The Best Water Activities in Africa

The Best Water Activities in Africa

Africa has vast and varied landscapes across the entirety of its continent, offering adventure and endless curiosities for every type of traveller. It should come as no surprise then, that a continent so diverse also has some unforgettable and exciting activities which take place on or in its waters. 

Whether you’re exploring the expansive ocean and meeting some of its most famous inhabitants or using traditional modes of transport to explore the legendary Okavango Delta, there are plenty of nautical wonders to explore here. That’s why we’ve listed our top five favourite water activities to try during your holiday to Africa, so you can truly take advantage of this magical destination:

Whale Watching

Experience whale watching on a holiday to South Africa - a prime spot for seeing larger whale species. Hermanus is a glorious coastal town on the Western Cape, where many whale watcher’s flock to each year, making the most of the town’s bay and the whale tours taking travellers out to sea. 

Witness whales jumping out of the ocean, lob-tailing and sailing with their tails out of the sea, and see these gentle giants amongst South Africa’s beautiful and natural landscape. Remember, the whale watching season usually spans from June to December each year, but because mothers, calves and male whales arrive at different times, September is usually the peak month. 

Dhow Cruise in Mozambique

A dhow is a traditional boat used in Africa, featuring billowing white sails and coming in all shapes and sizes; making it a romantic and authentic way to travel across Africa. 

Honeymooners, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone wanting to see beautiful locations off the beaten track will enjoy taking a dhow cruise in Mozambique. Travellers will be surrounded by crystal clear waters when setting off out to sea with a local guide, spotting turtles and dolphins all around, while sipping on a glass of champagne. The calm waters around Mozambique are also perfect for swimming in and you can enjoy a picnic on a sandy desert island, before watching a rose tinted sunset.

Shark Cage Diving

If you're looking for a true adrenaline rush, getting up close and personal with a Great White Shark will surely get your blood flowing. There are a host of shark species to encounter when visiting Africa, you can experience everything from the great white shark, to the huge bull shark and the ragged-tooth sand tiger shark. 

Joining a shark cage diving boat trip is not only an opportunity to learn fascinating facts from the on board marine biologist but also to enjoy the exhilaration of entering the cage and joining sharks in their underwater world. No diving experience is needed and all equipment and safety advice is provided by the crew.

Mokoro Canoe Ride

Mokoro canoes are typically found in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, used by locals and travelers to explore the waters. These canoes are very similar to punting - where you use a large pole to propel yourself through the water, and steer the boat. 

A mokoro canoe ride enables travellers to explore backwaters and rivers, and see Africa from a whole new perspective. So, pack your bags into the boat as local guides accompany you, while you lay back and take in the waters around you, while watching hippos submerge and elephants roam. 

Exploring the Zanzibar Ocean

Zanzibar is a cluster of islands in the Indian Ocean, located just off the coast of Tanzania, making this the perfect spot for water activities and adventures. 

Stop by the vanishing isle, watch the giant tortoises on Prison Island or explore the blue-watered caverns (like Kuza Cave), which are dotted around the beautiful coast. Alternatively, make your way around these islands on traditional dhows or modern boats, then peruse the fantastic range of water sports, as well as exciting parasailing and snorkelling tours.