For as long as I can remember the only way to spend time in Africa was to go on a safari to see all the wonderful animals or volunteer to save the animals or teach children. But now, if you want to live and work in Africa you are in luck. A number of African countries have introduced a digital nomad visa. Yep, so if you run a business online and are looking for your next digital nomad destination, consider a move to Africa.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

I am presuming if you are reading this you know what a digital nomad visa is, but let me give you a quick recap. A digital nomad visa is a visa that allows remote workers the opportunity to live and work online in another country. 

Each country has their own regulations you must meet to get the visa like earning a certain amount, having health insurance and no criminal record. And if you qualify for said visa, you can legally live and work for 6+ months in the country. What a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture.

Digital nomad visas also are called freelance visas, remote worker visas, expat visas, online worker visas, and a number of other unique names. But they work similarly – allowing you to live and work online for an extended period.

Why Live and Work in Africa?

Choosing an Africa digital nomad visa provides a number of advantages. Key reasons to choose an African digital nomad visa:

• Affordable Lifestyle. Yep, the cost of living in many African nations is cheaper and can provide a better lifestyle than your own country. This allows a better quality of life. The technical term for this is geoarbitrage.
• Unique Cultural and Adventure Opportunities. This is my favourite part of any visit to Africa. Africa is known for its vibrant cities, natural wonders and wildlife so there is plenty to see and do in Africa. Living and working in Africa means you can travel extensively and immerse yourself in the local culture.
• Thriving Tech Scene. Many African cities such as Cape Town in South Africa and Nairobi in Kenya are major tech hubs with a growing network of co-working spaces. Plus there is infrastructure to help digital nomads continue to work online efficiently. And there are plenty of digital nomad jobs you can do.
• Proximity and Time Zone. Africa is on a similar time zone with European countries making work and collaborations seamless. No getting up in the middle of the night to take a conference call!

All very good reasons, don’t you think?

Countries in Africa with a Digital Nomad Visa

If you want to move abroad to live and work in Africa, there are several African nations offering digital nomad visas. Luckily, all countries have websites with information about the visa and an online application process. This makes the process so much easier. They are listed in alphabetical order:

Cape Verdi (Remote Working Cabo Verde)

The Cape Verdi Digital Nomad Visa offers a 6-month visa (extendable) targeting digital nomads. Applicants must show an average bank balance of €1,500 over the previous six months. Find out more about Cape Verde’s digital nomad visa here.

Kenya

Kenya introduced a digital nomad work permit, aiming to attract high-earning remote workers (targeting roughly $55,000+ annual income). Get the details and apply online here.

Mauritius (Premium Visa)

Mauritius’ Premium Visa is a free, one-year, renewable visa for stays up to 12 months. It requires proof of funds ($1,500 monthly income) and is ideal for those seeking a tropical, stable environment. So If you want to live, work and play in paradise, get the details and apply here.

Namibia (Digital Nomad Visa)

 Launched to attract skilled professionals, Namibia’s digital nomad visa allows for a 6-month stay.

Seychelles (Workcation Visitor Permit)

Tailored for remote workers, the Seychelles Workcation Visitor permit allows individuals to live and work on the islands for up to a year. Learn more about the Seychelles digital nomad visa and to apply online here. 

South Africa (Remote Work Visa)

Launched in March 2025, South Africa’s Remote Work Visa allows remote workers to stay for one year, with options to renew for up to 3 years. It requires a minimum annual income of 1 million South African Rand (approx. $50,000+ USD). Get more details and visa requirements for digital nomads in South Africa here. And discover more about being a digital nomad in South Africa in our South African digital nomad guide.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an island lying 35 km (22 miles) off the coast of Tanzania, East Africa in the Indian Ocean and it doesn’t actually have a digital nomad visa at this time. Remote workers are being attracted to Zanzibar for the beach lifestyle it offers. Most will enter Zanzibar on a tourist visa and stay for up to 90 days before heading elsewhere. Get more details about spending time in Zanzibar living and working.

Where to Live when You Move to Africa

Initially you will want some short-term accommodation until you find somewhere long-term to live. Check out Booking.com for short-term accommodation in a hostel or hotel. You could also consider house and pet sitting opportunities at Trusted Housesitters. Having a couple of weeks in short-term accommodation will help you to get your bearings and allow you to set up your tech gear to continue your online work.

Don’t Work Online or Don’t Qualify for a Digital Nomad Visa?

Not everyone works online and not everyone qualifies for a digital nomad visa. And that doesn’t mean you can’t live and work abroad. There are other visas available that allow you to move abroad or help you travel full-time.

Are you ready to discover Africa on a digital nomad visa?

Zanzibar is paradise. It’s the perfect escape if you’re after a beach vacation or winter getaway. If you’re working online, you might be considering a tropical island to call your office. As someone who’s worked from this island for two weeks now, I’ve discovered a few things you should keep in mind before making any decisions. This digital nomad guide to Zanzibar will walk you through everything you need to know, so let’s get started!

Where is Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is an island lying 35 km (22 miles) off the coast of Tanzania, East Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is relatively small being some 85km (53 miles) long and 39km (24 miles) wide. You could drive around it in half a day.

Does Zanzibar have a Digital Nomad Visa?

Zanzibar does not have a digital nomad visa at this time. Remote workers are being attracted to Zanzibar for the beach lifestyle it offers. Most will enter Zanzibar on a tourist visa and stay for up to 90 days before heading elsewhere.

Getting to Zanzibar

The two most common ways to get to and from Zanzibar are by ferry or flying directly to the island. If you can get a flight right to Zanzibar do it! While it may be a little more expensive than the ferry, it will save you time and the mental exhaustion that comes with navigating the ferry with all your belongings (especially if you’re travelling solo).

If you’re choosing to take the ferry it’s $30 USD for economy tickets but you need to arrive at least 1.5 hours early to secure a ticket, otherwise, you’ll have to pay $40 USD + for business class.

You should also keep in mind that when you arrive, you’ll have to do a rapid antigen test for $10.50 USD (was required at the time of this post – Feb. 22, 2022). Restrictions are constantly changing so check official government websites before your trip to stay informed.

Accommodation in Zanzibar

When considering working abroad in Zanzibar, you need to consider accommodation. From my experience, there aren’t many great options for budget accommodation. You can find hostels in popular areas such as Paje and Nungwi where shared rooms start at around $20 USD/night.

If a hostel isn’t your speed, you can expect to pay around $30-35 USD/night for a guest house or small Airbnb. Airbnb would be the best option if you’re planning to come to Zanzibar with a group of friends who are also working remotely.

Check out other accommodation options in Zanzibar at Booking.com.

Transport in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a large island that takes around 2 hours to drive from the North to the South. Getting around is easy but not exactly the cheapest if you go for the most convenient option. Here are the best ways to get around the island:

• Taxi – Taxis will always try to charge you the most so don’t be afriad to negotiate! When grabbing a taxi from the ferry, you should never pay more than half of what they suggest. For example, I got a taxi from the ferry to Paje and they started at $65 USD and I was able to talk them down to $30 USD.
• Scooter/Car Rental – The best option if you want felxibility! Just be sure to be careful if you decide to rent a scooter because many people get in accidents on the island.
• Scooter Taxi (Boda Boda) – Taking a boda boda to get around the island might be your best bet if you don’t want to pay the taxi rates or drive a scooter yourself. It’s about a 1/4 of the cost of a taxi and will get you just about anywhere pretty quickly. You can ask your accommodation to find you a boda boda or you can simply walk down the street and ask anyone with a scooter if they do boda boda!
• Local Bus (Dala Dala) – I’m usually a bit apprehensive to take the local transit but will push myself to do it for a new experience. In Zanzibar, the dala dala is BY FAR the cheapest way to get around. You can get from the top of the island (Nungwi) to Stone Town for only 2500 shillings ($1 USD). Of course, the dala dala will take the longest and you’re likely to be one of the only tourists on there.

Wifi and Internet in Zanzibar

Wifi and Internet is very important to remote workers and digital nomads. Unfortunately, Zanzibar doesn’t have the same digital nomad infrastructure that you’ll find in other parts of the world. That means it’s not uncommon for the power to go out for long stretches of time. It’s also challenging to find good wifi. So how can you get around this?

• Buy a SIM – As soon as you land, get a SIM card through Zantel or Vodacom. I’d recommend getting a large amount of data so you can hotspot when the wifi isn’t working. I personally got 37 gigs for $22 USD. This should last you the entire month but you can always top up if needed!
• Work from resorts – When you have an important call or work to get done, do so from a resort. They’ll have the strongest wifi and genertors for when the power goes down.
• Work from restaurants/cafes – Since co-working spaces aren’t much of a thing in Zanzibar yet, restaurants or cafes will be your best bet for working on a daily basis. I found Paje to have the best options for places to work from.

Is Zanzibar Budget Friendly?

This digital nomad guide to Zanzibar wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t fill you in on the budget! Most digital nomads are looking for a place that’s budget-friendly so they can afford to travel while working remotely and possibly save quite a bit of money at the same time.

Sure, you can live and travel around Zanzibar on a budget BUT it’s certainly not my top pick for a budget-friendly digital nomad destination.

Where to Work in Zanzibar

Finding a good spot to work in Zanzibar can be a bit of a challenge, depending on where on the island you are. The best place for digital nomads in Zanzibar is Stone Town. Stone Town is the World Heritage Site that’s in Zanzibar City and is often the first stop for a trip to Zanzibar as the ferry terminal and airport are close by. There’s a lot to see and do in Stone Town when you’re not working but it doesn’t have the crystal clear water and stunning beaches you’ll find on other parts of the island.

Best Wifi in Stone Town:

Stone Town, without a doubt has the best working options for digital nomads in Zanzibar. A few co-working spaces are starting to pop up, such as The Train’s House Co-Working Space but if you don’t want to pay a membership fee, you can find some restaurants with wifi. Your best is working from a resort’s restaurant or cafe. If you want to work with a beautiful view of the city, Zanzibar Coffee House has free wifi for a limited time and then you might need to switch over to your hotspot.

Best Wifi in Paje:

Although Paje is known to be the party spot in Zanzibar, there are a few good spots to get work done! Mr. Kahawa (Swahili for Mr. Coffee), is by far the best place to work, in my opinion. They have a good selection of food and drinks, the wifi is fast and there are many spots to charge your laptop! I also spent some time working at The Nest but I found that their wifi wasn’t as reliable.

Otherwise, I’d check out some of the resorts along the beach if you’re on the hunt for good wifi in Paje!

Best Wifi in Nungwi:

I surprisingly struggled the most with finding good wifi in Nungwi. It’s a very touristy spot so I expected the wifi would be better than it was. Resorts are really the only place you’ll find reliable wifi here.

Tips for Digital Nomads in Zanzibar

If you’re ready to make Zanzibar your next digital nomad destination, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Keep your devices charged – Since you can never be too sure as to when the power will go out, it’s important you keep your devices fully charged. Bringing a power bank with you can help ensure you never run into a situation where your computer/phone dies when you’re in the middle of work and are unable to chage it.
• Weather – Do you work well in 30+ degrees and humidity? It will be challenging to find air conditioning on the island (unless you’re staying at a resort), so that’s another thing to consider.
• Bugs – I don’t know about you but mosquitoes absolutely LOVE me. Unfortunately, I don’t exactly love them, so working in Zanzibar wasn’t super fun for me. You can find some pretty good bug spray/cream to put on in the evenings but they’re hard to avoid completely.

Is Zanzibar worth it as a Digital Nomad Destination?

To be completely honest, I wasn’t 100% sold on Zanzibar for digital nomads. With the temperature staying at around 30 degrees celsius throughout the entire day (AND night), I found it incredibly hard to focus on work. While there are certainly other people working remotely, it doesn’t have much of a digital nomad community and most people still go to Zanzibar for a quick island vacation. But it is worth finding this out for yourself

That’s a wrap on this digital nomad guide to Zanzibar which was written by Amy of Spellbound Travels. She is a Canadian living and working around the world and has been remote working in Africa. Read her digital guide for South Africa here. She has also written a great guide for those of you starting your digital nomad adventures – check it out here: ‘Becoming a Digital Nomad’ ebook.

South Africa is one of the best destinations for digital nomads. Whether you enjoy hiking, beach hopping, wine tasting or diving into delicious foods, South Africa has something for everyone! In recent years, it’s become increasingly popular for digital nomads. More and more foreigners are leaving home to work and travel and enjoy all that this country has to offer. This South Africa digital nomad guide will walk you through everything you need to know before you catch the next flight! 

South Africa Visas for Digital Nomads

At the moment, there is no South African Digital Nomad Visa.  Nor any visas designed specifically for digital nomads in South Africa. There is talk of creating a visa that would allow digital nomads to spend more than a few months living and travelling in South Africa. Most nationalities can stay up to 90 days on a ‘tourist visa’. Although many people don’t have to worry about getting a visa ahead of time or on arrival, it’s crucial that you check the requirements for your country of origin. 

If you wish to extend your visitors permit in South Africa, you have two options. You can apply through the VFS to renew your ‘Temporary Residents Visa’. You’re able to apply for this extension any time within the 90 days but it’s recommended that you complete it within the first 30 days of arrival. This is because it can take anywhere between 10 and 12 weeks to hear back about your application (especially during the high season – December to March). The process to extend your visa can be a bit tedious and time-consuming, so be prepared.  

The other option you have is what’s referred to as a ‘visa run’. A visa run is when you leave the country and enter another country in order to come back on a fresh 90-day visa. While it sounds like a piece of cake to book a cheap flight to Namibia and back, that often won’t cut it. You’ll need to fly to a non-bordering country in order to secure a new visa when you get back to South Africa. For example, you can fly to Tanzania or Kenya and back to South Africa and you’ll be fine. There are no set rules as to how long you need to be out of the country in order to get a new visa. However, 10-14 days is recommended in order to avoid suspicion. 

Choosing Where to Live in South Africa 

Cape Town is a popular place for digital nomads

There are many great places to call your home when you land in South Africa. Johannesburg is the capital and biggest city, as well as the business hub of South Africa. With that being said, it’s not near the ocean and is lacking a strong digital nomad community at the moment. Cape Town is by far the most popular destination for digital nomads in the country. With a long stretch of white sandy coastline and a beautiful mountainous landscape surrounding the city, it’s no wonder why so many nomads choose to make Cape Town their home base! Green Point, Sea Point and Gardens are all great neighbourhoods to look for accommodation if you’re planning on working from Cape Town. 

Accommodation in South Africa

I would suggest you book accommodation for your arrival. Definitely one week, but probably two weeks as this will give you time to settle in and get your bearings as to where you want to work and travel in South Africa. When looking for short term accommodation in South Africa, you have a few options: 

Hostels in South Africa

Hostels are a great option for digital nomads who are just starting out and on a budget. If you’re not comfortable sharing a room with people you don’t know, you can always get a private room in a hostel. That way you can still socialize with others while maintaining a place of your own to get work done. As you have just read, Cape Town is a digital nomad hub in South Africa. For your arrival these are some great hostels. 91 Loop Boutique Hostel is receiving great reviews. Only .3km from the centre of town, it is clean, safe and modern. A great place to start your stay in South Africa. Never at Home Green Point is another traveller favourite hostel in Cape Town. Located in Green Point it offers travellers modern, safe and clean accommodation in single, twin, female-only and dorm rooms. Great location with plenty of co-working coffee shops to work in. Get pricing and availability here. For more hostel options visit Booking.com or HostelWorld.

Hotels in South Africa

You’ll find many different hotels scattered throughout the country. Hotels are generally the best option for secure wifi and a safe and quiet place to work. But you may not find many other digital nomads staying at hotels, that’s if you want to meet other digital nomads. However, for your arrival, they are a great options. Hotels range from budget to splurge. Most digital nomads to South Africa, will book into budget to medium range hotels that offer free wifi. Mojo Hotel is a great starting point in Sea Point. It has a roof top terrace with great views and is close to cafes and the nightlife. Rooms are comfortable and clean and great for the digital nomad starting out in South Africa. For more options check out the map.

Airbnb in South Africa

There are plenty of Airbnb’s available in South Africa. This option is best if you’re planning to come with a partner or friend and want a place for a few months. Particularly if you like having a base to work and travel South Africa from.

Shared Housing

This is the hardest to come by if you’re only in the country for a short amount of time. Most landlords are usually after a 12-month commitment which you may not want to give. That’s not to say there aren’t any options. You can use Facebook groups such as Huis Huis to look for people renting out a room for a few months!

Where to Work in South Africa

There are plenty of coffee shops for digital nomads to work in.

This South Africa digital nomad guide wouldn’t be complete without detailing the various options you have for workspaces. If you’re working and living in a major city such as Johannesburg or Cape Town (and their suburbs), you’ll find more than a few co-working spaces. Besides co-working spaces, cafes and restaurants are also commonly used by digital nomads in South Africa. Cape Town specifically is riddled with great cafes with wifi in the city and inner suburbs. 

What Digital Nomad Job Will You Do In South Africa

Digital Nomads work online while they travel and it is wise to be making an income from this online work before you head to South Africa. After all you do not want to be in a foreign country with no income. So what online job will you be doing? Here is my list of possible online work opportunities you could do. And to be a digital nomad you require certain equipment, make sure you have the right equipment to be able to work online and be comfortable in your workplace.

Things To Consider about before becoming a Digital Nomad in South Africa

Before you decide to work as a digital nomad in South Africa, there are a few things you should keep in mind: 

●  Loadshedding. It’s not uncommon for the power to go out for periods of time around South Africa. It’s referred to as loadshedding and it happens randomly throughout the year. How frequently it happens and how long it lasts is greatly dependent on where you’re based. It can even differ from one neighbourhood to the next. As a rule of thumb, loadshedding happens less in Cape Town than in Johannesburg. You can use an app such as loadshedding times and plan accordingly if you have a meeting or deadline!

●  Safety. Unfortunately, South Africa has a bad reputation when it comes to safety. There are certain safety rules you need to know about before you arrive. Including not walking anywhere at night and keeping your phone in your front pocket or purse whenever you’re walking or outside. With that being said, you shouldn’t let the safety concerns stop you from enjoying South Africa!

●  Budget. If you’re coming from Europe, Oceania or North America, your money will go much further in South Africa than it would at home. Great news!

●  Activities. There is no shortage of things to do in South Africa! From jumping off the world’s tallest bridge bungee to hiking Lion’s Head or enjoying a relaxing day by the beach. And don’t forget going on safari or climbing Tabletop Mountain! You’ll never be bored.

●  Finding your community. South Africans are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet. Making friends is fairly easy to do! You’ll also meet many other expats if you’re staying at a hostel or working from a co-working space. 

Are You Ready to be a Digital Nomad in South Africa?

Have you started packing your bags? With this South Africa digital nomad guide under your belt, you’ll have no trouble fitting in and enjoying all that the country has to offer. South Africa is sure to exceed your expectations when it comes to finding a beautiful place to live and work! If you are planning a trip to South Africa as a digital nomad or already there, I would love to hear in the comments following.

Hmmmm……what African Safari Tour Will I Choose

When you think of visiting Africa, the first things that often springs to mind is going on an African safari tour to see the animals in their natural habitats. If this is high on your bucket list to see elephants, hippos, lions or gorillas then I hope this post will provide you with the inspiration you need to visit Africa and go on safari. But how do you choose a safari to go on? In this post I have asked 11 travel bloggers their favourite African safari tour, and this is what they have advised. Read on, to discover some of the best African safaris tours to go on when visiting Africa.

What is a Safari?

Here is a tidbit for you. The most popular language spoken in Africa is Swahili with some 200 million people speaking it. And did you know that Safari means ‘long journey’ in Swahili. So if you are interested in a long journey in Africa to see animals, more than likely you are interested in going on a safari.

Is there a Best Time to Go on Safari?

Let me say first, the animals in Africa never take a holiday as they don’t have any employment or other commitments to work around. They just live their lives the same way every day of the year. This is good news for us humans who want to come see them living in their natural habitat. But it is also us humans who have to work around commitments. And then take into account special requirements of blooming flowers, flooding of salt pans, or migrating animals for our choice of when to go on safari in Africa. 

So there really isn’t any ‘’best time’ to go on a safari, it is more like when is the busiest and quietest times to go. Busiest times for safaris revolve around people’s holiday time, particularly the northern hemisphere summer months and then again the winter months as people escape the colder weather for the warmth in Africa. But I did get told once, the best time to go on safari is June to October when it is the dry season because animals water at water sources and it is your best chance of seeing many animals.

Weather conditions are often taken into consideration. I mean, who wants to see the animals in pouring rain or searing heat right! As Africa is so large, weather can be different from one area to another. Rather than four distinct seasons, people often consider will it be dry or wet season. And this will depend on which part of Africa you are looking to do your safari in. Once you hone down the safari type in which country, then consider the weather in the time when you have your holiday.

How to Choose an African Safari?

With so much of the African continent as your disposal with so many different animals how do you choose an African safari to go on. Your choice of safari usually comes down to the wildlife you want to see. Many first-timers like to see ‘the big five’ – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo. And why are they called ‘the big five’ animals of Africa? The term was coined by big-game hunters who would refer to these five animals are the most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot. The term has stuck and is widely used by game viewing tourists and safari tour operators. But there are so many more wonderful animals to see in Africa – giraffes, gorillas, monkeys, hippos, zebras, meerkats and not forgetting the smaller hornbills and dung beetles.

After deciding on the animals you’d like to see consider who you are travelling with and what is the best way to see the animals. If you are travelling solo to Africa, in a couple visiting Africa or in a group of friends visiting Africa you might like going on a safari for a few days. If travelling with kids to Africa, particularly young kids to Africa you might prefer day safaris so they are family friendly. So take into consideration whether you would prefer to sit back and watch the wildebeest herds sweep across the open savannah from your lodgings? Go on day trips where you drive past a pride of lions or sail past hippos. Or stay overnight or longer in the wild surrounded by animals.

To help you choose a safari, here are 11 of the best African safaris to consider.

11 of the Best African Safari Tours

1. Chobe National Park, Botswana

Favourite African safari of Kenny of Knycx Journeying

Elephants enjoying the water in Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is located within Botswana. It is the country’s first national park and is famous for its impressive herd of African elephants. Around 120,000 elephants are living in the park boundaries.  

One way to visit Chobe conveniently is to enter the park from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. This is where many tourists usually sign up for a one or two-day safari tour from there. 

What sets Chobe apart from other African safari tour experiences is it offers two transportation means for game viewing – boat and jeep. I boarded on a boat and sailed down the Kasane River. Then hopped into a jeep and ventured through the woodlands. The Chobe Flood Plain gave me an open and unobstructed view so that I could observe closely how the fascinating African elephants, alligators, hippopotamus, and buffalos behave and live in the water. There is also a healthy population of lions, cheetahs, and leopards that are occasionally spotted in the woodlands in the park.  

Check out and book a safari in Chobe National Park:

2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Best African safari of Jackie Szeto from Life Of Doing

Zebras enjoying a drink in the Serengeti National Park

Wandering through Serengeti National Park is an incredible and memorable experience in Tanzania. This place is famous for the flat plains that stretch for miles. This allows plenty of visibility to see wildlife in their natural habitats.

While a 4-day safari in Serengeti may seem like a long time, it was worth it to witness a variety of wildlife. We saw a mother cheetah walking with her cubs. A family of elephants crossing in front of our Jeep. A male lion chasing away vultures after catching a wildebeest, and many more. There was never a dull moment. Of course, seeing thousands of wildebeests and zebras running in a line along the Great Migration trail was impressive to see.

Staying overnight at Serengeti depends on budget and comfortability. The cheaper option is to camp in tents while the luxurious option is to stay at a hotel or lodge. We did a combination and spent three nights camping and one night at Sopa Lodge. Enjoy your time here.

Check out these tours of the Serengeti and to book:

3. Krueger National Park, South Africa

Favourite African safari of Debbie Fettback from World Adventurists

What a life…..lazy days in Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves. It’s one of the top bucket list experiences on the whole continent. Finding the Big 5 (African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, Lion, and Rhinoceros) is one of the best things to do in South Africa.

We felt that Kruger was the perfect destination for our first safari, and we were able to check off all the boxes of what we envisioned a safari would be. It was amazing the number of animal sightings we had, all within their natural habitat.

We were able to spot all of the big five during our time in Kruger, including a couple of sightings of the elusive leopard. One of the most incredible experiences was to see a herd of hundreds of Cape Buffalo in the riverbed.

Staying at Jock Safari Lodge, a five-star accommodation provided luxury and comfort between our game drives in an open safari vehicle. Our safari lasted four days and we wished we had more time.

Check out these tours of Krueger NP in South Africa and book:

4. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa

Favourite African safari of Campbell Louw Stingy Nomads

Lioness in the wilderness

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park  located in the neighbouring countries of South Africa and Botswana, within the Kalahari desert, spans over the border into both countries. This park is most famous for its large population of predators. And on safari in the park we saw the big cats; lion, leopard and cheetah. The Kgalagadi is well known for the black maned Kalahari lions, these majestic animals are unique to the area.

We explored the park independently for a week in a 4×4 vehicle, camping in 3 different campsites. Fenced traditional camps and unfenced wilderness camps are available. Lying in your tent at night and hearing a lion roar close by is a fantastic experience in the Kalahari. The highlight of the park was to watch predators and scavengers such as hyenas, jackals and the birds of prey interact. We also saw plenty of unique small animals including; the bat-eared fox, meerkat, ground squirrel, the beautiful cape fox, and the elusive Honey Badger (Ratel). The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park can be visited all year round, June and July is the peak season and the best time for predator sightings.

5. Chongwe River House, Zambezi River, Zambia

Best African safari of  Nicole Hunter of Go Far Grow Close

Lioness chowing down on an elephant

One of the most extraordinary African safaris that I have ever taken was at the Chongwe River House located on the Zambezi River in Zambia. We flew by private plane from Victoria Falls and stayed at this luxury residence with a staff of 17 people for a week. Everything about this experience was special and made for an effortless way to organize an African safari.

First, the house itself was magical. The architecture reminded me of Gaudi and Disney. The walls were curved, the windows were fantastical shapes, and the ceilings undulated. There wasn’t a pane of glass on the windows, and the back of the house was completely open – not a wall in sight. We were mere feet from the Chongwe River which fed into the Zambezi River.

Second, the food was exceptional and it never stopped coming. From the early morning breakfast before our safari, to the hot chocolate and pastries in the mid morning while on our safari, to the afternoon lunch back at the house, to the late afternoon tea (always with a new freshly baked cake offered each day even if we could only eat a slice from the cake the day before), to the sundowner of hot hors d’oeuvres and cocktails on our boat watching the sunset, to our final four course formal dinner in the evening.

Third, and best of all, was the unbelievable private safaris that we got to take. We had our own boat and guide that took us on the Zambezi river during the day or for the sunset. We were surrounded at our house with hippos, elephants and crocodiles. Then, we would go on to the Zambezi River and dodge hippos in the water or elephants on the shores.

We took the safari jeep into Lower Zambezi National Park and did safaris in the day and night. There wasn’t another soul around. The world could have ended and we would not have known. One of the more remarkable animal encounters was watching an adult elephant charge a pride of 20 lions who had killed a young elephant and listening to its cries.

On our night safaris, we saw the spectacular Milky Way.

We did a walking safari with an armed guard and we paddled in a canoe, gliding mere inches from hippos and elephants who could overturn or crush us at any minute.

Chongwe River House will forever be one of the best safaris we have ever taken and one of the most unforgettable trips of my life.

For things to do on the Zambezi River, check these tours out:

6. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Best African safari of Martha from May Cause Wanderlust

Elephants enjoying a drink in Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is definitely the best place to go on safari in Namibia. My experience there was amazing, for three reasons:

First, the number and variety of wild animals there is astounding: elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras and cheetahs – and so many more. I visited in September, towards the end of the dry season, which means the water holes draw in animals from far and wide, making it easy to see them.

Second, the park can be self-driven.  You can book a guided safari drive, but you can also drive your own car, which helps make it affordable and also very flexible. You must obey the driving guidelines, though, including never getting out of the car!

Thirdly, the camps: I stayed at Okaukuejo, which has a range of accommodation from comfortable chalets to camping.  The big draw of this camp is that it is located right next to a large water hole.  Every day I watched in awe as herds of huge elephants arrived to drink and bathe – it was a once in a lifetime experience!

For tours in Etosha National Park, Namibia, check these out:

7. HluHluwe Umfolozi Park, South Africa

Best African safari of Victoria Heinz of Guide Your Travel

Zebras in HluHluwe Umfolozi Park, South Africa

HluHluwe Umfolozi Park in South Africa is one of the most underrated safari locations in the country. This reserve is far less crowded than the more popular Krueger Park and can also be more affordable. It’s located around 3 hours north of the city of Durban and is best reached by car. There are a lot of reputable safari companies in the area which will help you spot the big five. Hluhluwe Umfolozi also has rare wild dogs and cheetahs which are regularly spotted by safari goers. Especially in the early mornings there is incredible wildlife to be discovered and since not as many other tourists visit you’ll be there by yourself on most days. The Nibela Lake Lodge is especially beautiful and a fantastic place to stay. You can book daily safari trips and extend for up to a week for longer journeys. It’s definitely worth it for this once in a lifetime experience.

If HluHiuwe Umfolozi Park has attracted you, check out these tours:

8. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Favourite African safari of Joanna from The World in My Pocket

Stop!…. while I cross the road

One of the most beautiful African safari tours I have ever been on was to Ngorongoro Crater, in Tanzania. The crater was formed millions of years ago, when a super volcano erupted. It is hard to imagine how big the explosion was, when you see the giant size of the crater. We started this part of the Tanzanian safari adventure early in the morning and we were among the firsts to enter the crater. It was still dark outside when we started out descent through the thick fog, towards the bottom.

The first encounter, just before reaching the base, was with two lionesses, who decided to walk slowly alongside our vehicle. As the sun has risen and started to break the fog apart, I could see hundreds of thousands of pink flamingos covering the entire shore of the lake in the distance. We spent half a day inside the crater, spotting 8 black rhinos, a fight between lions and hyenas over a zebra, elephants bathing and baby hippos playing in the mud.

If Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania is on your Africa safari bucket list, then check out these tours:

9. Masai Mara, Kenya

Best African safari according to Pamela from The Directionally Challenged Traveller

Spectacular Views from Above

One of the best places to go on an African Safari is the incredible Masai Mara in Kenya. This park is home to The Great Wildebeest Migration from July to September. Even throughout the rest of the year, the big 5 safari animals can be spotted!

The Masai Mara has a variety of landscapes, wide-open spaces, and a temperate climate, making game viewing excellent. Big cats roam freely – lions, cheetahs, and even the elusive leopard can be spotted. We were lucky to even see rhinoceros, which are pretty shy.

One of the coolest things we did was take a hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara. We literally got a birds-eye view of the animals and really be able to grasp how many animals call this park home.

The Masai Mara was awe-inspiring and will always have a special place in my heart.

If you want the Masai Mara to be a special place in your heart too, check out these tours.

10. Aquila, South Africa

Favourite African safari of Christine Rogador from Romantic Places Insider

Plenty of Rhinos to get up close and personal with

Since 2002, Aquila has been one of the most accessible game reserves for Cape Town visitors. It is only a two-hour drive from the Western Cape capital. Here, this 10,000 hectare reserve is set between the Langeberg and the Outeniqua Mountains.

Every morning and afternoon, you can go on two to three-hour game drives with qualified field rangers. From an open 4 x 4 vehicle, enjoy sightings of elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards. Rescued Barbary lions from the “canned hunting trade,” as well as giraffes and hippos, can also be found.

The reserve boasts having bred the Western Cape’s first rhino in 200 years. Meanwhile, Aquila’s natural wetland is home to 172 bird species, including rare black eagle breeding pairs.

Aquila has attractive secluded cottages on the reserve’s hillside if you want to spend the night or the weekend. There’s also a spa with a variety of treatments. This is a quiet retreat from the hustle of the rest of the reserve which also makes this place one of the best places to spend a unique honeymoon trip in Africa.

Check out these tours of Aquila:

11. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Best African safari of Larch, The Silver Nomad

Hippos peeking above the water

Seeing my first elephant in the wild is a memory I will never forget. I had just touched down on the bush landing strip and was on my way to the Rra Dinare camp site. I had chosen a three-camp trip with Kwando African Safari Tours. The three camps in different locations within the Okavango Delta in Botswana gave me different terrains and wildlife to experience.

The campsites all had en-suite tents which were spacious. There were outdoor showers, desks and sofas inside and verandas with epic views outside.

The Okavango Delta is home to all of the Big Five animals – lion, leopard, elephants, rhinoceros and water buffalo, though there are plenty of other animals. Wild dogs, hyenas, giraffe, impala, kudos, ostrich, meerkats all call the Delta home. Darting about the skies are the multicoloured lilac breasted rollers with flashes of turquoise, purple, pink and blue. These brilliant birds are the unofficial bird of Botswana.

Check out tours in the Okavango Delta here:

Are You Ready to go on an African safari?

So there you have 11 of the best African safari tours to undertake when visiting Africa. If you have been on a safari I would love to hear about it in the comments following.

Not interested in going on safari, there is plenty more to see and do in Africa that is not a safari.

Africa is the world’s second largest continent and covers some 6 per cent of the Earth’s surface. And within this area you will find some 54 countries with around 1.3 billion people calling the African continent home. So as you can imagine, Africa is big, or a better word is huge. With so many countries, you would think that Africa would be known for many more things than wild animals you can see just on safaris. I am here to tell you that there is plenty to see and do in Africa. Here are my suggestions of 9 things to do in Africa besides safaris.

Egypt’s Great Pyramids

Visit the Pyramids in Egypt

The pyramids of Giza in Egypt are one of the seven original wonders of the world. Don’t miss them when visiting Africa. They are a human engineering marvel built around 2560 BC. Even though you can hire a car and see the pyramids, most people organise a day or half day trip tour from Cairo. Book your tour to visit the pyramids of Giza and the Sphynx here.

Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe

Try not to get wet!

Victoria Falls is a waterfall on the Zambezi River bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and it is a sight to behold. It is known by the locals as ‘Mos-oa-Tunya’, The smoke that thunders, and that she does! Named by David Livingstone, the first European to see it. He named it Victoria Falls after the Queen of England at that time. It is regarded as the largest waterfall in the world and is a ‘must see’ on my list of the best 9 things to do in Africa besides safaris. Book your private tour of the Victoria Falls here.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Hike Mount Kilimanjaro

Like conquering mountains? Then here is another to conquer! Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. In fact, it is actually a dormant volcano with its last activity taking place around 200 years ago. Often snow-capped, thousands attempt to climb it each year. But you don’t have to climb it, just seeing it is quite spectacular. Hikes vary in length from 1 day to 7 or more. Book your 1 day hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro here.

Timbuktu

From Here to Timbuktu

You have probably heard the phrase ‘from here to Timbuktu’ to denote somewhere very far away. Well, when visiting Africa, it isn’t that far away! Timbuktu is a city in Mali and was a centre for trade and learning during the 15th and 16th centuries but today, it is mostly known for its remoteness. Step back in time here at this UNESCO World Heritage Site to relics of its golden age. A must see when visiting Africa before it disappears. 

Sand Dunes of Namibia

Sand Dunes as far as the eye can see

Namibia is home to some of the oldest and largest sand dunes in the world. Climbing these stunning red dunes will provide spectacular panoramas of the surrounding dune landscape. Many go on quad bike tours of the sand dunes. Book your quad bike ride on the oldest sand dunes in the world in Namibia here.

Enjoy some of Africa’s Beaches

Spend lazy days on an African beach

Africa is a continent surrounded by oceans, the Indian Ocean to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. With so much ocean, Africa is home to some of the best beaches in the world. You could enjoy your days lying on picturesque white sands with palm trees swaying in the sea breeze while enjoying a local drink and food. Why not discover for yourself on your African adventure the beaches of Zanzibar, Mauritius, Madagascar and the Seychelles.

Learn to surf in Morocco

Surfs Up!

When you think of Morocco you may think of many things. Markets full of spices and local produce. Mosques. Adventures of Lawrence of Arabia. Palaces in Marrakech. The Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains and walking into a bar in Casablanca! But Morocco also has a great coastline and is a great place for a surfing adventure. Book your learn to surf lesson here. Already a surfer – book a surfing day tour here.

Avenue of the Baobabs in Madagascar

Take a walk through the Baobabs

Madagascar is known for its beaches and animals but also is the best place to see the Baobab Trees. Don’t miss a visit to the Avenue of the Baobabs while in Madagascar. The ‘avenue’ is a group of Baobab Trees that reach around 30 metres high. Very impressive sight to see while in Africa and it makes my list of the top 9 things to see in Africa besides safaris. There are many places to see them including in Tarangire National Park. Book your day trip to Tarangire National Park here.

Table Mountain in South Africa

Great views from the top

Yet another one of the world’s seven wonders of nature found in Africa, is Table Mountain in South Africa. This flat-topped mountain sits overlooking the South African city of Cape Town. You can hike to the top of the mountain or take the aerial cableway. Whichever way you choose to reach the top you will receive panoramic views over the Cape Peninsula and out to Robben Island where Nelson Mandella was imprisoned. Book your tour to the top of Table Mountain here.

Go on a Safari

I know, I know, this post is about the things to see and do in Africa besides a safari…..but! If you want to know about going on a safari read my post Best African Safari Tours – Top 11 Picks.

Final Words

I hope you enjoyed discovering these 9 other things to do in Africa besides a safari. In fact, I have only just touched on the things to do. I would love to hear of your adventures to the places mentioned or other places not on this list in the comments.

Smell the fresh spices – one of the best things to see and do in Morocco

Morocco is a unique destination located between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a beautiful country that has vibrant cities, unique cuisine, desert landscapes and a hot atmosphere. This North-African country is a mixture of cultural and historical wealth. If you are planning a trip to this amazing country but know little about it then discover with us some Morocco highlights you must experience when you visit Morocco.

And if you fall in love with Morocco there is the possibility to extend your stay by Teaching English in Morocco. Read on and discover the best things to see and do in Morocco.

This is a post by my nephew who recently came back from a 1 week Morocco itinerary that was mostly a surfing safari. Morocco was his break from a cold British winter.

Why visit Morocco?

This is why ……..

A rich history and culture

Morocco is a country steeped in history as well as a country at the crossroads of all cultures. In prehistoric times, the North-African country was inhabited by the Berbers then conquered in the 7th century by the Muslim dynasties. At the same time, Asian, Andalusian, and Berber, the kingdom is the fruit of many cultural crossings reflected in its historical and architectural heritage. And you will discover it on a Morocco highlights visit.

An amazing culinary landscape

Morocco has one of the richest gastronomies in the world and its culinary art is a real pleasure to discover. The Moroccan cuisine is certainly an essential part of the country. Through the many delicious Moroccan dishes, you will have the impression of traveling through its flavors, sometimes sweet and sometimes spicy by saffron, ginger, or paprika. These spices with strong smells, displayed on the colorful stands in the markets, will make you want to stay forever in the country.

A couple of the best ways to discover the food of Morocco is to go on a food tour or take a cooking class.

You can book an authentic Moroccan food tour of Marrakech here.
What about a Marrakech Street food tour? Check them out here.
Cook Moroccan food yourself in a cooking class. Here’s a great one.

A close yet different civilization

It’s impossible to imagine a more far-flung destination so close to the Western world. Morocco will delight you with its mountains, imperial cities, and sandy deserts that stretch for miles. Lose yourself in its noisy traditional markets; a few hours later, you will find a desert where noise has no place.

Warm climate

How to talk about Morocco without mentioning its climate. Moroccans enjoy many more sunny days than most Western citizens. The country enjoys a Mediterranean climate with an average twenty degrees temperature. If you venture there during the winter, you will even have the chance to see the thermometer approaching thirty degrees.

Unique places to stay

Morocco has several unique places to stay; sleep in its elegant arabesque palaces and riads. These places will welcome you with magical settings. The North-African country offers many spaces where relaxation and tranquility reign supreme. Between a traditional house in the heart of the city or a nature reserve in the desert, the choice is extensive.

Must See places in Morocco

Here are some of the best things to see and do in Morocco, well I think they are.

Casablanca

Casablanca, the economic city of Morocco, has a lively and modern atmosphere. It means the white house in Spanish and it was named after the white colour reigning supreme in the city’s residences. Casablanca reflects the modern and dynamic vision of the kingdom. It is an African metropolis with a major economic dimension. The city is renowned for being a significant financial hub in the continent. But I know it from the movie, Casablanca.

The most famous monument in the city of Casablanca is the Hassan II Mosque which is the largest mosque in Africa. It is one of the mosques accessible to tourists who wish to visit it. Guided tours are carried out regularly at fixed times, with explanations in several languages. You can purchase an entry ticket to the Hassan II Mosque here.

Also visit the beautiful and surprising district of Habous. This district stands out with its hundreds of arches and its ocher and white tones. If you want to buy souvenirs and handicrafts, head to the Habous district, you will find several antique shops and decoration shops.

Casablanca has several accommodation options, from the most low-cost to the most luxurious. It’s recommend you find somewhere to sleep in the city centre especially near the pretty Mohamed V Square. If looking for a bed in a hostel check out Youth Hostel Casablanca. For a budget hotel try the Hotel Moroccan House and for some luxury try the Grand Mogador City Centre.

Marrakech

Marrakech or the Ocher City is so well known that many tourists think it is the capital of the kingdom. It is an essential tourist place, in the city, there are so many places not to be missed so definitely a visit to Marrakech is a must on your best things to see and do in Morocco itinerary.

Start your visit at the famous Majorelle Botanical Garden created by artist Jacques Majorelle. The latter transformed a villa into a true botanical work of art, brought up to date by Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint-Laurent. The Majorelle garden covers one hectare and is home to nearly 3000 species of plants.

Continue your visit with a small tour through the souks (Markets) of the ocher city. These markets are places of commerce and meeting; the souks of the old medina of Marrakech are a true labyrinth divided into quarters. Handicrafts are highly showcased there, and you will find several high-quality local items. End your stay in Marrakech with a short visit to Jamaa El Fna, the kingdom’s most famous place where several artists gather to entertain tourists. The place of Jamaa El Fna is part of the world cultural heritage under the protection of UNESCO.

Marrakech is undoubtedly the city that houses the widest choice of accommodation in Morocco. For a comfortable and authentic experience, it’s recommend that you stay in a property in the old Medina of Marrakech. The old Medina brings together several beautiful districts of the city. You will also be in the heart of Marrakech and very close to markets and various monuments and cultural and historical sites. If seeking a bed in a hostel check out Read Jenna Rouge and if wanting a budget hotel try the La Jardines De La Medina. For a little luxury try the Savoy Le Grand Hotel Marrakech.

Valleys and Waterfalls

The valleys of the kingdom offer unforgettable landscapes for tourists wishing to discover Moroccan citizens’ daily life. Visit the Roses’ Valley, one of the most sublime places in Morocco. This magnificent valley is home to land alongside lush vegetation where you can smell the scent of blooming roses.

If you are a hiking enthusiast, do not miss the Dades waterfalls. These small waterfalls form an impressive landscape rise around a 200 km long river and are some of the best things to see and do in Morocco. You can head to the Dades waterfalls while visiting the famous High Atlas Mountains at the same time.

The best way to get to the valleys and waterfalls is with a car or a tourist guide. You can book a tour following.

Moroccan Desert

If you are looking for an amazing and unique experience, immerse yourself in the Moroccan desert. Live an unprecedented experience at the gates of the Moroccan Sahara by visiting Merzouga. The desert city opens onto a huge expanse of dunes. Try the bivouac, which allows you to contemplate thousands of stars, you will not forget this experience.

To have an even more authentic vision of the Moroccan desert cities, visit Zagoura and Ouarzazate. Much less well known than Merzouga, these are two small towns that are often the starting point for trips to the desert. These two cities are also an opportunity to admire the lifestyle of Moroccan nomads.

You can visit Merzouga and stay in one of the luxurious hotels so you can explore the Moroccan desert. You can also book a tour to spend time in the area. See some tours following.

Dakhla

The semi-island of Dakhla is located between the rocks and sand of the Saharan desert and the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Dakhla is known worldwide as the capital of Kite surfing. There is indeed a great mix between constant wind and summer temperatures on land and water throughout the year. In Dakhla, you can practice several water sports such as wake boarding, surfing, and paddle boarding.

Dakhla is a unique place offering incredible and unusual landscapes combining ocean, lagoon, and desert. What makes Dakhla so charming is that it is still preserved from the madness of massive tourism. In Dakhla, you can take a 4×4 that will take you on trips, allowing you to discover the Moroccan desert’s hidden secrets. Additionally, in Dakhla, you can still come across nomads or traces of ancient nomadic civilizations.

Dakhla offers a large number of hotels and apartments for rent at attractive prices. If you’re more flexible with your budget, there are Kitesurfing camps (Dakhla Evasion, Dakhla Attitude, or Ocean Vagabond).

Organise Your Trip to Morocco

Best time to visit Morocco

You can visit Morocco anytime but the seasons can play a major part in your decision. This is because you have coastal towns, the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert which have different weather throughout the year. The summer months are June-August and the desert will be unbearably hot however, the coastal regions, still hot, will have cooling ocean to enjoy. During the winter months of November/December-January/February there will be snow on the Atlas Mountains. So you could say the best times to visit Morocco is during the spring, March to May and autumn, September to November. These times will see the pleasant warm weather.

How Long to Spend in Morocco?

How long have you got? You will experience many Morocco highlights on a 7 day Morocco itinerary but the more time you have in Morocco the better. Which is why I had a 14 day Morocco itinerary planned that allowed me plenty of time to surf plus discover the major Moroccan cities and I even had a few days in the desert.

How to Get to Morocco

The best ways to get to Morocco is either by sailing from Gibralter, Spain or France or by flying into one of Morocco’s airport. The main international airport being Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport. It is about 30km south of Casablance with plenty of trains, shuttles and taxis to get you from the airport into the city. There are also private transfers available.

Extend your stay in Morocco: Get a Job Teaching English

If you are looking to reduce the costs of your trip to Morocco, consider looking for some work. Lots of travelers are looking to live and work in Morocco for the lifestyle it offers. Many digital nomads are setting up in Morocco to enjoy the cheap cost of living, fast wifi and the opportunity to explore Morocco.

Teaching English in Morocco is the main type of work that travellers to Morocco find. It is preferred you have a TEFL qualification to apply for a position with one of the private English language schools. Some previous experience will also come in handy but is not essential. The main towns to find a position are Marakesh, Casablanca, Fez and Rabat. Any reputable school you apply to should be able to get you a working visa so you can teach for them, if not a red flag should go up immediately. As well as a work visa, many of the schools will also include a wage and accommodation. Wages can be anywhere from $1,000 – $2,000 per month, depending on the hours you work. To find a job check out Dave’s ESL Cafe, British Council, American Language Centres in Morocco and AMIDEAST.

Finally, however long you wish to spend in Morocco you will discover a rich history, culinary delights, vibrant and colourful cities and beautiful landscapes. Morocco is waiting for you to discover her highlights.

Are You Ready to Discover the Best Things to See and Do in Morocco?

Go further in Africa: 9 Things to See and Do in Africa besides a Safari