Africa Bucket List: Top Trips You Need to Take Once in Your Lifetime

Siobhan Grogan

The oldest inhabited continent on earth is full of wonders not seen anywhere else. Book onto one of these epic trips and explore one of the most exciting places on Earth.

From the wide-open expanse of the Sahara to the snow-dusted mountains of Morocco, a trip to Africa should be on everyone’s bucket list. The second-largest continent in the world, it comprises 54 countries and covers 20 percent of the earth’s land area. Whether you want to visit South Africa to sip wine in vineyards or trek through the ancient wonders of Egypt, any one of these African adventures will make every moment in this fascinating continent count.

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Clear water river of Akchour, Morocco

Mountain hiking and desert stargazing in Morocco

Anyone can dip into Marrakech – but only those who venture further afield uncover the authentic side of this magical North African country. Morocco pairs the rugged Atlas Mountains with gloriously chaotic bazaars, historic forts and the world-famous Sahara desert. This in-depth Culture Trip tour will let you truly get under the skin of Morocco – from discovering Casablanca with a local guide and stargazing in Merzouga with an astrologist, to scrambling through the carved canyons of the Dades Gorge on a guided hike. Along the way, you’ll dip into the medina in Fes, dine by a waterfall in the Rif Mountains and journey across the desert on a camel at sunrise, an experience you will never forget.

From US$2369

Next available from 10th Feb 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Casablanca, Morocco

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ENDS AT

Marrakech, Morocco

DURATION

11

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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African Elephant Coming To The Safari Vehicle

Tribal experiences and safari adventures in Kenya

The quintessential African safari experience – as in the one you’ve seen on nature documentaries – is best had in Kenya’s amazing Maasai Mara. That’s the end destination of this immersive eight-day adventure in East Africa. Before that we’ll start with cultural experiences in Nairobi, coffee-tasting at a world-class factory and farm, plus a luxurious country lodge stay in Aberdare National Park. Next up is Lake Nakuru, where our first safari drive takes place, spotting black rhinos mixing it with the thousands of bright pink flamingos wading through shallow waters. Finally, we’ll reach our gorgeous campsite in the heart of the Mara, where you can watch zebra trot by from the comfort of the campfire. We’ll spend one full day with the locals at a rural Maasai village, where you’ll get to experience tribal life first hand, including their mesmerising cultural dances. After that we’ll explore the Mara’s remarkable wildlife on a full-day safari in search of the Big Five and, if you’ve booked at the right time of year, vast herds of migrating wildebeest.

From US$2959

Next available from 11th Apr 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Nairobi, Kenya

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ENDS AT

Nairobi, Kenya

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

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STYLE

Discovery

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egypt-sphinx-spencer-davis-unsplash

Ancient human history and a luxury Nile cruise in Egypt

Always dreamt of gazing upon the Pyramids? Egypt lives up to every legend – from the riotous centre of Cairo to the majestic Sphinx, all with the enchanting river Nile at its heart. The longest river in the world is one of the most famous places in Africa and remains the best way to uncover the ancient secrets of this mystical country. Tick the big hitters off on the very first day by joining this Culture Trip tour in Cairo, where you’ll marvel at the Giza Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Khan Al-Khalili bazaar, before travelling by sleeper train to the candlelit Luxor Temple. From here, you’ll take to the water on a luxury Nile cruise where you’ll pack in ancient temples, sunset cocktails and kayak on the world’s best-known river.

From US$2239

Next available from 23rd May 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Cairo, Egypt

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ENDS AT

Aswan, Egypt

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

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STYLE

Discovery

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Buildings dotting the verdant land in Cape Town, with the ocean to the right and mountains to the left

From Cape Town to wild safaris in South Africa

How do you begin to get an authentic taste of Africa’s southerly nation? Well, thanks to the expert guidance of our Local Insider, this trip is a satisfying three-course meal. To start, we’ll delve into the cultural diversity of Cape Town, forged in the fires of the country’s complex past. Next on the table – after Table Mountain, of course – is an exploration of the Garden Route’s sublime natural bounties, from limestone caves to luscious national parks, epic coastlines and endless vineyards. Your dessert? A luxurious stay on a stunning safari game reserve, where you can join us in search of the Big Five and bask in the glory of the South African wilderness.

From US$2899

Next available from 3rd Feb 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Cape Town, South Africa

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ENDS AT

Cape Town, South Africa

DURATION

11

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Additional reporting was contributed by Nick Dauk.

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KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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