Shark expeditions can be as varied and exciting as you'd like them to be. Whether you choose in-your-face cage diving or open-water diving, aquarium diving, viewing from a boat, or merely observing sharks through the glass of an aquarium window, the choice is yours. more

The Valley of Ancients Tour at the Cango Wildlife Ranch in Oudtshoorn offers explorers the opportunity to view and interact with a wide range of wildlife, from crocodiles, snakes and hippos to tigers, cheetahs and lemurs. It's a must-visit destination for all nature lovers. more

If you would like to experience wildlife in Bloemfontein head for the Franklin Game Reserve in the heart of the city. Established in 1930, it is 1 of only 2 city wildlife reserves in the world. The other is in Hong Kong. more

This award-winning private game reserve in the eastern Free State is the vision of Willie and Miemie Nel, who, from 1973, transformed their livestock and dairy farm into a wildlife retreat where guests can experience its natural beauty on foot or on horseback. more

Warthogs are usually a side attraction to the Big 5, but just spend a little time watching them and you’ll discover their considerable piggy charm. These are probably the slimmest swine you’ll ever see, and very nimble on their feet. They’re at their most endearing when trotting about with tails raised. more

Giraffes are found in most of South Africa’s game reserves outside of the relatively treeless Karoo. They’re not rare or endangered but they are fascinating, and not only because of their height. They have no hierarchy, they have inordinately long tongues and their babies drop 2 metres when born. more

A full-grown eland antelope can weigh close to a ton. But young eland are staggeringly agile, able to leap high fences in a single bound. The eland’s importance to the San, or Bushmen people, is massive, and is reflected in their frequent depictions in rock art. more

Zulu Waters Private Game Reserve in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands offers exclusive, tailor-made outdoor experiences for those who seek a bit of luxury while away from urban surrounds. There are a number of experiences on offer for every season of the year, meaning it’s always a good time to visit. more

The Komati Gorge Lodge Fly-Fishing & Wildlife Reserve is the perfect place to relax, sit back and enjoy the views, or to get really active. Try your hand at fly-fishing, quad biking, horse riding, hiking, canoeing, rafting. Or just sip a sundowner on the lodge terrace or your private deck. more

Table Mountain National Park protects the botanical and wild treasures that surround and interweave through Cape Town’s urban sprawl. Cape Point and Table Mountain are the icons, but you’ll find green protected areas dappled all over the city – and most have free or inexpensive access. more

Gansbaai’s shark whisperers are so called because of their unique ability to interact with great white sharks in a way that’s never been done before. Wilfred Chivell, Mike Rutzen, and Andre Hartman are shark experts who will take you on tours and share their experiences and love for these incredible animals. more

South Africa boasts a number of memorable hiking trails, but only a few allow you the opportunity to make up the route along the way, wake to the sound of birds and be faced with leopard tracks outside your tent. The Kruger National Park's Mphongolo Trail is such a hike. more

De Hoop Vlei, which is part of De Hoop Nature Reserve near Bredasdorp, is a Ramsar wetland of international importance. If you are keen on birds, you’ll see plenty of them here. Thousands of Cape shovellers have been seen here, along with many other specials. more

St Lucia Tours and Charters is famous for its hippo and crocodile tours on the St Lucia estuary. But it can also take you to see humpback whales coursing the seas on their way to Mozambique; turtles coming to lay eggs; and the Big 5 in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve. more