Unique Things To Do In Nassau: Planning A Trip To The Bahamas Capital

Everyone these days is asking, “Is the Bahamas safe?” Unfortunately, Nassau, the Bahamas Capital, has been under the radar due to rising records of violent crimes, including murders, robberies, and sexual assaults. 

However, it does not change the fact that Nassau is a wonderful place to plan a trip, as it is one of the best Caribbean destinations, fusing history, culture, nature, and wildlife. It also offers a delightful gastronomic experience and a luxury stay. 

Additionally, the Bahamian Government has adopted a multifaceted approach to combating the rising crime rate. There have been stricter law enforcement measures, increased attention to social issues, and intelligence gathering to address the growing number of crimes. 

So, despite most countries asking tourists to observe “extreme caution” during a trip to the Bahamas, we hope that things will get better soon. 

And with great optimism, in this Tour and Travel Blog, we want to now discuss what are things to do in Nassau Bahamas.

How can we in this small society, how can we not be serious about crime issues when it affects all of us, all of our families, our friends who are dying, these young kids who should be living until they are 70 years of age, killing one another, for what reason? We don’t know.
How do we intervene and stop people from doing it? We think that the answer is a long-term solution by starting by the proper investment in the social programs and education. We are doing that. We’re trying to improve the housing [situation]. We are doing that.
Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Bahamas

What Is Nassau Bahamas Best Known For?

What Is Nassau Bahamas Best Known For_

Nassau, the original land of the Pirates, is known for its multifaceted attractions as a tropical getaway. 

You will fall in love with its white sandy beaches, rich history, cultural experiences, and laid-back charm. Rarely will you find another place where you can dive to a pirate shipwreck and visit a museum dedicated to the history of slavery and emancipation in one day. 

I will discuss the top things to do in Nassau in more detail later. In this section, I’d like to give you a glimpse of the eclectic experience you can expect in Nassau. 

And you must remember that the Bahamas is not a part of the US, and every tourist spot in the country is a testament to the country’s pride, way of living, and rich history.

Types of Tourist Attractions in the BahamasPlaces to Visit
Historical and Cultural AttractionsParliament Square
The Straw Market
Fort Fincastle
Christ Church Cathedral
The Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation
Marine AdventuresBimini Islands
Exuma Cay
New Providence Island and BREEF Coral Reef Sculpture Garden
Food TourismDelicacies such as Johnny Cake and Conch Fritters make the Bahamas the ultimate destination for a foodie. 
The cuisine here shows eclectic influences, including European, African, and Caribbean cuisines. 
Visit the local eateries to taste the authentic flavors of the Bahamas. 
Beaches Junkanoo Beach
Cable Beach
Cabbage Beach
Montagu Beach
Paradise Beach

What Is The Best Time To Explore The Things To Do In Bahamas Nassau?

What Is The Best Time To Explore The Things To Do In Bahamas Nassau_

December to April is the best time to visit Nassau and explore its top attractions. The temperature in these months ranges between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius. 

Additionally, you will enjoy extended daylight hours during these months. 

These months are ideal for a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and exploring local attractions. 

Moreover, events such as the Farmer’s Cay Festival (Early February), the Sailing Regatta on New Year’s Day, and the Junkanoo Festival in December and January take place during these months. 

Refer to the table below to learn about the weather conditions in Nassau by month. It will give you a fair idea about the best time to plan a trip to Nassau.

Nassau Weather by MonthHighest TemperatureLowest TemperatureDays of Rainfall
January25175
February26185
March27196
April28218
May29229
June302412
July312513
August322515
September322415
October332310
November30208
December27196

What Are The Top Things To Do In Nassau?

Finally, it’s time to discuss what are fun things to do in Nassau Bahamas. Let’s discuss the top attractions.

1. Visiting Paradise Island

Visiting Paradise Island

    You can begin exploring Nassau with a short trip to Paradise Island. It has powdery sand and turquoise water. 

    Further, it is ideal for water activities such as diving and snorkeling. 

    2. Exploring Fort Fincastle

    Exploring Fort Fincastle

      Start from the Central Square of Nassau and climb the 66 limestone stairs to reach Fort Fincastle, the highest point in Nassau. 

      The stairs and the castle have a history dating back to the 1700s. Also, once you reach Fort Fincastle, you will fall in love with the surroundings. 

      3. Take A Walk In Versailles Garden And French Cloister

        Do you want to experience a slice of French aristocracy in the Bahamas? Plan a visit to the Versailles Garden and French Cloister. 

        The Cloister was earlier a French Monastery. It was reconstructed, and now it looks like the centerpiece of the Versailles Garden.

        4. Shop At The Straw Market

          If you are looking for the perfect Bahamanian souvenir, the Straw Market will be your go-to destination. 

          Here, you will find handicraft items made of straws and conch shells. 

          5. Visit The Atlantis Aquarium and Aquaventure Water Park

          Visit The Atlantis Aquarium and Aquaventure Water Park

            Grab the day passes, and explore the underwater scenarios of the lagoons, and meet marine animals at Atlantis Aquarium. Here, you will get to see stingrays. 

            Once you are done exploring the aquarium, you can dive into the water at Aquaventure Water Park. 

            6. Plan A Boat Trip To The Blue Lagoon Island

            Plan A Boat Trip To The Blue Lagoon Island

              Take a 15-minute boat ride from Nassau and reach the Blue Lagoon Island for the most delightful encounters with the dolphins. 

              Also, you can kayak, boat, or snorkel in the hidden lagoon there to make the most of the blue water fun!

              7. Taste The Spirit Of The Bahamas At John’s Watling’s Distillery

                It’s time to taste the “Spirit of the Bahamas” or the “Liquid Gold.” It’s a sin if you miss out on tasting the best Rum at John’s Watling’s Distillery. 

                John Watling was a pirate, and there are still many myths around his life. Take a complimentary tour of the distillery seven days a week if you are looking for free things to do in Nassau. 

                8. Visit The Pirates of Nassau Museum

                  Do you want to have an interactive high-experience? Why not plan a visit to the Pirates of Nassau Museum?

                  The replicas of the pirate ships are stunning, and they will take you back to the 18th century. It was the time when the city indeed was the golden land of the pirates.

                  9. Visit The Stuart Cove And Dive With Sharks

                  Visit The Stuart Cove And Dive With Sharks

                    Are you a certified scuba diver? Go for a dive at the Stuart Cove and have a lifetime experience of your encounters with the sharks.

                    10. Explore The Clifton Heritage National Park

                      A diverse ecosystem and the historical relics associated with the Lucayan people are the biggest draws to the Clifton Heritage National Park. 

                      Further, it is the location of the celebrated movies like “Jaws” and it has featured in a few movies of the James Bond series. 

                      You will love the beaches here. However, the real fun awaits under the water when you snorkel and explore the sunken shipwrecks. 

                      So, Is Nassau, Bahamas Worth Visiting?

                      With the best things to do in Nassau being very diverse, and as the capital of an important Caribbean nation, Nassau is absolutely worth visiting. 

                      Furthermore, the beaches, parks, marine attractions, and historical sites offer something for every type of tourist. 

                      However, the rising crime rate is a concern for the tourism industry of Nassau and the Bahamas. The US Travel Advisory mentions,

                      Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. Stay alert in the “Over the Hill” area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents.

                      Hopefully, as promised, the Government will combat this issue through social developments, stricter regulations, and intelligence gathering. 

                      It is important to consolidate the over 11 million visitors to the country in 2024.

                      Unique Things To Do In Nassau, Bahamas: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

                      There are some frequently asked questions and answers about things to do in Nassau, Bahamas.

                      1. What To Do In Nassau, Bahamas For Free?

                      There is no dearth of free and cheap things to do in Nassau Bahamas. Based on your interest, you can take a walking tour of Arawak Cay, Bay Street, Parliament Square, and Straw Market. 

                      Furthermore, you can visit historical sites such as the Queen’s Staircase, Christ Church Anglican Cathedral, and Fort Fincastle.

                      2. What Are The Free Things To Do In Nassau, Bahamas Cruise Port?

                      A visit to Arawak Cay is one of the most exciting free things to do in the Nassau Cruise Port. Arawak Cay is just a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride from Nassau Cruise Port. 

                      You can even visit the nearby Straw Market, enjoy swimming and sunbathing at Junkanoo Beach, and do window shopping at Bay Street.

                      3. What Are The Things To Do In Nassau, Bahamas For Adults?

                      Nassau has a very vibrant nightlife. The bars, lounges, and casinos in Nassau will shower you with the best hours of fun and games. 

                      So, if you are an adult and want to experience a slice of the Nassau nightlife, you can visit Atlantis Casino and Baha Mar Casino.

                      4. What To Do In Nassau For A Day?

                      You can accomplish a great deal in Nassau in one day. Having said that, you need at least 4-5 days to explore the best of Nassau. 

                      If I were in Nassau for just one day, I would take a short boat ride to Blue Lagoon Island. You can also try snorkeling and swimming at Cable Beach. 

                      Furthermore, if you are a history enthusiast, you can plan a visit to the Pirate Museum, Fort Fincastle, Bay Street, Clifton Heritage National Park, and Rawson Square and Parliament Square. 

                      Also, for some relaxed time in nature, you can go for a walk in the Versailles Garden and the French Cloister or Ardastra Gardens and Zoo. 

                      5. What Are The Things To Do In Nassau Bahamas For Couples?

                      Nassau, especially Paradise Island, is an ideal destination for couples seeking a truly romantic experience. 

                      You will love the pristine beaches with white sand here. Additionally, the turquoise water here creates a serene ambiance. 

                      So, as a couple, you can plan a cruise trip to Paradise Island in Nassau. Also, you can plan a stay in any of the luxury hotels or resorts on Paradise Island. 

                      Hotels like Sandals Royal Bahamian further offer adult-only stays. So, it’s time to get soaked in steamy romance. 

                      6. What Are The Things To Do In Nassau Bahamas When On A Cruise?

                      The cruise tourism industry in the Bahamas has experienced significant growth over the last few years. In the 2023-24 cruise year, the cruise tourism industry in the Bahamas recorded a whopping $654.8 million in revenue.

                      The diverse experiences during a cruise trip in the Bahamas have prompted growth in the specific sector. 

                      Additionally, if you are in Nassau on a cruise, the best activities to do will depend on your interests. 

                      For example, if you have a keen interest in history and culture, you must explore places such as Queen’s Staircase, John Watling’s Distillery, Straw Market, Fort Fincastle and Government House, and Parliament Square. 

                      However, if you want to have some fun at the beach, Blue Lagoon Island, Cabbage Beach, Paradise Island, and Exuma Cay will be your go-to destinations. 

                      7. What Are The Things To Do In Nassau When It Rains?

                      June to November are the months with the heaviest rainfall in Nassau, Bahamas. August is the wettest month of the year, with an average rainfall of 24 cm. 

                      Heavy rainfall continues till October (16 cm), and from September to November, the Bahamas also experiences tropical storms. 

                      Having said that, a rainy day without storms is beautiful in the Bahamas, and the things to do are a visit to Paradise Island and Rose Island, reef snorkeling, parasailing, and a swim with pigs on Rose Island. 

                      Also, if you are an indoor person, a visit to the Baha Mar Casino is one of the fun things to do in Nassau on a rainy day. 

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                      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!

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                      READ MORE best nude beaches

                      10 Best Nude Beaches in the World 

                      BY  Mashum Sep 30, 2021

                      The best nude beaches in the world still exist, which people visit without wearing clothes on their body. It is not a dream, and you also go to that place to visit, and you may have to stay unclothed. Mainly in the summertime, when people go to the beaches to get sun rays. Particularly in Western countries, you will have nude beaches.  Walt Whitman started this nude beach concept. He first stated about ‘academic air bath.’ This concept generally tells people to be free from all social boundaries.   Everyone has their body shapes and the same body parts. Now, this concept has grown popular, and people are making themselves nude and enjoying freedom.   Here Are the Best Nude Beaches in the World  You can enjoy the freedom on these beaches because no one will judge you. Therefore, people nowadays call nude beaches ‘free beaches.’ Consequently, it is high time to feel free from all the boundaries.   It is a legal concept, and even in some states, people are creating natural beaches to stay honest as you are. Now, let’s see the best beaches in the world that are incredibly famous.  1. Black Beach, California  It is a 10-meter-long sea beach with a long coastline. If you visit this beach, you can stay away from the crowd and remain without clothes. This sea beach is 50 years older, and its golden state is the central part of the beach.   The beach is near the University of California. It is very easy to reach the beach. The long coastline with the surf seashore will make you happy. Now, enjoy the whole day and sleep in the sun soak bed to get the sun's rays.   2. Plage de Tahiti  It is one of the best nude beaches, and its blue sea waves will make you happy. If you want to stay naked, you can visit here like that. The topless beach will take you to another world where you will only have peace. Don’t be shy, and it is all about fun.   Enjoy your trip in a free mind so that you can enjoy it to the utmost. Visit France and enjoy your vacation at Plage de Tahiti beach.  3. Valalta Naturist Camp  Valalta is a natural beach that is free from crowds. On this beach, you can take a rest for as long as you want. This beach is best for couples. The 4 K.M sea beaches will consist of food as well. So, you can have food anytime you feel hungry.   However, it is the best time to live a life without clothes. So, try something new and enjoy yourself with your partner. Make your day full of joy and fun. This beach is in Croatia, so visit the country also.  4. Haulover Beach  Haulover Beach is in Florida, where more than 5000 people come for vacation every year. The weather in this country is incredible, and for spending some time, this beach is the best option. If you are thinking of relaxation, you must go to the beach because people go there to rest. The beach in Miami has blue sea waves and a gentle breeze.   To make a change, go for the sky drive and enjoy the best time.  5. Wreck Beach  This sea beach is in Canada. It looks extraordinary that in Canada, there is a nude beach. This beach is the first beach where clothing operations have started. So, have fun on this beach.   The brown sandy beach will stay quiet for a maximum time, so here you can take a rest for a long time.   However, you can also take a refreshing bath. If you want to stay naked, then do it freely. You will never get a chance later. So, enjoy your day.   6. Little Beach  The beach's name indicates it is tiny.   This beach is in Maui and has a small coastline. As the beach is smaller, you can be alone for a part of the time.   The blue sea waves and sandy beaches will make you extremely happy. So, go to the nude beach.   7. Praia do Pinho  Praia do Pinho beach is in Brazil, where so many people go to spend time on the beach. The sea beach is in South America, and you can visit it to make a change.   Here, nudity is compulsory. If you see the beach, stay undressed. It is the rule of authority. So, go and have fun on this beach.  8. Hedonism II  The hedonism beach is in Negril, Jamaica. It is one of the famous nude beaches that have a 7-mile-long coastline with a fantastic seashore.   On this beach, you must stay naked. No one can wear clothes on this beach. However, you must remove clothes from your body first to get close to nature. It is one of the best nude beaches in the world.  9. Bellevue Beach  Are you interested in going to a calm and quiet place where no one will be there to distract you? Then, you must go to Bellevue beach, where people stay naked all the time, and no one comes to another.   You can stay with your partner and friends freely on Bellevue, one of the best nude beaches in the world. Even here you can play in the sea. In the summer months, this beach is the best because of its nice atmosphere.  10. Samurai Beach  The exact location of the beach is in Australia. The weather is pleasant, and you can stay for the day. However, if you just want to get the sunrays, please sleep in the sea breach and get enough heat.   The watercolor is green and looks very different from others. People have arranged beach games that you can play to relax. The beach is just after the Tomaree National Park. So, go and enjoy the day on the beach.  The Final Words  It is the perfect time to get refreshment by visiting the best nude beaches in the world. Stay passive and get out of shame if you plan to visit these places. Hundreds of people remain and come to see the beach, so it's not a problem.  There is no harm in trying new ideas of living. So, go and enjoy your days on the best sea beaches where you can be your most natural self.  More Resources A Guide To National Parks In Oklahoma – Latest Guide A Guide To National Parks In Virginia – Latest Guide What To Look For When Purchasing A Beach Tent For Vacation

                      READ MORE adventure lagoon

                      Best Things To Do In The Adventure Lagoon Waterpark In Anaheim 

                      BY  Sibashree Oct 29, 2022

                      Hey there! Are you a fan of adventure parks? How about water parks? If you’re excited by the idea of an adventure water park, then you’re in for a treat! Today, I’m diving into a review of the popular Adventure Lagoon Waterpark in sunny Anaheim, California.  If you’re ready for some fun under the sun, keep reading! I’ve got all the details you need to make the most of your visit to this awesome waterpark. Let’s jump right in!  Exploring The Adventure Lagoon Waterpark In Anaheim: Things To Do  Before you can find out all the crazy things to do in Adventure Lagoon Anaheim, check out the table below for all the details you need to know about this place!  Official Website theadventurelagoonRun By Orange County Water District (Brainchild Of David Wabiszewski) Location Anaheim, California Address 3255 E Miraloma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806 Phone (714) 983-7314 Google Rating 4.2 Stars (110 Google Reviews) Opening Hours Monday – Friday: 4 pm – 9 pm | Saturday & Sunday: 12 pm – 9 pm Activities Aqua Park, Kaos, Thunderdome, Freefall Extreme, Freefall Supreme, Jungle Joe 2, Monkey Dome Other Activities Floating obstacle course, Paddleboarding, Pedal & bumper boats, Kayaks, Water volleyball Food & Beverage Food, Drinks, Treats, Retail  Now that you have a fair idea about the Adventure Lagoon water park, let’s check out specific details for more information, especially if you are planning to head out to this crazy location soon! Aqua Park: The best part of visiting the adventure lagoon in anaheim is there are so many activities that you can try out. If you want to know the best things to do in the Adventure Lagoon Waterpark in Anaheim, then you have come to the right place.  Check out the table below for details on all the fun activities you can check out here! ActivityDetailsAqua ParkThe park boasts a crystal-clear freshwater lake - the Aquaglide Ring Monsoon XXL sits on the top of this lake!KaosMove over conventional trampolines because it’s time for the unique bouncing dome to take charge.ThunderdomeFeaturing ten mesh panels and 32 mesh panels, Thunderdome is a massive and versatile arena.Freefall ExtremeA zero-entry slide featuring a 10 ft tall climbing wall in ladder style accompanied by a huge enclosed splash zone.Freefall SupremeA zero-entry slide featuring a mid-level loft, an internal splash zone, three external ladder walls, and a mesh shade. Jungle Joe 2The Jungle Joe 2 features pyramidal walls accompanied by internal mesh floors, splash Zones, and multi-level terraces.Monkey DomeMove over land-based monkey bars because the Monkey Dome provides visitors with the ultimate challenge of crossing the area without falling into the water. Other Activities: Absolutely! The Adventure Lagoon waterpark has so much to offer beyond just the Aqua Park. Why spend your time on anything else when you can dive into a world of fun activities? Take a look at the table below for an overview of all the exciting things you can experience during your visit!  What Is The Pricing Of All The Activities In The Adventure Lagoon?  If you're planning a visit to the park, everyone is required to pay general admission, no matter what activities you want to enjoy. Here’s a breakdown of the admission prices and offerings: For visitors aged 6 and up, the entry fee is $35 on weekdays (Monday to Thursday) and $40 on weekends (Friday to Sunday). This gets you all-day access to the lagoon.  If you're 65 or older, your admission is just $10.  Kids aged 3 to 5 can also enter for $10.  Children aged 0 to 2 can join in for free! If you're celebrating a special occasion, you might want to consider renting out the VIP or Birthday Section. It’s $150 on weekdays and $250 on weekends.  For some extra fun, you can try out activities like the Obstacle Course for $10, or rent equipment like paddle boards, kayaks, or aqua bikes, with prices starting at $10 to $15 per hour. And don't forget, the pedal boats in the Kids Zone are free for little ones aged 0 to 5. Enjoy your time at the park!  Rules You Must Follow For The Adventure Lagoon  Even though it is a great way to experience adventure and fun, you must be careful, especially when you visit the adventure lagoon. There are certain rules that you must follow to make your experience safe and sound.  You can bring life vests, and the Coast Guard will love you.  Additionally, please bring beach chairs, as they will make for a more comfortable experience.  You must not carry alcohol as they have a zero tolerance policy for that; hence, you will be removed from the premises, and you will not receive any refund. Outside food or drinks are not allowed, so it is better if you do not carry any outside products.  The flasks or water bottles are non-useable; hence, try to be careful when carrying these products.  You cannot smoke or vape in the parking lot.  Once you check out, you cannot re-enter the park.  You will not get any refunds, exchanges, or returns once you have obtained the entry tickets.  An important rule to maintain is that if you visit the amusement lagoon, you must have the basic capabilities of swimming.  All the sales that are made with credit card purchases must be carried with valid ID.  If you have children going with you at the Amusement lagoon, make sure they are 6 years old and above.  Things To Take With You: While the adventure lagoon Anaheim can have been ruling hearts with its crazy features and unique adventure activities, there are certain things that visitors can carry for the best experience.  Here’s what you must take with you if you are planning a trip to this adventurous waterpark!  Identification, Bathing Suit, Beach Towel, Hat, shirt, towels, Sunscreen, and Cash or Debit/Credit Cards. Visiting The Adventure Lagoon Waterpark In Anaheim: Tourist Reviews! Image Source: blogger.googleusercontent.com Exploring The Adventure Lagoon Waterpark in Anaheim can be a crazy experience. Still, at the same time, it’s always best to check some user reviews before you can visit the location.  Review By Melissa Hunter: 4/5 Stars “All my kids had THE BEST time! The obstacles are so much fun and lots to do. However, the extra $10 an hr is a bit much. I think you should pay admission and have access to it all day. Rules are not enforced…people brought food in their backpacks, and no one checked, so I’ll be bringing food next time. The water is a little Murky but not disgusting, in my opinion.” Review By Mary Flow: 5/5 Stars “I would definitely recommend this place. Super kid friendly. I love that they have a little Play water area for the toddlers. Workers are kind. Alejandra was really help anything. She was there to assist. Also, the party planner, Jennifer, coordinates our event for our son. She was kind and sweet as well as helpful, happy, and pleased. Everything was set up super nice spacious and clean.” Review By Nikita Wheaton: 1/4 Stars “Where do I start? Went here today for my nephews birthday and it was ok. Staff was nice, no issues there. The issues was they have all these rules online but when you go inside the rules are not enforced whatsoever. They said No outside food but people did. They have food trucks about 3 of them and it’s pricey. It’s like 90 degree weather and the food truck serves warm drinks. The obstacle course was fun but it’s very dangerous that’s why they have you sign waivers.” Review By Kristen Bromley: 3/5 Stars “The actual obstacle course is very fun.. it'll leave you with bruises.. but the water has little chunks of green stuff floating in it from the algae. Know that when you pay for the "basic part," you only get access to two little plastic baby slides and two volleyball courts. The bucket did not work when we went. Nothing else is included. Everything else is something you have to rent. The food truck is pricey but yummy.” Review By Mark Allen: 3/5 Stars “Lots of rules on the website but very relaxed on enforcement while we were there. When asked staff questions about the facility's amenities. We received answers of, "I don't know." But you do work here, right?? So we did make the best out of it, and the ten kids we brought enjoyed it.” Our Verdict: You Can Add The Adventure Lagoon Waterpark To Your Bucketlist If you are already googling ‘adventure lagoon anaheim address,’ then you are absolutely doing the right thing! This place has a fairly good rating, and moreover, visitors have mostly good things to say about this place! So what are you waiting for? Plan your weekend today and check out this water park as soon as possible. Meanwhile, don’t forget to let us know your thoughts about this waterpark and your experiences related to the same in the comments below. Raed Also: What Are The Unique Things To Do In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic? Unique Things To Do In Tuscany: What Is A Must-See In Tuscany? The BEST Things To Do In Indiana Dunes National Park In 2025!

                      READ MORE southern africa

                      THESE Are the Best Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures | Travel Guide 

                      BY  Sibashree Oct 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!