Where to Go in Southern Africa

Where to Go in Southern Africa

By Adelle Bell

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Southern Africa is a captivating region that offers a diverse array of experiences, from the vast deserts of Namibia to the lush wetlands of Botswana, and the iconic savannahs of South Africa. 

This region is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers. 

Here are the top destinations to explore in Southern Africa.

1. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Overview and Things to Do: Kruger National Park is South Africa’s flagship national park and one of Africa’s largest game reserves, covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres. It is famous for thrilling Big Five sightings and rich ecosystems, including acacia thicket and riverine forests. 

Visitors can enjoy thrilling game drives, guided walking safaris, and birdwatching, with luxury lodges and tented camps providing an immersive experience.

• Unique Facts: Kruger is home to over 500 bird species and 147 mammal species, including the rare African wild dog. The park also boasts archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela, offering a glimpse into ancient African civilizations.

2. Victoria Falls, Zambia

Overview and Things to Do: Known as “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, spanning the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Visitors can experience the majestic falls through guided tours, helicopter flights, and boat cruises on the Zambezi River. Adventure activities include white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and zip-lining.

• Unique Facts: Victoria Falls is twice the height of Niagara Falls and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The falls are particularly dramatic during the rainy season from February to May.

3. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Overview and Things to Do: The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest inland deltas, offering a unique ecosystem surrounded by the Kalahari desert, teeming with wildlife. Exploring the delta on traditional mokoro canoe trips, guided walking safaris, and game drives provides extraordinary wildlife encounters, with luxury lodges adding to the overall experience.

• Unique Facts: The delta floods annually, creating a vibrant ecosystem that supports a high concentration of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and a variety of bird species.

4. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Overview and Things to Do: Etosha National Park is one of Southern Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, known for its vast salt pans and abundant wildlife. Game drives, night safaris, and birdwatching at the park’s waterholes offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

• Unique Facts: Etosha is home to four of the Big Five and features a large salt pan visible from space. The park also hosts a variety of unique species, such as the black-faced impala and the endangered black rhinoceros.

5. Chobe National Park, Botswana

Overview and Things to Do: Chobe National Park is renowned for its large elephant population and diverse ecosystems, ranging from lush floodplains to dense forests with baobab and mopane trees. Visitors can enjoy river safaris on the Chobe River, game drives, and birdwatching tours, with the park being famous for its sunset cruises.

• Unique Facts: Chobe has one of the highest concentrations of elephants in Africa, with over 120,000 elephants. The park also hosts a wide variety of bird species, making it a bird watcher’s paradise.

6. Sossusvlei, Namibia

Overview and Things to Do: Sossusvlei is a stunning salt and clay pan surrounded by towering red dunes in the Namib Desert, known for its breathtaking landscapes. Climbing the iconic dunes, such as Dune 45 and Big Daddy, exploring Deadvlei, and taking hot air balloon rides over the desert are top activities.

• Unique Facts: The dunes in Sossusvlei are among the highest in the world, reaching heights of over 300 meters. The area is also home to unique desert-adapted wildlife.

7. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Overview and Things to Do: Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, covering over 14,600 square kilometres, and is known for its large elephant herds and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and night drives, with a range of accommodation options from luxury lodges to rustic campsites.

• Unique Facts: Hwange is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa and hosts over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species. The park is also known for its unique painted dog conservation project.

8. Kalahari Desert, Botswana

Overview and Things to Do: The Kalahari Desert spans several countries and is known for its stunning red sands and diverse wildlife, including the iconic meerkats. Guided tours, game drives, and cultural experiences with the San people offer a remote and untouched wilderness experience, especially in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

• Unique Facts: The Kalahari is home to unique wildlife such as the black-maned Kalahari lion and the gemsbok. It is also known for its ancient San rock art.

9. Cape Town, South Africa

Overview and Things to Do: Cape Town is a vibrant city known for its stunning coastal scenery, rich history, and cultural diversity. Visitors can explore Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, Robben Island, and the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. Wine tasting in the nearby Cape Winelands is also popular.

• Unique Facts: Table Mountain is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Cape Town is also known for its unique Cape Malay cuisine and colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood.

10. Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa

Overview and Things to Do: Addo Elephant National Park is a diverse wildlife conservation park located close to Port Elizabeth, known for its large elephant herds. Game drives, guided walks, and marine eco-tours are popular activities, with a variety of accommodations available from luxury lodges to self-catering chalets.

• Unique Facts: Addo is home to over 600 elephants and is one of the few places in the world where you can see the Big Seven (including southern right whales and great white sharks).

11. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Overview and Things to Do: The Bazaruto Archipelago is a group of six islands off the coast of Mozambique, known for its pristine beaches and coral reefs. Snorkelling, diving, deep-sea fishing, and dhow sailing are popular activities, with luxury resorts and lodges providing exclusive experiences.

• Unique Facts: The archipelago is a protected marine reserve, home to dugongs, dolphins, and a variety of tropical fish. The coral reefs are among the most pristine in the Indian Ocean.

12. Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe

Overview and Things to Do: Victoria Falls National Park is home to one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the world, offering breathtaking views and a variety of activities. Guided tours of the falls, helicopter flights, and bungee jumping are highlights, along with game drives and river cruises.

• Unique Facts: Victoria Falls is considered the largest curtain of falling water in the world. The falls are over 1,700 meters wide and 108 meters high.

13. Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Overview and Things to Do: Namib-Naukluft National Park is the largest conservation area in Namibia and one of the most spectacular. It encompasses part of the Namib Desert and the Naukluft mountain range. Visitors can explore the famous dunes of Sossusvlei, hike in the Naukluft mountains, and visit the eerie ghost town of Kolmanskop.

• Unique Facts: The park is home to some of the world’s oldest deserts and highest dunes. It also supports a range of wildlife, including oryx, springbok, and Hartmann’s mountain zebra.

14. Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Overview and Things to Do: Moremi Game Reserve is located in the Okavango Delta and is known for its incredible wildlife diversity and pristine landscapes. Mokoro trips, game drives, and birdwatching are top activities, with luxury lodges offering exclusive experiences.

• Unique Facts: Moremi is the only officially protected area of the Okavango Delta, and it is one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa.

Each of these destinations offers unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, ensuring an unforgettable adventure in Southern Africa.