Below are some of the best low-impact Africa tour providers:

Uthando South Africa: With over 30 different Philanthropic Cultural Tours—accredited by Fair Trade in Tourism—Uthando South Africa is a leader in responsible travel and touring. Whenever a traveler tours one of the Uthando community projects, Uthando makes a per person donation to that particular project. Each of Uthando’s tours is customized to the traveler’s preferences; therefore, if you wish to visit projects that only deal with underprivileged children, you may do so.

Uthando’s philanthropic cultural tours provide all participants with a rare and unique insight into the social, political, health, housing, education, and economic atmosphere of local South African communities. Some of Uthando’s most celebrated projects include Abalimi Bezekhaya—an urban agriculture program that provides education and resources for sustainable food production among the poverty-stricken individuals in Cape Town; Hout Bay Music Project—a project that works to provide impoverished children with musical skills and bring light to their lives; and the Volcano Arts Project—a program involving locals and children into community theater.

Below is a video of Uthando’s Hout Bay Music Project:

AWOL Tours: Providing visitors with a responsible and low-impact way to travel through South Africa’s most historic and culturally abundant spots, AWOL Tours is one of our favorite South African tour providers. Most notable are AWOL’s Cape Town bicycle tours, such as their Cape Town City Cycle Tours and Cape Peninsula Cycle Tours. During these tours, you’ll have the opportunity to soak in all of the wonderful details and elements of Cape Town, and learn about the various areas and historical sites from an experienced AWOL guide. All profits made by AWOL are generated back into the local economy to spur sustainable growth.

ConservAfrica: With a holistic vision to provide conservation benefits to local African organizations, game reserves, travelers, and wildlife, ConservAfrica established Wildlife Conservation Safaris. These safaris differ greatly from more traditional safaris because participants experience hands-on participation in adventurous wildlife protection initiatives. Whether catching and releasing lions, tagging elephants, or tracking white and black rhino movements, there is never a dull moment during a Wildlife Conservation Safari. All of the profits for these safaris go toward ConservAfrica’s wildlife conservation initiatives in southern Africa.

**Image above courtesy of James Harding of ConservAfrica.

Conservancy Safaris: As a community-owned safari outfitter—one of the few in Africa—Conservancy Safaris is operated by knowledgeable and experienced locals and safari professionals. When you participate in Conservancy Safaris, you not only experience a completely authentic and highly rewarding safari, but you also discover new and exciting elements of the local cultures. Because Conservancy Safaris offers excursions in Namibia, the local Himba and Herero people are employed, reaping the rewards of sustainable tourism.

Campfire Safaris: One of our favorite responsible tour providers, Campfire Safaris, offers travelers the opportunity to discover pure adventure and develop valuable life skills while giving back to the land and people of Africa. From field guiding to horse trail guiding, and marine conservation training to land conservation training, Campfire Safaris in South Africa offers volunteer opportunities, internships, and guide certification courses to fit various personal interests.

Click here to learn more about responsible and low-impact tourism.

Below are 5 of the top things to see and do while visiting Rwanda:

Embark on a gorilla trekking safari in Parc des Volcans: Witness one of the world’s most powerful and awe-inspiring creatures in Rwanda’s acclaimed national park, Parc des Volcans, on a high-energy gorilla trekking safari. During this specialized safari experience, you’ll have the opportunity to hike up one of the six Virunga Volcanoes to come in contact with the giant mountain gorillas of Rwanda. The lush terrain provides an enchanting atmosphere for gorilla trekking, where visitors pass through bamboo forests and rainforests in search of this famous creature. While traveling up the slopes of Parc des Volcans, guests can witness a variety of other primate species, as well as an abundance of birds.

Where to stay: Sabyino Silverback Lodge

Visit Akagera National Park: Located on the border of Tanzania, Akagera National Park is covered with wildlife-clad swamps and lakes, and characterized by its sprawling savannah landscape and towering acacia trees. Visitors to the area can embark on exciting game drives to witness giraffe, zebra, impala, spotted hyena, hippopotamus, crocodile, fish eagle, shoebill stork, and giant herds of elephant and buffalo. Because of the region’s seclusion from other famous game viewing destinations, Akagera National Park offers guests a completely private and personalized experience that brings them deep into the wilderness of Rwanda.

Where to stay: Akagera Game Lodge

Gain unique cultural insight at the Iby’Iwacu cultural village: Discover the local traditions and culture of Rwandans in the cultural village of Iby’Iwacu. During your visit, you’ll meet and interact with local people and take part in some of their daily activities. Some of the things you might do while visiting include community walks, watching traditional dances performed by community members, learning about Rwanda’s musical instruments and performances, visiting local schools, and cooking traditional cuisine with the locals. You might also enjoy a visit with a local traditional healer to discover his various medicinal plants or perhaps you’d like to witness how locals prepare their traditional local banana beer. The list goes on and can be completely customized based on your interests and personal preferences.

Where to stay: Virunga Lodge

Primate and bird watching safaris in Nyungwe Forest National Park: Speckled with Zen-inducing waterfalls, stunning wild orchids, and delicate butterflies, Nyungwe Forest National Park is an enchanting land that appears to have been plucked from a fairytale. Some of the primates that can be witnessed on a primate safari include grey-cheeked mangabeys, vervet monkeys, Rwenzori colobus monkeys, silver monkeys, and l’Hoest’s monkeys. In terms of bird species that can be witnessed in the park, Nyungwe Forest is a sanctuary for more than 300 species of bird, 27 of which are endemic to the region. Some of the birds visitors can see include the mountain sooty boubou, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Rwenzori Hill babbler, a variety of sunbird species, handsome francolin, and the red-collared mountain babbler—just to name a few.

Where to stay: Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Discover the history and culture of Rwanda at the National Museum: One of the best ways to take in all of the history and culture of Rwanda is by visiting the National Museum of Rwanda. Located in Butare, the National Museum is home to unique artifacts and traditional tools, as well as monochrome photographs taken in pre-colonial years. The museum also houses some of the traditional art that is still produced in Rwanda today, which includes baskets, ceramics, woodcarvings, paintings, and more. Much of the museum reveals the history of Rwanda at the end of the 19th century when the first Europeans came to the area.

Where to stay: Nyungwe Forest Lodge

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If you missed Part I of Top 20 Reasons Why Africa Should Be Your Honeymoon Destination, click here.

Below you’ll find 10 more reasons why Africa should be your number one honeymoon destination:

11. Daredevil opportunities: From white water rafting in the Zambezi River to bungee jumping at Victoria Falls, and shark diving off the coast of Cape Town to gorilla trekking in Uganda, eastern and southern Africa are synonymous with an adrenaline-lover’s paradise. Why not challenge your inner adventurists together as a newly married couple?

12. Chocolate & Wine Pairing Tours: What is more romantic than indulging in a combination of artisan chocolates and wines? So ignite your senses, pamper your palette, and treat your mind to a private Chocolate & Wine Pairing tour through South Africa’s legendary Cape Winelands.

13. Quaint restaurants: Acclaimed by the international culinary community, Cape Town, South Africa is an absolute must-visit destination for food and wine lovers. With a wide spectrum of eclectic cafes, charming bistros, luxurious restaurants, and trendy wine, bourbon, and martini bars, Cape Town has made a name for itself as a celebrated culinary destination. Aside from traditional Cape Malay cuisine, you can enjoy everything from Mediterranean cuisine to Asian-fusion dishes, and French delights to Italian feasts.

14. Time warp: Take a step back in time as you venture to some of eastern and southern Africa’s most historically known locales, such as Robben Island—where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned as a political prisoner; the ancient rock paintings of Drakensberg Park; Livingstone—where you can follow the footsteps of David Livingstone; and Vredefort Dome—the oldest and biggest meteorite site in the entire world.

15. Secluded ambiance: Whether you’re an internationally-known personality or simply crave a romantic getaway in complete privacy, the boutique accommodations and private reserves of southern and eastern Africa provide you with complete seclusion from droves of other travelers. Your meals can even be enjoyed in complete privacy, candlelit beneath the stars. And if you wish for all of your activities to remain private this can certainly be arranged with a private safari guide who will take you on your very own personalized safaris through the wildernesses of Africa.

16. Bush baths: Imagine relaxing with a glass of champagne in an outdoor bubble-filled bush bath, together, as you overlook a nearby watering hole. The air is filled with the relaxing aromas and sounds of nature and there is no one around but you, your spouse, and the residential wildlife.

17. Star-studded skies: Spend a night sleeping underneath the velvety, star-studded African sky as you reminisce about the day’s exciting adventures. Or, enjoy a romantic, lantern-lit dinner in the bush, beneath the stars, as you enjoy a private and delectable dinner for two.

Nduara Loliondo Camp

18. Lush gardens: Although southern Africa is full of exceptional gardens and wildflower fields, one of the most famous and extraordinary gardens is the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Here, you’ll find a romantic setting to explore South Africa’s indigenous and most renowned flora and cultivated gardens. With nearly 528 hectares of manicured estate to uncover, Kirstenbosch Gardens is a colorful retreat filled with pungent aromas and breathtaking visions.

19. Aphrodisiacs: The coast of southern and eastern Africa is truly a lover’s retreat. Full of an array of delectable aphrodisiacs, these coastlines are sure to ignite feelings of indulgence and romance. From freshly caught oysters to flavorful South African and international wines, to delectable chocolates to hot chilies, and spices, the coastlines of southern and eastern Africa  are renowned for their heart-pounding aphrodisiacs.

20. Inspiration around every corner: The combination of smiling locals, mesmerizing wildlife, pure natural surroundings, African spirit, and sheer energy, often inspire travelers to connect with their inner self. Why not begin your marriage on a journey to self discovery together, exploring the beauty of Africa and its rich and diverse wildlife and cultures?

Would you want to have your honeymoon in Africa?

For frequently asked questions about African safari honeymoons, click here.

**Image above taken by Chris Pearson, COPYRIGHT

“I must congratulate you for an amazing experience and running a very good operation. You act professionally in every way and this is a credit to you and I look forward to working with you again”—Dr. Ian Player (World renowned Conservationist) discussing his experience with ConservAfrica

In an effort to provide conservation organizations, game reserves, travelers, and Africa’s wildlife with the broad benefits of conservation initiatives, ConservAfrica created Wildlife Conservation Safaris. The product is designed to enable small groups of travelers to experience a completely unique safari that takes them deep within game reserves to participate in exciting wildlife protection initiatives. Some of these initiatives focus specifically on lion, while others focus on elephants, or black and white rhino.

When guests choose to embark on one of these specialized safaris, they’ll have the opportunity to witness and participate in exciting catch and release scenarios, and get up close with some of Africa’s most riveting creatures. All of the funds for guest participation go toward conserving the delicate wildlife of southern Africa. Therefore, you know that your active participation and financial contributions are all going toward the well-being of Africa’s fascinating species.

And the best part is that you can experience a sustainable safari without comprising on luxury. When you participate in a ConservAfrica safari, you stay in the finest accommodations, equipped with lavish amenities and superior services.

During your tailor-made safari with ConservAfrica, you can choose to assist conservation specialists on fitting tracking collars on elephants—which are used to track their movements throughout the year—helping to curb inbreeding amongst lion populations in the Madikwe Game Reserve, or tracking black and white rhino movements. But no matter how you want to spend your time with ConservAfrica, you are sure to experience the adventure of a lifetime that takes you through wildlife-clad regions in search of your conservation target.

**Image above courtesy of James Harding of ConservAfrica.

**Image above courtesy of James Harding of ConservAfrica.

**Image above taken by Chris Pearson, COPYRIGHT

**Image above taken by Chris Pearson, COPYRIGHT

For elephant conservation projects, guests receive hands-on experience as they help the ConservAfrica team administer antibiotics, fit and adjust tracking devices, and keep a look out for additional herd members who might be eager to protect their temporarily-captured family member.

One of ConservAfrica’s most unique initiatives is their black and white rhino projects. With a death rate of nearly 170 rhinos in the beginning of 2011 due to poachers, ConservAfrica is working hard to reduce the unlawful killing of rhinos in southern Africa. Guests who embark on a black and white rhino tracking mission can help the ConservAfrica team implant tiny transponder identity tags in the horns and sometimes the bodies of the rhinos. This enables law enforcement agencies to identify the exact location that a rhino was poached and thereby assists in the investigation and prosecution of these unscrupulous individuals.

ConservAfrica also participates in lion conservation projects:

**Image above courtesy of James Harding of ConservAfrica.

**Image above taken by Chris Pearson, COPYRIGHT

**Image above taken by Chris Pearson, COPYRIGHT

The wonderful thing about ConservAfrica’s Wildlife Conservation Safaris is that they can operate safaris in a variety of southern Africa game reserves throughout the year. This means that travelers have great flexibility when choosing where and when they’d like to go on a ConservAfrica safari.

Don’t believe us that ConservAfrica offers a completely unique and unforgettable safari? Just ask Ms. Holly Kaplan from Miami, Florida. She praises ConservAfrica saying, “Absolutely the most exciting and fabulous experience.”

If you’re interested in learning more about ConservAfrica, click here to visit their Facebook page.

Below is our list of the top five things to see and do while visiting Uganda:

1. Hike through Murchison Falls National Park: As Uganda’s largest national park, Murchison Falls is bursting with assorted wildlife that includes elephant, buffalo, giraffe, antelope, hippo, and crocodile, as well as hundreds of bird species such as African pigmy geese, shoebill storks, and saddle billed stock. And what’s even more captivating about this astonishing savannah and grassland region is that it’s home to one of the world’s most mighty rivers, the Nile.

Hike to the base of the Murchison Falls to witness one of the world’s most impressive and natural spectacles before exploring the rest of the national park on a game drive.

Where to stay: Nile Safari Lodge

2. Observe the Bush Babies of Lake Mburo National Park: Experience an exciting nighttime adventure as you go in search of the adorable thick-tailed galago—also known as the greater bush baby. With big brown eyes, bushy tails, and furry bodies, the thick-tailed galago will melt your heart in an instant! As social and nocturnal primates, the thick-tailed galagos interact in groups, feeding on fruit, small birds, and reptiles.

Where to stay: Mihingo Lodge (the thick-tailed galagos have been known to get quite cozy with guests in the bar area!)

3. Track the Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha: Located in Queen Elizabeth National Park lies the Ishasha sector where tree climbing lions the elusive tree climbing lions stealthily observe the ground below from the comfort of towering fig trees. There are only two regions in the world where these lions are found, which include Uganda and Tanzania’s southern Serengeti, making these lions a prized vision to witness in the wild. While observing the tree climbing lions, you’ll also see elephants, Uganda kob, waterbuck, warthog, Cape buffalo, and topi.

Where to stay: Mweya Safari Lodge

4. Tour the Kaweri Coffee Plantation: Well-known for its coffee and tea exports, Uganda offers visitors a chance to observe how coffee and tea are grown and how southern Uganda’s temperate climate plays a role in crop production. One of the most unique coffee plantations to visit is Kaweri Coffee Plantation. Founded in 2001 by the Neumann Kaffee Gruppe, Kaweri Coffee Plantation utilizes sustainable farming practices to create gourmet coffees.

While visiting the plantation you’ll have the opportunity to tour the rainforest bio-corridors while observing turaco and colobus monkeys.

Where to stay: The plantation’s guest houses.

5. Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: A trip to Uganda wouldn’t be complete without an exhilarating gorilla tracking safari. On this safari, you’ll hike through the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to witness black-and-white colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, baboon, and of course, the silverback gorilla. As you observe the gorillas at close-range, you’ll have the rare opportunity to watch as they interact, eat, and go about day to day activities.

Where to stay: Gorilla Forest Camp

Which Uganda activity sounds the most appealing to you?

2011 has some exciting things in store for families seeking an unforgettable African family safari vacation. One of our favorite luxury accommodations, Tswalu Kalahari, is offering a remarkable family package for 2011 that is nearly impossible to say no to!

Image above taken from the Tswalu Kalahari website.

See below for a quick insight into just a few of the features included in Tswalu Kalahari’s Family Package (terms and conditions apply):

• Kids 12 and under are free.
• Luxurious accommodation for two kids (under the age of 18) and two adults.
• A private safari guide and vehicle for your family.
• Exceptional dining options (children menus are also available).
• All drinks and selected wines.
• Junior Rangers Program for children.
• Evening babysitters.
• A complimentary spa treatment for two adults.
• Half off flight tickets for children.

Some of the activities you can take part in while visiting Tswalu Kalahari during your African family safari include . . .

Game drives and walks: The area surrounding Tswalu Kalahari is home to some of the world’s rarest and most spectacular creatures. During game drives and bush walks, you’ll have the opportunity to search for the elusive aardvark and pangolin, watch playful meerkats as they go about daily life, and track the rare black rhino.

Spa treatments: You’ve never experienced a sensual spa treatment like the one Tswalu Kalahari has to offer. With an outdoor spa treatment area, located in an enchanting garden, Tswalu Kalahari will bring you closer than ever before to the feeling of total relaxation. As the sounds of nature engulf your senses, you’ll quickly feel a sense of rejuvenation and inner balance.

Horseback riding safaris: As one of Tswalu Kalahari’s most popular activities, horseback riding safaris are an absolute must for families interested in experiencing the wildlife of Africa in a whole new way. You’ll venture across the grasslands and sprawling dunes of the Kalahari, past the glorious Korannaberg Mountains as you witness the wildlife of Africa at close range.

Children may also embark on a horseback safari—in fact, Tswalu will even create a customized pony camp for children interested in horseback safaris.

Image above taken from the Tswalu Kalahari website.

Cave tours to witness ancient artwork: Travel to the Kalahari’s mysterious caves where you’ll view ancient cave artwork that dates back thousands of years ago. This experience is perfect for all ages, enabling everyone to experience the indigenous culture and rich history of the Kalahari.

Junior Ranger Program for the little ones: Kids who visit Tswalu Kalahari will have an unforgettable experience—one that is nearly impossible to top! In an effort to create unique activities for all ages, Tswalu has developed a list of specialty activities including archery, spoor identification, bush walks, and other fun-filled programs. Children who partake in the Junior Ranger Program will also be equipped with a safari book that features mammal and bird facts, quizzes, word find, riddles, an arts and crafts guide, as well as an extensive animal, bird, and reptile identification section.

Have a question about Tswalu Kalahari’s 2011 Family Safari Package? Contact us today.

Pushed to the brink of extinction, the black rhino has suffered an astonishing blow to its once thriving population. According to Londolozi Game Reserve’s blog, “There are currently about 4500 black rhino left in Africa, up from the lowest point of about 2100 in the early 1990s.” Although the black rhino number has increased slightly, it is nowhere near what their numbers once were, remaining in the red zone of endangered species due to poaching and habitat destruction.

Because of their drastically low numbers, there are few places throughout Africa where rhinos are found naturally in the wild. In turn, there are minimal reserves and regions that offer rhino tracking excursions. However, if you’re looking for an exciting and extremely rare adventure there are a few excellent rhino tracking safaris offered throughout South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

These journeys are not for the unfit or faint hearted as lots of walking and exploration is involved when tracking the elusive black rhino; however, some areas do offer rhino tracking game drives, which eliminates walking and hiking from the equation.

One of our favorite camps, offering an exceptional rhino tracking safari is Wilderness Safaris’ Desert Rhino Camp in Namibia. Surrounded by rocky hills, desert, the Etendeka Mountains, thorny shrubs, patches of scattered trees, euphorbia, and welwitschia flora, home to one of the largest populations of black rhino in all of Africa. Working closely with the Save the Rhino Trust (SRT), Wilderness Safaris’ Desert Rhino Camp is dedicated to the conservation and support of these endangered creatures.

With a team of exceptional and highly skilled guides, Wilderness Safaris’ Desert Rhino Camp provides travelers with a rich insight into one of the world’s most legendary and prehistoric-looking creatures, ensuring that guests experience a close-range—yet completely safe—visual of the black rhino, roaming freely in their natural habitat.

On your rhino tracking safari, you’ll witness several 2,000 – 3,000 lb. black rhinos pillaging trees and shrubs for nutrients, rolling in the mud (a layer of mud is equivalent to our sun block!), and seeking shelter beneath towering tree canopies. You might also witness male rhinos using their two large horns for protection and attacking predators.

Because rhinos have terrible eyesight, their sense of smell and hearing are extra sensitive, something that your professional safari guide takes into account to prevent rhinos from detecting your group’s scent.

All of Desert Rhino Camp’s guides possess vast knowledge in rhino behavior, habitat, conservation efforts, and the region in which these rhinos live. In fact, one of Desert Rhino Camp’s staff members received a Master’s of Science degree in black rhino habitat.

Another luxury safari camp that offers exceptional rhino tracking excursions is Singita Pamushana in Zimbabwe. Located in the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Singita Pamushana is encompassed by enchanting mopane forests and fascinating baobab trees, making it the perfect haven for endangered black rhino.

Singita’s Rhino Relocation Initiative, which helps to reintroduce the black rhino back into the Serengeti, is working closely with The Grumeti Community, Wildlife Conservation Fund, Tanzania National Parks, and The Frankfurt Zoological Society to provide a refuge for black rhinos before reintroducing them to the Serengeti.

Our very own private safari guide, Mark Homann, has led countless rhino tracking expeditions, which are some of his favorite activities to take part in while in Africa. In his earlier years as a professional safari guide, Mark guided rhino safaris at Singita Pamushana, as well as Senuko Safari Lodge, located in Zimbabwe.

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Mark Homann

As part of our blog series, Q&A with Professional Safari Guide, Mark Homann, we interviewed Mark Homann, Hills of Africa safari guide and safari consultant, on night game drives.

See below for the interview:

1. Describe a typical day tracking black rhino. Specifically, what is involved?

A typical day, in my experience, can be quite long and challenging, but very rewarding. The day starts with an early breakfast call. While eating breakfast, the rhino scouts are already out in the field looking for fresh rhino tracks. Black rhinos usually drink at night and then walk out into the area they are feeding in. Because of this, the best place to look for their tracks is around areas with water.

Once you find good fresh tracks, the walking begins. It is common to follow only one black rhino as they are largely solitary creatures. Certainly, part of the thrill of tracking these animals is watching the rhino scouts at work as they read the signs that rhinos have left behind. There is a lot to see as you follow the rhino’s path. You might take time to examine how they bite branches at a 45-degree angle, making it easier for them to cut through it and encouraging the plant to stimulate new growth.

These perfectly cut 45-degree twigs can be found in the rhinos’ dung, which is most commonly deposited in a “midden,” which is a place where rhinos will defecate and spread the pheromones around in their dung with their hind legs. These pheromones contain lots of messages about the animal that are communicated to other passing rhinos—I like to think of it as Facebook for rhinos!

A rhino tracking safari usually consists of two to three hours of walking to find a rhino that may be walking and feeding, or possibly lying up in the shade. Once found, the trick is to make sure that all your guests (it is best not to take more than four or five people with you) can have a good look at this rare animal, while keeping them safe and the rhino unaware of your presence.

There is a substantial safety briefing issued beforehand, emphasizing the need not to run away in wild panic but, rather, listen to the instructions of your guide and keep an eye out for a good climbing tree should the need arise.

2. How does a rhino’s keen sense of smell and hearing affect how you track them in the wild?

They say a black rhino is nearly blind but their sense of smell is remarkable. When approaching this animal, the wind direction is everything. I carry an empty shampoo bottle filled with the white ash from a leadwood tree. This ash is constantly puffed into the air to show you the wind’s direction. If you are approaching the animal on a hot day, the wind can swirl and carry your sent to the animal. It is my experience that when a rhino smells something that they do not like, they charge at full speed. They may not always charge in your direction, but they do charge!

3. Describe the most exciting encounter you’ve had with a rhino.

Most every black rhino tracking encounter is exciting—probably because of their sheer nature of temperament, rarity, and the thick bush that they live in. I have known black rhino to run into the side of a Land Rover at full charge and then come back for seconds.

My most exciting experience was at the end of a very long morning of tracking when a young bull rhino came barreling toward four clients and me, after a swirling gust of wind caught his nose. I managed to get my clients down behind a small termite mound and, with the help of a loud noise, encouraged the rhino to change the direction of his charge about three feet before I was impaled on the front end of a very fast moving animal.

Another exciting moment in the wild happened in Chizarira in the early 90s. My clients and I rounded a corner and bumped into a lone buffalo. He was only 10 feet away and he came straight for us—luckily we managed to discourage him before anyone was hurt.

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Below we’ve highlighted 5 of our favorite adventurous destinations in Africa:

1. Victoria Falls: Aptly named Mosi-oa-Tunya or The Smoke that Thunders by locals, Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and rightly so. This 5,600 ft. wide by 360 ft. tall waterfall is an adrenaline-lover’s paradise. From white water rafting to bungee jumping, and helicopter tours to challenging hiking excursions, visitors to Victoria Falls can choose from a handful of adrenaline-pumping adventures that are guaranteed to create lifelong memories and epic stories.

For free-falling-fiends, plunge 360 ft. into the Batoka Gorge with your only safety line snuggly fastened to your feet. Another popular adventure to embark on is a white water rafting tour at the base of this thundering waterfall.

2. Uganda: Home to one of the world’s most powerful and mysterious creatures, Uganda has been attracting adventure-addicts for decades. Deep within Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest lives a group of one of the most remarkable primates, the gorilla. As you hike through this thick, wildlife-clad forest, you’ll experience close encounters with various gorilla civilizations that will leave you speechless. The mere sight of these 500 lb. creatures will be one of the most memorable moments in your life. During your trek through this enchanting forest, you’ll also come across various other primates including the black-and-white colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, baboon, and others.

3. Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park: As the host of The Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth, the Serengeti National Park is a wildlife-lover’s heaven. During this spectacle, also known as The Great Migration, nearly 1.3 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebra, 250,000 Thompson gazelle, and thousands of lurking predators migrate through the Serengeti plains to follow the rains. This annual wildlife movement is one of Mother Nature’s most astonishing works of art, and for that, visitors from all around the world visit Tanzania to witness this breath-taking phenomenon. We suggest upping the adventure by planning a horseback safari through herds of fast-moving zebra, swarms of wildebeest, and towering groups of elephants and other large game.

4. Kruger National Park: Arguably South Africa’s best national park, Kruger is a melting pot of wildlife diversity. Game drives yield sightings of awe-inspiring animals including The Big Five, hyena, wild dog, antelope, giraffe, vibrant birds, and much more. Although one game drive through Kruger National Park is enough to get your heart pounding, there is nothing like the sheer adrenaline rush of taking flight over this sprawling national park via hot air balloon.

Your hot air balloon adventure begins at dawn when the sun is just peaking over the horizon. During your tranquil flight, you’ll travel over rolling hills, quaint countryside, orchards, mountain tops, thick forests, bushveld, and the famous Blyde River Canyon to witness a new kind of game viewing.

5. Sossusvlei, Namibia: The sand is your playground in Sossusvlei, Namibia. With miles upon miles of vast desert plains, Sossusvlei is the perfect place to satisfy your wild side. Whether you want to go quad biking over rolling sand dunes, sandboarding down steep sand slopes, or sky dive over vast plains, Namibia is famous for fast-paced adventures. But don’t underestimate Sossusvlei’s terrain. With the highest sand dunes in the entire world, this destination never falls short of challenging adventures for the adrenaline-junky. While visiting Namibia, you’ll also witness fascinating creatures such as vibrantly painted lizards, geckos, spiders, scorpions, snakes, and chameleons.

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Screen grab above taken from The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust website.

“Saving wildlife and wilderness is the responsibility of all thinking people. Greed and personal gain must not be permitted to decimate, despoil and destroy the earth’s irreplaceable treasure for its existence is essential to the human spirit and the well-being of the earth as a whole. All life has just one home—the earth—and we as the dominant species must take care of it.”

-Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick (Quote taken from The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust website)

Established in 1977, The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is devoted to saving the precious lives of orphaned and injured elephants and rhinos in Kenya. Dedicated to the late David Sheldrick, the Trust’s invaluable conservation efforts assist orphaned wildlife, before releasing them back into their home—the wild.

Today, David’s wife, Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick, offers tireless support to helping rehabilitate the orphaned elephants and black rhinos of Kenya, as well as other countries across Africa and even in parts of India. She has hand-raised more than 70 newborn elephants, as well as over a dozen black rhinos.

The program currently employs seven full-time desnaring teams, two veterinary units, and a community education program that helps locals understand the initiatives taken by the Trust, and why these initiatives are so important for the well-being of the community. In addition, the Trust also lends assistance to other conservation projects in the Tsavo National Park, including tree nursery and water projects.

The Trust places most of its attention on Kenya’s Tsavo National Park, an area boasting diversity in both its wildlife and landscapes. Here, the Trust developed an enclosed rhino sanctuary that helps facilitate the breeding process so that black rhino numbers can steadily increase, helping to eliminate the black rhino from the endangered species list. For nearly 20 years, the black rhino population has suffered a tremendous blow from poaching and other human influences. In an effort to reduce the unfathomable killings of the black rhino, the Trust joined forces with several other conservationists and sustainable programs to establish security and veterinary units to stop poaching.

Much like the black rhino, the elephants of Africa have suffered from poaching and abuse due to the demand for ivory and elephant trade in circuses and zoos. The Trust has made great strides in reducing poaching, employing the force of anti-poaching ground and air units.

One of Daphne Sheldrick’s greatest contributions to assisting elephant and rhino orphans was her unique milk formula, designed to provide rhinos and elephants with the nutrients and sustenance they need to grow and reach adulthood.

To learn more about how you can help the plight of the elephant and black rhino, visit The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust website. Or click here to learn how you can donate to this exceptional cause.