Lion Excursion
If you really want to walk on the wild side, try roaming South Africa’s wide-open grasslands with a pack of white lions. Protea Hotel Ranch Resort, located near Polokwane, South Africa, is home to more than 30 juvenile lions and offers guests the opportunity to interact with the creatures during a mile-long stroll. Still have reservations? In the history of Protea’s tours, there has never been an accident. The lions, many of whom are a rare breed of white lion, are raised in captivity and, with names like Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, it’s hard to be nervous for too long.
www.theranch.co.za
Walking With Elephants
Visit the Elephant Sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, where you can walk with an elephant, holding its trunk. Located on the scenic Garden Route, the sanctuary calls itself a “halfway house for elephants.” Visitors have the opportunity to interact with the elephants one-on-one and then walk with them while the guide talks about the elephants’ daily lives and how the sanctuary cares for them. The sanctuary works with the elephants daily to reestablish a sense of family for them.
www.elephantsanctuary.co.za
