10 spectacular safaris with a twist

Combine spotting the Big Five with canoeing, cookery or painting, says Sue Watt. Here’s how:

1. Campfire cookery

Safari chefs conjure up fabulous meals in remote locations. Learn their craft on a campfire cookery course in the wildlife-rich Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in South Africa, a country renowned for its braais (barbecues). With private tuition from Kwandwe’s culinary team, study the art of barbecuing kudu, warthog and impala; make boerewors (spicy sausage); and create delicious desserts. 

From £2,185 per night for six people at Kwandwe Uplands Homestead (pictured), an exclusive-use farmhouse with guide and vehicle. Three nights minimum stay for the Culinary Experience, which costs £1,050pp. Abercrombie & Kent (01242 386500; abercrombiekent.co.uk).

2. African wilderness walk 

Nothing beats the exhilaration of exploring Africa’s wild places on foot – you see, smell and hear more than you ever can in a Land Cruiser. Mapazi, a remote bush camp which opened this week in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, focuses on walking. It is owned by renowned guide Deb Tittle, who will help you interpret life in the bush. Mapazi is simple but has everything you need, from hot showers to cold G&Ts. 

A 10-day trip with seven nights at Mapazi costs from £4,735, including flights and transfers. Safari Consultants (01787 888590; safari-consultants.com).

3. Safari guide training in the Serengeti

Join guides from Alex Walker’s Serian camps in their annual refresher training in Tanzania’s Serengeti. You don’t need to be an expert yourself, but you do need to have an interest in all things wild and wonderful beyond the Big Five. Together you’ll learn about birds, bugs and beasts through scientific facts and local bushlore. 

A five-night Serian Pyramids of Life course costs from £3,295 full-board, excluding flights. Departs March 2019. Aardvark Safaris (01980 849160; aardvarksafaris.co.uk).

4. South African saddle safari

A riding safari gives a different perspective on the bush. Imagine being on horseback in the open savannah among antelopes, giraffe and zebra, all undisturbed by your presence – the horse is just another animal and poses no threat. Ant’s Nest in Waterberg, South Africa, has 90 horses ranging from thoroughbreds to ponies, suitable for all riders, from beginners to experienced equestrians, who want to gallop across the plains. 

From £257 per adult and £165 per child per night full-board, including horse riding and various safari activities. The Ant Collection (0027 87 820 7233; waterberg.net).

5. Painting in Malawi

Keen artists and beginners alike will love the new Rift Valley Painters’ Adventure to Malawi with Art Safaris, taking in Majete Game Reserve, Liwonde National Park and the Shire River, plus Mumbo Island on Lake Malawi. It’s slow travel at its best, with time to study nature’s beauty as you paint dramatic landscapes, wildlife and village life with expert tuition from artist Mary-Anne Bartlett.

A 12-night Rift Valley Painter’s Adventure costs from £3,882 full-board excluding flights. Departs Sept 4 2019. Art Safari (01394 382235; artsafari.co.uk).

6. Budding explorers' camp

Take the children on a special safari in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. The Young Explorers Club at Footsteps Across the Delta teaches children bush skills, identifying animal tracks, cooking on a fire, making bows and arrows and fishing. The entire camp is exclusively yours and parents can do their own thing or join in the fun for some unforgettable family bonding. 

A nine-night safari costs from £4,865pp full-board, including flights. The price is based on two adults and two children (aged seven to 12) sharing, staying at Footsteps and in the Central Kalahari and Moremi Game Reserves. Expert Africa (020 3405 6666; expertafrica.com).

7. Wild camping along the Zambezi

For a spine-tingling safari, try canoeing and wild camping on Zimbabwe’s mighty Zambezi river. With exceptional guides, you’ll paddle past big game that looks even bigger at water level, keeping an eye out for crocs and hippos. The Tamarind Canoe Safari takes four days, from Chirundu to Mana Pools National Park – a World Heritage Site renowned for its prolific wildlife. You’ll sleep in dome tents on islands under the stars, enhancing that back-to-nature vibe. 

A four-day trip costs from $763 (£586), excluding park fees ($100) and international flights. Longer, more intrepid trips are available. Zambezi Safari and Travel Company (01752 878858; zambezi.com).

8. Kenyan writing retreat 

Discover your inner author on a creative writing retreat/safari at El Karama Lodge in Kenya’s beautiful Laikipia region. With a combination of seminars, practical exercises and discussions focusing on characterisation, description, dialogue and setting, the six-day course offers feedback from acclaimed writers in a place renowned for its exquisite wilderness and tranquillity. 

A six-day retreat costs from $2,450 (£1,883), including full board and accommodation, safari activities, conservation fees and transfers to and from Nanyuki. Available to writers of all abilities. The next retreat will be in spring 2019. El Karama Lodge (00254 0702 996 902; elkaramalodge.com).

9. Lion conservation camp

To mark its 35th anniversary, Wilderness Safaris is offering “Trips with a Purpose” focusing on its conservation and community partners. As Africa’s lions struggle to survive because of human encroachment, this unique trip focuses on human wildlife conflict in Namibia’s bleak but beautiful Kaokoveld. Staying at Damaraland Camp, you will spend time with rangers and researchers tracking desert-adapted lions and meet the people living alongside them. All proceeds support the Desert Lion Project.

A six-day Addressing Human Wildlife Conflict trip starts in Windhoek on Nov 26 and costs from £4,200 full-board, including international flights. Yellow Zebra Safaris (020 3199 7499; yellowzebrasafaris.com).

10. Safari snapping

Head to Kenya to capture on camera its wondrous wild animals on a photographic safari with award-winning photographer Paul Goldstein. In his own inimitable and enthusiastic style, he’ll help you transform your snaps into super shots. Pack a sense of humour and plenty of patience – you’ll have early starts and long days, but those perfect pictures will be worth it. 

A seven-night trip staying at Kicheche Bush Camp (pictured), in Olare Motorogi conservancy, costs from £4,949 including flights. Departs Jan 9 2019. Exodus (020 8772 3929; exodus.co.uk).