When people think of travelling through Africa it usually boils down to one thing; Wildlife. Though there’s of course so much more to see and do on this amazing continent, the fixation on Africa’s amazing wildlife is more than justified. For a start, there’s the sentimental value, who didn’t dream of being a ranger on a safari as a child? Of course, from a more straightforward aspect, Africa has the most large animals, the most safaris and nature reserves, the most remote game viewing, you get the idea.
One of the best countries to experience African nature is South Africa. Besides a multitude of game reserves, South Africa is also home to some great opportunities to get up close and personal with a variety of different species, each in their own way. So without further ado, in no particular order, here are Ten Animal Encounters to Have in South Africa.
*All prices are in South African Rand.
Giants Castle:
Where: In the North of the Drakensberg Mountains.
What: Bird watching on steroids. Giants Castle Nature Reserve is a great place to spot the elusive Bearded Vulture, best photographed from the Lammergeier Hide. The park is also home to Black Eagles, Cape Vultures, and many other raptors.
When: The best sightings are in May to September.
Cost: Around 260 ZAR per person per day for the Lammergeier Hide. The hide is very popular so book well in advance. The park is around 40.
Stay: There are a plethora of Lodges, Hostels, and Airbnb’s available in the Drakensberg area.
Swim with Great White Sharks:
Where: Gansbaai, Western Cape.
What: A once in a lifetime opportunity, get the adrenaline rush to beat them all as you join the Great White Sharks in their murky, sinister habitat.
When: Year Round but Apr – Oct is considered best because of better visibility.
Cost: Prices range greatly. Expect to pay 2000 – 3000 ZAR.
Stay: Cape Town. Most tour operators arrange the two hour drive for you
Kgalagadi Trans-frontier Park:
What: A vast, arid, wildlife preserve shared between South Africa and Botswana. The Kgalagadi is huge, and at times it can seem endless. Wildlife is spread out, but the sightings themselves, of big cats in particular, are second to none.
Where: On South Africa’s Northern border.
When: Sightings are always good. Winter has more mild weather but the nights can get quite cold
Cost: Around 400 a day.
Stay: Stay within the park. See here
Boulders Beach:
What: Just a half hour drive south of Cape Town, this beach is home to a colony of adorable Jackass Penguins. Share the waters and sand with these cuddly looking birds, and prepare to get some cute selfies.
Where: A couple minutes south of Simons Town on the Cape Peninsula.
When: All year, but the water is quite cold in the winter.
Cost: Around 170.
Stay: Simons Town has a few hotels and guesthouses or drive from Cape Town.
Snorkelling with Seals:
What: Jump into the water with these angelic creatures, aptly named the “Ballerinas of the Sea”. Goggle through your goggles as they whizz around you with astonishing speed and agility. You’ll be swimming by Duiker Island, which is home to around 10’000 seals.
Where: Camps Bay, just south of Cape Town.
When: All year but weather permitting. You’ll be wearing a wetsuit so the cold water shouldn’t be a problem.
Cost: Most Companies start at around 700 but keep your eye open for the occasional sale.
Stay: In Cape Town.
More Info: https://www.capetownbucketlist.co.za/
Whale Watching:
Where: Hermanus. A town on the south coast just two hours from Cape Town.
What: Known as one of the best whale watching spots in the world, in Hermanus you can see the whales (Humpback, Southern Right, and Bryde’s Whale) from both land and sea. Take a walk on the gorgeous Hermanus Clifftop walk for views from land, then join a whale watching boat ride for closer encounters.
When: July to November.
Cost: Prices vary. Most start at 1000.
Stay: Hermanus has a large range of accommodation.
Kruger:
Where: A huge space in the North-East corner of the country.
What: Kruger needs no introduction, it’s up there as one of the best safaris in the world. Spot the big five, and countless other fauna and flora.
When: Year round.
Cost: Around 440 a day. The rangers tours vary by camp, but will usually be around 380 for a sunset drive, and 280 for a night drive (three and two hours respectively)
Stay: Kruger has a great variety of camps and accommodation.
Crocodile Cage Diving:
Where: Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures in the Kirstenbosch region 45 minute drive from Cape Town. (alternatively in Cango Wildlife Ranch, see below)
What: When out of the murky waters a 600KG killing machine launches itself right at you, it’s easy to forget there’s a cage between you at all. It adds to the terror that one of the crocs, Ratanga, is a certified maneater!
When: September to May, from 10AM to 3PM.
Cost: Around 800 with GoPro rental included.
Stay: In Cape Town.
Elephant Sanctuary:
Where: Hartbeespoort, Gauteng.
What: Touch, feed, and walk with these gentle giants, who are raised using positive reinforcement which leads to the Elephants being relaxed and enjoying their time with you, which makes the experience a far more enjoyable one.
When: All year. 8AM encounters include brushing the elephants off.
Cost: Around 900.
Stay: Close to both Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Cango Wildlife Ranch:
Where: Oudtshoorn
What: Cango Wildlife Ranch is a conservation center which gives you the unique opportunity to… meet some sleek cheetahs, hang out with cheeky ring-tailed lemurs, feed a leopard, and much more.
When: Open all year.
Cost: 190 for standard entrance. Add one hundred rand for one encounter, after that it’s 160 each besides the snake which is 120.
Stay: Oudtshoorn has some nice lodges, or come on a day trip from the Garden Route.
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