Picture above from our recent client, Allison Cimaglia Holly
Do your hobbies consist of training for triathlons, kayaking, hiking, yoga, barre, and / or cycling? If so, a trip to Africa is right up your alley!
Since southern and eastern Africa are primarily composed of natural spaces for hundreds of miles, visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities that range from traditional to unique and high to moderate intensity.
Below are some of the best heart-pumping activities for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts:
Canoeing the Mana Pools Canoe Trail: By far one of the most rewarding experiences in Zimbabwe, the Mana Pools Canoe Trail adventure is a 4-day safari that allows travelers to enjoy canoeing while soaking in stunning landscapes and getting up close to fantastic game and wildlife. On this journey, guests can experience a new perspective on canoeing as they travel through pure wilderness, relishing in the sights, sounds, and aromas of one of planet earth’s last natural frontiers.
During the 4-day adventure, travelers can witness a variety of animals along the banks of the Zambezi River, including elephant, crocodile, water buffalo, and so much more.
The three nights spent along the Zambezi are in spacious tents with proper twin beds that are set up for you upon arrival to your camping location. Lanterns provide ample light for the evening and they also make for an enchanting setting along the river!
Perfect for: Individuals and families who enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and other water-based activities. Guests also need to be comfortable with tented accommodations, as well as long days on the water.
Intensity Level: moderate
White water rafting down the Zambezi River: For adventurists looking to get their adrenaline pumping, a white water rafting excursion down the Zambezi River is a great way to spend a morning near Victoria Falls! We actually just had a honeymoon client partake in a white water rafting excursions on the Zambezi and they absolutely loved it. It’s a great way to start your marriage off with a little adventure.
Perfect for: Individuals or families who enjoy team sports, water-based activities, kayaking, and canoeing.
Intensity Level: low to moderate
Hiking North Drakensberg Traverse in South Africa: For one of the world’s most exceptional and rigorous hikes, head to North Drakensberg Traverse in South Africa. Hikers and rock climbers from around the globe celebrate this World Heritage Site, which is ranked as one of National Geographic’s World’s Best Hikes.
The hike starts with an ascent up chain ladders and rock formations where travelers will then reach the plateau of Mount-aux-Sources. Here, hikers can witness the Tugela River, which opens up into a 3,110 ft. tall waterfall! There are also caves in the area, which are well-worth exploring with a guide.
This is a rigorous hike, and it is suggested that hikers hire a guide.
Perfect for: Individuals looking for a hiking serious hiking challenge.
Intensity Level: high (it is highly recommended that hikers hire a guide)
Gorilla trekking in Uganda: As I’ve mentioned several times in my previous blog posts, gorilla trekking is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences you can have in Africa. The journey to the gorillas is extremely invigorating, especially if you are in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. During the hike up the mountain, you’ll witness small game, as well as a variety of bird and insect species. The hike in Bwindi is considered one of the more strenuous of the gorilla treks.
Gorilla treks can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours—this all depends on where your assigned gorilla group is located on the mountain. If you are more physically fit, you will most likely be assigned a group that is higher up in the mountain. This means you get plenty of hiking time!
Perfect for: Travelers who are looking for a half day (or shorter) hike and who are interested in witnessing gorillas up close.
Intensity level: moderate
Mountain biking in Kenya: At ol Donyo Lodge in Kenya, guests can enjoy exciting mountain biking excursions with a guide. During these outings, visitors will traverse expansive plains and rock kopjes and hills to witness zebra, elephants, birds, and much more.
Perfect for: Guests who want to explore the residential game and landscape in a unique way.
Intensity level: low to moderate (you can choose your intensity)
Stay tuned for next week’s blog post on the rest of our 10 Heart-Pumping Activities in Africa for Travelers Who Love Fitness.
