Activities
Boasting uniquely diverse wild territories, South Africa is a paradise for adventure lovers. With its coastal regions, mountains, forests, bushveld, and estuaries, the activity and wildlife sighting opportunities are endless. The main reason you are venturing into the African bush is to see magnificent creatures, so of course, every private game reserve offers superb 4-wheel game drives in open safari vehicles daily. To ensure exclusivity and uncrowded sightings, private reserves do not allow self-drive game viewing. Each safari drive is undertaken by expert guides and trackers, finding the best sightings for an unforgettable wildlife experience. Most luxury lodges in private game reserves offer beautiful communal or private swimming pools and expansive lodge viewing decks.
Still not sure what you can get up to beside spectacular game viewing on your Big 5 safari in South Africa? Here’s a list of activities to look forward to on your safari down south including the areas most likely to offer these activities. If you would like to participate in a specific activity, make sure to check that your destined private game reserve or luxury lodge offers this on booking as some activities may only be available in certain areas.
Activities
Region
Night game drives
Majority of reserves in all regions
Stargazing
Selected reserves in all regions
Walking safari’s
Majority reserves in all regions
Boat safari cruise
Selected reserves in Eastern Cape & KwaZulu Natal
Kayaking
Selected reserves in Cape Town, Garden Route, Eastern Cape & KwaZulu Natal
Turtle Tours
Selected reserves in KwaZulu Natal only
Marine Safari
Selected reserves in Garden Route, Eastern Cape & KwaZulu Natal
Junior Ranger programs and kids clubs
Family-friendly reserves in all regions
Quad-bike safari
Selected reserves in Cape Town
Beaches
Selected reserves in Garden Route, Eastern Cape & KwaZulu Natal
Conservation Volunteering
Selected reserves in KwaZulu Natal, Kruger & Sabi Sands
Community Projects
Selected reserves in KwaZulu Natal, Kruger & Sabi Sands
Cultural Tours
Selected reserves in Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Kruger & Sabi Sands
Scuba diving & snorkelling
Selected reserves in KwaZulu Natal
Horseback riding
Selected reserves in Cape Town & Garden Route
Fishing
Selected reserves in Eastern Cape & KwaZulu Natal
Hot air balloon safari
Selected reserves Kruger & Sabi Sands
Birding
Selected reserves in all regions
Boma dinners – Traditional feasts around bonfires, under starlit skies
All game reserves
Bush breakfasts and dinners – dine out in the wild
Majority of reserves in all regions
Mountain biking
Selected reserves in Cape Town, Garden Route, and KwaZulu Natal
Off-road game drives
Majority reserves in all regions
Golfing
Selected reserves in all regions
Photographic safaris
Selected reserves in KwaZulu Natal, Kruger & Sabi Sands
Private guides – embark on a private safari with your own guide and private 4×4 drive
Majority of reserves in all regions
Tented safari experience
Selected reserves in Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Kruger & Sabi Sands
Treehouse sleepout
Selected reserves in Sabi Sands
Helicopter flight
Selected reserves in Cape Town, Kruger & Sabi Sands
Wine tasting
Selected reserves in Cape Town, Garden Route and Sabi Sands
Spa Treatments
Selected reserves in all regions
Hiking
Selected reserves in Cape Town, Garden Route & KwaZulu Natal