An African safari is on most people’s bucket list – who doesn’t want to see the great migration of wildebeest in Tanzania or Kenya, come face-to-face with a gigantic mountain gorilla, or traverse the inland wetlands of the Okavango Delta? These are tantalisingly evocative experiences that live with you forever. However, for the safari lodges and camps competition is healthily competitive and keeping guests engaged outside of the typical daily 4×4 game drives and game walks is currently the focus for many safaris operators; appealing to the niche traveller in ever-more detail is the name of the game. Here are some of the more unusual activities you can enjoy alongside traditional safari activities.
Astronomy, South Africa
Mountain Biking, South Africa
Also in the Waterberg region is the wonderful family-friendly lodge, Ant’s Nest, run by Ant & Tesser Baber who offer a host of activities to supplement daily safari drives. The incredibly diverse terrain lends itself to mountain biking; for beginners who like to potter or, the technical cyclist looking for some extreme adventures. There is nothing quite like passing herds of game while peddling, it’s both peaceful and thrilling all at the same time. Routes vary from 5-20 km depending on experience.
Heli-Safari Adventures, Kenya
Geological Safari, Namibia
In the north-west of Namibia sits the World Heritage Site of Twylfelfontein and its famous ancient San rock art. At Doro Nawas camp, guides show visitors the incredible geological phenomena that make this part of the world so intriguing, such as the Petrified Forest, Burnt Mountain and Organ Pipes. Even the landscape surrounding Doro Nawas camp reveals an incredible variety of geology detailing ancient chapters in Earth’s history. So when you are not out looking for desert elephants and lions you can spend your day on a rock safari.
Freshwater Snorkelling, Malawi
A fitting end to an African safari is to spend some relaxing time on a beach. But that doesn’t mean it has to be in the ocean! Kaya Mawa in Malawi is the perfect place to kick back after a Southern Africa safari. Located on the shores of freshwater Lake Malawi you’ll be able to snorkel through a world of brilliantly-coloured tropical fish, crystal-clear water and untouched beaches.Freshwater Diving, Tanzania
If you are on safari in Tanzania then the island of Lupita in Lake Tanganyika (the longest lake in the world) offers some good diving opportunities from its island lodge. The lake’s waters are clear and calm where the dive master (PADI-certified) will take you down to the underwater world which teems with hundreds of species of cichlids found nowhere else on earth.
The Thinking Man’s Safari, Kenya
For ideas and advice on safari holidays in Africa, please contact our Africa travel specialist Samantha on +44 (0)1242 787800.