BY Abdul Aziz MondalJun 7, 2023

If you're reading this, you probably love the great outdoors as much as you enjoy good food. There's something undeniably special about preparing a meal surrounded by nature, with the warmth and crackle of a campfire as your backdrop. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoor cooking game, this comprehensive guide on campfire cooking techniques is here to help you elevate your skills and impress your fellow campers with mouthwatering meals under the stars. For centuries, humans have huddled around campfires for warmth and to cook food that sustains us on our journeys. Campfire cooking is an art, and like any art, it requires a bit of know-how and practice. In this post, we'll delve into essential equipment, building the perfect cooking fire, various cooking techniques, temperature control, and even some tempting recipes to try out on your next adventure. Essential Campfire Cooking Equipment   Before diving into the various campfire cooking techniques, let's ensure you're well-equipped for the journey. Having the right tools on hand can make a difference when you're out in the wilderness, transforming your campfire meals from ordinary to extraordinary. Here's a handy list of essential campfire cooking equipment that will serve you well during outdoor culinary escapades. Cast Iron Cookware Cast iron is a camper's best friend when it comes to cookware. It's durable, versatile, and retains heat like a champ. Here are the key players you'll want to have in your campfire cooking arsenal: Skillets: A good cast iron skillet is indispensable. From frying eggs to searing steaks, it can handle almost anything you throw at it. Dutch ovens: These heavy-duty pots are perfect for slow cooking, stews, and even baking. With a snug-fitting lid and sturdy construction, a Dutch oven is an investment that will last for countless camping trips. Cast iron pot: A versatile cast iron pot can be used for boiling, simmering, and even deep frying. Whether making a big pot of chili, whipping up a batch of pasta, or frying some delicious campfire donuts, a cast iron pot is a must-have addition to your outdoor cooking equipment. Cooking Grates And Tripods A sturdy cooking grate or tripod can be a game-changer for campfire cooking. They provide a stable platform for your cookware and make it easy to control the heat by adjusting the distance from the flames. Long-Handled Utensils Cooking over an open fire can get hot—literally. Long-handled utensils like tongs, spatulas, and spoons will give you the extra reach you need to keep your hands safe from the heat while flipping, stirring, and serving. Fire-Resistant Gloves Safety first! A good pair of fire-resistant gloves can protect your hands from accidental burns, making it easier to handle hot cookware, adjust logs, or even move cooking grates. Chimney Starters And Fire Starters Getting your fire going quickly and efficiently is key. A chimney starter can help you easily light charcoal, while fire starters (like tinder, firelighters, or even some trusty old newspaper) can make starting a wood fire a breeze. Of course, these are just the basics. Depending on your preferred cooking techniques and personal preferences, you might want to add a few other items to your campfire cooking kit. Wire Grill Brush Keeping your cooking grates clean is vital for both hygiene and flavor. A wire grill brush is essential for scrubbing away stuck-on food and residue from your grill grate. This will ensure a clean surface for your next campfire meal, preventing unwanted flavors and potential flare-ups. Building The Perfect Campfire For Cooking Now that we've got the equipment sorted, it's time to talk about the star of the show: the campfire itself. Building the perfect campfire for cooking might seem intimidating at first, but with a little know-how and practice, you'll be a fire-taming pro in no time. Let's walk through the steps to create a safe and efficient cooking fire that'll have you whipping up scrumptious meals in the great outdoors. Selecting The Right Location Location is everything when it comes to setting up a campfire. First and foremost, make sure fires are permitted in the area you're camping in. Once you've got the green light, choose a spot that's flat, clear of any overhanging branches or vegetation, and protected from strong winds. If there's an existing fire pit or ring, use that to minimize your impact on the environment. Gathering And Preparing Firewood Fuel your fire with the right kind of wood. Hardwoods like oak, hickory, or maple are ideal for cooking because they burn longer and hotter than softwoods. Gather a mix of tinder (small, dry twigs or leaves), kindling (slightly larger sticks), and firewood (larger logs) to ensure a well-balanced fire. Remember to collect only downed and dead wood, and never cut live trees for firewood. Building A Fire Pit If there isn't an existing fire pit, create one by digging a shallow hole and surrounding it with a ring of rocks. This will help contain the fire, making it safer and easier to manage. Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby to extinguish the fire when you're done cooking. Different Types Of Campfire Structures The structure of your campfire plays a significant role in how it burns and how suitable it is for cooking. Here are three popular campfire structures you can try: Teepee: This classic structure involves stacking tinder and kindling in a cone shape, with larger logs leaning against them. It's easy to light and perfect for a quick, high-heat fire when you need a hot fire for faster cooking. Log cabin: Build a square structure by stacking logs in alternating layers, with tinder and kindling in the center. This creates a stable, long-burning fire that's great for extended cooking sessions. Lean-to: Place a large log as a windbreak and lean smaller logs, kindling, and tinder against it. The lean-to structure works well when shielding your fire from the wind. Fire Safety Tips The biggest priority when dealing with fire is campfire safety. Keep your fire at a manageable size, never leave it unattended, and fully extinguish it before you leave or go to sleep. Drown the fire with water, stir the ashes, and ensure they're cold to the touch before you call it a night. Campfire Cooking Techniques Armed with your essential equipment and a perfect campfire, you're ready to dive into the world of campfire cooking techniques. There's more to outdoor cooking than just throwing some hot dogs on a stick (although that's always a fun option). Explore these different methods to expand your campfire cuisine repertoire and impress your fellow campers with your culinary prowess. Direct Heat Grilling Direct heat grilling is the most straightforward and intuitive campfire cooking method, especially when cooking meat. Place your food directly over the heat source and let the flames work their magic. This technique is perfect for: Skewers and kebabs: Thread your favorite meats, veggies, and even fruits onto skewers for a quick and easy meal that's as fun to make as it is to eat. Burgers and hot dogs: No campfire cooking experience is complete without the classics. Throw some burgers or hot dogs on a grill grate and enjoy the smoky, charred goodness. Plank Cooking Plank cooking involves placing your food on a water-soaked wooden plank, which is then set over the fire. This cooking method infuses your food with a subtle, smoky flavor while keeping it moist and tender. It's particularly popular for cooking fish, but don't be afraid to try it with other proteins or even veggies. Foil Packet Cooking Foil packet cooking is a fuss-free, versatile method perfect for campfire cooking. Foil packet cooking allows your ingredients to cook evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Simply wrap your ingredients in a double layer of aluminum foil and place the packet directly on the coals or a grill grate. This technique is great for steaming vegetables, cooking delicate proteins, or even baking potatoes. Dutch Oven Cooking Dutch ovens are the workhorses of campfire cooking, capable of tackling a wide range of dishes. With a little creativity and practice, you can master these two popular techniques: Slow cooking: Hearty stews, soups, and chili are just some comfort food classics you can cook low and slow in a Dutch oven. Baking: Yes, you read that right—you can bake over a campfire! From bread and biscuits to cobblers and cakes, the sky's the limit when it comes to Dutch oven baking. Skillet And Griddle Cooking A cast iron skillet or griddle is perfect for cooking up a hearty breakfast, sizzling fajitas, or even frying up some fresh-caught fish. Use a grill grate or tripod to position your skillet over the fire, and you'll be cooking up a feast in no time. Ash Cooking For a more primitive approach, try ash cooking. This technique involves burying your food (wrapped in foil or encased in a protective layer of dough) directly in the hot ashes of your campfire. It's an excellent method for cooking root vegetables, corn on the cob, or even whole fish. Cooking Over The Coals Instead of cooking directly over the flames, try cooking over the hot coals for better heat control and even cooking. This method is ideal for foods that require a longer cooking time or more gentle heat. To cook over the coals, let your fire burn down until you have a bed of glowing embers, then place a grill grate over the coals or use long-handled tongs to position your food directly on them. This technique works wonders for roasting vegetables, slow-cooking meats, or even cooking up some mouthwatering BBQ. Roasting Sticks Sometimes, simplicity is key. Roasting sticks (or skewers) allow you to cook your food right over the open flame, giving you direct control over the heat and cooking process. This method is perfect for toasting marshmallows, roasting hot dogs, or even grilling up some tasty veggie skewers. Just remember to use a sturdy, heat-resistant stick or skewer, and always be mindful of safety when cooking over an open flame. Mastering Campfire Cooking Temperature Control Temperature control is the key to culinary success, even when cooking food over a campfire. While it might seem tricky to manage the heat without the convenience of a kitchen stove, with a little practice and a few handy tips, you'll be a campfire temperature control pro in no time. Let's explore the art of mastering campfire cooking temperature control, so you can enjoy perfectly cooked meals every time. Importance Of Temperature Control Just like in your home kitchen, controlling the temperature while cooking over a campfire is crucial for achieving the right balance of flavor, texture, and doneness. Different foods and cooking techniques require different heat levels, so learning how to regulate the temperature is essential for outdoor culinary success. How To Gauge The Heat Without a built-in thermometer, gauging the heat of your campfire can be a bit of a challenge. A simple method to estimate the temperature is to use the hand test. Hold your hand, palm-side down, about 6 inches above the heat source. Count how many seconds you can comfortably keep your hand in that position: High heat: 2-3 seconds Medium heat: 4-5 seconds Low heat: 6-8 seconds Keep in mind that this test is subjective and depends on your heat tolerance, so use it as a rough guideline rather than an exact measurement. Adjusting Cooking Distance And Fire Intensity There are a few ways to control the heat while campfire cooking: Move your food closer to or farther from the heat source. Using a grill grate with adjustable height, a tripod, or simply placing your food on a cooler area of the coals can help you find the sweet spot for the perfect cooking temperature. Control the fire intensity by adding or removing fuel. If you need a hotter fire, add more logs or kindling. Let the flames die down or spread out the coals for a cooler fire. Create different heat zones within your fire pit by shifting coals to one side for direct heat and leaving the other with fewer coals for indirect heat. This way, you can easily move your food between high and low heat as needed. Using A Thermometer While the hand test and adjusting your fire can give you a good sense of temperature control, using a thermometer—particularly for meats—can be a game changer. A probe thermometer can help ensure your meats are cooked to a safe internal temperature, eliminating the guesswork and ensuring perfectly cooked results. A digital meat thermometer is an excellent choice for precise temperature readings, ensuring that your meats are always cooked to perfection. Delicious Campfire Recipes To Try Now that we've explored various campfire cooking techniques, it's time to put your newfound skills to the test with these delicious recipes. There's one for each cooking method we've discussed, so you can try them all and find your favorite way to enjoy a scrumptious meal on your next camping trip. Direct Heat Grilling: Sizzling Steak Skewers Skewer chunks of your favorite steak, bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes on metal or wooden skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning). Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Grill directly over the flames, occasionally turning, until the steak is cooked to your desired doneness and the veggies are tender. Plank Cooking: Cedar-Planked Salmon Soak a cedar plank in water for at least an hour. Season a salmon fillet with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. Place the salmon skin-side down on the soaked plank, and set it over the fire. Cook until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Foil Packet Cooking: Campfire Veggie Medley Chop your favorite veggies (such as zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions) into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs (such as rosemary or thyme). Wrap the veggie mixture in a double layer of aluminum foil, sealing the edges tightly. Cook the foil packet on a grill grate or directly on the coals for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until the vegetables are tender. Dutch Oven Cooking: Hearty Campfire Chili Heat a bit of olive oil and brown ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic in a Dutch oven. Add canned crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and chili seasoning packet. Stir well, cover, and let it simmer over a bed of coals for about an hour, stirring occasionally. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and cornbread for a comforting camping meal. Skillet Cooking: Campfire Breakfast Hash In a cast iron skillet, cook diced bacon until crispy. Add diced potatoes, bell peppers, and onions, and cook until the potatoes are tender and the veggies are softened. Make a few wells in the hash and crack an egg into each one. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook until the eggs are set to your liking. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with hot sauce. Ash Cooking: Ember-Roasted Sweet Potatoes Pierce whole sweet potatoes with a fork and wrap them individually in aluminum foil. Bury the wrapped sweet potatoes in the hot ashes of your campfire. Cook for about 45-60 minutes, occasionally turning until the sweet potatoes are tender. Carefully remove the foil and serve with a dollop of butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Cooking Over The Coals: Slow-Roasted BBQ Chicken Season chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or breasts) with your favorite BBQ rub. Place the chicken on a grill grate set over a bed of glowing coals. Cook, turning occasionally and basting with BBQ sauce, for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a digital meat thermometer. Roasting Sticks: Classic S'mores No campfire recipe list would be complete without the ultimate camping dessert: s'mores! Skewer marshmallows on roasting sticks and toast them over the open flame until golden brown and melty. Sandwich the roasted marshmallow between two graham crackers with a piece of chocolate and gently press them together. Allow the warm marshmallow to melt the chocolate slightly for a gooey, delicious treat that's sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. You May Also Like:  Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler Top 7 Nantucket Beaches For Tourists In Massachusetts 10 Things To Do In Bogota – You Must Know Before Going

BY Mony ShahSep 14, 2023

The diverse city of Houston, Texas, offers countless culinary delights that cater to a wide range of food preferences. In this article, we will explore the city's vibrant food scene. From classic Southern fare to exotic international dishes, Houston has something for everyone. So, join us as we embark on a culinary adventure, experiencing the many flavors of Houston's diverse cuisine. Houston: A Global Food Mecca Houston, as a global food mecca, boasts a diverse cuisine scene. With an ever-growing population, our city offers unique culinary experiences. In Houston, we pride ourselves on our ability to embrace various cultures, which is reflected in our food scene, bridging gaps between traditional and fusion dishes. Our city has transformed itself into a haven for food enthusiasts, and we couldn't be more excited to share our plates with the world. Tracing The Cultural Influences Houston's cuisine reflects its diverse culture and immigrant history, boasting a unique blend of flavors from Asian, Latino, European, and African communities. With 83 types of cuisine available, the city's food scene transcends traditional Texas BBQ and Tex-Mex. Houston's culinary landscape is a melting pot shaped by immigrants, offering a rich tapestry of tastes and traditions. Tex-Mex Delights Satisfy your cravings with Tex-Mex delights. Explore the fusion of Texan and Mexican cuisines, where bold flavors and mouthwatering dishes await your taste buds. The Famed Fajitas We can't discuss Houston's Tex-Mex cuisine without mentioning the famous fajitas. These sizzling dishes are packed with flavor, using ingredients like marinated meats, fresh vegetables, and savory spices. Taste Of Tacos Tacos in Houston boast a wide variety, from the classic street style to gourmet creations, including fillings like carnitas and queso. The city’s vibrant culinary scene has something for every taco lover. Enchiladas And Quesadillas Houston’s Tex-Mex enchiladas and quesadillas come in all types, offering a tasty combination of flavors like cheesy queso, zesty sauces, and other mouthwatering ingredients. The diverse cuisine satisfies every craving without fail. Asian Inspirations Embark on a culinary journey with Asian inspirations. Explore the diverse and delicious world of Asian cuisine, where flavors, traditions, and creativity collide. Vietnamese Vibrance We can't discuss Vietnamese cuisine without mentioning Pho Binh, a fantastic spot for warm, comforting pho. The rich, aromatic broth combined with rice noodles and tender meat is sure to please. Banh mi sandwiches, featuring crispy baguettes and flavorful meat, are another popular Vietnamese staple. Chinese Cuisine Houston's Asiatown offers a plethora of options for indulging in delicious Chinese cuisine. From classic Peking duck to tender dumplings, the array of dishes available showcases the regional diversity of China's culinary landscape. Interesting Thai And Korean Choices For a taste of Thai and Korean flavors, venture into Houston's culinary scene to find dishes such as spicy Thai curries or mouthwatering Korean bibimbap. Many restaurants in Houston also offer a fusion of different Asian flavors, creating unique and interesting dishes to try. Japanese Delicacies Sushi enthusiasts will be delighted by the array of Japanese delicacies available in Houston. Feast on the freshest sushi, tempura, and udon noodles, demonstrating the artful presentation and delicate flavors of Japanese cuisine. Filipino Flavors Houston also offers a taste of Filipino cuisine with dishes like adobo and sinigang. These savory, comforting meals bring a unique blend of flavors to the table, truly representing the diverse culinary experience that can be found in Houston. Barbecue Traditions Discover the time-honored techniques, regional flavors, and mouthwatering dishes that define this culinary art form. BBQ And Brisket Houston boasts a diverse barbecue scene, from traditional favorites to innovative takes on classic dishes. We find mouth-watering brisket at joints like Killen's BBQ, known for its smoky, tender cuts. Sausages And Ribs Sausages and ribs are popular Houstonian barbecue staples. Many establishments offer juicy links with distinct flavors, for example, Beaumont-style sausages that originated in East Texas, as mentioned in the Houston Chronicle. East Texas-Style Barbecues One unique aspect of Houston’s diverse barbecue scene is the East Texas-style 'cue. Southern Q offers dishes like smoked turkey legs, showcasing the city's rich culinary traditions. Fine Dining Experiences Explore exquisite cuisines, impeccable service, and luxurious ambiance that create memorable moments for discerning palates. Upscale Restaurants In Houston, the diverse culinary scene offers various fine dining options. From French cuisine in River Oaks to upscale Sichuan restaurants, we can find something to satisfy our taste buds. Chef-Driven Restaurants Houston also boasts numerous chef-driven restaurants where talented chefs present their culinary masterpieces. These establishments allow us to truly experience the vibrancy and creativity of Houston's food culture. Impressive Food Trucks The city's culinary scene would not be complete without its impressive lineup of food trucks. Serving various types of cuisine, these trucks showcase Houston's diversity and innovation in a more casual setting. Exploring Neighborhood Food Scenes Discover hidden culinary gems, local favorites, and diverse flavors that define each community's unique palate. Montrose And Third Ward In Montrose, we find a diverse mix of ethnic restaurants and cafes, while the historic Third Ward offers soulful culinary experiences. Downtown And Midtown Downtown Houston hosts upscale dining options, while Midtown features a thriving food truck culture and trendy bars. Heights And East End Heights is known for its cozy restaurants and gastropubs. East End showcases vibrant Tex-Mex flavors and tasty street food options. River Oaks And Post Oak Hotel Area Luxury dining experiences are abundant in River Oaks and the Post Oak Hotel area, offering high-end culinary treats and sophisticated atmospheres. Chinatown And Mahatma Gandhi District Chinatown and Mahatma Gandhi District bring together diverse flavors from Asia, featuring mouthwatering dishes like kebabs, shawarma, and saag paneer. Unique Food Establishments From quirky cafes to unconventional eateries, explore culinary innovation and unforgettable dining experiences that defy the ordinary. Mom-And-Pop Shops Houston's diverse culinary scene includes cherished mom-and-pop shops that offer authentic, homemade dishes. These family-owned establishments showcase the rich culture of the city, inviting diners to explore unique flavors and traditions. Cafes And Coffee Shops These shops also contribute to the city's culinary landscape. From cozy spots serving artisanal brews to eclectic eateries with artfully crafted pastries, there's a perfect spot to unwind and indulge in Houston. Lively Bars And Eateries For a more vibrant experience, Houston's lively bars and eateries offer a mix of casual dining options, from innovative fusion restaurants to intimate wine bars. These venues exemplify the city's dynamic food culture. Budding Food Personalities Explore their passion, creativity, and unique contributions to the ever-evolving gastronomic landscape. Quy Hoang We discovered Quy Hoang, a pioneer in Houston's barbecue scene, offering a unique fusion of flavors and showcasing a diverse culinary experience. Chris Shepherd Another talent is Chris Shepherd, known for his Southern-inspired fare, elevating Houston's food culture and reflecting the city's myriad tastes. Cajun Influences And Creole Flavors Houston's diverse cuisine reflects Cajun and Creole influences. Delicious Cajun food in Houston features boudin and smoked oxtails, while Creole offers oysters Rockefeller, chicken Clemençeau, and more. These cuisines blend local and international flavors, showcasing Houston's rich food culture and Louisiana heritage, ensuring a delightful culinary experience. Concluding Thoughts We've explored Houston's rich food scene and experienced the flavors that make this diverse city truly special. As a global food mecca, Houston proudly showcases its exceptional culinary landscape. The city's vibrant cuisine reflects its culturally rich and varied community. 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BY Diana WilliamsonOct 4, 2019

In Afrikaans, a kloof is a narrow mountain river valley or a canyon. And South Africa off-the-beaten-path adventures have followed a course parallel to the antics of European and American canyoneering enthusiasts.   Kloofing is following a mountain river from its beginnings down through waterfalls, rapids, whirlpools, hiking, and climbing your way in between swims. It’s a bit like high diving, hiking, and being put through a spin cycle—all at once. If you are still confused, I am referring to Southern Africa and its off-the-beaten-path adventures.   Do you want to know about more hidden gems in Southern Africa? Keep reading!  THESE Are the Best Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures Southern Africa, with its eclectic culture, has been attracting tourists to its iconic monuments and natural landscapes. Here are some off-the-beaten-path adventure spots you must add to your itinerary list.   1. Kloofing Near Cape Town  In the mountains behind Betty’s Bay, a short drive from Cape Town, are South Africa’s two best kloofing day trips.   Choose between the regular route, where you’ll have to leap 20 feet off a waterfall into the pool below, or Suicide Gorge (heads up: this means a leap of 60 feet).   To date, no one has been hurt seriously on a kloofing trip. However, if you’re subject to vertigo and aren’t at least halfway fit, then don’t do it.   The company Day Trippers will provide guides, wetsuits, lunch, transport, and moral support.  2. Lesotho on Horseback  The mountain kingdom of Lesotho, in east-central South Africa, serves up stone villages atop remote hillsides.   Villagers, called Basotho, live draped in blankets and robes, almost like ancient Greeks. Shepherd boys sit on the slopes, playing flutes. Vultures and eagles cruise overhead.   In Lesotho, the horse remains the chariot of choice, and this is how you’ll want to get around as well.   Semongkong Lodge, near Maletsunyane, southern Africa’s highest waterfall, offers horseback treks for several days. You’ll stay in timeless Basotho villages and ride some of the subcontinent’s steepest terrain.   The Basotho ponies, schooled in a special “tripling” gait, are tough, sure-footed, and afraid of nothing. A tip: Book a trek that coincides with Semonkong’s horse races. They’re wild spectacles involving carefully nurtured thoroughbreds, child jockeys, and epic bouts of drinking.  3. Hike Chimanimani To Make The Most Of Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures  As South Africa fills with travelers, more and more are heading into Zimbabwe, and several areas have been developed for hiking, fishing, riding, and other types of tourism.   But the mountainous Eastern Highlands, east of Chimanimani in southern Zim, are hardly developed at all, and that’s their appeal. Besides, this area, part of the Lebombo Mountain range that marks the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique, provides year-round cool relief from the heat of the plains below.  For the serious hiker, a stiff climb-in is rewarded by an upland paradise of high pastures, waterfalls, forests of flowering protea trees, and caves large enough to sleep in.   Because the water up here is pure and drinkable, you can live here for days if you bring enough food with you. The only downside: Don’t cross over to the Mozambique side of the mountains, as old land mines from that country’s now-defunct civil war are still scattered on the range’s eastern slopes. Stick closely to the maps (available in Chimanimani village).  4. Learn Polo-Cross  Hugely popular in Zimbabwe and a growing equestrian sport around the world, polo-cross means falls, body crunches, and glancing blows with the lacrosse stick.   But those with a go-smack-em attitude and sufficient riding experience can learn this fast and highly skilled equestrian sport on trained horses at Mopani Lodge, near Kwekwe in the Midlands area.  Relax between sessions by riding out on the ranch (which has a cross-country course if you still need an adrenaline fix) or just by sunning at the pool. And because of the favorable exchange rate, what would be an extremely expensive riding holiday anywhere else in the world has become one of adventure tourism’s best bargains.  5. Hunt with Bushmen  If you’re after Southern Africa off-the-beaten-path adventures, you can’t do any better than traveling with the Ju’Hoansi. Ju’Hoansi is the last Kalahari Bushmen clan to pursue the traditional hunting and gathering lifestyle.   They’ve decided to open to small-scale tourism in their remote Namibian locale. You’ll camp near the Ju’Hoansi village of Makuri, go hunting with the men, and gather with the women.   This is no theme-park experience: If the hunters stick an animal with an arrow, you may have to track it for up to two days and then carry out your share of the meat. If you love hunting, you can take the best hunting bow with you.   You must also carry your own water and food. Don’t just spend a couple of days here: Allow at least a week for the people to become comfortable with you. If you’re lucky, they may also invite you to attend a trance dance, at which miraculous healings often take place.  6. Dune Boarding  The seaside town of Swakopmund, where the Namib desert falls into the sea, has become southern Africa’s dune-boarding capital. You’re driven out to the foot of a mountain-sized sand dune, given a large oblong sheet of hardboard, some furniture polish, a pair of heavy industrial gloves, and some welding goggles, and the next minute you’re flying almost vertically downward.   It feels suicidal; even on the easiest descents, the board can pick up speeds of 60 or 70 km (about 43.5 mi)/hr. Steeper ones are much faster. Then you graduate to jumps, finally ending the day with the “Knucklegrinder,” an 800-foot whoosh down to a hard gravel plain.  7. Ride the Namib  It’s easily one of the most spectacular rides in the world: You’re galloping through the Namib Desert, the world’s oldest, surrounded by 2,000-foot-high, blood-red sand dunes.   Thousand-year-old plants that resemble exploded cabbages grow on gravel plains that see rain once in a century. Lonely canyons echo the barking shout of baboons and the nighttime cough of leopards.   Then, suddenly, green oases spring up, overgrown with camelthorn and tamarisk trees, where herds of desert antelope gather in the shade. Continue to sun-blasted mountain ranges where ice-cold springs bubble straight from the rock.   Trot through this barren wilderness with Reit Safari, which offers 10-day rides on Namibian Hanoverians (German horses) and rehabilitated mustangs, starting on the mountains west of Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, and ending in the ocean of the aptly named Skeleton Coast.  8. Earthwatch Cheetah Project  The lion really can lie down with the lamb—or at least the cheetah can. So, the biologists of this Earthwatch cheetah conservation project believe, anyway. Your job: to assist in live-capturing and radio-tracking cheetahs and other big cats on the wilderness ranches of central Namibia—the last place on earth where cheetahs still exist in reasonable numbers.   Local ranchers used to shoot them on sight. However, now many are cooperating with the study, which seeks to prove that cats only rarely hunt livestock if their natural prey is readily available.   You, the paying volunteer, have the satisfaction of contributing directly to the conservation of these cats while at the same time experiencing the adventure of chasing after and handling them.  9. Bike the Botswana Pans  Why would anyone want to bike through the Makgadigadi Pans—two vast, shallow expanses of mud? In the scorching Botswana summer, they fill with rain, releasing millions of tiny brine shrimp, which in turn attract breeding flocks of pink flamingos.   In the dry winter, they bake to a hard white crust. A perfect surface across which to go roaring on a quad bike. So wide are the pans that when out in the middle of them, you can’t see the “shore.” And the stars in this part of the Kalahari are unrivaled.  From Jack’s Camp, a luxurious place at the edge of the pans. You take quad bikes out to a table set out in the middle of the emptiness to find dinner laid and ready. By day, you go walking, look at the game, and pick wild foods with a Bushman guide called Cobra.   If you go during the sweltering summer months, you can’t quad bike the pans (too glutinous). However, you do see the flamingos. Further, if you’re lucky, you might see the eastern Kalahari’s summer zebra migration.  10. Deep Kalahari  If you have at least two weeks to explore Southern Africa off-the-beaten-path adventures, hire a 4×4 and blast off into southern Africa’s most remote country. The bigger-than-Switzerland Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Aha and Tsodilo Hills.   This is rugged driving on some of the toughest tracks in Africa; you must know what you’re doing in a 4×4. You must carry all the fuel and supplies.   And if you get stuck, well, suffice to say it’s best to go in a convoy of two vehicles. Highlights of this once-in-a-lifetime trip include the desert lions of Deception Pan.   The Bushmen communities at Molapo and Xai-Xai (where you can go out with the hunters). The stalactite-filled caves of Drotsky’s Caverns and the ancient rock paintings of the Tsodilos. When you emerge at Shakawe at the northern edge of the Okavango Delta, you’ll forget what civilization looks like.  Final Words on Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures  With dense vegetation, rugged cliffs, and fascinating wildlife, the Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path adventures promise an unforgettable experience. These trips are also about learning about various fascinating cultures and respecting nature.  So, if you plan to visit Southern Africa soon, you can visit any of the places I have discussed here. Don’t forget to share your experience once you come back! Happy journey!   Read Also: Planning A Hunting Trip To Africa – Here’s What You Should Know Top 12 Amazing Sahara Desert Animals You Need To See Beginner Tips For Your First Camino de Santiago.