33 In Travel/ Wander-Lists

10 Destinations in Africa I’d Love to Explore

Africa is a continent that I’ve left untouched thus far. Being the second-largest continent, you can imagine that there’s a wide variety of experience to be had.

I was invited to search through the luxurious-looking African Tours by Bench Africa to create my own ultimate list of destinations to explore in Africa. Let me tell you, it was hard to narrow down my top 10 destinations in Africa because there are loads I’d love to explore, but I managed to put together a pretty incredible list of experiences.

✈︎ SEE SOME OF THE GREATEST ANCIENT STRUCTURES ALONG THE NILE IN EGYPT  ✈︎

I’ve long loved the idea of exploring some of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. The Nile is sprinkled with great temples, pyramids and other structures that I’d absolutely love to explore and marvel at.

✈︎ GET LOST IN THE COLORFUL SOUKS OF MOROCCO ✈︎

Photos I’ve seen of Morocco make me want to get lost in a sea of carpets, spices and geometric designs. Souks seem like mazes of treasures and I can’t wait to find myself picking up colorful trinkets and tasty spices left and right.

✈︎ CLIMB AFRICA’S HIGHEST PEAK – KILIMANJARO – IN TANZANIA ✈︎

Who doesn’t want to stand on the tallest point of an entire continent?! I know I do! Being an avid hiker, this seems like one of those ultimate must-hikes for an outdoor enthusiast like myself.

✈︎ SAY ‘CHEERS’ TO SOUTH AFRICA’S WINE COUNTRY ✈︎

While I’m typically more of a beer girl, I do believe that the best place to drink wine is right from the source itself. South Africa’s wine country just looks amazingly beautiful and like the perfect place to sip a glass of wine, while also learning all about it.

✈︎ STAY IN THE INSANELY UNIQUE GIRAFFE MANOR IN KENYA ✈︎

Every single time I see a photo from Giraffe Manor my whole heart just swoons. They have such beautiful animals and the manor itself is gorgeous. Plus, who doesn’t want to have breakfast with giraffes sticking their head in the window for a treat themselves?!

✈︎ GLAMP IN THE SANCTUARY GORILLA FOREST CAMP IN UGANDA ✈︎

This is something I’d love to do. Of course, I want to trek in to see the gorillas as well, but this forest camp sits right in the middle of a forest sanctuary for gorillas. It’s the best of both worlds.

While I love doing the work to get the experience, it would be just full package to get to roll out of bed early and potentially see gorillas, wouldn’t it? Plus, how gorgeous is this place?!

✈︎ STARGAZE IN THE KALAHARI DESERT IN BOTSWANA ✈︎

There’s something about being in a desert that always makes me want to stargaze. You can’t see stars like that anywhere else.

Bench Africa takes you to some pretty amazing-looking lodging in Botswana that looks like it would allow for some seriously epic star-gazing. Then you get to wake up and explore the whole next day.

✈︎ MARVEL IN THE VARIETY OF WILDLIFE ON THE ISLAND OF MADAGASCAR ✈︎

I’m a nature lover first and foremost and an animal lover as well. I’m always up for new experiences, especially ones that combine these two things.

I feel like Madagascar is the ultimate destination for the lover of the natural world, like me. From crazy-looking trees to amazing rock formations and beaches, this African island country has it all! Plus, about 90% of their flora and fauna is endemic to Madagascar. You don’t find that most places!

✈︎ BASK IN THE GLORY OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST WATERFALL – VICTORIA FALLS – ZIMBABWE/ZAMBIA ✈︎

I’ve always wanted to see this natural wonder. I’m not using wonder lightly, it’s one of the seven natural wonders of the world!

My ultimate Victoria Falls dream would be to swim in the Devil’s Pool on the Zambian side. It looks terrifying but also incredible.

✈︎ CATCH A SUNRISE OVER SAND DUNES IN MOROCCO ✈︎

I’ve been told by several people that this is one of the most incredible travel experiences that they’ve had. So, of course I want to take a journey out into the Moroccan desert, camp under the stars and then wake up to see the sunrise over the massive sand dunes. Talking about feeling like a nomad…

As you can see there are endless opportunities for adventure, luxury, history, nature and culture in Africa. What stopping you from planning your journey to one of these gorgeous countries?

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Photos from Bench Africa Website or Pixaby

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33 Comments

  • Reply
    Stacey
    January 29, 2018 at 10:19 pm

    I Love Morocco and South African wines! I can’t wait to see the rest of this wonderful Continent!

  • Reply
    Meg Jerrard
    January 30, 2018 at 1:06 am

    Fabulous list of truly deserving bucketlist experiences! Pretty much everything on this list is still on mine too – Africa is still a continent I have largely unexplored. I really want to do a Nile river cruise as opposed to just going to Cairo to see the pyramids – you’re right, there are crazy amazing acheological sites all down the Nile. And Kilimanjaro was one of the most amazing experiences of my life – tough as hell and I cried for most of the time lol but it was a rewarding experience to get to the top and know you can achieve such a huge hike. Hit me up if you want tips before you go 🙂

  • Reply
    guineapigtraveler
    January 31, 2018 at 8:27 pm

    Egypt has been on my list forever! And I am now really curious about trying African wines! 🙂

  • Reply
    Eloise
    January 31, 2018 at 9:28 pm

    I think you made an awesome selection! I haven’t traveled a lot to Africa but I visited Morocco (and the Sahara) and Tanzania (up to Kilimanjaro summit) and both experiences where amazing. I would love to discover more countries on this continent. I also love South African wines so it made me smile so see it on your list: I wouldn’t have thought of including it as I mainly associate Africa with safari, nature and culture… but you’re right it should be there! 🙂

  • Reply
    Laura
    February 1, 2018 at 12:39 am

    Girl I love this list! It’s quite similar to my own; I think this is also a great idea to compile your bucket list into categories like this and write it out! I’m all about that sort of positive energy being thrown out into the universe and I hope you get to explore some, if not ALL, of these spots when the time is right!

  • Reply
    Mary
    February 1, 2018 at 7:47 am

    OK I haven’t been to ANY of these places and I want to do all of them. What a great list you’ve come up with – you’ve definitely instilled some wanderlust! I don’t think I’m physically fit enough to do Kili, but the giraffe hotel and Egypt? I’d be all over those adventures.

  • Reply
    Candy
    February 1, 2018 at 7:19 pm

    I too would love to get lost in the colorful souks of Morocco. I have seen so many IG photos lately and it is really giving me
    so much inspiration to get out there and explore. I also would love to experience Giraffe Manor and would like to take my niece who looooves giraffes 🙂

  • Reply
    Sandy N Vyjay
    February 2, 2018 at 9:48 pm

    Africa is pure magic and a travelers dream come true. These are all places that are the stuff that dreams are made of. I had never been to Africa till last year and the first trip was to Rwanda which was mind blowing. Hope to get to South Africa and Morocco soon.

  • Reply
    Babu B
    February 3, 2018 at 3:24 am

    Nice Places

  • Reply
    Tamara Elliott
    February 3, 2018 at 6:50 pm

    All of these spots are so high on my list- in fact, South Africa is #1!! Hoping to get there this year finally 🙂

  • Reply
    Linda
    February 4, 2018 at 3:16 pm

    All of these spots in Africa would be amazing. Luxor was great to see the temples and tombs of Egypt. Wine in Stellenbosch outside Cape Town was a great treat. We only had one day in Madagascar but we had fun and saw some animals. But seeing Giraffe Manor in Kenya, the Gorilla Sactuary in Uganda or Victoria Falls would probably top our list now.

  • Reply
    melody pittman
    February 4, 2018 at 10:05 pm

    Awesome list! I haven’t been to Africa yet but want to see Uganda (for wildlife), South Africa (for safari), and Morocco (for food and culture). I Hope you make it them all!

  • Reply
    Neha Chauhan
    February 5, 2018 at 5:38 am

    Gratefully I have been to South Africa and Egypt. SA out numbers most of the countries I have been to. You must go their for atleast 2 wks.

  • Reply
    carrieemann
    February 5, 2018 at 6:33 am

    Great list — this would give you a good sense of the continent for sure. I’d never heard of that giraffe manor in Kenya — it looks pretty awesome! Climbing Kili and seeing the gorillas are on my list too. I am a little sad Ethiopia didn’t make an appearance on this list — definitely my favorite African country, and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are a must for any history lover.

  • Reply
    Indrani
    February 5, 2018 at 7:05 am

    Oh I haven’t set foot in Africa yet and I see such a wonderful post on the destinations there. Morocco fascinates me with their souks, I believe they are similar to the ones in Sharjah. I almost planned a Nile river cruise some years back when sudden political upheaval took place. Well done with this valuable list.

  • Reply
    Elaine J. Masters
    February 5, 2018 at 6:04 pm

    I’ve yet to make it to that continent but you’ve inspired me to change that situation!!

  • Reply
    authenticfoodquest
    February 5, 2018 at 6:48 pm

    All fabulous experiences. The wines in South Africa, the souk markets in Morocco, and Egypt are all on my list! Can’t wait to read more about each of your experiences in Africa. I’ll be living vicariously through you!!

  • Reply
    SherianneKay
    February 5, 2018 at 8:27 pm

    So many awesome things to do and see! I had no idea you could glamp in a gorilla forest. I really want to spend some time in Zanzibar too

  • Reply
    Jen Joslin
    February 6, 2018 at 4:47 am

    I feel like you’ve just planned out my itinerary for Africa! Everything you mentioned sounds right up my alley! Exploring the archeological sites along the Nile would be amazing. I’ve been told that Kilimanjaro is one of the best hikes in the world, so definitely want to do that. Glamping in the gorilla sanctuary also sounds incredible! I would love to visit Madagascar too. The flora and fauna there looks unbelievable. I have been lucky to go wine tasting in South Africa, and would absolutely be up for that again. I want to do it all!

  • Reply
    Suruchi
    February 6, 2018 at 8:49 am

    Climbing Africa’s highest peak Kilimanjaro, getting lost in Colorful Souks of morocco, staying in giraffe manor, seeing gorillas, walking in the vineyards, stargazing in Kalahari desert – OMG! the list is endless. I actually dont know what all we will do first. Loved your list

  • Reply
    Cathy Salvador Mendoza
    February 6, 2018 at 9:54 am

    Pretty much all in my bucket list! We’re planning to visit Morocco and it’s vibrant coloured walls and architectures this year. These all should be not an awesome experience but must be everyone’s dreams! My partners had visited the wine country last year December! I was so jealous of that but he made sure he bought me wine from that country! And I have been convincing us to stay and experience the unique hotel where we can feed lovely giraffes!

  • Reply
    Alli Blair
    February 6, 2018 at 2:45 pm

    Oh boy, I love all these destinations. The only one I have managed to visit so far is Egypt and the Nile, and that was certainly an adventure! I would LOVE to visit Southern Africa – it looks so adventurous and just filled with stunning wildlife!

  • Reply
    Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie
    February 6, 2018 at 4:55 pm

    Seriously, I was saying “yes” to each destination as I read through your article! I think I’d prioritize wildlife experiences first. Uganda and the gorillas would be unforgettable and giraffe manor just looks so fun! After that, I’d love to climb Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The time for African adventures is coming soon and I can’t wait!!

  • Reply
    Holly
    February 6, 2018 at 6:37 pm

    Oooo you picked some good ones! My friend would prob feel his life was lived if he did the glamping with the gorillas. I just came back from Morocco and would like to go back and explore more. Egypt is definitely on my list. All that history!

  • Reply
    Jessica
    February 6, 2018 at 9:07 pm

    Can I say yes to all of these? Africa is such an amazing continent. Unfortunately, most of my trips to Africa have been on business with little time to discover or to go on my dream safari. That’s on the top of my list if I have the opportunity to go on leisure.

  • Reply
    Cat
    February 6, 2018 at 11:47 pm

    I’d need one or two month to go to all these places! I really want to go explore Africa in 2019. I’ve heard great things about Uganda. Thanks for highlighting the forest sanctuary for gorilla – I will definitely put it on my list!

  • Reply
    Medha Verma
    February 7, 2018 at 8:22 am

    This post makes me realise how little of Africa I have actually seen! I have only been to Tanzania and that too, Zanzibar but I would love to go to Kilimanjaro and even Egypt has been on my list forever. A close friend recently went for gorilla trekking in Uganda and her pictures were so amazing! Africa is lovely, the people are so friendly, colourful and amazing. It’s my 2018 goal to explore more of that continent!

  • Reply
    Reshma
    February 8, 2018 at 1:41 am

    For someone who loves nature and adventure, Africa has been my type of continent forever. Just a few days back, I was discussing about all the countries in Africa noting the experiences, and I think your post has given me a few more to add to my list. I have done camping once in the Thar desert and loved it absolutely. I would love to do the same to watch the sunset and the sunrise in the sand dunes. Oh, having breakfast with Giraffes looks so enticing!

  • Reply
    Andra
    February 11, 2018 at 10:34 am

    I know for sure I would love to spend some time in that amazing desert lodge in Botswana 🙂 Africa has so many amazing places, but this indeed is a list of the must-sees.

  • Reply
    Stephen Joslin
    February 12, 2018 at 7:54 am

    What a fabulous list! I’ve only had the opportunity to go to South Africa so far, but these destinations are an inspiration to go back, and soon! The pictures of the Giraffe Manor are priceless. Good to know where to go to make some new giraffe friends!

  • Reply
    Claudia Laroye
    February 12, 2018 at 3:01 pm

    I’m so with you on wanting to explore Africa. Getting lost in the souk in Marrakech is high on my list, as is a safari in Botswana or Tanzania. Love all of your great suggestions – that Giraffe Manor looks incredible. There is so much beauty and so many wonderful people to meet on this diverse continent. I hope I get there soon!

  • Reply
    WanderingCarol
    February 13, 2018 at 9:07 am

    Glamping in a forest preserve in Botswana would be top on my list. I’ve done some others you mention, like Victoria Falls and drinking wine in South Africa and touring Egypt – but I’d like to do them all.

  • Reply
    Lauren
    February 14, 2018 at 1:44 am

    I have only been to Kenya, and I’d love to go to ALL of these! A great alternative is to visit the Giraffe Center – it’s right near the Giraffe Manor with the same giraffes. They’re all breeding pairs and removed from wildlife conservancies for a short amount of time and then returned. It’s a great program, plus you get to be right up close with the giraffes just like at Giraffe Manor (and it is waaaaay cheaper) 🙂

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