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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