Our readers recently shared with us some of their best ideas for safaris. We’ve selected some of the best responses.
1. Farm 215 in the Western Cape
“Farm 215 is not on the main tourist path but well worth a visit. Like Grootbos, it strives to protect the rare fynbos species still occurring there. And by doing so, helps save the very rare Western Leopard toad, Black harrier and the Parrot-beaked tortoise. These and other animals and birds can be enjoyed by visitors. And on top of that, of course, the sharks, dolphins, fur seals and whales right on the doorstep. Definitely a hidden gem!”
Paul Cosijn, Discovery Channel, Amsterdam
For more information, visit http://farm215.co.za/
2. A desert dune safari in Namibia
“Wilderness Safaris has launched a new fully guided nine-night, 10-day Exploration – Desert Dune Safari. It takes guests through some of Namibia's most varied and remote desert areas, encountering incredible desert-adapted wildlife along the way. Despite the sparse vegetation, enormous elephant thrive in this area, along with giraffe and even lion and brown hyena, along with the plentiful oryx, springbok, zebra and kudu. Running between May and mid-November, the Exploration covers the unique desert areas of Sossusvlei (including the unique red dunes), the Skeleton Coast (and its remnants of shipwrecks), and the Palmwag Concession (where the last free-roaming Black rhino live). Activities include sea- and land-based wildlife viewing, rhino tracking, as well as a scenic flight from Sossusvlei to Swakopmund. These areas are extremely remote and rarely explored, so guests will experience a sense of isolation while enjoying spectacular scenery. Guests are accommodated in a range of luxury accommodation in private areas.”
Dave Bennett, Wilderness Safaris
For more information, visit http://www.wilderness-safaris.com/explorations/desert-dune-safari
3. Tembe Elephant Lodge
“Tembe Elephant Lodge in KwaZulu Natal. I love this lodge due to its eco-tourism motto as well as the fact that the local community play a pivotal role in the upkeep and sustainability of the elephants as well as the lodge.”
Zaithoon Maziya, Get Africa Travel, Durban North
For more information, visit http://www.tembe.co.za/
4. The Pafuri Walking Trail
“Although it has been running for a few years, the Pafuri Walking Trail is a somewhat unknown gem. Definitely a unique safari offering.”
Anonymous
For more information, visit #http://www.wilderness-safaris.com/explorations/pafuri-walking-trail
5. The Selinda Canoe Trail
“The first gem has to be the Selinda Canoe Trail in Botswana – it is a once-a-year, limited season experience from late May to the beginning of October. Canoeing the Selinda Spillway for five days and four nights is a bucket-list event for two reasons. Firstly, the Selinda Spillway may dry up at any time and, secondly, there is no other place in the world where you can canoe a World Heritage Site like this. Prices are in US dollars but well worth it.”
Hilton Walker, Great Plains, White River
For more information, visit http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/selindacanoetrail/
6. Cycle Mashatu
“Again, something that has been on the go for a while but Cycle Mashatu is definitely unique.”
Anonymous
For more information, visit http://www.cyclemashatu.com/
7. Sibuya Game Reserve
“Sibuya Game Reserve near Kenton on Sea, is only accessible by boat on the scenic Kariega River. A secret gem in the Eastern Cape.”
Gisela Piercey, African Twist Travel, Fish Hoek
“In places like the Okavango and Lower Zambezi, having an opportunity to go on a boat trip really adds to the overall experience. South Africa doesn't really have safari places that offer that at all. Sibuya Game Reserve, with the Kariega River running through it, does. They have two beautiful small-scale camps and have a lot of experience. For some reason, this place hasn't had much exposure.”
Paul Cosijn, Discovery Channel, Amsterdam
For more information, visit www.sibuya.co.za
