Africa bucket list destinations

These are my African bucket list destinations. One day I’d like to discover as much of the African mainland as possible – road (and track) trip! From what we’ve seen of Africa so far I love the vibe and the people…bring on more experiences.

Ethiopia

The geologicial activity (and resulting vibrant colours) of the Danakil Depression as well as the Erta Ale volcano make a trip to the Afar region worthwhile, even though you need to have an armed guard for your safety! This region will one day be underwater as the African, Somali and Arabian plates pull apart. In the same area is Abuna Yemata Guh, a cave church that is accessed by foot some 2,500m above sea level. Travelling to this ‘inaccesible’ church would be a challenge but very rewarding.

Namibia

The Skeleton coast looks like nowhere else in the world. Exploring where the desert meets the sea would be good, and I’ve heard there’s quite good fishing there too!!

Djibouti

I’ve wanted to visit here for years, the fishing looks amazing and you can swim with whale sharks too. Visiting Lake Abhe in the Afar region is on the list. It is inhabited by flamingos and has steaming limestone chimneys.

Tanzania

My main attractions here are safaris in the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. I’d like to visit Zanzibar or Pemba Island too.

African islands bucket list destinations

St Helena and Ascension Island

These two British Overseas Territories are in the middle of the Atlantic. I’d like to visit both to see how different life is when you are so remote. Swimming with whale sharks and meeting Jonathan the tortoise in St Helena would be amazing.

Comoros

This tiny island nation (the third smallest population in Africa) is in the Mozambique Channel between Mozambique and Madagascar. Grande Comore island is dominated by the 2,300m high Mount Karthala which erupts every 11 years on average.

Madagascar

I’d really like to see the Great Tsingy. These jagged limestone rocks have to be seen to be believed. Funnily enough Tsingy means ‘where one cannot walk barefoot’ when translated – if you search for this feature you’ll see why! Madagascar is so varied with a multitude of endemic species and the mighty baobab tree. I think a guided tour would be the best way to take in as much of this massive island as possible.

Sao Tome and Principe

We had a trip to Sao Tome and Principe booked in 2020 until covid ruined it. These tropical islands straddle the Equator and are stacked with endemic species and really different features. One of these is Pico Cão Grande – a nearly 400m high volcanic plug peak.

Next is my Asia bucket list – read it here.