Unusual and adventurous travel activities

Here, we look at unusual holiday experiences from around the globe for families who love adventure and are looking to take a particularly special trip this year.

Are you looking for a holiday with an adventurous once-in-a-lifetime element? It’s never too early to start thinking about a summer break to remember and with this in mind, we have gathered a selection of truly exciting experiences from around the globe that make for a family vacation like no other.

TREK WITH CHIMPANZEES IN RWANDA

Steeped in natural beauty and nestled within Rwanda’s Gisakura tea plantation, One&Only Nyungwe House, sits on the edge of one of the oldest rainforests in Africa offering a bespoke itinerary of activities for travellers from the UAE to discover as they explore the Nyungwe National Park and beyond. From taking a walk amongst majestic trees, trekking through the jungle to discover remarkable animal encounters or embarking on a helicopter ride high above the incredible views, there’s something to suit every family at One&Only Nyungwe House.

Home to some of the most diverse primate populations in Africa, you and your loved ones will have the opportunity to take part in a wide selection of once-in-a-lifetime excursions, allowing your family to truly immerse yourselves in nature throughout your stay. Chimpanzee trekking is a fun and face-paced experience that we’re sure you’ll never forget. Trek along wild paths through lush forests while trying to keep up with these incredibly intelligent creatures. At the break of dawn, an expert guide will lead you into the heart of the jungle on the trail of chimpanzees. A rustle of leaves, and then through the branches chimpanzees can be spotted gazing down from the fig trees. You may also see a troop of tree-dwelling chimps catapulting off through the canopy. Every trek is different, and the jungle’s charismatic chimpanzees are full of surprises.

For more information or reservations, visit the website

RIDE HORSEBACK THROUGH THE AUSTRALIAN BUSH

Nestled in a private valley and protected by soaring bush escarpments, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley offers an ultra-luxury, conservation-based resort located in the Greater Blue Mountains region, just a 2.5 hour drive from Sydney. Set on its own private 7,000-acre carbon-neutral wildlife reserve,  the resort combines total style with a quintessentially Australian bush experience.

There’s truly no better way to experience the spectacular Wolgan landscape than by horseback. Take in the majesty of Wolgan Valley with your family, while exploring winding trails through river crossings, gloriously scenic hills, open grasslands and native eucalypt woodland, before stopping in one of the property’s most scenic locations to enjoy a morning or afternoon tea prepared by the resort’s culinary staff. Each riding experience is tailored to suit riders of all levels, from beginners to the most experienced, so the whole group feels confident and each rider has an enjoyable and safe experience.

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SPOT THE BLUE GIANTS IN CAPE TOWN

For families looking to discover the beauty of South Africa, One&Only Cape Town is a serene enclave just off Cape Town’s vibrant waterfront area. The resort has recently completed an extensive reimagination, introducing a new design that honours the destination’s ocean, land and heritage. This nautical escape offers panoramic views across the waterfront and the famous Table Mountain, offering a chic urban break with all the wonders of South Africa available on your doorstep.

Cape Town is home to a number of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from whale watching or shark diving, to visiting Boulders Beaches’ resident penguins. Learn about these gentle giants that call the Cape waters home each year and embark on a bespoke private tour of the best viewing spots for the humpback, Bryde and southern right whales with your family. For the ultimate experience, observe these magical creatures from the sky with a private helicopter trip to Hermanus, one of the top whale-watching locations in the world, where the whales often come within metres of the shoreline. Whichever activity suits the personalities in your house best, you’re sure to have a whale of a time!

Visit the website for more information and to book your experience

DISCOVER THE ‘CALL OF THE GIBBONS’ IN MALAYSIA

Positioned on the south-eastern shoreline of Malaysia and set between lush rainforests and the South China Sea, One&Only Desaru Coast expands across acres of unspoilt flora and pristine stretches of white sandy beach. Easily accessible from Singapore and Johor’s Senai Airport, this ultra-luxury tropical escape offers you curated experiences that your family will never forget.

Guided by the resort’s resident Naturalist, ‘Call of the Gibbons’ offers an exciting jungle trek designed so that your household can discover exotic flora and fauna as you listen to the morning chatter of the white-handed gibbons found in the Panti Forest Reserve. Avid bird watchers can catch a glimpse of the fleeting white-bellied eagles and short-tailed babblers in this bird sanctuary. A beautifully prepared tropical picnic surrounded by nature completes this unforgettable experience for your family.

For more information or reservations, visit the website

This selection is but a handful of the incredible global opportunities open to families. Of course, these are not necessarily the kind of vacation experiences you may be in a position to take regularly, but if you’ve been building up to a particularly special holiday or some family time abroad with a twist, look no further!