The "cradle of mankind" was the birthplace of civilization and, luckily for intrepid travelers, the last part of the world to be colonized and industrialized. As a result, Africa's wilds are still...wild, and thus are now the setting for thousands of safaris each year. 

Most first-timers aim for the East African nations of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, which have a well developed tourist infrastructure and where you're most likely to spot large numbers of big game. And Tanzania offers an added bonus: world-class views of Mount Kilimanjaro or--for those with the requisite leg and lung power--from its summit. 

Safari veterans, meanwhile, tend to head south toward Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa, where the animals are less plentiful but your chances of getting right up close are greater. 

Just off the eastern coast, the Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar, offer great sailing and scuba diving, or you can head northwest for desert hiking and camel riding in Mali (as well for as the right to say you've been to Timbuktu). 

Finally, the cultural epicenter of Africa is Egypt, where signing up for a cruise down the Nile cruises will get you up close and personal with the Great Pyramids and other archaeological treasures in the Valley of the Kings.