Top 10 Southern African Destinations
1. Okavango Delta, Botswana - The Okavango Delta is world’s largest inland delta and an UNSEC World Heritage site. Situated in the northern part of Botswana, the Okavango Delta is wildlife lovers dream. Great herds of cape buffalo roam these wetlands and when there are buffalo, lions follow. The delta is also a birders paradise with over 570 species in the region. The plentiful wildlife, along the stunning camps around the delta makes it one of the sought after destinations in all of Africa, so much that it is advisable to book a year in advance!
2.Kruger National Park, South Africa - One of the most visited national parks in all of Africa, the Kruger offers spectacular “Big 5” game viewing, eloquent lodges and many of the most knowledgable guides in all of Africa. The sophisticated lodges in and around the Kruger provide guests a feeling of wilderness, yet the luxuries of life, such as fine dinning or spa treatments are offered too. The Greater Kruger is a wonderful destination for first time visitors or perennial visitors to Africa.
3. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - This UNESCO World Heritage site draws visitors from all over the world to witness one of the most spectacular natural wonders. Here you can witness the mighty Zambezi crash over the falls that is half a mile wide! Nearby is the Victoria Falls Hotel, which is an icon in its own right. The hotel conjures up images of a bygone era of adventurers and the first safari goers. The town of Victoria Falls offers travelers a chance to buy unique souvenirs and visit a few cultural sights.
The Bright Colors of Bo-Kaap
4. Cape Town, South Africa - This cosmopolitan city offers a wide variety of experiences for adventurous and casual travelers. The iconic Table Mountain overlooks Cape Town, making for an scenic landscape no matter where you are in the city. The mountain also serves a perfect place for a morning hike and once atop, it provides break-taking views of the city below. South of Cape Town lies the Cape Peninsula and Boulders Bay, home to an African Penguin colony. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, in the heart of the city, also gives travelers a great opportunity to shop for souvenirs for family and friends back home or enjoy fine South African cuisine.
5. Sossusvlei, Namibia - Namibia is home to many absolutely stunning desert landscapes, but none better than the dunes of Sossusvlei. These ancient dunes are apart of the world’s oldest desert, the Namib. The dunes here, plus the many of the other incredible landscapes, make this area a photographers paradise. While in the desert, the incredible starry nights and tranquility of the surrounds allows travelers fully relax and enjoy the moment.
6. Chobe National Park, Botswana - This northern national park in Botswana is home to some of the largest elephant herds in all of Africa, with estimates of over 50,000 elephants living within the national park’s boarders. If you are an elephant lover, this is the place to be. The national park is also famous for its wetlands and game viewing while on boating on the Chobe River. This unique combination makes the Chobe National Park a must visit.
7. Western Cape Wine Lands, South Africa - Wine and Africa are not normally two items that you associate together, but the Western Cape in South Africa is pristine area for growing grapes. The valleys of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are the most well known valleys in South Africa and lie only a short drive from the Cape Town. Each valley has it own distinct charm and heritage. You could easily spend an entire holiday in South Africa’s wine country.
8. Johannesburg, South Africa - As the financial capital of South Africa, Johannesburg has the hustle and bustle of any major Western city, but its people and local treasures set it apart. The SOWETO township gives the city historian significance. Here travelers can see first hand what life was like under Apartheid and see how the resilient South African are moving forward. Outside of Johannesburg is the Cradle of Humankind, where guests can learn about the world’s oldest Homo sapien remains. The city is home to many luxury hotels and spas, such as the Saxon Boutique Hotel. Whether you are in Johannesburg for a day or just for a long layover, the city has a lot to offer to travelers of all kinds.
9. Kalahari, Botswana - Unlike most of southern Africa, visiting the Kalahari in December to March is ideal for great wildlife observing. The black-maned lions of the area are legendary. The area is also famous for its cultural experiences with the famed San Bushmen. The San people’s activities were once widespread throughout southern Africa, but now are primarily in remote, desert locations. The Kalahari provides guests with fantastic wildlife and cultural experiences unlike anywhere else in southern Africa.
10. Benguerra Island, Mozambique - There are few better ways to end an African holiday than a nice, relaxing trip to the beaches of Mozambique. Here the bush meets the beach with the sparkly Indian Ocean in one direction and wilderness of Africa in the other. Benguerra Island is secluded and breathtaking which allow travelers to unwind and enjoy their time under the African sky.
