Buyers from Africa Travel Week have spoken! Their Top 20 Bucket List Destinations are a smorgasbord of adventure, cultural connection, picturesque landscapes and wide-open spaces. Unsurprisingly, half are from Africa!
1. South Africa
South Africa, a bucket-list destination that ticks all the boxes when it comes to the wide-open spaces of the Kruger National Park, unique wildlife interactions and magnificent wines of Cape Winelands.
Simply a great place to be in nature, with unique luxury accommodation and fantastic game viewing.
Astrid Strohmeier, TOUCAN Reisen
2. Zambia
The Victoria Falls is a bucket-list destination for many! The view from the Zambiam side is magnificent and the spectacular walking safaris in the Lower Zambezi make this destination one in a million.
The magnificence of the Falls would be breathtaking, I know. I plan to book this visit as soon as I am able!
Pam Keller, Travel Stars
3. Kenya
The Great Migration is a top bucket-list experience. Visit Kenya to take in Africa’s most awe-inspiring wildlife experience – and deepen your cultural understanding of the region’s Masaai Warriors.
The yearly wildebeest migration coming through the park is one of the world’s most amazing wildlife spectacles.
Reno Mauricio, Across Tour Operator
4. Botswana
A bucket-list destination for many reasons, Botswana offers some of the most spectacular water-based safaris, often by traditional mokoro, and is a dream for bird enthusiasts.
The Okavango Delta is arguably Botswana’s most famous area, popular for its rich wildlife, water-based safaris and commitment to low-impact tourism.
Anne-Marie Callahan, Edgewood Travel
5. Tanzania
Home to some of Africa’s best known National Parks, Kenya and Tanzania jointly offer unforgettable bucket-list experiences like the Great Migration and hot air balloon rides over the sprawling Serengeti.
Kenya and Tanzania are both jewels in the crown. If you visit for the first time, you need to visit both places. It is an ‘absolute must’ to be in the Serengeti and Masai Mara.
Marco Tena, EVC Viajes
6. Maldives
The Maldives sits at the top of many bucket lists, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and over-water villas and bungalows.
Maldives, I have been longing to relax in the pool of a luxury, private, over-water villa for a while now. Top of my agenda soon!
Olayinka Dare, Spring & Bells Travel
7. Seychelles
Seychelles is a bucket-list destination for anyone seeking world-class diving and deep-sea fishing. Here you can enjoy the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, offering majestic snorkelling experiences.
This island destination is not far from Israel. Beautiful beaches, culture, gastronomy, a warm welcome and amazing properties all add up to an unforgettable holiday.
Yanir Horowitz, Yanir Tailor Tours
8. California, USA
With its vast array of experiences and scenery, California is a vibrant, exciting destination that is known for its delectable wines.
Culture lovers will be impressed with the wide variety of museums in Santa Barbara. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy its white sandy beaches and mountain trails.
Reno Mauricio, Across Tour Operator
9. Madagascar
Madagascar is a bucket-list destination for anyone seeking a more rustic island adventure.
An ecological gem with colourful chameleons and cheeky lemurs living amongst the most magnificent natural greenery.
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10. Rwanda
Rwanda is a unique bucket-list destination, famous for gorilla trekking and its jungles. Somewhat harder to get to and a little pricier than other African countries, this is a once-in-a-lifetime destination.
Rwanda offers some of the best gorilla trekking safaris on the planet – set against the backdrop of its endless green hills and soaring mountainsides.
Anne-Marie Callahan, Edgewood Travel
11. Japan
Sushi anyone? Japan, the perfect bucket-list destination to tick off cultural experiences, delectable flavours and fascinating architecture.
Japan, land of the rising sun. The culture of this country is an interesting blend of Eastern traditions and Western modernity.
Armindo Ferreira, EMI Global USA
12. New Zealand
New Zealand is top of many bucket-lists for its natural beauty and remote location. Discover the indigenous Maori culture and its picturesque landscapes.
My husband and I wanted to visit New Zealand, and that was going to be the next trip on my list. I will fulfil that dream for both of us one day when they open back up to visitors.
Pam Keller, Travel Start
13. Brazil
Known for its colourful culture and lively people, Brazil is a unique bucket-list destination.
Brazil for the landscape, people and climate.
Petra Genek, Capgemini
14. Morocco
Can you smell the spices of Morocco? A definite bucket-list destination for foodies and anyone looking to dig deep into the culture and history of the region.
Morocco, the people, the landscape, the unique places, cultural attractions and gastronomy all attract me to the destination.
Yanir Horowitz, Yanir Tailor Tours
15. Peru
Most famously known for the Machu Picchu trail, Peru is a bucket-list destination for anyone interested in exploring ancient civilizations.
Taking in a trail and enjoying the natural beauty would be a dream come true for me right now.
Daniel Wood, World Freestyle Football Association
16. Sri Lanka
A destination at the top of a culinary traveller’s bucket list, Sri Lanka has many exciting culinary experiences. Also discover some of the natural wonders such as Sigiriya or Yala National Park.
Known as the ‘Teardrop of India’, this tea producing country has some of the most interesting culinary experiences – not to mention a magnificent coastline – on offer
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17. India
Brimming with ancient art and culture, this colourful nation should be a bucket list destination for anyone looking to taste traditional food, meet local people and enjoy magnificent architecture such as the Taj Mahal.
India is an excellent combination of rich culture and fascinating history.
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18. Italy
Famously known for its friendly people, lively culture and delectable food, Italy is a bucket-list destination for many travellers of all ages.
I have been to most parts of Italy but never to Puglia. The natural beauty is what drives me to want to visit
Pam Keller, Travel Stars
19. Greece
The rich history, delectable, traditional food and magnificent views of the blue-topped villages make Greece a bucket list destination.
There is nothing like a hot summer’s day on a Greek island beach, enjoying the local food and culture.
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20. Spain
Local flavours, flamenco dance performances and beautiful architecture coupled with fascinating history makes Spain a bucket-list destination.
Local life on the vibrant streets of Spain, enjoying the cafes and tapas until midnight, is irresistible to a travel enthusiast.
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