Adventure experiences

It's not called Cape Point for nothing, jutting out into the icy Atlantic Ocean with panoramic views as far as the eye can see. Exploring the nature reserve can easily take the entire day, with hidden, white sand beaches and fynbos-clad hiking or biking trails. Keep your eyes peeled for speeding ostriches, various antelope and over 270 species of bird. Plus, listen out for the telltale bark of a chacma baboon (but don't share your lunch)! Travel via the 'Flying Dutchman' funicular to scenic lookout points and picnic spots - you may even see whales between August and October. Make sure you get a look at the Cape's original lighthouse (and a few snaps) before you go.

Gazing over the edge of the glorious Victoria Falls, it's no surprise to learn that its local name means, 'the smoke that thunders'. Spend the morning or afternoon exploring one of the Seven Wonders of the World, meander along the walking trails and stop off at each of the 4 view points to see the falls from every angle. As one of the world's largest waterfalls, there is no bad time to be there but it reaches a roaring zenith in May when 10 million litres of water cascades into Batoka Gorge. If you want to have a more involved experience then this can be booked as a guided activity and you can easily pop over to the Zimbabwean side to experience the falls from a different angle for an additional cost.

Like a scene from a National Geographic doc, the terracotta landscape of Sossusvlei must be seen to be believed. It's here that towering dunes stop the barely-flowing Tsauchab River and hide a world of desert-adapted wildlife from the coast. Depart from the lodge in a 4x4 and let your breath be well and truly taken away by the star-shaped monoliths that are constantly shifted by the wind. Brave a trek to the peak of 'Big Daddy' for the ultimate snap of an oryx strolling in its shadow or walk amongst the dunes as your guide tells you how this place came to be. Stop for a chilled drink and, if you choose an afternoon excursion, catch the sunset before returning to home base.

After the rains come, the lower stretch of the Zambezi branches out onto the floodplains of Northern Zimbabwe. This natural waterpark is a haven and a canoe safari is the best way to explore this seasonal gathering, bringing you much closer to the animals than possible on the land - especially as you wend your way past harrumphing pods of hippo. Sit safely just a few yards from an unhurried pride of lions lapping at the water’s edge, paddle past elephants as they cross from one side of the Zambezi to another and enjoy the myriad of bird species that make their homes on the banks of the river. Crocodiles and hippos are in abundance and therefore these magical journeys are not for the faint hearted. This experience is always carried out with a highly qualified guide and can last anything from 2-3 hours to 2-3 days, the choice is yours.

Depart from your lodge, led by your all-knowing guide, to see for yourself why it's called the Skeleton Coast. Drive along the craggy coastline where the remains of boats tell the story of seafarers who lost their battle with the ocean and the bleached skeletons of whales stand eerily among them. Hear the legends and truths of these shipwrecks from your guide and stop to capture the most photographed wrecks in Namibia. As the fog rolls off the Atlantic Ocean, the surreal landscape becomes even more so!

Africa’s highest mountain is certainly no walk in the park. Standing close to the equator and yet maintaining a permanent snowcap, you know that summiting this dormant volcano is not for the faint of heart. Several days of hard fought trudging carries you away from the game plains, landing you at 5,895 metres just in time to take in the most spectacular sunrise you’re ever likely to witness. Hundreds of kilometres of flat savannah with dotted lakes, silver in the slanting morning sunlight, stretch away from your feet and add to the dizzying high of having conquered perhaps the most handsome of the ‘Seven Summits’.

​Take Africa’s largest lake, pull the plug, and watch as millions of tonnes of water sluice through… That plughole is Jinja in Uganda where Lake Victoria’s contents spill out, forming the Nile and some of the world’s most spectacular rapids. Hurtle down a broiling 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.

Depart from camp as the morning breaks over the plains and the wildlife wakes, or after a siesta in the late afternoon, for a game drive in the bowl of the Great Rift Valley. And believe us, there's plenty to see... Keep your binoculars and camera on hand to spot vast herds of stamping buffalo, prides of lion peering out from the savannah and unmistakable swish of a leopard's tail in the treetops. The park is also home to rare white and black rhino! Trundle past Lake Nakuru where you'll revel in the birdlife, from the tiniest colourful bee-eater to the Verreaux's eagle soaring regally overhead.

Stand on the battlefields of the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War and let your guide and storyteller bring the sights, sounds and scents to life. Learn of the Zulu bravery and innovation that defeated the British Army at Isandlwana, then hear how British soldiers, vastly outnumbered, still managed to win at Rorke’s Drift.

Just 700m shorter than its more famous sister, Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Kenya is a sight to behold. You emerge from the bordering forests onto stretches of grassy mountain plains broken with deep valleys and lush mountain streams. As you climb higher into the land of giant lobelia’s the temperature drops and Mt Kenya’s three peaks; Batian, Nelion and Lenana tower above you. Those who summit Lenana for sunrise are rewarded with spectacular views, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Mt Kilimanjaro. Technical alpine climbers take on Batian and Nelion, which some of the world’s best climbers have declared to be amongst the most challenging and rewarding technical ascents in the world.

As Africa's original island darling, Mauritius has become synonymous with velvety sands that melt into sky-blue water, and snorkelling is one of the best ways to enjoy it. Below the surface, there is over 200 types of coral in bright hues and amazing formations, which is home to an array of colourful marine life. The waters of Mauritius are home to over 430 species, but the best time to spot sea turtles is between November and March. Apart from hurricane season (Jan - Feb), the conditions are sublime with outstanding visibility, especially between March and April.

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.

There are so many ways to see Vic Falls by day, but by dusk, there's only one contender - a sundowner cruise. Step aboard for a cruise along the glimmering Zambezi River. With an ice-cold sundowner in hand (and tasty kebabs to snack on), wind your way past basking hippo, deftly moving Nile crocodile and elephant who trumpet at the water's edge as African fish eagles soar overhead. Return to shore when night has truly fallen and don't forget to look out for the famous 'moonbows' that appear in the right conditions. Your best time to go is the dry season months of April to September when the river and wildlife are in overdrive.