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!
Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!
When lawyer Stephen Gleave relocated to a Hamilton office building for the shorter commute, he didn’t realize the kind of beauty he was in for. But that’s the thing about Ancaster – its unique style has a way of sneaking up on you.
There’s something about Ancaster that makes you want to stay,” he explains. “There's a magic to the town.
That magic he’s referring to could be its proximity to endangered Carolinian forests, which are one of the most temperate climates in all of Canada.
Gleave could also be referring to the close-knit history of Ancaster – this town sat on the strategic ground of multiple major transportation routes in Upper Canada, connecting different settlements and indigenous towns.
Its location near a large creek helped further develop its mill economy. Creeks also feed many of the naturally beautiful waterfalls that Ancaster has to offer.
So much of this beautiful little town is covered in different historical settlements bordered by natural forests. There are plenty of trails and water features to explore. Gleave has seen most of them, but his favourites highlight some of the best that Ancaster has to offer.
Sherman Falls
This waterfall located in Ancaster is surrounded by moss-covered limestone and a deciduous forest. An old but sturdy bridge takes you over its creek, the rumbling of the falls itself loud enough to be heard from many feet away. It feels like a scene out of a fantasy novel, but Sherman Falls, also referred to as “Fairy” or “Angel” falls is very real.
It may be located on private property, but this 17-metre-high curtain waterfall is still accessible, as the owners are happy to oblige. The trail leading to Sherman Falls is accessible year-round.
“It’s a wonderful hiking trail,” explains Stephen Gleave. “One of the best in Ancaster.”
Canterbury Falls
Sherman Falls is located between two other water features that are just as mesmerizing. Canterbury falls on one end is located on a tributary of Sulphur Creek known as Canterbury Creek and can be found on the Bruce Trail. This waterfall cascades 9.5 metres and is about 3.3 metres wide.
The land was previously owned by the Milne family in 1766-1826 but is now owned by the Anglican Church of Canada, Hamilton Diocese, which uses the site as a retreat, church and camp. A recently built bridge provides access.
Tiffany Falls
Tiffany Falls is a particularly interesting geological formation known as an Earth Science Area of Regional Significance thanks to its bedrock exposure, alongside a smaller waterfall called Washboard Falls.
This feature has many layers of stratified soil exposed to show millions of years of changes in soil composition.
Much like most of the Carolinian Forest ecosystem and the habitat around Ancaster, Tiffany Falls and the area around it is significant for the conservation of animal life.
Dundas Valley Conservation Area
Gleave describes the Dundas Valley Conservation Area near Ancaster as
all the area has to offer, all accessible on a series of well-looked-after trails.
This conservation area spans 1,200 hectares and has the same rich Carolinian Forests as well as geological formations and meadows that host a variety of rare and endangered wildlife.
The entire zone was once part of a glacial valley that disappeared approximately 10,000 years ago, which is why so many of the other areas on this list are known by geological experts as areas of interest.
What makes this conservation area special is its availability to the public and its equestrian-accessible trails. There are also more than 40 kilometres of recreational trails, with some trails offering wheelchair and scooter accessibility.
One of the best choices I ever made was coming to Ancaster,” says Gleave. “It’s reignited my love and pride for Southern Ontario
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Have you been bitten by the campervan bug? As more and more individuals are taking to the open road in order to discover the world around them, these vehicles have become extremely popular. Are there any ways in which you can ensure a pleasant journey?
In the same respect, what mistakes should be avoided? Let us examine both sides of the proverbial coin so that you will be prepared for whatever may be in store.
Let’s have a look at what is a campervan and how the campervan works.
What Is A Campervan?
Campervan traveling is a camper van style that allows traveling on wheels. All these are entirely furnished vans. You will get plenty of beds, attached washrooms, televisions, and music systems. The main advantage of campervans traveling is you do not need to book any vehicles for traveling.
You can play multiple music players and enjoy the views of the attractive scenic beauties. Every type of modern facility is available here, from kitchenettes to washrooms and televisions. Usually, these travelings are more fun.
So let’s see how to make your adventurous journey into a more exciting one.
Expert Recommendations: Tips And Tricks
One practical recommendation involves knowing what to pack. Campervan traveling is a very exciting feature. Campervan travel is a very adventurous journey. But small mistakes can make your adventurous journey into a big headache.
If your campervan has washrooms and a kitchen, then you must take care of your campervan. Hence, pest infestations are also possible at any time. If the campervan is not yours, then also you must take some precautionary steps.
Here are a handful of basic essentials that should be included even if the journey is relatively short:
An adapter plug
Fan or small handheld cooler
Small antiseptic lotion
Bandaid and bandage
Small portable, easy chairs
Portable solar panels
One or more beach towels
A fully charged torch
Extra bottles of drinking water
A cooler
A physical map (in the event that you do not have wireless Internet service)
Skin care products such as sunscreen and insect repellent
Secondly, make it a point to roughly map out your journey while taking into account variables such as traffic and estimated travel times. These factors will ultimately determine how long you can afford to stay at each destination. A satnav can help with this.
Safety Concerning Tips
Safety is another priority that should never be taken lightly. Always check the condition of headlamps, tail lights, and similar electronic components. If your current electronics are a bit old, then replacing them with easy to install campervan electrics before you set off for your trip would be a good idea.
Make certain that the MOT inspection is up to date. Confirm that the tires are inflated to the appropriate pressure and that the brakes are functioning as they should.
It could likewise be prudent to examine the campervan insurance options found at www.campervaninsurance.co.uk/campervan-insurance/self-build. This is the best way to find personalized packages so that you are financially protected while on the open road.
Mistakes To Avoid During Your Campervan Journey
One common error involves airing the campervan out for long periods of time. Opening up windows and doors can cause levels of interior humidity to rise, leading to issues such as mould and foul smells.
If you are traveling with a campervan interior with a bathroom, then always maintain cleanliness.
It is instead better to keep windows open while driving and to close them once you reach the destination.
Another mistake is associated with over-planning. While there is nothing wrong with creating a general itinerary, remember that unexpected sights could arise on occasion. So, include a bit of leeway when determining where it is that you wish to visit.
A final pitfall is associated with not checking the weather forecast on a regular basis. When traveling with a campervan, inclement weather can and will occur from time to time.
This is particularly the case during the summer months, as storms may arise from seemingly nowhere. This will place quite a damper on any much-needed holiday. So, be sure to keep up to date with all relevant forecasts.
A Bit Of Planning Will Go A Long Way
Adequately preparing for an upcoming campervan trip is the best way to make certain that nothing is left to chance. Sit back, relax and enjoy all that these excursions have to offer!
The campervan trips are also going to be very exciting if you are selecting the right way as per the precocious tips. So what is your opinion?
Are you thinking of starting a campervan journey? Then share your opinion through the comment section.
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In today's fast-paced world, where screens often dominate leisure time, the importance of outdoor activities, especially for children, cannot be overstated. Among these, beach camps stand out as not just a retreat into nature but as powerful platforms for fostering essential life skills in young minds.
Through fun, education, and adventure, beach camps offer a unique environment where children can develop curiosity, resilience, teamwork, and much more.
This article delves into the transformative power of beach camps, focusing on vibrant coastal communities like Manhattan Beach, and provides insights into selecting the perfect camp that aligns with a child's interests and parents' expectations.
The Crucial Role of Beach Camps in Child Development
Beach camps provide a dynamic environment for children to explore, learn, and grow. The natural setting of the beach, with its vast expanse of sand and water, presents endless opportunities for discovery and adventure.
These camps are about much more than just building sandcastles or swimming; they are designed to immerse children in various activities that promote essential life skills.
1. Curiosity and Exploration
Beach camps stimulate curiosity in children by exposing them to the wonders of the marine ecosystem. Guided exploration sessions allow children to learn about different species of marine life, the importance of conservation, and the ecological balance of beach environments.
This hands-on learning approach fosters a sense of wonder and encourages children to ask questions and seek answers.
2. Resilience and Adaptability
The unpredictability of nature and the challenges of outdoor activities help children develop resilience. Whether learning to surf, participating in beach clean-ups, or navigating obstacle courses, children learn to face challenges head-on, adapt to changing conditions, and overcome obstacles.
These experiences teach them perseverance and resilience, qualities that are invaluable throughout life.
3. Teamwork and Social Skills
Beach camps are communal experiences where children interact with peers from diverse backgrounds. Children learn the importance of cooperation, communication, and mutual respect through team-based activities and games.
These social interactions are crucial for developing empathy and social skills, helping children learn how to work effectively in teams, and building lasting friendships.
The Variety of Beach Camps in Coastal Communities
Coastal communities, particularly Manhattan Beach, are renowned for their vibrant beach camp offerings.
These camps cater to various interests and age groups, from surfing and marine biology to beach volleyball and environmental conservation. The diversity of camps ensures that there is something for every young explorer eager to embark on a seaside adventure.
A. Surfing Camps
These camps focus on teaching children the fundamentals of surfing, ocean safety, and wave etiquette. In addition to improving their surfing skills, children learn about the ocean's dynamics and the importance of respecting marine life.
B. Environmental Conservation Camps
These camps are designed to instill a sense of environmental stewardship in children. Activities include beach clean-ups, recycling and sustainability lessons, and interactive marine conservation sessions.
C. Adventure and Exploration Camps
Aimed at fostering a spirit of adventure, you can expect these camps to offer activities like treasure hunts, obstacle courses, and nature walks. They are designed to encourage exploration and discovery, helping children develop a love for the outdoors.
The Role of Parents in Enhancing the Beach Camp Experience
Parents play a crucial role in maximizing the benefits of a summer beach camp for their children. Before the camp begins, parents can engage their children in preparing for the experience, discussing what to expect, and setting personal goals.
Stay connected through letters or emails during the camp can provide encouragement and support. After the camp, parents should take the time to reflect with their children on their experiences, discussing what they learned and how they've grown. This reflection reinforces the lessons learned at camp and integrates them into the child's development.
⛺Choosing the Right Beach Camp
Selecting the right beach camp is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact a child's summer experience. It's about balancing fun and educational value, ensuring safety, and aligning with family values and expectations.
Here are detailed strategies to guide parents through this process:
1. Identify Your Child's Interests
The first step in choosing the right beach camp is understanding what your child is passionate about. The range of activities at beach camps is vast, from water sports like surfing and sailing to environmental education and beach volleyball.
Sit down with your child and discuss what aspects of the beach and the outdoors excite them the most. This conversation can reveal whether they're more inclined towards adventure, science, conservation, or simply enjoying the beach environment.
Knowing your child's interests will help narrow the options to camps specializing in areas they're eager to explore.
2. Research Camp Credentials
Once you have a clearer idea of what you're looking for, it's essential to research the credentials of the camps that have caught your interest.
Safety is paramount, so look for accredited camps accredited by reputable organizations such as the American Camp Association (ACA). These accreditations mean the camp adheres to strict safety and operational standards. Additionally, investigate the qualifications of the staff and instructors.
Experienced, certified professionals passionate about their work can make a significant difference in the quality of the camp experience. Also, check the camp's history and reputation for insight into its track record and reliability.
3. Consider the Camp's Philosophy
Every camp has its unique philosophy and approach to education, recreation, and interaction. This ethos influences the camp's atmosphere, the activities offered, and how they are conducted. For instance, some camps might focus on competitive sports, while others prioritize environmental conservation or cultural enrichment.
Choosing a camp with values that resonate with your family is essential. A camp promoting skill development, personal growth, environmental stewardship, and respect for others can offer your child a more holistic and rewarding experience.
Review the camp's mission statement, talk to the staff, and read testimonials from other parents and campers to gain insights into its philosophy and how it's reflected in its programs and daily operations.
Conclusion
The process of selecting the right beach camp is both exciting and daunting. By focusing on your child's interests, researching potential camps' credentials and safety standards, and aligning with a camp's philosophy that matches your family's values, you can ensure a fulfilling and enjoyable summer experience for your child.
Remember, the goal is to find a camp where your child can thrive, learn new skills, and make lasting memories in a safe and supportive environment.
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