Skip the Safari – 5 African Adventures you Don’t Want to Miss

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Rad Adventures In Africa

Planning a trip to Africa? Spare your friends and family the hundreds of safari photos. With over 50 countries spanning a continent diverse enough to have snow-top mountains and smoldering deserts, the memories (and photos) from these 5 African adventures of a lifetime are sure to leave ‘em wanting more.

These one-of-a-kind, action-packed excursions are not for the faint of heart, from micro-flights to shark diving, these African escapades bring just as much excitement as a safari to your vacation. Pack your bags (leave the Steve Irwin hat at home) and get ready for African adventures of a lifetime.

1. Big Rush Bungee Jump

Take the drop on the world’s highest bungee jump. Photo Credit: Big Rush

Take a trip to the world’s tallest bungee jump, located right above the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa. Heart racing heights, the coast of the Indian Ocean, and a ticket price of just over $50 make this gravity-defying drop one to add to your bucket list.

After taking the jump (or push) off the platform, adrenaline junkies fall 60 meters, clocking in at a maximum speed of 120kph. If Miss South Africa did it, you can too.

Location: Shop 15, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, South Africa
Operators: Big Rush

2. Shark Cage Diving

A must for any adrenaline enthusiast. Photo Credit: White Shark Projects

Plunge into the depths of “Shark Alley,” a corridor known for its large population of ferocious friends. With only a few metal bars separating you from the deadly jaws, adventures seekers are sure to have a breathtaking swim.

White Shark Projects, located on the coast of Gansbaai, South Africa, is dedicated to the research and conservation of the great white shark. After your dive, you’ll walk away with not only an experience of a lifetime but with some great white knowledge as well.

Location: 16 Geelbek St, Gansbaai, Western Cape, South Africa
Operators: White Shark Projects

3. Nile River Rafting

Challenge yourself on the Nike river’s grade 5 rapids. Photo credit: Nile River Explorers

Ditch the scenic river cruise for an electrifying white water rafting trip down the Nile. From family-friendly trips to extreme grade 5 excursions, Nile River Explorers has it all. Your 14-foot sea vessel offers stunning views (both in-and-out of water) of one of the world’s largest rivers.

If you’re looking to try your first grade 5 rapids, the Nike River is rated as one of the safest locations to do so. By booking with this Uganda-based rafting company, you support their efforts in local wildlife conservation, education, and water safety.

Location: Plot 30 Wilson Ave, Jinja, Uganda
Operators: Nile River Explorers

4. Mountain Bike Table Mountain National Park

Ride to the top of speculator Table Mountain. Photo credit: Africa Point

Home to one of the world’s most diverse floral concentrations, Table Mountain National Park offers plenty of sight-seeing activities for adventure enthusiasts. Hikes, bike trails, and guided tours are available for your leisure.

This Cape Town excursion was named one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature,” showcasing beautiful coastlines, wildlife, and hiking trails throughout the park. AWOL Tours offers guided bike tours around Cape Peninsula, stopping at Table Mountain and even viewing the African penguins at Boulder Beach. Your AWOL Tour includes full transportation, entry fees, bikes, and a day packed with unforgettable memories.

Location: Waterfront Tourism Information Centre, Dock Rd, Cape Town, South Africa
Operators: AWOL Tours

5. Micro-fly over Victoria Falls

Soak in the sights high above Victoria Falls. Photo credit: Batoka Sky

Skip the tourist lines by flying over Victoria Falls in a microlight plane. Passengers take a 15 or 30-minute flight over Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, and finish with a low-flying tour over Mosi-oa-Tunya Zoological Park, giving you a new view of the safari animals Jeeps simply can’t provide.

Your pilot doubles as a professional photographer, capturing the stunning views and terrified look on your face, so you can focus on the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Location: 4023, Sichango Road, Livingstone, Zambia
Operators: Livingstone’s Adventure

Read more about must-do marathons in Africa and ideas for your next big adventure.

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Ellie Herring

Ellie Herring is creative writer, chai tea addict, and unofficial dog whisperer. You can usually catch her at a funky Denver music venue or festival dancing near the front of the stage. When she’s not behind her computer (or embarrassing her friends at a show), you can find her hula hooping in the mountains.

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