If you would like a holiday off the beaten track, visiting the more authentic side of Africa, you have many choices. Here are some ideas for inspiration. An entry level experience would start off with a stay in Lebo’s Backpackers in Soweto, Johannesburg. You could do a bicycle tour of the township with Lebo, and then a Public Art walking tour of the inner city with another small local walking tour company. Leave the city for a wilderness trail in one of Kwa Zulu Natal’s premier big 5 game reserves, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi. Spend 3-4 nights in the bush, leaving your cellphones and watches behind to reconnect with a more primitive way of living. Sit around the camp fire each night, and fall asleep under the stars to the gentle sounds of the bush. A visit to a traditional Zulu village after your wilderness trail can be arranged. Depending on how much time you have, this could be followed by a pony trek in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, staying with locals in their traditional huts. In general, this accommodation will not have running water or electricity. For a more luxurious version of this theme, stay at the Phinda Private Game Reserve and do a rhino or elephant conservation experience.

Recommended length: 12 nights

Indicative cost: From USD 1 300 per person sharing, depending on your choice of accommodation. Excludes international flights.

Johannesburg — Hluhluwe-iMfolozi — Lesotho