If you're a seasoned safari-goer on the lookout for something a little different or an adventurous spirit eager for a twist on the traditional safari, these alternative ideas will set your imagination running wild. Whilst game viewing from an open-topped safari vehicle may be the classic way to explore the African bush, there are several more unusual safari options that will give you an entirely unique and totally thrilling perspective of Africa.
Advancing slowly in single file through dense bushland on foot is something quite astounding. It's a surefire way to feel completely immersed in the magic of the bush and an experience that will stick with you forever.
Equally, galloping amongst giraffe and rhino on the back of a pure bred Arabian horse is a wonderful way to get a different take on a traditional safari.
However, if horseback adventures are not your 'thing', have no fear. There is most definitely an alternative safari out there that ticks your personal wish list. How about an expertly guided morning game drive en-route to discover ancient Bushman rock art? Or, what about finding a perfectly peaceful spot on a remote craggy escarpment and watching the go down over the grazing wildlife on the plains below? You can even join a herd of elephants and watch while they enjoy their midday swim in the river. These are all experiences to carry with you for a lifetime.
We've created a number of South African holidays that will treat you to a remarkable twist on the bush. Here's a selection of our favourite alternative safari trips:
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Discover South Africa's Nature
Featured Accommodation
Montusi Mountain Lodge
The Drakensberg
Southern Sun Elangeni
Durban
Kosi Forest Lodge
St Lucia Wetland Park
Ghost Mountain Inn
KwaZulu-Natal
Pakamisa Lodge
Pakamisa Game Reserve
Destination: South Africa.
Only 10% of international tourists to South Africa choose to explore Kwa-Zulu Natal, making it a true hidden gem in the heart of the Rainbow Nation. If you're looking for a real retreat into a world of unexplored natural beauty and undisturbed peace, this is the perfect 12 night trip for you.
This is a 12 night itinerary including The Drakensberg, Durban, St Lucia Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal and Pakamisa Game Reserve.
Discover nature's hidden wonders in the Kruger National Park through a combination of walking safaris and guided game drives on this 5 night adventure. For a totally unique experience, on the third night you will sleep out on an elevated wooden platform 4 metres high in the middle of the bush, where the night will be spent under the starry African sky.
This is a 5 night itinerary including Kruger National Park.
South Africa is a huge nation simply screaming to be explored, so it can be tempting to try and pack it all into one trip. However, a rushed itinerary can leave you needing another holiday at the end of your trip so these 12 nights do exactly the opposite - by keeping to just the Eastern and Western Capes, it will give you a real in-depth glimpse of life in the Cape.
This is a 12 night itinerary including Cape Town, The Cape Winelands, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve and The Garden Route.
Based on 4 to 5 Star Accommodation:
4 Nights at Four Rosmead Boutique Guest House
2 Nights at Mont Rochelle Hotel and Mountain Vineyards
If you are looking for something different, certainly if this is your second or even third time to South Africa, this trip will showcase some hidden gems plus an opportunity to return to the 'tried and trusted' areas of Cape Town and the Winelands.
This is a 14 night itinerary including Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park, Samara Private Game Reserve, The Klein Karoo, The Cape Winelands and Cape Town.
This 10 night trip will take you from Kruger to the Cape with a whole host of experiences in between. Meeting elephants, seeing waterfalls and looking down into one of the largest green canyons in the world, and dining at one of Cape Town's finest restaurants are just a snapshot of what you can expect from this holiday.
This is a 10 night itinerary including Hazyview, Kapama Game Reserve and Cape Town.
Advancing slowly in single file through dense bushland on foot is something quite astounding. It's a surefire way to feel completely immersed in the magic of the bush and an experience that will stick with you forever.
