As a guide for Acacia Africa I am fortunate enough to be able to see 100’s of amazing places and experience some of my favorite activities, when I am on the road I relish the opportunity to lend my experience to my passengers, not only in the form of information, but also recommending places to see and things to do. It is very hard to narrow down a list as there are so many amazing things to experience here in Africa, but I have come up with a personal top ten list…..
1) Gorilla Trekking – I bought myself a permit this September and went with my fabulous group to combat Bwindi Impenetrable Park in Uganda. This is something I had added to my huge Africa bucket list and it didn’t disappoint. It is a lottery as to how far and for how long you trek for, but all I can say is that it was the hardest but most rewarding 9 hours of my life; standing not 3m from a huge Silver back, and watching the young Gorillas within their family unit was a once in a lifetime experience!
2) Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater – Africa is famous for its Big 5 game parks, and at certain times of the year it is true that the Masaai Mara is more fruitful for animal spotting; however for the Serengeti holds a special place in my heart. It is arguably the most renowned National Park in Sub Saharan Africa and between the vast and endless plains and the wonder of the giant Caldera that is the Ngorongoro crater I always feel as though I am experience the pinnacle of African safari.
3) White Water Rafting – As a self confessed adrenaline junkie, rafting the mighty Zambezi is one of the most exhilarating experiences here. The best time of year is when the river is low water, usually from mid August; at this time all 25 rapids are open and range from smaller grade 3 to epic grade 5’s! The largest rapid is a grade 6 – we walk round this one and are able to watch some of the daring Kayak riders test the lines. When the water is high we raft the lower rapids usually from 10 – 25 but don’t worry the river guides still know how to get the best out of some of the smaller rapids. For those who are nervous about rafting, it is an activity all can do; not every boat has to be the ‘crazy’ boat, there are various lines to take through all of the rapids so fun can be had by everyone!!
4) Flight over Victoria Falls – WOW!!! Visiting the falls from either the Zambia side or the Zimbabwe side is incredible, but to see this sight from the sky is truly breathtaking!! You can see the magnitude of the 1.6km waterfall and the gorge carved by the Zambezi River!
5) Kruger NP – South Africa’s Big 5 game park and Africa’s largest! At 2 million hectares it is huge!!! I love game viewing, and passengers always ask me whether it gets boring…..never! You see something different every time you enter a game park – and with Kruger and its rolling landscape you are certain to see animals and stunning scenery. It is very different from the vast plains of the Serengeti, however as a Big 5 park it offers the chance to spot your favorite animals as well as some incredible views; as you approach the crest of on the hills you are filled with anticipation as to what and how far you will be able to see the other side! And whilst here, you can enjoy some cultural experiences outside of the park with Zulu dancing and singing with our Cultural Experience!
6) Okavango Delta – One of the most relaxing activities that we get to enjoy on tour. It is the biggest inland Delta in the world, and access to its islands is in the form of a traditional Mokoro ride; this is a chance to sit back and relax and enjoy the beauty of the Delta as you weave between the reeds, lilies and different Islands. When we make our bush camp, we have the whole day to relax, go for walks, swim and even learn how to maneuver a Mokoro – not as easy as it sounds. In addition to this, the guided nature gets you out in the open in the Delta which is home to hundreds of species of animals and there is definitely something to be said for going on a game WALK rather than a game DRIVE.
7) Skydiving in Swakopmund, Namibia – My favorite activity! Situated between the Skeleton coast to the north and the Namib-Naukluft National Park and the sand dunes to the south Swakopmund is an oasis in the middle of one of the oldest deserts in the world – a perfect place to experience the thrill and adrenaline rush at 10000ft! The Skydive includes a 20 minute scenic flight of the skeleton coast and the sand dunes and you can also see the geology of the surrounding areas visualizing how plate tectonics have left their mark. And then you get to 10000ft and when safely strapped to your tandem master you’re out the door free falling with a stunning view! Adrenaline heaven, something that always keeps people smiling until the following day.
8) Deadvlei – Further south in Namibia the sand dunes stand between an empty river and the Atlantic Ocean. Over millions of years the growing sand dunes have cut this once flowing river off to create Deadvlei, one of the most photographed places in Africa! The contrast of the white sandy floor, the beautifully preserved charcoal tree trunks, the red sand dunes and the bright blue sky this is really one of the most incredible natural sights.
9) Cape Town – whether at the beginning of the tour or the end, Cape Town is definitely a place to spend some time. From Table Mountain, to Robben Island, boat tours and nightlife it is a tourist friendly, cosmopolitan metropolis! There are hundreds of things to do and see here and access to popular activities such as Shark Cage Diving and the highest bunjee jump is easy. There are plenty of places to stay from hotels to backpackers – and a visit to Long St is a must!
10) The Garden route – This is something that I have just recently done, the coastal views are stunning and the route offers plenty of places to stay and see. Incredible scenery is the main attraction when driving, but stopping off at places along the way such as Hermanus, Knysna, and Plettenburg bay will give you the chance to dive or snorkel in the natural coves, go whale spotting, fishing and even a bunjee jump at 216m!! If you are the sort of person that loves beautiful landscapes, water activities and great seafood then you can easily spend a week exploring!
Written by Samantha Williams– Acacia Tour Leader