Top 10 Bucket List Experiences

We regret the things we don’t do more than the things we do. Sometimes life is just too short. Embark on unforgettable life-altering experiences, stand speechless among some of the Seven Wonders of the World and immerse yourself in other uniquely magical experiences. The time is now to start ticking off that bucket list of yours!

We’ve listed our top ten most requested experiences to give you some inspiration. Whether you’ve always dreamed of seeing the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, following the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or going in search of the elusive northern lights, we’ve got the tours to turn your travel dreams into breathtaking reality.

1. Spotting the big five in Africa

As far as wildlife experiences go it doesn’t get more spectacular than spotting the big five. For years travellers have been rubbing their eyes in disbelief at the size and majesty of these colossal creatures, who take on an even stronger spine-tingling vitality up close. Put yourself within touching distance of lightening-quick lions and leopards, gargantuan elephants, boisterous buffalo and roaring rhinos at three stunning principal ‘big five’ destinations: Kenya’s Masai Mara wildlife reserve, Tanzania’s stunning Serengeti National Park and massive Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Hold your breath as you watch lions silently stalking their pray, enjoy leopards lazing under a vintage Serengeti sunset and buffalos bulldozing through immeasurably vast wild plains. Try not to flinch as ginormous giraffes eat straight from the palm of your hand at the Nairobi Giraffe Centre, watch enormous elephant herds roaming the Tanzania’s 2,850 km² Tarangire National Park and stand astounded in front of tree climbing lions at Lake Manyara National Park. For an iconic bucket list experience, see our Tanzania & Kenya trails 13 day tour and more Big Five tours, or tailor-make your own.

2. Learn the history of Ancient Egypt

Fuel your historic imagination with the fascinating relics and attractions of Ancient Egyptian past. Crafted approximately 4,500 years ago from a seemingly impossible lack of technology, the monumental Pharaoh tombs within the Pyramids of Giza are an enduring feat of human architecture that rightly take their place as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Gaze in wonder at Pharaoh Khufu’s 482 foot Great Pyramid made from 2.3 million huge stone blocks. Marvel at the gigantic statues of King Ramses II that guard his tomb at Abu Simbel; roam the 490,000 square metre complex of ancient Egyptian relics and antiquities at Giza’s new Grand Egyptian Museum; take in Tutankhamun’s glistening golden mask; walk the breathtaking Valley of the Kings and admire the lavish Egyptian reverence for the deceased. Located within Luxor’s Karnak Temple Complex, the great Hypostyle Hall contains a remarkable range of temples and towering pillars with special interest going to the outer walls which its builder Seti I inscribed with details of his gory battles. Other areas of historic intrigue include the Temple of Philae, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Commonwealth War Graves of El Alamein commemorating WWII battles and the majestic Cheops pyramid – the tallest man-made building for 3,800 years.

3. Search for the Northern Lights

It’s no surprise that these shimmering sparkles in the sky fill the bucket lists of world explorers. Escape 94 kilometres East of Reykjavik to the minute town of Hella in southern Iceland and gaze upward for an ethereal display of spellbinding multicoloured lights. Retreat to the icy isolated Artic depths of Finland, set up camp and warm your hands by the fire as you wait in anxious anticipation for an electric explosion of colour. Or set foot on the magical Lofoten Islands in the Norwegian sea surrounded by towering snowy mountains. Soak in sights of purple, green and red hues in a staggeringly quiet and priceless moment of calm natural brilliance.

4. Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Set deep in the Andes mountains, the Inca Trial to Machu Picchu is an iconic bucket list experience. Make your way through stunning high passes taking in exquisite archaeological sites and jaw-dropping views on a suspense building journey to the infamous lost city of the Incas. Wade through ancient history on former pilgrimage routes, step into the ‘town in the clouds’ (at 3,680m) and feel the warm sweat on your neck during an 11km trek through the Urabamba Valley, flanked by the Urabamba river and snow-capped mountains. Tip-toe your way through ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ 4200m high at Warrmi Wanusqa before setting your walking stick down and drink in the clean altitude air characteristic of this sensational scenery that deservedly takes its place as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

5. Chase penguins in Antarctica

Step onto the chilly South Shetland islands 120 kilometres north of the Antarctic Peninsula in search of charming penguins seen gliding across the ice and going about their daily lives. Sightings of Adélie and Chinstrap species of Penguins are common here and form part of our Polar Circle Quest 12 day tour. Embark on a scenic sail along the Beagle Channel and stare in awe at immense colonies of penguins. Escape to eerily beautiful remote plains of South Georgia where you’re more likely to see a penguin or a seal wandering the streets than you are a person! Tick this one of your bucket list and choose your preferred method of Penguin chasing from one of our Antartica tours.