12 Unusual Escapes in Southern Africa
Southern Africa offers a plethora of activities and experiences for all types of travelers, whether they are seeking breathtaking landscapes, history, adventure, or even romance. Today, to go off the beaten path, we present a "bucket list" of extraordinary experiences to enjoy in South Africa, as well as its neighbors: Namibia, Botswana, Victoria Falls… Are you ready? Be amazed by these 12 gems for experiencing a truly unusual Africa!
1. Visit the Ponte Tower in Johannesburg, a unique urban landmark
It is one of the markers of the Johannesburg skyline in South Africa. The Ponte City Tower in Hillbrow is the tallest residential skyscraper in Africa, standing 173 meters high. This surprising cylindrical hollow building is a true architectural curiosity. Long abandoned, its apartments are now renovated. A film-like atmosphere (think Brazil or 1984) transports visitors to another era. The Dlala Nje association offers tours of the neighborhood and the tower, from where you also enjoy breathtaking views of the city. One of the most unusual experiences in South Africa!
2. Star-gazing safari in the Karoo
Still in South Africa, the region of Prince Albert (Karoo) boasts five cloudless nights per week, making it the perfect place to observe the starry sky and enjoy a safari of a new kind: searching for stars. If astronomy interests you, take the opportunity to visit the largest telescope in the southern hemisphere (SALT) in Sutherland. Magical!
3. Chic picnic in the Cape vineyards
Boschendal in Franschhoek is one of the oldest wine estates in the Cape. It is also a pioneer in wine tourism in the region, with undeniable expertise. Don't hesitate to book your picnic at the estate: pick up your hamper and blankets, choose the wines to accompany you, select your spot on the green grass, and enjoy! With the Wemmershoek Valley mountains as a backdrop, old vineyards, and monumental manor houses… could it be bliss?
-> Complete this unusual outing with a visit to Cape Town!
4. Travel aboard the Blue Train between Cape Town and Pretoria
Explore Africa in an unusual way by slowing down the pace. On this northbound journey aboard the "Blue Train," 1,600 kilometers await to connect Cape Town and Pretoria over 2 nights and 3 days. With all the charm of its colonial style, this luxury train takes you through incomparable landscapes. But it is the time spent aboard the Blue Train that makes your journey so special: luxury cabin with private bathroom, woodwork, Art Nouveau, fine dining, and butler service…
5. Cross the Tropic of Capricorn in the Namib Desert
It is in Namibia, on the route between Sossusvlei and Walvis Bay, that two signs symbolically mark the crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn. One of the five major circles of latitude, the Tropic of Capricorn is parallel to the equator and represents the southernmost latitude where the sun can shine directly overhead. Do you want your "Under the Sun" photo too?
6. Track rhinos in the Waterberg bush
Suddenly, your safari vehicle stops. "Everyone out of the vehicle," shouts the ranger, "they're here!" Obey and follow the ranger into the bush, where you discover a young male rhino and an older female peacefully grazing about 20 meters away! Facing one of the Big Five without the protection of your vehicle is a completely different experience from your usual safaris, right? The "Rhino Drive" in the Waterberg Nature Reserve, in Namibia, is definitely worth the detour!
-> Did you know it's also possible to go on walking safaris in many reserves, such as Kruger National Park in South Africa?
7. Panoramic flight over Namibian landscapes
To truly appreciate the vastness of Namibia, take to the skies! Fly at low altitude in a light plane or helicopter, or float peacefully in a hot air balloon: it’s an unusual aerial safari, the perfect vantage point to soak in the landscape and marvel at the majesty of this country.
8. Sandboarding on the dunes, an unusual African activity
The dunes of Namibia invite contemplation, but not only that! They also offer an adrenaline-filled experience: sandboarding, Namibia’s answer to northern hemisphere snowboarding, is great fun. Sandboarding can be done standing like on a snowboard or lying on your stomach for extra thrills. Fun, fun, and… sand in your pockets, whether experienced or beginner!
9. Explore the Okavango Delta by mokoro
The Okavango Delta, one of Africa's 7 natural wonders, is a labyrinth of lagoons, lakes, and hidden channels covering over 17,000 square kilometers. A wonderful playground by mokoro, the traditional canoe once used for transportation. Today, it’s still the best way to access the meanders, gliding over the water quietly, listening to nature—and your own heartbeat.
10. Observe meerkats in the Makgadikgadi Pans
Do you know the coolest animals on the planet? They are meerkats and they are plentiful in the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana. Like children’s plush toys, meerkats climb on you and use you as a vantage point to watch the surroundings. For the adventurous, join a trip in this salt desert with a starry-night bivouac under a centuries-old baobab: cool and unforgettable, isn’t it?
-> Meerkats are among the highlight animals of the Kalahari, a desert that stretches from Namibia to Botswana, passing through South Africa.
11. Extreme swimming at Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls
On the edge of the famous Livingstone Island, overlooking the Victoria Falls, lies the aptly named Devil’s Pool, where you can enjoy an exhilarating swim right at the edge… of one of the world’s tallest waterfalls! After walking over some rocks and swimming in the Zambezi, you slip into this natural pool. The river’s current pushes your body against the rock edge that stops you, while the raging Zambezi crashes just meters away… Definitely a unique African experience, to be attempted only in the dry season when the flow is low enough!
12. Luxury dining aboard the Victoria Falls Steam Train
The adventure begins by boarding a steam train departing from Victoria Falls station: red carpet and welcome cocktail await the evening passengers. You then traverse the bush to observe landscapes and wildlife, before heading to the Victoria Falls Bridge between Zimbabwe and Zambia, just as the sun sets behind the waterfalls! An atypical Southern African activity, combining a gastronomic experience and safari aboard a luxurious steam train. Classy!
Intrigued by unusual Africa?
If this selection of unusual experiences in Africa sparks your wanderlust, do not hesitate to contact our local French-speaking team to plan your next vacation. As specialists in tailor-made trips in Southern Africa, we can include one or more of these "bucket list" escapes in your itinerary to create a 100% original adventure.