Carpe Diem-Inspired Adventure Travel at Our African Safari Lodges

Adventure Travel For Every Kind of Adventurer 

Some of us barely handle the spinning teacups, while others choose skydiving as a sport. Yes, a sport. We’re not here to judge tolerance levels; we’re here to promise something adventurous, regardless of what ‘adventure’ means to you. While not all of our members are safari lodges, they are located across different parts of Southern Africa – a vibrant place where adventure happens off script, regardless of whether you’re in the bush, beach, or bustling cities. 

Still not convinced that we know about adventure? Read on to see what you can do at each of our lodges.

Three Tree Hill Lodge, Spioenkop Nature Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal 

With an address like ‘Rhenosterfontein Farm,’ adventure travel isn’t exactly the first thing that pops to mind. Yet you’d be amazed by the amount of blood pumping, hair raising, and breath-taking activities in and around this South African safari lodge. Overlooking the Spioenkop Nature Reserve, close to the Drakensberg’s famed Cathedral Peak, Three Tree Hill has adventures on the premises and self-drive options to suit all types of travellers. From birding, picnics in the bush to ziplining, downhill Drakensberg Scootours, helicopter flips and chilli tastings (yikes), there are multitudes of experiences to please the daredevils amongst us and those looking for the soulful part of adventure travel. 

For more information on this lodge, click here: Three Tree Hill Lodge

Fugitives’ Drift Lodge, Rorke’s Drift, KwaZulu-Natal 

Fugitives’ Drift Lodge is the place for battlefield tours of Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift, Blood River and Melvill and Coghill Grave Walks and Talks. Before you say, “but history tours aren’t my kinda adventure holiday,” there’s so much more to see and do. In search of speed and exploration? There’s mountain biking and trail running with steep inclines and hair-raising declines, which some may want to close their eyes for. There’s also nature walks and guided hikes, along with trips to Mangeni Falls and fly-fishing from May to October (the best time being June – September). Fugitives’ Drift is anything but boring, trust us! 

For more information on this lodge, click here: Fugitives’ Drift Lodge 

Fairview House, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay 

The Rattray’s newest edition, Fairview House, is in The Crags – in other words, closer to adventure than the heart of Plett located just a 10-minute drive away. While Fairview House is well suited for those ‘reset’ holidays, it’s also situated close to the Garden Route’s top adrenaline junkie activities. You know, things like bungy jumping off Bloukrans Bridge, skydiving, whale watching by boat, animal sanctuary visits, and Wim Hof-inspired early morning dips in the ocean. For those in search of more ‘tame’ activities, there are (many) championship golf courses in the area, an entire Plett wine route, birding, hiking and mountain biking, all within a 20-minute radius of Fairview House.   

For more information on this lodge, click here: Fairview House 

Leopard Mountain, Manyoni Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal 

At Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge, experience the thrill of adventure travel in the heart of Zululand. The Big 5 in the Manyoni Private Game Reserve adds excitement to any holiday – with residents notorious for being highly unpredictable and all but camera shy. Drawing inspiration from the bush, almost everything is impromptu at Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge – apart from the very predictable warm hospitality and luxury accommodation. Many of the activities are already mandatory, like the daily safari drives, but there are things like spa treatments and Zululand Rhino Orphanage visits that can be added to your stay. 

For more information on this lodge, click here: Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge 

Makakatana Bay Lodge, St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal 

Makakatana Bay Lodge offers adventure travel holidays on the daily. Don’t believe us? Just the other day, a crocodile took a reedbuck as it came down to drink. At the same time, an opportunistic hyena followed in hot pursuit. Thinking he’d score a free meal, the hyena leant in to grab the reedbuck, but the croc had other plans, swapping his meal for the hyena instead – all while our guests watched on at the Makakatana Pan. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park promises plenty of heart-racing moments like these, along with the surrounding beaches allowing you to experience the thrill of the Indian Ocean while riding its waves or swimming underneath. How you do bush and beach is entirely up to you.

For more information on this lodge, click here: Makakatana Bay Lodge