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!
Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.
If you're looking for a romantic weekend away in Scotland, then consider a weekend break in the country's fabled Highlands. There are plenty of activities, attractions, and hotels to choose from in the Highlands.
You can spend a night or two in a charming Highland hotel or log cabin. Click here for more information about this destination. Many of these accommodations have private hot tubs so you can relax in the tub in the evenings.
Orkney is an archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland
The Orkney Islands consist of approximately 50 islands. They are located off the northeastern coast of Scotland, 16 km north of the mainland. The islands are separated from the Shetland Islands by the Fair Isle Channel.
The islands are approximately 202 square miles in area, making them the sixth-largest Scottish island and ninth-largest island group surrounding Great Britain.
The islands are divided into three distinct regions. The Mainland, also known as the Hrossey, is the largest and is home to the main settlements. It also serves as the transport hub of Orkney and has many connections to the outside world.
The Mainland is heavily populated, making up about 75 percent of the total population. The Mainland consists of two main areas: the East Mainland, which consists of four parishes, and the West Mainland, which contains the largest settlement, St Ola.
Loch Ness
If you love the outdoors, then you will love a weekend break in Loch Ness. This large freshwater loch is located in the Highlands and has more water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined!
The loch, close enough to be considered in your list of short break options, is also renowned for its spectacular scenery and adventure sports. If you're looking for an authentic experience, consider staying in a Highland lodge.
If you're interested in hiking, there are several great options for you to explore. Besides the loch, you can take a walk along the Affric Kintail Way, a 44-mile cross-country route. Another option is the Great Glen Way, which runs from Inverness to Fort William.
If you'd like to spend more time on the loch, you can also check out the South Loch Ness Trail, a 28-mile route that runs down the side of the loch. This route will also take you to the Falls of Foyers, a 165-foot waterfall.
Inverness
If you're planning a romantic getaway to Inverness, Scotland, there are many options for hotels and accommodations. For instance, you can book a room at the Holiday Inn Express Inverness, which offers free parking and free breakfast. The hotel is also a short walk away from the city's main attractions, including Victorian Market, the Inverness Castle, and Eden Court Theater.
The capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is an exciting place to take a weekend break. This city is home to award-winning 5* hotels, quality restaurants, and traditional Highland accommodations. There are many options to suit any budget, including themed breaks. There are also plenty of places to eat and drink, including a variety of excellent pubs, bistros, and restaurants serving local dishes.
Highlands
Highlands is a stunning region in the British Isles. Weekend breaks to the Highlands are both action-packed and relaxing. Click the link: wikihow for tips on how to plan a trip. There are many hotels to choose from and there are package deals available too. Whether you want to get away from it all and relax, the hotels in Highland have something for everyone.
The Highland Hotel is set in a glen with scenic views of the Cairngorms National Park. It offers rooms with balconies, and you can choose from Double and Twin rooms with a view. The hotel also serves traditional Scottish cuisine and has a bar with over 250 whiskies and 110 gins.
Guests can dine in its elegant 1887 Restaurant or enjoy casual fare in the Bo & Muc Restaurant. Both restaurants offer menus featuring local produce and are renowned for their extensive collection of malt whiskies.
While you are in the Highlands, don't miss the chance to visit Stirling. This historic city once served as the capital of Scotland. King Robert the Bruce defeated the English at Bannockburn and later, William Wallace battled the English army in Stirling, resulting in the creation of the Scottish nation.
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Since most of us prefer warmer weather, it’s easy to overlook the charm that winter can possess. Fortunately, there are many locations around the United States that offer even greater beauty when the snow flies.
Until you can return to those sunny days on the beach, consider these scenic snowflake cities that come to life when the temperatures dip!
Before heading out, make sure your car is in good working order by checking tire pressure, the battery, lights, fluid levels, and windshield wipers. Also, look for the cheapest car insurance so you know that while you’re on the road, you’re covered for any possibility.
1. Burlington, Vermont
New England is home to many quaint towns, and Burlington deserves a place at the top of that list. In addition to skiing, there are numerous things to do in Burlington making it perfect for families, couples, or even individuals wanting a little getaway.
You’ll be able to while away the day at distilleries, breweries, spas, award-winning restaurants, and cafes, and walk down popular Church Street. This cobblestone street is where it’s happening in Burlington, and even though you’ll need to bundle up, you’ll be enchanted by the lights and energy.
2. Leavenworth, Washington
This Bavarian-style village will charm those wool socks right off you. Located in the Cascade Mountains, it’s known for its ample snowfall and offers no shortages of places to ski, snow tube, and snowshoe or, if you prefer, just hang out at the resort or one of the many alluring cafes.
Related Resource: Dharamshala’s Snow Story: A Guide To Visit During Winters
3. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Americans may be proud to be American, but there’s always been a bit of envy for those incredible European Christmas markets. Bethlehem is a magnet for those wishing to partake in its annual Christkindlmarkt. It’s also home to an 81-foot wide “star” beaming on South Mountain
4. Sandpoint, Idaho
If you’re in love with winter, Sandpoint is the place to go. Even if you’re not in love with winter, the Sandpoint experience will change you. Receiving about 300” of snow every year, the town is surrounded by the impressive Selkirk Mountains. There is skiing, snowmobiling, a cool beer scene, and an arts venue.
Related Resource: A Guide To National Parks In Idaho – Latest Guide
5. Seneca Falls, New York
Can you get any more winter-happy than the city that inspired the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life”? Visit the fascinating museum that celebrates the film and even retrace George Bailey’s steps. Victorian-era homes grace nearly every street.
6. Door County, Wisconsin
More than just a city, Door County lies between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. It’s a peninsula that’s well known for its 300 miles of coastline that exhibit amazing ice shapes during the winter. It also boasts 11 historic lighthouses, bluffs, and cliff faces, cross-country skiing through pine forests, and a possible peek at the northern lights.
Related Resource: What There Is To Attract Us To Ohio
7. Ogden, Utah
With three ski resorts nearby and a reproduction of the Polar Express train, Ogden boasts a view of the imposing Wasatch Range. There’s even a dinosaur park that will wow the kiddies and parents alike. Nearby ski resorts include Nordic Valley, Powder Mountain, and Snowbasin. Visit 25th Street, which was once home to speakeasies.
8. Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Plenty of rolling hills and peaceful countryside, Stockbridge is scenic, charming, and filled with artisan workshops, quaint and cozy restaurants, and country stores to get your fill of maple syrup, nostalgic postcards, and old fashioned candies. There’s also a Norman Rockwell Museum to top off your visit with a creative and sentimental bang.
9. Ouray, Colorado
It’s Telluride without quite the financial commitment. Victorian buildings grace the town of Ouray so you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Nuzzled at the seat of the San Juan Mountains, it is also known as the “Switzerland of America.” The historic downtown is just the start, you’ll also want to indulge in a dip in the hot springs and if you’re up for it, find out why it’s also the ice climbing capital of the United States.
10. Bend, Oregon
To the west of this quaint town are the Cascade Mountains, which offer incredible skiing opportunities, as well as trails for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, even dog sledding if you happen to bring the pup! There is also a well-renowned microbrewery scene. B&B’s abound so you can slow down the pace and take your time enjoying all of the winter activities.
Just because it’s snowy outside, doesn’t mean you have to put your life on hold! There are plenty of places around the country to explore and indulge in all that wild wonder and beauty that winter has to offer.
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If you are looking for a destination for your next vacation, chances are you came across Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Nestled at the foothill of the Great Smokies, Gatlinburg is a bustling town, continuously gaining a reputation as an ideal vacation destination. It offers breathtaking views of the mountains along with tons of outdoor activities and a rich culture full of history.
However, before packing your bags, you must book accommodations first. Gatlinburg welcomes millions of visitors each year from all around the world, sometimes making it challenging for families to find suitable accommodations that cater to their needs. If you want to avoid this mistake or are looking to save some extra bucks, it is wise to book lodgings beforehand.
This guide will share some tips on how to find the perfect place for your stay.
Book The Best Lodgings For A Vacation In Gatlinburg: Things On Your Checklist
Gatlinburg has the potential to become a case study for capitalizing on its proximity to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and beautiful landscape.
However, tourism development in Gatlinburg has been a continuous effort for 20 years. This consistent effort even showed in Forbes Magazine naming it one of the prettiest towns in America in 2012.
Under the leadership of Cindy Cameron Ogle, the City Manager, Gatlinburg has experienced this metamorphosis.
Further, the Airbnb Market Data for 2023 in Gatlinburg shows a huge demand for short-term and long-term accommodations (temporary) in this part of the world.
The vacation rental company had 1,797 active listings in Gatlinburg as of 12th September 2024. Further, in 2023, Airbnb enjoyed an average occupancy rate of 66%. Also, the median rate of daily occupancy was $235.
So, being a hotspot for Tennessee tourism, Gatlinburg has many excellent accommodation options. However, you need to consider the following factors to optimize your experience.
1- Be Clear About What You Want:
Whether planning a solo trip or visiting Gatlinburg with family, the first step is to decide what you are looking for from your accommodation.
Even though Gatlinburg is a small town, it offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels and cabins to camping underneath the clear night sky. Note down what you will need from your accommodation and research different options.
For example, a one-bedroom cabin is an ideal option if you are visiting Gatlinburg solo. On the other hand, if it is a family trip, consider booking a cabin with multiple bedrooms and basic amenities like a kitchen. It will come in handy, especially if you decide to stay on the outskirts.
Many cabins also come with additional perks, like an indoor pool. It is an excellent, fun activity if you have kids. They can enjoy the warm, crystal-clear water while you plan for the day. By choosing Gatlinburg cabins with an indoor pool, you can also swim whenever you want without worrying about privacy or sunburn.
2- Location Is The Key For Booking Lodgings On A Vacation In Gatlinburg:
Location is the deciding factor that can make or break your vacation experience. The primary purpose of the vacation is to unwind while exploring a new city and culture. You cannot do that if your location does not give you access to popular tourist spots. Choose a place that will put you in proximity to significant attraction spots and also allow you to enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery that Gatlinburg has to offer.
Similarly, if the purpose of your location is pure relaxation, staying at a place located in a crowded area will ruin the vacation for you. In that case, you need to book a place that gives you access to mountains or hiking trails. Gatlinburg offers numerous challenging hiking trails, thanks to The Great Smoky National Park.
If you are traveling by plane, you should also factor it in. Do not choose a place far from the airport or inconvenient to commute. Most cab services charge extra if your accommodation is located at a distance from the airport. You will also have to pay for public transport. You can avoid paying those additional chargers.
3- Research Different Options:
Once you have decided on the type and location of the accommodation, it's time to go into research mode. Many credible websites, such as Airbnb and Booking, provide several options based on availability or your needs. Research the options by answering the following questions:
How long are you going to stay?
How many rooms will you require?
Will you need cooking facilities?
Do you have any special conditions?
Do you need wifi, a pool, or any other additional perk?
Can the place give access to public transport?
Researching beforehand can save you from many mistakes. It can also help you plan your budget accordingly. For instance, booking a three-bedroom condo is a waste of money if traveling solo. Similarly, a one-bedroom cabin may not be sufficient for a family of 4. Take into consideration every option and choose the one that suits your needs.
4- Reviews Can Be Helpful:
See what other people are saying about the place by reading online reviews. These reviews give insight into what other tourist experience about the accommodation. The reviews can be invaluable because they present the facts about the accommodation in question. When deciding between two or more accommodations, this information can be helpful because you can usually tell immediately how much the reviewer enjoyed the accommodations. You can also explore travel blogs for detailed reviews and ratings. The place with higher ratings usually indicates credibility.
5- Consider The Timing Of Your Visit:
Since Gatlinburg attracts millions of tourists, the timing of your visit can matter the most. Gatlinburg is nestled between the mountains, and its pleasant weather during summer attracts millions of visitors. Most lodges are fully booked during summer, making it difficult to book accommodation. Many people also experience long queues for a table at the restaurant. And in a jam-packed season, it can be difficult for families to enjoy outdoor activities or explore the city to a full extent.
6- Book Early:
If you do choose to visit Gatlinburg during summer, it is wise to book early. Imagine a family vacation is due, and you have taken some days off from work. Everything is in order except booking a place to stay. You go to the website only to realize that your ideal hotel or cabin is sold out for the days you want to visit.
Therefore, always book early. Do not wait till the last minute. Booking early gives you peace of mind that your ideal place is waiting for you, and you can also save money because the price usually goes up during the busy season.
Things To See On A Vacation In Gatlinburg On A Budget: A Quick Rundown
Gatlinburg is one of the most budget-friendly travel destinations in the USA. Further, it is a great destination for family holidays.
September to October is the best time to visit Gatlinburg, and in case you have plans to visit the city this fall, you can explore the following places.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park stands between the borders of Tennessee and North Carolina. You can cherish the beauty of the Smoky Mountains here and encounter the most fascinating wildlife.
Furthermore, it is a great place to learn about the Southern Appalachian culture.
2. Anakeesta
Anakeesta, a theme park in Gatlinburg, is a great spot for family vacations. Enjoy mountain coasters and zipline tours here and behold the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
3. Gatlinburg Space Needle
https://www.instagram.com/spaceneedletn/p/Cu5ba8BRyfr/
Gatlinburg Space Needle is an observation deck. You can get the best views of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg downtown from a 400 feet height from Gatlinburg Space Needle.
Along with these places, you can also stop by the Moonshine Mountain Coaster, Gatlinburg SkyPark, Mysterious Mansion, etc.
Final Thoughts:
Taking a vacation is an excellent way to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of the daily routine and recharge your battery. But most people find it overwhelming when it comes to booking.
When planning for a vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is booking a place to stay during your vacation. Many people are stressed out when they plan for accommodation, but you don't need to worry about that. Follow the strategies discussed to avoid mistakes. The key is to identify your priorities and act accordingly.
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