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.
Really cool list and suggestions.
Thanks. I enjoyed writing this one.
Your baobob tree pic is awesome. I never would’ve associated surfing with Morocco! Mt Kilamanjaro and the Pyramids have been on my bucket list forever, adding the rest of these as well!
I hope you can get to Africa soon and cross these places off your bucket list. Surfing was great fun in Morocco.
Africa is an amazing place to visit and you’re right, there are lots of great things to do besides safaris. I’ve been awed by the Egyptian pyramids and Victoria Falls but Madagascar, Kilimanjaro and Morroco are still on the list. Thanks for sharing!
Great post on 9 places to visit in Africa, most of them is in my bucket list including Avenue of Baobabs, Victoria falls, Morocco and Namib desert.
There are many more places you could include but this is a great start for your bucket list.
Africa is such a fascinating continent! I’ve only made it to Morocco so far (and didn’t even try surfing there) but I’d loooove to see much more such as the sand dunes in Namibia or the baobabs in Madagascar.
So many of these are on my bucket list it’s not even funny. I’m going to need so much time in Africa to get everything done. I was planning on Kilimanjaro until the pandemic hit so once I do that I’ll hopefully be able to fit some more of these things in. Madagascar would be amazing, and the pyramids are just a dream trip.
Africa is one place I long to explore more and you’ve given some great ideas here. Namibia looks so enticing – definitely on my bucket list!
Glad to provide you with some inspiration. I would love other about your travels to Namibia if you do get there!
Africa is a continent that has always attracted me, primarily for its wildlife. Thank you for giving me so many more reasons to visit the continent now. Kilimanjaro and Timbuktu, being at the top of the list.
There are so many incredible things to do in Africa! Being honest, safari is normally the first thing that springs to my mind too when I think of an African vacation, but that’s just scratching the surface! I’d love to see the pyramids one day! And the sand dunes of Namibia look incredible! For some reason I never think of beached when I think of Africa but it sounds like they have some magical ones! Thanks for the great guide!
There are many things to do in Africa that we just don’t realise. And yes, usually safari springs to mind with me too.
I would love to see the Baobab Trees! But all 9 suggestions sound incredible. Ahh to dream of future travel!
What a great post! I absolutely love Africa and the more I explore, the more my bucket list grows. Exploring the sand dunes in Namibia has been one of the most amazing things I have done in my life and I love the idea to learn how to surf in Morocco – Thanks for sharing all these bucket list things to do!
That is good to hear about the sand dunes. And surfing in Morocco is so much fun!
Africa is such a diverse continent. You can do a bit of everything from hanging out on the beach to exploring awesome nature – like those sand dunes—great ideas for things to do in Africa that aren’t safaris.
Agree, Africa is very diverse and we sometimes forget just how diverse it is.
These are great suggestions! People sometimes forget the range of countries, ecosystems, and cultures present in the continent of Africa.
That is right. There are 54 countries on the African continent and as you say, each with they own ecosystems and cultures.
What FUN!! I am soooo longing for a safari!!
Safaris in Africa are wonderful, but there is plenty of other things to see and do while there.