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

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3 Unusual Sports You Might See in South Africa

What with the 2010 World Cup taking place in South Africa, the sporting status of the country has legitimately risen. However, it's not all football, rugby and cricket in the rainbow nation. There is a whole range of sports, which are as diverse as the population of South Africa themselves - read on to find out about just three of them.

Sand Boarding
Expending a lot of power climbing up sand dunes may not seem like your idea of fun, any way I can guarantee that the thrill you'll taste on the way back down will make it well worth the effort. Sand boarding is becoming an increasingly beloved sport in South Africa, and it's easy to see why. Relatively similar to snowboarding, sand boarding involves standing with two feet on a thin board and weaving and arcing your way at breakneck speed to the bottom of the dunes. However, for those who are less steady on their feet there is a great alternative of lying flat on your stomach on the board, and heading downhill as if you were on a surfboard. Whichever way you rule to descend down the dunes, sand boarding gives you a guaranteed adrenaline rush - just be sure to keep some sunglasses on and your mouth shut or you may just end up eating sand.

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Shark Diving
Everyone who heads to South Africa is aware of the fact that there are some pretty big fish out in the waters. However, not everybody will know that you can in fact take to the water yourself, and swim up close and personal with the sharks. Some of the biggest and most magnificent sharks in the world can be found off the coast of South Africa, and cage diving is the perfect way to see them in all their splendour, whilst keeping at a safe length from their teeth. While a cave diving session you will be fitted with breathing tool and lowered into the water in a cage made from highly strong metal, so that you can watch the sharks in their natural habitat whilst remaining protected from them. So whether you're fascinated by sharks, or simply keen to face your fears, shark diving is a beloved recreational sport, becoming more beloved all the time.

River Boarding
If you like the idea of getting wet in South Africa, but are slightly less keen on the prospect of sharks, then possibly an additional one water sport is more favorable for you. River boarding is increasingly base in South Africa these days, and particularly in the area of Victoria Falls. Referred to by some as 'motocross on your belly', river boarding refers to the art of travelling downstream lying on your front on a board, navigating discrete rapids as you go. But it won't all be roaring rapids; in places you will be able to lie back and relax as you drift along and make the most of the stunning scenery that surrounds you.

So, though the sounds of the vuvuzelas may be ringing out over South Africa for some weeks yet, there is much more than just football to enjoy where sports are concerned. Try your hand at any one of the weird and wonderful sports for which the country is becoming known.

3 Unusual Sports You Might See in South Africa

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Alternative Holiday Ideas - Fun and Unusual Vacations on a Budget in the UK

It's that time of year again. The daffodils are out and the clocks have gone forward meaning that it is officially Spring time! This means it's almost time to start clearing out the garage, get the rust off the BBQ in anticipation of the great British summer and think about booking a holiday.

Many of us are opting to have a more thrifty holiday at home in the UK rather than add to our carbon footprint, but still want to find a fun and unusual holiday to give us a real break from the day-to-day. From alternative camping trips to a stay at a rural farm experiencing the natural rhythms of the countryside without any distractions of modern life, here are our top picks to check out for some holiday inspiration before making any final decisions.

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There are plenty of fun eco and alternative holidays to be had that don't have to bust the budget Go WWOOFing - WWOOF UK is a membership charity focusing on teaching people about organic growing and low-impact lifestyles through hands-on experience in the UK. WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. Farms, gardens and small holdings offer a hosted working holiday for volunteers and in return for offering a pair of helping hands you get your board and food as well as a great opportunity to learn some new skills, get your hands dirty and get back to nature. In return for a small membership fee you get a list of vetted hosts and then it's about finding a suitable one and approaching them to make your own arrangements. There are over 400 hosts in the UK (and plenty more worldwide too). Check out the international WWOOF site to find how you can have a new and uniquely fulfilling experience.

Feather Down Farm Days - in some of the most beautiful rural locations across Britain, there are currently 24 farms listed offering stunning rural retreats where you can stay in a canvas tent complete with canopy bed, cooking stove, master bedroom, bunk bedroom and flushing toilet. Highlights at these rural retreats include hire of wood-fire traditional ovens, smoke barrel hire complete with fire wood and recipes, and rental of a private chicken coop. This is an ideal retreat for the whole family and you can even book breakfast hampers and food supplies in advance to make the transition from the bustle of your daily life to the relaxed slower pace of the countryside hassle free. Children can get to know the animals as some of the locations are on working farms and many farms offer bike hire and farm shops for a carefree stay. The Feather Down Farm season runs from Easter to October so click here for more information.

For a unique stay in a vintage airstream trailer on the Isle of Wight check out Vintage Vacations. Each airstream trailer is equipped with cooking facilities and mod cons such as hairdryer, CD/ radio and air con but furnished in a delightfully kitsch retro style including provision of vintage games such as Tiddlywinks. For the ultimate in shabby chic style check out The Mission (a restored Sunday School meeting place tin tabernacle dating from 1895), The Sailmakers (retro decor terraced house in Cowes old town), The Shack (cute vintage beach shack) and The Bungalow (1960s holiday chalet near the seaside). Vintage Vacations also have an etsy shop for great vintage accessories. Click here for more information.

Alternative Holiday Ideas - Fun and Unusual Vacations on a Budget in the UK

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