Helicopter tour - high above Table Mountain and the ocean below (from USD 489.0)


Have you ever thought of channelling your inner James Bond and hiring a private helicopter tour to fly over some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes? Well, now you can. This private helicopter tour takes you to see the sights from a perspective that most people can only dream of - the 45 minute round trip takes you over the beautiful Cape Town, up and over Table Mountain, witnessing its flat surface from a completely unique viewpoint, then out to glittering Cape Point, where the rugged cliffs tumble into the sea. This trip is for those who yearn for unique experiences and sights like no other, this isn’t one to forget your camera on, I can assure you of that.

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Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope Scenic Helicopter Flight

Duration: 48 minutes

137 reviews

7. Adventure lovers unite! South Africa and The Garden Route (from USD 593.0)

This tour will take you through one of the most prestigious areas of South Africa – The Garden Route and Addo National Park – as you drive down rugged coastline, lush vegetation on one side and the crashing ocean on the other. This adventure is designed for those seeking to explore some of the most beautiful sights in Africa whilst simultaneously satisfying your adventurous streak. You have the chance to surf the white crests on the infamous surfing beaches, canoe in calmer waters, or, if you’re feeling brave, even bungee jump as you make your way down The Garden Route.

From the excitement of The Garden Route you are then guided through the Addo National Elephant Park where you have the chance to see elephants and big cats in their natural habitat.

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Garden Route 5-Day Tour: Addo Park, Jeffreys Bay, Oudtshoorn

Duration: 5 days

212 reviews

8. Nature lovers - welcome to lustrous Botswana and Zimbabwe (from USD 2.0)



No trip to Africa would be complete without attempting to see all of the ‘Big 5’ in their natural habitat, and where better than Botswana’s Chobe National Park? Viator offers a 5-day adventure ensuring that you see as much of this beautiful area as possible. Two nights are spent in Victoria Falls Village, a village steeped in African cultures and history, from there you get to experience the thunderous Victoria Falls from both foot and boat. Followed by Chobe National Park where you get your chance to see one of Africa’s largest elephants populations.

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5-Day Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park from Johannesburg

Duration: 5 days

9 reviews

When should I go?

Africa is one of the world’s most magical continents; it seems to have it all. Whether you decide to watch the sunset over the Savannah looking at the Garden Route or get lost within Morocco’s Souks, you’ll be sure to have an adventure of a lifetime. The only question that you should be asking yourself is not ‘where to go?’ but 'when to go?’ and in our humble opinion, the answer should be AASAP (Africa, as soon as possible).

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Meet Hannah, a 33-year-old globetrotter currently residing in the UK. Over the past six years, she has embarked on extensive explorations around the world. From kayaking alongside sharks to...Read more

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