lion tracks, snapshots, and kori bustards

March 13th, 2013

With more and more luxury travelers booking a safari as the choice, out-of-this-world experience, operators are upping their “game.”  andBeyond, the organization known for its pioneering eco-tourism, is now offering specialty, niche components to complement and personalize the traditional safari experience to match one’s interests. This includes private game drives focused on getting the perfect picture, learning how to track the Big Five in South Africa, or honing in on the kori bustards during a bird watching adventure in Tanzania. They have even created a yoga package. Add-ons start at $675 per day.

 

Animal Tracking

Gain the stealth and cunning of a lion and learn how to track wildlife with the help of a ranger and tracker team in a private, open 4×4 safari vehicle. Search for the elusive leopard, follow the warning cries of baboons to discover a pride of lions, look for clues, such as broken branches, to unearth a herd of elephants.

Rate: From R6,120 ($675), offered at Phinda, Ngala, and Kirkman’s Kamp

 

Bird Watching, African Style

Set out in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a specialist birding ranger to enjoy the varied species found in the African bush. Most andBeyond lodges offer this opportunity to spot kori bustards, hornbills, secretary birds, and shining blue and red superb starlings – perfect for avid ornithologists.

Rate: From R6,120 ($675)

Walking Adventures

If stepping out of the car and feeling the ground underfoot seems like an ideal safari, then andBeyond’s Walking Adventures are the perfect pick. Made for a maximum of six guests, these private walks are tailor-made for how often and how far one wants to walk, and real nature-lovers can even opt to spend a night in the open air. The up close view of the flora and fauna lends a different experience than the traditional game drive, such as carefully approaching a herd of zebra or spotting the “little five” (Rhinoceros Beetle, Buffalo Weaver, Elephant Shrew, Leopard Tortoise, and Ant Lion).

Rate: From R6,120 ($675)

 

Photographic Safaris

Available at Ngala and Kirkman’s Kamp, as well as other andBeyond lodges by special request, expert photography rangers take guests to track the Big Five on everyone’s photo “wish list” (a lion lazing in a clearing, a rhino kicking up dust, a leopard lazing on a tree branch…).

Rate: From R6,120 ($675)

 

Yoga Safaris at Phinda

Trade the yoga studio for the savannah on andBeyond’s new yoga safari at The Homestead, andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal. Led by renowned Jivamukti yoga teacher, Cherryl Duncan, guests have four days of yoga, game drives, and fresh and healthy cuisine, including a bush dinner with a Zulu dance troupe.

Rate: Starts at R25,875 ($2,832) per person sharing at The Homestead (based on eight guests)

Inclusions: All yoga activity, luxury safari accommodations for four days/three nights, meals and local drinks, transfers to and from Richards Bay.

 

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