In today’s digital world, a shift is happening among travellers around the globe. Having so much information at your fingertips has created a craving for authenticity and meaningful cultural experiences, as well as bucketlist destinations. For many, travelling to Africa is not just about wildlife and scenic vistas; it’s also an incredible opportunity to explore diverse heritage, living cultures and lesser-known experiences (while still enjoying a quintessential African safari).
Our Africa itineraries include many famous landmarks and national parks, but we also make sure travellers don’t miss out on unique, off-the-beaten-track activities. Many of these hidden gems have become favourites among guests, even when paired with iconic destinations like Etosha National Park or Zanzibar.
Read on to discover them for yourself…
Botswana: Tsodilo Hills
Tsodilo Hills is an awe-inspiring cultural site on Botswana’s landscape and has been inhabited for around 100,000 years. This sacred landmark is believed to hold the ancestral spirits of the indigenous San and Hambukushu tribes, featuring a gallery of over 4,000 ancient rock paintings. From sheer cliffs to overhangs, the rock walls display red handprints, rhinos, giraffes and countless other images. The presence of whale and penguin paintings is a fascinating highlight — a testament to the nomadic nature and storytelling traditions of the San.
Namibia: Desert Guided Walk
It’s a wonder anything survives in the vast, dry Namib Desert. At first glance, the region appears unchanging and inhospitable, yet our guided desert walk reveals a thriving world hidden in the sand. Travellers learn about the smallest desert-adapted creatures — beetles, chameleons, geckos — and the remarkable survival skills of local tribes who navigate the dunes. Alongside quirky stories and regional folklore, this desert walk gives visitors a new appreciation for Namibia’s ancient landscapes and unique biodiversity.
Uganda: Ziwa Rhino Walk
Uganda is famous for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, but there’s another unforgettable wildlife experience worth adding to your itinerary. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place to see white rhinos in Uganda, offering the rare opportunity to leave the vehicle and approach these massive animals on foot. It’s an intimate, thrilling and highly photographic encounter — one travellers consistently rate as a standout moment of their Uganda travels.
Tanzania: Utengule Coffee Tour
While Tanzania is known for gemstones and gold, its coffee remains one of its most prized exports. Tanzanian coffee is celebrated for its rich, fruity flavour profile, and around 90% of the country’s production comes from small local farms. On the Utengule Coffee Tour, travellers follow the bean’s journey from sproutling to cup, ending with a tasting of freshly brewed varieties. It’s a must-do experience for coffee lovers — and even non-coffee drinkers find the cultural history behind Tanzanian coffee fascinating.
Zimbabwe: Great Zimbabwe Ruins
It’s a wonder anything survives in the vast, dry Namib Desert. At first glance, the region appears unchanging and inhospitable, yet our guided desert walk reveals a thriving world hidden in the sand. Travellers learn about the smallest desert-adapted creatures — beetles, chameleons, geckos — and the remarkable survival skills of local tribes who navigate the dunes. Alongside quirky stories and regional folklore, this desert walk gives visitors a new appreciation for Namibia’s ancient landscapes and unique biodiversity.
Eswatini & Lesotho: Any of the Optional Activities
These two small, landlocked countries consistently surprise travellers with their beauty, culture and warm hospitality. Many guests mention Eswatini and Lesotho as unexpected highlights on our Southern Africa Explorer and Kruger & Mozambique routes. Beyond their serene landscapes — ideal for hiking, horse riding or biking — both countries offer cultural depth that stays with you long after your journey ends.
Lesotho’s colourful blankets and pony village tours reflect its rugged mountain terrain and rich traditions. Eswatini’s sweeping grasslands, scattered homesteads and pockets of acacia forest offer a peaceful, authentic glimpse into local life and wildlife conservation.
