AFRICA — THINGS THAT YOU MUST SEE IN AFRICA BEFORE YOU DIE!
By Vivienne Gunning
The Africa I Know — Soul-Stirring Places I’ve Walked, Felt, and Loved
Things You Must See or Do in Africa Before You Die
Africa—vast, vibrant, and endlessly captivating—is a continent that stirs the soul. Its beauty is raw and varied, from cascading waterfalls to quiet deserts, ancient ruins to pulsing wildlife migrations. If you are dreaming of unforgettable journeys, here are some destinations that deserve a place on your bucket list at least once in your lifetime:
Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe) — Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya—“The Smoke That Thunders”—Victoria Falls is one of the most dramatic natural spectacles on Earth. Watch in awe as millions of liters of water plunge into the gorge below, sending up mist that can be seen from miles away.
The Great Migration (Kenya/Tanzania) — Witness the rhythm of the wild as over a million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle make their epic journey across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara.
Table Mountain (South Africa) — Rising above Cape Town’s cityscape, Table Mountain offers more than just stunning views—it’s an experience.
Gorilla Trekking (Uganda/Rwanda/DRC) — Step into the mist-shrouded forests of the Virunga Mountains and lock eyes with a mountain gorilla. Trekking to see these gentle giants is one of Africa’s most intimate and moving wildlife
Okavango Delta (Botswana) — Explore the Okavango Delta in a mokorro, gliding silently past reeds and elephants at sunset.
The Sahara Desert (Morocco/Timbuktu) — Mount a camel and venture into the golden dunes of the Sahara. Sleep beneath the stars.
The Pyramids of Giza (Egypt) — The last of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World, the Pyramids of Giza rise from the desert with timeless majesty.
Dzanga Bai (Central African Republic) — Hidden deep within the Dzanga-Sangha Reserve lies Dzanga Bai—“the village of elephants.” Each afternoon, the clearing comes alive as 80 to 100 forest elephants emerge from the dense rainforest, gathering at the mineral-rich riverbed to drink, socialize, and dig for salt with their is wild and intimate. And if you look up? You might catch the flash of silver wings—flocks of African grey parrots lifting like smoke through the treetops, their calls echoing across the canopy.It’s a place where the forest breathes with life, where giants meet grace, and where time stands still
Lalibela (Ethiopia) — Carved from solid rock and sunken below ground, the churches of Lalibela are architectural and spiritual marvels dating to the 12th century. Still in use today, they echo with history.
Great Zimbabwe Ruins (Zimbabwe) — The largest ruins in sub-Saharan Africa, Great Zimbabwe was once a thriving royal city and trade hub between the 11th and 15th centuries.
Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) — Mount Kilimanjaro rises above the clouds with snow-capped beauty. Climbing Africa’s highest peak is a journey through diverse ecosystems and unmatched silence.· My son stood atop Kilimanjaro — where the air is thin, the silence deep, and each breath hard-earned. The climb pushed his body to its edge, but in the stillness of the summit, you find something rare — yourself.
Notre-Dame d'Afrique (Algiers, Algeria) — This cliffside basilica houses a rare Black Madonna and symbolizes interfaith harmony.
Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire) — Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire) Modelled after St. Peter’s in Rome, this is the largest church in the world. Its dome rises above West Africa in quiet grandeur and complexity.
Roman Ruins of Dougga (Tunisia) Step into the past at the remarkably preserved Roman city of Dougga, Tunisia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features temples, baths, and an ancient theater—all perched on a hilltop with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. A hidden gem for history lovers.
Fadma (Morocco)Nestled in the Atlas Mountains, the village of Sti Fadma offers a peaceful mountain retreat. I once spent a cold, unforgettable night here wrapped in blankets, surrounded by stone walls, and warmed by the kindness of locals. With cascading waterfalls and cozy riads and colourful river restaurants, it's a quiet treasure for slow travelers.
Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe Forest (Rwanda) —In the heart of Rwanda’s lush Nyungwe Forest lies a hidden thrill—a suspended canopy walkway that stretches high above the treetops. As you walk across this swaying bridge, mist rising from the jungle below, you're immersed in a world of open skies, and forever green. It’s both exhilarating and meditative, offering a perspective of the rainforest few ever experience.
Stone Town (Zanzibar, Tanzania) — On the east coast of Africa, where the air is heavy with the scent of spice and sea, lies Stone Town—the historical heart of Zanzibar. Wandering its labyrinthine alleys feels like slipping back in time. You’ll pass intricately carved doors, bustling bazaars, faded palaces, and quiet courtyards that whisper stories of the Swahili Coast’s rich past. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a blend of cultures—African, Arab, Indian, and Persian—woven into every archway and alley. Whether you're sipping spiced tea on a rooftop at sunset or tracing the haunting remnants of the old slave market, Stone Town is a sensory journey you won't forget.
Lake Malawi (Malawi/Mozambique/Tanzania) — Shimmering like a sapphire across three countries, Lake Malawi is one of Africa’s largest and most biodiverse lakes. The water is so clear, you can see colourful cichlid fish darting between rocks just below the surface. Whether you’re kayaking at sunrise, diving with freshwater fish found nowhere else on Earth, or simply lazing on the sand with a mango in hand, this lake invites you to slow down and breathe. It’s a different kind of African adventure—quiet, soulful, and wildly beautiful.
Snorkel with Whale Sharks in Mozambique — Snorkel with Whale Sharks in Mozambique — These spotted giants are often 10 m long, are filter feeders — completely harmless, despite their size. There is no frantic chase, no sharp teeth, they feed on plankton and tiny fish.
Sleeping under The Stars in Sossusvlei, Namibia —There are starry nights then there are Sossusvlei! No city lights, just you, the desert and the sky. Silence wraps around you like a soft blanket and The Milky Way stretches overhead in high-definition clarity. In the morning you can go and climb Dune 45 as another Arica - bonus.
Soar Above Africa – A View That Rearranges the SoulThere’s something about seeing Africa from the sky that rearranges your soul. It’s not just the thrill—it’s the shift in perspective. A feeling of lightness, awe, and deep, echoing stillness.
Skydiving over the Cape Winelands with Skydive Two Oceans isn’t only about adrenaline. It’s about letting go—plunging into free-fall at over 200 km/h, the earth rushing up and the wind roaring past. For 30 to 60 surreal seconds, you’re not floating—you’re slicing through the sky.And then the world slows. The parachute opens. The silence returns. Below, a living canvas unfolds—vineyards like patchwork, golden fields, the Swartberg mountains curving like the spine of a sleeping giant, and Table Mountain holding the horizon, calm and timeless.Some moments take your breath away—not because they’re extreme, but because they lift you out of the ordinary.
There was the time I drifted over the Serengeti in a hot-air balloon, the only sounds the gentle hiss of flame and the rustle of zebra and wildebeest moving like shadows across the grass.
Or the time a microlight swept over Victoria Falls, and for a moment, it felt like I had wings. No wet spray—just the crisp air on my skin and a sudden, soaring freedom.
And more— A helicopter lifted above the tea hills of southern Rwanda, where every slope rolls like silk, and the world below sings in green.Africa from above is not just a view—it’s a feeling. A soft imprint that stays long after you’ve landed.
Once, a vintage DC-3, tail number ZS-BXF, carried us low over the dunes of Sossusvlei, the Namib’s silence stretching out in every direction—orange waves stilled in time.
Take the chance to rise above this continent, even just once. Because I did. And I will never be the same.
