Top 9
Experiential Travel Ideas in Africa
More and more we are hearing about travellers who are in search of an immersive adventure, formally known as experiential travel. Experiential tourism is more than just a visit. Why not get a deeper understanding of your travel destination by connecting with people, their culture and the city which they inhabit?!
1. Budget Camping Tours in Namibia
Experience the best of Namibia with adventure tours that begin with an exciting Safari in Etosha National Park- Namibia’ s premier game reserve. Fantastic wildlife viewing, including predators and roaming herds of elephants. Meander through the oldest desert in the world while marvelling over breath-taking scenery in Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. Spectacular sunrises and sand dunes await.
2. Surfing in Liberia
Before the world opens its eyes to the perfect waves of Liberia, join the select surfers in the know from around the world as they make their way to this lesser known surfer’ s paradise. The much talked of surf movie, Sliding Liberia, has already put Liberia on the surfers map, but with the civil war continuing until 2003, Liberia still remains a largely untouched gem.
3. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
With an estimated 900 mountain gorillas remaining, gorilla trekking to see these endangered primates ranks among the top highlights of any trip to Africa. When was the last time you came face to face with one of our closest relatives? One can imagine this thrilling experience is one to behold. While gorilla trekking can be done all year round, November would be your best bet as your trekking permit will be at a discounted rate due to the rainy season.
4. The Masai Mara Migration
The Masai Mara wildebeest migration is probably one of the most intriguing and spectacular displays of wildlife behaviour. Witnessed in East Africa in Kenya’ s pristine wilderness outback, the migration is not only about the wildebeest. Predators linger in anticipation for the auspicious arrival of their prey. Hours can pass while you nervously watch the water for crocodiles and other prowling predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas, waiting on the upper banks of the Mara River for an easy catch on arrival. It’ s an emotional rollercoaster that will have you awed by Mother Nature, and a conversation piece that will keep your audience hanging at every last word.
5. Okavanga House Boats in Botswana
Being on a house boat does not in any way limit your outdoor experience to merely floating along the water while sipping on a G & T as the sun drops into the distance. For those who require a little more activity, enjoy fly and sport fishing, relax whilst being‘ poled’ by your own guide in a dugout canoe, do a village tour and camp overnight at an island in the Okavango Delta.
6. Free Falling at Victoria Falls
As the world’ s largest falls measuring 5577 feet wide and varying in height from 262- 304 feet, Victoria Falls welcomes visitors from all over the world to witness its boastful beauty. If you are yet to experience a safari, Victoria Falls wouldn’ t be the worst place on earth to experience the big 5 for the first time. From bungee jumping to swimming in Devil’ s Pool, finding something to do will be the least of your worries.
7. Hiking Through the Simien in Ethiopia
The Simien trek is one of the best cliff walks around that will get you up close to baboons, ibex mountain goats and sightings of the rare Ethiopian wolf. Jaw-dropping views, wall-to-wall sunshine, generous hospitality and rare wildlife combine to make for an unforgettable trek.
8. Cooking in Morocco
The magical Kingdom of Morocco exudes an energy that pulses from the heart of Marrakech to as far out as the mountain top villages. Its varied inhabitants from mountain and desert dwelling tribe’ s people to sophisticated urbanites make for a cultural sensory overload. The Moroccan cuisine is testament to this. Typically, a half-day cooking workshop will offer you the chance to purchase fresh ingredients from the market, and then make a traditional tagine and a couscous dish. It’ s a lovely way to immerse yourself in Morocco’ s culture.
9. Riding Adventures
Nothing says“ immersive experience” quite like exploring your surrounds mounted on the back of a trusty steed. It gives you a more intimate feeling of being close to nature. Camel back riding in Samburu, Kenya makes for an unusual game-viewing experience and the fact that it’ s one of the most ancient modes of transport adds to the authenticity of this adventure. Mozambique’ s Benguerra Island boasts an array of water sports which provide hours of entertainment, however exploring the land on horseback can be equally fun. Island tours and nature walks are in abundance, but galloping across endless white sands on horseback can be quite surreal. Travelling on either of these majestic creatures allows you to explore further and see more than you would on foot.
Travelstart is Africa’ s leading online travel agency connecting Africa to the world. Search, compare, and book flights on hundreds of airlines. Contact one of our travel consultants today and custom build your very own African adventure. From booking your flights to car hire, we’ ve got you covered every step of the way.
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