Africa may be justifiably famous for its national parks, but some of the wildest experiences take place elsewhere – on a dizzyingly high cliff face; amongst magical sand dunes which hum as you walk; or at the lip of the continent’s most awe-inspiring waterfall.
Visit the World’s Most Dangerous Church
Carved into a sheer cliff face many centuries ago, the church of Abuna Yemata Guh requires visitors to climb a 6m-high vertical wall with no ropes and negotiate a narrow ledge over a 200m drop. Tips for local guides are expected.
Abuna Yemata Guh, Tigray, Ethiopia; US$7 plus tips.
Surf Swell in Liberia
Ride some of the best breaks on the continent with a growing cast of Liberian surfers. The golden beaches stretch to the horizon, and at night, the crashing waves glow with phosphorescence. Don’t forget to pack your surfboard!
Robertsport, Liberia; free.
Dune-Walk in Namibia
While huge swathes of the Namib’s famous dunes lie within national parks, those just south of Swakopmund do not. Take a trip to Walvis Bay and explore these majestic dunes. Unique characteristics of the sand allow some dunes to hum as you walk along the crests.
Swakopmund, Namibia; free.
Hyenas of Harar
The adventurous can wander through the narrow alleys of Harar’s old town at night to catch glimpses of the city’s hyenas. Alternatively, for just US$2.50, you can watch them being fed outside the 16th-century walls each evening – double it and you can even feed them yourself!
Harar, Ethiopia; evenings; free.
Wild Flowers of Namakwa
The semi-desert of Namakwa erupts in a stunning display of color each spring when wildflowers blanket the landscape. This is not merely a flower show or a quaint garden; it is one of Africa’s most impressive spectacles.
Namakwa, South Africa; Aug-Sep; free.
Maralal International Camel Derby
Join spectators in witnessing epic cross-country camel races. Mingle with the lively crowds, attend the notorious parties, and if you’re adventurous, rent a camel and enter the amateurs’ race.
Kenyasafari.com; Maralal, Kenya; free.
Take a Dip in the Devil’s Pool
Experience the thrill of swimming in a natural pool on the edge of Victoria Falls as water cascades past you over a 100m drop. Although this unique experience is not free, it is undeniably wild enough to justify the splurge, which also includes an incredible breakfast.
Tongabezi.com; Livingstone Island, Victoria Falls, Zambia; May-Oct; US$95.
Set Eyes on the Jade Sea
The lake’s eastern shore at the village of Loyangalani might require an incredibly long and uncomfortable journey, but the breathtaking volcanic landscapes, stunning Jade Sea views, and vibrant Turkana people make it worthwhile.
Lake Turkana, Kenya; free.
