Four holiday adventures off the beaten track

THE past two years have had a profound impact on the way we view life. Health, happiness and positivity are becoming extremely important again as we move forward into 2022.

One way of attaining these ideals is to get outdoors and reconnect with ourselves, our families, and experience new places and things.

Luckily for South Africans, we have so many little gems right in our backyard to explore.

Here are four unique, quirky and adventurous holiday ideas which combine the great outdoors with an appreciation for nature and a sense of adventure.

1. Stay in a treehouse

Off the beaten track and partially off the grid, Teniqua Treetops is a perfect getaway and if you’ve got small children, few things could be more exciting than sleeping in an actual treehouse with the whole family.

It is located in the Knysna Forest, 20 minutes away from the town of Sedgefield on the Garden Route.

On-site amenities include a licensed bar serving drinks, a petting zoo, an art gallery, two forest trails and a river walk giving guests access to the Karatara River and rock pools.

If you have an interest in flora or fauna, then this holiday destination is a must for you.

2. Stargaze in Sutherland

In a remote part of the Northern Cape lies the tiny Karoo town of Sutherland, known for its open skies and clear weather.

Owing to its year-round clear skies, semi-desert setting and sparsely populated areas with minimal lights and air pollution, it’s one of the best stargazing destinations in the southern hemisphere.

The town is a world-famous astronomical centre and home to the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), while the Southern African Large Telescope (SKA) is located just 14km out of town.

Book a variety of tours directly through the SAAO, including guided night tours to help you learn more about the stars and African astronomy.

Combine this with a road trip through the Karoo and you have a holiday with a difference that your family won’t easily forget.

3. Take a canoe safari

A canoe safari is a great way to really get off the beaten track and experience the beauty of our country’s natural landscapes and waterways.

Canoe safaris are offered on many of South Africa’s seas and rivers – one popular option is to canoe down the Orange River that borders South Africa and Namibia.

Several companies, such as Felix Unite River Adventures, offer 4- or 6-day guided tours down the Orange that are fully catered with camping accommodation, and are led by experienced guides.

Picture bird spotting as the sun rises, lunchtime picnics on river banks and sitting by camp fires as the day draws to a close … pure serenity.

4. The Shongololo Express

The Shongololo Express offers a range of special train adventures.

The journeys are between 12 and 15 days. Traverse South Africa, eSwatini, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique with a variety of off-train excursions from a bygone era, wrapped up in elegance and nostalgia.

Accommodation is in traditional wood-panelled sleeper carriages and every meal is an event, but while older kids will certainly enjoy the adventure, this form of luxurious travel may not be the most suitable for busy toddlers.

It’s clear that adventure travel doesn’t mean having to go halfway across the world. Within our own backyard are plenty of options for outdoor family holidays.