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adventure safari activities
© Wilderness Safaris

Calling all adventurers.

go beyond the classic safari.

From heart-pounding game drives across rugged landscapes to exhilarating bush walks led by expert guides, every moment is infused with excitement and discovery. Whether tracking elusive predators or navigating through dense forests, swapping the game drive vehicle for a quad bike or even a horse, an adventure safari offers the perfect blend of adrenaline and awe, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Building a safari with extra adventure.

If your kind of getaway includes pushing boundaries and trying new things, an African adventure safari might just be what you need. Africa offers in incredible amount of activities for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Heart-pounding encounters with wildlife. Adrenaline-pumping excursions through diverse landscapes (with several different transport options). The African continent’s vast wilderness provides endless opportunities and unforgettable experiences for the adventurous traveler.

Favorite adventure safari activities.

Game Drives

An iconic adventure for good reason. The game drive ,whether done in an open 4×4 vehicle or a traditional safari truck, these are not your typical Sunday drive. Explore vast savannahs, dense forests, and winding rivers and deltas teeming with wildlife. From the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros – to smaller, more elusive creatures like cheetahs and wild dogs, encountering these majestic animals in their natural habitat is an exhilarating experience.

WALKING SAFARIS

Hop out of the game vehicle and enter a world where you are no longer the alpha. An intimate (and heart-pounding) wildlife encounter, a guided bush walk provides a thrilling alternative to traditional game drives. You’ll be led by experienced trackers and armed guides, traversing the African wilderness on foot. Each of your senses will be on fire – as they highly attune to the unknown sights, sounds, and smells of the bush. Track wildlife via footprints, learn about the intricate ecosystems that support diverse these animals, and gain a deeper understanding of the natural world.

HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARIS

While not a fast-paced activity, a hot air balloon trip is most assuredly an adventure you’ll want to repeat. Drift silently above the savannah as the sun rises, with panoramic views of the landscape below, dotted with herds of grazing animals and winding rivers. From the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in Kenya, hot air balloon safaris offer a perspective on the African wilderness that you won’t get in a game drive vehicle or even up in a helicopter.

RAFTING & BUNGEE

If the activities so far are making you yawn, then perhaps white-water rafting and bungee jumping will provide the exhilarating break you desire from traditional safari activities. Head to Zambia, where the Zambezi River offers some of the best white-water rafting in the world. Or head to the iconic Victoria Falls, located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. This towering selection of waterfalls is a mecca for the adventure safari-goer, offering the chance to bungee jump or jump swing off the historic Victoria Falls Bridge – as well as raft next to crocodile.

QUAD BIKING

Grab your own set of 4 wheels and literally kick it up a notch with an ATV or quad bike. A fantastic way to explore remote areas – while having less of an impact on the environment than a standard SUV. Our favorite destinations for quad biking are the salt pans of the Makgadigkadi and the rolling dunes of Namibia. These open areas of vast isolation are perfectly expored on a quad bike.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

A rare activity and only offered in certain reserves under a knowledgeable and armed guide. Pedal along empty dirt tracks, taking in the scenery and wildlife in the distance. Mountain biking while on safari can be done in the South Luangwa area of Zambia, the Chyulu Hills of Kenya, in the Ngorongoro Crater of northern Tanzania, and even in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.

CANOE & RIVER SAFARIS

The mighty Zambezi River cuts through Zimbabwe and Zambia, providing a canoe trip safari experience that will combine both serenity and danger. Your canoes takes either 2 or 3 people, with all trips led by at least one pro guide and another experienced back paddler. Your guides have likely grown up paddling on the Zambezi and know how to best delight and protect you. Drift silenctly past birds, crocodiles and a variety of mammals on the banks.

UNDERWATER SAFARIS

Want to swap dry land for the deep blue sea? Scuba diving and snorkeling in Africa’s pristine coastal waters is a brilliant opportunity to explore vibrant coral reefs and their unique marine life. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, or explore the dive sites of Tanzania’s Mafia Island. The African coastline is home to underwater wonders waiting to be discovered.

HORSEBACK SAFARIS

Explore parts of Africa otherwise inaccessible, with a horse riding adventure. Hop on for a few hours or several days, with horseback riding options for all skill levels available. Horseback safaris in Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Makgadigadi Pans as well as riding safaris in East Africa, South Africa and Namibia abound. Get closer to the wildlife and see things through their eyes, on the back of a trusty steed.

TIGER FISHING

Easily one of the best places for the avid fisherman is the Zambezi River, where both fly fishing and tiger fishing are available. World-class freshwater angling can be found with a sustainable catch-and-release requirement, at some of Zambia’s best lodges. Another epic fishing destination is Kenya. Along its northern coast, you can catch big game fish like wahoo, marlin and kingfish. And excursions to the Jade Sea, in the volcanic and moon-like landscapes of the Turkana desert, can find you catching Nile Perch from within the eerily green waters.

Adventure safari itineraries.

Let's build your african adventure safari.

when the call of the wild is second-nature.

All images on this page are provided and owned by one of our preferred safari operators, Wilderness Safaris.