Explore Africa from Home: 12 Immersive Virtual Tours & Experiences
Since almost the entire world has been in the grips of the coronavirus lockdown, we’ve had to temporarily change the way we travel. These immersive, informative and interactive virtual experiences help you to discover Africa without having to leave your house.
Simply click on your area of interest to see the tours that most appeal to you, or keep scrolling for the full list...
3 incredible virtual experiences for wildlife enthusiasts
1. Go on safari in South Africa
A hippo in Djuma Private Game Reserve (Shutterstock)
One reason so many people love Africa is to experience the wildlife. There is nothing quite like heading out on safari in search of Africa’s famed Big Five. Now, tour operator &Beyond has teamed up with wildlife broadcasting experts WildEarth to bring live footage of Africa’s wildest creatures to your living room.
The twice daily, three-hour game drives will be shared on Facebook and YouTube, where you can listen to an expert guide and ask them questions, hear the sounds of the Ngala Private Game Reserve and Djuma Private Game Reserve, and look out for big cats, elephants and more.
You can also tune in live on Instagram for a drive around Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Phinda Private Game Reserve, both bursting with wildlife.
2. Watch wildlife live at a watering hole in Kenya
Livestream a watering hole in Kenya (Shutterstock)
This live camera allows you to watch Kenya’s biggest wildlife live in action. Visit the watering hole to see bathing hippos and peeking crocodiles, plus thirsty giraffes, zebras and gazelles. If you’re lucky, you may even see an elephant or a leopard coming over for a drink.
3. See flamingos on Lake Bogoria in Kenya
See flamingos on Lake Bogoria (Shutterstock)
From a distance, Lake Bogoria looks like it has been dyed pink, with brightly coloured swirls spinning on the surface. On closer inspection, you’ll see the pink layer is individual flamingos, floating in unison in their thousands.
This virtual tour allows you to see the birds at every angle, and admire photos of them taking off, flying and balancing on their spindly legs.
Top 3 virtual experiences for viewing Africa’s most iconic sights
1. Get the best views of Cape Town in South Africa
Get the best views of Cape Town (Shutterstock)
This 360 degree virtual tour allows you to see all of the iconic sites in Cape Town from almost every angle. Click on the helicopter to fly above Table Mountain, get down to street level in the city centre and discover everything you ever wanted to know about this incredible, cultural city.
2. Stand at the top of Victoria Falls in Zambia
Stand at the top of Victoria Falls (Shutterstock)
This video allows you to explore one of the mightiest waterfalls in the world. Watch the water crash over the edge, see rainbows glistening on the water, appreciate the huge size of the waterfall and follow where the river runs – all while learning about the Falls, its significance and the flora and fauna that call it home.
3. Visit the Namib Desert in Namibia
Aerial view of the Namib Desert in Namibia (Shutterstock)
The Namib Desert is a remarkable sight, and its otherworldly landscapes will transfix you for hours. Float above the rising and falling orange sand dunes, as if you were in a hot air balloon. Get on ground level and weave in and out of the naked trees, casting long, ghostly shadows on the dusty ground.
Best 3 virtual tours for cultural and local experiences
1. Learn to cook a traditional Moroccan dish in Morocco
A traditional Moroccan meal (Shutterstock)
A live Moroccan cooking class, hosted by a local brother-sister chef duo? Sign us up. Not only will you learn to cook a traditional and famous Moroccan dish, to give you a real taste for the North African country, you’ll also learn about each and every ingredient. While cooking, connect with locals, listen to stories about Morocco and experience Moroccan culture.
2. Tour the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
Tour the Pyramids of Giza (Shutterstock)
The collection of perfectly symmetrical sandy tombs are rightly considered one of the greatest archeological sites in the world. And now you can walk through the huge complex without having to get up from your sofa.
This virtual tour, created with Google Maps, allows you to virtually get on ground level and explore the site step by step.
Walk yourself around and read more about each site as you pass it, stopping to take a closer look. You can access more in-depth information an each pyramid of your choosing, too.
3. Wander around a market in Marrakech, Morocco
Wander around Jemaa el-Fnaa market square in Marrakech (Shutterstock)
Morocco’s Jemaa el-Fnaa market square in Marrakech is a colourful and spice-scented travel experience that serves as an icon of the country. Follow a local from stall to stall, appreciate the different trinkets on sale, listen to the language and the music and enjoy an authentic Moroccan experience from your home.
Top 3 virtual experiences for those after an adventure
1. Raft down the Zambezi River in Zambia and Zimbabwe
Go white water rafting down the Zambezi river (Shutterstock)
Whizzing down the Zambezi River - bumping against huge rocks, with white water splashing over you - is possibly one of the most heart-racing experiences you can have in Africa. Join in with the experience at home with this immersive video, where you can watch the river rush past and enjoy the rugged scenery on both sides of the banks.
2. Go paragliding over Cape Town in South Africa
Go paragliding over Cape Town (Shutterstock)
Watch as the kite takes off then hold your breath as you run over the side of a cliff, suspended high above the ground. This tour is thrilling even from your sofa. With a paraglider’s view, you’ll be able to see the rugged outline of Cape Town, lapped by the sea, broccoli-topped mountains and the tiny buildings that speckle the landscape.
3. Go horseriding in Cape Verde
Go horseriding in Cape Verde (Shutterstock)
Join the locals, feel the wind in your hair and listen to the waves crashing on the sand as you clip clop down the beach on horseback. This experience is better with VR glasses but it can still be taken without.
