5 Must-visit Destinations in Southern Africa

5 must-visit destinations in Southern Africa

Southern Africa has so much variety that it's hard to know where to start. Without trying to bundle each destination into one trip, it's best to take your time and explore a few places at a more leisurely pace. Below are five of the best destinations to visit along with some examples of places to stay and how to combine some of those places into an itinerary.

Victoria Falls

Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of Southern Africa's most popular destinations, and rightly so! The thundering falls are a sight to behold and they are ranked as the tallest waterfall in the world.

The activities here are for the adrenaline junkies, from whitewater rafting to the daring Devil's Pool, those looking for a thrill ride won't be disappointed. However, there are more scenic and relaxing options as well, a sunset cruise and helicopter tour also provide wonderful views of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. When staying in the area there are two main choices. You can choose to stay closer to the falls at a hotel like the Royal Livingstone, where it's usually busier, or stay upstream where a more intimate and private experience can be had at a lodge like Tongabezi.

Accessibility to Victoria Falls is also excellent, whether you decide to take a safari to Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia or South Africa, adding a few days to Victoria Falls is easy and certainly worth it.

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is one of Africa's most incredible wildlife destinations, no matter what time of year you visit. The high season takes place from the end of June, when the floodwaters of the Angolan highlands transform the delta into a vast aquatic maze that is a sight to behold. However, at any other time of the year the wildlife is still plentiful and there are some great camp bargains to be enjoyed!

Although July sees flooding coming, there are still areas of the delta that remain dry, so knowing what to expect in different parts of the delta is essential. Combining several camps with different experiences and activities is the best way to make the most of this unique habitat.

Jao Camp is located near the center of the delta and is perfect for those who wish to experience water activities like boat safaris and mokoro. Chitabe, on the other hand, is located further south of the delta and receives very little water, so game drives and walks are the main activities here. Both camps are beautifully luxurious and combining the two would provide the opportunity to experience some of the best game viewing in the world, both on the water and on land.

The cap

One of the most beautiful cities in Africa is part of one of the most diverse countries in Africa. Cape Town in South Africa is the perfect blend of natural beauty and urbanization, and it's easy to add at the end of almost any route in Southern Africa.

The V&A Waterfront is the main tourist hub here and it's littered with exceptional restaurants, beautiful bars, and brilliant hotels that overlook the harbor. The Cape Grace is full of character and is perfectly situated for exploring the city, while Cape Cadogan, a small boutique hotel located off Kloof Street, is ideal for those who don't want to be directly in the bustle of the waterfront. sea.

No matter how long you stay in Cape Town, you can be sure there will be more to discover! From the penguins of Boulder's Beach to the splendid Table Mountain, the coastline and natural beauty of Cape Town are worth exploring.

Skeleton Coast

Namibia is definitely not your normal safari destination, but the beauty of the country is second to none. The Skeleton Coast is just one of Namibia's unique destinations and the time it takes to get there should certainly not deter anyone from going there.

Perfectly combinable with trips to Damaraland, Sossusvlei and Etosha, the Skeleton Coast offers a brilliant picturesque and intriguing wildlife experience. One of the best camps here is the Hoanib Skelton Coast Camp which offers a beautiful and lavish stay. It's a fly-in camp, so exclusivity and privacy are key here.

Exploring the coast itself, there are several ways to do it; by plane and by vehicle. The region is home to an abundance of different desert-adapted animals such as elephants, lions and gemsbok. As well as a huge colony of Cape fur seals which often attracts jackals and brown hyenas.

Mana pools

Zimbabwe is probably not the first country many people think of when asked for a first-class safari experience, but Mana Pool should be on the forefront of many people's minds. The national park is an incredible region which is home to exceptional wildlife and is one of the last strongholds of the African painted wolf. The dry season is the best time to visit as the foliage is thinning and game viewing intensifies.

Famous for its walking safaris, Mana Pools offers some of the best guides and offers an authentic and brilliant bush camp experience. Walking safaris are just the start, as both boat and vehicle safaris are offered as well, providing a brilliant overall experience. Here you can see the famous elephants standing on their hind legs and meeting the painted wolves which featured in the BBC documentary Dynasties.

Chikwenya and Ruckomechi are two of the best camps here and offer a mix of excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and exceptional hospitality and service. Both are located in private concessions ensuring that safaris and rides are private and intimate.

Marc Harris is Managing Director of Africa Odyssey. Africa Oydssey is managed by a team of award-winning experts providing tailor-made Africa safari vacations. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to enhance your profile, please contact us.