Africa Tours for Young Adults
Africa for young adventurers combines thrills that last for a lifetime. It’s time to head off on safari, looking for the Big Five, visit Victoria Falls, discover Cape Town's nightlife, tour Egyptian pyramids, and truly experience diverse cultures. Meet adventurous backpackers, camp under the stars, see wildlife up close, and understand how Africa for young travelers means adventure and community in ways other continents can't match.
10 best trips for '18 to 30 Somethings' in Africa
Compiled by
NadineAfrica travel expert at TourRadar
- 18 to 35s Essential Botswana
- 14-day Mozambique and Zimbabwe Explorer (Camping)
- 43-day Kenya to Cape Town (Camping)
- 18 to 35s Essential Morocco (12 destinations)
- Discover Morocco
- Delta & Falls Eastbound: Baobab Trees & River Views
- Serengeti to Victoria Falls Overland: Night Stars & Spices
- Southern Africa Northbound: Dunes, Deltas & Falls
- Botswana and Falls Overland: Wildlife Walks & Safari Drives
- Kruger, Falls & Botswana: Wildlife Walks & National Parks
18 to 35s Essential Botswana
“Doc knew stories that only someone with a native sense would have. Doc smiled every day and damaged controlled issues.”
Julie, traveled in March
Duration 9 days Destinations South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe Age Range Ages 18-35 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Intrepid Travel From
- US$1,520
14-day Mozambique and Zimbabwe Explorer (Camping)
“I felt save the whole time. I would recommend Sam to everyone. He is the best guide!”
Maja, traveled in October
Young adventurers aged 18+ can snorkel with whale sharks in Tofo, track rhinos on foot in Matobo National Park, and tackle Victoria Falls' adrenaline activities. Coastal vibes in Vilanculos, safari drives in Hwange, and memorable campfire evenings round out the experience.
Duration 14 days Destinations South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Shared Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From $3,955
15% off- US$3,362
43-day Kenya to Cape Town (Camping)
“Fantastic tour. Managed to see all the animals on my bucket list.”
Rachel, traveled in September
Thrill-seekers aged 20-35 can try white-water rafting at Victoria Falls and quad biking in Swakopmund's dunes. The journey includes snorkeling in Zanzibar and beach parties at Kande Beach.
Duration 43 days Destinations Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Shared Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From $8,515
25% off- US$6,386
18 to 35s Essential Morocco (12 destinations)
“The desert camping was amazing. Morocco is a beautiful country.”
Justin, traveled in August
African adventures await 18-29 year olds, from Sahara desert camping to Todra Gorge hiking. The journey features Marrakesh's vibrant square and traditional music under desert stars.
Duration 12 days Destinations Casablanca, Meknes, Moulay Idriss, Volubilis, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, Todra Gorge, Boumalne Dades, SkouraSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Intrepid Travel From
25% off- US$795
Discover Morocco
“The activities were AMAZING! From quad biking in the Sahara desert during sunset, star gazing and camping in the Sahara.”
Rebecca, traveled in November
Duration 17 days Destinations Marrakesh, Boumalne Dades, Merzouga, Todra Gorge, Ait Benhaddou, Imlil, Rabat, Tangier, Chefchaouen, FesSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Room Type Shared Operator TruTravels From
25% off- US$2,250
Delta & Falls Eastbound: Baobab Trees & River Views
“excellent organization and clear communication from start to finish”
Sebastian, traveled in May
Active travelers aged 20-35 can paddle mokoro rides in Okavango Delta and try bungee jumping at Victoria Falls. The trip features wildlife walks in Chobe National Park and memorable evenings at Dqae Qare San Lodge.
Duration 9 days Destinations Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Singles, Shared Operator G Adventures From $1,599
15% off- US$1,359
Serengeti to Victoria Falls Overland: Night Stars & Spices
“They were genuinely kind, easy to talk to, and always there when we needed them.”
Susie, traveled in July
Adventure awaits 20-35 year olds with Victoria Falls whitewater rafting, Zanzibar snorkeling, and South Luangwa walking safaris. The trip features beach parties at Kande Beach and nightlife in Stone Town.
Duration 20 days Destinations Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Singles, Shared Operator G Adventures From
15% off- US$3,799
Southern Africa Northbound: Dunes, Deltas & Falls
“I had an above expected experience visiting Southern Africa with an amazing group.”
Gilles, traveled in August
Adrenaline-pumping activities await 20-35 year olds, from sandboarding in Swakopmund to bungee jumping at Victoria Falls. The trip costs around $2,900 and includes wildlife safaris in Etosha, camping under stars at Spitzkoppe, and optional skydiving.
Duration 21 days Destinations South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Singles, Shared Operator G Adventures From $2,849
20% off- US$2,279
Botswana and Falls Overland: Wildlife Walks & Safari Drives
“This was one of the best experiences of my life.”
Akash, traveled in June
Young adventurers aged 20+ can opt for bungee jumping at Victoria Falls, sunset river cruises on Chobe River, and mokoro rides in Okavango Delta. The tour includes wildlife walks, communal camping, and vibrant evenings at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.
Duration 8 days Destinations South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Singles, Shared Operator G Adventures From $1,249
20% off- US$999
Kruger, Falls & Botswana: Wildlife Walks & National Parks
“If you are looking for a group tour style trip then I would highly recommend G.”
Megan, traveled in August
Active travelers aged 20+ can embrace Victoria Falls adventures, wildlife spotting in Matobo National Park, and Kruger safaris. Traditional dancing in Hazyview, social gatherings at Shearwater Village, and Tshipise's mineral pools round out the experience.
Duration 8 days Destinations Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Singles, Shared Operator G Adventures From $1,099
20% off- US$879
What people love about Africa Tours for Young Adults
- 14-day Mozambique and Zimbabwe Explorer (Camping)
Great trip however a lot of time spent traveling on the overlander
- 43-day Kenya to Cape Town (Camping)
Sammy is an excellent guide!!
- 18 to 35s Essential Morocco (12 destinations)
Nicely planned itinerary exploring all the essential highlights of Morocco: beautiful nature, amazing culture and tasty food; and the pacing of the road trips was also very manageable. Our tour guide Mustapha is a true gem in this trip - he answered all our questions, taught us local languages, and even arranged a surprise birthday cake for me! Definitely a trip to remember :)
What our customers ask about Africa Tours for Young Adults
What are the best destinations in Africa for first-time young travelers?
South Africa Botswana Namibia and Zimbabwe create an excellent introduction to Africa. Start in Cape Town where the V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain provide an easy landing spot. From there move on to wildlife watching in Kruger National Park before heading to Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Places like the Waterfront Hotel in Zambia give you front-row views of the falls while the Contiki Safari Camp in Kruger puts you right in the wildlife action. A TourRadar traveler puts it well: "This was the trip of a lifetime. The perfect mix of cities wildlife and adventure activities." These destinations work well for newcomers thanks to good roads reliable services and plenty of travel support.
When is the best time for young travelers to visit Africa?
Different regions shine in different seasons. Southern Africa (South Africa Botswana Namibia) shows its best side from May to October when wildlife viewing peaks and temperatures stay mild. East Africa welcomes visitors year-round but July through September brings the Great Migration. Want better deals and fewer tourists? Try April-May or November. These months still deliver great experiences at lower prices. One TourRadar traveler noted: "We went in May and had perfect weather for both safari in Kruger and beach time in Zanzibar - not too hot and barely any rain."
How much should I budget daily as a young traveler in Africa?
Plan for USD 150-250 per day on organized youth tours. This typically covers your bed transport most meals and basic activities. Set aside extra for special experiences like helicopter rides over Victoria Falls (USD 150) or hot air balloons above the Serengeti. Daily spending money of USD 20-30 handles personal needs. Optional activities range from USD 50-150 each plus country-specific visa fees. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The overall value was excellent - with luxury lodges like Chobe Safari Lodge mixed with authentic camping experiences in the Okavango Delta making it worth every penny."
What type of accommodation can young travelers expect in Africa?
Your nights will vary from city hotels to wilderness camps. One day you might stay at the V&A Waterfront Hotel in Cape Town the next under canvas in the Serengeti followed by basic camping in the Okavango Delta. Most youth-focused tours mix these experiences. You could find yourself at the riverside Chobe Safari Lodge then camping beneath the stars at Spitzkoppe. TourRadar reviews confirm: "The accommodations exceeded expectations - from glamping in the desert to beautiful riads in cities each place had its own unique charm."
What are the must-do activities for young travelers in Africa?
Key experiences include game drives through Kruger National Park and Serengeti watching the Great Migration tackling white water rapids at Victoria Falls sandboarding in Swakopmund and taking mokoro canoe safaris in the Okavango Delta. The sunset cruise on the Zambezi River from The Royal Livingstone Hotel offers a different perspective while places like Elephant Sands Lodge let you camp where elephants roam freely. A TourRadar traveler reports: "The highlight was definitely glamping in the Serengeti - falling asleep to lion roars and waking up to giraffes walking past camp." Tours usually include these basics with options for more adventure.
How easy is it to meet other young travelers in Africa?
The social scene thrives through organized tours and backpacker spots. Most tours gather 12-22 like-minded travelers creating natural friendships during shared moments like Serengeti camping or evenings at Joe's Beerhouse in Windhoek. Social hubs like Backpackers Paradise in Cape Town and group activities like sunset cruises make connecting simple. One TourRadar traveler notes: "From strangers became friends within shortest time. I can't believe but I will really miss these people." African travel naturally brings people together through shared experiences.