By admin on August 13, 2008

“There’s more to Africa than Safaris!” I think the world is starting to understand this. While safaris will always be central to African travel, as the Eiffel Tower will be to Paris, there’s a great deal more to see.

However, the travel industry for Africa is still suffocated by old-school, fuddy-duddy tour operators pushing the tried-and-tested. Their brochures, facilities, equipment and ideas get more and more dusty and tattered as the years go by.

The result? It’s hard to find something slightly unusual, fresh and innovative in Africa.

So here’s are 5 alternative to African Safaris:

With fuel prices breaking records and environmental issues on everyone’s tongue, this is an great form of transport. One of the best places for cycling in Africa is the Wild Coast in Africa. The area is difficult to access by vehicle or 4×4, making it true wild that’s made for muddy mountain bike.

Have a peak at: 6 Day Wild Coast Hike ‘n’ Bike Adventure Tour (from € 350)

Nestled between Namibian the coast and the desert is a range of giant sand dunes, the largest in the world. Literally mountains of sand reaching 325 m, higher than the Eiffel Tower, it needs no explaining why this is the best spot for sand boarding.

Have a peak at: 12 Day Namibian Nomad Adventure Tour (from €1090)

The Masai is one of the most documented group of people in Africa. They can be spotted from a mile off - partly because of their height, their red traditional clothes and their leaping dance. Spending time in a Masai village and leaping alongside in their euphoric traditional dance will definitely be worth a postcard home!

Have a peak at: 12 Day Kenya Masai Adventure Tour (from €1550)

The Drakensburg, or ‘Dragon’s Mountains’, is a mountain range in South Africa that borders the tiny country of Lesotho. Running for 1000kms from South to North, with tinkling clear light in the high altitudes, this is one of the best places to break into gallop. (Bit of useless information: the local horsemen in this area, wrapped in their traditional blankets and silhoeted against the skyline, were the inspiration for Tolkien’s Dark Riders.)

Have a peak at: 18 Day South African Overland (from €1350)

Instead of being mothered by a tour guide, take a deep breath and embark on a tour by yourself. Rent a 4×4 equiped for camping and the extremes of Africa, and see Africa in your own time and way. The best spot for doing this? Botswana.

Have a peak at: 10 Day Go-it-Alone Safari Adventure Tour (from € 680)