Unusual Animal Experiences in South Africa

Most people going to South Africa plan to take a Big Five safari at some point during their stay and they definitely should. The experience is quintessentially African and the best opportunity to spot endangered wildlife in their natural habitats. However, if youre looking for a more unique opportunity to get up close and personal to some of South Africas indigenous wildlife why not also consider taking one of these fun options? Itll certainly give you something to boast about around the dinner table:

Ride an Ostrich

Ostrich feathers were once high-fashion among certain ladies of nobility and the so-called feather boom resulted in decadent palaces being built on the grounds where ostriches roamed. Visiting an ostrich farm is a fascinating way to learn more about how South Africas rich lived, but also gives you a rare opportunity to purchase ostrich feathers and ostrich leather goods. Ostrich leather is still fashionable nowadays and used to create the much lusted after Hermes Birkin handbags. Although were pretty certain that this shop doesnt stock Hermes you may be able to pick yourself up a nice replica. Whilst shopping draws the crowds, being able to ride an ostrich around the estate provides one of the most memorable experiences. These birds move fast and can reach speeds of up to 60km/h so make sure you hold on tight!

Dive with Crocodiles

Shark-diving is so last year. This year is all about diving with crocodiles and in South Africas Cango Wildlife Ranch you can do just that. A cage submerges you into the water allowing you to get close to 4m long Nile crocodiles. These powerful snappers have a bite thats four times stronger than that of a great white shark, so the metal cage needs to be even stronger than those used for shark diving.

Walk a Cheetah

Everyone knows that cheetahs are the fastest moving land animals in the world, so lets hope that when youre walking a cheetah he doesnt spot a tasty gazelle lurking in the bushes and escape your clutches. The Wildlife Awareness Centre on the scenic Garden Route not only lets you get up close and personal to a variety of South Africas big cats; it also lets you walk them. Cheetah, leopard and smaller cats, such as serval, all have a home in this reserve and guests are taken on a tour, where they are able to get so close to these felines that they can hear them purr.

Great White Shark Diving

If theres one animal that you dont want to get close to in South Africa its the great white shark. Surprisingly though, quite a few people do! Shark diving has really taken off in South Africa and many people come to the country with the intention of getting up close to Jaws and his razor-sharp teeth. Although youre submerged in a cave, the shark appears so close that you could touch him not that youd want to though! This is definitely an experience that all adrenaline junkies should try on their South Africa holidays.

About the Author

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Cheetahs leave reserve while researchers adventure with a four wheel drive – BBC wildlife

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