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Jun 13, 2019 • 5 min read
August spells adventure across the globe, whether it’s climbing volcanoes in Ecuador, riding the white waters of the Zambezi, kayaking part of Britain’s coastline or exploring the highs and lows of the Spanish Pyrenees. Thrill seekers, this is your prime time! Get the adrenaline pumping with these expert recommendations.
Hike, bike, kayak, abseil, and raft in the Spanish mountain playground
Towns and stone-built villages in the Spanish Pyrenees perch amid glorious mountain scenery. Here are your bases for outdoor activities with a family bent – hiking and cycling trails, canyoning gorges, abseiling, kayaking, and rafting – with guesthouses and restaurants providing cozy spots in which to rest and recharge before the next day’s adventures.
In August, the weather is most consistent, high paths are free from snow, and outdoor facilities are ready for action. Popular bases include Vielha and Sort (great for river rafting) near Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park in northern Catalonia, and Berdún in neighboring Aragón province.
Climb volcanoes, explore rainforest and browse markets in Ecuador
Little Ecuador packs the best of South America into one handy-sized package. It offers colonial architecture in Quito and Cuenca; Inca remains at Ingapirca; indigenous markets at Otavalo, Saquisilí, and Zumbahua; magnificent volcanic cones (including picture-perfect Cotopaxi) along the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’; and abundant wildlife in the Amazon, the Galápagos, and the northern cloud forests.
Both the highlands and rainforest are driest in August, making it prime time for absorbing cultural highlights and engaging in adventure activities like volcano climbing and whitewater rafting.
Experience a coastal adventure with the family in the far west of Britain
The broad beaches, charming fishing villages, and seabird-rich cliffs of the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales rival perennial British holiday favorites such as Cornwall, yet attract a fraction of the visitors. Bring the family in August and you won’t be alone; however, it’s easy to find a serene patch of shoreline to enjoy.
There’s a full roster of activities available: hiking, coasteering, climbing, cycling, surfing, and kayaking, to name a few. Additionally, discover imposing castles at Pembroke, Carew, and Manorbier, visit the hidden cathedral at St Davids, embark on porpoise-spotting cruises, and take boat trips to puffin-and-seal havens of Skomer, Skokholm, and Ramsey Islands for a thrilling family adventure.
Navigate the whitewaters of the Zambezi
You might think the best time to raft some of the world’s wildest white water is during the wet season, but you’d be mistaken. When the flow of Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya – ‘the smoke that thunders’) begins to mellow, from August until the year’s end, the falling water levels in the Batoka Gorge beneath the 354 ft-high (108m) cascades offer exhilarating rafting opportunities.
Oblivion, Washing Machine, and Gnashing Jaws of Death are among the rapids that test adrenaline-junkie paddlers to the limit. If you manage to catch your breath, take a moment to gaze up at the cliffs, keeping an eye out for birds including the rare Taita falcon. Once you’ve dried off, take a refreshing dip in the Devil’s Pool on Livingstone Island, perched at the very edge of the falls. Afterwards, enjoy a wildlife drive in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park to spot elephant, buffalo, and giraffe.
Article first published June 2017 and updated June 2019
