Adventure experiences

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.

It doesn't get dreamier than gazing over Sossusvlei's surreal landscape of high-rise dunes and desert-adapted wildlife from a hot air balloon. After a strong coffee under the early-morning moonlight, depart from camp and head to the launch site. Watch as the balloon comes to life with a burst of heat before lifting into the air as dawn breaks. Float above the rust-coloured desert as solo oryx become pinpricks and spot the surreal 'fairy circles' - ask your pilot about that one! Let the wind be your guide as you sink lower to see ostriches sprinting across the sand, before rising again for the ultimate snap. Your pilot will set the balloon down for a scenic champagne breakfast before you return to camp.

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!