The vast and varied continent of Africa boasts natural landscapes on an epic scale. For those seeking a heavy dose of adventure and adrenaline beyond the safari vehicle, there are spectacular peaks and towering dunes to climb, rugged rivers and raging rapids to navigate, pristine coral reefs and glorious marine reserves to dive in, and everything in between.
When you find yourself somewhere as awe-inspiring as Africa, it is hard to resist the call of adventure and to step out of your comfort zone. From hiking, diving, whitewater rafting, zip-lining, bungee jumping, or even skiing – let us show you some of the best ways to add some spice and adventure to your next safari.
Defy gravity and take to the skies
To grasp the true scale of Africa’s jaw-droppingly beautiful landscapes, one has to admire it from a bird’s perspective. Hot air balloon safarisGoing on a hot air balloon safari is both exciting and rejuvenating. As you ascend into Africa's skies and float over the lush floodplains of the Okavango Delta, the red dunes of the Namib Desert, or the iconic savannahs of the Masai Mara and the Serengeti – the sun’s golden rays reveal the magnificent wildlife that dot the land below. There is a sense of adventure and peaceful bliss, as you drift with the wind. Cap off this magical experience with a champagne breakfast in the bush!
Scenic helicopter flightsFew can beat the exhilaration and extravagance that scenic helicopter flights offer. Doors-off for maximum pleasure, explore remote places accessible by no other modes of travel. Some of our favourite chopper adventures include: Kenya’s wild north and its Great Rift Valley lakes dotted with flamingos; South Africa’s Cape Peninsula and its gorgeous mountain and ocean landscapes; and one of the hottest places on Earth – Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression – and its bubbling sulphur ponds and endless salt pans in lurid shades of green, red and yellow.
Microlighting and paraglidingFor adrenaline junkies, microlighting and paragliding might be the closest feeling to a bird you could possibly get. One of the most iconic microlight flights takes off over majestic Victoria Falls, where you will fly above its dramatic Batoka Gorge and often times feel the spray from the mighty falls. Paragliding, on the other hand, can be experienced from various scenic spots in South Africa but our favourite is taking off from Cape Town's Lion's Head for unrivalled views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean.
Unleash your inner speed monster on wheels
Ditch the safari vehicle and get behind the handlebars of a quad bike or mountain bike for fun and active adventures around Africa.
Quad bikingQuad bikes are fairly easy to drive, packed with lots of fun and a fabulous way to explore remote areas. You’ll feel like a kid again whizzing off-road on these rugged and powerful vehicles through leafy vineyards in the Cape Winelands, over undulating sand dunes in Sossusvlei, endless salt flats in the Makgadikgadi Pans, or along scenic landscapes of the Laikipia Plateau!
CyclingCycling in Africa takes on a different gear, offering a beguiling mix of remote villages with wild, untouched nature. Enjoy relaxed pedalling along the well-paved roads of South Africa’s stunning Garden Route or Malawi’s serene lakeshore; or amp up your safari experience by following well-trodden animal tracks through expansive national parks and private game reserves to ride alongside gentle wild things. For those with legs of steel, we organise multi-day cycling tours (with a support vehicle at the rear) – where you’ll encounter extraordinary landscapes, iconic wildlife, rural backroads and friendly locals.
Prove your mettle on Africa’s iconic rivers and rapids
From the historic Nile to the mighty Zambezi, Africa’s wild waterways have shaped landscapes and provided an important lifeline to ancient civilisations and wildlife for thousands of years. They also offer world-class rafting and canoeing trips to those looking for an adventure.
Whitewater raftingHead over to Africa’s premier adventure playground and conquer some seriously exhilarating rapids. The Zambezi River tumbles over the thundering Victoria Falls and makes for a wild ride over more than thirty Class IV and V rapids through Batoka Gorge. Over in Uganda, prepare for some head-dunking and body-buffeting on Class III to V rapids down the White Nile from Jinja. A jaunt along Ethiopia's Omo River takes you through a section filled with hippos.
Whitewater raftingHead over to Africa’s premier adventure playground and conquer some seriously exhilarating rapids. The Zambezi River tumbles over the thundering Victoria Falls and makes for a wild ride over more than thirty Class IV and V rapids through Batoka Gorge. Over in Uganda, prepare for some head-dunking and body-buffeting on Class III to V rapids down the White Nile from Jinja. A jaunt along Ethiopia's Omo River takes you through a section filled with hippos.
CanoeingIf you prefer a quiet paddle, Zamba's Lower Zambezi and Zimbabwe's Mana Pools are the ultimate canoeing havens where you share the river with hippos, elephants and crocodiles. In Botswana's Okavango Delta, enjoy the reed frogs and spectacular birdlife, or view lions and wild dogs lapping at the water’s edge from the safety of your dugout canoe.
Jump into your harness and off you go
If you’re up for some vertigo-tinged adventures, what about bungee jumping or zip-lining into some of Southern Africa's beautiful gorges and pristine forest canopies?
Bungee jumping3-2-1-BUNGEE! At 216 metres high, the Bloukrans Bridge holds the title of the world’s highest bridge jump right in the heart of South Africa’s picturesque Garden Route. Rivalling Bloukran’s thrill is the Victoria Falls Bungee Jump. With the epic falls as the backdrop and the mighty Zambezi River gushing below, it is definitely one of the most scenic jumps in the world.
Bungee jumping3-2-1-BUNGEE! At 216 metres high, the Bloukrans Bridge holds the title of the world’s highest bridge jump right in the heart of South Africa’s picturesque Garden Route. Rivalling Bloukran’s thrill is the Victoria Falls Bungee Jump. With the epic falls as the backdrop and the mighty Zambezi River gushing below, it is definitely one of the most scenic jumps in the world.
Zip-liningStrap on a harness, step off the platform and zip through some of South Africa’s most pristine kloofs and canyons. Our favourite spots to swing cable to cable include the rugged Hottentots Holland mountains, the indigenous rainforests of Tsitsikamma and Drakensberg and the remote Letaba River gorge. With short breaks at each platform, your guide will point out the rich diversity of flora and fauna around, adding more colour to your zipline adventure.
Enchanting encounters with Africa’s marine curiosities
Africa’s gorgeous tropical coast that kisses the Indian Ocean and its idyllic island nations are home to pristine coral reefs, vibrant aquatic life and warm turquoise waters – ideal for diving enthusiasts who love to explore beneath ‘the Big Blue’.
Scuba divingFantastic diving experiences can be found in the Seychelles which boasts phenomenal underwater topography, towering fan corals, pelagic fish, spellbinding wrecks and encounters with whale sharks. Off Tanzania’s coast, the aquarium-like waters of Mnemba Island, Pemba Island and Mafia Island always offer something dramatic. From shallow coral gardens to advanced drift dives, divers of every level enjoy the ribbon eels, fire dartfish, giant groupers, and playful rays, sharks and dolphins in deeper waters. Mozambique’s warm waters offers the perfect habitat for marine megafauna and Africa’s largest population of endangered dugong.
Scuba divingFantastic diving experiences can be found in the Seychelles which boasts phenomenal underwater topography, towering fan corals, pelagic fish, spellbinding wrecks and encounters with whale sharks. Off Tanzania’s coast, the aquarium-like waters of Mnemba Island, Pemba Island and Mafia Island always offer something dramatic. From shallow coral gardens to advanced drift dives, divers of every level enjoy the ribbon eels, fire dartfish, giant groupers, and playful rays, sharks and dolphins in deeper waters. Mozambique’s warm waters offers the perfect habitat for marine megafauna and Africa’s largest population of endangered dugong.
Beginners can hone their techniques with PADI courses and training pools often available at our selection of laid-back island retreats and exquisite luxury resorts. Being tropical island destinations, non-divers are welcome to enjoy other water sports like sailing, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, waterskiing and surfing.
Free-divingExperience a well-preserved pristine ocean ecosystem by free-diving among kelp forests off Cape Town. There are short courses we can arrange for you to learn the sport’s essential skills to help you uncover the secrets to swimming alongside friendly dolphins, whales and other amazing marine creatures without heavy scuba gear.
Hit the remote African ski slopes
Africa hardly comes to mind when one thinks of skiing and snowboarding, but Afriski – located in the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho – is an unexpected gem. The slopes of the Maluti Mountains play host to one of only two ski resorts in Southern Africa (the other is Tiffindell, South Africa's section of the mountains). Though the pistes tend to be short on snow most winters, the resort’s battery of snow cannons supplement the slopes so winter thrill-seekers can ski all season. Some say that this creates more icy snow which ski racers love. If the snow conditions are favourable, be sure to hit up the longer natural ski run at the Mahlasela Pass close by.
Trekking the roof of Africa and beyond
Africa’s sheer scale means it is blessed with incredibly glorious mountains and hiking trails.
Inspiring multi-day treksIn East Africa, making it to the top of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895 metres above sea level) is on every avid trekker’s bucket list. The popular expedition requires an arduous week-long hike through mystical rainforest and moorland to stark alpine desert and glittering ice caps near the summit; rewarding those who complete the trek with arresting views and an undeniable sense of accomplishment. Easily overlooked, Mount Kenya (Africa’s second-highest mountain at 5,199 metres above sea level) is an excellent alternative just across the border with less crowds, more wildlife and arguably better views.
Inspiring multi-day treksIn East Africa, making it to the top of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895 metres above sea level) is on every avid trekker’s bucket list. The popular expedition requires an arduous week-long hike through mystical rainforest and moorland to stark alpine desert and glittering ice caps near the summit; rewarding those who complete the trek with arresting views and an undeniable sense of accomplishment. Easily overlooked, Mount Kenya (Africa’s second-highest mountain at 5,199 metres above sea level) is an excellent alternative just across the border with less crowds, more wildlife and arguably better views.
Uganda may be known for its mountain gorillas, but its fabled Rwenzori Mountains (the 'Mountains of the Moon') enchants with massive heathers, charismatic giant lobelias and everlasting flowers juxtaposed by deep valleys, shiny glaciers and rugged peaks. Harbouring Africa’s third-highest mountain at 5,109 metres above sea level, the climb challenges even the fittest with steep ascents, notoriously muddy trails and tough scrambles – but the journey through this remote natural wonderland is well worth it.
For a totally unique adventure, cross the border from Rwanda to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and summit the beautiful Nyiragongo Volcano in the heart of Virunga National Park. Nyiragongo is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and holds one of the world’s largest lava lakes, making the trek feel like you are hiking on Mars. Once you’ve made camp at the crater’s summit, bask in the red volcanic glow and fall asleep to the roaring hot gases exploding up through the molten lava below.
Some multi-day treks may sound rough, but we work with the most experienced and socially responsible partners to bring you as much comfort as possible. You will be trekking with fit and knowledgeable guides, extended support crews, indulging in delicious meals and bedding down in VIP tents with stretcher beds and even separate shower/toilet tents.
Scenic day hikesNumerous day hikes of varying levels of difficulty can be arranged in many beautiful locations across the continent; up Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain; the impressive Drakensberg which extends across South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini; the jagged peaks of the Simien Mountains which rare animals like the gelada monkey, the Ethiopian wolf and the walia ibex call home; or parts of the 56-kilometre Whale Trail that weave through South Africa's De Hoop Nature Reserve, introducing you to the colourful fynbos and marine wildlife (southern right whales during their calving season) along the way.
Scenic day hikesNumerous day hikes of varying levels of difficulty can be arranged in many beautiful locations across the continent; up Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain; the impressive Drakensberg which extends across South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini; the jagged peaks of the Simien Mountains which rare animals like the gelada monkey, the Ethiopian wolf and the walia ibex call home; or parts of the 56-kilometre Whale Trail that weave through South Africa's De Hoop Nature Reserve, introducing you to the colourful fynbos and marine wildlife (southern right whales during their calving season) along the way.
Speak to our team of outdoorsy and adventure-loving Africa specialists and plan your adrenaline-filled safari now!
