What to do Besides a Safari?

When planning a trip to Africa, safaris often dominate the conversation. While witnessing majestic wildlife in their natural habitat is undoubtedly spectacular, there’s a whole continent of diverse experiences awaiting beyond game drives. Knowing what to do besides a safari opens up a world of cultural immersion, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable adventures that many travelers miss.

Just as you might research what to do on Christmas Day in NYC before a holiday trip, exploring options beyond the traditional safari ensures you’ll experience the full richness Africa offers.

Explore Africa’s Stunning Coastal Paradises

A significant part of what to do besides a safari involves discovering Africa’s incredible coastlines, which span thousands of miles and multiple oceans.

Dive into Underwater Wonders

Africa’s waters offer world-class marine experiences:

• Explore Egypt’s Red Sea coral reefs with visibility extending beyond 30 meters
• Swim with whale sharks off Mozambique’s Tofo Beach
• Discover Cape Town’s kelp forests and shipwrecks
• Witness the sardine run along South Africa’s Wild Coast
• Experience Zanzibar’s vibrant underwater ecosystems

Beach Relaxation and Coastal Adventures

Perfect for unwinding after activity-filled days:

• Seychelles’ pristine white beaches consistently rank among the world’s best
• Morocco’s Atlantic coast offers excellent surfing opportunities
• Senegal’s Cap Skirring combines French influence with African hospitality
• Madagascar’s Nosy Be features untouched beaches without crowds
• Tunisia’s Mediterranean shores blend Roman ruins with beach relaxation

These coastal experiences provide the perfect counterbalance to inland adventures when considering what to do besides a safari.

Immerse Yourself in Cultural Experiences

Understanding what to do besides a safari means embracing the continent’s rich cultural tapestry.

Connect with Indigenous Communities

Opportunities for authentic cultural exchange:

• Learn survival skills from the San Bushmen in Botswana’s Kalahari
• Visit Maasai villages in Kenya and Tanzania (outside typical safari packages)
• Experience the semi-nomadic lifestyle of Morocco’s Berber people
• Connect with Ethiopia’s Omo Valley tribes, each with distinct traditions
• Engage with South Africa’s Zulu communities through respectful programs

Explore Urban Cultural Hotspots

Africa’s cities pulse with creative energy:

• Witness Dakar’s vibrant art scene and musical traditions
• Explore Lagos’ booming tech industry and fashion innovation
• Experience Johannesburg’s urban renewal and cultural districts
• Visit Marrakech’s ancient medinas alongside contemporary galleries
• Discover Accra’s thriving nightlife and culinary renaissance

Understanding local cultures is an essential aspect of what to do besides a safari, creating deeper connections to the places you visit. Just as learning what to do if a bird hits your window helps you handle unexpected situations at home, cultural knowledge helps you navigate new environments with respect and awareness.

Challenge Yourself with Adventure Activities

For thrill-seekers wondering what to do besides a safari, Africa offers adrenaline-pumping experiences across diverse landscapes.

Reach New Heights in Mountain Regions

Africa’s mountains provide epic adventures:

• Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, in Tanzania
• Trek through Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, exploring Berber villages
• Hike Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains alongside gelada baboons
• Experience Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains, known as the “Mountains of the Moon”
• Explore South Africa’s Drakensberg range with ancient rock art sites

Water-Based Thrills

Rivers and lakes offer exciting possibilities:

• White water raft the mighty Zambezi River below Victoria Falls
• Kayak through the Okavango Delta’s waterways in Botswana
• Kitesurf along Morocco’s windswept Atlantic coastline
• Navigate the Nile’s rapids in Uganda
• Sail on Lake Malawi, diving into crystal-clear freshwater

These adventures add exciting dimensions to what to do besides a safari, creating balanced itineraries that showcase Africa’s geographic diversity.

Delve into Historical and Archaeological Treasures

Understanding what to do besides a safari includes exploring Africa’s crucial role in human history and civilization.

Ancient Civilizations and Monuments

Step back thousands of years:

• Stand before Egypt’s pyramids and temples along the Nile
• Explore Ethiopia’s rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
• Visit Morocco’s Roman ruins at Volubilis
• Discover Great Zimbabwe’s stone structures dating to the 11th century
• Walk through Tunisia’s well-preserved Roman city of Dougga

Colonial History and Liberation Struggles

Learn about more recent historical periods:

• Tour Ghana’s Cape Coast Castle for sobering insights into the slave trade
• Visit Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned in South Africa
• Explore Mozambique’s colonial architecture in Maputo
• Witness Rwanda’s genocide memorials for powerful historical lessons
• Discover Senegal’s Gorée Island, a former slave trading center

Adding these historical dimensions to what to do besides a safari creates more meaningful travel experiences with deeper understanding of Africa’s complex past.

Savor Africa’s Diverse Culinary Landscape

A delicious aspect of what to do besides a safari involves exploring the continent’s varied food traditions.

Take a Culinary Tour

Taste your way through diverse regions:

• Sample Morocco’s aromatic tagines and mint tea ceremonies
• Experience Ethiopia’s communal injera meals with various wats (stews)
• Try South Africa’s Cape Malay cuisine, blending African, Asian and European influences
• Enjoy West African jollof rice dishes in Nigeria or Ghana
• Taste Swahili coastal cuisine with its Arab, Indian and African fusion

Hands-On Food Experiences

Deepen your culinary understanding:

• Attend cooking classes in Marrakech’s famous food markets
• Learn to make Egyptian koshari from local chefs
• Participate in traditional beer brewing in Uganda
• Join spice farm tours in Zanzibar
• Experience South African wine country tastings

Culinary exploration is an often overlooked but essential part of what to do besides a safari. Just as you might research what to do after buying a used car from dealer to protect your investment, learning about local food helps you fully appreciate the value of your travel experience.

Discover Natural Wonders Beyond Wildlife

When thinking about what to do besides a safari, don’t miss Africa’s spectacular landscapes and natural phenomena.

Visit Breathtaking Waterfalls and Water Features

Africa’s water wonders amaze visitors:

• Feel the spray from Victoria Falls between Zimbabwe and Zambia
• Witness Morocco’s Ouzoud Falls with rainbow-creating mist
• Explore Uganda’s Sipi Falls on the slopes of Mount Elgon
• Visit Ethiopia’s Blue Nile Falls during the rainy season
• Discover South Africa’s Augrabies Falls carved through ancient granite

Unique Desert Experiences

Africa’s diverse deserts offer otherworldly landscapes:

• Camp under the stars in Morocco’s Sahara with Berber guides
• Visit Tunisia’s Star Wars filming locations in the desert
• Explore Namibia’s surreal Sossusvlei red dunes
• Travel through Botswana’s lunar-like Makgadikgadi Pans
• Witness Egypt’s White Desert with its chalk rock formations

These natural wonders provide magnificent photo opportunities and unforgettable experiences when considering what to do besides a safari.

Contribute Through Responsible Volunteer Opportunities

For travelers seeking meaningful engagement, what to do besides a safari might include carefully selected volunteer opportunities.

Conservation Beyond Wildlife

Support broader environmental efforts:

• Assist marine conservation projects along the East African coast
• Participate in desert reclamation projects in North Africa
• Help with rainforest protection in Central African countries
• Join community-led environmental initiatives
• Support sustainable agriculture programs

Community Development Projects

Make a positive impact:

• Teach skills in underserved communities
• Support women’s cooperative initiatives
• Assist with clean water projects
• Contribute to community health education programs
• Help with sustainable building projects

When considering what to do besides a safari, these opportunities provide meaningful connections, though it’s essential to research organizations thoroughly for ethical practices.

Experience Unique Festival and Cultural Celebrations

An exciting element of what to do besides a safari is timing your visit with cultural celebrations.

Traditional Ceremonies and Rituals

Witness authentic cultural practices:

• Morocco’s Imilchil Marriage Festival in the Atlas Mountains
• Niger’s Gerewol festival where Wodaabe men perform beauty pageants
• Ghana’s vibrant Ashanti Akwasidae celebrations
• Ethiopia’s Timkat festival with its colorful processions
• Swaziland’s Umhlanga (Reed Dance) ceremony

Contemporary Arts and Music Festivals

Experience Africa’s modern cultural scene:

• Tanzania’s Zanzibar International Film Festival
• Morocco’s Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira
• South Africa’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival
• Senegal’s vibrant Dakar Biennale art exhibition
• Mali’s Festival au Désert (when security allows)

These events offer cultural insights that enhance what to do besides a safari, providing authentic connections beyond tourist experiences. Similar to researching what to do on Christmas Day in NYC for special holiday experiences, timing your trip around festivals creates unique memories.

Learn Traditional Crafts and Skills

A hands-on aspect of what to do besides a safari involves learning traditional African crafts.

Master African Art Forms

Learn from skilled artisans:

• Study West African drumming in Ghana or Senegal
• Learn basket weaving techniques in Rwanda
• Practice traditional textile dyeing in Mali
• Try your hand at Zulu beadwork in South Africa
• Experience pottery making with Moroccan ceramicists

Practical Traditional Skills

Gain knowledge with practical applications:

• Learn about traditional herbal medicine in various regions
• Study desert navigation with Tuareg guides in the Sahara
• Experience traditional farming methods in rural communities
• Understand ancient water harvesting techniques
• Learn tracking skills from indigenous hunters

These learning opportunities add depth to what to do besides a safari, creating memories through active participation rather than passive observation. Just as understanding what to do if a bird hits your window helps you handle specific situations, these traditional skills provide insights into how communities have thrived in diverse environments.

Visit Emerging Destinations

Part of discovering what to do besides a safari is exploring countries often overlooked by mainstream tourism.

Lesser-Known African Gems

Consider these emerging destinations:

• São Tomé and Príncipe’s untouched volcanic landscapes and beaches
• Djibouti’s otherworldly Lake Abbe and Lake Assal
• The Republic of Congo’s pristine Odzala-Kokoua National Park
• Angola’s recovering natural areas and Portuguese colonial architecture
• Mauritania’s Banc d’Arguin National Park where desert meets ocean

Benefits of Visiting Emerging Destinations

Why consider less-traveled regions when planning what to do besides a safari:

• Contribute to developing tourism economies
• Experience places before major tourist infrastructure develops
• Enjoy more authentic interactions with locals
• Discover unique landscapes without crowds
• Often find better value for your travel budget

Exploring these emerging destinations provides fresh perspectives on what to do besides a safari in Africa.

Take Specialized Photography Tours

For visual storytellers, what to do besides a safari includes dedicated photography experiences beyond wildlife.

Cultural Photography Opportunities

Focus your lens on human stories:

• Document Morocco’s artisans in ancient medinas
• Photograph Ethiopia’s tribes with distinct body decoration
• Capture West African market scenes bursting with color
• Record South Africa’s township life with local guides
• Shoot portraits of desert nomads with proper permissions

Landscape Photography Expeditions

Capture Africa’s diverse environments:

• Photograph the surreal landscapes of Namibia’s Deadvlei
• Shoot Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression with its alien-like terrain
• Capture Morocco’s blue city of Chefchaouen
• Document Madagascar’s unique baobab trees
• Photograph the misty mountains of Uganda’s Bwindi Forest

These photographic pursuits add creative dimensions to what to do besides a safari, resulting in meaningful visual souvenirs. Similar to how you might research what to do after buying a used car from dealer to protect your purchase, investing time in photography preserves your travel memories.

So the Answer to What to Do Besides a Safari is…

Africa offers experiences that go far beyond wildlife viewing, though safaris remain a highlight for many visitors. What to do besides a safari includes cultural immersion, adventure activities, historical exploration, culinary discoveries, and connections with local communities. These diverse experiences reveal Africa’s complexity and richness beyond the safari vehicle.

By expanding your itinerary to include some of these alternative activities, you’ll gain deeper insights into this vast continent with its 54 countries and countless cultures. Just as you might research what to do on Christmas Day in NYC to make the most of a special occasion, exploring what to do besides a safari ensures you experience the full spectrum of what Africa offers.

Whether you’re planning your first African journey or returning to explore new dimensions, these alternatives to traditional safaris will enrich your understanding and create multifaceted memories of this extraordinary continent.