Active experiences

While the gorillas may be the stars of the show in Bwindi, it is one of the most ecologically rich rainforests in the world and there's plenty more to see. Join a seasoned guide on a walk beneath the lush canopy, where 350 species of bird dwell, including 14 that aren't found anywhere else in Uganda. There are a variety of well-developed trails, ranging from the short but sweet to seven-hour trails traversing the highest point in Bwindi. Along the way, you may see cascading waterfalls, views of the Great Rift Valley and soaring mountain peaks, and plenty of wildlife. Look out everything from Pel's Fishing Owl to the cinnamon-chested bee-eater, forest elephant and incredible, exotic orchid. While the forest trails are open throughout the year, the dry season (June to September, December to February) will be the most enjoyable time to walk them.

Float above thousands of colourful fish in Africa’s great Lake Malawi. This huge body of freshwater hosts perhaps the largest number of fish species of any lake in Africa. Due to the Lake’s high alkalinity, it also has an amazingly high proportion of endemic brightly-coloured fish. This makes for an amazing snorkelling experience in the clear, turquoise water beside your lodge. There are also few plants and organic material in the lake, which makes for amazing visibility above the sandy and rocky bottom. Dive into the waters and get lost in this gin-clear paradise, as you search out new species of fish, or just sink to the floor and let your body float up to the surface as all your troubles melt away.

Embark on a safari experience as you peddle over rugged, mountain trails and grassy plains in Laikipia. You'll leave any crowds in your dust while exploring the animal-filled landscapes below Mount Kenya, covering way more ground than a walking safari and getting a truly up-close-and-personal look at the wildlife. Depending on your lodge of choice, your route will take you through a number of lovely conservancies (with a pitstop to see the area's famous conservation triumphs) or further afield for the more adventurous. And you may even be lead by a Maasai warrior! A bike ride through Laikipia could reveal the Big Five in all its glory (including almost half of Kenya's black rhino population), protected big cats, painted dogs and a medley of plains game. It's best to avoid the wet season from March to May for this activity though!

Change your game-viewing perspective with a Zambezi canoe safari. Take to the water with a local guide and paddle expert to help you navigate the river, home to hippo, crocodile and flocks of birdlife. Meander downstream using the current as your engine before mooring on the riverbank for a cup of tea and a muffin. As other sources dry up from May, the life-giving waters of the Lower Zambezi attract herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra and, if you're lucky, a big cat or two. Scan your eyes along the tree-line to catch the flicking tail and stealthy gaze of a leopard. And nothing quite compares to a stare down with an elephant bull from the water!

As Zambia's largest park, Kafue may seem more suited to all-day game drives, but walking safaris are one of its hidden gems...Picture strolling across the flood plains in the early morning light without another soul around for miles, heaven! With your seasoned guide leading the way, put your walking boots to good use as you explore this exquisite wilderness, spying huge herds of red lechwe, cheetah speeding to catch their prey and learning to read the signs these creatures leave behind. Without the rumble of an engine or clues given over walkie-talkie, you'll get back to the roots of a safari. The best time to see the most wildlife is, of course, the dry season (May to October) and September is especially good for avid birders.

One of the most popular activities in Nambia is a five-day hike from Hobas to Ai-Ais through the Fish River Canyon. The magical 85km route, which follows the sandy riverbed past a series of ephemeral pools, is open from 15 April to 15 September, though you will have to book in advance.

Spend time with a celebrated local artist from the village of Ambalangoda, and witness how the local masks are being carved and painted. If you want you can learn the art of how to do the carving and painting as well.

Feel the crunch of the soil beneath your boots and learn to hear the tell-tale rustle of wildlife on a bush walk. Straight after breakfast set out to uncover the secrets of the Serengeti. While the specifics depend on where you are, you'll have the chance to take a microscope to the landscape. Joined by your knowledgable guide, follow a flutter of wings to see lovebirds snacking on figs, peer into an earthy warthog burrow and inspect every track you can find. You could just be following a pride of lion (who should be napping in the distance) or thirsty elephant on the way to a waterhole! Whether it's scanning acacia bark for tiny critters or staring skyward to see an eagle soaring overhead, the essence of the Serengeti is yours to experience.

As one of the oldest wildernesses in Africa, Hwange is certainly worth taking a closer look and that's exactly what you'll do on a walking safari. Hwange's diversity of landscapes - from the water-logged pans to wind-swept Kalahari sands, and the wildlife that roams between them is staggering. Your sure-footed guide will lead you on a journey of following tracks, listening for calls (and learning what they mean) and examining the tiniest details to learn their secrets. And you're bound to encounter the stars of Hwange, the elephant who march grandly across the plains and, sometimes, through camp! After refreshments and a spot of sky-gazing, you'll return to base.

This is your chance to conquer the thundering waters and burbling rapids of the impressive Zambezi River on an inflatable raft in the experience of a lifetime – and one to tell the grandkids about. Choose a full day of rafting to experience all 21 ferocious rapids (or 25 if in high water season) with a stop for lunch in between, or opt for the more gentle (!) half-day experience. The morning trip takes in rapids 1 – 10, ending with lunch and drinks, whilst the afternoon experience starts at rapid 11 and continues to 21, ending with drinks. And with the rapids aptly named things like ‘The Gnashing Jaws of Death’ and ‘Devil’s Toilet Bowl’, those drinks might just be needed…!

On the lower sections of the Zambezi River, where the water flows slow and wide, creating pretty bays, inlets and eddies, one of Africa’s greatest fighting fish lies in wait. The tigerfish is one of Africa's most powerful freshwater species and it can weigh up to a whopping 15 kilograms. The Zambezi has become known as the best place to take on this ferocious fish in Southern Africa, attracting travellers from all over the world for a spot of catch-and-release fishing. Join them from August to November for the chance to net one of these beauties yourself (maybe with a helping hand from an expert…).