Africa multi-active tours

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need a moderate fitness level. Our multi-active trips will get your heart pumping and be challenging at times, and generally, the fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy it.

Most trips have two key activities – hiking and biking – which range from easy trails or rides on flat terrain to more challenging routes. There are also water-based activities like whitewater rafting (on grade II and III rapids), kayaking, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding.

None of the activities are overly technical and you won’t need any previous experience to join. However, you will need basic skills like riding a bike and being a confident swimmer.

The physical rating differs between trips, so read the Essential Trip Information to understand the level of exercise involved.

If you’re not sure if you can participate, visit your doctor to see if you’re in healthy shape for the activities included.

None of our multi-active trips are overly technical and you won’t need any previous experience to join. However, most trips include a combination of hiking, cycling and water-based activities, so you’ll need basic skills like riding a bike and being a confident swimmer.

While training isn’t necessary, some trips involve multiple days of hiking or cycling, so it’s not a bad idea to up your fitness and strength in the lead-up to the trip.  

Be honest about where you’re at and commit to a training plan to reach your goals. It could be walking more in your spare time, doing a couple of longer bike rides weekly, or incorporating more cardio and resistance training in your workouts. 

All activities are led by experienced and qualified leaders or local guides who are experts in a particular activity. Whether it’s cycling, trekking, stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking, our leaders live for the outdoors and are committed to providing fun but, most importantly, safe experiences.

Safety is our main priority. We conduct safety assessments on all our activities, whether they’re included or offered as optional extras. All our safety assessments are conducted per local laws and our own safety standards.

We provide full safety briefings for all activities and usually allow a chance to practice before diving into the real thing. We also run regular equipment checks to ensure it meets safety standards.

We choose to stay at small, locally-owned accommodation wherever possible. You can expect clean, comfortable lodgings run by friendly staff willing to take you in at the end of a big day.  

Some of our included activities will take you deep into the jungle or high up into the mountains where you may stay in more basic accommodation like a gite (traditional mudbrick building) homestay in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains or desert camp with basic facilities. 

We’ll transport your main luggage from A to B while you’re out tackling that mountain or paddling those rapids. However, you’ll need a small backpack for everyday essentials (sunscreen, phone, water bottle, snacks, etc.). You may also want to bring a dry bag to protect your important stuff in case it rains.

No. All equipment (including helmets and other safety equipment) will be provided. That said, it’s important to check the packing list in the Essential Trip Information as we may suggest bringing certain items such as cycling gloves (which may be useful for other activities like zip-lining), gel seats, hiking boots or water shoes. 

Water-based activities like whitewater rafting (on grade II and III rapids), kayaking, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding are included in most of our multi-active trips. To join these activities, you must be a confident swimmer. We will provide all necessary equipment and full safety briefings.

Most of our multi-active trips include two key activities: hiking and biking. These may come in different forms, from easy hikes on flat terrain to multi-day trekking, or short city cycling tours to full mountain biking expeditions.

Ensure you read the Essential Trip Information for full details on how much hiking and biking will be involved.

While nature-based activities are the focus of these trips, we still feature the same authentic cultural activities that are a hallmark of the Intrepid experience. These trips are all about getting active and discovering new places while still having many opportunities to interact with the locals and learn about their way of life.

We offer flexibility in choosing which activities you’d like to do. While our trips have many inclusions, you can usually sit out if you’d like some downtime. The same goes for add-on activities – your leader will be happy to point you in the right direction if you’re keen for an extra walk, ride or paddle during your free time.

Because of the active nature of our trips, you must arrange an appropriate level of insurance prior to departure. This includes coverage for included and optional activities – most insurance providers will cover all the activities we offer.  

It’s important to carefully read your product information summary (or equivalent insurance policy document) to ensure you’re covered. 

When reviewing your insurance coverage, look out for included activities such as via ferrata, rafting and high-altitude trekking (checking what exact altitude you’re covered for is essential).  

If you have problems finding insurance, please get in touch for advice. 

There aren’t many places we haven’t been, so if you’ve got a destination in mind for a trip that isn’t on our list, our Tailor-Made team is here to help.

We'll use our 30 years of experience and match you with one of our specialist consultants to help you create your perfect adventure.