NAMIBIA
Climate: desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic
Terrain: mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari Desert in east
A land of wide open spaces, never failing to enthrall its visitors. Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes. The Namib Desert is the oldest in the world, with its high dunes and awe-inspiring sense of space. The views over the Fish River Canyon,the delicate balance of wildlife in Etosha National Park. The German heritage is very noticeable in Swakopmund and Windhoek.
DAMARALAND is a land of stark desert beauty. Early morning mists, generated by the clash between the icy Atlantic Ocean and the warm desert air of the Skeleton Coast, drift inland along the canyons, providing sustenance to the flora and fauna of the region. Rare succulent plants abound in this harsh countryside. Damaraland includes the granite domes of the Spitkoppe rising above the desert floor. The rock engravings of Twyfelfontien, the San rock paintings in the Brandberg.
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK is one of the world’s most famous game sanctuaries. The huge, salty bowl which forms the vast central area of the park is only occasionally filled with water, so game concentrates in the grasslands and bush which encircle the reserve. Here on the perimeter, are underground springs feeding smaller pans, which serves as the magnet which has drawn such an abundance of game to the area.
SKELETON COAST is one of the most inhospitable but hauntingly beautiful places on the planet: desolate and uninhabited. It has everything, from roaring sand dunes, windswept plains, towering canyons and saltpans to seal colonies and shipwrecks.
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SOUTH AFRICA
Climate: mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nights; summer rainfall except Cape which has wainter rainfall.
Terrain: vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow coastal plain
The unique “Rainbow Nation”; in Southern Africa. A melting pot of culture wildlife and wonderful scenery. South Africa's historic emergence from the Apartheid era has created a country with wonderful spirit. With eleven national languages and many more cultures.
South Africa's wildlife destinations rival the best in the world, with the Kruger National Park being a must for all visitors along with Mkuzi Game reserve and Addo Elephant National Park. The Zulu and the Xhosa cultures portray a intense history of survival and exploration of the country before the arrival of the Dutch Settlers.
CAPE TOWN - The Cape Peninsula is a dramatic range of mountains penetrating into the desolation of the southern Atlantic Ocean. The majestic Table Mountain is home to some 8500 species of flower. Cape Town often referred to as the "Mother City" is imbued with character and charm. The city centers around the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a working harbour and historical site, offering everything from arts and crafts markets, shopping malls, theaters and live music to superb restaurants offering a variety of dishes from local South African to continental.
CAPE WINELANDS - The Cape Winelands have been described as the most beautiful and scenic in the world. Here you will find majestic mountains, quaint little villages, art galleries, museums, and lots of various wineries. The Cape Dutch architecture is prominent in the winelands making this an enchanting area.
GARDEN ROUTE - Stretching along the southern Cape coast from Heidelberg in the west to the Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River in the east. The Garden Route boasts tropical forests, birds, fynbos plant species, tranquil inland lakes, towering mountains, pristine beaches and its brilliantly colored fauna and flora. Further inland you reach the Klein karoo, a semi-desert area of copper colored plains, ostrich farms, the spectacular Cango Caves and majestic mountain passes.
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK - The Kruger has more species of wildlife than any other reserve in Africa. Famous for the "big five" experience being elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino as well as over 460 different species of bird.
MPUMALANGA - The province boardering the southern Kruger National Park is known as Mpumalanga. The landscape of the Mpumalanga is made up of panoramic mountain passes, river canyons, waterfalls and steep mountains. Some of the most spectacular sights include God's Window, the Blyde River Canyon (3rd largest in the world), and the old gold mining town of Pilgrims Rest.
KWAZULU NATAL - KwaZulu is a area rich in diversity. In the Maputaland region you find the St. Lucia Wetland Park, an area rich in wildlife and beauty. Sodwana Bay boasts spectacular coral reefs superb for diving and snorkeling. The Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserves offer the chance to see the rare white rhino as well as many other species of wildlife. There are numerous Zulul villages offering crafts, traditional Zulu dance programs and the opportunity to mix and mingle amongst the Zulu tribe. For history enthusiasts a stay in the heart of Zululand with a guided tour to the battlegrounds of the Zulu, British and Boer wars is a must. The scenic Drakensberg moutains offer adventure activities such as hiking, biking and fishing. KwaZulu Natal is a perfect haven for birders.
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BOTSWANA
Population: approx. 1,600,000
Climate: semiarid; warm winters and hot summers.
Terrain: predominantly flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwest.
Is the premier wildlife destination in Southern Africa. The rustic, remote atmosphere of Botswana's wildlife areas offer real adventure. Open 4 wheel drive game drives in Moremi game reserve, Savuti and Chobe National Parks are the experience of a lifetime.
The fabled Kalahari Desert covers roughly two-thirds of the country. At the northern edge of the Kalahari lies the Okavango Delta known as the “Jewel of the Kalahari”, a secret oasis in an otherwise water-starved land. Some of the largest herds in Southern Africa roam free in this unspoiled wilderness, the wildlife is spectacular and varied.
CENTRAL KALAHARI GAME RESERVE – The Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) is one of the largest game reserves in the world (52,800 square kilometre). Made famous by Mark and Delia Owen in the book Cry of the Kalahari, its remoteness, unforgiving climate and harsh terrain have kept it pristine and untamed. This reserve is characterised by vast open plains, saltpans and ancient riverbeds. During the summer months, when the rains fall, the Kalahari grasslands turn green and lush and the good grazing attracts large herds of zebra, wildebeest springbok and gemsbok (oryx). Following the herds we hope to find the Kalahari lions.
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK – Chobe National Park is famous for large herds of elephants. Herds numbering hundreds come down the Chobe River each afternoon to quench their thirst. A cruise on the Chobe River, is a brilliant wildlife experience where where it is possible to get close to the hippopotamus, crocodiles and elephants. Keep an eye out for the endemic Chobe puku as well as over 400 hundred species of birds. Chobe provides exceptional photographic opportunities.
SAVUTI – an area in the centre of the Chobe National Park is famous for predators including large prides of lions and packs of hyenas. The waterhole attracts large bull elephants, buffalo and zebra. In 2010 the water flowed again in the “lost river” – after 25 years the waters have again pushed through the Salinda Spillway and arrived on the Savuti marsh, flooding an area which has been dry for so long. This is going to be a fascinating time and the impact on the wildlife is going to be amazing to witness.
NXAI PAN NATIONAL PARK – A national park to the north of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, the focal point of which is the “pan” or open grassland, at the centre of which there is a permanent water hole. This water is a magnet for wildlife and attracts vast springbok populations, large herds of giraffe, zebra, gemsbok (oryx), which in turn attract predators. Nxai Pan is an excellent place to find lion and cheetah. The national park also includes the group of massive Baobab trees named after Thomas Baines.
OKAVANGO DELTA – The experience of being polled into the Okavango Delta is unrivalled. You polers will interpret birdlife as you pass through tranquil waterlily covered lagoons to your camp. Your professional guide will lead you on game walks getting you close to nature. If your passion in camping close to the wildlife or the comfort of a luxury lodge safari Botswana has something to offer you.
MAKGADIKGADI NATIONAL PARK & THE KALAHARI – The grasslands of the Kalahari together with the lunar expanse of the Makgadikgadi saltpans complement and are in total contrast to the verdant, game-rich Okavango.
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ZAMBIA
Climate: tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to April).
Terrain: mostly high plateau with some hills and mountains, Zambezi River valley in south west.
A land of untamed rivers. The mighty Zambezi River forms southern boundary crossing over the Victoria Falls and through Lake Kariba into the Lower Zambezi Valley. A canoeing trip on the Zambezi gets you close to the wildlife as you paddle with the current through Mana Pools and the Lower Zambezi National Parks. Zambia is a thinly populated country, sharing the spectacular Victoria Falls with neighboring Zimbabwe. A large percentage of its land is wildlife reserves with open unspoiled woodland and floodplains attracting large numbers of wildlife. For a taste of the real old-fashioned safari experience enjoy a walking safari in Zambia.
VICTORIA FALLS - Discovered by David Livingstone in 1855, the Victoria Falls were named after Queen Victoria. Known as "The Smoke that Thunders", due to the falling water that sends spray clouds high into the air, the falls are one of the seven natural wonders in the world and also the largest and perhaps most beautiful. Here the Zambezi River is over a mile wide and plunges into a vertical abyss across its entire width.
The adventure activities in Victoira Falls cater for all tastes from the wildest adrenaline rush river rafting and bungi jumping to the views of the falls from the flight of angels and getting close to nature on the elephant back safari.
LOWER ZAMBEZI - Lower Zambezi National Park has an abundance of game and is relatively unexplored. The best way to explore this region is by canoe.
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK - South Luangwa National Park the eastern side of Zambia offers an abundance of wildlife that is rarely seen in other game reserves and is one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in the world.
The South Luangwa covers some 8,000 square kilometres and is a haven rich in wildlife and bird species. Experience Zambia much the same way David Livingstone did - take a walking safari. South Luangwa National Park offers unique walking safaris into the heart of the bushveld and is well known for its excellent leopard sightings. On a walking trail you will be fascinated and enlightened by the rangers in-depth knowledge of conservation and ecology.
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MALAWI
Population: approx. 12,150,000
Climate: sub-tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November).
Terrain: narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills, some mountains. Dominated by Lake Malawi.
Known affectionately as the “warm heart of Africa”. Malawi is one of the friendliest countries in Southern Africa, offering a true African experience in terms of scenery, wildlife and people. It is long and narrow, dominated by the great blue shining Lake Malawi. The Great Rift Valley cuts into Southern Africa creating the magnificent fresh water Lake. Along this beautiful expanse of water - stretching approximately 560 kilometers - lay thatch roof fishing villages, sugar and cotton farms and a profusion of mango and baobab trees. In the high country on plateaus above dramatic escarpments, tea plantations abound. There are plains and marshlands and mountains, so there is no lack of imposing and dramatic scenery.
LAKE MALAWI - one of Africa's great lakes - is a beautiful and intriguing stretch of water, where the traveler can unwind and relax from the rigors of a safari. Filling one of the deepest clefts in the Great Rift Valley and surrounded by mountains, the lake has magnificent beaches, excellent snorkeling opportunities and great bathing in clear, fresh water. It has one of the highest concentrations of freshwater fish on earth, estimated at 1 000 species, including an extraordinary 225 described species of colourful endemic cichlid fish. Snorkeling in the warm clear waters is an experience not to be missed. The lake is also home to hippo and crocodiles and an abundance of birds - from the great fish eagle to the glorious kingfisher.
LIWONDE NATIONAL PARK - lies south of the lake on the Shire River as it flows out of the lake. Particular to this park are the various habitats that it encompasses including floodplain and swampland.
BLANTYRE & LILONGWE are the two major towns in Malawi, both dating back to British colonial days. The craft markets in both tons are worth a visit for the intricately carved art work and the famous Malawi chairs.
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MOZAMBIQUE
Climate: tropical to subtropical.
Terrain: mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in centre, high plateaus in northwest, mountains in west.
Palm trees line the tropical beaches. Crystal clear water, snorkeling and scuba diving, fresh seafood. A holiday in Mozambique includes these and so much more.
MAPUTO - The capital is a blend of Portugese culture from the colony and African culture. A vibrant lively city built around the harbour. The cafe culture and nightlife of Maputo are not to be missed. Dinner of fresh seafood particularly the deliciously spicey peri-peri LM prawns, can be topped off with a nightcap of live music in the local bars and nightclubs.
INHAMBANE - moving north up the coastline towards Inhambane and the tropical paradise of Barra you travel through cashew nut and coconut plantations. Inhambane is steeped in history with its roots in the Arab slave and spice trade. Barra point is a scuba divers paradise, with whale sharks, coral reefs and humpbacked whales.
VILANKULOS – further north is the fishing port of Vilankolus. From this sleepy town it is possible to explore the beautiful islands of Margaruque, Bazaruto and Benguerra. Magnificent beaches and amazing snorkeling.
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ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe is a country full of friendly smiling people, green lush landscapes, ruins, rock art of the Matobo region, baobab trees and game reserves rich in birdlife with a variety of game. Zimbabwe offers both cultural and natural attractions.
VICTORIA FALLS - Discovered by David Livingstone in 1855, the Victoria Falls were named after Queen Victoria. Known as "The Smoke that Thunders" , due to the falling water that sends spray clouds high into the air, the falls are one of the seven natural wonders in the world and also the largest and perhaps most beautiful. Here the Zambezi River is over a mile wide and plunges into a vertical abyss across its entire width.
HWANGE NATIONAL PARK - This is Zimbabwe's biggest National Park with the largest amount of wildlife including over 400 species of birds. Hwange is known for its large herds of elephant. Scattered throughout the park are private lodges and camps. Game drives in open safari vehicles as well as walks with professional naturalist guides are the main activities.
MATOPOS NATIONAL PARK - The massive rock formations give the Matopos National Park its unique atmosphere. The Matobo Hills are home to the white rhino, sable antelope, leopard, klipspringer, as well as the greatest concentration of black eagles in the world.
Activities include game viewing by vehicle or on foot, visiting a local tribal village and expeditions to historical and scenic sites among the hills. Some of the finest examples of ancient art and Bushman paintings can be found in the caves of the Matobo Hills.
LAKE KARIBA & MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK - With the damming of the Zambezi River Lake Kariba was formed. Activities include game viewing on the lake, by canoe or motor boat as well on shore in open four-wheel drive vehicles, fishing and bird watching. The Matusadona National Park offers large herds of elephant, buffalo and hippo. Watching the incredible sunrises and sunsets together with the fantastic wildlife make Lake Kariba a truly African experience.
MANA POOLS - Mana Pools is situated in northern Zimbabwe, and is accessible by air, by canoe along the Zambezi River from Chirundu, or by car (May to October only) along the Zambezi Escarpment. Mana Pools is the last remaining area unchanged by modern man in Zimbabwe. The wildlife is spectacular. The Mana Pools National Park supports one of the highest wildlife concentrations in Zimbabwe. Elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard are among the large mammals that can be found meandering along the river banks. The forest bordering the river contains ebony and mahogany these, making this a bird haven.