There are so many activities to choose from it becomes difficult to decide which to do. To help you make your decision, here is a list of different nature activities that are available around Southern Africa.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching is a recreational activity to observe and/or study various bird species. This can be done by spotting birds with the naked eye or using a device that can enhance your view, such as binoculars. The activity often involves identifying birds by ear as many species are hard to spot and are thus easier to identify by their calls. Many birds have very distinctive calls, such as the Grey Loerie or Kwêvoël.

Big Five Game

According to hunters, the Big Five, refer to the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot in Africa. Today the term is widely used by tourists who want to see these magnificent animals. The Big five include the Lion (Panthera leo), African Elephant (Loxodonta africana), African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer), Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicomis), and the Leopard (Panthera pardus)

Canopy Tours / Treetopping

Discover an entire new world in the forest canopy by sliding on a zipline between platforms high up in the forest. It is very safe (as long as it is done with a reputable provider), educational and breathtaking. Guides strap you in a full body harness and other safety equipment then attach you to a cable with a pulley which gently glides you between platforms. This experience can take up to three hours.

Elephant Back Riding & Safaris
What better way to experience wildlife than to get up close and personal? Elephant encounters and elephant back riding is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about these majestic animals. Touch, interact, feed and take a walk with them in the bush. Learn about their daily routines, anatomy, and personalities. For an added experience, ride on an African elephant. Seated on a canvas-covered saddle mounted behind an experienced elephant handler, this is a twist to the general game watching as the elephant moves through the bush

Fly fishing
An ancient method of fishing, mostly focused on catching trout or salmon. Artificial flies are cast with a fly rod and a fly line. Artificial flies are created by tying hair, fur, feathers, and other natural or synthetic materials onto a hook with a thread. Imitative flies resemble natural food items. Attractive flies trigger instinctive strikes by employing a range of characteristics that do not necessarily mimic prey items. Proper casting, regardless of technique, requires pauses in both directions (forward and backward) to allow the entirety of the line to unfurl parallel to the water’s surface.

Game Capture Tours
Do you want an exhilirating conservation adventure? Game capture is a thrilling experience and involves the tracking of, darting and relocation of many types of game, including the Big 5. It can include supporting the team with the game capture, setting up enclosures for holding wildlife, camping in the bush, observing the specialized activity of darting wildlife, and release of captured game to new reserves.

Horse Riding

Horse riding trails in South Africa are as diverse as the terrain. If you are comfortable on a horse, you can ride among some big game in a game reserve, if not then take a brisk canter along a beach, through
vineyards, or through magnificent mountains. Horse rides range from an hour to multi-day treks, depending on how much time you have available.

Hunting

The practice of pursuing animals for food, recreation, or trade. In modern use, the term refers to regulated and legal hunting. Hunted animals are referred to as game animals, and are usually large or small mammals or gamebirds. Guns are generally used for hunting, but the use of compound bows have also become quite popular as a recreational hunting activity. Although recreational hunters may choose to be selective hunters, many people hunt to enjoy the outdoors, as well as the thrill of tracking an animal.

Shark Cage diving – Great Whites
Unquestionably one of the major attractions for adventure and adrenaline seekers to the Cape. Sharks are one of the most feared creatures by man. Is it just because people do not understand sharks and their role in this world? Globally, every year there are thousands of people who travel to see sharks and return educated, fascinated, and respecting these creatures. It is a thrilling experience to come so close to one of the most powerful creatures on this planet (as well as to their extremely sharp rows of teeth and strong jaws!)

Shark Diving
Who said anything about cages? Aliwal Shoal in KZN is the popular location for diving with the Spotted Raggedtooth Shark. The best time for diving with these sharks are from the end of June until the end of November each year, where numbers of between five and up to 30 could be sighted, each at least 1.8m in length. It is an incredible diving experience when one is accepted by the raggies and allowed to quietly witness their natural behaviour.

Star Gazing
Unquestionably the oldest scientific hobby on earth. It is a scientific trend dating back to the ancient philosopher, Plato. Prior to the invention of the telescope (in the 17th century), stargazers required no special equipment but their own eyes and a clear view of the sky to appreciate the magnificence of the infinity. Many star gazers don’t just stop at star gazing, they continue to learn in great detail the working principles of the universe and its elements. Astronomy is not just about gazing at stars and planets at night. There are also solar or lunar eclipses, viewing the occasional comet, identifying the constellations, spotting meteors, viewing the sun at daytime and much more.

Turtle Tours
Turtles are generally secretive animals and are therefore not regularly sighted. Turtle tours will provide you with this rare opportunity to gain a greater understanding of these fascinating creatures. The Elephant coast is known as “turtle country” where different turtles can be found, including the Leatherback, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, Green Turtle, and the Hawkbill. Only the Leatherback and Loggerhead breed in these waters, and during January and February the baby turtles hatch and head back to sea.

Wildlife Safaris

Africa is well known for its remarkable wildlife and magnificent natural areas and eco-systems. Game drives are the most widely used methods of viewing game, but other options include watching game by horseback or being guided through the bush on foot. Wildlife safaris provide wonderful opportunities for photos or videos as you watch the animals and birds.

Aquarium Diving & Snorkeling
If you are looking for a snorkel experience but not too sure if you’re comfortable heading out into the deep blue ocean, then you can go do snorkeling at some of the bigger aquariums in South Africa. For some, no experience is required, but if you want to go dive in shark tanks or kelp forests, then you will have to hold a valid diving qualification.

Camel Rides
Although not native to Southern Africa, the first document about the use of camels in South Africa in the National Archives is Dated 1901. From short fun rides for kids to 100km endurance rides, camels provide an interesting experience for all. Sitting on its back, posistioned between humps, the most fun part is when the camel gets up - you have to really hold on tight!

More nature activity descriptions to come soon:
Birds Of Prey Encounters
Crayfishing
Eco Adventures
Fishing
Foot Safaris
Game Trekking
Marine Mammal Encounters
Pelagic Bird Tours