Africa is one of the few countries in the world where a vast amount of land still remains unspoiled and rich in majestic natural features; thus making Africa a perfect setting for an extreme adventure holiday. With beautiful untainted beaches, exotic nature and wildlife reserves, fascinating rock formations and wide open desert plains, every corner holds the promise of a new thrill.
Abseiling into the Abyss
It’s only just recently that abseiling has been recognised as an adventure sport. Before it was simply known as a method used to get down from mountain tops, but it’s proven to be a real adrenalin booster and has since become accessible as an extreme adventure activity. Table Mountain in Cape Town is known as the world’s highest commercial abseil spot, measuring a total of 112m and looking out over the city. If that doesn’t seem like much of a challenge to you, then Knysna and the Eastern Cape surely can offer some extra excitement, with abseiling spots that have you hanging sky high over crashing waves.
Canoeing Challenge
If you choose to go white water canoeing in Africa you’d better be prepared for the venture, because Africa’s rivers are not merciful on the timid. The Vaal River, with its fun twist of rapids, remains one of the most outstanding and indeed most popular spots to go canoeing. Warning: Be sure to hold on tightly to your pants. However, if you’re more interested in the scenic beauty than the aggressive plunge of the water, there are a few flat water canoeing routes you can check out. The Palmiet River runs through the dazzling Kogelberg nature reserve and only takes you over one or two mild rapids. Canoeing in the lakes of the Garden Route is equally delightful; taking you on a scenic journey to an idyllic overnight spot.
Dare to do some Downhill Mountain-Biking
When it comes to downhill mountain-biking, thrill seekers are spoilt for choice as there are so many fun and interesting trails already explored and many waiting to be uncovered. The Cape has some great single-track routes that take you through the exquisite pine plantations or alternatively you could book an escorted trip around the Cape Winelands. Another notable route is found in the De Hoop National Park, which lies close to Swellendam, featuring mountain trails ranging from easiest to most hardcore. For the experts, visit the Free State for a bit of a challenge.
Snowboarding in Africa
One would think that Africa, with her eternal blue skies and beautiful climate, is not really the first destination you’d choose to go snowboarding or skiing, since the vast majority of the population has never even seen real snow before. And that’s actually a fact. Our equivalent of snowboarding is sand-boarding, which requires double the amount of protective gear for obvious reasons. The locals know of one dedicated ski resort in the Drakensberg and even though the supply of self-produced snow is limited, that’s where they go to for a challenge, and to fall about on the fluffy white cold stuff. The more acclaimed ski resort of Africa is Tiffendel in Morocco which boasts a 600m ski run, but even this ski run is only covered in snow for three months of the year. Qualified instructors are on call to assist, so head to Tiffendell Ski Resort to do something different this winter.
Paragliding Paradise
The coastline is littered with popular spots for paragliding and hang-gliding in Africa. The obvious reason being that the closer to the ocean you fly the cooler it will be when soaring a thousand miles up into the air. Paragliding in the arid, dry regions is not impossible but the heat might just be a bit much for you. The coast also offers incredible ridge soaring and a picturesque views of the coastal cities, and when you land you can stop off at a beachfront bar for sundowners. The Garden Route offers a different type of paragliding experience; you can glide across the ocean and admire the playful dolphins and whales underneath you.
Karoo Biking for kicks
Africa is one of the very few destinations which boasts such diversity of superb mountain ranges, sun-streaked sandy deserts, lush forests, fruit-filled valleys and an untainted coastline. What better way to see all of Africa’s beauty than on two motorised wheels? Karoo biking is originally aimed at UK, US and German international visitors but each year the number of local bikers are increasing. BMW offers four standardised motorcycle tours, two of which are overnight packages that include accommodation at the deluxe Gamkaskloof Valley. Bikers who visit Africa particularly enjoy the Karoo as they are greeted with warm hospitality, friendly people and the variation of riding on both tarred and dirt roads.
African adventure travel is precisely that, an adventure. It is not a luxury tour and you’re definitely going to find yourself stuck in the mud more than once, therefore it is advised that you come with an open mind. If you’re young or young at heart, restless and an adrenalin junkie then an adventure vacation is just what you need.
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