Wherever our travels take us, there are sights and activities that are simply not to be missed. Top experiences are renowned for a reason: they just can’t be found anywhere else! South Africa is a country of a dramatic past, amazing scenery and striking people and wildlife, and there are a handful of mentions that stand out from the rest. Scope out our list of five top things do in South Africa that are part of Global Basecamps’ itineraries, and also are activities you can check out yourself once your tour or safari come to an end.

We are excited to officially announce our Africa Shared Departures for 2019. These scheduled trips are ideal for those seeking an effortless and affordable option, without sacrificing quality. Space is limited for these exclusive small group safaris and Kenya and Tanzania are trending for 2019 so now is the time to book your safari for next year. Reserve your spot before it's gone!

“Music is the universal language of mankind.” - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

When we travel, we have the opportunity to experience other cultures in so many ways. We can meet the locals and learn from them about their culture and language, take in the scenery and wildlife, experience the food … the chances for our hearts being transformed are endless. And of course, music! Traditional music everywhere we look across human cultures, and few places are as synonymous with rich musical heritage of song and dance than Africa. The continent of Africa is home to a vast array of devotional, classical, folk and popular musical traditions which come together to create vibrant music festivals, a perfect add-on to your trip with Global Basecamps. There are many of these festivals that take place throughout the year in the countries we serve, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Morocco.

Authentically connecting with the local people in the countries we visit is a central part of why many of us travel. At Global Basecamps, we emphasize the importance of “know before you go” in regard to the economic, environmental, and especially social, aspects of our destination countries. Learning about these topics greatly helps us better know how to build relationships with both the traditional and more modernized citizens.

The Great Migration rivals the Big Five as the crown jewel of an East Africa safari.  The Serengeti in northern Tanzania and the Masai Mara in southern Kenya set the stage for the mass movement of 1.5 million wildebeests and 200,000 zebras, who follow seasonal rains in a never-ending cycle across 150,000 square miles of protected wilderness.

The nomadic animals have journeyed symbiotically for millennia: zebras lead the way and eat the long grasses, and then wildebeest graze on the sweet shorter stalks. The zebras remember the course and keep a keen eye out for predators, while the wildebeest employ their superb sense of smell to track down water. Thousands of gazelles, eland, and impala share the route, and the herds are relentlessly pursued by lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas.  Any encounter with the Great Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but the most thrilling annual spectacles require regional expertise and proper timing.