Top Things to Do in Southern Africa

Southern Africa is best known for its safaris and for Victoria Falls, "the Smoke that Thunders." But beyond the game drives lies a remarkable range of experiences, from white-knuckle adventure to wine and coast. Here are the highlights for travelers who want more than a game drive.

Victoria Falls: the adventure capital

The area around Victoria Falls is the adventure hub of the region. White-water rafting below the falls runs through grade-five rapids regarded among the best in the world, and the Batoka Gorge swing sends you on a long free fall above the river. Calmer options include sunset cruises and scenic flights over the spray.

Cape Town and the coast

Cape Town pairs city life with serious outdoors: hiking Table Mountain and Lion's Head, driving Chapman's Peak, and, for the brave, shark cage diving off the coast. The Cape Winelands an hour away offer world-class tasting in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Wildlife beyond the Big Five

• Whale watching at Hermanus (June to November).
• Gorilla and primate add-ons further north in Rwanda and Uganda.
• Desert and dunes in Namibia's Namib, the world's oldest desert.
• Water safaris in Botswana's Okavango Delta.