What Activities Can We Do Beyond Safari Game Drives in Africa?

Africa is so much more than game drives.

Imagine floating silently along a river as elephants gather at the water's edge, soaring above the savannah in a hot-air balloon at sunrise, trekking through ancient rainforests to encounter mountain gorillas, or sharing stories around a campfire beneath a sky filled with stars.

Whether you're travelling as a family, a couple or a group of adventure seekers, Africa offers countless ways to experience its landscapes, wildlife and cultures beyond the safari vehicle.

Here are some unforgettable experiences to consider when planning your African adventure.

South Africa 🇿🇦

From coastlines and mountains to vineyards and wilderness, South Africa offers incredible variety.

• Bush walks: Explore the wilderness on foot with an experienced guide and discover the smaller details often missed from a vehicle.
• Ocean adventures: Go whale watching, kayak along the coast, dive with sharks or explore the underwater world.
• Adventure activities: Hike Table Mountain, catch a wave, go horse riding or explore scenic cycling routes. Adventis can recommend the best places to experience it all, including some fantastic surf spots. 😉
• Food and wine experiences: Discover the Cape Winelands, enjoy farm-to-table dining and explore family-friendly wine estates.
• Cultural experiences: Learn about South Africa's rich heritage through local communities, traditions and cuisine.

Explore some of our suggested journeys for inspiration here. These are just starting points, there’s so much more to discover! We’ll tailor your experience around YOU!

Kenya 🇰🇪

Experience the wild beauty of East Africa while connecting with its landscapes and people.

• Hot-air balloon safaris: Float over the Maasai Mara at sunrise, followed by a memorable bush breakfast.
• Cultural encounters: Learn about Maasai traditions through respectful, community-led experiences.
• Walking safaris: Discover tracks, plants and smaller wildlife with knowledgeable guides.
• Scenic adventures: Explore the Great Rift Valley, visit lakes and enjoy guided hikes in selected regions.

Explore a selection of our suggested journeys here. Each is simply a starting point for something extraordinary, with endless possibilities to make your own.

Tanzania 🇹🇿

Tanzania offers dramatic scenery, remarkable wildlife and adventures that reach beyond the plains.

• Hot-air balloon safaris: Watch the Serengeti awaken from above, especially during the early morning light.
• Walking safaris: Experience the African bush on foot in suitable areas with professional guides.
• Mount Kilimanjaro: Take on the challenge of trekking Africa's highest mountain, subject to fitness and preparation.
• Cultural experiences: Discover local traditions through carefully arranged community visits.
• Beach escapes: Unwind on Zanzibar's beautiful beaches, snorkel in turquoise waters or explore Stone Town.

Get inspired by some of our suggested journeys here. And remember, this is just the beginning — there’s a whole world of possibilities waiting to be explored!

Botswana 🇧🇼

Botswana's waterways and remote wilderness create opportunities for a different kind of safari.

• Mokoro excursions: Glide through the Okavango Delta's channels in a traditional-style dugout canoe, where conditions and water levels allow.
• Boat safaris: Cruise along the Chobe River and watch elephants and other wildlife gathering at the water's edge.
• Walking safaris: Explore the bush with experienced guides in suitable areas.
• Scenic helicopter flights: Take in the extraordinary scale of the Delta from above.

Take a look at some of our suggested journeys for inspiration. We have so much more to offer, and we’d love to create something that’s uniquely yours.

Namibia 🇳🇦

For families and travellers who love wide-open spaces, Namibia offers a remarkable combination of desert, coastline and adventure.

• Desert exploration: Climb the towering dunes of Sossusvlei and discover the surreal landscape of Deadvlei.
• Quad biking and guided desert activities: Explore selected desert landscapes with experienced operators.
• Scenic self-drive adventures: Travel through dramatic mountain ranges, remote coastlines and vast desert scenery.
• Stargazing: Experience exceptionally dark skies in remote areas.
• Surfing: Experienced surfers may seek out Skeleton Bay on the Skeleton Coast, famous for its exceptionally long left-hand waves. This is a challenging, specialist surf destination rather than a beginner activity.

Explore some of our suggested journeys for inspiration here. These are just starting points, there’s so much more to discover! We’ll tailor your experience around YOU!

Zambia 🇿🇲

Zambia is ideal for travellers who want to get closer to nature and embrace adventure.

• Walking safaris: Experience one of Africa's great walking-safari destinations, particularly South Luangwa. Explore our suggested Zambia walking safari here.
• Canoeing and river safaris: Explore waterways with experienced guides in suitable areas and conditions.
• White-water rafting: Take on the rapids of the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls, subject to seasonal conditions and operator advice.
• Scenic flights: Enjoy helicopter or microlight flights over Victoria Falls for a spectacular perspective.

Tantalize your tastebuds with this suggested journey.

Zimbabwe 🇿🇼

Zimbabwe combines outstanding wilderness with some of Africa's most exciting adventure activities.

• Victoria Falls adventures: Experience the falls from scenic viewpoints or take a helicopter flight above the gorge.
• White-water rafting: Navigate the powerful Zambezi rapids with qualified operators when conditions permit.
• Canoeing safaris: Paddle along sections of the Zambezi with experienced guides.
• Walking safaris: Explore wild landscapes on foot in suitable reserves, accompanied by professional guides.

Take a look at a few of our suggested journeys. Think of them as the beginning of your adventure, not the limits of what's possible.

Uganda 🇺🇬

Uganda is a wonderful choice for travellers who want lush landscapes, primate encounters and active adventures.

• Gorilla trekking: Journey into the rainforest to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Permits, age restrictions and fitness requirements apply.
• Chimpanzee tracking: Explore tropical forests with expert guides in search of our closest living relatives.
• White-water rafting: Experience the Nile near Jinja, a renowned destination for river adventures.
• Murchison Falls: Witness the Nile squeeze through a narrow gorge before plunging dramatically below.
• Nature walks: Discover forests, birdlife and extraordinary biodiversity.

Browse some of our suggested journeys and let your imagination wander. There's so much more waiting to be discovered, and your journey can be as unique as you are.

Rwanda 🇷🇼

Rwanda offers an exceptional blend of rainforest adventures, wildlife and cultural discovery.

• Mountain gorilla trekking: Meet mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park with a permitted guided trek.
• Chimpanzee tracking: Explore the rich rainforest of Nyungwe National Park.
• Canopy walks: Walk above the forest floor and take in spectacular views of the surrounding canopy.
• Cultural experiences: Discover Rwanda's history, art, coffee culture and local traditions.
• Lake Kivu: Enjoy lakeside relaxation, kayaking and boat excursions in selected areas.

This will ignite your excitement!

Mozambique 🇲🇿

For a slower pace after an adventurous safari, Mozambique offers beautiful coastlines and warm Indian Ocean waters.

• Snorkelling and scuba diving: Explore coral reefs and vibrant marine life in suitable locations.
• Dhow sailing: Cruise along the coast aboard a traditional-style sailing boat.
• Ocean adventures: Enjoy kayaking, island excursions and beach explorations.
• Marine wildlife encounters: Depending on the destination and season, opportunities may include whale watching and responsible marine-life experiences.

Make Your African Safari About More Than Wildlife

The beauty of Africa is that no two adventures need to look the same. You might combine a traditional safari with a walking adventure, spend a few days exploring mountains and coastlines, or finish your journey on a tropical island.

For families, these shared experiences can become some of the most memorable parts of the trip: learning something new together, stepping outside your comfort zone and discovering the world beyond your everyday routine.

At Adventis, we believe the best African adventures are designed around the people taking them. Whether you're dreaming of a luxury safari, an active family escape or a journey that combines wildlife, culture and purpose, we'll help you find the right experiences for your travel style.

Your Africa. Your adventure. Your story to bring home.

Plan Your Journey with Adventis