Best kayak and SUP destinations in Africa

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Africa's kayaking and SUP offer ranges from the world-class sea kayaking coastlines of the far south and the great lake systems of the east to the river paddling environments of the major inland waterways and the mangrove and estuary systems of the west and east coasts. The continent's most compelling paddling environments combine exceptional wildlife encounters and dramatic natural settings with the particular intimacy of water-level exploration.

The southern coastline offers some of the most significant sea kayaking environments in the region, with marine wildlife encounters including penguins, seals and whales accessible from sheltered launch points alongside more exposed ocean paddling for experienced kayakers. The great rift valley lakes deliver a contrasting experience built around flat water paddling with extraordinary wildlife and cultural landscapes on the shoreline.

Wildlife awareness is essential across most of the continent's river and lake paddling environments and guided programmes are strongly advisable where hippos and crocodiles share the water. Weather and seasonal flooding affect river paddling viability considerably and local advice before launching is non-negotiable. Your money goes a long way making extended paddling itineraries practical on modest budgets.