Southern Africa
Southern Africa has so much to offer. It’s like a giant playground of wonder on the end of the African continent. Namibia - Wide open spaces, sand dunes, fascinating peoples and strange desert wildlife. Botswana - The ultimate safari destination with the best wildlife sightings in the world. Waterways and deserts, Botswana is a photographer’s paradise. Zambia - With the Zambezi river running through most of Southern Africa many rural people as well as huge amounts of wildlife rely on its water as a source of life thus making it a must see on any traveler’s itinerary. Zambia/Zimbabwe – The Victoria Falls is considered by some to be among the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Mozambique - White deserted beaches, coral reefs, warm sea, cheap seafood and laid back locals.
Suggested itinerary: Southern Africa Safari (PDF)
Suggested itinerary: Southern Africa Highlights (PDF)
Please contact us if you wish to receive a detailed itinerary and quote for these itineraries or for other travel itineraries throughout Southern Africa! Indulge Africa reserves the right to amend the cost of these itineraries. Terms and conditions apply.
Namibia
Namibia is a vast country of dramatic landscapes. There is plenty for the adventurous traveler to do. Climb the high red sand dunes of Sossusvlei at dawn or escape the heat and indulge in some ocean activities in Swakopmund. Etosha National Park has a huge salt pan for great game viewing. Track rare desert elephants and rhinos in Damaraland. Visit the seal colony on the Skeleton Coast where many shipwrecks remain along the treacherous stretch. The Caprivi Strip is a lush wetland of many rivers and bird species.
Sossusvlei
There's no question that the immense, rich-ochre sand dunes at Sossusvlei are one of the most astonishing sights in the world. Spectacular by day and magical by night, Sossusvlei boasts the highest sand dunes in the world. No two days are ever the same as the wind constantly reshapes and reforms them. Lying within the Namib-Naukluft National Park, it is a huge clay pan enclosed by these giant sand dunes, some of which are 300 metres high. Only after a heavy rainfall, a rare event in these parts, does the pan fill with water. Sossusvlei is one of the most romantic places in the world.
Recommended Venues:
Desert Homestead, Sossusvlei – www.deserthomestead-namibia.com
Little Kulala – www.wilderness-safaris.com
Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge – www.andbeyondafrica.com
Le Mirage – www.leadinghotels.com
Etosha
Etosha National Park is one of Southern Africa's finest and most important Game Reserves. The Etosha Park is one of the first places on any itinerary designed for a holiday in Namibia. The game viewing in Etosha National Park is excellent, the best time being from May to September - the cooler months in Namibia. Visitors to Etosha Game Reserve can expect to see many buck species, elephant, giraffe, rhino and lions. More fortunate visitors will see leopard and cheetah.
Recommended Venues:
Ongava Tented Camp – www.wilderness-safaris.com
Little Ongava – www.wilderness-safaris.com
Anderson’s Camp – www.wilderness-safaris.com
Onguma Luxury Tented Camp – www.onguma.com
Mushara Outpost – www.musharaoutpost.com
Swartkopmund
Swartkopmund, Namibia's second biggest town and traditional "summer capital", is one of the most surreal and unique destinations in the country, a sort of central Europe meets the African desert next to the ocean kind of place. It's often the place to get some rest and recreation after a dusty trip to the desert dunes! Approaching the town through the haunting beauty of the Namib Desert, one of the world's largest wilderness areas, you are greeted by the boom of the surf on the notorious Skeleton Coast, an ever-present reminder of the treacherous and icy Atlantic beyond the desert.
Recommended Venues:
Swartkopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre – www.legacyhotels.co.za
Skeleton Coast
Although the entire coastline of Namibia was formerly called The Skeleton Coast, more commonly today it refers only to the Skeleton Coast National Park. The landscape includes sand dunes, canyons and mountain ranges all of which are synonymous with Namibia. The Skeleton Coast is normally associated with famous shipwrecks, and stories abound of sailors walking for hundreds of kilometres through this barren Namibian landscape in search of food and water. The name came from the bones that lined the beaches from whaling operations and seal hunts, but more than a few of the skeletons were human. The coast has scores of shipwrecks, some are barely recognizable, others are still in remarkably good condition. For the best views of these shipwrecks, you would need to visit the Skeleton Coast Park either on a fly-in safari or alternatively on a scenic flight.
Despite its arid and deadly appearance, the Skeleton Coast has a greater variety of species than many other parks in Southern Africa. Large mammals include Namibia's famous desert-adapted elephant, black rhino, lion, cheetah, giraffe, gemsbok, zebra, springbok and spotted and brown hyena, are found in the dry river beds which flow from the interior of Namibia, through the Namib Desert to the Skeleton Coast.
The fishing along the Skeleton Coast is spectacular. Occasionally beach-combing lions scour the area in search of marine carrion, and it has been recorded that in one instance a pride of lions were seen feeding on a beached whale at Torra Bay. You can only enjoy the extraordinary, raw piece of wilderness!
Recommended accommodation:
Skeleton Coast Camp – www.wilderness-safaris.com
Damaraland
Damaraland is one of the most interesting and dramatic regions in Namibia. Referring primarily to a harsh stretch of burnt mountains and rugged semi-desert, the region is just inland from miles of wild, deserted beaches, littered with ghostly shipwrecks and where you are likely to see dolphins frolicking joyously in the surf.
The Skeleton Coast is a much-photographed desert coastline with rusty shipwrecks emerging eerily through the thick fog. Ancient seafarers had good reason to fear these waters - apart from the rough seas, being stranded in the Namib Desert was one of the most terrible fates that could befall a sailor. Heading inland was not much better: the barren Damaraland is very beautiful but arid and unforgiving. It's the home of the legendary desert elephants - adapted to life in a fragile environment with few resources - as well as black rhino and good birding.
Recommended accommodation:
Damaraland Camp – www.wilderness-safaris.com
Caprivi
The Caprivi is the only region that shares its borders with 4 other countries – Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Caprivi regional capital is the town of Katima Mulilo, which is located on the Zambezi River. There are no other major towns in the area, although it is fairly densely populated and travellers will encounter numerous villages.
The Caprivi is surrounded by 4 perennial rivers – Chobe, Kwando, Linyanti and the mighty Zambezi! These waterfront areas combine riverine forests with vast wetlands, attracting over 600 species of bird, 4 of the big 5 (less rhino) and boasts 4 National Parks.
Recommended Accommodation:
Chobe Savannah Lodge – www.desertdelta.co.za
Impalila Island Lodge – www.islandsinafrica.com
Lianshulu Lodge – www.wilderness-safaris.com
Ntwala Island Lodge – www.islandsinafrica.com
Botswana
A land-locked country in southern Africa, Botswana is a land of dramatic landscapes and offers unforgettable safari destinations. This is a sun-baked, arid land where water is as precious as the diamonds upon which its wealth has been built. It's also home to some of the world's greatest wildlife destinations: the incomparable Okavango Delta, a great green oasis in the heart of the Kalahari. The Okavango Delta is a huge sprawling wetland supporting vast numbers of wildlife and birds on land and water safaris. The Chobe National Park, where the ground literally rumbles beneath the feet of thousands of elephants, is another great wildlife destination within Botswana. Flamingos and blue wildebeest frequent the Makgadikgadi salt pans southeast of Chobe.
To the east of Chobe are the Linyanti Swamps, yet another prime game viewing destination in Botswana. Sparsely inhabited by humans, it is one of the richest wildlife region's in Africa.
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is the largest freshwater wetland in Africa; in Botswana's arid and unforgiving bush it's an oasis where you'll find one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in Africa - and the beauty is that it is basically a year-round destination for safaris. Experience an Okavango Delta dawn as the mist curls off the mirrored waters; glide downstream in a guided mokoro to look for birds and aquatic antelope; go on game drive safaris through the game-packed floodplains and woodlands that fringe the Delta and finish the day with a boat cruise, sipping a cool sundowner as the sun burns the sky!
Luxury safari lodges are tucked into remote corners of the Okavango Delta, each offering the traveller a chance to kick back in style. While it's all raw and uncompromising nature out there, back at the lodge its gourmet cuisine, fine wines, exquisite accommodation and attentive service. For the visitor on one of our Okavango Delta safaris there is the promise of eyeball-to-eyeball encounters with snorting rafts of hippopotamus, great herds of buffalo, elephant and rare birds. Beneath the towering trees and on the open grasslands an abundance of antelope and smaller mammals attracts in turn a particularly large number of predators. A blend of tranquillity and activity, the Okavango Delta is perhaps a last glimpse of an older Africa, an unsullied, wild place of land and water.
Recommended accommodation:
Mombo Camp – www.wilderness-safaris.com
Vumbura Plains – www.wilderness-safaris.com
Jao Camp – www.wilderness-safaris.com
Chiefs Camp – www.sanctuaryretreats.com
Little Vumbura – www.wilderness-safaris.com
Xaranna – www.andbeyondafrica.com
Xudum – www.andbeyondafrica.com
Chobe
Watch breeding herds of elephants drinking and bathing, young males sparring with each other and old bull elephants silently standing under a tree, seemingly lost in thought. Explore the Chobe River area in the dry season with its huge buffalo and elephant herds, or brave a rainy season safari and witness thousands of zebra migrating from the floodplains of the Linyanti to the Savuti grasslands, harried on all sides by ravenous predators.
Recommended Accommodation:
Chobe Chilwero – www.sanctuaryretreats.com
Linyanti
To the north of the Okavango Delta lies the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, a pristine wilderness and Botswana’s most underrated wildlife area. Fed by the Kwando River the Linyanti Swamp is the heart of the reserve and is the attraction for the tens of thousands of elephants, one of Africa’s largest populations, and other animals that concentrate during the dry season. Renowned for predators and game
The Linyanti Wildlife Reserve area is renowned for predators and large concentrations of game, particularly Elephant and Buffalo which move to the Linyanti River at the start of the dry winter months (May - June) and stay until the arrival of the first rains (late November - December) when they disperse into the vast wilderness.
Recommended Accommodation:
Kings Pool Camp – www.wilderness-safaris.com
Zambia
Home of the world famous Victoria Falls, Zambia is a sensational safari destination with pristine wilderness areas and plenty of adventure activities to choose from. The town of Livingstone is an ideal base from which to explore the Falls and the surrounding national parks. The game-rich South Luangwa, North Luangwa, the Kafue and the Lower Zambezi National Parks are must sees on your itinerary.
Zambia offers exceptional game viewing, whether you're on a river cruise in the Lower Zambezi National Park, a walking safari through South Luangwa National Park or a game drive in Kafue - the largest of Zambia's national parks, and the only place you'll find cheetah. The best time for game viewing in Zambia is the dry season (May to October).
Victoria Falls, Livingstone
Situated on the Zambian side of the spectacular Victoria Falls, the charming colonial town of Livingstone offers excellent accommodation facilities and boasts numerous adrenaline activities. Bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls bridge, white water rafting and river boarding down the mighty Zambezi River are some of the most popular.
Named after the legendary missionary and explorer Dr. David Livingstone, the first European to discover, name and tell the rest of world about the mighty waterfall, the town of Livingstone is the ideal base from which to explore the magnificent Victoria Falls and the game-rich surrounding National Parks.
Recommended Accommodation:
Royal Livingstone – www.suninternational.com
Tongabezi Lodge – www.tongabezi.com
Lower Zambezi National Park
Home to one of Africa biggest elephant herds, the Lower Zambezi National Park is Zambia’s newest park and is wild and untouched. The opportunities to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi River channels are spectacular. On the other side of the river is the Mana Pools National Park, making both sides of the river a wildlife haven.
The Park is downstream from Lake Kariba and runs the length of the Lower Zambezi valley where game concentrates along the Zambezi River. The Lower Zambezi National Park has a thriving population of predators and a diverse array of birdlife. Lodges in the lower Zambezi offer Tiger fishing and canoeing trips, game drives and walking safaris.
Recommended Accommodation:
Chiawa Camp – www.chiawa.com
Sausage Tree Camp – www.sausagetreecamp.com
Old Mondoro – www.oldmondoro.com
Kulefu Camp – www.sanctuaryretreats.com
Luanga
One of the truly great wildlife experiences in Africa, the concentration of game in the South Luangwa National Park makes it an idyllic safari destination. The Luangwa River with its many lagoons is the most intact river system in Africa and the lifeblood of the Park. Night drives are fascinating in the Luangwa as many interesting animals only come to life at night - genets, civets, servals, hyenas, bushbabies, owls, nightjars, the foraging hippos, honey badgers and lion.
The North Luangwa region of Zambia is one of the wildest and most remote areas in Africa. North Luangwa National Park lies above its southern partner and shares the same geology, wildlife diversity and birdlife. However the south has enjoyed greater attention in terms of funding and conservation efforts. Consequently, the northern park is less frequently visited, leaving it completely unspoilt.
Recommended Accommodation:
Chichele presidential – www.sanctuaryretreats.com
Puku Ridge – www.sanctuaryretreats.com
Kalamu Lagoon Camp – www.wilderness-safaris.com
Kafue
Zambia’s oldest park is also the country’s largest. Kafue National Park’s game viewing, bird watching and fishing are simply superb. Huge herds of a variety of wildlife are sustained by the life giving habitats of grassland plains, woodland forests and lush wetland systems. The Park boasts an astonishing diversity of antelope, more than anywhere else in Africa. It is a bird lover’s paradise. Home to over 400 different species, the rivers and wetlands of the reserve are especially good areas for twitchers. Notable species include the Wattled Crane, Purple-crested Lourie and Pel’s Fishing Owl. Keen anglers will also be rewarded with excellent fishing.
Recommended accommodation:
Busanga Bush Camp – www.wilderness-safaris.com
Kapinga Camp – www.wilderness-safaris.com
Lunga River Lodge – www.wilderness-safaris.com
Shumba Camp – www.wilderness-safaris.com
Mozambique
Bordered by the waters of the warm Indian Ocean along the east coast, Mozambique is a favourite honeymoon destination. Miles upon miles of soft white sands surround the beautiful coral islands of the archipelagos. Crystal clear turquoise waters lap the shores and offer a tropical playground for scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming, just floating and further out, game fishing.
Delicious seafood, sunny skies and the soft sand of the Bazaruto Islands, Quirimbas Islands, Inhaca Island, Inhambane and Pemba have made Mozambique beach holidays legendary. Exclusive island lodges sit right on the beach. Choose one of the luxurious lodges on Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, or have the whole place to yourself on tiny Medjumbe Private Island in the more remote Quirimbas Archipelago.
Bazaruto Islands
When people talk about Mozambique, they are usually referring to the Bazaruto Archipelago. This spectacular collection of palm-fringed islands is the top attraction in Mozambique. The luxury lodges that you find here cater to the top end visitor with every comfort you could possibly need.
With plenty of activities to keep you busy, or a paradise to relax and do nothing, you will see why it is a favourite destination for honeymooners. You can see an astounding variety of marine life even while just snorkelling. Excellent dive centres offer world-class scuba diving to go further offshore. The deep Mozambique Channel lures both recreational and specialist game fishermen.
Recommended Accommodation:
Marlin Lodge – www.marlinlodge.co.za
Benguerra Lodge – www.benguerralodge.co.za
Indigo Bay – www.indigobayresort.com
Azura – www.azura-retreats.com
Quirimbas Islands
Everything you associate with the ultimate tropical island holiday – white sands, crystal clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, palm trees, thatched beach bungalows…you will find in the Quirimbas Archipelago. It is a spectacular string of 32 islands stretching along the northern coast of Mozambique to the Rovuma River which forms the natural border with Tanzania. The Archipelago is totally unspoilt and undeveloped which makes it a true paradise. The 11 southernmost islands make up the Quirimbas National Park, protecting the outstanding biodiversity of the region.
Recommended Accommodation:
Matemo Island – www.matemoresort.com
Ibo Island Lodge – www.iboisland.com
Medjumbe Private Island – www.medjumberesort.com
Vamizi Island Lodge – www.vamizi.com
Inhambane
Inhambane is a colourful, vibey town on Mozambique’s south-central coast. It is a fascinating tourist destination with much to explore. It has one of the largest working dhow fleets in East Africa. The town has an intriguing mix of African, old-world Portuguese and Muslim cultures depicted in the varied and impressive architecture and the extremely interesting museum. Mangrove swamps flank the water along the edge of the peninsula, resulting in the region being a birder’s paradise. Have the time of your life diving with huge whale sharks at nearby sites.
Recommended Accommodation:
Flamingo Bay Resort – www.barraresorts.com
Zimbabwe
A Zimbabwe safari holiday evokes images of huge, game-rich plateaus such as the majestic Hwange National Park, and the heart-stopping raw power of Victoria Falls - the widest curtain of falling water in the world. Then there's the mighty Zambezi River which, after crashing over the Falls, winds through deep gorges over world-renowned white-water rafting rapids; flows into the massive Lake Kariba; then continues its path east through Mana Pools National Park - an incredible wilderness area and World Heritage Site.
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