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Embarking on a thrilling river adventure in Africa promises an experience like no other; one that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a profound connection to nature. Picture yourself gliding along the majestic waters of the Tugela, Orange, or Zambezi river with your group, surrounded by pristine landscapes, iconic wildlife, and the rhythmic sounds of the wilderness. Africa's rivers are a treasure trove of biodiversity, offering landscapes and wildlife that dreams are made of! Immerse your group in the rich cultures and traditions of the local communities that call these riverbanks home, fostering a deeper understanding of this remarkable continent. Each day if a multi day river decent with us will bring new adventures, from navigating rapids to savoring breathtaking sunsets over the water. A multi day African river adventure with AWT is a transformative journey, ehancing your sense of adventure, and reminding us of the importance of preserving the natural wonders that grace our planet. So, seize this opportunity to connect with nature, embrace adventure, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Join a group, or put your own group together, and let Africa's rivers reveal their magic to you with us

All are accomplished hunters and versatile animals, occurring all over the African continent.

How about raising much needed funds for an exceptional charity, and having an epic African adventure at the same time..? If that sounds like a great thing to do in 2023, have a look at the information document here, and get in touch! For more on The Wolo Foundation: https://wolofoundation.org/our-story

The topic of mental health is an important one that requires focused attention and further understanding from society in general. Many years back, having a mental health problem was something that was not talked about freely. Now, people are speaking up about mental health, including well known personalities and the stigma is being eliminated and more help and support is being brought forward. While there are many drug medications that are being prescribed to people with mental health problems, there are also natural methods that are being tested to improve the mental health of individuals. One of these methods is nature therapy which promotes how being in nature can benefit a person’s mental wellbeing. Here are some mental health benefits of the great outdoors. Reduce Stress and Anxiety Multiple studies have been conducted on the relationship between natural spaces and improved mental health. Many basic level tests have shown significantly positive results by simply having subjects sit or walk for 20 minutes at the park. Overall, researchers found that being in any nature-based environment has a strong potential to reduce stress and anxiety and improve mood, focus and psychological well-being. Nature Keeps You Calm Ever wondered how we suddenly become calm when we’re walking in a park, sitting by a tree, listening to a bird or watching an insect? That’s because nature has its way of making you feel that way. Being in nature on its own promotes mindfulness, calmness and gratitude. This inherent feeling of peace, quiet and simplicity helps in clearing our minds of unnecessary thoughts and worries. It also reduces the feeling of anger and tension. Not only does this help with mental calmness but nature also promotes healthy physical activity, which is a major factor in battling depression. Performing physical activity outdoors will increase your energy levels, help you become physically stronger and will increase happiness. Natural Light Helps with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression someone may experience during certain times of the year. It could last for months, depending on the type of weather or season you are triggered by. One patient has described this condition as like dragging a black cloud around with them. To prove this theory, mental health practitioners in the University of Salt Lake City treated two patients with SAD in different settings. One was treated by walking outdoors (under natural light) daily for 1 week, while the other patient walked indoors under low, artificial lighting. The latter did not show signs of improvement after a week while the former showed significant signs of improved well-being, better sleeping patterns, and an increase in dopamine and serotonin, also known as our happy hormones! Encouraging Social Connection We humans have changed our ‘norms’. Technology, with all its advancements, benefits and amazing imagery has its clear downsides – it takes us away from societal awareness and can keep us away from human interaction. Now that we have moved past the difficult lockdown COVID years, nature will help us unplug, unwind and reconnect with each other and with wildlife which is the true norm for humans. Social activities encourage social inclusion, which for people battling depression is often extremely important. It helps people have that sense of belonging, being wanted, listened to and of inclusion. It reduces the feeling of isolation and loneliness. Nature Has Restorative Properties Countless benefits on mental health have been associated with nature. Being in nature increases your energy and improves the feeling of vitality and focus. It has also been shown to reduce symptoms of ADHD. A study in the University of Illinois, namely the Attention Restoration Theory, suggests that being in close contact with nature supports attentional functioning. Particularly in children and young people, the study examined the relationship between children’s exposure to nature through leisure activities. Results of the study indicated that children with ADHD will function better than usual after being exposed to nature and outdoor activities and it lessens their symptoms of attention deficit.

Once you've seen this stunning antelope in the wild, you will never forget it... As a browser/grazer they eat leaves and grass, and as such can be found in the open and in the think bush, across southern Africa. It has been proven that the Nyala evolutionary line has remained separate for 5 million years, making them one of the oldest antelope. As one of the favourite prey species of lions, wild dogs, and leopards they must be very alert 100% of the time, day and night. Safety in numbers is therefor very important so Nyala are often seen in small herds, as well as hanging around with other antelope such as Impala, and quick often with baboons. Nyala have exceptional hearing, eyesight, and sense of smell so when they suspect a predator is in the area they will make a sound much like that of a dogs bark, to alert others in the herd. Males are twice the size of the females and sexually dimorphic, meaning they look very different to the female, with large double twisted horns, and striking patterns on their coats. Bulls will fight for dominance and the right to mate with the females. These fights can result in very serious injuries, and death. If you ever have the good luck to see one, stop, wait a while, and observe this wonderful animal going about it's daily business.