Adventure holidays to Africa
I would say that most people consider an African safari to be a pretty adventurous holiday! The vehicles are open-sided, elephants become regular visitors to some camps, and you can often hear lion prides or the cackling laughts of hyena at night. A safari is definitely the height of excitement, but for those looking for even more adventure, Africa hosts a handful of activities to fulfil your perfect African adventure holiday.
After a day of exhilarating activities, nothing feels better than to return to your luxury camp or hotel - a place for you to completely unwind, relax and reflect on your adventurous day.
Hot air balloon rides
Hot air balloon rides offer a safari from the sky! Depending on where you do it, the ride is approximately USD $550 per person and includes a 45 to 60-minute ride with a champagne breakfast in the bush on arrival. The company that operates in Tanzania – Serengeti Balloon Safaris – have a great reputation and offer balloon rides in the Serengeti National Park, and most recently they have started in Ruaha National Park in the south. The Masai Mara also offer hot air balloon safaris and this is a great way to see the sheer size of the wildebeest migration from the sky.
Camel riding
There are a few places you can enjoy a camel safari in Kenya but one of the main destinations to head to would be the Laikipia Plateau. Sat in Central Kenya, the Laikipia Plateau is the destination immediately associated with adventurous activities. With properties spread out along the vast Rift Valley, each camp has the space and facilities to take you on a camel ride for a couple of hours to enjoy the landscape, scenery and wildlife. Click here to see what else the Laikipia Plateau offers.
Gorilla trekking
Trekking through the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda to come face-to-face with a huge silverback gorilla is probably one of the most adventurous activities you can do in Africa! The period between June and October is the best time to go gorilla trekking as the months are dry and warm. This is also a great time to combine Rwanda’s gorilla trekking with other destinations in East Africa such as Tanzania’s Serengeti as the game viewing is the best during these months.
Walking safaris
In the words of Norman Carr, the founder of walking safaris - you do not know a place until you’ve walked it. Walking safaris are, for many that regularly return to Africa, the ultimate way to experience the bush. Countries such as Zambia tend to steal the limelight for their walking itineraries, as they have become famed by their guiding quality but the national reserves across Tanzania and Kenya offer some exciting walking safaris.
Further reading...