There’s so much variation in Southern Africa that it’s difficult to figure out where to start. It’s recommended that you take your time and visit a few locations at a slower pace rather than trying to pack all of your destinations into a single vacation.
The top five travel destinations are listed below, along with suggestions for where to stay and ways to include some of them in a schedule.
Okavango Delta
The season doesn’t matter here as the Okavango Delta is among Africa’s most amazing wildlife locations. The Angolan highlands’ floodwaters transform the Delta into a gigantic watery maze during the peak season, which lasts from the end of June forward. Nevertheless, regardless of the time of year, there are still plenty of animals to see and fantastic camp deals to be had!
Knowing what to expect in the various locations of the Delta is essential because even though the floods start in July, certain parts of the Delta are still dry. The best approach to make the most of this special habitat is to combine many camps with various experiences and activities.
Jao Camp, which is close to the Delta’s geographic center, is the ideal place for anyone who wants to partake in water-based activities like “mokoro” (a kind of sailboat that’s frequently used in the Okavango Delta) and boat safaris. Game excursions and walks are the main activities in Chitabe, which is situated further south of the Delta and absorbs very little water. It would be possible to enjoy a portion of the best game gazing on the planet, from both the land and the water, if the two magnificent camps were combined.
Angola is an African country that experienced some of the most restless post-independence eras but now its economy is among the fastest-growing in the world. It’s also one of the rare nations in the continent that opened up to some activities widely forbidden in most of Africa, such as gambling (they legalized online gambling very recently, in 2020, and allowed residents to indulge in this on sites at topcasinoexpert.com/country/angola/).
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, which is located on the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia, is one of the most well-liked tourist sites in Southern Africa, and with good reason! The roaring falls, which are regarded as the biggest waterfall in the world, are a sight to behold.
White water rafting and the perilous Devil’s Pool are only a couple of the activities available here for adrenaline junkies; they won’t be let down. A sunset river cruise and a helicopter tour both offer beautiful perspectives of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. However, there are additional options that are more scenic and soothing. There seem to be two main options for somewhere to stay in the region. You can choose to stay either nearer to the Falls at a hotel such as the Royal Livingstone, where things are typically busier, or upriver at a lodge like Tongabezi, where you can have a more private and intimate experience.
Victoria Falls is quite accessible; whether you choose to go on safari in Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, or Zambia, putting on a few extra days to see Victoria Falls is simple and well worthwhile.
Skeleton Coast
Namibia is undoubtedly not your typical safari destination, yet the country’s splendor is unrivaled. The lengthy travel time should not stop anyone from visiting Namibia’s distinctive sites, like the Skeleton Coast.
The Skeleton Coast offers an amazing visual and fascinating animal experience that pairs perfectly with visits to Sossusvlei, Etosha, and Damaraland. The Hoanib Skelton Coast Camp, which offers a lovely and opulent stay, is among the top camps here. Since this is a fly-in campsite, seclusion and solitude are paramount.
There are several methods to explore the Coast itself, including by air and by vehicle. Lions, gemsbok, and elephants are just a few of the many varied desert-adapted creatures that live in the region. Additionally, there’s a sizable colony of Cape Fur Seals that regularly draws jackals and brown hyenas.
Cape Town
One of the most diverse nations in Africa is home to one of the continent’s most stunning cities. It’s simple to add Cape Town, South Africa, at the end of practically any schedule across Southern Africa because it’s the ideal blend of urbanization and natural beauty.
The main tourist destination in this city is the V&A Waterfront, which is dotted with top-notch eateries, lovely bars, and excellent hotels with harbor views. While Cape Cadogan, a modest, boutique hotel off of Kloof Street, is great for people who don’t want to be immediately in the action of the Waterfront, the Cape Grace is brimming with character and is placed ideally for exploring the city.
Whatever amount of time you remain in Cape Town, there will always be new things to explore! Cape Town’s coastline and natural beauties are worth visiting, from the penguins of Boulder’s Beach to the magnificent Table Mountain.
Mana Pools
Mana Pool ought to be at the top of many people’s ideas if asked about a top-notch safari experience, even if Zimbabwe is usually not the first place many people consider. One of the remaining refuges for the African Painted Wolf, the National Park is a fantastic place with amazing biodiversity. The optimal time to go is during the dry season when game-watching is more intense and the foliage is thinner.
Mana Pools, known for its walking safaris, provides some of the greatest guides in addition to a wonderful true bush camp experience. However, boating and car safaris are also available, providing a fantastic all-around experience. Walking safaris are only the beginning. The famed elephants that erect their hind legs and the painted wolves from the BBC documentary “Dynasties” can both be found here.
Two of the greatest camps around are Ruckomechi and Chikwenya, which combine superb chances to see wildlife with first-rate accommodation and services. Both are situated in exclusive concessions, guaranteeing the privacy and intimacy of game drives and hikes.
