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. While an open-topped jeep 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 through dense bushland, plodding over plains and crossing rivers perched atop a gentle elephant 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 elephant safaris or horseback adventures are not your thing, have no fear. There is most definitely an alternative safari out there that ticks all of your personal wish list. How about an expertly guided walking safari into the heart of the bush or a morning game drive en-route to discover ancient Bushman rock art? Or, how about finding a perfectly peaceful spot on a remote craggy escarpment and watching the go down over the grazing wildlife on the plains below? These are all experiences to carry with you for a lifetime.
We've created a number of brilliantly balanced Africa 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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Going back to 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 a specially tailored 5 night walking safari starting from 'base camps' which are luxury tented accommodation. For a totally unique experience, one of the nights you will walk to a Sleep Out - an elevated wooden platform 4 metres high in the middle of the bush, where the night will be spent sleeping with the noises of the bush surrounding you.
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 itinerary! This trip does exactly the opposite. Sticking to the Eastern and Western Cape for 12 superb nights, 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:
3 Nights at Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel
2 Nights at Mont Rochelle Hotel and Mountain Vineyards
The Karoo Desert is a part of South Africa that many people pass through, but very few take the time to explore in depth. It's a region of fascinating local tradition, delicious food, endless views and thousands of gawky ostriches! This 2 week trip will bring you both the best of the Cape and an unforgettable behind-the-scenes glimpse of the under-explored Karoo.
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 whisk 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.
All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected either by ABTOT Combined or the ATOL scheme.
When you pay for something protected by the ATOL scheme you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it.
All packages that are not protected by ATOL are protected by ABTOT.
