While Mt. Kilimanjaro treks top the list of popular active options in Africa, there are many more ideas your raring to go clients might not have considered. Here are our recommended options in Africa:
1. Mt Kilimanjaro Trek, Tanzania
Tanzania is a life-changing endeavor that anyone in good fitness can undertake. Summit success has more to do with the body’s ability to acclimate to ‘thin air’ than its ability to run a marathon. Several of the Africa Answers team members have summited Kili and are eager to share their knowledge gained through personal experience.
2. Table Mountain Hike, Cape Town South Africa
Rising 3,500’ above Cape Town, Table Mountain is the city’s beloved landmark. Table Mountain is also home to an immense amount of endemic flora and fauna. Although the cable car runs frequently, an alternate and rewarding experience is to hike up or down Table Mountain’s Platteklip Gorge trail and use the cable car in the reverse direction. The hike takes between 2 and 3 hours and is one of the best hiking trails in Cape Town.
3. Mt Kilimanjaro Marathon, Tanzania
The Kilimanjaro Marathon and Half Marathon are run in March each year at the foothills of the highest mountain in Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro, and the scenery is spectacular. The altitude gain is manageable, with the entire race held between 3000’ and 4000’ altitude on good, paved roads. Following the race, the perfect destination to rest those weary legs is on a beach in Zanzibar.
4. White Water Rafting, Jinja, Uganda
The source of the Nile is one of the most spectacular white-water rafting destinations in the world and for many visitors to Uganda. A rafting trip is as big a highlight as seeing the mountain gorillas. Rafting entails negotiating grade 4 and 5 rapids, but most people are first-time rafters and guides are extremely experienced; it’s the perfect memory-making activity.
5. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is the action capital of Africa. Before or after viewing the magnificent Falls, try white water rafting, running the half or full Vic Falls marathon, ziplining, bungee jumping, canoeing or swimming in the renowned Devils Pool.
6. Dune climbing and sand-boarding, Namibia
Big Daddy, near Sossusvlei is the tallest dune in Namibia, and an arduous 2-hour climb to the top yields amazing views…and a five-minute soft sand run to the bottom. For those who prefer to ride a board down, the quaint seaside resort town of Swakopmund is the best place for this fun activity.
7. Jordan Trail, Dana to Petra
Named one of the 15 best hikes in the world by National Geographic, this iconic 4-day walk crosses several climate zones, diverse ecosystems hidden in canyons, and dramatic labyrinths of hills and valleys displaying the full spectrum of the region’s geology. The scenery spans from majestic and epic mountaintops to the peaceful, bucolic countryside, and new landscapes present themselves every few miles: the one thing this region does not offer is monotony. If the natural attractions aren’t enough, the route ends in stunning Petra.
Curated Vacation Packages
Has this article given you wanderlust? Take a look at our featured destination packages. Completely customizable, these act as an inspirational starting point in your travel planning journey.
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