When most people imagine an African safari, they picture themselves in a Land Cruiser, camera in hand, watching elephants cross the savanna. And yes, that’s magical. But after 25 years of exploring this continent, I’ve learned that some of Africa’s most transformative moments happen when you step out of the vehicle.
Adventure safari experiences in Africa aren’t necessarily all about being active and getting your heart rate up—though some activities below will do that. It’s about engaging with the landscape on a more intimate level, using all your senses, and experiencing wildlife in ways that change your relationship with the natural world. This can range from gentle walking safaris where you track animals on foot, to the physically demanding challenge of gorilla trekking through mountain forests.
The beauty is that “adventure safari” options scale to your fitness level and interests. And because of that, there are so many ways to get active on safari, or have a more adventurous experience in the bush. Here are some of the best ways to transform your safari into an unforgettable active and adventurous experience.
Walking & Hiking Adventure Safari Experiences
Walking Safari
Walking safaris offer an intimate perspective you’ll never get from a vehicle. Led by armed, expert guides, you’ll track wildlife on foot, learning to read animal signs—broken branches, fresh dung, paw prints in the dust. The best walking safaris happen in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools, and Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve. These aren’t super long-distance strenuous hikes, they’re typically only 2-3 hours, but they’re a great way to get your body moving and interact with wildlife in a new way!
Gorilla Trekking
This is the adventure safari experience that draws people to Uganda and Rwanda. Trekking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or the Virunga Mountains to find mountain gorillas is physically challenging—steep terrain, high altitude, thick vegetation, potentially several hours of hiking. But when you finally sit in the presence of a gorilla family, watching a silverback gently interact with his family, every difficult step becomes worthwhile.
Even though this is a much more strenuous experience than a walking safari, it is still possible for most people and ages. If you’re really struggling on the hike, your guides will take a break for you to catch your breath. That being said, if you’re worried, but still want to add this to your bucket-list, consider going for more walks at home with hills to prepare.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Less famous than gorillas but equally captivating, chimpanzee trekking in Uganda’s Kibale Forest or Tanzania’s Mahale Mountains offers an adventure safari with a different personality. Chimps are more energetic, more vocal, and often require following them through the forest as they move. The terrain is usually less extreme than gorilla trekking, making it accessible to more fitness levels.
Mountain Hiking
For serious trekkers, Africa offers some of the world’s most spectacular mountains. Mount Kilimanjaro (19,341 feet) is the most famous, with multiple routes ranging from 5-9 days. Mount Kenya, the Rwenzori Mountains (the “Mountains of the Moon”), and the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia all offer multi-day expeditions through diverse ecological zones—from lush rainforest to alpine desert to icy summits.
These aren’t casual additions to an adventure safari—they’re expeditions in their own right, requiring preparation, proper gear, and realistic assessment of your fitness level.
Ocean Adventure Experiences in Africa
People don’t immediately think “ocean” when they think of Africa—they think safari, animals, desert, The Lion King. But Africa is surrounded by water, offering incredible marine adventures that complement traditional safaris beautifully.
Scuba Diving
The East African coast offers world-class diving. Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago and Quirimbas Archipelago feature pristine coral reefs, manta rays, whale sharks, and abundant marine life. South Africa’s Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks are famous for shark encounters. Zanzibar and the Seychelles offer stunning diving in crystal-clear waters. Many travelers combine safari with several days of diving—the perfect “bush and beach” adventure safari combination.
Shark Cage Diving
For adrenaline seekers, shark cage diving in Gansbaai, South Africa offers face-to-face encounters with great white sharks. You’re lowered into the water in a protective cage as these apex predators investigate. It’s exhilarating, safe, and provides perspective on these misunderstood creatures. This is adventure safari meets marine biology.
Surfing
South Africa’s coast offers world-class surfing, from the famous waves of Jeffrey’s Bay to Durban’s warm waters. For a unique adventure safari twist, some operators offer “surf and safari” packages combining game viewing inland with coastal surfing.
Deep Sea Fishing
The waters off Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique offer exceptional deep-sea fishing for marlin, sailfish, tuna, and dorado. Many lodges near the coast include fishing as part of their adventure safari offerings, with catch-and-release practices that support conservation.
Lake & River Experiences
Canoeing & Kayaking Safaris
Paddling silently past hippos and crocodiles—safely distanced, with expert guides—offers a completely different adventure safari perspective. The Zambezi River above Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta’s channels, and Lower Zambezi National Park all offer exceptional canoeing safaris. Multi-day canoe expeditions on the Zambezi are particularly special, camping on islands and sandbanks while wildlife surrounds you.
Mokoro Safaris
A mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe used in the Okavango Delta. Poled silently through the waterways by expert guides, mokoro safaris let you glide past elephants drinking, watch birds at eye level, and experience the delta’s intricate ecosystem intimately. This gentle adventure safari option works for all fitness levels.
Tiger Fishing
The Zambezi River is famous for tiger fish—powerful, aggressive fighters that make for exciting sport fishing. Lodges along the Lower Zambezi and Zambia’s Kafue River offer fishing as part of their adventure safari activities. It’s catch-and-release, combining conservation with adventure.
Adrenaline Pumping Experiences
Bungee Jumping at Victoria Falls
The Victoria Falls Bridge offers one of the world’s most spectacular bungee jump locations—111 meters above the Zambezi River with the Falls as your backdrop. This is pure adrenaline, and an unforgettable addition to any adventure safari to Zimbabwe or Zambia. For those of us a little more reserved, they also offer zip-lining across the gorge.
White Water Rafting
The Zambezi River below Victoria Falls features world-class white water rafting with Grade V rapids. Full-day and half-day trips take you through dramatic gorges with names like “The Devil’s Toilet Bowl” and “Oblivion.” This is serious adventure safari territory for thrill-seekers.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Floating over the Serengeti at sunrise, watching your balloon’s shadow drift across herds of wildebeest below, is magical. The Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Namibia’s Sossusvlei dunes all offer balloon safaris—an adventure safari experience that works for all ages and fitness levels. Most include champagne bush breakfasts after landing.
Quad Biking
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana and Namibia’s desert landscapes are perfect for quad biking adventures. Racing across vast open spaces, experiencing complete isolation and otherworldly terrain—this adventure safari option combines speed with spectacular scenery.
Other Unique Adventure Safari Experiences
Horseback Safari
For experienced riders, horseback safaris in Kenya’s Masai Mara or Botswana’s Okavango Delta offer an adventure safari experience unlike any other. You’re moving with the herd animals at their pace, getting much closer than vehicles allow. Multi-day riding safaris require high skill levels as you truly integrate into the wild.
Mountain & City Biking
South Africa’s private reserves and Kenya’s conservancies now offer mountain biking safaris with guides. Urban biking tours in Cape Town combine culture with adventure, exploring neighborhoods and coastal routes. This adventure safari option is growing in popularity among active travelers.
Star Gazing & Sleep-Outs
Africa’s remote wilderness areas offer some of the clearest night skies on Earth. Away from light pollution, the Milky Way and constellations shine brilliantly. Many lodges now offer “star beds”—outdoor sleeping platforms where you fall asleep under the stars. Some adventure safari camps provide telescopes and astronomer-guided sessions, blending education with awe.
Fitness Requirements: Let’s Be Honest
The most common question I get: “Am I fit enough?”
Here’s my honest answer: it depends on the activity and your expectations.
- Walking safaris: Moderate fitness. If you can walk 2-3 miles on uneven terrain, you’re fine.
- Gorilla trekking: Good fitness required. Hills, altitude, potentially 2-6 hours of hiking. But the pace is steady, not rushed.
- Chimpanzee trekking: Moderate to good fitness. Usually easier than gorillas but still requires hiking stamina.
- Canoeing/kayaking: Basic fitness. More about comfort with water than strength.
- Mountain trekking: Excellent fitness required. These are serious expeditions.
- Hot air ballooning: Minimal fitness. Must be able to climb into/out of basket.
- Diving: Basic fitness and certification required.
The key is being honest with yourself and your travel planner. We can match adventure safari activities to your capabilities and build in rest days as needed.
Why Adventure Safari Experiences Matter
After 25 years of planning safaris, I’ve noticed something: the trips people remember most vividly, the ones they talk about years later, often include adventure safari elements. There’s something about physical engagement that creates deeper memories.
When you trek to see gorillas, you’ve earned that encounter. When you walk through the bush with your guide, you’ve learned to see wildlife signs you’d miss from a vehicle. When you paddle past hippos, you’ve experienced vulnerability that changes your respect for these animals. When you summit Kilimanjaro or sleep under the stars in the Kalahari, you’ve pushed yourself and discovered something about your capabilities.
An adventure safari in Africa isn’t about proving anything. It’s about presence, engagement, and experiencing this extraordinary continent with your whole body, not just your eyes.
Join Us in Uganda
Our March 2027 Wander experience focuses on exactly this kind of active adventure—gorilla trekking, chimpanzee encounters, and immersive forest experiences. It’s intimate (just 12 travelers), expertly guided, and designed for people who want to engage with Africa actively.
But active adventures work just as beautifully in custom itineraries. Whether you want to walk with wildlife in Zambia, trek to gorillas in Uganda, or combine biking and game drives in Kenya, we can craft an active safari that matches your fitness level and adventure appetite.
Africa rewards those willing to step out of the vehicle and into the experience.
Ready to have your own adventure safari experiences? Contact our team to start planning your personalized itinerary.