An early morning game drive to enjoy your early morning cup of coffee while watching wild animals in their natural environment is amazing and should be on everyone''s bucket list! But, once you''ve ticked off the real deal safari experience you might be looking for something a little bit different...
Here we share 7 unique safaris that you will want to add to your bucket list today.
1. Yoga Safari at Thula Thula Private Game Reserve
Thula Thula is an intimate, family owned and operated lodge located two hours north of Durban and the oldest private game reserve in KwaZulu Natal. Probably best known as the setting of “The Elephant Whisper” by Lawrence Anthony, who lived here, Thula Thula is about to put itself on the map as a go-to Yoga Safari destination!
Whether you’re an experienced yoga master or an aspiring yogi, what could be better than practicing your yoga positions while watching the sunrise over the African bush? Plus you won’t leave without witnessing an abundance of wildlife… elephant, leopard, rhino, buffalo and abundant birdlife abound.
The Yoga Safari includes accommodation in a luxury tent. transfers, game drives and all meals plus 5 yoga classes and the option of a spa massage just to ensure your body is fully relaxed by the time you leave!
Book your Yoga Safari at Thula Thula
2. Fynbos Safari at Grootbos Nature Reserve
Grootbos is located amidst a unique, unspoilt section of the Cape Floral Kingdom – home to more plant species than the Amazon – making it the ideal place to explore more of the beautiful fynbos flora.
Dedicated conservationists take you out in either open 4x4 safari vehicles or on horse-back to explore more of the surrounding area and to get a deeper understanding of the unique flora found here. The safari will take you up to the highest point of the reserve for magnificent panoramic views over Walker Bay (and hopefully some whales during winter!), sometimes even as far as Cape Point on clear days!
Stay in one of the two 5-star lodges at Grootbos that both offer beautiful, private suites with amazing views and complete tranquillity.
Book your Fynbos Safari at Grootbos
3. Horse-riding Safari at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve
Pakamisa Private Game Reserve, located in a commanding position on the Pakamisa Peak, offers you the unique opportunity of a horse-back safari, where you can view and experience African wildlife from the back of a well-trained horse, allowing you to get much closer access to the animals than any vehicle would.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced rider, part of a group or on your own, you can enjoy this unique way of viewing game and combine the pleasure of riding with the thrill of an African safari. A professional guide will take you through Pakamisa’s unspoilt wilderness areas, from the meandering plains or the challenging hilly ascents, and introduce you to the African fauna & flora. As a rider in the bush one is much more aware of the environment of the natural bush – the sights, scents, sounds – so if you’re a horse lover you should not miss this opportunity!
Stay in one of the colonial Spanish-style buildings and enjoy the spacious, luxurious bedrooms and private balconies with sweeping views.
Book your Horse-back Safari at Pakamisa
4. Turtle Safari at Makakatana Bay Lodge
Makakatana is the only privately owned lodge on the banks of Lake St Lucia in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, Africa’s largest natural marine estuary for many aquatic species including one of the oldest - the Sea Turtle. The coastal waters are visited by 5 turtle species, but the Loggerhead and Leatherback Turtles are the only ones that breed here and lay their eggs on the protected beaches. iSimangaliso provides the only viable coastline in Africa for major nesting sites.
Turtle Nesting Safaris are guided beach walks that take place at night, usually between late October and January and even into March. Pregnant female turtles emerge out of the sea in the dark and proceed to lumber onto the beach once they have checked all is well from the tide line. When suitable sites have been selected they begin the arduous task of digging a deep hole in the sand, laying the eggs and then covering them up again before crawling back to the sea. Strict rules are followed with regard to any activity in the vicinity during these turtle safaris and the actual approach to the nesting site. Bright lights and noise are not allowed and you can only follow your guide to the spot once the Turtle has entered a trance-like state in the egg-laying process.
Stay at this intimate, luxurious lodge located in the forest on the edge of the lake. The inclusive rate includes safaris into the wetlands by vehicle or boat, trips to the coastal beaches and safaris to the world-famous Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve.
Book your Turtle Safari at Makakatana
5. Walking safari at Rhino Post Safari Lodge
Rhino Post Safari Lodge offers an incredibly unique experience in the Kruger National Park. Not only can you enjoy daily game drives from the lodge but you can also choose to explore this wilderness area on foot under the guidance of two professional, armed rangers. For those wanting the ultimate adrenalin-fueled bush experience in the heart of Big 5 territory, this is it!
Set under magnificent Tamboti trees on the banks of the Mutlumuvi riverbed and situated deep in the wilderness, guests are assured of superb game sightings from their room or on foot.
Stay at Plains Camp with four African explorer-style tents and indulge in an in-room spa or beauty treatments in the comfort and privacy of your bush chalet.
Book your Walking Safari at Rhino Post
6. Frogging Safari at Amakhosi Safari Lodge
AmaKhosi Safari Lodge or “Place of the Kings” in Zulu, is situated 4 hours from Durban in KwaZulu Natal on the banks of Zululand’s Mkuze River.
Home to the Big Five as well as cheetah, 15 species of antelope, crocodile, hippo and over 400 bird species, one of AmaKhosi’s unique attractions is their seasonal frogging safari with their expert, experienced rangers. From November to March each year, when the rains come, Amakhosi invites guests to discover the fascinating world of amphibians. Night safaris with qualified guides take you deep into the bush to marvel the spectrum of colours and the loud calling of mating frogs.
Stay in one of their luxury river suites on the riverbank overlooking magnificent views.
Book your Frogging Safari at Amakhosi
7. Kids Safari at Garden Route Game Lodge
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Garden Route Game Lodge is situated in a malaria free area, making it safe for families with young children. Kids are encouraged to participate in the Bushwise Activity program led by friendly, experienced game rangers. Activites include kids game drives, guided bush walks, inset walks, a visit to the Reptile Centre or fishing at the waterhole.
Kids are also welcome to join their parents on the daily morning and evening game drives when accompanied by an adult. Families can choose to go on private drives or join other families allowing kids a chance to make new friends while on holiday. Another added benefit of staying at this child-friendly lodge is that child minders are available to assist should you wish to enjoy a child free safari during your stay!
Stay in a private, luxury Bush Chalet or one of the spacious Main Lodge rooms which are ideal for families as they are equipped with microwaves, dvd players and kids toyboxes! Plus the restaurant offers a kiddies menu and early meal times for breakfast and dinner.
Book your Family Safari at Garden Route Game Lodge
We hope you''re feeling inspired to book a safari with a difference for your next holiday! Which one of these is top of your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!
Compiled by Kathryn Rossiter