5 Unique Adventure Experiences Around the World

Travel can mean different things to different people. While some people travel for relaxation, a few others travel for adventure and experiences. This one’s for those who fall into the ‘experience’ category. There are a whole lot of adventure experiences that thrill-seekers can experience, but a few certainly stand out. While you might have jumped off a cliff in New Zealand or sky-dived from a plane in Dubai, there are some experiences that are under-rated or less-spoken about.

From getting up-close and personal with Gorillas in Uganda to floating on a frozen lake in Finland, here are 5 experiences adventure junkies will love!

1. Gorilla Trekking In Uganda

Do you have it in you to come face-to-face with wild gorillas? Well, while Africa's Maasai-Mara is home to the most stunning flora and fauna, Uganda is where you must head if you wish to get up-close and personal with gorillas. Uganda is home to half the world's Mountain Gorilla population and seeing these wild creatures in their natural habitat is an experience that will stay with you for life.

Pick between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. There is no difference in the pricing or the chances of sighting in both parks.

Gorilla trek is open to tourists throughout the year. However, June, July, August, September and December are your best bet, as less rains, drier parks make the hike easier. The average temperature throughout the year is 11°C/52°F in the morning and 23°C/73°F in the afternoon.

Get set to traverse through a challenging terrain of steep ridges and valleys. Several tour operators offer gorilla tours, so you can pick one depending on your budget. As for the stay options here, you will find lodges in Buhoma. The gorilla permit itself costs US$800 per person, and lodges range anywhere between $50 and $2,500 per night, depending on the type of tour and accommodation you pick.

2. Shark Cage Diving In Gansbaai

One of the most-adventurous activities in South Africa, shark cage diving is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Gansbaai, once known as the great white shark capital of the world, is a two-and-a-half-hour scenic drive from Cape Town. Since about 2017 the great whites have mostly left the area, probably driven off by orcas, so most trips now see bronze whaler sharks; for great whites, ask operators in Mossel Bay. Pick a licensed dive operator to ensure the safety standards are not compromised. Participants will not be required to have a prior-diving experience as they will be briefed thoroughly on the safety procedures and how to use the equipment. Once underwater, you will witness the magnificent creatures gliding around your cage. The marine wonderland is unlike anything you would have experienced and is the closest you can get to these predators in their natural habitat.

3. Volcano Boarding In Nicaragua

Forget surfing on the water! Would you surf over a volcano? Nicaragua might not be a top destination on most travellers’ list, but this hidden gem in Central America is home to an active volcano. This baby volcano erupted in 1999 and what could be more exciting is that you can go boarding down its course!

Thrill-seekers can surf down the ash-covered slopes of Nicaragua’s Cerro Negro on a specially designed wooden board, reaching speeds of up to 100km/hour. As you slide down, you’ll have breathtaking views of Nicaragua’s landscape and one of the best sunsets of your life. There are several companies offering multiple volcano boarding trips per day and they’re all very similar in what they offer. Most tours cost around $35 USD, but you can pay anywhere between $25 to $40 USD for volcano boarding in Nicaragua.

4. Son Doong Cave Expedition in Vietnam

The world’s largest cave, Hang Son Doong was discovered in the dense forests of Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in 1990 by a local man, Ho Khanh. The cavern reaches 503m (1650ft) in height and 175m (574ft) in width and the cave system is 9.4km (5.8 miles) long. It can only be visited on pricey organized caving tours, and there are strict limits on the number of visitors admitted every year.

Son Doong only opens up for exploration from January to August. If you’re planning the trip of a lifetime, aim for March to May when the weather is perfect. During these months, you’ll get temps inside the cave ranging between a cool 22-25°C.

Getting to Son Doong is no walk in the park! The journey consists of three parts. The first requires you to get to Dong Hoi, the nearest city. The second leg is from Dong Hoi to Phong Na, where you’ll join the tour group who’ll join you on your trek to Son Doong. In addition, you’ll have to pass a mandatory fitness test before the trip to make sure you're up to the challenge. This trek is no joke—it’s 4 to 6 days of hauling yourself through jungles, swimming in rivers, and scaling walls. The Son Doong expedition costs a whopping 70,000,000 VND ($3,000 USD) per person.

5. Float On A Frozen Sea In Finland

Brave enough to take a dip in the frozen waters? If yes, put on your rescue suit and get blissfully buoyed in the frozen Gulf of Bothnia off Finnish Lapland, amid 30-centimetre-thick ice. Fret not, for the red rescue suits will keep you warm and dry, while you enjoy the experience. The unique activity is offered on icebreaker cruises from Kemi, from about late December to April.

To get here, you will wade your way through the vast Bothnian Sea. Enjoy the stunning scenery, as the ship pushes through, shattering the rock-hard ice. Spread your arms wide, take in the crisp arctic air, enjoy a hot beverage from the bar, and become one with nature.