Wine tasting in South Africa, explore voodoo in Benin, Namibia's ghost towns and stargazing in Malawi – the best destinations to visit in Africa if you’re not into safari
The world’s second-largest continent offers volcanoes, vineyards and voodoo – visit Spice Islands, Stone Town and the Avenue of the Baobabs, and explore hundreds of ancient cultures, wildly differing climates and some of the planet’s most spectacular scenery
The world’s second-largest continent offers adventurous and intrigued travellers far more than those stereotypical animal safaris – as this list proves. Here’s seven left-field activities you might not have thought of, characteristic of seven different distinct nations, that are well worth visiting even if you’re not into watching wildlife.
South Africa
Let’s start with an obvious one: South Africa offers stunning natural sights such as the Kruger National Park, but the country has far more to offer. Foodies and Instagram junkies should look no further than Bo-Kaap in Cape Town. This colourful neighbourhood boasts a lively dining scene and bustling nightlife. For the wine connoisseur, an hour from Cape Town lies the Winelands where, you guessed it, you can sample decadent South African wines. You can also drive the Garden Route for breezy coastal scenery and stops at quaint villages and hamlets on the way.
Namibia
Simply put, Namibia is a photographer’s dream, with the towering blood-red dunes of Sossusvlei along with the desolate Skeleton Coast, where thousands of shipwrecks have been beached over centuries. Meet the Himba tribe in Etosha National Park, or if you’re into your ghost towns, explore Kolmanskop in the South, where the desert has reclaimed most of the city, making for an eerie travel experience.
Ethiopia