7 Reasons to Return to Africa
“The only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa – for he has so much to look forward to.” – Richard Mullin
Most travellers have a picture of Africa in their minds before they ever set foot on the continent. Perhaps it’s wide-open plains dotted with acacia trees, elephants ambling across golden grasslands, and lions lumped together in a lazy pile under a tree. Seeing the iconic Big 5— in places like South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands, in Tanzania’s Serengeti, or Kenya’s Maasai Mara—is certainly a worthwhile experience. But it’s just one version of Africa.
Africa is a continent, not a country. With more than 50 nations, thousands of cultures and languages, and wildly varied landscapes—from desert dunes to tropical islands—it’s a place that rewards return visits. Here are 7 reasons to come back—and places you may not have considered the first time around.
1. Discover the great spaces of Namibia
Namibia has some of the most surreal and magnificent landscapes on Earth. Sparsely populated, it offers a sense of space and freedom. Picture rust-red dunes towering over ancient salt pans, shipwrecks scattered along the Skeleton Coast, and desert-adapted rhinos and elephants navigating the wilderness.
The sky is blue by day and clear by night. In fact, the NamibRand Nature Reserve, one of Africa’s largest private reserves, was proclaimed an international Dark Sky Reserve and is the perfect place to marvel at the night sky.
On the coast, you’ll see seals lounging in the sun at Walvis Bay and flamingos wading through shallows. In Etosha National Park, floodlit waterholes near Okaukuejo, Halali, and Namutoni camps offer magical sightings after dark. During the day, watch elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, gemsbok and more gather at waterholes in dramatic stillness.
2. Explore Madagascar’s Eden-like array
Madagascar is often described as a world apart. The island is home to extraordinary creatures found nowhere else on Earth, including lemurs, the fossa, and the colourful panther chameleon.
Because of limited infrastructure, it’s tricky to explore the whole island in one go. A better option is to base yourself in one region and enjoy its uniqueness.
Nosy Be, in the north, is ideal for a luxurious tropical island escape. Snorkel in clear waters where green turtles graze on seagrass, dive with colourful fish along coral reefs, and—if you time it right—swim with whale sharks. You can also explore the lush Lokobe Reserve, where the rustle of leaves might reveal a black lemur or a chameleon clinging to a branch. Stroll through ylang-ylang plantations, browse handcrafted goods at Hell-Ville’s bustling market, or take part in a Malagasy cooking class to connect more deeply with the culture.
3. Discover untouched Africa in Zambia
Zambia is still under the radar for many travellers and is perfect for a second-time visit to Africa. Imagine drifting down the Lower Zambezi with only the call of a fish eagle overhead. Or tracking leopard prints on foot in South Luangwa, the birthplace of the walking safari. Zambia’s wilderness feels raw and untouched, and refreshingly uncrowded.
Zambia is also home to one of Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders—Victoria Falls. Whether you take in the thundering spray from misty viewpoints or opt for a bird’s-eye view from a helicopter, it’s a wondrous experience.
4. Multi-generational family travel at its best
Maybe your first African adventure was just the two of you. Now it’s time to bring the whole family. Imagine three generations on an open safari vehicle as a lioness strolls past—close enough to feel the ripple of awe. No screens, no busy schedules—just time to connect, share stories around a fire, and soak in wild beauty.
South Africa is perfect for this kind of trip. Malaria-free reserves like Madikwe and those in the Eastern Cape make it easy with young children. Many lodges are designed for families, offering kids’ activities like bush treasure hunts and cooking sessions, while grandparents can unwind with a massage or a glass of wine.
From Big Five safaris to coastal marine adventures and stargazing nights, there’s something for every generation. And your family will share memories around the dinner table for years to come.
5. Indian Ocean escapes
Africa’s Indian Ocean islands are ideal for unwinding on a romantic trip or a family holiday. The Seychelles offers granite-framed beaches, lush forests, world-class diving, and atolls that provide private escapes.
Mauritius combines vibrant cultures, inland hikes and waterfalls, and family-friendly resorts alongside honeymoon hideaways. [Watch our comparison video ‘Mauritius vs Seychelles, which one is best?’].
Zanzibar, with its Stone Town architecture and Swahili culture, blends history, food, and adventure. Beyond the spice tours and carved doorways, you’ll find palm trees, white-sand beaches, traditional dhow cruises, and colourful coral gardens.
6. Go off the beaten track in South Africa
Beyond Kruger and Cape Town, South Africa is packed with lesser-known gems. Visit the luxurious Tswalu Kalahari Reserve for sightings of black-maned lions and pangolins. Here, in the open expanse of the Kalahari semi-desert, Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen has created an extraordinary dining experience at his restaurant, Klein JAN, drawing on lesser-known Kalahari ingredients.
The Cederberg, just a few hours from Cape Town, is known for ancient San rock art, scenic hiking trails, and dark starry skies as well as world-class bouldering. While a trip along the Garden Route brings you to forest-fringed cliffs, golden beaches, and interesting coastal towns. It’s ideal for a romantic break, a family getaway, or an adventure-filled escape.
7. Track gorillas in the heart of the continent
Imagine stepping into the misty forests of Rwanda or Uganda, where vines hang thick and bird calls echo through the canopy. Guided by expert trackers, you’ll hike through the forest until you come across a gorilla family, where you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing them in the wild. For those who love discovery in parts of Africa that few visit, you can enjoy the adventure of tracking lowland gorillas in the remote rainforests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, in the Republic of Congo.
Happy Travelling,
The Leopard Team
P.S. If you’d like to visit Africa again, let us know which place or experience appeals the most. The Africa you know is just the beginning…
P.P.S. If you’ve never been, don’t let years slip by without experiencing some of the wonders that this continent holds.