The World's 10 Most Adventurous Vacations

If the word “adventure” is enough to exhaust you, bear in mind that you don’t have to put yourself in harm’s way to have fun.

Nor do you have to be an Olympic athlete. A vacation filled with adventure travel will send you home with once-in-a-lifetime experiences under your belt, fascinating tales for your friends, and -believe it or not- more relaxed than your annual visit to the same place. In this report, we’ve gathered the world’s 10 best travel adventures for you, the curious and active traveler. Whether you want to stimulate your mind, your body, or both, our recommended travel adventures will keep the sand out of your socks, and the snooze out of your stories.

Safari adventures in East Africa

East Africa, one of the last strongholds of the lion, the elephant, and the gorilla, is the best place in the world to go on safari. Enormous national parks have been established throughout the region, where the great beasts can roam free, untouched by the progress of mankind. Hunting is now banned in many African countries, but the traditional safari has been replaced with a viewing safari. So, if the only things you want to shoot are pictures, your options are wide open. Zambia, still largely unpopular and, therefore, untouched, is the only country where walking safaris are still common. The breathtaking power of the Victoria Falls has caused it to be dubbed the world’s greatest curtain of falling water. Close by, the Mosi O Tunya National Park is only 25 square miles, but home to antelope species, zebra, giraffes, and white rhinos. Kenya and Tanzania are the best countries for viewing wildlife, offering comfortable accommodation, and have mild climates with warm, sunny days and cool nights. In Kenya, you’ll see African buffalo, zebras, bongo, jackals, and baboons. In Tanzania, your view of the wildlife will be framed by the imposing Mount Kilimanjaro on the horizon. Wherever you go in East Africa, plan your adventure for July through March to avoid the rainy season.