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.
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1. Witness the start of mankind at the Cradle of Humankind
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.
2. Wild Namibia - for the photographer within you
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
3. days in South Africa - safari to sea
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
4. Sand, stars, Sahara - three day desert adventure
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.
South Africa Tour Guide
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 exchangin... Read more
Tours by Thabang
5. Helicopter tour - high above Table Mountain and the ocean below
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.
6. Adventure lovers unite! South Africa and The Garden Route
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.
7. Nature lovers - welcome to lustrous Botswana and Zimbabwe
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.
8. For a taste of the exotic head to Morocco
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.
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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