WORDS by KATIE JACHOLKE | IMAGES SUPPLIED by FEATURED LODGES
There’s no denying that a safari drive across game-strewn plains, wind streaking your hair and the anticipation of what’s around the next corner, is an unforgettable experience. Recently, however, we’ve come across a host of safari activities that aren’t of the four-wheeled variety, and what fun they are. Whether you’re looking for a new way to wildlife-watch, or to explore a different side of the African continent, we’re sure you’ll find something that tickles your fancy in our top safari activities with a twist…
1. Stargazing at Little Kulala, Sossusvlei, Namibia
Once you’ve scooted over the Namibian dunes on the back of a quad bike and marvelled at the spiky trees of Deadvlei, indulge in a slower-paced treat and spend a night gazing at the stars of the southern hemisphere. The guides at Little Kulala in Sossusvlei are connoisseurs of the night sky, and along with the aid of a powerful spotting scope, you’ll see the stars as you’ve never seen them before. Then, once you’ve distinguished your Sagittarius from your Sirius, head to the sleep out deck on the roof of your room and put your new-found knowledge to the test.
Find out more about Little Kulala and the other activities on offer at www.wilderness-safaris.com
2. Walking with rhino, Saruni Rhino, Samburu, Kenya
Many camps across the continent offer walking safaris, but as for walking with rhino… Step in Saruni Rhino, located in the Sera Community Conservancy in Northern Kenya. The first community conservancy on the continent dedicated to the conservation of black rhino, there are currently 11 rhino in the 54,000 hectare area. Each is tracked with a GPS collar allowing you to get up close to the magnificent creatures on foot, in the very definition of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Even better, the tiny camp has only two bedrooms, so it’s one that you won’t be sharing with anyone else.
Read more about this fantastic conservation initiative and book your stay at Saruni Rhino at www.sarunisamburu.com
3. Art safaris, South Luangwa, Zambia
There’s nothing we like more than stylish, safari-inspired interiors and now, you can create your own home decorations on an ‘Art Safari’ in the South Luangwa. Hosted by Tribal Textiles, a fair-trade company producing stunning, hand-painted fabrics in the heart of the bush, you’ll spend a morning or afternoon with the fabulous local artisans in the Tribal Workshop. Be inspired by the sights and sounds of Zambia as you wield your paintbrush, and at the end of the day, you’ll take home your very own cushion cover or wall hanging.
For bookings and further information (and some seriously good shopping opportunities!), visit www.tribaltextiles.co.zm
4. Quad Biking at Jack’s Camp, Mkgadigadi, Botswana
Swap grassy plains for shimmering salt pans, 4x4s for quad bikes, add a bed roll, mosquito net and a blanket of stars and you’ve got a quad bike safari in remotest Botswana. Aside from tearing up the salt pans of the Mkgadigadi atop your quad, track hyena and wildebeest across the lunar-like landscape, camp under ancient baobabs, and meander through the fossil beaches on foot. For an even more memorable experience, add on two nights in eccentric Jack’s Camp on your return. This is the kind of safari magic that has to be seen to be believed…
Natural Selection offers several quad biking itineraries, combing nights at either Jack’s Camp or San Camp. View them at www.naturalselection.travel
5. Mountain biking at Singita, Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa
If you’re not ready to completely tear yourself away from wildlife watching, head to the striking Singita Boulders and peddle your way around the private Sabi Sand Reserve on a mountain bike. By day, you’ll watch elephant from the saddle and race giraffe along winding tracks, whilst the evening is reserved for a dip in your private plunge pool and a sumptuous dinner on the terrace. You do have to replenish your energy for the next day’s cycling adventures after all!
Get ready to saddle up at www.singita.com
6. Beading with the Maasai, The Highlands Ngorongoro, Tanzania
The graceful Maasai, adorned in their blood-red robes and intricate beaded jewellery, are one of East Africa’s most famous communities. For a chance to delve a little deeper into their culture, add Asilia Africa’s The Highlands Ngorongoro to your travel list. Alongside a variety of community-based activities, the camp offers a jewellery beading masterclass with the local Maasai ladies. You’ll discover the meaning behind the coloured beads, how and why the embellishments are worn and lend a hand in the beading process, accompanied by views of the rolling hills and the tinkling of cowbells – we couldn’t think of a more wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
Check out the modern minimalism of The Highlands camp, and read more about Asilia Africa’s Tanzania itineraries at www.asiliaafrica.com
7. Tiger fishing at Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi, Zambia
A fearsome and wily fighting fish, the tigerfish is one of the most prized game fish in the world, and what better place to try and hook one than on the mighty Zambezi River? At Chiawa Camp in the Lower Zambezi, you’ll have the use of a custom-made boat and the services of one of the expert guides; born and bred in the area, they know the twists and turns of the river and habits of the wildlife better than anyone. When you’re not wrestling with the acrobatic tigers, keep your eyes peeled for elephant splashing in the shallows and pied kingfisher flitting above you.
Book your once in a lifetime fishing trip on the Zambezi River at www.chiawa.com
8. Canoe safaris on the Selinda Spillway, Botswana
For an all-access pass to the remotest parts of Botswana’s Selinda Reserve, and the chance to discover corners simply unreachable by vehicle, let us introduce you to the canoe safari. Not for the fainthearted, the four-day expedition along the Selinda Spillway will take you eye level with the hippo and under the trunks of splashing elephant. Take a break from paddling and walk amongst the wildlife of the pretty islands and forests, before spending the night in a fly camp, surrounded by the pristine wilderness.
Find out more about Great Plains’ four- or five-day canoe expeditions at www.greatplainsconservation.com
