Africa soon to be extreme sport destination
When most people think of African adventure they think of safari rather than sport. Only over the last few years that has started to change. A number of African destinations are gradually emerging as world class destinations for extreme sportspeople.
Africa soon to be extreme sport destination
Posted by Guest Blogger on 22 Nov 2011, 08:58
Categories: Travel News
The African continent has always been a place intimately associated with adventure and outdoor excitement. With such a huge and varied wilderness, ranging from dense jungle to high mountain peaks to immense deserts that's hardly surprising, but when most people think of African adventure they think of safari rather than sport. Only over the last few years that has started to change. A number of African destinations are gradually emerging as world class destinations for extreme sportspeople.
Rock climbing is a fast-growing sport across the world. Nowhere is that more true than in South Africa. Big names like Adam Ondra and Dave Birkett have visited recently and gone away impressed, and when the famous climbers have a good time the rest of the community starts to sit up and take notice. The huge, towering pillars in the Drakensberg are well on the way to establishing a reputation for magnificent climbing.
Climbing is also growing fast in Morocco, where European climbers come to get some sun and enjoy relatively accessible routes of a size few get at home, and Madagascar. The latter offers a choice of relatively low but beautifully situated coastal climbs and massive, imposing routes in the interior.
Africa is any extrme sport enthusiast's dream come true. Photo by: jjay69
South Africa is the primary destination for another extreme sport- shark diving. While it's possible to dive with hammerheads, tiger sharks, and bull sharks, most divers come for one reason alone- the great white. A streamlined predator that weighs anything up to 2 tons, being in the water with a great white shark is an experience to remember for a lifetime.
It's not just about the size. Great white sharks are also amongst the most dangerous of marine animals. They are not the murderous monsters that appeared in the Jaws movies but a shark cage is highly recommended. These days there is no shortage of dive tour operators who will take visitors shark diving along the Cape Coast and off Mozambique.
Shark cage diving, aka being in the water with a great white shark, is an experience to remember for a lifetime. Photo by: hermanusbackpackers
For those who prefer hippos and crocodiles to sharks, there is always kayaking. Uganda is the African whitewater kayaking destination of choice, and it's one of the wildest anywhere. Devoted kayakers come from any and every country to try their skills on the powerful White Nile. Some of the biggest and most dangerous sections have only ever been conquered by one or two of the world's best paddlers.
However, kayaking in this part of Africa isn't just for experts. It's also a great place to try the sport for the first time. Coaching, gentler tours, and tandem experiences where a beginner shares a boat with a professional are all on offer. You don't have to be a skilled kayaker or be willing to risk your neck to kayak on the Nile.
The same goes for shark dives- in many cases a full Open Water diver licence is not a requirement- and rock climbing. The Drakensberg may be for dedicated climbers only but there are plenty of other spots where beginners can have a go quite safely. Instruction is easy to come by around Cape Town, or those with a little experience of their own can sample world class bouldering (very short climbs) in Cederberg Wilderness Area. Anyone planning a trip to Africa can include a taste of its wilder side.
Jess Spate writes for Appalachian Outdoors, a US-based hiking gear store. She is also a devoted outdoor sports enthusiast, and in particular a keen rock climber with her eye on some of Madagascar's bigger routes.
