The African continent must be one of the most extraordinary locations on the planet. It is the second largest content behind Asia and spans about one-fifth of the total land surface of the Earth. As if its sheer size wasn’t impressive enough, this land is host to an enormous variety of natural beauty, wildlife, and incredible activities, suited to any and every type of adventurer out there. It’s no surprise that many travellers come from far and wide to experience its essence.
So which adventurer types are out there, and which African activities would best match their personalities? Go2Africa have broken down the different adventurer categories and created a range of different experiences for each type of traveller.
The wildlife enthusiast – Safari
This adventurer goes wherever the tracks in the trail leads them. Where there’s wildlife there’s always a reason for adventure! Not knowing which species of exotic bird you might spot that day or the potential to come across a powerful predator simply gets your heart racing. Fortunately, Africa won’t disappoint the wildlife enthusiast. Its range of habitats from jungles to forests to grasslands to deserts forms the home to a diverse selection of species, both diurnal and nocturnal.
These include mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects, with many only found in Africa. Because of its biodiversity, it is a popular location for animal researchers as well as those looking to tick a safari experience off their bucket list. Go2Africa experts have travelled the breadth and length of the continent and narrowed down Africa’s top wildlife experiences that you can witness first hand on safari. Whether you are dreaming of meeting the Big Five, getting up close and personal with a gorilla or beholding with your own eyes the great Serengeti wildebeest migration, Go2Africa have the magical wildlife adventure for you.
The thrill seeker – Victoria Falls, swim in devils pool
This adventurer lives for the thrill, always chasing their next high. Whether that be base jumping off dangerous cliffs or scuba diving with great whites, the adrenaline junkie inside you is loving every second of those exhilarating experiences. You travel far and wide to seek out the ultimate adventures that will give you your next kick, and Africa is certain to deliver and exceed your expectations.
Excitement lurks in every corner, from dangerous animals to taking a dip in the Devil’s pool at the edge of Victoria Falls – one of the Earth’s seven natural wonders. This is one of the riskiest infinity pools one will ever swim in, with few daring to take the plunge. Those fearless enough leap into the pool will be pushed to the edge by the force of the river, with the rock lip bringing them to a halt as the raging waters of the Zambezi crash over the cliffs a few feet away.
The view from the edge is breath-taking, as you feel the force of the Zambezi flowing past you and crashing down over the precipice; a hundred-meter drop.
The crazy climber – Hike Table Mountain
This type of adventure seeker gets great satisfaction from journeying on foot – they specifically love the uphill battle, and the ultimate reward of the breath-taking view that lies at the top of their trek. For them, the bottom of one mountain is the beginning of the next. The blood and sweat it takes to reach that end destination is something you revel in. The mental journey of reaching your end goal, not giving up, overcoming obstacles, and depending on only yourself is just as important as the actual crossing of the finish line itself.
For this particular adventurer, the infamous Table Mountain challenge awaits. Overlooking the city of Cape Town, South Africa, this mountain is not to be underestimated. To get to the summit, even the most experienced climber should expect a three-hour journey to the top, and prepare to face and intense workout on the way up. That being said, the breath-taking view and feeling of self-fulfilment when this type of adventurer has conquered this giant is exactly the sought of activity they were searching for.
The nature lover – On foot nature tours and sunset
This individual gets their sense of adventure from the world around them. Inspired and awe-struck by its natural beauty, you long to visit some of the most beautiful locations on the planet to have your breath taken away. Stunning views over sheer cliff faces and pretty sunsets are what you live for. These moments make you feel connected to the planet and all things in it, no matter how big or small.
There’s no doubt that an African walking safari is one of life’s most unforgettable adventures that would offer this individual the fully immersive experience with nature and wildlife they are searching for. Imagine birdsong-filled days spent following animal tracks as well as observing your environment’s smaller details – a dew-dazzled spider web, shy flowers and bumbling beetles. Go2Africa experts ensure a safe safari experience, with armed rangers and professional guides for your on-foot adventures.
The water baby – Rafting on the River Nile
This adventurer is fascinated by the underwater world and all things below its surface. Diving below it and experiencing life in a different way to that of your own is a truly magical sensation. Whether its surfing, swimming, snorkelling, or diving, the ocean offers a range of activities for the adventure water baby to enjoy. The sea can offer a diverse set of experiences – from excitement and thrill, to relaxation, or a place of wonder and discovery.
Luckily, for those who love the ocean life, the African continent has them spoilt for choice, what with being bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean.
This adventurer also has a sturdy set of sea legs and loves a relaxing or exhilarating ride along the waters surface. Inland, the African continent has a multitude of famous rivers that are also just as perfectly suited to the water adventurer.
The Nile in Junja, Uganda, is a northeast flowing river with some of the fastest-flowing rapids in the world, ideal for some extreme and adrenaline-pumping rafting. Hurtle down the rapids with a field of spray, being flung from side to side at the mercy of age-old currents, and cling on, heart in mouth, as the raft’s nose rides abruptly over a curling crest – and all this with only helmet and paddle for protection. If this isn’t the ultimate water adventure you were seeking, we’re not sure what is!
The airborne addict – The Skeleton Coast from the sky
For this individual, the adventure is all about perspective. In their eyes, there’s only so much you can experience on the ground. In order to see the whole picture, it must be observed from a bird’s eye view. So, these adventurers take to the skies and gain an entirely unique panoramic view of their chosen destination. As such, the diverse landscapes and terrains Africa has to offer attract many from around the globe for that airborne experience.
For this type of traveller, there’s nowhere on Earth quite like the Skeleton Coast in north-western Namibia: a ghostly stretch of deserted beach backed by wind-rippled dunes, the listing hulks of ancient whaling ships decaying forlornly in the sand and the sun-bleached bones of their prey semi-buried beside them. The best way to grasp the true scale of the landscape is undoubtedly 14,000 feet above sea level.
