Buckle up and get ready for one rollercoaster of a ride, as our expert tour leaders have released their top six list of heart racing overland experiences. From the newest adventure craze in Namibia to an off the radar extreme sport in Lesotho, this is your guide to going wild in Africa.
The Western Cape is where kloofing began. Adrenaline junkie central, think cliff jumping, boulder hopping, wading, swimming, climbing and slithering down natural slides. Try the Steenbras River Gorge (alias the ‘Kamakaze Kanyon’) just 45 minutes from Cape Town. You’ll walk up the river doing optional jumps into deep pools and then brave a 65 meter abseil over a beautiful waterfall.
Image by: South Africa Tourism
One of the latest crazes sweeping across Swakopmund’s sands is Fat Bike riding. We know what you’re thinking. “Won’t I just sink into the dunes and end up dragging my bicycle behind me?” Fear not overlanders, as the wide tread of these tyres will allow you to glide effortlessly over this vast Namibian paradise. More than cool, it’s also the most ecological way to explore the desert’s delicate habitat – the tyres’ wider contact area meaning the tracks are far shallower than footprints.
Image by: Fat Bike Tours, Swakopmund
Follow in the ‘hoof-steps’ of the famous Basotho herdsmen and view Lesotho’s spectacular mountain scenery on horseback. One of Southern Africa’s extreme sports, from late September to early January, you might be able to watch, and even have a go at sheep shearing en-route – the adventure including a village visit and the chance to meet local herdsmen.
Image by: Russell, Sani Lodge Backpackers
Wildlife viewing doesn’t get much more intense than at Zambia’s, South Luangwa National Park. The number of animals around the Luangwa River, and its oxbow lagoons, is among the most concentrated in Africa. Around 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species flourish in its 20,000 square miles, the life giving river making this a bucket list safari destination from June to November.
Dive into Lake Malawi, one of the best freshwater locations to scuba in the world! Home to over 750 species of fish, you’d be mad not to indulge in an underwater safari. The best time to flipper up is from August to December when visibility often reaches up to 30 metres.
Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park is the ultimate wildlife haunt for rhino fans. The park also maxes-out on birdlife, so expect to catch sight of raptors and black eagles on your heart racing walking safari. A famous spot for sipping a sundowner and catching the end of another extraordinary day in Africa, don’t miss out on the amazing vistas from World’s view!
