Experience Gifts for Animal Lovers

Looking to buy a Christmas gift for an animal lover? Or, maybe you're shopping for birthday presents, or ‘just because.’ Read on for our fun animal experiences gift guide.

Gift buying for an animal-lover can be challenging, as it can be hard to know where to begin. That’s why animal experiences are the best way to go! 

Whether your loved one is a certified zoophilist or has horseback riding on their bucket list, you certainly can’t go wrong with an animal gift experience. Show your giftee how much you care with a one-of-a-kind animal encounter that will leave them smiling for days. From swimming with seals to beekeeping to whale watching, there certainly is something for everyone on our list. 

Read through for some inspiration and find the perfect gift for your animal loving friend.

 

Cape Town Penguin Sightseeing Tour - R380

On this once in a lifetime experience, your loved one will get to experience the complete awe and wonder of visiting the adorable penguin colonies that inhabit the beaches of Simon’s Town. 

Your giftee will enjoy being shown around four beaches in Western Cape as an expert guide gives them a detailed and engaging insight into the lives of the endangered penguins. They’re said to be able to interpret their behaviours, making for a unique tour indeed! 

If your loved one is a fan of penguins, why not treat them to this amazing penguin tour?

 

Swimming with Seals in Plettenberg Bay - R895

For the more adventurous types, a chance to go snorkelling with seals off Plettenberg Bay might be just the ticket! 

Your loved one will get to ride out to sea on a speed boat before kitting up in a snorkel and flippers, provided as part of the tour. Led by an expert marine naturalist, they will get to dive into the beautiful blue waters to make some new furry friends. 

To swim with seals in their natural habitat makes for a tremendously special experience for any animal lover out there.

 

Hazyview Elephant Interaction Experience - R840

For an equally as special land-based animal encounter, this elephant interaction experience in Hazyview makes a wonderful gift experience for a loved one.

Your giftee will get to see elephants up close, accompanied by an expert elephant handler who has a close bond with the gentle beasts. They will get the chance to feed and pet the elephants and will have plenty of opportunities for selfies! 

This magnificent elephant encounter is sure to make anyone feel lucky, making it a perfect gift for an animal lover.

 

Jeffreys Bay Guided Two Hour Horseback Ride - R450

Whether your loved one has it on their bucket list or is a keen rider themselves, this guided horseback ride along Jeffreys Bay makes for an exciting experience and a thoughtful gift for horse lovers. 

Your giftee will enjoy being led along the beach on a horse, taking in beautiful views and feeling the sea breeze in their hair as the bounce along. They will feel at ease as they trot along leisurely following a 13K scenic route of the glorious fynbos and shoreline.

This horseback ride along Jeffreys Bay makes a memorable gift experience for animal lovers.

 

Kruger National Park Full Day Game Drive - R1,216

Gift your loved one the ultimate full day animal experience with this Kruger National Park Game Drive, as the gift of safari is one of the most memorable of all!

Your giftee will enjoy being driven around the stunning national park all day, with an experienced guide pointing out all the natural wonders. Some of these could include the big 5 game animals. A delicious lunch and breakfast are also included. 

The Kruger National Park Full Day Game Drive makes for a truly special gift experience for all animal lovers.

 

Big 5 Marine Diving Experience in Gansbaai - R1,450

Alternatively, if the ocean is where your loved one’s heart lies, then the Big 5 Marine Diving Experience in Gansbaai is for them! 

On this incredible animal adventure, your giftee will enjoy sailing out to open waters as they look out for dolphins, whales, fur seals and African penguins. After a complimentary breakfast on the boat, your loved one will enjoy the moment that really makes the whole experience; the shark cage dive! Assisted by a professional, they’ll get to dive in and spot great whites.

What could be more magical than an immersive diving experience? This sure to show your animal loving friend how much you care.

 

Full Day Bee Keeping Experience with Lunch in Hankey R1,900

If you’re looking for something unique, why not gift your loved one this unforgettable Bee Keeping experience in Hankey? 

Your giftee will get to learn all about the art of bee keeping as they join a professional who will take them through the process of handling bees to extracting honey. After a fascinating hands-on demo, they’ll get to enjoy a honey-based lunch before leaving with a bottle of the very honey they extracted themselves. 

The Full Day Bee Keeping Experience in Hankey makes for a wonderfully unique gift experience for animal lovers.

 

Whale Route Tour from Hermanus - R11,900

This Whale Route Tour in Hermanus is guaranteed to wow your loved one as they seek out whales in their natural habitat. 

On this tour, your giftee will be accompanied by some whale experts who will help point out the gentle giants from the shore. Following a wonderfully scenic walking tour and an insight into the lives of the whales, your loved one will enjoy a wine tasting and lunch in the Hemel-en-Arde valley. 

Whale watching is a truly magical experience and makes a thoughtful gift for lovers of marine life.

 

Thank you for reading!

We hope you have found the perfect animal adventure for your loved one, but if you're still looking, browse our full range of animal experience gifts here.

Feel free to leave a comment; we'd love to hear from you!

< The Best Water Experience Gifts in South Africa Top Culinary Experience Gifts >