When you think of Africa what are some of the first visions that come to mind? For many, safari tours and the Big Five are some of the first thoughts that arise. Of course, Africa is the ultimate destination for safaris and game viewing, but there is so much more to do in Africa besides exceptional safari experiences.
One of the most fascinating elements about Africa is its extensive diversity. Comprised of 53 countries that range in climate, culture, history, landscape, cuisine, activities, accommodations, and wildlife, Africa is one of the world’s most astonishing and eclectic continents. Attracting everyone from beach addicts to ocean enthusiasts, romantics to spa lovers, and cultural buffs to wine connoisseurs, Africa is a destination for almost everyone.
Although Africa does attract a variety of different people with different interests, needs, desires, and preferences, visitors to Africa do have something in common: the desire to discover and grow.
So, what else is there to do besides game viewing? Tons! See below for an insight into the real Africa:
Cape Town City Tours: Grow, learn, discover, and uncover on a tour through the glowing city of Cape Town, South 
Africa. With a bustling atmosphere filled with architectural fascinations, shopping hubs, gardens, beaches, quaint bistros and cafes, mouth-watering seafood, hiking trails, and the infamous Table Mountain, Cape Town invites all sorts of individuals and various interests.
Cultural Visits: An absolute highlight among visitors to Africa, cultural visits are not only enlightening and rewarding, but they’re also often the gateway to an entirely new perspective on Africa and life in general. Almost all of the most popular destinations in Africa offer exceptional cultural visits that allow travelers to immerse themselves into local cultures and customs. Some of the best cultural tours take visitors to local schools, orphanages, and private homes, while others consist of exciting interactive bush walks or bicycling tours through local villages.
World Heritage Sites: Southern Africa is home to some of the most intriguing World Heritage Sites on earth. From cultural sites such as the Fossil Hominid Sites, Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, Robben Island, Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape to natural sites including Vredefort Dome and the Great St. Lucia Wetland Park, Africa holds captivating secrets of the past in what remains in the present.
Golfing: As one of the top golf destinations in the world, South Africa is speckled with stunning courses that provide the avid golfer with exciting challenges around every corner. Whether looking for a five-day golf safari tour or half a day of golf, South Africa’s renowned courses can accommodate.
Each and every day (and hole for that matter) provides seasoned golfers with new challenges and experiences. For example, Leopard Creek County Club’s sixteenth hole requires balls to pass over hippo-populated waters onto a fresh green while Links at Fancourt is South Africa’s most challenging course, providing visitors with surprising twists, dips, and obstacles.
Ocean Visits: The coastline and archipelagos of Africa are bustling with beauty and infinite opportunities for exploration.
Africa’s coastlines and islands are so diverse and spectacular that they’re known for being some of the world’s top beach, scuba diving, and snorkeling destinations in the world. Africa’s waters are also home to whales, the African penguin, sharks, dolphins, and other aquatic creatures, making shark cage diving, whale watching, and swims with the penguins some of Africa’s most exciting ocean activities.
Wine Tours: There is no shortage of wine tours in Cape Winelands, South Africa. With dozens of types of tours to choose from, visitors find their time in Cape Winelands isn’t long enough. Some of the most acclaimed wine tours include wine making, personal wine tasting, VIP wine tasting, one-day village tours, horseback riding, bicycling, and hiking tours.
Fishing: Whether you’re interested in big game saltwater fishing or freshwater fishing, Africa’s rivers, lakes, and 
surrounding ocean are always teeming with adventure and thrilling catches.
Travelers interested in freshwater fishing have the opportunity to observe large land game and other lake dwelling creatures such as a wide variety of birds, hippos, and crocodiles as they enjoy an exciting day of fishing. One of the most popular and aggressive freshwater fish is the tigerfish, which can weigh in anywhere from 10 – 25 lbs.
Deep sea fishing, on the other hand, typically consists of larger and stronger fish depending on the time of year. Sailfish are caught the most as they are found in the area year round, while species of marlin, wahoo, kingfish, yellowfin tuna, and swordfish are typically caught between the months of October and March.
Always taking rigorous safety precautions, each guide is armed, and equipped with handheld communication devices and extensive training in proper safety procedures and animal behavior. In fact, professional guides require a minimum of four years of training in the field before they can accompany safari goers on an outing.
Although some accommodations do require children to be a minimum of 12 years old, others do not have this requirement, and offer activities for nearly every age. Whether you have younger children or late teens, the entire family can enjoy exciting experiences that range from 
One of our favorite children’s programs is at Olarro Lodge in Kenya, which offers children ages 6 and up the opportunity to take part in The Olarro Juniors Adventurers Club (OJAC). The club is ran by certified and highly qualified Maasai guides who introduce the kids to animal tracking techniques, survival techniques used in traditional Maasai culture, plant species used for medicinal purposes, and environmentally conscious practices. It’s truly a rewarding experience for all children who take part, and, parents can rest assured knowing that their little ones are in good hands, having fun, and discovering new and exciting things about the environment.
Associating all camps and mobile safaris in Africa by these rugged stereotypes is a false assumption. In fact, there are many camps and mobile camps found throughout each country in Africa that are high-end, extremely comfortable, and equipped with all necessary amenities and 
You crave the old-fashioned, 19th-century safari feel. Created using eclectic tin finishes, a canvas covering, and lantern illumination, Wilderness Safaris’ mobile camps are direct reflections of safari camps utilized by past celebrities such as Theodore Roosevelt and David Livingstone.
You want to have a more intimate and private experience. Camps are often much smaller and more intimate than hotels. Although hotels are wonderful to stay at in cities and outside of the bush—such as Cape Town and the Garden Route—they are not ideal for the bush. Because camps are often much smaller than hotels, personal staff is always attentive to your every need, catering to even the smallest of details. The intimacy of the camps also means no children running around, no large groups taking up space in the dining room or on safari, and no wait on anything.
incorporate natural elements within their décor, exposure to the breeze, wildlife, and towering fynbos of the bush is effortless. Each and every day, you’ll feel your cares and thoughts of responsibility melt away as you find peace in the surrounding sounds, sights, and aromas of the bush.
