If you are planning a 2 week safari to Southern Africa, the vast array of choices can be quite overwhelming, making it difficult to decide on which safari destination in Southern Africa is best for you. In this article we will look at what we consider to be Southern Africa’s finest safari destinations.
For a first time safari, South Africa is a great destination. The Sabi Sand Reserve and Timbavati Reserve that share an unfenced border with Kruger National Park, both offer South Africa’s finest wildlife viewing. There are many excellent safari lodges to choose from and both safari destinations are Big 5 wildlife areas. The Kruger region also offers some of the finest leopard viewing in Africa. A safari in the Sabi Sand Reserve and Timbavati Nature Reserve also combines really well with a visit to Cape Town as well as the Victoria Falls. So for a first time visit to Africa, South Africa is a really good destination to consider, as you can safari in a fantastic safari destination as well as visit other great places such as Cape Town and the Victoria Falls.
A lion pride, strolling past a safari vehicle.
Botswana is Southern Africa’s, if not Africa’s finest safari destination. A safari in Botswana combines excellent wildlife viewing, amazing scenery and diverse regions. You also get the feeling of being in the heart of the wild, far away from modern society. With fewer lodges than most of Africa’s other top safari destinations combined with the Okavango Delta only being accessible by plane (in certain areas). This really does restrict tourist numbers and is why Botswana offers a far more exclusive safari experience than most other safari destinations in Africa. The Okavango Delta is also one of the most unique safari destinations in Africa and the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve is also regarded as one of Africa’s most prolific wildlife viewing safari regions. Botswana also combines really well with a visit to the Victoria Falls, due to its close proximity.
The tranquility of being on a mokoro in the Okavango Delta is an experience not to be missed. A safari to Zimbabwe is also a great option to consider. A safari to Botswana can be pricey and so for those that don’t quite have the budget for a Botswana Safari or if you have been on safari in Botswana and are looking for something new, then a safari to Zimbabwe is well worth considering. Its best to visit Zimbabwe during the dry season from July to October. During this time the wildlife viewing in Zimbabwe is nothing short of outstanding. The two main safari destinations to visit in Zimbabwe are Hwange National Park and Mana Pools. Hwange National Park gets really dry during the Southern hemisphere winter months and from June onwards the animals start to congregate around the parks waterholes as they are the only source of water. This makes it really easy to find the animals and also allows for easy hunting from the predators. Huge herds of Elephant and Buffalo descend on the waterholes along with a lot of antelope and lion prides are often not too far away, especially when there are herds of buffalo around. A Safari in Hwange National Park followed by a safari in Mana Pools is highly recommend. Mana Pools is located along the Zambezi River and so offers completely different scenery to what you would encounter in Hwange National Park.
Elephant are prevalent in Mana Pools and seeing them wade into the Zambezi River is amazing to witness. Crocodiles and hippo are often seen in the river and lion sightings are particularly good. Wild Dog sightings are also good at Mana Pools.
Elephant crossing the Zambezi River.
Zambia is a country in Southern Africa that is often overlooked as a great safari destination. Historically the camps have tended to be more rustic although this has changed in recent years with a lot of luxury camps now in the main safari destinations in Zambia. The South Luangwa is arguably Zambia’s finest safari destination. The South Luangwa is arguably the finest walking safari destination in Africa. The South Luangwa also offers some of the best Leopard sightings in Africa. Certain areas can be negatively affected by Tsetse flies, however, by and large, this is not such a big problem at a lot of camps and the South Luangwa certainly does deliver when it comes to wildlife viewing, as well as offering remarkable and authentic bush walks. Another excellent wildlife region in Zambia is the Lower Zambezi. The Lower Zambezi is on the other side of the Zambezi River to Mana Pools. This area has really exploded on to the scene in recent years as anti-poaching efforts have stepped up and the animals have become less skittish. Combing the Lower Zambezi with the South Luangwa is also a highly recommended option for a safari in Zambia. In particular from June to October. Zambia is also a lot cheaper than Botswana and is a great option for people that don’t have the budget for a Botswana safari, but still want a really authentic safari experience with great wildlife viewing.
Seeing wildlife whilst on foot is a great safari experience.
Southern Africa offers an outstanding safari experience with prolific wildlife viewing, breathtaking landscapes and a vast array of excellent accommodation choices. For further information or for assistance in booking these remarkable places, please contact an Africa Uncovered Travel Expert and start planning your dream safari to Southern Africa now!
