Activities in Africa
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FEATURED
Scuba Dive or Snorkel with Great White Sharks
11 hours (Departs Cape Town, South Africa)
by Viator
Join this tour for the underwater experience of a lifetime as you scuba dive or snorkel with the Great White Sharks of South Africa! Take the opportunity during…Not LP reviewed
from USD$199.48 - All activities
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Drumbeat Charters
Although increasingly given over to tourism, Hout Bay’s harbour still functions and the southern arm of the bay is an important fishing port and processing centre. From here you can catch a boat to Duiker Island (also known as Seal Island because of its colony of Cape fur seals, but not to be confused with the official Seal Island in False Bay). Three companies run cruises daily, usually with guaranteed sailings in the mornings. The cheapest, with a none-too-spectacular glass-bottomed boat, is Circe Launches; the others are Drumbeat Charters and Nauticat Charters.
reviewed
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Sahara Park Newlands
If it wasn’t for nearby South African Breweries messing up the view towards the back of Table Mountain, Newlands would be a shoo-in for the title of world’s prettiest cricket ground. Under a sponsorship deal its official name is Sahara Park Newlands, but everyone still knows the venue as Newlands Cricket Ground. With room for 25,000, it’s used for all international matches. The season runs from September to March with the one-day matches drawing the biggest crowds. Grab a spot on the grass to soak up the festive atmosphere. Tickets cost around R50 for local matches and up to R200 for internationals.
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Constantia Uitsig
The wine on sale here is actually made at the nearby Steenberg Vineyards – try their crisp semillon, luscious MCC Blanc de Blanc Brut (R325) or limited-release Muscat D’Alexandrie. It’s one for foodies since it boasts three excellent restaurants – Constantia Uitsig,La Colombe and the River Café, as well as a luxury hotel,ConstantiaUitsig.
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Downhill Adventures
This totally adrenaline-focused company got the craze for sandboarding going in the Cape, and its trip to Atlantis, north of the city centre, is R495/695 per half/full day. It also runs a regular surf school with half-day introductory courses for R495.
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Cleopatra's Bath
Siwa has no shortage of active, bubbling springs hidden among its palm groves. Following the track that leads to the Temple of the Oracle and continuing past the Temple of Umm Ubayd, will lead you to the most famous spring, Cleopatra's Bath. The crystal-clear natural spring water gurgles up into a large stone pool, which is a popular bathing spot for locals.
Women should think twice about swimming here during the day, and if they decide to brave the stares then they should only bathe with their clothes on.There are changing rooms at the nearby Tanta Waa café.
reviewed
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Tanbi Wetland Complex
If you like bird-watching but don't fancy travelling by pirogue, Kankujeri Rd might be more your scene. The stretch of mangrove on either side of the road forms part of the Tanbi Wetland Complex, a large wetland area that stretches all the way to Oyster Creek and Lamin. This, the Banjul part, is commonly known as 'Bund Road', the old name of Kankujeri Road that cuts through the mangrove area.
It's something of a classic on the Gambian bird-watching map, partly for its accessibility, as well as the large number of birds that can be observed here.
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Parque Marítimo del Mediterráneo
This creative maritime park is one of several versions developed by the brilliant artist and architect Cesar Manrique of the Canary Islands. The architect borrowed the city walls theme to construct a huge pool deck on the sea, including a grand lagoon and two other saltwater pools, surrounded by 10 bars, pubs, restaurants and cafés. A central island holds a fortress casino. A pictorial display of Manrique’s work lies just inside the entrance, 50m to the right. This is a real hit in the summer, and perfect for families.
reviewed
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Moon Beach
One of the most famous places for wind- and kitesurfing, Moon Beach is where the British magazine Boards tests equipment each year. Located on the Gulf of Suez just off the main coastal road, Moon Beach has beachfront bungalows with all the trimmings. Additionally, there’s a professionally staffed and stocked wind- and kitesurfing centre, as well as a fully licensed school for budding surfers of all kinds. Nightly rates and shorter-stay packages are available – check out the website for more detailed information.
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Stone House Reef
Underwater delights are the feature attraction of Nuweiba, and while not as dramatic as at other resorts on the Gulf of Aqaba, the dive sites tend to be less busy, with an impressive variety of marine life. There are shallow reefs offshore that are reasonable places to snorkel, but the best snorkelling is the Stone House Reef just south of town.
Divers sometimes head to nearby Ras Abu Gallum, Ras Mohammed National Park or other offshore destinations - many of which are also fine for snorkellers - though most diving here is shore based.
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Buitenverwachting
Buitenverwachting means ‘beyond expectation’, which is certainly the feeling one gets on visiting this 100-hectare estate that’s known for offering good working and living conditions to its employees. Order ahead to enjoy a blissful picnic lunch in front of the 1796 manor house. For something more formal try the elegant restaurant. Beg, steal or borrow to snag a bottle of its delicious, but limited release, Christine claret. The chardonnay and Rhine riesling are among its standout whites.
reviewed
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Ebrahim Travel & Tours
Grand Baie's numerous tour agents can provide information on things to do in the area with the aim, naturally, of signing you up for this cruise package or that coach trip. While prices tend to be similar, the details may vary, so make sure you know exactly what is included. All agents sell tickets for glass-bottomed boat trips, undersea walks, Le Nessee and the Blue Safari Submarine.
Many also offer car-hire services and airport transfers and can organise accommodation. Ebrahim Travel & Tours has a reliable reputation.
reviewed
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Crystal Digging
A rewarding activity is to dig for the lovely crystals of calcium sulphate and gypsum known as sand roses, which develop when moisture seeps into the sand and causes it to crystallise into flowery shapes. The Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) office issues digging permits, which are valid for a two-hour dig and up to three sand roses or a total weight of 1.5kg.
Diggers must be accompanied by an MET official, and have to use their hands or other light tools to extract the sand roses (hard tools would damage other buried specimens).
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Steenberg Vineyards
Steenberg began life under the name Swaane-weide (Feeding Place of the Swans) in 1682. A new energy pervades the estate since it was bought by Graham Beck in 2005; its former winemaker Ruth Penfold, was named the 2007 young winemaker of the year. Try their great merlot, sauvignon blanc reserve, semillon and cap classique sparkler. The estate also encompasses the five-star Steenberg Hotel in the original restored manor house, a restaurant and an 18-hole golf course. Pensioners take note: there’s 15% discount on all wines every Tuesday.
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Baboon Matters
The signs at Cape Point warning you not to feed the baboons are there for a reason. After years of interacting with tourists, the baboons will quite happily grab food from your hands or climb in the open doors and windows of your car to get at it. Never challenge them as they will turn aggressive. The damage inflicted might end up being far more serious than baboon crap over your car seats, so keep an eye out and your food carefully hidden away.
Showing a much gentler side to baboon life is the project Baboon Matters which looks after four baboon troops. On a two-to-three-hour guided hike you’ll get to spend time observing a troop at very close quarters – it’s an amazing…
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Northview Tours
Grand Baie's numerous tour agents can provide information on things to do in the area with the aim, naturally, of signing you up for this cruise package or that coach trip. While prices tend to be similar, the details may vary, so make sure you know exactly what is included. All agents sell tickets for glass-bottomed boat trips, undersea walks, Le Nessee and the Blue Safari Submarine.
Many also offer car-hire services and airport transfers and can organise accommodation. Northview Tours has a reliable reputation.
reviewed
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Train Station
Maputo's imposing Train Station is one of the city's landmark buildings. The dome was designed by an associate of Alexandre Gustav Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), although Eiffel himself never set foot in Mozambique. Also impressive are the wrought-iron lattice work, pillars and verandas gracing the exterior. Inside are some old steam engines, and the Chez Rangel Jazz Café (see Drinking), one of the city's best night spots.
Although the station is still in use, trains run infrequently and it's often deserted.
reviewed
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Lebombo Motorised Eco Trail
Kruger has several 4WD trails, the longest of which is the Lebombo Motorised Eco Trail, a rugged 500km, five-day route along the Kruger National Park’s eastern boundary, departing from Crocodile Bridge and ending at Pafuri. You’ll need to provide your own vehicle, food and drink (ie it’s completely self-catering). Only five vehicles are permitted at a time on the trail (plus the accompanying ranger’s vehicle). Book a place well in advance through central reservations.
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Natal Sharks Board
This research institute is dedicated to studying sharks, specifically in relation to their danger to humans. With the great white shark – a big shark with a fearsome, but largely undeserved reputation for attacks on humans – frequenting the KwaZulu-Natal coast, this is more than an academic interest. There are audiovisual presentations and shark dissections at 9am and 2pm Wednesday to Thursday and 2pm Sunday. The public can accompany the Sharks Board personnel on their boat trips.
The Natal Sharks Board is signposted; it is about 2km out of town, up the steep Umhlanga Rocks Dr (the M12 leading to the N3).
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Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve
Proclaimed in 1988 as the first Unesco Biosphere Reserve in South Africa, the Kogelberg biosphere lies 60km east of Cape Town and encompasses 100,000 hectares. Bounded by the Kogelberge in the east and projecting 7.5km out to sea, the reserve abuts the villages of Rooi Els, Pringle Bay, Hangklip, Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond.
The reserve has the most complex biodiversity on the planet, including over 1880 plant species. Birdlife is prolific, wild horses live in the wetlands, and whales can be seen offshore. There are day hikes and overnight trails, and the reserve is used by mountain bikers; permits are required. Hangklip-Kleinmond Tourism Bureau in Kleinmond has a list of…
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Basotho Pony Trekking Centre
About 85km west of Thaba-Tseka, on the top of God Help Me Pass, is the Basotho Pony Trekking Centre. It’s a fairly no-frills and do-it-yourself experience compared to other pony-trekking places, but it is one of the most easily accessible from Maseru. Reports are that it’s foundered a little of late; it’s managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and seems forever up for privatisation or new management. Visit the Maseru tourist information office for an update before booking.
From the site there’s a pleasant, 90-minute walk to a waterfall and picnic area. The walk takes you through a Basotho village and the pool below the waterfall is bracing but worth a quick swim…
reviewed
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Project Gateway
Project Gateway is a recently launched community-based initiative that runs several projects to help local people, including a shelter for homeless people and a primary school. It’s housed in the former city prison, Old Pietermaritzburg Prison. A craft centre, fabric-printing shop, fashion school and cafe were opening at the time of research. The area around here has a reputation for being a little edgy; go in groups and don’t wander in the surrounding streets.
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Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve
In the shadow of the ramparts of Cathedral Peak, Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve backs up against a colossal escarpment of peaks between Royal Natal National Park and Giant’s Castle, west of Winterton. With the Bell (2930m), the Horns (3005m) and Cleft Peak (3281m) on the horizon, this is a beautifully photogenic park. Hikers must register with the park office before setting off on walks; be sure to obtain instructions and times regarding the hikes, including that to Cathedral Peak.
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4-Day Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Optional Private Guide
4 days (Departs Aswan, concludes Luxor, Egypt)
by Viator
Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you cruise the Nile on a 4-day journey from Aswan to Luxor. Sightseeing, entrance fees and meals are included on this luxuriously…Not LP reviewed
from USD$304.00 -
El Hierro Taxi Diver
There's no shortage of diving companies offering their services to divers and divers hopefuls, and El Hierro Taxi Diver is one of them. They all offer pretty much the same thing - around €28 to €30 to dive around the Mar de las Calmas, where you can expect to encounter colourful coral, majestic rock formations and a wide variety of marine life. Courses and speciality dives are also available. Opening hours tend to be flexible, according to the weather and the number of dives planned.
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Durbanville Hills
Tired of the Cape Dutch–style wine cellars? Then visit this winery in an ultramodern building commanding a hilltop above the Durbanville vineyards. There’s a splendid view of Table Bay and Table Mountain from its stone-clad bastion. Best known for its merlot and its sauvignon blanc, the winery also has a good restaurant, @The Hills. Cellar tours are not conducted on the weekend and the restaurant is also open April to September – call ahead for opening hours.
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