Experience Africa At Its Best This Year Beyond A Safari

Most people immediately think of a “safari” when planning a vacation in Africa. While one of the options listed here is, admittedly, a safari, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy a vacation in Africa. Among them is the opportunity to help people, protect land and marine wildlife, play golf at a top resort, indulge in retail therapy and laze on the perfect beach. Read on to find out what you can do while on a vacation in Africa.

Volunteering in Africa

There are many great opportunities for volunteering for worthy causes all over Africa. This is a vacation with a difference and is so rewarding. Among the choices, you can help protect Africa’s iconic wildlife in South Africa, including the Big 5.

Alternatively, head to Zimbabwe, Zambia, or other African nations, helping the people, while truly experiencing the country and its culture.

Volunteer to protect marine life

Marine life is another worthy cause with many opportunities in Africa. Among them are volunteering in Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and its island of Zanzibar. In Gansbaai, South Africa, volunteer to help with shark conservation, while meeting the iconic predators face to face.

Golf in South Africa

One thing about South Africa is that it is probably the best location in Africa for a golf vacation. Here, many fantastic golf courses can be found, each in a unique setting. Play a round of golf in a game reserve, with wildlife strolling on the greens, or next to the sea in the fresh ocean air. The opportunities are boundless.

Meanwhile, South Africa is famous for its championships including Leopard Creek (European Tour), Fancourt Links (host of the Presidents Cup) and Durban Country Club (South African Open). It is also renowned for the Gary Player Country Club course at Sun City, where the Nedbank Golf Challenge is hosted.

Other glorious golf courses can be found in Pinnacle Point on the coast, Pezula on the cliffs above Knysna and in the Paarl Valley of the Cape Winelands. As for Cape Town, the city offers Clovelly, and Johannesburg features the exclusive River Club.

Kruger National Park Safari

One truly exciting safari destination is Kruger National Park. This vast park is steeped in history and legend and offers some of the most spectacular wildlife in Africa. Among the many species are the famous Big Five, namely elephant, leopard, lion, rhino and buffalo.

Meanwhile, one of the greatest aspects of Kruger National Park is that it has options to suit anyone’s budget. Here, you can enjoy affordable group safaris with stays in tented camps, or exclusive private safaris, staying in luxurious bush lodges.

City breaks for shopaholics

For those who love retail therapy, Cape Town is the perfect destination for a shopping and dining experience. Visit the V&A Waterfront where Victoria Wharf offers a range of luxury shopping. Moreover, many excellent restaurants serve great cuisine, overlooking the yachts moored in the harbor and Table Bay.

Cape Town City Bowl offers a great range of shopping, with unique souvenirs on sale in Greenmarket Square. Here, African curios and art are for sale, along with reasonably priced clothing and so much more.

Durban in KwaZulu-Natal on the Indian Ocean coast features great shopping and beautiful beaches and restaurants serving delicious curries. Meanwhile, in Johannesburg, head to suburbs like Rosebank and Sandton for a luxurious retail therapy expedition.

Heading to Kenya, the capital of Nairobi offers an alternative shopping trip. One must-visit location here is Souk, where some of the country’s most talented artisans and artists come together under one roof. Here, shoppers can buy jewelry, leatherwork and so much more. While in the Souk, head to Tin Roof Café, the perfect spot for a tasty meal and a cooling drink.

Life’s a beach in Africa

The coast of Africa features many beautiful beaches, some secluded and unspoiled, others crowded with tourists. It also offers a choice of ocean, with the Atlantic beaches or the warmer Indian Ocean coast of Africa.

Cape Town in South Africa offers beautiful beaches along its Atlantic Seaboard and onto the Garden Route. Meanwhile, the other side of the city features picture postcard views of Table Mountain from Bloubergstrand.

The coast of KwaZulu-Natal, including Durban, offers an almost endless stretch of sandy beaches. Meanwhile, Mozambique, Zanzibar and Kenya are also great locations for a beach vacation.

Whatever option you prefer, experience an adventure in Africa where this vast continent is sure to have something perfect for you.