As the second largest continent, Africa is one of the most stunning places to visit yet many travelers never adventure to its beautiful coastal areas or historic pyramids. Africa captures a huge variety of geographical climates and regions with a mix of humid jungles, dusty deserts, bustling cities and swaying great plains. Also called “the cradle of humankind,” Africa has one of the oldest histories as the birthplace of mankind.
Travelers should look no further than Africa for the adventure of a lifetime and AAA Vacations offers the best trip designed to fit your dreams and budget. Through AAA Vacations, members get exclusive savings and discounts on African adventures, plus the peace of mind of knowing their tour is booked through the experts. Whether you’re bringing your family and want to immerse your children in the captivating stories of Egypt or explore the colorful atmosphere of Morrocco on a romantic trip, take a look at the best African vacations from AAA.
South Africa
South Africa is known for its varied landscape, cultural diversity and fantastic wildlife. With breathtaking beaches and world-class dining, South Africa offers a variety of experiences, from whale watching to renowned wine regions to stunning natural parks. Here is a quick taste of top South African vacations from AAA.
1. Colors of Morocco
Enjoy 13 nights through the storied country of Morocco, grabbing a taste of adventure in the desert and immersing yourself in a city rich with religious history. Explore the vibrant colors and distinct heritage of Morroco.
·Price: Starting from $3,599
·Operator: AAA Member Choice Vacations
·Length: 13 nights accommodation
Travel from Casablanca to Fes, one of the holiest cities in the world. Enjoy a local meal, tour and tasting at an esteemed winery. Head through a walking tour of Medina, a desert oasis full of bustling, aromatic markets.
Next, you’ll journey via 4x4 to the Sahara Desert, where you’ll spend several nights camping and exploring via camelback. Journey down the famous “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, an astounding display of Moroccan architecture and pre-Saharan habitat.
You’ll explore Atlas Mountains’ extraordinary scenery and diverse terrain, dotted with villages, rivers, canyons and ravines. Finish off with a culinary workshop in Marrakech that showcases true Moroccan hospitality. Hosted by a local women’s cooperative, you’ll select your own ingredients and follow age-old cooking traditions.
2. Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land and Sea
Want to see Southern Africa from both land and sea? This unique safari takes you through wild plains and dry woodlands to rivers and lakes across southern Africa’s stunning parks.
·Price: Starting from $5,389 (by land)
·Operator: AAA Member Choice Vacations
·Length: 13 nights accommodation
Immerse yourself in the natural parks of Africa, sprawling with wildlife and gorgeous sunsets and sunrises. Tour Chobe National Park and Hwange National Park to catch a glimpse of Africa’s best wildlife before you set sail on a 3-day safari boat cruise along Lake Kariba. Enjoy an intimate dinner-under-the-stars that you’ll never forget on the banks of the Zambezi.
In the “water” part of this unique safari, you’ll explore some of the most majestic African sights. The powerful Victoria Falls to the calm waters of Lake Kariba will call your name as you immerse yourself in nature and seek out unique game species.
3. Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls and Botswana
Looking for something more than a traditional South African Safari? This unique guided tour takes you through the stunning national parks but also focuses on local cultural traditions, dining and wine.
·Price: Starting from $5,389 (by land)
·Operator: AAA Member Choice Vacations
·Length: 13 nights accommodation
For a more diverse deep dive into Southern Africa, you’ll experience an authentic bush dinner in Pilanesberg National Park and adventure by 4x4 into the African sunset. Tour through Chobe National Park for a glimpse of Africa’s Big 5 through 8 different wildlife safaris.
When you’re ready for more fine dining and wine, you’ll explore the sophisticated Dutch architecture of world-renowned Cape Town, South Africa. Sample delicious South African wines at vineyards and meet an authentic Capetonian family for a meal cooked for you in their own home. If you’re looking to explore Africa beyond the great plains and mountains, Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls and Botswana might be for you.
African Safaris and The Pharaohs
In North Africa, you’ll experience equally stunning sights as the southern regions. Highlighted by the famous Sahara Desert and mountainous peaks, travelers love the bustling markets, beautiful mosques and quaint villages.
1. Elegance of the Nile
Have you ever wanted to wander the same halls as Cleopatra or stroll through the Valley of Kings? The Nile is synonymous with ancient Egyptian history and this guided tour takes you through the best destination in Egypt.
·Price: Starting from $5,390
·Operator: Luxury Gold
·Length: 10 nights accommodation
Start your guided tour off by sightseeing through Cairo, known for its rich culture and architectural sights like the Pyramids of Giza. Next, you’ll embark on a luxury cruise ship and begin your tour down the legendary Nile. Explore one of the best-preserved temples, the Temple of Hathor and enjoy an intimate, after-hours visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Temple of Luxor.
Stop for iconic photos at the Valley of the Kings to see the burial place of Tutankhamun and the Colossi of Memnon, enormous twin stone statues of Amenhotep III. Enjoy an exclusive family experience of baking bread with a local community, followed by an authentic Egyptian dinner and a lively galabeya party. You might even want to join the fun in your own traditional Egyptian gown!
Cruise back down the Nile, stopping at destinations like the modern Aswan High Dam and the ancient Granite Quarries, Esna Temple and more before disembarking to fly to Cairo. Tour an incredible massive Alabaster Mosque and Egyptian Museum before checking into a renowned destination for nobility, the Four Seasons at the First Residence.
2. African Safari: Kenya and Tanzania
There’s nothing quite like the majesty of an African safari. Search for the “Big 5,” Africa’s “bucket list” of animals, to catch a glimpse of lions, rhinos, water buffalo, leopards and elephants.
·Price: Starting from $4,942
·Operator: AAA Member Choice Vacations
·Length: 13 nights accommodation
Explore the wilderness of Africa like never before. Journey through the savanna in Kenya to the renowned Serengeti in Tanzania, breathing in the open sky and space. Explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called “African Eden,” thanks to its dense population of mammals. Get up close and personal with African creatures in their natural habitat, staying in an exclusive safari abode that lets you safely immerse yourself in nature. Travel to Lake Eyasi, a startlingly blue lake in the middle of plains and mountains and discover how local communities thrive in partnership with the land.
AAA’s African tours take you on the adventure of a lifetime to destinations only a handful of people ever explore. With behind-the-scenes access to authentic, local experiences, AAA members can book through AAA for exclusive savings on these dream destinations. Whether the historic holy sites of Morocco or tranquil cruising along the Nile is more your style, travelers should consider Africa as their next travel destination.