-
The list of adventure experiences within and beyond South Africa’s borders is inexhaustible, but here are some of the best experiences that any adventure seeker is sure to enjoy.
-
Start your trip at the Victoria Falls. The Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of the Victoria Falls offer breathtaking views of this natural wonder. The Zambezi River boasts fun adventure activities such as white river rafting, canoeing, river gorge swinging and don’t forget, thrilling bungee jumping from the bridge spanning the river, right by the falls.
-
Bordering the Victoria Falls is Botswana’s Chobe National Park. The area has abundant wildlife including elephants, buffalo, kudu, sable, hippos and crocodiles. Game viewing from an open 4x4, or on a guided hiking trail, is a memorable experience.
-
Botswana’s Okavango Delta is another spectacular place for those who love a bit of adventure. Enjoy a mokoro (dug-out canoe) ride on the waterways, or go on an elephant-back safari. The Delta is one of the world’s most pristine areas.
-
Experience the thirst land of Sossusvlei in Namibia. You can’t help but be awestruck by the enormous sand dunes that are also a source of huge fun for dune-boarders or sand-surfers. Hot air balloon adventures are also available over Sossusvlei.
-
Other adventures include a road journey from Cape Town to Windhoek – hire a 4x4 and go exploring the magnificent countryside with a few of your football mates.
-
After some serious game viewing in Botswana’s Chobe National Park, take time to rejuvenate at the Chobe Marina Lodge. Situated within the confines of the national park, this health spa offers the latest holistic health and beauty treatments, and techniques that are designed to fully rejuvenate a weary body and soul.
-
Another of Botswana’s prime lodges is the Khwai River Lodge, in the famous Okavango Delta. This is one of the country’s oldest and most luxurious safari camps. The spa here uses special African oils - macadamia, marula, geranium and black pepper. Their famous Total Wellness Massage uniquely blends Thai, Swedish and Indian techniques.
-
If you are fatigued after sweating it out in the heat of the Namib Desert in Namibia, take the heat off at the Le Mirage Desert Lodge and Spa, which is situated right in the heart of the famous desert.
-
When in the south of Zambia, take time to rejuvenate with the sounds of lions roaring in the background at the South Luangwa Bush Spa. It is located inside the South Luangwa National Park, and is a treat for any traveller in need of some serious pampering.
-
The FIFA 2010 World Cup host country, South Africa, has more health and wellness facilities than all her neighbours combined. The big cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban each have an endless list of health and wellness day spas. There are also many acclaimed resort spas for longer stays. The Mangwanani chain of African spas, provides some of the best body and beauty treatments in the world.
-
Visit The Great Zimbabwe Ruins in the Masvingo Province of Zimbabwe, and hear the legends and myths of the Munhumutapa Empire. Also, visit the Matobo Hills just outside Bulawayo, and hear about the Ndebele people’s unique mix of Shona and Zulu cultures.
-
In the Mountain Kingdom of neighbouring country Lesotho, go pony trekking with the Basotho people. Ride with a local guide high into the spectacular Maluti Mountain region – and learn about the unique culture of this blanket-cloaked mountain tribe.
-
On a visit to Namibia’s Bushmanland, people of San descent will introduce you to aspects of their ancient culture. Their “click” language is as fascinating as their folklore. The Himba and Herero cultures, also in Namibia, offer insight into pastoral living in this exquisite part of the world.
-
Learn about the Shangaan people in Mozambique, and their rich, egalitarian way of life. In Maputo, there is a wealth of cosmopolitan cultures, but if you visit villages in Manyika, Chokwe, Sena and Beira provinces, you will learn about the Shangaan in an authentic way.
-
Leave the Southern African shores with cultural mementos. When in Victoria Falls, purchase a Nyaminyami (the Zambezi water god) image from a local Tonga artist. The seller will take more joy in telling you about Nyaminyami’s triumphs, than in selling you their product. The local artwork in Zimbabwe is of a very high quality.
- Lesotho Tourism Board
- Mozambique Tourism
- Namibia Tourism Board
- Zimbabwe Tourism Authority
-
Book yourself on the Southern Cross train journey, one of the routes taken by the Shongololo Express. On this 16-day odyssey, the train meanders through six countries namely South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. The train ravels at night, and during the day you disembark for excursions to highlights such as the Kruger National Park, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Victoria Falls, and Botswana’s Chobe National Park.
-
Rovos Rail, with its classically remodeled coaches, is a super-luxury option for train lovers. There are various routes on offer, so travellers need to check the website for updates. This train offers the ultimate in luxury, and the glass observation lounge offers spectacular views of the ever-changing landscape.
-
There are a few fantastic steam train journeys to be undertaken in South Africa. The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe runs between George and Mossel Bay, along the gorgeous Garden Routes. The Eastern Cape’s Apple Express regularly travels between Port Elizabeth and Thornhill Village, approximately 40km away. The train stops at the Van Stadens River Bridge, the highest narrow-gauge bridge in the world, in order for passengers to disembark and enjoy the view.
-
Wind through the open spaces and sand dunes of Namibia on Namibia’s Desert Express. This journey takes you through interesting destinations like the Namibian capital, Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.
-
Royalty and heads of state have travelled on South Africa’s Blue Train, one of the great trains of the world. Now it is your chance to dine in its elegant dining car, rest in its luxurious suites, and purchase mementos from its on-board boutique. The train runs scheduled routes between Pretoria and Cape Town, with some package options to Durban and the North West province.
Transfrontier parks, border parks or transboundary conservation areas, are protected areas that straddle international boundaries.
-
Africa's first formally declared trans-border conservation area, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, was formed by the combination of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa, and the Gemsbok National Park, in Botswana. The Kgalagadi comprises an area of over 3,6 million hectares, one of very few conservation areas of this magnitude left in the world. The park boasts a wealth of animal, bird and plant-life, unique to Southern Africa.
-
The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park includes South Africa's world-famous Kruger National Park, with its extraordinary abundance of wildlife, established infrastructure and tourism base, Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park, renowned for its geological splendour, and the newly developed Limpopo National Park in Mozambique. While the total surface area of the transfrontier park is approximately 35 000km² – about the size of Israel - the park is seen as the first phase in the eventual establishment of a transfrontier conservation area measuring a staggering 100 000 km².
-
The Okavango Delta, situated in the north of Botswana, is the largest inland delta in the world. Here the palm forests, islands, grasslands and lagoons meet with hippos, water bucks, crocodiles and other animals. Taking a mokoro (dug-out canoe) safari is an absolute must along the waterways.
-
While in Botswana, travel to the west and the Kalahari Desert experience. Shrubs, golden sand dunes and acacia make for an interesting mix of nature in this beautiful lunar landscape.
|