From my seat on the pontoon boat, I squeal in excitement at the splinter of gray I see in the distance. I almost missed it, despite the attempts of my fellow travelers to aim my gaze, but the flapping ears give him away.
27.07.2023 - 18:20 / smartertravel.com / Shannon Macmahon
Thanks to tour deals and budget airlines, you don’t necessarily have to spend a small fortune to go on a South African safari anymore—but what if you could experience a bucket-list game drive from the comfort of your computer?
Google Maps has made it possible, and recently added 560 miles of immersive Street View that showcases trails and parks across South Africa; all of the country’s national parks are now explorable online. Get a first-hand look at the 36 total South African parks and nature reserves, 170 trails, and the rare animals that live in them—without even leaving your house (or couch).
Related:How Does Google Maps Work? 5 Tips for TravelersThe trail versions of Google Maps Street Views mean you can (virtually) climb Cape Town’s Table Mountain, walk in Nelson Mandela’s footsteps, explore six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, pick your favorite hiking trails in the Drakensberg Mountains, and spot rhino, elephants, and other big game in famous locales like Kruger National Park. Whether you’re planning a safari or just dreaming of one, there’s no excuse not to experience a South African game drive now.
This virtual safari is at your fingertips thanks to more than 200 South Africans who trekked the trails with Google Maps Street View cameras that took 360-degree photos with every step. Rangers helped the volunteers look out for wildlife and catch some jaw-dropping views and animal encounters along the way:
Part of this virtual reality (VR) experience launched in 2016, and now joins other Google Maps Street View collections that offer immersive travel experiences like Day of the Dead in Mexico and highlights across destinations from Wales to Malaysia. It seems like Google sees VR as a new way for travelers to explore the places they want to visit. But that poses the question: Will virtual reality ever replace the real thing?
Related:How to Safari Like You’re on Assignment for National GeographicWould you use virtual reality to plan a trip like a safari? Or does VR take away from the real thing? Comment below.
More from SmarterTravel: At Thanda Safari, Rhino Tracking Is (Literally) A Walk in the Park How to Pick a Safari 7 Once-in-a-Lifetime Safaris That Aren’t in AfricaAssociate Editor Shannon McMahon writes about all things travel. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
From my seat on the pontoon boat, I squeal in excitement at the splinter of gray I see in the distance. I almost missed it, despite the attempts of my fellow travelers to aim my gaze, but the flapping ears give him away.
Tsakane Nxumalo is a sergeant in the Black Mambas, South Africa's first all-women anti-poaching team.
All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Zika virus, the mosquito-related disease that’s prompted travel advisories across the Caribbean as well as Central and South America, is now in Southeast Asia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
Few things in life have ever gotten my heart pumping as much as stalking a 5,000-pound rhinoceros on foot through the African bush.
The parent and child relationship is a famously complicated one. It’s one of the few in life where the love is often so pure—and the bond so established—that both members expect to continually transition together through the different stages of life. But as children grow and develop their own identity, boundaries are redefined and the foundational rules drummed into us are questioned.
Kalmoesfontein Farm
For most travelers, there are a few trips considered bucket list must-dos: seeing the northern lights, sleeping in a tropical over-water bungalow, and walking through Times Square in New York City are just a few. And for many, one of those dream trips is also taking an African safari.
For visitors to South Africa, wildlife encounters are often top of the list. Thornybush Game Lodge, located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, is a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Situated on a 34,000-acre private game reserve adjoining Kruger National Park, the luxury safari lodge offers its guests a chance to immerse themselves in the surrounding wilderness and get up close with the wildlife.
In southern South Africa, right along the coast, you’ll find an adult-only oasis called Nima Lodge. This hotel is a perfect destination for travelers looking to reconnect with nature and explore all the natural beauty of South Africa, whether it’s the nearby parks or enjoying the view from an on-site spa.
South Africa has diverse landscapes, from beautiful beaches to rugged mountains, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. One of the unique accommodations in South Africa is the Stargazing Cube Misty Mountain Cube, located in the scenic Garden Route region.
AFAR partners with CreditCards.com and may receive a commission from card issuers. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Compensation may impact how an offer is presented. Our coverage is independent and objective, and has not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are entirely those of the AFAR editorial team.