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 you're looking for a more unique opportunity to get up close and personal to some of South Africa's indigenous wildlife why not also consider taking one of these fun options? It'll certainly give you something to boast about around the dinner table:

Ride an Ostrich

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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 Africa's 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 we're pretty certain that this shop doesn't 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 Africa's 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 that's 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 let's hope that when you're walking a cheetah he doesn't 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 Africa's 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 there's one animal that you don't want to get close to in South Africa it's 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 you're submerged in a cave, the shark appears so close that you could touch him - not that you'd want to though! This is definitely an experience that all adrenaline junkies should try on their South Africa holidays.

Unusual Animal Experiences in South Africa

MISSIONS TRIPS AFRICA