People return time and time again to Southern Africa because of its amazing diversity. World-class wildlife watching is available, but what truly makes the area unique are the landscapes that serve as the background for your journey. The largest waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls, is one of the main attractions in southern Africa.

Cape Town has the ideal balance of stunning natural surroundings and a hip metropolitan attitude. A raw, unadulterated, and breathtakingly beautiful place for walks and hikes is Maloti-Drakensberg Park. Ten of the best destinations in southern Africa are listed below.

South Africa’s Kruger National Park

One of the biggest game reserves in Africa is Kruger National Park. It is the size of a small country like Wales, at 19,485 km²/7,523 mi². Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the wildlife variety is among the best in Africa. Numerous animals, both large and little, live in this expansive environment in addition to the coveted Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino). The amount of species you will be able to identify will astound you.

However, the quality of wildlife observations is more significant than the quantity. Patients that visit Kruger are frequently given something special as a gift. Perhaps a mother cheetah is teaching her young how to hunt. or a fight between two magnificent kudu bulls. The spotted hyenas, which frequently build their dens in roadside drainage lines, may also be interacting socially.

2. Botswana’s Okavango Delta

One of the biggest inland water systems in the world, the Okavango Delta is a network of lagoons, waterways, and floating islands encircled by the Kalahari Desert. Numerous creatures are drawn to this huge permanent oasis. Predators are always around, and the area is home to many antelope, buffalo, and elephants.

Although Moremi Game Reserve provides great on-land wildlife viewing, I really enjoy exploring the canals in a mokoro (dugout canoe). It’s almost hypnotic to watch the steady, silent passage through the water. Great photo chances, such a hippo yawning or a tiny jacana wandering on water lilies, can be captured from the low-level viewpoint.

3. Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Victoria Falls

You will see why Victoria Falls is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World when you visit. The powerful Zambezi River cascades down more than a hundred meters here, with a width of 1.7 km/1 mi. You will probably be moved by the sheer force of this curtain of streaming water, much as David Livingstone was when he first came here in 1855.

The falls were given its name in honor of Queen Victoria by the Scottish adventurer and missionary Livingstone. Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “the Smoke That Thunders,” is the local term, nevertheless. This term conjures up the overwhelming feeling of being engulfed in the roaring noise and spray mist that envelops this World Heritage Site.

4. South Africa’s Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the best places to visit in southern Africa because of its exciting city life, diverse population, and breathtaking scenery. Enjoy some shopping at the V&A Waterfront, swim with penguins at Boulders Beach, or visit the Castle of Good Hope to discover more about South Africa’s colonial heritage.

The most notable sight in the city is Table Mountain, whose plateau, which is 1 km (0.6 mi) high, provides breathtaking views in every direction. There is a revolving cableway that easily transports you to the summit in five minutes, but the more adventurous can climb up the mountain. Spend the day crossing things off of your bucket list. Enjoy a delicious supper and regional wine at one of the city’s many renowned eateries or vineyards to round off the day.

Namibia’s Sossusvlei 5.

Sossusvlei is the place to go if you want to experience the desert in elegance. The Sossusvlei area, which is situated in the southern Namib desert, offers a breathtaking view of towering red dunes, surreal salt pans, and wildlife that has adapted to the desert. Dead Vlei, a fractured pan with skeleton camel thorn trees puncturing its surface, is the most well-known and picturesque location. At midday, the scene may appear somewhat washed out.

It’s finest in the late afternoon. It is absolutely breathtaking when the red tones of the nearby dunes shine in the last of the sunlight and the shadows spread out across the dry ground. For obvious reasons, there is a dearth of wildlife, yet witnessing a herd of gemsbok traverse the sandy dunes is a unique experience. Despite the area’s remoteness and heat, southern Africa’s excellent roads and resorts make it a wonderfully accessible destination.

6. Zambia’s South Luangwa

Visit South Luangwa National Park if you’re looking for a more in-depth safari experience in southern Africa. It is not just about crossing off the Big Five, even though the majority of the classic safari creatures are present here (the rhino being the primary exception). There is a strong focus on spending time in the jungle and learning about nearly everything, and the guiding is of excellent quality.

Bush hikes are added to the drives by the highly skilled guides. Be ready for the occasional adrenaline boost when you see buffalo, elephants, or any other large predators on foot. South Luangwa is also a fantastic place to drive at night. In one evening, I witnessed a leopard scouting his area, two porcupines scuttling away in the distance, and a caracal leaping on its prey.

7. Malawi’s Lake Malawi

Named after a large, picturesque lake in the Rift Valley, Malawi is a welcoming and undiscovered country. The lake is bordered by sandy coastlines and encircled by tall mountains, giving it the appearance of an inland sea. However, I find that any activity is much simpler and more pleasurable in the warm, serene freshwater than in the ocean.

Here, I enjoy snorkeling a lot. There are a staggering amount of vibrant fish in the lake, the most of which are native to Malawi. Scuba diving is also well-liked, and many lakeside lodgings provide high-quality, reasonably priced training. In Malawi, however, doing nothing is arguably the most pleasurable activity. Eat fresh fruit and fish, read a book, and relax on the beach. Perhaps one day you’ll wake up in time to witness that breathtaking dawn you’ve heard about.

8. Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools NP

For the daring wildlife lover, the isolated and untamed Mana Pools National Park, located on the south bank of the Zambezi River, is an excellent destination. Walking is the best method to explore the park. However, keep in mind that there is a healthy wildlife population nearby and that there is a chance of coming into large creatures.

Trips with canoes are also advised. There are crocodiles and hippos everywhere. One of a river guide’s most crucial abilities is to dodge between them. You may observe anything when you paddle the main river’s tiny canals. One of my most thrilling wildlife experiences was paddling by a pride of lions who were coming to the water to drink.

9. Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago

A tropical island is the best place to truly unwind and escape from it all. Six islands make up the Bazaruto Archipelago, which is protected as a national park off the coast of southern Mozambique. The islands are renowned for their picturesque coastline and five-star resorts. The Indian Ocean’s turquoise waves and sunshine are the main draws for visitors to the white sand beaches.

However, more energetic tourists can also enjoy boat tours, scuba diving, horseback riding, and snorkeling. A dhow trip at sunset is my favorite thing to do here. Since these traditional Swahili boats have been sailing the Indian Ocean for generations, such a tour will transport you back in time.

10. Lesotho and South Africa’s Maloti-Drakensberg Park

South Africa’s uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park and Lesotho’s more isolated Sehlabathebe National Park combine to form Maloti-Drakensberg Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site. In addition to offering amazing hiking opportunities, it safeguards southern Africa’s largest and highest mountain range.

I particularly like overnight walks that allow you to spend the night in one of the many overhangs or natural caves that adorn the slopes. Hiking parties must be completely independent, and navigational proficiency is crucial. Easy day treks to waterfalls and rock art locations are also available from a number of resorts and hotels on the mountain’s foot slopes.