Begun planning your next trip to Africa or Latin America yet? 2025 could be your year to finally tick off those once-in-a-lifetime travel bucket list ideas you've always been meaning to get around to.
Africa and Latin America are both home to some of the world's most breathtaking natural wonders. Whether it's trawling the mysterious wilderness of a misty cloud forest or traversing vast interlocking lagoons in search of rare wildlife, the two continents are brimming with extraordinary sights and sounds.
So, discover our top ten bucket list destinations and start to get excited for the magic that's to come.
10 Natural Wonders to Add to Your 2025 Bucket List
-
Victoria Falls
-
Iguazú Falls
-
Table Mountain
-
Pantanal Wetlands
-
Okavango Delta
-
Uyuni Salt Flats
-
Ngorongoro Crater
-
Torres del Paine National Park
-
Great Migration
-
Arenal Volcano
1. Victoria Falls
Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is a waterfall on the Zambezi River.
The best time to visit is April to July, when the falls are at their fullest. Watch in awe as the thick curtain of waves come crashing down with colossal power, dropping 108m down into the open gorge below.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Zambia Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe Victoria Falls embody breathtaking natural beauty at its finest. Heading into the sky on a helicopter flight treats you to phenomenal views of the ferocious torrent whereas walking across the dramatic chasm allows you to see it in all its splendour from a vantage point.
Add it to your travel bucket list ideas for the year by speaking with one of our expert Travel Specialists.
"Victoria Falls is one of my favourite places in the world - it simply has to be seen to even be believed! Not only can you watch in wonder while the spectacular waters crash down, but you can also look out for the ever-so cheeky vervet monkeys, helping make it a great addition for bucket list trips." - Shelley Phillips, Africa Travel Specialist
Our Africa Travel Specialist, Shelley Phillips, at Victoria Falls during her 2022 trip to Zimbabwe.
2. Iguazú Falls
South America is home to one bucket list destination after another, with Iguaçu Falls in Brazil / Iguazú Falls in Argentina perhaps its greatest. The 275 separate falls are surrounded by lush vegetation and a rich sub-tropical forest harbouring a vast array of wildlife including tropical birds, coatis and butterflies.
The area is a year-round destination. Whenever you decide to go, you'll be amazed by the sheer enormity of the numerous thundering falls, which may potentially form a rainbow or double rainbow!
You can embark on adrenaline-fuelled boat trips to get up close, listening to its mighty roar and feeling the clouds of spray wash all over. The infamous Devil's Throat, where the largest proportion of water plummets down 90m into a U-shaped chasm, is best enjoyed from the boardwalk out over the edge!
As far as once-in-a-lifetime holiday destinations go, this is one you should definitely keep an eye on.
3. Table Mountain
Overlooking Cape Town in South Africa, Table Mountain is a uniquely flat-topped geological wonder.
The best time to visit is November to March. Although Cape Town enjoys year-round sunshine, this period is hot and bright, providing a perfect line of sight towards the rugged beauty wherever you are.
It's one of the most famous landmarks on the continent. To get a sense of its true magnitude, why not opt to experience our Cape Town City and Table Mountain half-day tour? Head out early in the morning with your knowledgeable private guide to make your ascension. When you reach the summit, enjoy your reward - the unbelievable panoramic views of the city below and beautiful blues of the sea beyond.
This travel bucket list idea is ideal for everyone, from couples to families and solo travellers.
"While in Cape Town, why not enjoy a drink at Silo Rooftop Bar while soaking in panoramic views of the waterfront and Table Mountain? It’s perfect if you're celebrating a special occasion this year or simply for watching the beautiful sun set after a day of exploring the magnificent natural wonder." - Helen Kennedy, Africa Travel Specialist
The view from the ground on the V&A Waterfront, captured by our Africa Travel Specialist, Helen Kennedy, during her 2024 trip to South Africa.
4. Pantanal Wetlands
The Pantanal in Brazil is Earth's largest tropical wetland. Lots of open spaces and a sparse tree population provide the perfect ecosystem for seeing the abundant wildlife. Elusive jaguars reside here, preying on caimans by leaping into the waters and using their strong jaws and deft aquatic abilities.
The best time to visit is the dry season from June onwards. During this time, you have the clearest conditions for exploring dramatic landscapes, from the crystal-clear rivers to the dry and flooded caves.
The biodiversity is off the charts, too, with approximately 2000 plant, 580 bird, 271 fish, 174 mammal and 57 amphibian species taking refuge. One such is the hyacinth macaw - the largest parrot known today - which you may be able to spot while out traversing the length of the waterways via canoe.
The Pantanal is truly one of the best bucket list places to visit on the planet!
5. Okavango Delta
Head to the Okavango Delta in Botswana - one of the most spectacular natural sanctuaries for wildlife.
The best time to visit is May to September, when the floodwaters from Angola fill up the dry channels. As the water levels rise, this decreases the island sizes and intensifies wildlife concentration on dry land.
Exploring the tranquil waterways and lily fields is best done by mokoro. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is teeming with water birds, as well as speckled frogs and other marine life that live among the papyrus. Quietly glide through the water channels to get up close to these tiny lifeforms and discover larger mammals, including elephants, water buffalos, hippos and the occasional crocodile.
In the shoulder season, Okavango Delta is one of the best bucket list travel destinations to visit!
Further reading: The Six Types of African Safari
6. Uyuni Salt Flats
Gaze up at distant dwarf galaxies while staying out on the peaceful Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia.
The best time to visit is the wet or dry season. In December to April, you're able to see the incredible mirror effect, while May to November allows you to photograph unique perspective-bending photos.
Little light pollution combines with a high elevation to give you a clear picture of our solar system. Stretching across 12,000km2, the unusual landscape gives you plenty of space to enjoy the natural light show taking place above, watching as the stars dance together in tandem right before your very eyes. With nothing around for miles around, there's not a single other experience that's as surreal.
One of the most spectacular bucket list places to visit in the world, Uyuni is a must-visit wonderland.
Further reading: The 10 Best Places for Stargazing in Africa and South America
7. Ngorongoro Crater
A vast area of unflooded volcanic caldera, Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is overflowing with 25,000 different animal species. Descend into the crater and encounter large herds of zebra and wildebeest, as well as lion and hyena. In the swamps and grasslands, a plethora of birds dwell and frequent in numbers.
The best time to visit is June to November, when the conditions for wildlife watching are drier. However, there's a great concentration of wildlife all year round and greener landscapes from November to May.
You can spend the majority of an entire day watching game here. The elusive leopard can potentially be spotted in Lerai Forest, some perched high up in trees and others openly out on the rim of the crater. After a busy day of wildlife spotting, you can even stop here to soak up the sunset with a sundowner.
Simply put, Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most unique wildlife experiences in the world.
8. Torres del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine in the Chilean Patagonia is Chile's most spectacular and best-known national park.
The best time to visit is late October to April. You can enjoy mild temperatures for outdoor activities. Whether it’s a full day hike up and down craggy peaks or a more relaxed scenic drive through the most picturesque parts of the park, there's something to suit everyone.
Our Highlights of Chile - Atacama Desert to Torres del Paine sample tour introduces you to some of the most iconic highlights in South America. With a dramatic landscape of snow-capped mountains, roaring rivers, sparkling blue lakes and rich emerald forests, Torres del Paine never fails to impress its guests. The wildlife here ranges from large herds of guanacos to its fierce rival - the puma.
All in all, the national park remains one of the best places for adventure travel you can experience.
"Torres del Paine National Park is one of the world's best bucket list destinations and a haven for hikers, offering various trails catering to different fitness levels. Wildlife enthusiasts should trek the Hunter's Trail for ample opportunities to spot guanacos and, if you're as lucky as I was, even pumas!" - Sarah Frankish, Latin America Travel Specialist
The scenery in Torres del Paine National Park, taken by our Latin America Travel Specialist, Sarah Frankish, during her 2024 trip to Chile.
9. Great Migration
Playing out year in, year out across the plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania and Masai Mara in Kenya, the Great Migration is an ever-moving natural wonder in and of itself. Over two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelles run the gauntlet as hungry predators such as lion and leopard follow in pursuit of their prey.
The best time to visit is July to August, when the natural phenomenon charges through the Masai Mara. Once the first rains start to fall, they head out in their large numbers to search for fresh vegetation. Witness heart-pumping scenes as the hoofed animals leap and bound over crocodile-infested waters.
One excellent way of seeing this with your very own eyes is via hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara. Flying high above the herds is an unforgettable way of viewing this spectacle, seeing the enormity of it take place from a unique angle - a perfect experience for special occasions like a romantic honeymoon.
It's one of the most incredible bucket list trips of a lifetime.
10. Arenal Volcano
A tremendous peak to catch a glimpse of lifting clouds, Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica is truly stunning.
The best time to visit is November to May. During this dry season period, there's less rainfall and clearer skies, ensuring more pleasant conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife watching.
Within the national park, you can learn all about the volcano alongside your informative guide while exploring the beautiful tropical forest. Alternatively, why not ride the gondola to the top for unbeatable views of the lush greenery surrounding you? From the top, get ready to zip-line all the way down to the bottom, feeling the rush of joy run through you as you whizz between the seven high-flying cables.
Speak with our Travel Specialists to start adding bucket list travel adventures like this to your itinerary.
"While at Arenal Volcano, make a stop at the famous Tabacon Hot Springs nearby. The underground network of volcanic waters feeds the springs, which provides a surefire way to achieve proper relaxation after your adventures tirelessly exploring this truly terrific bucket list destination!" - Kristen Lanskail-Morris, Latin America Travel Specialist
Our Latin America Travel Specialist, Kristen Lanskail-Morris, at Arenal Volcano during her 2023 trip to Costa Rica.
Discover your top Bucket List Destination in 2025
Have you decided your top bucket list destination for the year ahead? By speaking with our Travel Specialists, we can tailor-make your perfect bucket list holidays, whether in Africa or Latin America.
