Escape the Fever Pitch

There's certainly a buzz surrounding South Africa, the Rainbow Nation being the first country on the continent to host the FIFA World Cup tournament.

Of course, while football is heavily ingrained on the British psyche, not everyone has their heart set on the beautiful game. Acacia Africa has prepared five alternatives for travellers looking to escape from the fever pitch, over 500 guaranteed overland and small group safari departures operating from May through to the end of the year.

If the kick off comes second best to kicking back, hop on a bite-size overland tour and sample the Kruger, South Africa's famous wildlife haunt. The six-day African Insight includes a full day of game viewing in the national park and an optional night drive to catch sight of nocturnal animals in an adjoining private game reserve.

If you're more of a foodie than footy fanatic, why not head out on the seven7-day Coast To Cape Town small group safari. The trip includes two nights in picturesque Knysna, the town's Oyster Festival, running through from 02-11 July. Marking the beginning of the famous "Garden Route," a region which is renowned for its sweeping landscapes, coastal towns and cuisine, adventurers will not only be able to escape the crowds, but also sample the delights of Hermanus before finishing the tour in Cape Town on a visit to a local winery.

Would you prefer to make a date with a cheetah as opposed to the England team? Why not try your hand at conservation: Acacia Africa's new nine-day Cheetah & Kruger Combo featuring one of South Africa's oldest wildlife projects. A "hands on" experience visitors will have the opportunity to care for a variety of animals including, the wild dog, riverine rabbit, suni antelope, cheetah and numerous vulture species; one of the most popular pursuits involving the grooming of the organisation's 'ambassador cheetah'.

While Cape Town will undoubtedly be a major hub for the tournament, adventurers can choose to visit post FIFA on the 19-day South West Safari tour. The overland safari incorporates some sensational wildlife highs in the Chobe and Etosha national parks, the journey ending in South Africa's cosmopolitan city. Activities include a township tour in Cape Town and an opportunity to marvel at one of the most artistic football venues in South Africa, the newly-built Green Point Stadium.

Looking for an off pitch adrenaline fix? Acacia Africa's Surf, Safari & Malawi adventure will be just the ticket; the 21-day itinerary including optional pursuits at the Victoria Falls, a canoe safari on the Lower Zambezi in Zambia, optional scuba-diving on Mozambique's Bazaruto islands and game viewing in the Kruger National Park. The tour ends in Johannesburg, where more adventurous city seekers are invited to sample an add on city stay in South Africa.

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