1. Do that Wildlife Safari you've always dreamed of...

The word 'Safari' literally means 'to journey' in Swahili - and is one of the main reasons millions of people from all over the world travel to Africa each year. The 2 most popular areas in Africa for Safari's are East and South Africa. In South Africa you have the opportunity to see the 'Big Five' (African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and rhinoceros) in the Kruger National Park & Reserves. By boat in South Africa you will be able to experience the 'Marine Big 5' - whales, sharks, penguins, dolphins, and seals! In East Africa you can witness the absolutely stunning Great Annual Migration from Tanzania (Serengeti National Park) to Kenya (Masai Mara National Reserve). Not only does the Great Migration offer views of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelle - but rivers are also infested with crocodiles - making for some of the best Safari opportunities you'll ever experience!

2. Hiking

Africa offers some of the most beautiful and adventurous hiking and trekking in the world. The 3 most popular and well –known mountains are Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and the Atlas Mountains. Lesser known mountains, but with some of the highest peaks in Africa, are the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda, or the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia. South Africa also offers some wonderful hiking. The Drakensberg Mountains are fantastic for a half day of hiking, or a full trek of several days. Want to go for a scenic and walk and not interested in conquering a mountain? Zambia offers walking safari's in South Luangwa National Park – or you could head out on a hike along South Africa's wild coast.

3. Take a beach vacation unlike any other...

For decades in North Africa the beach resorts have attracted people from Europe to bask in their sun and along their beautiful shores. Some area's of Northern Africa receive 300 + days of sun, making this an idyllic relaxing destination. A quieter beach area in Africa is the East coast - offering accommodations for varied budgets, you can rent a hut on the Indian Ocean in Zanzibar, or go to the ultra luxurious and very private Seychelles. On the West Coast of Africa you can find beaches galore with miles of palm trees, though the currents are at times quite rough, many visit to go surfing. South Africa is incredibly popular for penguin sightings on the beach, and while you're at it, dive with a great white shark. In South-East Africa you can find Lake Malawi, also incredibly popular among beach lovers.

4. Cycling through your adventure

A great eco-friendly mode of transportation throughout various locations in Africa is cycling. If you're looking to immerse yourself in the culture and visit some fantastic rural areas, biking is the way to go. Go as fast or as leisurely as you'd like, whether you'd like to cross the entire continent or spend a day exploring Cape Town, you'll be able to find a tour that best fits what you're looking for. Fitness based vacations are becoming increasingly popular and a biking expedition is a great option for the active traveller!

5. Bungee jumping

Want to bungee jump off a bridge, swim up to the edge of the world's largest waterfall, or white water raft down some of the wildest rapids in the world? You can do that all in Victoria Falls, the adventure capital of Africa. The Sahara desert is becoming increasingly popular for motorcycle tours and sandboarding, South Africa is famous for surfing and diving with Great White Sharks. Whatever your preferred method of adventure is, Africa has it all - and will certainly get you out of your comfort zone!

6. Rafting in the desert

Home to the indigenous Nama people, the rocky dry landscape surrounding the Orange River is a mix of red, brown, and orange hues — except for the banks, where patches of green vegetation are able to thrive.

The Northern Cape is a huge area with a lot to see and do — and it's one of the least visited parts of South Africa. Rafting down this winding river in the middle of a desert and finishing the night with a Braai BBQ is one of the highlights.

7. The Garden Route

The popular Garden Route is a casual road tripper's dream, winding along the sunny, scenic and the perennially verdant Southcoast between Mosselbay and the mouth of Stormsriver. Along the way, pass languid lakes and lagoons, dense indigenous forests and pretty towns including Wilderness, Knysna, Oudtshoorn and Plettenberg Bay.

8. Namaqualand Flower Route

Lying five hours north of Cape Town, the Namaqualand is famous for its burst of colour every spring (July to October), when almost 4000 species of flowers bloom into life and when the semi-desert plains of Namaqualand are transformed into a sea of colour. You can spend a day or three here, driving, hiking or cycling. The Goegap Nature Reserve provides both picnic areas and overnight facilities. For botany lovers it shouldn't be missed!

9. Th Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is the world's third largest canyon and one of the most beautiful. As you look down on scenic waterfalls and abundant vegetation, the view from the aptly named God's Window is biblical. Near to the Kruger National Park, the Mpumalanga Nature Reserve covers almost 29 000 hectares and offers activities ranging from hiking, biking, fishing and abseiling, to white-water rafting, boat trips and much more. Make a day of it or stay in a private lodge or guesthouse.

10. Howick Falls

This stunning 95 metre waterfall is set in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands, near the town of Howick, and is surrounded by scenic rivers, lakes, dams and luscious forest. A perfect spot for a picnic walk and shop around at the many arts and craft outlets, which include carpet weavers, leather works and many others. Entrance is free, and the falls are easily accessible from the N3 Highway near Midmar Dam.