The beautiful and diverse continent of Africa is on every traveler’s bucket list – beaches, biodiversity, islands, food, culture – what’s there not to love?
Africa is the world’s second largest continent, right after Asia, and the second most- populous as well. If you think of Africa, you might think of safaris and national parks. Sure, there are a lot of these in this continent, but you would be surprised with the amount of variations of things that you can do in this continent.
With fifty-four countries (two disputed), you will have a hard time deciding what to do and where to go first while planning a trip. As usual, we are here to help. With holidays coming up, packing your bags and taking a trip to Africa with the entire family might be a great plan.
Here’s our list of the top 25 places to visit in Africa with kids on your next family vacation.
1. Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa
Visiting Table Mountain in Cape Town means visiting one of the most iconic landmarks in South Africa. This flat-topped mountain overlooking Cape Town is one of the top places to visit in Africa. Your day would probably start with an aerial cable car ride to the top of the Table Mountain.
From up here, you would be overwhelmed with the beauty of the vastness of the city viewed from up above. Table Mountain South Africa welcomes millions of tourists from all over the world annually.
Guided tours are available for those who would love to appreciate the place beyond its physical beauty. There are cafes and a wifi lounge here, too, so if you just want a relaxing day sipping coffee or cocktails or even working remotely online, that is also possible. If you have strong enough the legs and lungs for it, Table Mountain South Africa hike is a popular activity here.
Strap on your hiking boots, fill your water bottles, lather up some sunscreen and start the not so easy hike up the Table Mountain. We strongly suggest though that you get in touch with the recognised organisations for the Table Mountain South Africa hike to ensure safety. You can opt for the leisure strolls or the adventures hikes and climbs off the beaten track.
2. Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius
Gorges are narrow valleys between hills or mountains that typically have steep rocky walls and a stream running through. There are a lot of magnificent gorges in the world, but one of the most beautiful ones is the Black River Gorges National Park in Mauritius.
This is the country’s biggest, best, and most important national park which covers about two percent of the island. If you want to be with nature, this is the best escape. One day may not be enough though because there are so many things to do and sights to see here.
There are picnic areas for those who are only visiting for a short time. You can spend your time here interacting with animals, seeing birds, hiking on various trails, or swimming in endless waterfalls. Black River Gorges National Park Mauritius is home to the island’s most endangered species which are the pink pigeon, the Mauritius kestrel, and the echo parakeet.
You might also see wild boars, deers, and macaque monkeys wandering about. Watch out for those monkeys since they like to take shiny things or food from visitors. Mauritius is one of the best countries to visit in Africa and if you happen to take a trip here with your kids, the Black River Gorges National Park is a must-visit.
3. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Who does not want to see the Pyramids of Giza? Everyone who has had a history class or picked up a history book has probably heard of these famous pyramids. The pyramids of Giza can be symbolically associated with descending rays of the sun. It is also believed that the shape of the Egyptian pyramids is thought to represent the primordial mound which the Egyptians believed the earth was created from.
Most of the pyramids were built as tombs for the pharaohs and they are scattered all over Egypt. The most famous pyramids are the ones in Giza, just on the outskirts of Cairo. The Pyramid of Khufu in Giza is the largest Egyptian pyramid ever built and it is also the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that still exists; this is also why astronauts have been trying to get photographs of the Pyramids of Giza from space in the pursuit of observing unique human footprints from up above.
The Pyramids of Giza is one of the cool places to visit in Africa with kids. This will not only be entertaining, it will also be educational. Coming here would be just like arranging an exclusive field trip for your kids. You can DIY your itinerary and activities, but if you want a hassle-free trip, there are a lot of companies that offer Pyramids of Giza tours.
Depending on the time of the year, you might experience the cruel desert weather during your visit, so you might want to consider seeing the Pyramids of Giza at night. This means no hot sun and you might even catch the Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show.
Most guided Pyramids of Giza tours at night includes food and drinks. Whether you visit during day time or at night, you would still be able to capture amazing photographs of these historic structures in any light. Pictures of the pyramids of Giza in different lights would be a great addition to your travel photos.
4. Praslin, Seychelles
Seychelles is one of the best places to visit in Africa. It is an archipelago made up of 115 islands which means that it has a lot of beautiful beaches. If you are from a country that gets awfully cold during Christmas season, Praslin, Seychelles is one of the best places to visit in Africa in December.
Praslin, Seychelles could be described as a paradise on earth. Pack your beach clothes and spend the day lounging on the beach or swimming in the pristine blue waters. Praslin Island, Seychelles best beaches include Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette. Anse Lazio has been voted as the world’s most beautiful beach multiple times. With its reputation, you would be surprised to know that it is not as crowded as one would assume based on its popularity.
Sunset walks are the best in these shorelines. There are a lot of water activities that you can do here such as snorkelling, diving, parasailing, kayaking, and so much more. The little kids can swim in the shallow waters or build sand castles.
You will also find a lot of great hotels in Praslin, Seychelles, so your comfort and convenience won’t really be a problem. Aside from the beach, you should also visit Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve; this has been named as Garden of Eden for a reason. This nature reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the endemic Coco de Mer palm.
5. Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Bahir Dar, Ethiopia will give you an African version of Riviera views. If you are looking a new place to visit without worrying so much about your safety, Ethiopia is one of the safest countries to visit in Africa and it’s crowning glory is Bahir Dar City. The city was awarded the UNESCO Cities for Peace Prize.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the iconic city avenues lined with palm trees and colourful flowers. Bahir Dar, Ethiopia is the country’s leading tourist destinations- you can explore museums and monasteries or do outdoorsy nature activities. There are thirty-seven ancient monasteries in Bahir Dar City and some of them are dated back to the 16th and 17th century.
Get a local guide to take you on a culture trip among these monasteries. Of course, shopping should also be a must while in Bahir Dar. Saturdays are busy market days, but this is also when you can see and buy local finds. Some village traders would drive to the city on Saturdays to sell their goods.
It’s the best time to buy crops, spices, and souvenirs. Since Ethiopia is the country where coffee originated, it would be a great miss to not witness at least a single coffee ceremony. It is considered a mark of respect and honour to join in a coffee ceremony. Some shops are also offering this service and experience to tourists. Lake Tana and the Blue Nile Falls are also must-visits during your trip to Ethiopia.
6. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique is one of the best places in Africa to visit as a tourist. Bazaruto archipelago is composed of a group of six islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Banque, Santa Carolina, and Shell. Six islands mean hundreds of things you can possibly do with the entire family during your stay. Santa Carolina has been dubbed as Paradise Island and has catered the world’s elites in 1950s.
At present time, anyone can visit the Bazaruto Archipelago. Coming here would mean breathing in the clean ocean breeze, feeling the warm sun on your skin and the sand on your toes, and if you wish, you could swim with the horses, too. Instead of beach strolls, you can explore the beach and the places nearby on horseback.
If you want to transition from land to water activities, Bazaruto island has one of the world’s richest marine life. Snorkelling and scuba diving are popular activities here, but the island has made sure to keep its coral reefs and marine animals protected. In Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique, you can find some of the last remaining populations of dugongs in the world.
At nighttime, you can lounge on the beach while sipping your favourite cocktails or just silently gaze at the skies. The clear tropical skies are filled with stars that are visible especially during summertime. Five star resorts are available in the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park which would make your stay comfortable especially if you are traveling with kids. You can also arrange tours and activities with the hotel.
7. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Another top places to visit in Africa with kids is the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. This national park is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization-designated World Heritage Site. The park is home to 120 species of mammals, 348 bird species, 220 species of butterflies, and other living things.
One of the highlights that you can do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is to track gorillas. These are giant mountain gorillas that are roaming freely in the park. The tour is guided since visitors are not advised on wandering alone for security purposes.
You might see band of gorillas that are a family unit. Since the mountain gorillas are in their natural habitat, it is better to see them form a near distance and not actually disrupt their daily routine.
Gorilla tracking within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda would also require some challenging treks and climbs, but everyone who has experienced this activity can attest that having a glimpse of these gorillas outside of a zoo environment is absolutely rewarding.
8. Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
If you have binged Netflix long enough, you may have come across a documentary film titled “Virunga”. This Virunga National Park movie or documentary is about the conservation work of park rangers within Virunga National Park in Congo.
The national park also became popular after the said documentary was nominated or an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Since then, a lot of people has searched for information about where is Virunga National Park. This park is located in Eastern Congo in the Albertine Rift Valley and has been listed as part of the List of World Heritage in Danger since 1994.
Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest national park and was established mainly to protect mountain gorillas. With over 3,000 square miles in size, it is home to forests, savannas, and thousands of living organisms.
There are also two active volcanoes in the park: Mount Nyirangongo and Nyamuragira. Although it was closed in 2018 due to some accidents and conflicts in the country, the park has since been reopened and began reestablishing itself with the aid of international donations.
9. Spitzkoppe, Namibia
Namibia is one of the best countries to visit in Africa no matter the season. One of the top places to check out first when exploring Namibia is Spitzkoppe. If you are looking for new experiences for the kids, spending a day or two in the campsites of Spitzkoppe, Namibia is highly recommended.
Spitzkoppe is group of barren granite mountains which are more than 120 million years old. Photographers who are visiting Africa usually ends up here. The scenic and dramatic landscape makes Spitzkoppe, Namibia as one of the most photographed sites in the country.
The camping sites in the area are well-equipped. During daytime, you can go climbing or hiking in the granite peaks. Bird watching enthusiasts will also enjoy their stay here because a lot of bird species make Spitzkoppe, Namibia their home.
By nighttime, marvel at the clear, starry desert skies. Stargazing while camping is one of the activities you should share with your kids. When you arrive in the country, you might fly to Windhoek Eros Airport which is the capital of Namibia. Spitzkoppe is a 4-hour drive from Windhoek.
10. Giza Necropolis, Egypt
11. Sahara dunes, Morocco
Morocco is no doubt of the best countries in Africa to visit. The country has the fifth largest economy in Africa. There are so many tourist sites to visit, but the Sahara Dunes, Morocco is one of the most popular. If you have ever wondered where is the Sahara Desert, you are not the only one.
The Sahara Desert is so vast that it covers ten countries such as Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, and Tunisia. This means you can access it anywhere, but the Sahara Dunes in Morocco is popular for a reason. There are two main seas of dunes, locally known as ergs, in the Moroccan Desert. These are Erg Chigaga and Erg Chebbi.
You can go on camel treks and camp in either of these ergs. Tour packages that includes accommodation, transportation, meals, and activities are available. You can go on ATV rides, sandboarding, or camel trekking in the desert dunes. When packing what to wear in a desert, keep in mind that you will go on a camel ride for hours and will be under the heat of the sun.
Make sure you are wearing airy and comfortable clothing, although pack a thin jacket with heat technology for nighttime. Make sure to keep your sunscreen available anytime especially when traveling with kids. Desert trip camping in Sahara Dunes, Morocco is one of a kind experience that you should never miss when in Morocco.
12. Etosha National Park, Namibia
One of the top places to visit in Africa with kids is the Etosha National Park in Namibia. How does seeing a herd of elephants roaming freely sound? Little kids, and sometimes even adults, usually squeal with joy when this happens. In Etosha National Park, this is a common occurrence.
Etosha means “great white area” in local language and it is one of the largest in all Namibia national parks. This is a habitat to a lot of wildlife species such as lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, elands, springboks, and more.
There aren’t a lot of plants in the park which makes it easy for the visitors to spot animals from a distance. Overall, Namibia landscape is varied and scenic, and Etosha National Park is no exemption. A day trip here would be great, but some visitors would opt to stay a bit longer. This is possible because the national park offers various accommodations from chalets to campsites.
There are also restaurants and bars in the park. There is also a huge swimming pool where the kids might spend a lot of their time when not interacting with animals in the wild. All campsites are fenced and secured, so you won’t have to worry about a lion approaching your camp in the middle of the night. Etosha National Park offers a perfect vacation that is a combination of wild nature and luxury.
13. The Nile, Egypt
There is probably no other river in the world that is more famous than the Nile River in Egypt. Aside from being the oldest river in Africa, The Nile is the longest river in Africa and it is also the longest river in the world, although the Brazilian government has disputed this with a case that the Amazon River is the longest river in the world.
The Nile river flows over 4, 100 miles and ends in the Mediterranean Sea. It flows through many African countries including Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Burundi. It has played a great part in the history and civilization of northeast Africa, especially in Egypt. Almost all of the cities and population of Egypt lie along the parts of the Nile valley.
One can also observe that most of the historical and cultural sites of Ancient Egypt are found along the banks of the Nile River. In fact, you can see the pyramids along the Nile. There are a lot of touristy things to do in the Nile river. You can go on white water rafting or bungee jumping adventure.
If those are too extreme for you and the little kids, you can opt for less adrenaline pumping activities such as kayaking, swimming, biking, and even horseback riding. You can also go for a sightseeing tour in the Nile Valley. The top attractions in Nile Valley include Abu Simbel Temple Complex and the Valley of Kings. With varied activities and multiple attractions, the Nile River, Egypt is definitely one of the cool places to visit in Africa.
14. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya is one of the safest places to visit in Africa. When planning your trip, make sure to check Masai Mara weather forecast first. Since this is near the equator, its weather is slightly colder and wetter than other countries in Africa.
The best time to visit Masai Mara National Reserve is during the months of July, August, and November, but this also means that you would be surrounded by other tourists in most points of interests in the site. When entering the country, it is possible that you will land in Nairobi first which is the capital of Kenya.
It takes about six hours from Nairobi to Masai Mara via car. Tanzania’s Serengeti and Masai Mara in Kenya share an unfenced border which is why Masai Mara National Reserve is considered as a premier safari destination. Tour packages for Masai Mara Safari costs start from $110.
If you would like to DIY your itinerary, that is of course possible. There are a lot of Masai Mara hotel accommodations nearby such as Masai Mara Hotel Nairobi, Mara Engai Lodge, and Hotel Fairmont Mara Safari Club.
You can visit the national park any time of the year, but if you would like to witness the annual Great Migration, visit between the months of July to November. The park is home to a lot of animals including the Big Five: elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino.
15. Djenne, Mali
If you are fascinated with charming old and historic towns, Djenne, Mali is the perfect African destination for you. Djenne, also known as Jenne, is a town and urban commune (third level administrative unit in Mali) in central Mali. If you are a fan of great and intricate adobe architecture, this is the place for you. Jenne was proclaimed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
The Great Mosque at Djenne, Mali is the most visited site in the area. Many architects have esteemed the Great Mosque of Djenne as one of the greatest pieces ever constructed in a Sudano-Sahelian architectural style. You will spend a couple of hours exploring the Great Mosque of Djenne for sure.
You do not need a guide to wander around, but if you would like to know more about the history of the place, it would be best to hire one. Do not forget your cameras as well because you would for sure want to add photos of this structure in your travel portfolio. Other places to visit in Jenne would be the National Museum of Mali, Grand Mosque of Bamako, and Djinguer Mosque.
16. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Tanzania has long been one of the best places to visit in Africa with kids. Serengeti National Park has a lot of activities that are suitable for your little explorers. This is the type of national park that you would not want to spend just a day. The good thing is there are a lot of options in terms of accommodations depending on your budget. Serengeti National Park hotels from budget to luxury are available.
Options for Safari tours are also varied. If you want to complete all of the activities, you would need at least ten days. Serengeti National Park animals include lions, tigers, elephants, and rhinos to name a few. Waking up early in the morning and driving or hiking to the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro to see the elephants is one of the best things that you can do here. Also, you can do a hot air balloon trip here which would last for about 30 minutes.
Being up in the clouds and seeing the great safari below with all the abundant wildlife is one of the most surreal thing one can experience in their trip to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. If you have booked an accommodation outside the park and would just want to visit daily, Serengeti National Park hours is from 6AM to 6PM.
Before coming, always check the weather forecast ahead. Serengeti National Park’s weather is subtropical. May to August are usually dry and cool season, while rainy yet hot season is from November to April. If you are coming from Dodoma (the capital of Tanzania) and is wondering where is Serengeti National Park, you would need to be on a land transport for 8-10 hours to get there.
The fastest way is via plane from Julius Nyerere International Airport to Kilimanjaro International Airport which only takes about one hour and twenty minutes. The Serengeti plains is the vastness that you should be able to lay your eyes on while embarking in a Safari trip in Africa.
17. Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is not only one of the safest places to visit in Africa, it is also one of the best places to go shopping. Marrakech has one of the biggest souks (market) in Morocco. If you are decorating your place and would want a Moroccan theme, fly to Marrakech and expect some great finds in its many souks. For a desert country, it is surprising to see a lot of palm trees in Marrakech, Morocco; this is because it is illegal to cut them down here.
The city also is one of the world’s leading golf destinations. But even though you are not a golfer and not really planning to buy antiques and local crafts, you will still have a great time touring around the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the area. You will not have a hard time finding things to do in Marrakech.
If you would like to skip the souk, you might want to check out the Koutoubia Mosque, the Marrakech Museum, and Jardin Majorelle. If you are up for it, you can also visit a hamman which is a local bath house that will give you a sauna-like experience with exfoliating massages and ice-cold pool. For accommodations, skip the hotel and stay in a riad in Marrakech.
Riad means garden but this may also refer to townhouses built round a central courtyard. For day trips from Marrakech, check out Agafay Desert, Ouzoud Falls, and Atlas Mountains. Marrakech weather is more desirable from March to May and between September to November, so you might want to book your flights on these months. If you would like to make a side-trip from Marrakech to Casablanca, you can rent a car and the drive will take you 3 hours depending on the city traffic that day.
18. Zanzibar Island, Zanzibar Archipelago
If you are looking for a perfect island destination, head over to Zanzibar Island in Zanzibar Archipelago. Zanzibar Island is the colloquial name of the biggest island in this archipelago which is Unguja Island. It would be tempting to head over to the ocean right away from some water activities once you arrive, but the Zanzibar Town also has a lot to offer.
Stone Town is best explored on foot. This is also a great place to check out local cafes and sample local dishes that may not be served in your hotel. The famous House of Wonders is also a must-see in the city. This used to be a palace home of a sultan but has long been converted as a museum.
Zanzibar Island of course has a lot of beautiful beaches. Nungwi and Kendwa beaches are top favourites. If underwater adventure is what you are aiming for, snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll is also highly recommended in Zanzibar Island. Of course, you should also check out Prison Island.
Even though the history is not that great, the beauty and abundance of marine life in this area is a great contrast. This is a perfect spot to interact with giant turtles which the kids would surely love.
19. Lake Malawi, Malawi, Tanzania, Mozambique
Lake Malawi location might be confusing to some since it is a huge lake. It flows through three African countries: Malawi, Tanzania, and Mozambique. It is also called Lake Nyasa in Tanzania and Lago Niassa in Mozambique. The Lake Malawi part in Malawi is part of Lake Malawi National Park while the one in Mozambique part has been officially declared a reserve on June 2011. Lake Malawi is the second largest lake in Africa and the fourth largest freshwater lake in the world by volume.
There are over 700 species of cichlid in Lake Malawi as well as hundreds of other fish species. Lake Malawi diving is a popular activity whether its scuba or free diving. If your kids are still being introduced to diving, this may be a great place to start since the water is calm and clear, plus the lake is shark-free. There are organizations that offer diving crash courses if you are interested. Lake Malawi weather is also subtropical which means the water is generally warm throughout the year.
20. Essaouira, Morocco
Morocco is one of the top places to visit in Africa. There are different cities that draws a lot of visitors annually and one of these is Essaouria. Essaouria is quaint and colorful. Strolling along the city sidewalks browsing through cafes and shops is like exploring a color wheel. Spend time in the town’s medina. This is the best place to grab some food and drinks and observe the locals going about their daily Moroccan lives.
Essaouria riads are point of interests in the city. It’s a must-stay accommodation to tourists who are visiting and something that should be in your Essaouria, Morocco bucketlist. Other must-see places here are the Sqala du Port d’ Essaouria, Essaouria Citadel, and Mogador Island.
21. Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana
No matter what time of the year you are going, Botswana is one of the best countries in Africa to visit. Once in Botswana, make sure to find time to check out Nxai Pan National Park. If you have kids that are growing up in a city environment, being in Nxai Pan National Park is the perfect nature immersion for them. You are going to interact with different kinds of animals in their natural habitats.
Nxai Pan National Park camping is also a recommended activity. There are hotels nearby but staying in the national park camping means optimizing your time and travel experience. Make sure to see the millennia-old baobab trees, commonly known as Baines Baobabs, since this is a sight to behold. The cluster of these trees also makes a perfect background for your travel vacation photos.
22. Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Fish River Canyon, Namibia is one of the top places to visit in Africa with kids. This is the largest canyon in Africa which is why Fish River Canyon hike is a popular activity in the country for both locals and tourists. The hike within the canyon is something you should not be taken lightly though.
Depending on your pace, it could take about five days to finish the hike. Not to worry, there are groups that can organize hikes for you and provide hiking and camping gears, so you would only take personal items on the trip. If you have little kids and choose to opt out of the hike, not to worry, you can still enjoy the grandness and beauty of Fish River Canyon but checking out the lookout and viewpoints.
There are also Sulphur springs and hot springs in the canyon where visitors are allowed to swim. The famous Ai-ai hot spring resorts is located in the lower end of the Fish River Canyon. Other points of interest in the canyon are Keetmanshoop, Fish River Hiking Trail, Quivertree Forest and Mesosaurus Fossiles, and Gondwana Canyon Park to name a few. Fish River Canyon weather is composed of wet and dry season. May through October are the best months to come here since these are dry months and you will get a chance to do a lot of outdoorsy activities.
23. Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Another iconic attraction in the whole of African continent is the Victoria Falls which is bordered by two African countries: Zambia and Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is definitely one of the cool places to visit in Africa. Victoria Falls was named after Queen Victoria of Britain by the Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone. In the local language though, the falls is called Mosi-oa-Tunya which translates as The Smoke that Thunders.
This may be because the noise of the falls can be heard from a 40-kilometer distance. It’s spray and mist from the falling water rises to over 400 meters and it can also be seen from a 50-kilometer distance. This waterfall is so grand and has been considered as the largest waterfalls in the world. This is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been drawing thousands of tourists every year.
The Victoria Falls bridge is also a major attraction in the area. Victoria Falls tours are historical guided tours that focus on facts about the construction of the bridge. Daily tours in groups or private are being offered. This also include a walking tour under the main deck of the bridge. If you would like to know more about the Victoria Falls bridge’s history, there is a small museum on the Zambian side. You can also grab some refreshments in the small café.
There is also a bungee jumping center in the middle of Victoria Falls Bridge. If you are a risk-taker and is looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity, you might want to try bungee jumping here. If you are ever going to bungee jump, might as well in the Victoria Falls Bridge, right? The Devil’s Pool in the Zambia side of Victoria Falls is also a major attraction. You can swim here from August to January or when the Victoria Falls weather is dry.
If you are brave enough for the Devil’s Pool, you might want to leave the kids out this activity since it is not exactly safe especially for new swimmers. The best time to visit Victoria Falls is anytime from February to May. This is when the waters are higher and the sheets of falling water are bigger because of the recent summer rains. The best way to arrive in Victoria Falls region is by plane. The Victoria Falls airport is just 18 kilometers away from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
24. Sossusvlei Dunes, Namibia
If you are looking for some desert dunes adventure, the best place to do this in Africa is in Sossusvlei Dunes, Namibia. The Soussusvlei Sand Dunes is one of the world’s highest dunes. Sossusvlei is basically a salt and clay pan that is surrounded by red dunes in the southern part of Namib desert. Aside from the sand dunes adventures that you can do here, the landscape of Sossusvlei is so beautiful that you cannot stop taking photos.
Photography enthusiasts flock here all year long for that majestic sunrise and sunset photos. Exploring the area is accessible by 4×4 vehicles. You should check out Sesriem Canyon, Dune 45, Deadvlei, Big Daddy, and Hiddenvlei. There are a couple of places to stay in Sossusvlei Dunes. Your choices are camp sites, lodges, and luxury villas. Activities such as quad-biking, sandboarding, and ATV riding are popular in Sossusvlei Dunes.
If you would like to make your trip extra memorable, book a hot air balloon safari tour and catch the sunrise from several feet above the ground. With the bright sunshine morning, the view of the orange Sossusvlei sand dunes in Namibia is just absolutely breathtaking.
Trying out this experience is definitely one of the best things to do in Africa with kids. You do not have to worry about safety since Namib Sky’s hot air balloon pilots are experienced, qualified, and holders of commercial pilot licenses. They have flown over 55,000 passengers in the course of 20 years.
25. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Tanzania is a beautiful African country full of natural wonders which make it one of the best places to visit in Africa in December and in any other time of the year. One of Tazmania’s crown jewel is Mount Kilimanjaro. For those who have been searching for information about where is Mount Kilimanjaro, it is located in Kilimanjaro Region, northeast of Tanzania. It is a dormant volcano with three volcanic cones namely Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira although Shira has collapsed thus forming the Shira Plateau.
Mount Kilimanjaro’s last known eruption was between 150,000 and 200,000 years ago. Being the tallest mountain in Africa, it is also a favorite among experienced hikers as well as beginners. It is also considered as the easiest among the seven summits which is made up of Mount Everest, Anconcagua, Mount McKinley, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Mount Vinson, and Mount Kosciuszko.
It is considered as a hiking peak, not a mountaineering one, which means you can scale it with no equipment necessary. Mount Kilimanjaro is a free-standing mountain and was formed through a volcanic activity. There are a few campsites in this mountain. The highest campsite is the Crater Camp which is about a two-hour hike to the ash pit in Kibo. Kibo is the only dormant volcano since Shira and Mawenzi are both extinct volcanoes.
The first recorded climb in Mount Kilimanjaro was in 1889 by a German geologist named Hans Meyer, an Australian climber named Ludwig Purtscheller, and a local guide named Yohani Kinyala Lauwo. The fastest ascent and descent of Mount Kilimanjaro was completed by Swiss Karl Egloff. He was able to do it in only 6 hours and 42 minutes in 2014. This is very impressive since the established Kilimanjaro routes may take five to nine days to complete.
If you are an outdoorsy family, this may be a must-do activity for you in Tanzania. Mount Kilimanjaro officials allows climbers of 10 years and older, but if you have kids who have significant trekking experience, they may be allowed to climb. The youngest climber who summited Kilimanjaro was an American named Coaltan Tanner. He was only six years old when he summited in 2018. It would take about 120 hours to 216 hours to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. If you are ready for the 5 to 9 days climb in Mount Kilimanjaro, make sure to pack heat technology clothing since it gets extremely cold in the summit, but it is surely an experience of a lifetime.
This article is part of our popular series, Place To Go With Kids!
