The Swahili word "safari" means journey. For many climbers, an integral part of the climbing lifestyle is the travelling to exotic locations and experiencing new cultures. While the landscape we climb in is very important, the people we climb with is also fundamental to the experience.
We at GAIA understand this, and have thus put together these Climbing Safaris which knit superb climbing areas with a wider experience of the country. Climbing is always the central focus but we also try and include in the itineraries aspects of the local region which we believe are unique to those regions.
These safaris are custom designed for you. We will have the bare bones of an itinerary (the climbing) and you tell us which of the other activities on offer you would like to flesh out your trip.
Our Western Cape Safari, for example, will include climbing on Table Mountain (with its magnificent view towards Robben Island, an icon of the New South Africa), other crags within the Cape Peninsula National Park, sport climbing in Montagu, the essential Cederberg, and perhaps a few more gems thrown in for good measure.Your menu of choice activities might include visits to some excellent wine estates, a selection of water activities like river rafting, sea kayaking or scuba diving, a range of mountain biking trails, whale watching, a few rounds of golf, , or just about any activity you might be interested in.
Our Namibian Climbing Safari will include climbing at classic venues like Spitskoppe, as well as visits to areas like the Erongo Mountains and the Otjipatera area. Other possible climbing additions are the Waterberg and the granite area bordering the Namib Naukluft Park In addition to the climbing you may wish to spend some time in the Namib Desert, game viewing in the Etosha Pan Game Park, or in neighbouring Botswana, as well as a selection of other adventure activities like quad biking, sandboarding, sea kayaking or river rafting.
Why not combine the best climbing and mountain walking southern Africa has to offer, with an unforgettable game viewing experience. Spice this up even more by adding in a choice mix of other activities. Our climbing-safari collections offer the best in the various regions. These combinations are offered at different times of the year to take into account the best weather. Most of southern Africa receives summer rainfall (November - March), so during this time we concentrate on the Western Cape. From April until October we offer all other options.
