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If like us, you love to be out in nature, there is nothing better than hiking to really benefit from the great outdoors.
If like us, you love to be out in nature, there is nothing better than hiking to really benefit from the great outdoors. Africa is full of beautiful walks and hikes for the adventurous traveller. Below are just a few of our favourites.
The Republic of Congo is known for its Western Lowland Gorilla trekking, but it is also leading the conservation initiative by preserving a vulnerable rainforest, the “lungs” of our planet and an outstanding adventure destination with minimal impact on the ecosystem. Between rainforests, savannahs, rivers, mineral rich baïs, you undertake an epic adventure of gorilla trekking, game drives, boating, kayaking, forest walking and river-wading to discover rare and endangered species.
Mboko Camp, Odzala Discovery Camps allows for hikes through the rainforests and baïs; an adventurous but conscious way to explore.
Every visitor to Cape Town includes Table Mountain in their trip. Most do this via the revolving cable car, but a highly rewarding activity is to hike the Mountain. Steeped in history and filled with incredible indigenous flora and fauna, this majestic Mountain is best explored on foot with one of our excellent guides. The Skeleton Gorge hike starts at stunning Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, then you ascend Skeleton Gorge through a rare, Afromontane forest. This hike has 6 short ladders and a short section of boulders to scramble over (this is the fun part!). Eventually the path opens up offering expansive views. At the top is the Hely-Hutchinson Reservoir and from this point it is a steady climb onto the ‘back table’ to Maclear’s Beacon, which is the highest point on Table Mountain at 1085 meters. The last section is a relatively flat walk offering iconic views of the front side of Table Mountain and the City of Cape Town below.
Hiking with a knowledgeable guide, from Mother City Hikers, will ensure your safety and that you get the most out of your hike. (image below, left)
Luxury Travel Manager, Belinda, ascending the ultimate Namib dune, Big Daddy. (image below, right)
The wilderness hike through Namibia’s spectacular Fish River Canyon (second largest canyon in the world) is on everyone’s bucket list. The Canyon stretches for 180 kilometres (105.6 miles) from Sesriem down to the Orange River with hikers embarking on a 4-5 day 85 kilometre (52.8 mile) hike, sleeping under the stars.
For those with limited time, exploring the much shorter Sesriem Canyon or walking up Big Daddy, one of the highest dunes in the world. Start your climb as early as possible, so you are able to reach the summit before the desert heat of the day. The going can be tough as your feet sink into the sand, but the views from the top and careering downhill to the eerie Deadvlei down below, makes it worth it!
Rwanda is a country that impresses from the minute you. The epic scenery, pleasant climate and magnificent wildlife make the land a remarkable place to explore on foot. The best hiking to be had is in the western half of the country, all the way from Volcanoes National Park in the north, along the fringes of Lake Kivu in the west (Congo Nile Trail) and down to Nyungwe National Park in the south (home to Chimpanzees and brilliant bird-life). Of course, most visit to trek Mountain Gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park, where conservationist Dian Fossey spent 20 years of her life studying gorillas. Hiking through mountainous rainforest, with strict conservation rules governing this once-in-a-lifetime experience is a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
Once you have completed this experience, you will be hooked on Africa for sure!
Located in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is the African continent’s highest peak at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet). It is the largest free-standing mountain rise in the world. Known as a walk-up mountain, it is one of the world’s Seven Great Summits and a goal for many adventurous spirits. The mountain is also known for its snow-capped peak; however, scientists warn that the snow might disappear within the next 20 years or so – so book your climb now!
After you have taken on the climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, a wildlife safari is the perfect way to reward yourself.
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