Africa is a vast and incredibly varied continent, home to rich tropical rainforest, snow-capped mountains, wild coastal cliffs, and immense desert. Not only that, but it's also home to an astonishing diversity of wildlife species and a rich culture and traditions. So, if you're looking for an adventure of a lifetime, one that you'll treasure for the rest of your life, Africa is where you should go.

Below, check out this list of the best once in a lifetime excursion in Africa.

1. Tanzania

Tanzania boasts a stunning landscape with sweeping ocean views, breathtaking savannahs, and towering peaks, so it would be a shame not to visit this country on your excursion to Africa. Home to incredible wildlife species, most people would come here for a safari in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, and the Serengeti. 

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the top destinations for a safari in Tanzania. It's home to a vast number of wildlife, including the Big Five, wildebeest and a hundred different species of birds. In the south, you will find the Tarangire National Park, another spot to enjoy a safari in Tanzania. While it may not be as popular as the other national parks in Africa, it's still worth coming here since it has a massive concentration of wildlife for every square kilometre compared to some other parks in Tanzania. 

The Serengeti is the most popular destination for a safari in Tanzania and entire Africa. It's the oldest game reserve in the country and where many tourists would come to witness the famous "Great Migration", where more than two million wildebeests and other animals migrate towards Kenya's Masai Mara

2. Zambia 

Zambia's scenery is varied, making it one of Africa's most interesting places to see. This landlocked country is home to the famous Victoria Falls, which lies along the border with Zimbabwe. It boasts several impressive natural sights to make your African excursion truly unforgettable.

Victoria Falls is truly breathtaking and something you should see at least once in your life. It's also the adrenaline capital of Africa, where thrill-seekers can get their fill of exciting adventures, from bungee jumping to white-water rafting! But if you're not keen to try these activities, perhaps, you can try the less strenuous ones, such as fishing, game drives, and sunset river cruises. After enjoying the spectacle of Victoria Falls, head to the Lower Zambezi National Park for a safari. Offering you the ultimate African safari adventure, the Lower Zambezi is known for its abundant wildlife, including buffalos and large herds of elephants.

Another interesting place for a wildlife safari is the Kafue National Park, especially if you are looking for a luxury Zambia vacation, it's the country's oldest and largest national park, and home to incredible wildlife, from lions to cheetahs and leopards. You can also go on a boat safari at the Kafue River, where you'll spot an interesting diversity of wildlife species.

3. Zimbabwe 

While Zimbabwe may not be as popular as the other African countries, it offers many interesting places and exciting adventures. It also has its share of national parks to enjoy an unforgettable safari adventure. These parks showcase Zimbabwe's rich diversity of wildlife, which consists of zebras, lions, and elephants. 

At Hwange National Park, you will have no shortage of interesting wildlife and stunning terrains to explore. Here, you will find the world's largest elephant population roaming freely across the park's varied landscapes. You'll also find rhinos and buffalos gathering in waterholes while the lions relax in the vast grassland. The other national parks in Zimbabwe to enjoy a wildlife safari are South Gonarezhou National Park and Mana Pools National Park.

Another reason you should choose Zimbabwe for your African adventure is the chance to enjoy the spectacular natural scenery. The country is blessed with stunning savannas, rivers, and highlands. Venture into the Eastern Highlands, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of nature, then head to the Matobo National Park to marvel at the fascinating rock formations resulting from erosions.

4. Kenya 

Whether you want to explore stunning landscapes or go on a safari, Kenya is a wonderful place to visit. More than a million tourists visit Kenya each year, and it's easy to see why. Visitors are falling in love with the country's incredibly diverse landscapes and a great variety of wildlife. 

It might be worth booking one of the Kenya family safari holidays when going to Kenya, especially if you're travelling with the family. You can customise these luxury Kenyan safari holidays according to the places you wish to visit and the activities you plan to do. There's a good chance to spot the Big Five during your holiday to Kenya since the country is home to a large concentration of African lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos, and leopards. 

Just like in Tanzania, you'd be able to witness the greatest migration of wild animals in Kenya, especially when you visit between August and October. It's a truly spectacular experience, where you get to witness millions of wildebeests migrating from the Serengeti towards Masai Mara.

5. Uganda 

Uganda might be small compared to its neighbouring countries, but it certainly has a lot to offer to those seeking once in a lifetime excursion in Africa. This is the home of the endangered mountain gorillas, and the country has the world's highest population of mountain gorillas. 

For those who want to enjoy a hassle-free trip to Uganda, book the luxury Uganda family safari holidays. Expert travel planners will be happy to organise your trip according to your preferences. If you're here to witness the gorillas in the mountain, they can arrange the trek for you. The two gorilla trekking spots in Uganda are the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Aside from the mountain gorillas, Uganda is also home to various wildlife species, from zebras to elephants, lions, and hippos. The country has national parks and various game reserves where you can have an exciting safari adventure.