Africa’s magnetic pull extends far beyond its legendary wildlife encounters. While game drives across golden savannas remain an iconic experience, discovering what to do besides a safari reveals the continent’s extraordinary depth and character. At Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris, we’ve dedicated decades to helping curious travelers explore the remarkable diversity of experiences that transform a simple wildlife vacation into a life-changing journey across Africa. So what to do besides a safari?
When travelers ask what to do besides a safari in Africa, they discover a continent of boundless possibilities. Africa’s geographical canvas encompasses over 10,000 miles of pristine coastline, majestic mountain ranges piercing the clouds, vibrant cities pulsing with innovation, and communities preserving traditions that stretch back millennia. Each region presents distinctive opportunities that often become the unexpected highlights of a journey initially centered on wildlife viewing. Africa isn’t all about the big 5 no there is more and your about to discover that.
The question of what to do besides a safari opens doors to experiences matching every passion and interest. Water enthusiasts discover paradise in crystal-clear diving spots and thrilling rapids in Zanzibar and diani beaches. Mountain adventurers challenge themselves on legendary peaks such as Kilimanjaro Mountain. History lovers uncover humanity’s origins through archaeological treasures in Samburu Kenya, Egypt pyramids and colonial architecture such as fort Jesus museum in Mombasa Kenya. Culinary explorers savor cuisines shaped by centuries of cultural exchange, while connection-seekers engage with communities such as the famous maasai people in Kenya whose warm hospitality defines the African experience.
At Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris, we excel at designing journeys that thoughtfully balance wildlife viewing with equally magnificent cultural and adventure experiences. We understand that the most memorable African journeys seamlessly integrate both traditional safari activities and opportunities to explore what to do besides a safari across this diverse continent. From arranging intimate cooking classes with renowned local chefs to securing permits for mountain gorilla trekking or organizing sunset dhow cruises along tranquil coastlines, we create comprehensive experiences that showcase Africa’s remarkable breadth.
The following guide on what to do besides a safari explores our favorite activities beyond traditional safaris, demonstrating why travelers initially drawn by wildlife invariably return to discover everything else Africa offers. Join us as we explore the extraordinary experiences that reveal the continent’s true character and depth.
- Wildlife Encounters Which Is Something Africa Is Rich In
While our focus remains on what to do besides a safari in Africa, we acknowledge that game drives form the foundation of most African journeys. The continent’s unparalleled wildlife viewing, from the famous Big Five of Africa to the fascinating Little Five, creates memories that resonate for a lifetime.
While wildlife viewing often draws visitors to Africa initially, the continent’s unparalleled wildlife diversity forms just one facet of its appeal. From the famous Big Five, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo, to the less heralded but equally fascinating Little Five, elephant shrew, ant lion, rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver, and leopard tortoise, these animal encounters create lifelong memories. The Great Migration across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem represents one of Earth’s most spectacular natural phenomena, with over 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras moving in an annual cycle that UNESCO recognizes as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Kruger National Park houses not only the Big Five but also the world’s largest rhinoceros population, while Botswana’s Okavango Delta creates a 15,000-square-kilometer wetland paradise where wildlife viewing occurs from traditional mokoro canoes gliding silently through crystal-clear channels.
Through diverse safari experiences including walking safaris in Kenya, gorilla trekking in Uganda, and boat excursions, travelers develop deeper appreciation for ecosystems supporting incredible biodiversity. Our guides share insights about wildlife behavior, conservation efforts, and the importance of these animals to local cultures.
The premier wildflife destinations that are a must see and visit while planning for vacation packages to Africa, Africa vacation packages or all inclusive African safari are Masai Mara in kenya, Kruger National Park, Okavango Delta Serengeti and Tsavo National Park in Kenya
- Mountain Trekking in Africa
For travelers wondering what to do besides a safari in Africa, the continent’s magnificent mountains offer extraordinary adventures. Unlike the continuous ranges found in Europe or South America, Africa’s peaks stand as isolated sentinels across diverse landscapes, from volcanic cones requiring multi-day expeditions to accessible highlands perfect for day hikes.
Many of these mountains support specialized wildlife that thrives in high-altitude environments, creating unique ecosystems distinct from savanna habitats typically experienced during safaris. When considering what to do besides a safari for adventure enthusiasts, these mountains present perfect opportunities to combine physical challenges with remarkable scenery.
From Mount Kilimanjaro’s iconic summit to the wild trails of the Great Rift Valley, mountain trekking has emerged as one of the top alternatives to safari experiences across Africa. Whether seeking immersive wilderness journeys or gentle exploration of rolling escarpments, these high-altitude adventures represent what to do besides a safari for travelers seeking active experiences in breath taking natural settings.
The most famous ones are mount Kilimanjaro safari, mount Kenya, Volcanoes national park, Rwenzori and mount Meru.
- Meet the real Africa Through its people and Cultural
Wondering what to do besides a safari in Africa? Well, Put down the wildlife checklist and pick up some cultural learning. Africa isn’t just the home of lions and elephants as many people believe, but the real truth is this is where humanity itself began. You might want to argue but it’s a fact that that humans first evlved in Africa and the first humans are from Africa. Google it and see. Did you know that in Africa where your ancestors might be from there are over 3,000 different tribal groups speaking more than 1,000 languages? When we tell you this is a cultural buffet we mean it. It’s a continent of welcoming people, who are super excited to meet visitors.
Imagine learning to throw a spear with Tanzania’s Hadzabe people, whose hunting techniques haven’t changed since your ancestors were figuring out fire. Or spending time with the Maasai in Kenya, where you’ll quickly discover your jumping skills are embarrassingly inadequate compared to warriors who’ve been practicing since childhood. Have you ever seen videos where the maasai chase away lions and even graze their animals in parks and lions wouldn’t dare come close near their cows? The red-ochred Himba women of Namibia might politely suggest your skincare routine needs work when they see how their natural sunscreen puts your SPF 50 to shame.
The Zulu in South Africa will show you that their famous shield-and-spear fighting style works for dance as well as historic battles, while the nomadic Samburu will make you question your navigation skills as they effortlessly traverse remote plateaus you’d get lost on with three GPS devices. Africa has amazing people with amazing cultures that you have never experienced.Just before we forget you should also meet the San bushmen who know which desert plants can save your life or which ones make excellent arrow poison.
We haven’t exhausted everything about African cultures since its wide but we just touched on the few. These cultural experiences aren’t just tourist attractions, they’re living windows into resilient communities that have thrived in environments ranging from harsh deserts to lush mountains. You’ll learn how these groups have maintained their unique identities despite centuries of external pressures. Just remember to bring your sense of humor and leave your preconceptions at home, the only things these communities appreciate more than respect are genuine curiosity and a good laugh.
- Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking
When researching what to do besides a safari in Africa, many travelers discover the profound experience of primate trekking. Conservation reports indicate that nature tourism, particularly gorilla trekking, represents one of Africa’s most compelling alternatives to traditional safari activities.
For those wondering what to do besides a safari well, in Uganda we have Uganda gorilla trekking , standing face-to-face with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat creates transformative moments unlike any wildlife encounter. You should check out our gorilla trekking Uganda Safari and Rwanda gorilla trekking safari. Rwanda offers exceptional chimpanzee trekking opportunities where visitors observe our closest relatives from respectful distances.
These primate experiences exemplify what to do besides a safari for travelers seeking deeper connections with wildlife since these animals are our closest cousins. While different from traditional game drives, these guided forest treks create equally memorable animal encounters while supporting critical conservation efforts protecting endangered species.
5. Africa Beach Awaits you
Did you know that nature’s perfect antidote to dusty game drives is the beaches? Diani Beach in Kenya has been voted Africa’s best beach five times running by the World Travel Awards and its among the top 10 best beaches in the world, and for good reason. Picture 17 kilometers of powder-white sand against the Indian Ocean’s impossible turquoise, with palm trees leaning lazily overhead as if posing for your Instagram. Here, you can kitesurf world-class waves in the morning, scuba dive vibrant coral reefs by afternoon, and still have time for a sunset camel ride. The beach bars serve fresh coconut cocktails while local monkeys occasionally attempt to photobomb your selfies, just part of Diani’s irresistible charm.
Just a few miles we have Zanzibar’s beaches that rival any Southeast Asian paradise but with distinctly African flair. Nungwi Beach offers dazzling white sand against water so clear you’ll think someone adjusted your vision settings. Watch traditional wooden dhow boats with triangular sails glide past as you enjoy freshly caught seafood grilled right on the beach. The island’s unique cultural fusion means your beach day can include spice tours, Stone Town’s UNESCO heritage sites, and swimming with dolphins, all experiences you won’t find at typical beach destinations. The island even hosts full moon parties that make Thailand’s look tame, with local Taarab music creating an authentic soundtrack to your beach adventure.
South Africa’s Boulders Beach offers something truly unique, a chance to swim alongside an African penguin colony. These tuxedoed residents waddle comically across the sand between sunbathers, completely unfazed by human visitors. Meanwhile, Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago feels like stepping into an undiscovered paradise, where pristine sand dunes meet turquoise waters holding some of Africa’s last dugongs those are the sea cows. The snorkelling here reveals two-mile visibility and coral gardens.
So when your wondering what else will I do beside a safari well, you need a month to exhaust everything Africa can offer as you can see.
- Dive into Africa’s Underwater Adventures
Did you know that beneath the waves its another whole kingdom of animals and plants and Africa coastline offers the same? Africa’s 26,000 km coastline hosts marine ecosystems that rival its famous savannas in biodiversity and spectacle. At Hermanus in South Africa, you can witness southern right whales breaching just meters from shore during their July-November migration This location is recognized by the World Wildlife Fund as one of the planet’s 12 best whale-watching destinations in the world.
To make things even more thrilling Gansbaai offers face-to-face encounters with great white sharks through cage diving adventures. These apex predators reach lengths of 6 meters and can weigh over 2,000 kg, making these experiences among the most adrenaline-inducing wildlife encounters on earth. Meanwhile, Tanzania’s Mnemba Atoll features over 600 fish species in a protected marine reserve where visibility regularly exceeds 30 meters. The coral formations here include some estimated to be over 500 years old, providing habitat for rare species like the ghost pipefish and frogfish.
Kenya’s Watamu Marine National Park combines archaeological treasures with exceptional marine biodiversity, ancient Swahili ruins dot the coastline while over 110 hard coral species create underwater gardens below. The park’s green turtle population has increased 300% since protection began, offering visitors reliable encounters with these gentle creatures. Off Madagascar’s coast, whale shark aggregations create opportunities to swim alongside the world’s largest fish, while Zanzibar’s dolphin pods include both bottlenose and spinner species known for their acrobatic displays.
From all this am sure you can tell that this continents wildflife magic extends beyond its famous savannah plains. Africa’s underwater adventures provide wildlife spectacles every bit as memorable as the Big Five.
- Landscape Exploration
If your someone who is amazed by landscape then you need to go to Africa because this continent’s landscapes will leave you speechless. Victoria Falls, known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” meaning the smoke that thunders, creates earth’s largest curtain of falling water. This UNESCO World Heritage site sends 500 million liters of Zambezi River water plunging 108 meters every minute, generating mist visible from 50km away. Istn this awesome? During full moon, a unique rainbow appears in the night,a phenomenon visible at only two other locations worldwide.
The Namib Desert’s Sossusvlei presents the world’s tallest sand dunes, with the famous “Big Daddy” towering 325 meters high. These 5-million-year-old formations contain sand that has traveled thousands of miles from the Kalahari, making them among Earth’s oldest dunes. At sunrise, they transform into a photographer’s dream as the orange-red sand contrasts dramatically with blue skies. Nearby, the surreal Dead Vlei features 900-year-old petrified trees standing like sculptures against white clay pans.
South Africa’s Blyde River Canyon stretches 26 kilometers as the world’s third-largest canyon and the largest “green canyon” due to its lush subtropical vegetation. Its most famous viewpoint, “God’s Window,” offers vistas across Mpumalanga province that extend on clear days all the way to Mozambique. Meanwhile, the Cape Winelands feature over 150 wineries nestled between dramatic mountain ranges, with some estates dating to the 1700s and producing varieties like Pinotage that exist nowhere else on Earth.
If your still wondering what to do besides a safari, am sure your now convinced there is more to explore than you ever thought.
Lake Malawi contains more fish species than any lake on Earth, imagine of 1000 species while Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression reaches 125 meters below sea level with surface temperatures regularly exceeding 50°C. This is where NASA scientists come to use the place for Mars-environment testing. From the world’s largest lava lake at Congo’s Mount Nyiragongo to Morocco’s blue city of Chefchaouen nestled in the Rif Mountains, Africa’s natural and cultural landscapes offer wonders that rival its famous wildlife in both beauty and diversity.
- Culinary Exploration
For travelers questioning what to do besides a safari in Africa, gastronomic adventures offer delicious answers regardless of season. While wildlife movements and weather patterns affect optimal safari timing, culinary exploration remains consistently rewarding throughout the year.
Africa’s cuisines present fascinating alternatives to safari experiences, reflecting diverse cultural influences across distinct regions. These culinary traditions blend indigenous ingredients with Asian, Arab, and European techniques accumulated through centuries of cultural exchange.
When exploring what to do besides a safari across different African regions, distinctive food traditions provide windows into local life:
- North Africa: Northern cuisines feature halal meats (beef, lamb, goat) and seafood alongside abundant fruits and vegetables. Traditional Berber dishes including steamed semolina represent what to do besides a safari for culinary enthusiasts in Morocco and neighboring countries.
- East Africa: When considering what to do besides a safari in Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, you can go out there to the local villages away from your five star accommodation and enjoy distinctive foods. These dishes include Misir Wat (Ethiopian lentil stew), Nyama Choma (Kenyan roasted meat), and Mandazi (Tanzanian fried bread),ugali (mixture of maize floor and water), Mukimo ( potatoes munched with green vegetables such as pumkin leaves and so much more.
- Central Africa: In west Africa you will find distinctive cuisines featuring starches, vegetables, and protein sources including peanuts offer unique culinary experiences. Signature dishes including Nyembwe chicken, Egusi soup, Yassa, Bissap, mafe, sodabi and Muamba demonstrate the region’s distinctive flavor profiles.
- West Africa: West African cuisines include meats, fats, and flavorful seasonings create distinctive regional specialties. Signature dishes including thieboudienne, Fish Yassa, groundnut stew, and Jollof rice showcase this region’s culinary heritage.
- Southern Africa: South African cuisine include foods such as beef, goat, chicken, and mutton among others . Street foods including bobotie, boerewors, potjiekos, and biltong offer accessible introductions to these distinctive flavors.
- Urban Exploration: Discovering Africa’s Vibrant Cities
Now I know your used to huge cities with millions of people and huge tall skyscrapers buildings, but in Africa too there is all that but its unique in its own way. Lets take south Africa as an example where Cape Town consistently ranks among the world’s most beautiful urban centers, with Table Mountain rising dramatically behind colorful neighborhoods. This city offers world-class restaurants like The Test Kitchen, which earned a spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, alongside vibrant markets like Greenmarket Square where over 300 traders sell authentic African crafts. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront welcomes 24 million visitors annually, more than all of South Africa’s national parks combined.
Zanzibar’s Stone Town transports you through centuries of global trade influences with its labyrinthine alleys bordered by intricately carved doorways, some featuring brass studs historically designed to repel war elephants. Rwanda’s capital Kigali surprises visitors with its immaculate streets and progressive atmosphere. The city implements monthly community service days called “Umuganda” and boasts the remarkable Kigali Genocide Memorial, which provides crucial historical context for understanding modern Rwanda.
Nairobi as people like to call it is more like the capital city of Africa. It’s a city that has a game park within it and its among the most vibrant cities in Africa. Visitors can enjoy giraffe encounters at breakfast at the famous Giraffe Manor, then explore the city’s thriving contemporary art galleries Just 30 minutes from downtown, Nairobi National Park offers the world’s only wildlife reserve bordering a major capital city, where lions roam with skyscrapers visible in the background.
- Museum and Cultural Institutions exploration
When clients inquire about what to do besides a safari for cultural enrichment, museum exploration offers intellectually stimulating alternatives to wildlife viewing. These institutions provide deeper understanding of Africa’s artistic heritage, scientific achievements, and complex history:
- Museum of Modern Art, Algeria located in North Africa, this institution features contemporary paintings and sculptures by Algerian and international artists.
- Museum of Egyptian Antiquities which is located in has world-renowned collection displays remarkable Pharaonic treasures including funerary objects from the tombs of King Tutankhamun and King Akhenaten.
- Musée des Civilisations Noires located in Senegal educates visitors about diverse African civilizations while addressing complex historical narratives including colonialism through significant art pieces and cultural objects.
- Marrakech Museum, located in Morocco showcases the region’s Jewish, Islamic, and Berber cultural influences through carefully preserved artifacts and artwork.
- Cape Coast Castle Museum,in Ghana preserves cultural artifacts while documenting the profound impact of the transatlantic slave trade.
- Iziko South African Museum which is in South Africa houses extensive fossil and zoological collections illuminating the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
- Heritage Exploration
The continent has nurtured humanity’s most influential civilizations, creating heritage treasures that rival its natural wonders.When considering what to do besides a safari, heritage tours offer fascinating glimpses into Africa’s past. These journeys connect travelers with sites that have shaped human history:
- Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania is among paleoanthropological treasure which reveal humanity’s earliest evidence through fossilized bones and stone tools dating back millions of years.
- Thebes in Egypt is an ancient city which showcases remarkably preserved tombs, temples, and burial sites across Luxor, Karnak, and the Valleys of Kings and Queens.
- Leptis Magna, which is in Libya preserves Roman city emerged from desert, sands to reveal spectacular ruins.
- Timbuktu which is in Mali was once a legendary trading center of the Mali Empire. This desert outpost has ancient mosques and palaces.
- Vineyard Explorations: Premier Wine Experiences
Wine tourism stands as a sophisticated complement to wilderness experiences. South Africa boasts over 20 established wine routes featuring world-class estates that welcome visitors seeking culinary excellence after dusty game drives.
The Cape Wine Region presents postcard-perfect landscapes of vineyards cascading across gentle slopes, offering exceptional tasting opportunities amid spectacular scenery. The experience combines fine wines with farm-to-table cuisine in settings of remarkable beauty.
For travelers wondering what to do besides a safari well we have the Western Cape, the historic estates of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl deliver unforgettable experiences combining wine heritage, architectural splendor, and gastronomic excellence.
- Artisanal Food Experiences
If you’re a culinary enthusiasts then in east Africa you will find something to enjoy. The award-winning Brown’s Cheese Factory near Nairobi in Kenya a place called Tigoni provides an agricultural counterpoint to wilderness exploration, featuring artisanal cheese tastings paired with three-course farm lunches showcasing locally-grown ingredients. Its an activity that you should include in things to do in Nairobi during your safari.
This family-run establishment offers hands-on cheese-making workshops for adults seeking culinary skills along with their African adventures. Younger travelers enjoy educational farm experiences including cow-milking sessions that complement wildlife viewing.
For travelers wondering what to do besides a safari during evenings, Africa’s distinctive dining establishments create unforgettable culinary memories. Unlike anything found at home, these restaurants transform meals into adventures combining exceptional food with dramatic settings:
- Al Barbour Cave in kenya serves international cuisine and seafood within a natural coral cave formation. Diners enjoy stargazing from tables set 10 meters below ground level.
- Cargo Hold in South Africa delivers global cuisine with panoramic ocean views, creating perfect memories for travelers seeking what to do besides a safari in Durban.
- Moonlight Dinner Run which is in Victoria Falls combines gourmet dining with breathtaking views, stopping midway across the bridge spanning Zimbabwe and Zambia.
- Market Adventures and street shopping
When in Africa dont overlook Africa’s vibrant markets where sensory experiences rival wildlife encounters. These bustling commercial centers offer authentic interaction with local life while providing opportunities to purchase meaningful souvenirs.
- Khan el-Khalili in Egypt is Cairo’s historic souk offering exquisite craftsmanship in jewelry, metalwork, and perfumery.
- Jemaa el-Fnaa in Morocco has awesome opportunities for street shopping, breathtaking street performances and a chance of street food tasting.
- African Craft Market which is in South Africa offers indigenous beadwork, paintings, and sculptural treasures.
- We cant close the chapter without talking of the Masai Market in Nairobi where you will buy everything the Masai people have in offer and rich in their culture such as handbags, sculptural treasures, sandles, belts, wallets, and African clothes.
- Cultural Celebrations, Festivals and Events
Throughout the year, Africa hosts celebrations that showcase music, sports, arts, and traditions, providing perfect opportunities for meaningful interaction with local communities.
African festivals reveal the continent’s contemporary pulse and traditional rhythms. These gatherings transcend typical tourist experiences, offering authentic windows into local life:
- Sporting Events: The Africa Cup of Nations brings together athletes and passionate fans from across the continent. Similarly, the African Rally Championship that’s the WRC which is held in Kenya and African Games is something you shouldn’t miss ifyour looking to have a taste of African games
- Music Festivals: Africa’s diverse musical traditions find expression in festivals that serve as excellent alternatives to safari experiences. Tanzania’s Sauti za Busara in February celebrates East African sounds, while South Africa’s Cape Town Jazz Festival in March attracts international performers. Uganda’s Nyege Nyege Festival in August showcases experimental electronic music, and Nigeria’s Felabration in October honors Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti.
- Nightlife Experiences: Urban Africa after dark has night clubs that offer all the enterinment you would wish to have. In most African cities there is a 24/h economy that is vibrant.
- Thrilling Activities
For adrenaline enthusiasts the continent delivers extraordinary adventure opportunities across diverse landscapes. These exhilarating activities provide perfect complements to traditional wildlife viewing:
- White Water Rafting: The mighty Nile is available for thrill-seekers, creating one of Africa’s ultimate adrenaline experiences. Powerful rapids challenge even experienced rafters with dramatic flips and heart-pounding descents that contrast perfectly with more contemplative safari moments.
- Bungee Jumping: Between August and January, travelers can experience the ultimate free-fall from platforms in South Africa or Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, where the dramatic natural setting enhances the thrill.
Experience the Best of Africa Beyond Safari
Africa bustles with opportunity and possibility extending far beyond traditional wildlife viewing. From trekking across historic landscapes to visiting ancient tribal communities, exploring gorgeous beaches to discovering the vibrant ambiance of distinctive cities, the continent creates profound impressions on travelers willing to look beyond conventional safari experiences.
When considering what to do besides a safari in Africa, possibilities seem limitless, finding wonder at marine sanctuaries, discovering seclusion at hidden waterfalls, or savoring fine cuisine at celebrated restaurants. Each new experience reveals another dimension of Africa’s ceaseless majesty beyond the undeniable wonders of traditional safari adventures.
At Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris, we excel at crafting journeys that thoughtfully balance classic wildlife viewing with these extraordinary experiences beyond traditional safaris. Our expert guides help travelers discover what to do besides a safari in Africa, creating comprehensive Africa Safari itineraries that showcase the continent’s remarkable diversity. Contact our experienced team today to begin planning your perfect African safari that encompasses both iconic wildlife encounters and these equally magnificent complementary experiences.
