Active experiences

Zambia is home of the walking safari, and exploring Liuwa Plains on foot will certainly not disappoint. Wander along glittering streams, through shady patches of forest and across the vast plains as the sun pops its head above the horizon. A walking safari here isn’t so much about chasing animals, but about enjoying your surroundings, taking it slow and simply "being" in nature.

When you see the dorsal fin silently slice the clear water, you know a Great White Shark has arrived near your boat. Secured in a special steel cage, you then descend below the surface for a little one-on-one with this terrifying, beautiful creature - it's nerve-wrecking, yet extremely rewarding.

Explore on foot to enjoy changing landscapes, see indigenous plants of the Cape Floral Kingdom up close, spot a jewel-bright sunbird or hear the call of the African fish eagle. You might even see mammals that are protected in the Cederberg wilderness, like Cape mountain zebra, bontebok, bat-eared fox and klipspringer.

The acacia-speckled plains and waving golden grass of the Serengeti may be one of the most iconic safari scenes and what better way to see it all than with a game drive? Leave as dawn breaks or in the dusky afternoon, plaster your binocs to your face and get wildlife-spotting...There's a spectacular variety to see! The Serengeti is home to every member of the Big Five so expect to see soulful elephant wandering between the trees, lions snoozing amongst the vast herds of grazing buffalo. And your guide will be there to give you all the insider info. Every piece of the Serengeti offers something unique but whether it's spying on wild dog in the south, watching rhino amble through the brush in Moru Kopjes or losing your breath at the sight of big cats in Grumeti - it promises to be epic.

Step out onto the wide open grasslands in the early morning dew or the afternoon sunshine, to experience the Masai Mara up-close. Your guide will provide the 411 on this wild corner of Kenya, as you ditch the rumbling jeep for the melody of the bush. From the ground up, there is something to see...the hundred-legged millipede scuttling by, spotted hyena racing across your path and the martial eagle whose cry echoes across the skies. Lest we forget the safari icons, which you'll watch in wonder, although from further away!

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. 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…!

With a variety of reef and big game fish, the waters offer a stunning experience for both beginners and advanced fishermen. We're happy to report that the fishing here is informed by the marine reserve's conservation policies and is done on a catch and release basis. Head out on a fully-equipped fishing boat to catch everything from sailfish, wahoo and giant trevally (up to 50kg) to giant black marlin - it's one of the best places to do so! The conditions are good all year round but peak season for big game fishing is between mid-September and late December.

Stride out on to one of the nature trails that wind around huge granite boulders, confident in the knowledge that there are no venomous snakes or dangerous animals on the island. Walk through woodlands of baobab, fig, mahogany and miombo trees and enjoy the views out over the lake.

On this trip, you’ll take a boat out to Livingstone Island, the spot where Dr David Livingstone first glimpsed the mighty Victoria Falls and the launch point for the Devil’s Pool. The boats leave from the Royal Livingstone hotel and take around 5 – 8 minutes to reach the island. After a guided tour of the island it’s time for the swim of your life and you’ll inch across the Zambezi before plunging into the ultimate, natural infinity pool. Once in the frothing ‘Jacuzzi’, swim up to the brim for a once-in-a-lifetime view of the water tumbling down to the rocky gorge below. Phew! Depending on the time of your visit, light refreshments (or lunch) and drinks will be served on the island.

When you hear Sossusvlei, we'd bet there's one word in your mind, dunes! Meet your expert guide in the early morning (when the heat is still bareable) to explore Dune Alley where ridges of rust-coloured dunes rise above the stark landscape. Summit to the peak of millenia-old dunes that rise to over 200 metres. Quest to the top of Dune 45, Sossusvlei's most photographed dune or conquer Big Daddy where you'll be rewarded with views over surreal Deadvlei. Spot the tracks of a tiny toktokkie beetle on your way up and don't worry, any footprints you leave behind will be swept away by noon. After much-deserved refreshments, head back to camp.

You'll see plenty of the Lower Zambezi from your trusty Land Cruiser, but to truly get under the hide of this beautiful and wildlife-filled area, a walking safari is in order. In Zambia, every guide is well-versed in the secrets of the bush and they'll gladly share them with you. Step out in the morning for a good leg stretch as you examine the tracks and catch up on the night’s activities of a shy serval or leopard on the prowl, or take a stroll in the afternoon and discover a new-found respect for dung beetles, sausage trees and the guides who decipher it all.

Adventure awaits for every intrepid traveler here. Explore the extensive arteries of trails with hikes to suit all levels, from gentle strolls along coastal paths to treacherous scrambles up rocky inclines. Along the way, take the time to stop and admire the spectacular panoramic views. Mountains dominate the horizon with jagged beauty, reflected in the cool channels, waterways, and pools. Take to the water for boating and kayaking adventures. Some popular highlights that can be found at Tierra del Fuego include Laguna Esmeralda, Acigami Lake, Ensenada Bay, Ovando River, and the Beagle Channel.

Why visit them on the outside if you can discover them on the inside? Come and be part of this great adventure, discover a unique place in the world, surrounded by turquoise waters and large rock formations. Go kayaking and get to know the Cathedral, Chapel and marble tunnel. Let yourself be surprised by one of the most beautiful landscapes with our kayak Guides entering the different formations, being able to appreciate and be in direct contact with nature.