Activities while on safari

Game drives are the quintessential African bushveld safari experience. No matter where you are on this great continent, the expectation and thrill of heading out in the game drive vehicle in the early morning and late afternoon for a few hours define your safari day.

Your guide (and sometimes a tracker) will read the 'bush news' as you go, the many signs of wildlife presence, to ensure interesting and sometimes breathtaking wildlife encounters. No game drive is ever the same, so expect the unexpected.

Am I safe on a game drive? Yes, you are perfectly safe in the hands of the experienced guides at the lodges we include in our safaris, who follow strict safety protocols. Animals become accustomed to game drive vehicles and do not view them as a threat, so even though you will be near dangerous animals, you will be safe. Your guide will steer clear of dangerous animals that appear stressed or are likely to behave aggressively.

Mokoro outings, guided by skilled local polers who know every twist of the channels, offer an unhurried, soulful way to connect with nature that few safari activities can match. Glide down water channels and view life from a unique low perspective (great for photography!) as you look out for colourful birds, fish, frogs, and rarely seen species such as otters and sitatungas.

The mokoro is a flat-bottomed canoe used by local people to navigate the shallow waters of the Okavango Delta area. Oarsmen stand in the stern and push with a pole. Mokoro is a Setswana term (plural mekoro). Mekoro were traditionally made from large straight trees such as African ebony and sausage trees, but these days they are usually made from fibreglass.

Are mokoro outings safe? Yes, strict safety protocols are maintained, such as carefully chosen routes away from higher-risk areas and backup motorboats on standby. Guides are highly skilled in reading animal behaviour and maintaining safe distances from dangerous wildlife.

Suspended between earth and sky, you’ll witness the drama of the wild from a breathtaking, bird’s-eye perspective as you drift silently above Africa’s awakening wilderness. Watch the wakening sun paint the savannah in gold as elephants, giraffes and lions wonder below, undisturbed by your gentle passage. Gaze eye-level at passing vultures as they utilise thermals to rise into the heavens and down at eagles on their nests in the crowns of towering thorn trees.

End the flight with a champagne breakfast in the bush, celebrating an unforgettable African adventure that is as timeless as the landscape itself.

Is hot air ballooning safe? Yes, hot air ballooning is perfectly safe. Professional balloon safaris offered by our partners are run by licensed, highly experienced pilots. Balloons are commercially certified, meticulously maintained, and subject to strict aviation regulations. Flights only operate in optimal weather conditions — if winds are too strong or visibility is poor, they simply don’t fly.

As the dark comes alive with the sound of nocturnal stirrings and the blaze of the Milky Way burns its way across the sky, there is nothing quite like a comfortable night under the stars, on a bed wheeled out onto your private elevated deck or even an elevated wooden platform out there in the bushveld.

'Star beds' or 'sleepouts' are an intimate, off-the-grid immersion, perfect for discerning guests seeking an extraordinary blend of adventure and relaxation. If the star bed is away from your lodge, the experience includes dining on an elevated wooden platform, with a rustic restroom downstairs. The next morning, you will be collected from your sleepout platform and taken back to the lodge for breakfast and to freshen up.

Are star beds safe? Yes, star beds are safe because they are elevated and out of the reach of wild animals. You can also rest assured because a guard will be discreetly located nearby if you need assistance.

Saddle up for the safari of a lifetime! Imagine galloping alongside giraffes, quietly approaching herds of zebra, or watching elephants from the back of a horse. No engine noise, just you, the wilderness, and the rhythm of hooves on African soil.

The main limitation for horse riding is your confidence in the saddle. For experienced horse riders, there are many options to choose from, but for those with less experience, you will be limited to brief outings near lodges and towns. Wildlife encounters take on a different meaning than those on game drives in a vehicle. Most animal species treat horseback riders as one of their own, leading to close encounters.

Is bushveld horse riding safe? Yes, our horse-riding partners are reputable operators with well-trained horses and experienced guides. Of course, animals such as lions and elephants can be a threat, but most stay away, and your guides are well-trained to avoid unsafe encounters, as they do during walking safaris.

South Africa's Cape Winelands, near Cape Town, offer historic Cape Dutch farmsteads, some of the world’s finest award-winning wines, magnificent scenery, and mouth-watering meals under ancient oak trees. In addition to wine tastings, visitors can sample the area’s delicious locally made artisanal chocolate, cheese, charcuterie, and olives.

Your slow winefari will meander through the Cape Winelands, including the beautiful valleys of Stellenbosch, Wellington, Franschhoek, Paarl and Robertson. Closer to Cape Town are the verdant vineyards of Constantia and Tokai. Plettenberg Bay in the Garden Route also offers a blend of vineyards and farm restaurants in polo country.

Daily scheduled guided tours from Cape Town to the Cape Winelands offer themes such as food and wine pairings and learning about the historical background of regions and estates. The Cape Winelands are an easy day trip from Cape Town, but we highly recommend spending a night or two in these beautiful and romantic surroundings to make the most of your time there.

Whitewater rafting in Africa is an adrenaline-pumping adventure like no other. Navigating the powerful rapids of iconic rivers like the Zambezi and the Nile delivers heart-racing excitement against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery. And what better way to relax after your luxury African safari with us than a few days in Victoria Falls or Jinja, enjoying this and other activities on offer?

The roar of the water, the splash of rapids, and the teamwork needed to steer the raft create an electrifying experience. Along the way, you might spot wildlife on the riverbanks or plunge through churning drops with your heart in your throat. It’s a thrilling blend of nature and challenge that leaves you soaked, exhilarated, and craving more—an unforgettable way to connect with Africa’s wild spirit.

Is river rafting safe? Yes, major rafting destinations like the Zambezi (below Victoria Falls) and the Nile in Uganda are run by experienced river guides trained in swift-water rescue, first aid, and emergency response.