The best adventure destinations not only require physical stamina and endurance, but also excite the senses. Numerous locations offer opportunities rarely experienced by the majority of the population. Consider one of these activities when planning another sensational getaway.
1. Bungee Jumping in Africa
Africa offers the most exciting bungee jumping locations on the planet. Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush on the Victoria Falls Bridge that crosses the Zambezi River. Lush forests lines the cliffs to the bottom of the gorge. Hear the tropical birds and other animals while contemplating a leap from this perfectly good structure that stands a mere 111 meters (365 feet) above the raging waters of the Batoka Gorge. Within a span of a few seconds after taking the plunge, jumpers feel the spray of the falls, the pounding of their heart and the powerful sound of rushing water. If the height of this destination seems tame, venture to the bridge over the Bloukrans River, which stands 216 meters (708 feet) above the gorge.
2. White Water Rafting in Nepal
While many arrive here for tranquil soul searching experiences, adrenaline junkies prefer the adventures offered by the Kamali River. Thrill seekers consider the Kamali River one of the most exhilarating white water rafting destinations in the world. Test your upper body strength and balance while racing along grade IV and V foaming rapids. The roaring waters are not the only challenge as rafters must maneuver through unbelievably narrow canyons lined with striking emerald green forests. Successfully rafting these rapids offers the excitement many feel when scaling the Himalayas.
3. Glacier Trekking in Patagonia
Cliff and rock climbing invokes invigorating pleasure for many. Combine the challenge with 25 degree Fahrenheit (-4 degree Celsius) temperatures caused by 37 mile per hour (60 kilometer per hour) winds, pounding sleet and blue ice/snow surfaces. Journey to the ends of the earth, commonly known as the Southern Hemisphere, and onward to the Perito Moreno Glacier of Patagonia, Argentina. This ever expanding and changing environment spans five kilometers (three miles) in length and stands 60 meters (197 feet) above icy cold waters. Experienced guides escort crampon equipped trekkers across terrain that often resembles jagged moon rocks. The constant melting and freezing of the ice means any step upward may produce cracking and shifting below your feet. A typical roundtrip trek extending a few kilometers requires up to six hours but offers and adventure that lasts a lifetime.
4. Scuba Diving the Great Barrier Reef
Anyone curious about the world that exists beneath the sea should venture to the Great Barrier Reef off the northern coast of Australia. No worries about not having prior diving experience. The location offers many options for diving instruction and certification. The Great Barrier Reef consists of almost 3,000 coral reefs and 900 islands that span over 1,600 miles (2,600 kilometers). Underwater visibility along the reef varies from approximately 100 to 200 feet (30 to 60 meters). As sunlight streams through the water, divers see the array of colors and patterns found in the plant life and tropical fish. Different dive sites along the reef provide the opportunity for healthy activities such as swimming with dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and whale sharks.
5. Gorilla Safari in Rwanda
Experience the thrill encountered by anthropologist Dian Fossey when visiting her gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda. Trekking through the steep hills of the densely forested region offers a health challenge and requires the better part of the day. The effort becomes worthwhile when coming face to face with gorillas in the wild. Often just yards away, visitors observe gorilla families carrying on normal daily activities and witness personalities unique to each primate. The length of safaris differs from one to four days.
Betty provides health and travel updates for a number of travel blogs and journals. She believes in a fit and active lifestyle and what better way to enjoy one than in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
