Our Top Picks...
Having visited South and East Africa on two occasions (June 2014 and June-July 2017), we have pulled together a list of our top 10 travel picks. It wasn't an easy task, since there are so many amazing places to see, but we hope they give you the inspiration or final push you need to book that Africa trip.
#10
Becky: Sossusvlei Sand Dunes (Namibia)
The bright red-orange sand of the Sossusvlei sand flats, in the Namib Desert, is a sight to see. To make it more impressive, an early morning climb of one of the monstrous sand dunes (we hiked Dune 45) will bring you to a viewpoint that can't be beat. Make it to the top in the chilly dark of morning, just as the sun is about to rise and you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view. Plus running, jumping and rolling down the dune on the way down is way more fun than the painfully slow hike up. |
Shane: Jinja (Uganda)
Jinja has plenty of options for anyone looking to get their heart racing. Situated right on the banks of the Nile river with the main attraction being white water rafting.There is also mountain biking, quad biking, horse riding and bungee jumping available (well maybe, we were told it was closed for safety reasons). Check out River Nile Explorers for accommodation, as it has all the options for activities, it’s own access to the Nile with a zipline and waterslide, as well as a pretty cool bar with good food at awesome prices. |
#9
Shane: Okavango Delta (Botswana)
I’ve been to the Okavango Delta twice now and wouldn't hesitate to go a third or fourth time. We spent a night camping in the delta after being ushered through the reeds and the twisting waterways on a dugout canoe known as a mukuru. We arrived to our camp site which was situated under an impressive old ‘sausage’ tree, named after the long brown fruit that grows. The experience is really genuine and with no fences around your camp you are completely open to wildlife visits which adds to the excitement. |
Becky: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Named on of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is a must visit in Africa. Named "Mosi-oa-Tunya" by the Tokaleya people surrounding Vic Falls, the translation "The Smoke That Thunders" is still accurate today. The mist from the falls can be seen from the town and the roar of the water can be heard long before the falls are actually seen. It is definitely a wet day out when the water is high (we visited in July), but if it is a warm, sunny day that is just part of the fun. You will get progressively more drenched the closer you get to the final viewpoint. But all the mist means you might be lucky enough to spot a double rainbow.
Named on of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is a must visit in Africa. Named "Mosi-oa-Tunya" by the Tokaleya people surrounding Vic Falls, the translation "The Smoke That Thunders" is still accurate today. The mist from the falls can be seen from the town and the roar of the water can be heard long before the falls are actually seen. It is definitely a wet day out when the water is high (we visited in July), but if it is a warm, sunny day that is just part of the fun. You will get progressively more drenched the closer you get to the final viewpoint. But all the mist means you might be lucky enough to spot a double rainbow.
#8
Becky: Okavango Delta (Botswana)
The Okavango Delta is a different world, with a variety of animals and activity in amongst the reeds. The water is very shallow in most places, so you can make your way into the delta in a makoro (dug out canoe) guided by an experienced poler. There are deeper pools of water that make great resting spots for hippos. You can get surprisingly (and scarily) close to them in the canoes, but make sure to keep a safe distance. They are, after all, claimed to be the most deadly animal in Africa. |
Shane: Fish River Canyon (Namibia)
Namibia has so much diversity with its landscapes and Fish River Canyon is a prime example and a pleasant surprise. Seeming to come out of nowhere (like most great voids do), the canyon seems impossibly big and offers a real moment of peace as you take in the size and realise just how insignificant you are…..or at least your problems are. This is a great place to clear your mind have a beer (take some with you) and appreciate what the world has to offer.
Namibia has so much diversity with its landscapes and Fish River Canyon is a prime example and a pleasant surprise. Seeming to come out of nowhere (like most great voids do), the canyon seems impossibly big and offers a real moment of peace as you take in the size and realise just how insignificant you are…..or at least your problems are. This is a great place to clear your mind have a beer (take some with you) and appreciate what the world has to offer.
#7
Shane: Chobe River Cruise (Botswana)
Game spotting and booze cruising wrapped up into one and makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside (may have been the alcohol). A large open barge with fold out chairs on the deck that allows you to bring your own alcohol and snacks (toilet included), it seems too good to be true. You slowly meander your way down Chobe River while on the lookout for Africa's finest, including the ‘Big 5’. Finish with a typically beautiful African sunset (the best anywhere in the world) that tops off one of the best ways to spend an afternoon. |
Becky: Stone Town (Zanzibar, Tanzania)
All of Zanzibar is amazing- the blue waters and white sands of Nungwi, the lush greenery of the spice plantations, the snorkeling, dolphins and turtles. But there was something truly unique about the southern city of Stone Town. As you wander, mostly lost, through the maze of small streets, you get a sense of Middle East meets Africa meets India. The history here also runs deep, with the Former Slave Market Museum offering an eye-opening account of the past. |
#6
Becky: Chobe River Cruise (Botswana)
The Chobe River is chock-full of animals, and a river boat ride is the best way to see them (plus you get to bring your own drinks!). Elephants, hippos, monkeys, lions, buffalo, giraffes, crocs- you can watch them all interact on the shores as you drift past. My favourite moments were watching a tiny, baby elephant playing in the dust and an adolescent elephant try to kick a hippo. |
Shane: Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe)
‘Discovered’ by David Livingston…. It always annoys me that just because he was the first white man that he is credited for ‘discovering’ the falls that the local people had known about for centuries. But that's neither here nor there. The Falls are another of nature's marvels that show the beauty and power of our non maternal mother. Both the Zambian and Zimbabwean side of the falls are impressive but they are slightly different. On the Zimbabwean side you walk parallel to the falls and can really appreciate the length and gauge the huge amount of water that flows over. It is also the better side for photographs and easier to keep dry for a majority of it. Zambia has a peninsula where you feel like you're under the falls. The whole area is like a rain forest with water constantly pouring over you making it difficult for photos but it is extremely fun if you don't mind a soaking. For both sides I recommend either wearing little and embracing the moist, gushing water (my two favourite words go together well) or hire one of the ‘death eater’ style rain jackets from the entrance. |
#5
Shane: Kruger National Park (South Africa)
Africa for me is all about nature and especially the animals. Kruger National Park is one of the best game viewing parks in Africa. The ‘Big 5’ are in abundance and you have every chance of spotting any animal on your hit list. Congestion can be a little bit of a problem when certain animals are spotted but overall I found the vehicle numbers to be quite regulated. At the end of the day, game spotting is what it's all about and Kruger won't disappoint. |
Becky: Water Hole Etosha National Park (Namibia)
Etosha National Park is a great place to go on safari and see your favourite African animals, but my favourite spot was the waterhole at our campsite (Okaukuejo Rest Camp) in the park. Subtly lit and with benches surrounding it, this was the spot to watch the live show at night. As night progressed, we saw families of elephants, mom and baby rhinos, and zebras come for a drink hidden by the cloak of darkness. |
#4
Becky: Shark Cage Diving (South Africa)
For some unknown reason (expect for maybe watching Jaws at a young age), sharks have always been one of my greatest fears. So when I found myself volunteering in South Africa, with the opportunity to go shark cage diving, I thought there would be no better way to face this fear. Standing on the boat watching these Great Whites circle, and then being told to get in the cage, was terrifying. But once my breath was held, and I was under the water, watching the sharks approach was almost majestic. I definitely left with a new-found appreciation and respect for these massive predators. |
Shane: Rwanda
To single out a whole country was hard for me but the experiences we had in Rwanda were just so memorable that I had to not only include it but have it in my top 3. Rwanda is still recovering from 1994 when the country sunk into its darkest days, where over the course of 3 months around 1 million people were killed in a not so known about modern day genocide. Kigali hosts the Genocide Memorial Museum, paying respect and informing about the genocide which I would advise anyone to visit. You'll be left speechless and have more emotion flowing through you then a heavily pregnant woman but it's a must see and education is power. The people of Rwanda are still recovering but have advanced tremendously quickly in the short time since 1994. Friendly isn't enough to describe just how accommodating and genuinely beautiful the Rwandan people are. Known as the land of 1000 hills, Rwanda offers lakes, mountains, volcanoes and Gorillas and if you're an outdoorsy person you can easily spend a few weeks here. |
#3
Shane: Zanzibar (Tanzania)
The former slave trading island just off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar has the tropical island feel and is entrenched in history. Stone Town is a crazy mix of Arabia and Africa and is the former centre of the slave trading market. The slave trading museum is a must do, its extremely informative and well worth the $5 entry fee. Seafood is a steal in Zanzibar and the seafood night markets in Stone Town are a great place to try everything that comes from the water around Zanzibar. North of Stone Town is Nungwi, which is pretty touristy with seaside accommodations and restaurants. Still worth the trip as you can snorkel, dive and fish the picture perfect blue waters. |
Becky: Villages (Rwanda)
Rwanda is a hidden gem, with its natural beauty matched only by the happiness and kindness of its people. We stayed at a hostel about 30 minutes from Musanze and spent most out time with people from the nearby villages making banana beer, attempting to weave baskets, and helping with farm work. A highlight was an overnight stay at the very basic home of a grandmother, who is raising her 5 grandchildren. She was a true example of how happiness comes not from your possessions, but from your outlook on life and the love that surrounds you. Another must see in Rwanda is the Genocide Memorial in Kigali. It will break your heart but everyone should be aware of these events, especially because they happened in 1994 and nothing was done to stop them. |
#2
Becky: Gorilla Trekking (Uganda)
The gorilla trek was something we had wanted to do for a long time, and delivered a truly memorable experience. It was hard work and we trekked through muddy, steep, difficult terrain (it is called the Impenetrable Forest for a reason!) for 2.5 hours before we came across the Busingye family. We got within 2m of the silverback (a little too close when he let out a loud grunt) and played peek-a-boo with the babies. You spend only one hour with the family before you make the equally difficult trek back out. Mountain gorillas are only found in two places (Virunga mountain range and Bwindi NP), and are so human like at times that getting to spend some time with them is a privilege. |
Shane: Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Wide open spaces and animals for miles, the Serengeti is the best game viewing experience I've had in Africa. We saw everything we could have hoped for and more and got extremely close and personal to some of the ‘Big 5’. Camping a night in an open camp ground with hyenas roaming and wildlife noises coming from all directions was an awesome experience. The Ngorongoro Crater is like a petri dish of nature with open plains, oasis waterholes and the surrounding towering mountains making up the movie like scenery. Animals aren't scarce either and game driving is extremely satisfying. |
#1- Our Favourites
Shane: Gorilla Trekking (Uganda)
With Tarzan being a favorite Disney movie of mine from a young age, seeing the Gor-ill-as has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. There are only 3 countries in which you can choose to trek the Mountain Gorillas: Rwanda, Uganda and the Congo. All vary in price but from what we have heard and researched the experiences are very similar. We trekked in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda and every expectation we could have imagined was met. After about 2.5 hrs of trekking through a variety of open trails and thick jungle we came across a Silverback known as Busingye which translates to ‘Beast’. After following him through the jungle for about 20 minutes and getting within a few metres of him, he led us to the rest of the troop which were in a clearing at the base of a large tree. For the rest of our allotted visiting hour we just stood and watched as they went about their everyday life. It was unforgettable and I can't recommend it enough. The best thing is that the money you spend is going into conservation towards helping these incredible animals not only survive but thrive. |
Becky: Safaris Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
After doing several different safaris in different National Parks across Africa, the Serengeti still blew me away. We spent two days in Serengeti National Park and could have easily stayed another two. From tracking leopards, to spotting cheetahs, and everything else in between, this would be my top recommendation for anyone going to Africa. Then to top it off, we spent a day on safari in Ngorongoro Crater- one of the most beautiful and dreamlike places I have seen in all my travels. The morning cloud spills over the edge of the crater making it seem like you are surrounded by one continuous waterfall. And the animals keep coming. Highlights were seeing a pride of 14 lions all together and watching a baby hippo try to climb onto his mom's back. Magic. |
And our least favourites...
Becky: Forced cultural shows
The tribes, customs, and dress of Africa are incredibly diverse and it is no wonder that any visitor is curious to see and experience them. But in my opinion, the "cultural show" hasn't nailed the experience. I find it incredible awkward to watch a group of people who day in and day out have to dress up and sing and dance for groups of tourists. It feels inauthentic and you can sense that the performances are a job, and not how you would experience these things if they were happening privately within the actual tribes. I know it is highly unlikely that a tourist would be able to, or would be welcome to, experience these things for real, so they do provide a glimpse into different cultures. I just wish it didn't all feel so commercialized. |
Shane: Feeling like you can't make a real difference
The harsh realities of poverty are real in Africa. Helping everybody isn't realistic or even a possibility. Seeing how some people live and the harshness of the conditions is truly heart breaking and leaves your to feel helpless and even a little guilty. |
Questions about travelling in Africa? Email us and we will be happy to help!