5 of the Best Places in Africa to do Adventure Activities & Safaris

Africa is full of phenomenal safari destinations. From Jinja, in Uganda, down to the Garden Route in South Africa and then back up again to Swakopmund in Namibia you are literally spoiled for choice. But your safari adventure need not be limited to the Big Five, game drives and relaxing around a campfire. Here at African Budget Safaris, we’ve decided to compile a list of our Top 5 safari destinations to combine with adventure activities in Africa.

Victoria falls the smoke that thunders by Kate Tann

1. Victoria Falls Adventures & Hwange or Chobe Safaris - Zimbabwe & Botswana
2. Swakopmund Adventures & Etosha Safaris - Nambia
3. Jinja Adventures & Bwindi Gorilla Trekking - Uganda
4. Cape Town Adventures & Big 5 Reserves or Kruger Fly-in Safaris - South Africa
5. Garden Route Adventures & Addo Elephant National Park - South Africa

Rafting the nile jinja by Michell Zappa

1. Victoria Falls Adventure Activities & Hwange or Chobe Safaris 

Victoria Falls offers a front-row seat at the adrenaline fair. Helicopter rides, bungee jumping, white water rafting, crocodile cage diving and more thrilling adventure activities are all on offer in Victoria Falls. The close proximity of Victoria Falls, to both Hwange National Park to the south in Zimbabwe and Chobe National Park to the west in Botswana, makes it an ideal safari add-on.

Vic falls bridge by Mike

• Vic Falls Bungee Jump

Epic. People rave about the Victoria Falls bungee jump. Stepping off the Victoria Falls Bridge for a 4 second, 111m free fall is the adrenaline thrill whose patrons have included Will Smith, Richard Branson and Kelly Slater. But what sets this African bungee jump apart is the backdrop of the impressive Victoria Falls and the powerful Zambezi River churning below.

Flying fox vic falls by Pedroparigot

• Victoria Falls Zipline, Flying Fox and Gorge Swing

These three easy adventure activity safari add-ons all take place in the Batoka Gorge below the Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls zipline is said to be the longest foofy slide in the world. Wearing a safety harness in a comfortable sitting position, thrill-seekers – flying solo or in tandem – shoot 400m across the gorge reaching speeds of over 100km per hour.

For those wanting the sensation of flying, the Vic Falls Flying Fox Zipline might just be for you. Safely ensconced in a full-body harness, the Flying Fox Zipline lets you coast for 200m across the gorge, 125m above the ground with the waters of the Zambezi beneath you.

Last but not least, the Batoka Gorge bridge swing. This giant swing puts you on the end of a  95m long bungee rope. From 120m above the raging Zambezi River, you will free fall for 70m before the cord pulls you away in an easy arc.

Rafting on the Zambezi Vic Falls by Sscha Grabouw

• White water Rafting at Victoria Falls

Fancy being in the water? The Zambezi River below Victoria Falls has some world-class rapids to get your adrenalin pumping. Choose half-day, full-day or multi-day rafting trips down the Zambezi River navigating some of the best rapids in the world! The best time to go white water rafting at Vic Falls is between July and February when the water levels are low. Be aware that white water rafting operations are closed around April to May depending on the rains.

Above Vic Falls by Mike

• Take a flight over Victoria Falls

Spending time at Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) is unforgettable in itself. But if you really want to get a sense of the sheer scale and beauty of Vic Falls, I’d highly recommend a trip in a helicopter or microlight. Getting a bird’s eye view of the Zambezi as it plummets into the 108m chasm takes the experience to the next level.

And, there are plenty of other adventure activities at Vic Falls. For more information check out The Top 10 Things to do at Vic Falls. If you’d like to know which African safari destination links best with Vic Falls, read on.

Zambezi Rafting Vic Falls by Kate Tann

Victoria Falls Adventures combine well with Hwange & Chobe

Hwange and Chobe are both fantastic safari destinations. Both Chobe and Hwange are an easy 1.5-hour drive from Victoria Falls. Between Chobe and Hwange the elephant density is said to be the largest in Africa with some estimates saying this could as high as 60,000 elephants.  That said, there is little separating the two and both are considered world-renowned safari destinations.

Leopard in chobe by Michael Jansen

Chobe National Park - Botswana

Chobe National Park is located in Botswana, a 1.5-hour drive west from Victoria Falls. After the Okavango, it is Botswana’s second most visited safari destination. Transfer buses run regularly from Vic Falls in Zimbabwe or Livingstone in Zambia. Don’t forget your passport as you will be crossing between Zimbabwe and Botswana (a land crossing at Kazungula) or Zambia and Botswana (across the Zambezi). Both routes arrive at Kasane town on the borders of Chobe, from where numerous safari companies and safari lodges operate.

Chobe safari elephant by Holger Wirth

Most Chobe safari experiences operate along a 20km section of the Chobe River. This area, in the northeastern part of the park that borders with Namibia, has large concentrations of wildlife because of the life-giving waters. The quality and frequency of wildlife sightings along this stretch of river are what makes Chobe National Park such an attractive option. Tour operators tend to focus on day trips into the park, usually a safari drive in the morning and a river cruise in the afternoon. While the game viewing is fantastic, you are likely to share your sightings with other safari-goers.

• 5 Day Chobe and Okavango Safari
• 7-Day Chobe, Okavango Delta & Moremi Lodge Tour

Check out these African budget Safaris that visit Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls:

• Victoria Falls Adventure Tour
• Chobe Moremi and Vic Falls Camping Safari to Botswana

Hwange wildlife by Paul Balfe

Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe

A 1.5-hour drive south from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, you will find Hwange National Park. Hwange is accessed along wide tarred roads by transfer buses from Victoria Falls. From Hwange Main Camp, 4x4 safari vehicles are on hand to collect and deliver safari-goers to their respective camps and lodges. Unlike Chobe that thrives on day visitors, Hwange prefers to encourage visitors to stay a few nights in the park.

Hwange does not have any natural waterways. Because of this, The park has man-made waterholes distributed throughout the 14 600 square kilometres of safari country. The benefit of this is that the wildlife is well-distributed meaning that traffic is not concentrated in a single area. Hwange is also blessed with an excellent and well-maintained road network, which further aids in distributing traffic in the park's borders. One final boon to visiting Hwange is the excellent guides available. In Zimbabwe, guides are required to train for at least 4 years to become a professional guide and Hwange is no exception.

Hwange safari elephants by Steven Dos Remedios

Check out these tours that visit Hwange National Park from Victoria Falls:

• Victoria Falls & Hwange National Park Lodge Safari
• 7 Day Victoria Falls, Hwange & Chobe Safari Tour
• 6 day Best of Zimbabwe Accommodated Overland safari

Whether you’ve chosen to experience the waterways of the Chobe River or the extensive wildlife routes in Hwange for that unspoilt-Africa feeling, both parks are just a short distance from one of southern Africa’s adventure meccas.

Swakopmund namibia by Murray Foubister

2. Swakopmund Adventure Activities & Etosha Safaris

Namibia is a country with heaps of sand. Deserts to be exact. Swakopmund is no different. But where there is a will for adventure, there is a way, and Swakopmund should really be on your adventure hotspot radar. The sand surrounding this Bavarian-style hamlet is a playground for those with a nose for adrenaline activities. Skydiving, quad biking, biking, kayaking and of course sandboarding are all popular adventure activities.

Swakopmund namibia safari by Murray Foubister

• Skydiving Swakopmund

A short look at the desert surrounding Swakopmund on google earth gives you an idea of the scale and appeal of this remote location. Head for the skies. A 25min scenic flight, with unparalleled views of desert sands and rugged coast before you jump (attached to an experienced jumpmaster) into the air, rushing at speeds of up to 200km/h towards the ground and finally, a slow descent taking in all the splendour that this remote location has to offer.

Swakopmund landing by Tim Snell

• Paragliding in Swakopmund

If jumping out of an airplane doesn’t sound exactly like your cup of tea but you still fancy getting some air time, why not try paragliding? Launch off sand dunes and take to the air on the desert thermals. This natural elevation into the sky is a great way to experience epic views, birdlife, game and the natural wonder of Damaraland and Sossusvlei.

• Quad Biking Swakopmund

Being in a giant sandpit is an opportunity to explore. What better way to get to grips with the searing sands than on a quad bike, zipping up dunes, tearing up the desert and racing friends? With so much sand and coastline to explore, quad biking might just be the perfect way to break free.

Namibia adventure sandboarding by Luke Price

• Swakopmund Sandboarding

A must-do. Sleek sand, snowboards or lie-down boards, no tour to Namibia is complete without sandboarding in Swakopmund. It's great fun barrelling down 100m high dunes, turning and twisting and falling and jumping up, racing to the top and trying it all again. There is something about it that awakens the inner child… complete with mouthfuls of desert sand!

• Swakopmund by bike

Compared with skydiving and sandboarding, riding a bike might seem a little… pedestrian. However, armed with sand-effective fat-tires and a whole playground of sand, this is really a great way to see the town and to explore a bit of the surrounding desert. There is even an opportunity for those more adventurous riders to tackle some monster dunes.

Seal colony swakopmund namibia by Keith Roper

• Ocean Kayaking in Swakopmund

When you’ve had enough of the desert and sand, head to the water. Swakopmund offers you the opportunity to kayak with seals at the famous Cape Cross Seal Colony. Start your trip with a 4x4 drive to the Pelican Point Peninsula before hopping into a kayak and heading out to sea. This trip promises frolicking seals from every angle as well as jackals, pelicans and even, with some luck, whales and dolphins.

Namibia safari by Santiago Medem

Swakopmund Adventure Activities & Etosha Safaris

Etosha is Namibia’s top safari destination. Located about 5 hours drive north of Swakopmund and Windhoek, Etosha is an unforgettable stop. Characterized by its harsh and unforgiving environment, the Etosha Pan is home to nearly 114 mammal species and more than 340 birds. On safari in Etosha, you are likely to see elephants, cheetahs, lions and leopards as well as a host of other African land mammals including the most famous of desert antelope, the oryx. For a more in-depth look at Etosha, check out our Etosha blog: The Wildlife Drama of Etosha Park.

Skydive swakopmund namibia by Mark Hills

The following safari tours pair wildlife viewing in Etosha with a potentially adrenaline-fuelled visit to Swakopmund.

• Budget Etosha National Park Lodge Safari
• 4 Day Namibia Safari Adventure: Etosha and Swakopmund
• 6 Day Namibia Dunes Wildlife Safari

Jinja Uganda by Kandukuru Nagarjun

3. Jinja Adventure Activities & Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safaris

On the northern shore of Lake Victoria, east of Kampala, Jinja is notably famous for being the historic source of the Nile. In recent years it has made a name for itself as the adventure activity capital of East Africa and with world-class rapids, bungee jumping and quad biking, for thrill-seekers, it is definitely worth a visit.

Rafting the nile jinja by Michell Zappa

• Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking & Tubing in Jinja

What better way to get to grips with the famed source of the Nile than water sports? Jinja has something for everyone. The world-class rapids on offer can be enjoyed on a short trip or multi-day adventure tour. White water rafting, kayaking or tubing, are all available for you to enjoy in Jinja. For those who don’t fancy the adrenaline of the whitewater Nile, you can take a kayak or SUP trip on the flat water.

River boarding jinja by YoTuT

• Jinja Riverboarding

It’s a bit like bodyboarding in the ocean waves but on white water rapids instead. Riverboarding in Jinja is offered as a full-day excursion that will leave you exhausted but happy in the afterglow of adrenaline and endorphins. It’s a great day of adventure to be shared with family and friends alike. 

Source of the nile bungee by Kandukuru Nagarjun

• Jinja Bungee Jumping, Uganda

The bungee jump in Jinja, Uganda, takes place off a custom-built platform from a height of about 44m. It is not the biggest or the most scenic but there is something special about jumping head first towards the longest river in the world.

Quad bike uganda

• Quad-biking in Jinja

After white river rafting, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) quad biking is one of the most popular activities in Jinja. Just show up no experience is required. The quad bike trails are set up for every level of experience from beginner to expert. Training is provided beforehand, as well as all protective gear that you’ll need to feel safe.

Uganda safari by VUT

Jinja pairs well with Gorilla Trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After getting your adventure fix in Jinja, it could be considered criminal not to get up close with one of the most endangered and endearing of the great apes. A gorilla trekking safari in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is an incredible opportunity. Not only see these majestic giants but also to directly contribute to gorilla conservation efforts. Because of its mild and stable climate, it is always a good time to visit Uganda. However, to avoid the rainy seasons, the best time for gorilla trekking is June to September.

Bwindi impenetrable forest

These three Gorilla Trekking Tours combine with Adventure Activities in Jinja:

• 5 Day Gorilla Trekking Safari
• Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife fly-in Safari
• 3 Day Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Cape Town City by Romain Pontida

4. Cape Town Adventures & Big 5 Reserves or Kruger Fly-in Safaris

Cape Town is famous for Table Mountain, beach penguins, the V&A Waterfront and the company gardens to name but a few of the attractions that keep tourists flowing to the mother city year after year. But did you know that Cape Town has its fair share of budget-friendly adventure activities to complement a Big Five Safari just beyond the city limits? Here’s a look at a few adventure activities in the Mother City.

Marine biologist kelly baker by Andrew Hofmeyr

• Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town

False Bay is teeming with life. Whales from August to November, dolphins, seals and penguins all year round, killer whales, seven-gill sharks, mako sharks and great white sharks. You can do all sorts of trips to see these creatures but, top of the adrenaline list is shark cage diving with great white sharks. Though you can do this activity all year round, the best visibility in the water is from March to September.

Shark Cage Diving 1 Day tour

Seal and snorkeler hout bay

• Seal Diving in Hout Bay, Cape Town

Hout Bay offers the unique experience of snorkelling with seals. These amazing, playful creatures congregate around the safe (read: shark-free) shallows and rocks of Duiker Island. These seal diving trips run in the spring to autumn months from September to May. Top tip: the best time to do this trip is from March to April when you can swim with seal pups who themselves are just learning to swim. 

Abseil table mountain by Abseil Africa

• Abseil off Table Mountain

Get up close and personal with the iconic Table Mountain. Weather permitting abseiling down Table Mountain - just below the cable car - takes place daily. It’s a 45-minute experience that includes all the gear and lets you slide down the sheer cliff face of South Africa’s most iconic landmark. The 112m drop will afford you the most breath-taking views of Lions Head, the city bowl and surrounding beaches.

Paraglide cape town by Stefan Magdalinski

• Paraglide off Lions Head, Cape Town

Paragliding is a low-key alternative to sky-diving. Cape Town offers the opportunity to do this less than a 15min drive from the city centre on Lions Head. Launch off Lions head above Sea Point and circle slowly down to the lawns of the famous Sea Point Promenade. Beautiful views, awesome experience.

• Kloofing in Cape Town

Kloofing is the sport of hiking up a gorge (or Kloof as we say in South Africa) and then finding your way back down via the waterways. Cape Town is blessed with two incredible trails. Kamikaze Canyon and Suicide Gorge. Both are full-day excursions that require a decent level of fitness and nerves of steel. Kamikaze Canyon offers a 65m abseil down a waterfall in addition to rock jumps between 3m and 22m in height. Suicide Gorge is an 18km round trip hike. You walk through immaculate fynbos before finding yourself at the top of Suicide Gorge. From there it’s a wet affair as you jump off a series of rock ledges into the coca-cola water below. A word of warning, once you’ve taken the first leap, there is only one way out. Both trips, because of the water, are best done in summer and the best time to do them is from November to April.

Rock Jumping near Cape Town

• Surfing & Kayaking Cape Town’s Waters

Once you’ve seen it from the vantage point of the mountains, gorges and the air, there is no better way to get to know Cape Town than on and in the water. Cape Town offers an abundance of beautiful beaches and shorelines and you can take your pick from boat cruises to kayaking and surfing. My top picks are kayaking with dolphins and other amazing sea creatures off the Sea Point and taking a surf lesson in Muizenberg or Table Bay. Wherever you find yourself, make a point of getting into the waters for an experience you’ll not forget. Both kayaking and surfing are year-round activities that are weather-dependent.

Cape town kite surfing by Derek Keats

• Kiteboarding Blouberg Strand, Cape Town

One of Cape Town’s least endearing qualities is the wind. That is, of course, unless you are a kitesurfer. Blouberg is one of the world’s hottest destinations for kitesurfers for unspoilt beaches, open oceans and a whole bunch of wind. If you are not a kitesurfer, it is a fantastic place to learn with some great operators with flexible packages. For ideas of what to do when the wind is howling see windy day activities in Cape Town.

Blouberg Adventures: Kite surfing at 3:12

Big Five Safaris near Cape Town

If your trip is short but you are hanging to see the Big Five, you need to look no further than the immediate surrounds. Cape Town has two parks within a 2.5hr drive Aquila Private Game Reserve and Inverdoorn. Inverdoorn is great for a full day Big Five safari excursion. It is open to day visitors with a day tour costing about R3370 per person inclusive of transport from Cape Town (return), welcome drinks, lunch and a 4x4 game drive with a professional guide. Aquila private game Reserve is the closest Big Five safari destination to Cape Town. The 2hr drive alone makes it an attractive option and the prices are relatively good at about R2930 per person for a day tour which includes transport from Cape Town (return), welcome drinks, a buffet breakfast, a buffet lunch and a 4x4 game drive with a professional guide. 

Cheetah at inverdoorn

The following Budget Cape Town Big Five Safaris include trips to Aquila or Inverdoorn:

• Budget Cape Town Big Five Safari
• 2 Day Budget Cape Town Big Five Lodge Safari
• 3 Day Budget Cape Town Big Five Safari

White rhino by Analise Zocher

That said if you absolutely have to get to the Kruger National Park it's closer than you think. To give you an idea, a flight from Cape Town to Hoedspruit followed by a pre-booked transfer to Kruger will take just under 6 hours. But you needn’t worry about the logistics and planning as there are plenty of amazing packages offering the safari that you have been dreaming of in Kruger.

• Cape Town, Kruger Park and Zimbabwe Safari

Addo safari experience by Vaiz Ha

5.Garden Route Adventures & Addo Elephant Park Safaris

The Garden Route, running from George to Port Elizabeth, is one of South Africa’s most sought after destinations. Its incredible natural beauty is however not its only drawcard. The Garden Route could just as well be called The Adventure Route with extreme activities like bungee jumping, paragliding, kayaking, surfing, blokarting and then some. And, to top it off, the world-renowned Addo Elephant Park waits an hour drive from Port Elizabeth, for an unforgettable African safari.

Garden route bloukrans bridge by Michael Jansen

• Highest Bungee Jump

Bloukrans bridge just 40km east of Plettenberg Bay is touted as the worlds highest commercial bungee jump. A 216m drop means an 11-second free fall, that’s 1 Zambezi, 2 Zambezi, 3 Zambezi… and still falling. The backdrop of the Bloukrans River Valley is phenomenal and thrill-seekers make their way here from all over the world for good reason… The Bloukrans bungee jump is always open.

Garden route canopy tour

• Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours

While you are in Tsitsikamma, check out the canopy tours at Storms River. These experiences involve exploring the Tsitsikamma tree canopy on zip lines. Most of the platforms are about 30m off the ground in yellow wood trees estimated to be over 700 years old. Looking down on the lush forest below and sliding smoothly between the trees is an amazing experience not to be missed. Canopy tours are opened all year round, best to book in advance so that you don’t miss out.

Plettenberg bay tandem jump by Bob Adams

• Paragliding Wilderness Beach

As you round a bend in the N2 from George to Knysna, you reach Dolphin point. Dolphin Point looks out over along the south coast, a seemingly endless stretch of yellow sand and pounding surf. It is breath-taking. From the hills above this stunning vista, you can paraglide in tandem, a safe and noiseless slow descent towards the sea. Fly with the birds, spot whales and the occasional shadow of a shark before coming to rest on the soft sand. This really is an incredible way to welcome yourself to the Garden Route, a truly unforgettable affair.

Note: Plettenberg Bay has some pretty cool paragliding spots too. If you miss your chance to paraglide Wilderness, you’ll get another at Plettenberg Bay.

Wilderness south africa

• Hike the Otter Trail

The Otter Trail is South Africa’s premier hike. The trail runs parallel to the ocean and runs along hillsides, into valleys, across rivers and through forests. It’s not a quick affair but takes you on a five day / four-night adventure through some pristine wilderness. Unlike the shorter adventure activities that can accommodate a fair amount of spontaneity, the Otter Trail needs to be booked about a year in advance. It is totally worth it and gives you time to get your fitness levels up to scratch. For more about the Otter Trail check out this blog: On the Otter Trail - Hiking along the Coast of South Africa

• Kayak and Lilo Adventure at Storms River

Paddle from the beach into the ocean, under the suspension bridge and into the Storms River Gorge. Deep pools of black water, sheer cliffs rising up on either side and plenty of opportunities to get wet. This 2.5-hour adventure in Storms River is available all year round.

• Spend 5 nights as a game ranger at Gondwana Nature Reserve

This is true immersion. Just north of Mossel Bay, Gondwana is a newly established 11000ha private game farm. The husband and wife team, who run the operation, invite you to spend time with them as they rehabilitate this former farm into a wildlife paradise. Track lions, set camera traps, count animals and clear alien vegetation. The before-dawn starts might sound off-putting except for the fact that you’d be staying in a 5-star luxury tented eco-camp and treated to divine food prepared by your host. This is a little on the high-end side but something magical nonetheless, an adventure to be remembered.

Addo Elephant National Park Safaris

Addo National Park has a lot more to offer than the name suggests. It happens to be the only safari park in Africa to boast the Big 7: elephants, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard as well as the southern right whale and the great white shark. Addo stretches from the Karoo in the north all the way down and into the marine area which encompasses St Croix Island and Bird Island, both of which are important breeding grounds for African Penguins.

Addo lion safari by Charls Sharp

These Garden Route safari packages all include a trip to Addo:

• 6 Day Garden Route Adventure Tour
• 6 Day Cape Town, Garden Route, Addo – Backpacking Safari
• Cape Town to Garden Route - South Africa Safari (Overland Camping Tour)

Robberg peninsula garden route

Whatever you decide to do, be it a full-blown adrenaline adventure or more chilled horses-on-the-beach excursions, an African safari is a perfect complement to adventure activities. Check out the tours we have to offer or speak to one of our African Budget Safari experts to tailor-make a safari adventure itinerary just for you.

Abseiling near Cape Town

Contact an African Budget Safari Expert HERE.