I am living in Africa. It’s that small continent just under Europe. If you look at a map, Africa is slightly larger than the United States and Canada. Nope, that’s not the case. Africa is huge. It’s larger than the United States, China, India, and a couple of European countries. So yeah, I live in Africa, but I live in one of the smallest African countries. I have always wanted to travel to Africa. The continent needs more than a two-week vacation to explore. Since I am already on the continent, I plan on exploring this amazing continent.

Presenting …

My Top 10 African Bucket List

1. Take a trip up the Nile

If I could pick anywhere to go, Egypt is first on that list. Egypt’s history has always fascinated me. From the engineering marvels of the Great Pyramids to the fascinating treasures found in the Valley of the Kings, I want to explore it all. I want to travel up the Nile and see the ancient wonders of one of the greatest civilizations.

2. Swim in   at the Mosi-oa-Tunya (aka Victoria Falls)

It’s a naturally occurring infinity pool located at the edge of the world’s largest waterfall. I look forward to seeing the falls that the locals call “the smoke that thunders.” The falls straddle the borders between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

3. Witness the Great Migration over the Serengeti

I want to watch the massive migration of over million zebras, wildebeest, and other Serengeti species occur in Kenya and Tanzania. This is the largest animal migration in the world. I want to see the wonder of this phenomenon and see this amazing sight.

4. Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park, Uganda

I am an avid hiker and the opportunity sees gorillas in their natural habit is not one I want to miss. I want to hike in the famed Bwindi National Park to see one of their gorilla family groups.

5. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

“Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti” The Toto song “Africa” doesn’t take into account the actual geography of Africa, but Mount Kilimanjaro does stand proudly overlooking the surrounding areas. At 19,341 ft, it is the tallest mountain in Africa and climbing it is part of the Seven Summits and Volcanic Seven Summits climbing challenges.

6. SCUBA dive with a Great White Shark

Since, the first time I saw Jaws, I have wanted to swim with one. I am sure I am supposed to fear the shark, but I want to see one in the wild. The best way to do that would be in the water with one. For some weird reason, everyone seems to insist that one needs to be in a cage.

7. Whitewater Rafting on the Zambezi River

This bucket list item could be combined with swimming in the Devil’s Pool since they both involve the same river. The rafting takes place just below Victoria Falls. This 15 mile section of 23 rapids is one of the best and most difficult rivers to whitewater raft. It is known for technically difficult rapids, big drops, massive holes, and crocodiles waiting at the bottom of the rapids.

8. Swim with the Sardine Run in Southern Africa

Swimming with millions of sardines all swimming in the same direction. It sounds like it would be interesting for about 5 minutes, but is it worthy of being on an African bucket list. It is. I am not going to see the shoals of sardines; I am going to see the predators that come to eat the sardines. I want to see the sharks, dolphins, seals, penguins, and other birds that feast on those nasty little fish.

9. Stand in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere

I have traveled to five continents and yet have never crossed the equator. I want to cross it somewhere in either Uganda or Kenya so I can stand on it. I want to be in two hemispheres at once. I also want somewhere to see the Coriolis Effect in both hemispheres.

10. Explore the Deadvlei in Namibia

The Deaddvlei is known as the dead marsh. It is a clay pan area full of camel thorn trees. The unique part is the trees are over 900 years old and dead. I want to hike out and spend a day photographing these trees.

These are the 10 things I want to do most while in Africa.  What is do you want to do most while in Africa?