Destinations

Southern Africa

Something for every bucket list.

Southern Africa offers some of the most diverse and unique wildlife safari experiences on the continent.

Botswana’s Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta, provides a completely different safari experience. Glide through its serene waterways in a traditional makoro (canoe), offering a peaceful, intimate connection with nature.

Northern regions like Linyanti, Selinda, Kwando, Savute, and Chobe are home to Africa’s largest elephant population.

To the west, Namibia’s stark deserts and Etosha National Park offer some of the most visually striking wildlife safaris. Etosha is renowned for its salt pans and diverse wildlife, particularly its large herds of game gathering at waterholes.

Just north, Zambia and Zimbabwe converge at the majestic Zambezi River and Victoria Falls. Zimbabwe offers exceptional game viewing and, after a challenging decade, a revitalized energy for wildlife conservation.

In South Africa, explore the iconic Kruger National Park and the Eastern Cape for top-notch wildlife viewing. Adding Cape Town, the Winelands, and the Garden Route makes for an exceptional, multifaceted adventure.

highlights

Botswana offers a diverse range of safari experiences, from the Okavango Delta’s floodwaters to the elephant herds of Chobe National Park and the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve. With over 25% of its land dedicated to conservation, Botswana boasts the world’s largest elephant population.

Head northeast, and you’ll encounter the marshes of the Linyanti, Kwando, and Selinda Reserves, alongside Savute, forming a “mini-Okavango” rich with elephants during the dry season. For the more adventurous, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve awaits, a vast wilderness inhabited by the San Bushmen for over 80,000 years.

The Kalahari Desert, covering about 70% of Botswana, is one of the flattest places on earth. The Okavango Delta, part of this vast desert, receives seasonal floodwaters from the Angola Highlands. Here, the African wild dog thrives, with some of the highest pack densities in Africa.

Best Times to Visit

Dry Season (May to October): Best for wildlife viewing, particularly elephants.

Green Season (November to April): Fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and excellent birdwatching.

travel tips

What to Pack: Light, neutral-colored clothing for safaris; warm layers for mornings and evenings.

Local Airports and Transportation: Maun and Kasane are key airports for safari access.

Visa Requirements: Most travelers do not require a visa.

Immunization: Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for certain areas.

luxury experiences

Exclusive safaris in private concessions across Okavango and Chobe.

Helicopter flights over the Okavango Delta or private mobile safaris in the Kalahari.

Must-Have Local Food

Biltong: A dried cured meat snack popular throughout Southern Africa.

How to Say "Hello"

Setswana: “Dumelang”

English: “Hello”

Kalanga: “Mau shuga”

On a private safari, spend the morning in laps of luxury.

Sunrise on the Horizon

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, namibia
24° 46′ 42″ S / 15° 53′ 14″ E

–E. H.

“I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy.”

Travel

40 yrs

Stories

Hwange: the raw beauty of African wilderness.

Hwange National Park, in Zimbabwe, is a haven for wildlife and cultural discovery. Known for its rich biodiversity, the park’s waterholes sustain animals year-round, offering extraordinary viewing opportunities. Iconic encounters include herds of elephants, cheetah brothers on the hunt, and a lion surveying the plains from a tree, each providing unforgettable moments in the wild.

Hwange also showcases the power of conservation and community. Projects like the Community Rhino Conservation initiative protect endangered species while supporting local livelihoods. Visitors can connect with Zimbabwean culture through village visits, schools, and clinics, gaining insight into the region’s resilience and commitment to preservation. For unmatched wildlife and meaningful engagement, Hwange is a must-visit destination.

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Learn more about our mission, our partners, and the benefits of rewilding and responsible travel.

Trusted Since

1983

Outside: desert.
Inside: oasis.

Night Lights

HOANIB VALLEY CAMP, NAMIBIA
19° 16′ 04″ S / 13° 18′ 41″ E

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