For those who enjoy travelling around Africa, like Tunde Folawiyo, it’s not always easy to decide which country to visit, and what activities to partake in. However, if you enjoy the rush of adrenaline that comes with extreme sports, we have a few suggestions on where you should visit, the first of which is Victoria Falls.
Whilst this spot is often favoured simply for the stunning scenery, it can be a great source of thrills and spills for those who are brave enough. White-water rafting is a hugely popular sport here; it involves hurtling down the 14 rapids of the powerful Zambezi River. This is not an activity for the faint of heart; almost 50% of all of these rapids have a Grade 5 classification, and are characterised by large drops, steep gradients, and violent waters. Given that Grade 6 rapids are generally considered to be too dangerous to raft, it’s safe to say that the ones found on the Zambezi should only be attempted by those who are not afraid to challenge themselves, both physically and mentally.
The rafting trip is, in and of itself, an incredible experience, which will set your heart racing from the moment you step foot in the boat. However, what makes this activity truly special is the scenery which you will have the chance to enjoy as you make your way along the rapids. Several waterfalls mark this river, but none are quite so spectacular as Victoria Falls, which stands just above the Batoka Gorge, where most white-water rafting trips take place. The roar from these falls, coupled with the mist they produce, makes this already-thrilling boat trip considerably more atmospheric.
If you prefer to tower above the water, rather than float along it, you might want to consider an abseiling adventure in Lesotho. This takes place at Maletsunyane Falls, which are twice as large as the above-mentioned Victoria Falls. With a descent of 210 metres, this area is home to the longest abseil in the world, as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. The plummeting waters here create such a vast amount of mist that the base of the falls has earned itself the nickname, ‘Place of Smoke’. For nature fanatics Tunde Folawiyo, this is an experience not to be missed. Whilst no previous knowledge of abseiling is required, you will be asked to participate in several hours of training, so as to ensure that you understand how the equipment works, and are prepared for the adrenaline-inducing experience of being suspended from such a great height.