3 Daredevil African Adventures That Push You Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Forbes

10 hours ago

Young girl in the Devil's Pool lying on her front, arms spread out, at the edge of the cliff of ... More Victoria Falls.
When it comes to Africa, travelers often picture epic safaris and natural spectacles like the Great Migration.
With 80% of tours focused on wildlife, it is no surprise that nature-based tourism is an essential part of the continent's economy, generating $48 billion annually, according to In On Africa, a Johannesburg-based research consultancy.
Wildlife tourism is also essential, as it enables conservation across much of the continent by 24 million creating jobs, protecting over 8,000 ecosystems and preserving cultural heritage.
But beyond game drives and nature walks, there is a lesser-known side of African travel built for adrenaline junkies and bold explorers. For those who crave a heart-pounding thrill with a side of awe, here are three wild experiences that may just redefine what you think of Africa.
At the very lip of Victoria Falls, the world's largest curtain of falling water, there is a natural rock pool known as the Devil's Pool. When the water levels are low, a narrow rock ledge will appear that halts the Zambezi River's current and entices the brave.
Under the supervision of certified guides, up to 24 visitors at one time can swim in the pool and carefully edge onto the rock ledge just above a 355-foot drop. It is only open between mid-August and mid-January, depending on water levels.
Man lying on rock with rainbow and waterfall, Devil's pool, Victoria Falls, Zambia.
It looks like a surreal and heart-pounding experience. The mist in your face, the roar of water thundering around you, and only a few inches of rock keeping you from being swept over the edge. It is not for the faint of heart.
Visitors must book a guided Livingstone Island tour on the Zambian side of the falls, where the Devil's Pool is located. It includes a short boat ride and a safety briefing.
Hidden in the highlands of Lesotho, Africa's tallest single-drop waterfall, the Maletsunyane Falls plunges 670 feet into a dramatic gorge.
But what truly sets this waterfall apart is that visitors can rappel down its entire height. According to Guinness World Records, it is the longest commercial abseils in the world.
The dramatic drop of Maletsunyane Falls in Lesotho.
Hiking to the top of the falls and rappelling down is only possible with guides from Semonkong Lodge. The descent from the top offers more than just a view. It is a gravity-defying thrill that tests both nerve and skill.
The tour starts with a training session on abseil down an over 80-foot cliff. Only visitors passing this session will get to hike to the falls.
If anyone is looking for a brag-worthy adventure in one of Africa's most underrated countries, this is it.
In June 2024, South Africa quietly claimed a new global record in the adventure travel world. The K3 zipline by SA Forest Adventures surpassed Jebel Jais Flight in United Arab Emirates to become the longest zipline on Earth, stretching a staggering 10,590 feet across the Riversonderend Valley.
A person is sliding down a zipline in superman style.
K3 is set at 525 feet above the valley floor to deliver a head-spinning mix of speed and scenery as thrill-seekers soar nearly two miles through the air.
Just 80 miles from Cape Town, this gravity-defying ride has quickly become a bucket-list thrill for adrenaline-seekers visiting South Africa. The price to ride it in superman-style is R1800 per person, but advanced booking is highly recommended.
From swimming inches away from a 355-foot drop at Devil's Pool to rappelling 670 feet down a waterfall in Lesotho, Africa's adventure scene is diverse.
Would you dare to lie on the edge of Victoria Falls? Could you handle the world's tallest commercial abseil? Or how far would you fly for the ultimate zipline? Where will your next heart-pounding story start?