Southern Africa is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and it’s easy to see why. With its incredible wildlife and spectacular landscapes, this region offers visitors a unique experience that is hard to find anywhere else in the world. From Cape Town’s lively neighborhoods to Kruger National Park’s breathtaking vistas, here are ten destinations in southern Africa that will make you want to hop on a plane today:
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is a vast, sprawling South African park covering 1.2 million hectares of land. The park has been around since 1898 and was first created to protect the area’s wildlife from poaching by settlers. Today, it protects various animals and plants, from lions to leopards to giraffes (and everything in between). If you’re planning a trip abroad with your family this summer or winter break, here are some tips on where to go:
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town in South Africa. It forms one of the most conspicuous parts of the Southern African landscape and has been designated an International Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Jan van Riebeeck named the mountain on April 6, 1652, after his daughter Lieve Gertruid, later called ‘Mama Tonde.’
The area surrounding Table Mountain National Park contains many attractions, such as Signal Hill (also known as Lions Head), Devil’s Peak, and St James Church, popular among hikers seeking to explore this iconic landmark.
Go to Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. It’s located on the Zambezi River in Zambia and Zimbabwe, and it was initially called “the Eighth Wonder of the World” by Sir Walter Raleigh. It has been called “the Niagara Falls…of Africa.”
The water falls over two tiers: Devil’s Cataract (or Mosi-oa-Tunya) is lower than Livingstone Falls; however, both are equally impressive when viewed from above or below ground level. The first drop at Devil’s Cataract is 18 meters high, while that at Livingstone Falls reaches about 60 meters high.
Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is a salt and clay pan in the Namib Desert of southern Africa, which is more than 1,000 square miles (2,600 km²) in size. The highest dune is about 300 meters (1,000 feet) high. The dunes are white because they are covered with salt crystals.[3]
The Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari Desert is a vast dry region that spans parts of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. It’s a habitat for amazing animals like elephants, giraffes, zebras, and ostriches. The desert also features spectacular landscapes like the Lebombo Mountains (the highest peak in Botswana) or Makgadikgadi Pans (the giant salt pans on Earth).
The best way to see the Kalahari Desert is by driving there yourself! There are many options available from Cape Town, including flights or charter flights from Durban airport and luxury 4×4 rentals along Route A1 between Johannesburg/Durban/Cape Town, which will take about 24 hours, depending on how fast you drive during your stay here.
Visit The Bazaruto Archipelago
Bazaruto Archipelago is an archipelago of five islands in the Bazaruto Sea, Mozambique. It is a popular tourist destination off the coast of Mozambique. The islands are known for their beaches and snorkeling opportunities.
Go to Cape Town city
It’s a beautiful city, with a rich history and many attractions. Cape Town is the second most visited city in South Africa, with over 4 million tourists visiting each year. Mother City is known for its natural beauty and scenic views along Table Mountain or Devil’s Peak, to name just two of its famous landmarks.
Many museums can be visited on your trip to Cape Town, including the beautifully-restored V&A Waterfront Museum, which will take you back to history when this was initially built as an industrial facility during the 19th century. There are also some interesting art exhibitions at various venues around town, such as Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, where you can see exotic plants from all over Southern Africa showcased within their gardens’ glasshouses!
Go to Fish River Canyon Nature Reserve
The Fish River Canyon is a nature reserve near the town of Knysna in the Western Cape of South Africa. It was established in 1998 and covered over 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres).
The park offers various activities, such as hiking and bird watching, to visitors who want to spend time here. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking on the river or even take guided tours along its banks if they prefer not to experience it alone. The park has several campsites available for those who prefer sleeping outdoors at The Fish River Canyon Nature Reserve; there are also cabins available where guests can stay overnight if they wish!
The best time of year for visiting this destination would be between November-March when temperatures are lower than their maximum levels during summertime months – though these may vary depending on location within South Africa, so please check before booking yourself into one! Regarding cost, prices start at around R400 per person per night ($40 US Dollars), with discounts offered depending upon the length of stay booked.
Feel Happy at Lake Malawi National Park
Lake Malawi is the second largest lake in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to over 500 species of fish, including some found nowhere else on Earth. The lake also has many unique bird species, including pelicans and ducks that feed on fish at night.
Lake Malawi National Park is one of the best places in Southern Africa for seeing wildlife such as hippopotamus, crocodiles, and other animals that call this area home.
Conclusion
With so much to see in Southern Africa, it is no wonder that this region has become a popular tourist destination. The beauty of these natural wonders and the warm welcome you’ll receive from local people will make your visit here unforgettable.
