Southern Africa
Southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, is a fascinating region that fully embraces the depth and breadth of the African wilderness. This spectacular region brings a myriad of beautiful landscapes and bio-diverse habitats that are home to some of the world's most abundant and varied wildlife populations, as well as huge overall variety in experience.
SOUTHERN AFRICA'S SUPERIOR BIODIVERSITY
Much of Southern Africa is yet to be discovered, with vast open wilderness areas stretching well beyond the horizon. Here, we generally find savannah grasslands, bushlands and blue-tinted mahogany woodlands, with coastal fynbos, lemon-emerald wetlands, tumbling waterfalls, and even red-sand dunes that cascade gently into the weathered Atlantic coast.
In vegetation and habitat, southern Africa is synonymous with biodiversity. The ever-changing habitats support rich ecosystems and generally more diversity in plant life and wildlife species than is seen in East Africa. Expect everything from the coveted 'Big 5', other large cats and Rhino to trunk-swinging elephants, laughing hyenas, rare antelope, and endless tiny delights like pangolins, bush babies, meerkats, aardwolfs, gennets, owls or chameleons, plus many more that make for rich, memorable safaris.
SOUTHERN AFRICA'S EXCEPTIONAL VARIETY OF EXPERIENCES
These stark variations in the landscape create unique ecosystems with impressive wildlife that takes your breath away. Whether you're a seasoned safari-goer meandering between the Okavango Delta's soft-sand islands in a dugout mokoro, walking with knowledgeable guides in search of elephants in Mana Pools, uncovering a hidden world in Namibia's petrified desert or seeking out the Big 5 in South Africa, a trip to Southern Africa brings a special kind of magic.
Alongside spectacular wildlife experiences, Southern Africa also brings an idyllic mix of fine wines, creative culture, clean untouched beaches, fresh oceans, impressive coastal and marine wildlife experiences, adrenalin-fuelled activities, and gastronomical experiences that rival the best in the world, all at very reasonable costs. We like Southern Africa for those who wish to enjoy a variety of unique and interesting experiences across multiple regions, and for those who prefer their wildlife safari to feel remote and exclusive.
Lets take a quick summary look at each country individually:
SOUTH AFRICA
The queen of the great variety destinations. Very impressive bio-diversity between the Cape coast areas, the southern Kalahari and the lowveld areas around the greater-Kruger area, and a scenic country overall. As a more developed country, it offers a full range of experiences from remote bush safaris to scenic outdoor summer holidays in Cape Town, the winelands and the very scenic Cape coast, with a plethora of unique experience offerings along the way. A fantastic foodie destination with excellent restaurants, food and local wines, often at alarmingly affordable prices. The best country to seek out the Big 5, with sightings being relatively common, as well as a very high level of species diversity in small wildlife, where you are likely to find more small, interesting things here than most other safari countries. Has a wide range of hotels including some lovely high end ones, safari lodges that continuously set the bar for others, but very few tented camps. Great for first time safari-goers and guests looking for trips with much more than only safari. Combines well with Namibia, Botswana and Victoria Falls.
BOTSWANA
Expect very remote, large flat open landscapes that are far off the beaten track; great for escaping from the hustle and bustle of life. Low density of visitors and camps. Wildlife in isolated sightings, species cover most of the big 5 - although rhino sightings are few - as well as species found locally such as red lechwe. There’s a big variance between the drier seasons when areas get flooded, drawing in wildlife from dry surrounding areas for some impressive sightings, and the green season when wildlife is more spread out. Some outstanding luxury private camps, but they can be pricey in peak season. A good destination for special, unique experiences, outdoor dining and helicopter game viewing.
NAMIBIA
A desert safari country. Very unique and memorable destination overall, with vast, dry, barren desert landscapes. Experiences are centred around desert experiences, hot air ballooning, stargazing, tranquillity and solitude. Wildlife conservation is impressive in some areas, with sightings focused on desert-adapted wildlife, elephant, giraffe and zebra, but for a purely wildlife safari offers less than neighbouring South Africa or Botswana, and is more suited to seasoned Africa travellers than first-time safari-goers. Accommodation is mostly lodge-based. Combines will with South Africa and Botswana.
ZAMBIA
From a safari standpoint, more off the beaten track than Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. Safaris focused in the southern areas, with individual sightings of many of the big 5, as well as plains game. Welcoming local population. Safari lodges and camps are mostly classic level. Offers some good river experiences both on safari and around Victoria Falls. Generally more affordable than Botswana, so can be a good way to get a private safari lodge or camp experience and also get value out of your trip.
ZIMBABWE
Similarly to Zambia, is more off the beaten track than Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. Safaris focused in the western and northern parts of the country, with individual sightings of many of the big 5, as well as plains game. Safari lodges and camps are mostly classic level, but also offers a few high end lodges dotted around the country. Also generally more affordable than Botswana, so can be adventurous and be a good way to get a private safari lodge or camp experience and also get value out of your trip. Can be a great walking safari destination.
Visit the links below to explore each part of Southern Africa in-depth, and when you're ready to start planning your trip, get in touch for a personalised quote tailored to suit your unique tastes and preferences.
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