Believe it or not, there is actually some pretty decent skiing in Africa, and in the southern part of the continent you’ll find it in Lesotho, up in the mountains and completely surrounded by South Africa.
This high-altitude kingdom is home to Afriski, about a four hours' drive from Johannesburg and as close as you’re getting to the Alps in this part of the world.
A country this mountainous seamlessly lends itself to alpine adventure, with trails all through Sehlabathebe National Park and the Bokong Nature Reserve. If you’re feeling strong, you can climb to the 11,424-foot summit of Thabana Ntlenyana, the highest peak in southern Africa. Closer to land, kayaking and paddling through this country is a magical experience, as bright, clear blue waters wind among tall green mountains and a pastoral landscape makes you feel worlds away from civilization.