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
- 12-day Okavango Delta & Etosha Express (Accommodated)
- 12-day Etosha & Okavango Delta Express (Accommodated)
- 18 to 35s Essential Morocco (12 destinations)
- Egypt: Pharaohs and Pyramids
- Serengeti to Victoria Falls Overland: Night Stars & Spices
- Delta & Falls Eastbound: Baobab Trees & River Views
- Southern Africa Northbound: Dunes, Deltas & Falls
- Botswana and Falls Overland: Wildlife Walks & Safari Drives
- Delta & Falls Westbound: Natural Wonders & Wildlife
18 to 35s Essential Botswana
“The itinerary packed in so much within the limited days and the guides were fantastic.”
Katarina, traveled in January
Duration 9 days Destinations South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe Age Range Ages 18-35 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,495
20% Off- US$1,196
12-day Okavango Delta & Etosha Express (Accommodated)
“The amount of wildlife we saw was amazing, you will not be disappointed. The water hole at Halali was a surreal once in a lifetime experience.”
Joanne, traveled in May
Active travelers aged 18+ can embrace thrilling options like sandboarding in Swakopmund, scenic flights over Okavango Delta, and horse riding in Maun. This accommodated version offers comfortable lodges while maintaining a social atmosphere.
Duration 12 days Destinations Zambia, Botswana, Namibia Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Shared Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From $3,615
15% Off- US$3,073
12-day Etosha & Okavango Delta Express (Accommodated)
“Amazing trip! Our trip was only 12 days but it left a lot longer and the group we were with were amazing.”
Jyoti, traveled in May
Young adventurers aged 18+ will find excitement in mokoro safaris through Okavango Delta and optional bungee jumping at Victoria Falls. Game drives in Etosha and cultural exchanges with San Bushmen in Omaheke complement free time in Maun for scenic flights.
Duration 12 days Destinations Namibia, Botswana, Zambia Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Shared Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From $3,615
15% Off- US$3,073
18 to 35s Essential Morocco (12 destinations)
“Great tour, great group.”
Daniel, traveled in September
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
15% Off- US$795
The ultimate African journey awaits 18-39 year olds in Egypt. Paddle through the Nile, snorkel in the Red Sea at Hurghada, and sail on traditional feluccas. Marvel at the Great Pyramids, Abu Simbel temples, and Valley of the Kings with guides earning 4.7/5 ratings.
Duration 11 days Destinations Cairo, Giza, Aswan, Philae, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Hurghada Age Range Ages 18-32 Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Shared Operator Topdeck From
15% Off- US$1,539
Serengeti to Victoria Falls Overland: Night Stars & Spices
“From seeing all the animals in the safari drives, to the beaches of Zanzibar, the beauty of Malawi and the majesty of Victoria Falls.”
Nathan, traveled in August
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, Botswana Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Singles, Shared Operator G Adventures From $3,849
25% Off- US$2,887
Delta & Falls Eastbound: Baobab Trees & River Views
“The trip was clearly beyond my expectation.”
Sören, traveled in September
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 $1,699
20% Off- US$1,359
Southern Africa Northbound: Dunes, Deltas & Falls
“The places you've chosen to see as part of the tour were fantastic. This trip was faultless.”
Joshua, traveled in May
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 $3,199
25% Off- US$2,399
Botswana and Falls Overland: Wildlife Walks & Safari Drives
“Lots of amazing places you visit. Price is unbeatable.”
Janosch, traveled in March
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 $1,349
25% Off- US$1,012
Delta & Falls Westbound: Natural Wonders & Wildlife
“Can highly recommend this tour! The tour formed a good group and assisted everybody with his individual needs.”
Johannes, traveled in December
Thrill-seekers aged 20+ can tackle Victoria Falls bungee jumping, Chobe River sunset cruises, and Okavango Delta camping. Cultural connections await at Dqae Qare San Lodge with bushcraft learning and traditional dance.
Duration 8 days Destinations Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Singles, Shared Operator G Adventures From $1,599
25% Off- US$1,199
What people love about Africa Tours for Young Adults
- Southern Africa Encompassed: Bush Camps & Wildlife Spotting
Amazing tour which covered so many national parks - which means more chances to see the Big 5. Our CEO Nigel was amazing! Not only could he cook well, he was very informative and supportive! Camping was also not too bad, with opportunity to upgrade at certain campsites. There were early mornings and long drives but the Lando was comfortable with USB chargers (plus you can see many animals along the way!) Overall, an awesome and safe taster trip to Southern Africa that I would recommend to anyone who is thinking of doing their first safari!!
Absolutely loved this tour! My dad & I embarked on the accommodated version of the 12 day Okavango Delta & Etoshia Express Safari and had the time of our lives. Our guide & team leader Pili Pili was a wonder, so efficient & knowledgeable and possibly the kindest, friendliest human I have ever met. He also cooked us the best fried chicken I have ever had. The amount of wildlife we saw was amazing, you will not be disappointed. The water hole at Halali was a surreal once in a lifetime experience. The food on our trip was simple but delicious & although our guides did most of the cooking it was expected that everyone help out prepping & cleaning up. The accommodations were all comfortable and warm showers were available at all but 2 nights. For those camping it was colder than anticipated so make sure you have adequate sleeping bags and warm clothes for at night. We definitely appreciated having a room with comfy beds after the long days. Especially with my dad who is 73, it was nice to not have to put up & take down a tent every day. The only difficulty I had was that a couple of the days were long driving days 10+ hrs. The trip covers a lot of territory & they are big countries so unless you’re spending a lot more money & flying it’s just something you have to do. If you have a bit more time, picking a tour that spends an extra night in places so that you have more time to take it all in would have been nice. The days are jam packed with early starts and late evenings. There was wifi pretty much everywhere, not always great reception but enough to check in with loved ones. We had a nice small group with only 8 guests so there was ample room on the tour bus & everyone had their own window seat to take in the scenery. Rest stops are mostly “bushy bushy’s” which basically means peeing behind a bush, so be prepared. Not sure how well it would work out if you had a bad tummy…. My only other suggestion is to use ATM’s. The instruction info said to bring US $$ which we did, but there were ATM’s that everyone was using and it was easier & more convenient than trying to change money over as each country uses a different currency. Also most excursions took visa and then you also don’t need to carry a big wad of cash around with you. I would highly recommend this tour. The people they have working for them are so amazing, they really go out of their way to ensure that you have your best vacation ever.
12-day Okavango Delta & Etosha Express (Accommodated)
- 12-day Etosha & Okavango Delta Express (Accommodated)
Amazing trip! Amazing guide! Our trip was only 12 days but it left a lot longer and the group we were with were amazing, everyone got along and helped out. Our guide and driver were professional and outstanding examples of how a tour should be run. Justin was an great cook and knowledgeable about everything. If you get a chance to do this tour do it! Elephant sands and Etosha National Park were the stand outs for me.
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.