5 Ways To Experience Africa At Its Best

Admittedly, one of the options we list here is a safari in the iconic Kruger National Park. However, there are a number of ways of enjoying a rewarding vacation in Africa. You can volunteer to protect marine wildlife, while getting involved in crucial research, play golf at some of the best golf courses, take a city holiday, exploring some of South Africa's top cities or merely laze on a gorgeous beach. Read on to find out more.

1. Volunteering in Africa

Many opportunities exist for volunteering in worthy causes all over the African continent. You can help out needy villagers and help to protect Africa's iconic wildlife, like the famous Big 5 in South Africa. Head to Zambia, Zimbabwe and more, doing good, while experiencing the country and its culture.

However, marine life is another extremely worthy cause, with exciting marine volunteering opportunities in Africa including Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zanzibar. Get involved in dolphin research and marine conservation in Zanzibar, or help with shark conservation in Gansbaai, South Africa, while meeting these great predators face to face. There are many more options available.

Image by Daniel Gillaspia/Flickr

2. Kruger National Park Safari

Undoubtedly, Kruger National Park is the most exciting safari destination in South Africa. If you want to do one safari in your life, this should be it. The park is steeped in legend and history and offers vast landscapes and spectacular African wildlife. Here you will meet Africa's iconic Big Five including Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Leopard and Buffalo, as well as dozens of other exciting species.

One of the best things about Kruger is that there are options to suit everyone's budgets, from affordable group safaris and tented camps, to exclusive private safaris and luxury bush lodges.

3. Golf vacation in South Africa

South Africa is likely the best destination in Africa for a golf vacation. The country boasts many fantastic golf courses, each in their own unique settings. Play a round right next to the sea or in the middle of a game reserve, with wildlife strolling on the greens. The country is renowned for its championships, including locations like Fancourt Links (host of the Presidents Cup), Leopard Creek (European Tour), Durban Country Club (South African Open), the Gary Player Country Club course at Sun City (Nedbank Golf Challenge) and more.

Spectacular newer courses include Pearl Valley in the Cape Winelands, Pinnacle Point on the coast or Pezula, set on the cliffs above Knysna on the Garden Route. Meanwhile, Cape Town offers Clovelly, while Johannesburg offers the exclusive River Club. Wherever you go in South Africa, there will be the perfect golf course waiting for you to play.

4. City vacation for shopaholics

Staying with South Africa, those looking for a shopping and dining experience should definitely visit Cape Town. Head to the V&A Waterfront for a range of luxury shopping in Victoria Wharf, along with delicious cuisine, enjoyed overlooking the moored yachts and way out to Table Bay.

In the city itself, those looking for unique souvenirs should explore Greenmarket Square with its many stalls selling African curios and art, as well as reasonably priced clothing and more. Nestling on the Indian Ocean coast, Durban offers a range of great shopping when not lazing on the beach. As for Johannesburg, here you should head to the suburbs like Sandton, Rosebank and more for a luxurious shopping expedition.

Try out Kenya for a different shopping trip, heading to its capital, Nairobi. Souk is one of the best locations, where some of Kenya's most creative artists and artisans have come together under one roof. This wonderful place offers a high-quality shopping experience where you can purchase jewelry, leahterwork and more. Even better, the Souk also shares premises with Tin Roof Cafe, the perfect place for a relaxing drink and a tasty meal.

5. Africa on the beach

The African continent offers many beautiful beaches, some completely unspoiled, others crowded, and a choice of oceans. You can head to the Atlantic beaches, or for warmer climes, visit the Indian Ocean beaches of Africa.

Cape Town is a noteworthy beach destination with its Atlantic Seaboard beaches, continuing along the gorgeous Garden Route. On the other side of the city, enjoy postcard views of the iconic Table Mountain in Bloubergstrand. In KwaZulu-Natal, Durban and its north and south beaches offer a perfect stretch of sand. Meanwhile Kenya and Zanzibar are also popular locations for a beach vacation - just look at this stretch of gorgeous sand below!.

Have an adventure in Africa on your next vacation. Whatever your tastes, this vast continent has something perfect for you.