A safari in Africa is already a buck-list adventure, but don't feel constrained by limitations. From flying to Antarctica and back in 24 hours to ‘mining’ your own diamonds on the seabed or sleeping in an underwater room, here are 5 most impressive and awe-inspiring experiences to cap your African safari…
1. An Underwater Room – Pemba Island, Tanzania
Take a boat ride out to this incredible floating suite off the north coast of Tanzania’s Pemba Island. Located in the crystal-clear waters of a private marine conservation area, the Manta Resort’s Underwater Room consist of three levels:
- A landing deck (at sea level) with a lounge area and bathroom
- A roof deck with lounging area for sunbathing and stargazing
- A bedroom (4 metres / 13 feet underwater) with king-sized bed surrounded by glass panes
At night, underwater spotlights on all sides illuminate the gorgeous surrounding reef. Drift off while shoals of colourful fish and other rare marine life floats by your bedroom windows.
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2. A Marine Diamond Safari – Cape Town, South Africa
After a chauffeured limousine transfers you to a private terminal at Cape Town International Airport, you’ll board a private jet for a short scenic flight to Port Nolloth, a small town on the mineral-rich western coast of South Africa. Join dive masters in search of diamonds on the sea bed of their private offshore concession or wait on the boat in anticipation as the precious seabed gravel is brought up to the surface. It’s an entry-level dive in relatively shallow water and a current PADI Open Water 1 certificate is required.
Back on land, you’ll join the expert sorting team to select your rough diamond to be cut, polished and set into a piece of jewellery at their design studio in the Cape Winelands – the ultimate souvenir.
‘Mine’ your own diamonds with:
3. The Giraffe Manor – Nairobi, Kenya
An extremely popular add-on to most safaris in Kenya, a couple of nights at the unique Giraffe Manor is an incomparable experience. Your hosts at this exclusive 1930’s manor house are a resident herd of Rothschild's giraffe. Have breakfast with these friendly mammals before heading out for a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum and the heart-warming Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.
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4. The Sirai Beach Private House – Kilifi, Kenya
Surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and ancient baobab trees, this private family home is perched on a cliff overlooking the sparkling Indian Ocean. The exquisite Sira Beach offers a private and secluded finale within a beachside paradise.
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5. A White Desert Safari - Antarctica
Depart from Cape Town in the African night and touch down on a specially prepared ice runway in Antarctica 5.5 hours later. From there you’ll be transferred to the Schirmacher Oasis, a stark land of cliffs, lakes and scientific research bases. You’ll spend about eight hours on the ground exploring the driest continent on Earth with expert guides, before indulging in a gourmet champagne dinner served in a luxury igloo pod. Twenty-four hours later, you’re back in Cape Town and your luxurious hotel.
Experience the ‘Greatest Day’ with:
Ready for your one-of-a-kind grand finale?
Whether you're going on safari in East or Southern Africa, chat with one of our Africa Safari Experts about your ultimate add-on experience.