Zambia

Many visitors to Zambia come for an African safari and usually head for game lodges or safari companies. Chief among the country's parks is South Luangwa National Park. Centred on the most intact major river system in Africa, it hosts a huge concentration of game, among the richest on the continent. Game concentrations are at their most intense during the dry season, from April to October, making this the best time to visit for a safari. The legendary 'Zambian walking safari' originated in this park and still offers one of the finest ways to experience the African wilderness close-up and personal. It is possible to visit the Zambian parks on a budget or to find luxury accommodation in lodges. However, even if visitors are travelling on a budget, it is worth splurging on some professionally guided game drives while in the national parks, as the rangers are often able to locate animals which are difficult to find when exploring independently.

At 364ft (111m), the bridge over the Victoria Falls is one of the world's highest bungee jump sites. All told, this jump is renowned for its beautiful setting, and for the adrenaline rush visitors feel when they look into the gorge and turbulent waters below. The Victoria Falls Bridge lies in 'no man's land' between the Zimbabwe and Zambian border posts, making it easily accessible from both countries - immigration officials will issue a Gate Pass for jumpers and spectators. There is also the option of gorge swinging instead of bungee jumping, but this adrenalin-pumping alternative is undertaken nearby on the edge of the gorge, not off the bridge.

Nearly half the rapids on the Zambezi River are classified as Grade 5 (Grade 6 is commercially unrunnable), which means that the steep gradient causes long and extremely turbulent rapids with big drops and a high volume of water. Half and full-day rafting expeditions provide what is internationally acclaimed to be the wildest and best whitewater rafting experience in the world. The most exciting time to do rafting is during the dry season (July to mid-February), when the water is at its lowest and the rapids at their biggest. For those that want even more adrenalin than the whitewater rafting can supply, river boarding allows individuals to surf their way down the mighty Zambezi armed with only a body board, fins, helmet and lifejacket.Many well-established operators offer whitewater rafting trips in Livingstone. Age restrictions are in place for the main rafting route and participants will have to sign disclaimers due to the dangers involved in the sport. However, serious accidents are rare. There are more sedate paddling trips for those who are underage or prefer something less extreme.