Frommer's Adventure Guides: Southern Africa

Adventure Guides Southern Africa In the Desert 'A murmur of wonder ran through the group as the first rays of sun turned the highest, sinuous dune-crests to a burning ocher. Quickly the color spread to those in the distance, flowing down like patches of liquid amber. Geometric sections shade receded between the dunes, as the cloudless sky remained a cobalt blue.' Across the Delta 'The water splashed and huge, long, graceful legs stretched out alongside us. The herd was on the move and we were a part of it. Running with the herd, whether of giraffe, zebra, or wildebeest, was unbelievable. I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my horse, as well as through me.' By the River 'The next day was more waterfalls in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. Half-an-hour's scramble on a path that all but disintegrated, took us down to the pool at the base of Lisbon Falls. The water fell like a fine vail wafting in slow motion, but swimming in it was a shockingly cold experience.' In the Ocean 'One moment we were hovering over the intricately sculpted dome of a huge brain coral, the next we were distracted by a flash of blue and yellow as an emperor angel fish paraded from cover. Huge shoals of nocturnal squirrel fish squirmed in the shade of overhanging plate corals.' How to have the Adventure of a Lifetime Scuba-Diving in crystal water, Canoeing in some of the best spots in the world, or Driving Tours through the timeless desert Cruising in style up great rivers, speeding up through narrow canyons or, if you feel truly intrepid, White-Water Rafting over mountain rapids Exploring remote jungle and mountain areas only accessible by 4×4, or on foot. Climbing the stately Drakensberg Mountains or Venturing over the sand dunes of the Namib Desert Wildlife-Watching in expansive game parks, searching out animals which once flourished throughout Southern Africa Trekking, Cycling or taking a Ferry-any of these may lead you to secret caves, remote tribes, a national park hiding rare animals-try our Adventures before you start packing! Challenge RatingIf you've even thought about booking the trip, you'll manageNot too difficult, but you may need some basic skillsYou will need to be fit, with lots of stamina, and you may need specialist qualificationsYou need to be fit and determined-not for the faint-hearted*This is for the serious adventurer-physically and mentally challenging!**Sometimes only part of the trip is very hard and there may be an easier option Great trips begin at frommers.comInc. The Automobile Association is the author of 'Frommer's Adventure Guides: Southern Africa', published 2001 under ISBN 9780764563584 and ISBN 0764563580.