Escape from the fever pitch with Acacia Africa

There’s certainly a buzz surrounding South Africa, the Rainbow Nation being the first country on the continent to host the FIFA 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 6-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. £295pp + £111pp (no single supplement). Departing 17 June, 01 and 08 July.

If you’re more of a foodie than footy fanatic, why not head out on the 7-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. £460pp + local payment from £253pp (no single supplement). Departs every Saturday.

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 9-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’. £1,085 + local payment from £106pp (no single supplement). Departs thrice-weekly.

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 (save £109pp, 20% off the tour price). 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. £436pp + local payment from £288pp (no single supplement). Departing 21 July.

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 South Africa's Kruger National Park. £1,595pp + local payment from £209pp (based on two sharing). Monthly departures. The tour ends in Johannesburg, the more adventurous city seekers being invited to sample an add on city stay in South Africa from £115pp (no single supplement) including half-day city tour and accommodation.

For more information and bookings, visit Acacia-africa.com.

* Overland departures, small group safaris and adventures include all camping/accommodation, most meals and services of a local guide &/or driver. Excludes return flight.