Top 2024 African Destinations: What’s Hot & New
The treasures of East and Southern Africa are at the vanguard of this breathtaking domain, and in 2024, the fascination of the African continent is stronger than ever. All around the world, every area provides a unique experience. Every step you take as you travel between lodges, reserves, and nations weaves a new tapestry of African viewpoints. What’s hot in Africa? Beautiful nature envelops you in East Africa, where well-known safari locations offer an abundance of sightings, ranging from the much anticipated Great Migration of zebras and wildebeests in Kenya and Tanzania to mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda. You can take a walking safari with the Maasai or Samburu, who are dressed in vibrant fabrics and elaborate beadwork, led by natives who narrate stories about the region. Great deserts like the Namib and Kalahari await you, with premier wildlife reserves like Botswana’s Chobe and South Africa’s Kruger National Park, welcoming visitors seeking the Big 5 and infrequent sightings of wild dogs. Discover South Luangwa while you take in the splendour of Zambia’s and Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls. Or come to the end of your adventure at Cape Town, where the world’s best red wines are waiting for you in the Cape Winelands, a region of immaculate vineyards and wine estates. What’s New in Africa? #1 Fresh Safari Lodges, Camps, and Island Getaways Top pick: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania The Serengeti Explorer puts you in one of Tanzania’s most stunning settings, overlooking the plains of the Serengeti, perched high atop the Nyaboro Hills in the south-central part of the Serengeti National Park. You will be at one of the greatest spots to witness the Great Migration from here. The park offers plenty of thrilling wildlife encounters, including game drives that give you the best chance to view the Big 5 (elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, and buffalo)! #2 Tawana Top Pick: Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana Nestled in the breathtaking Moremi Game Reserve, Tawana is Natural Selection’s most recent spectacular newly built camp. Around 40% of the Okavango Delta is covered by the 5,000 km² (1,931 mi²) game reserve, which gives visitors to Tawana access to the best that Botswana’s northern wilderness ecosystems have to offer. Moremi is home to over 400 different types of birds and abundant in savannah game! There are also the Big 5, with the reintroduced white rhino completing the group. At the lodge, multiple modern suites include a blend of regionally inspired and contemporary design elements. Every suite has complete access to an outdoor sala, plunge pool, and private terrace. Indulge in a spa treatment, swim a few laps in the 16-meter pool, or explore Tawana’s walk-in wine cellar. Tawana, located in the Moremi Game Reserve, guarantees visitors a singular and remarkable experience! Conclusion Every destination offers the height of luxury, with 5-star lodges and award-winning hotels providing unmatched service. Every day will fill you with possibilities and experiences waiting to be discovered. As you get your passports ready for an African adventure in 2024, be prepared for the trip of a lifetime. Which of the top picks would you make part of your next African Adventure?
In Eswatini you can go whitewater rafting
In 1991, white water rafting was first brought to Eswatini, with the Great Usutu River serving as the venue for the inaugural event. Currently, only the Swazi Trails are in charge of planning the white water rafting excursions to the many rafting locations throughout the nation. Comparing white water rafting in nearby Mozambique and South Africa, Eswatini is thought to offer the greatest. The main river in Eswatini is the Usutu River, which rises in South Africa, a neighboring country. It travels through the nation until it meets the ocean in the Big Bend, a popular tourist destination that you should see while you’re there. For more than 20 years. There is no set time of year that visitors would prefer to go white water rafting in Eswatini; however, it is also a good idea to check with the authorities beforehand to make sure the water levels are ideal, as low water makes it almost impossible to enjoy the activity. What you should know about Eswatini white water rafting Rafting may be significantly impacted by the seasonal fluctuations in river levels.You are encouraged not to bring any valuables with you as you may lose most of them, as all the equipment needed for rafting is given. You may receive a return for a portion of the money you paid if you cancel the trip at least three weeks in advance; otherwise, you may not receive a refund.To engage in white water rafting, you do require prior experience. Along the Usutu River, whitewater rafting The largest and longest river in Eswatini, the Usutu, is also the site of the country’s original occurrence of the activity. There are grade II and grade IV water rapids there that tourists who enjoy high-adrenaline sports are just itching to test out. There are also several grade V rapids that you can attempt, but these require only the most experienced rapid-takers due to their extraordinary difficulty. Along the Usutu River, there are two crocs that are typically used for white water rafting. A minimum of two persons are taken in each croc, therefore if you are less than two, no white water rafting will be scheduled for you. At the Komati River, whitewater rafting When the water levels are exceptionally high, the Maguga dam is turned off, which has a significant impact on white water rafting at the Nkomati River. This is done to keep water from flooding the neighboring houses and gardens of the residents. The water levels drop when it is closed off, making white water rafting more difficult. However, once the dam is opened, Eswatini’s white water rafting becomes the ideal experience. Because it is very safe for all participants, white water rafting in Eswatini is typically done in a favorable setting, so you don’t need to worry about your safety.
Africa’s Top Travel Destinations for 2024
Travel throughout Africa increased dramatically in the past year, to the point where air travel is almost at prepandemic levels. Travelers stayed long after peak season in renowned places like Cape Town and Zanzibar, while safari camps from South Africa to Kenya were fully filled. What does this signify for the upcoming year? New air routes are opening up parts of the continent that were previously inaccessible, popular events and festivals are encouraging travelers to visit areas they may not have previously considered, and a wave of eagerly awaited luxury resorts—many of which were in the works long before the pandemic ground them—are finally prepared to open. Yes, we’re excited about a number of exciting safari camps that are in the works, from famous locations in Botswana to a lesser-known park in Mozambique. Johannesburg, South Africa Johannesburg was founded on a spirit of uncontrolled optimism and tenacious resolve, akin to that of a gold rush. And despite the city’s struggles with social injustice and infrastructure, it’s hard to miss the upbeat energy pulsing through South Africa’s economic capital. This is demonstrated by the booming restaurant industry, which is quickly challenging Cape Town for supremacy. In 2023, the popular Cape restaurant Pot Luck Club and the Instagram-worthy British café EL&N London opened their first African locations, respectively. Make reservations for a meal at Gigi, the newest venture from renowned local chef Besele Moses Moloi, for a more continental gastronomic experience. Base yourself in Rosebank, an artistic neighborhood, where the posh Park Hyatt Johannesburg—designed by Yabu—will open in late 2024. Mozambique Mozambique, a Southern African gem renowned for its 1,500 miles of immaculate coastline, extensive terrestrial wildernesses, and lively Afro-Portuguese culture, will reemerge in 2024, despite the violence and COVID-19 that have temporarily stifled it in recent years. The most well-known example of the nation’s comeback on the mainland is found in Gorongosa National Park, where rewilding initiatives have increased the number of large mammals by over 700 percent between 2008 and 2018, giving this enchanted land of fever trees and winding rivers newfound ecological and commercial hope. Firsthand witness the success story of conservation from the comforts of Muzimu Lodge, the park’s first and only opulent tented camp. In 2024, the lodge will officially open, and a brand-new walking safari-fly camp. If finances are limited, consider traveling to Ponta Membene in the south. There, 24 brand-new self-catering chalets are ideally situated on a spit of coastal dune forest, less than three hours from Maputo. Additionally, e-bike coastal safaris, which are presently in the trial phase, aim to increase accessibility to the breathtaking Maputo National Park. Last but not least, intrepid visitors have the option to continue Anderson Expeditions’ life-altering seven-night safari in the Niassa Special Reserve, where they will follow wildlife (by foot, game drive, and canoe) within a private concession under the guidance of one of the best guides in the business. The expedition, which is assisting the Mpopo Trails Camp of the Niassa Carnivore Project, is a symbol of sustainable, locally-driven tourism in the future. The upcoming debut of Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira, which will provide 40 pool villas on a secluded island sanctuary with views of the sea and opportunities for snorkeling with. Okavango Delta, Botswana Proceed. Now leave. You’ll be spoiled for choice right now if you’ve always wanted to visit Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where yearly floodwaters turn barren dunes into a delicate web of sparkling canals. Surge in demand and aggressive development of community-owned concessions have resulted in a plethora of new lodges throughout the largest inland delta in the world. In the Delta, water means wealth, and African Bush Camps (ABC) inaugurated the riverfront Khwai Lediba last year. Still, the star of the show is Atzaro Okavango, who will make his debut in March 2024: With 10 rooms overlooking the lagoon that promise outstanding levels of Delta elegance and a strong feeling of location via design—both hallmarks of the Icon portfolio—it’s the third Icon camp in the Delta for ABC. St. Helena With less than 4,500 residents, St. Helena is a volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean and a British overseas territory roughly the size of Walt Disney World in Orlando. Once you arrive, there’s a wealth of history to explore. The Dutch later claimed St. Helena, which was uninhabited when the Portuguese arrived in 1502, and it later became a British dominion. The island’s current inhabitants, known as Saints, have ancestors from China, Madagascar, India, and West Africa in addition to Britain. Tours cover the history of the island, including the enslavement of Africans and Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile and demise. The Mantis St. Helena, located in the island’s historic capital of Jamestown, continues to be the most stylish hotel. From December to March, whale sharks come to St. Helena’s crystal-clear waters; tour companies like Sub-Tropic Adventures provide tours where guests can swim alongside these gentle monsters of the sea. Turtles and devil rays can be spotted by snorkelers, and scuba divers can explore a number of wrecks.
Beautiful places to visit in Africa
Mozambique, why you should visit it. There are tranquil islands and historic settlements along the coastline. You may see traditional silversmithing in Ibo, embark on a safari in the Niassa Reserve, and snorkel with colorful reef species in Bazaruto.Another choice is to relax on a solitary beach in the country’s biggest city or discover the Afro-Mediterranean flavor of Maputo’s lively markets.You will surely have a terrific time in Maputo for a number of reasons, regardless of why you are visiting. Mozambique’s cuisine, music, and artwork all showcase the country’s rich cultural legacy.Another option is to explore the Afro-Mediterranean flavor of Maputo’s vibrant markets or unwind on a lonely beach in the nation’s largest city.Whatever your motivations for traveling to Maputo, you will undoubtedly have a great time there for a variety of reasons. Mozambique’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its food, music, and artwork. South Africa The Travelling Experience You’re likely to hear ten different replies if you ask ten different South Africans what, in their opinion, would make a vacation experience feel real and authentic. It could be a safari in the jungle or a gastronomic tour of different cultures, but for some it will be a chance to get back in touch with nature in a place they’ve never been before. You’re likely to hear ten different replies if you ask ten different South Africans what, in their opinion, would make a vacation experience feel real and authentic. It could be a safari in the jungle or a gastronomic tour of different cultures, but for some it will be a chance to get back in touch with nature in a place they’ve never been before. Consider excursions like white-water rafting, zip-lining, and shark cage diving—South Africa offers a plethora of experiences that are unmatched elsewhere. Some people have a preference for going to historical and cultural places, such as the Cradle of Humankind or the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town. The oldest structure still standing in South Africa, the castle was built in 1679 and has served as the hub of political, military, and civilian life in the Cape and the country ever since. The Cradle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It got its name from being the first place where evidence of our ape-like ancestors was found. These experiences are exclusive to this nation and will introduce you to fresh historical information. Tanzania offers genuinely something for every type of traveler. Mount Kilimanjaro The highest peak in Africa, Kilimanjaro, is situated in northeastern Tanzania and is visible from a great distance into Kenya. For the Chagga people of the area and everyone who has settled nearby, the mountain is a symbol of a vital life force that offers abundant clean spring waters and fertile volcanic soils for farming. Kilimanjaro is not the most remote or difficult mountain—75,000 people climb it annually—but it is nonetheless an amazing site to behold and is strongly recommended for anyone with even the slightest interest in mountaineering. The Crater of Ngorongoro The Ngorongoro Crater, the biggest intact volcanic caldera in the world and home to an amazing variety of animal species, is a jewel in Tanzania’s crown and a “must do” for any traveler to the country. When you witness the animals meander across the grasslands on the crater floor in the direction of the lake, the crater walls provide an amazing backdrop for some breathtaking photos. Kenya has more than 50 of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Wonder at the Mara The yearly migration of 1.5 million wildebeest and their escort of zebra, antelope, and predators makes the Masai Mara home to the “greatest wildlife show on earth.” Because of the exceptional quality of its game watching, the Masai Mara continues to be Kenya’s most well-known reserve. Large numbers of elephant, lion, giraffe, hippo, and plains game can be seen here in a single morning, along with incredible sightings like a lone cheetah perched on a termite mound, a leopard perched on a tree, or a family of warthogs high-tailing it across the savannah. Since walking is prohibited, you should visit one of the numerous private conservancies that encircle the reserve if you want to hike across the Greater Mara Spectral in Gedi The ruins of the thirteenth-century village of Gedi lie on the silver-blue Swahili coastline, just north of Watamu. The town’s residents are said to have abandoned it as cannibals approached. Presently, it is a charming ruin with crumbling marketplaces, palaces, mosques, and alleys all buried in the thick coastal forest, where colobus monkeys with silky cloaks preen. However, for many ages, people have warned that individuals who stay up too late are followed by a dark presence when the sun sets. Mine with the elephants Perched amidst the foggy hills of western Kenya, Mount Elgon is a soaring volcanic monolith, adorned with intricate caverns filled with bats and frequented by the renowned “troglodyte” elephants that come to extract salt. This area, which consists of untamed moors, deep woodlands, and imposing basalt cliffs, is as remote as it gets. It’s perfect for both leisurely strolls and demanding hikes. The most well-known cave, Kitum, can be explored with a guide, so be sure to email designafrique ahead of time to make arrangements.
Botswana Travel Guide
Allow your creativity to flourish. One of the greatest places on earth to experience nature, wildlife, and breathtakingly gorgeous landscapes is Botswana. This nation provides countless chances for exploration and adventure, from the stunning rivers and deltas to the well-known Kalahari Desert, which is vast and arid. Explore the immense splendor of the well-known Chobe National Park in Botswana, which is home to the largest concentration of elephants in Africa. Savor experiences like thrilling river cruises, superb game drives, outstanding birdwatching, and breathtaking photo ops. Discover Savute, a secluded and untamed area of Chobe National Park that reaches the Linyanti River and the park’s northern borders. The pristine Okavango Delta awaits you on the next leg of your journey. Known as “the river that never finds the sea,” the crystalline channels with their papyrus-fringed banks and lush floating islands crisscross the Kalahari’s thirstlands. Explore Botswana on a Bushmen Walk Joining a local San Bushman for a walk through the Kalahari landscape can give you a unique perspective on the culture and profound understanding of the land that these aboriginal people possess. Storytellers, scientists, anthropologists, and general travelers all have a great deal of admiration and curiosity for the San bushmen of the Kalahari. Because of this widespread belief, strolling with the San is an exciting opportunity to learn about some of humanity’s most inventive survival techniques. The walk is a tactile exploration that includes food tastings (such as berries and fire-roasted beetles) and hands-on activities like dancing, fire-making, hunting, and medicine-making. Safaris on the Water in the Delta One of the most tranquil experiences you will ever have is riding a mokoro. As you glide along silently, your guide will point out gorgeous lilies, small painted reed frogs, and goliath herons. Hippos need not fear—the poler gently taps the side of the mokoro to alert them to the approaching human presence! It’s the classic “vehicle” for game viewing in the Okavango Delta, bringing you closer to the creatures in “the Venice of safari.” Kala Camp, which is located in the lovely permanent wetlands of the northern Okavango, provides a traditional water safari experience all year round. Central Kalahari Game Reserve This remote spot is the second largest in the world, and it’s enormous. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve, which is made up of dunes, sparse deserts, ancient salt pans, and fossilized river valleys, never ceases to amaze tourists with its expansive terrain and the adaptability of the local wildlife. This reserve is rich in history, having been the ancestral home of the San Bushmen. If you know where to look, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is full of hidden treasures, like elephants and lions that have adapted to live in the desert.To make the most of this amazing place, it is advised that you explore this game reserve on a small group safari due to its remote location and vast land area. Experience the Greatest Views of Predators In Botswana A lot of grass indicates a lot of antelope. The largest crocodiles in Africa can be discovered where zebras, deer, and other animals come together to drink. Capable of remaining motionless for extended periods, they induce a false sense of security in their victims before swiftly striking them. Photographers take note: crocs never warn you when they’re going to move, and they have a strange way of doing something exciting right when you’re taking a sip of water or changing lenses. You’ll have to be alert around them. Go to Chobe; the luxuriant riverbanks and deep water make it ideal croc ecosystem. The impressive thing about the predators in Botswana is not just their size, but also the groups they inhabit. Among the largest in Africa are the lions of the well-known Marsh Pride in the Savuti region of Chobe. They are incredibly strong hunters who have taken down elephants thanks to years of hard hunting in dense marshland and deep water. However, lions are fascinating even when they’re not hunting, which usually occurs late at night when you’re wrapped up in bed. With regular sightings of leopards, Moremi Game Reserve is the place to be for big cat enthusiasts. Remarkably, this is the only area of the World Heritage Site Okavango Delta that is formally protected. Of course, if you’re extremely fortunate, you might even see young leopards and lions learning how to survive in the wide world. Of all the cats, lions are the most gregarious, and their playful interactions can easily engross you.
Zimbabwe Travel Guide For Tourist
Zimbabwe is a one-of-a-kind and fascinating safari site that is popular among safari “regulars.” Zimbabwe is making a resurgence as one of the finest African safari locations, offering reasonable value, uncrowded safaris, and magnificent, distant wildlife experiences. It was often ignored due to the political upheaval of the last decade. HIGHLIGHTS Victoria Falls, in Zimbabwe’s far northwestern corner, is by far the most popular tourist destination. Magnificent Victoria Falls The magnificent Victoria Falls, often known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (or “the smoke that thunders”), is a majestic curtain waterfall on the Zambezi River that separates Zimbabwe from its northern neighbor, Zambia. The falls are also accessible from the Zambian side, however the view from the Zimbabwean side is often superior. Victoria Falls is known as Africa’s adventure capital and is frequently paired with safaris in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, or even South Africa. Whitewater rafting, bridge leaping, bungee jumping, flying fox, helicopter and microlight flights are among the adrenaline-pumping sports, while sunset river cruises, fishing trips, and traditional village tours are among the more mild pursuits. Zimbabwean Safari Route The “Milk Run” safari circuit in Zimbabwe is a triangular route that connects Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and Bumi Hills or Lake Kariba. Because of their proximity to Victoria Falls, the western and northern parts of the country are the most well-known safari destinations, making them more accessible than some of the more remote parks, such as Gonarezhou in the country’s far south-eastern corner. Hwange National Park The largest and most popular park in Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is a Big 5 safari destination, known for its huge herds of elephants and buffalo which congregate at the waterholes in the dry season. At 14,600 km², it offers a variety of scenery, game (over 100 mammal species) and vegetation which ranges from the semi-desert scrub in the south to forests, granite hills and mopane woodlands to the north. Hwange is one of the easiest game reserves to get to and its safari lodges offer day and night game drives and often, walking safaris. Gonarezhou National Park The next biggest national park to Hwange, Gonarezhou National Park is remote and, therefore, the least developed and most untouched. It borders Mozambique’s Limpopo National Park and South Africa’s Kruger National Park to make up the vast Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park wilderness area. It is a Big 5 destination but the wildlife can be skittish and shy as they’re not used to humans. However, birding is excellent. You’re likely to see large elephant herds, and the less common antelopes like nyala, roan and sable, and even some wild dogs. Mana Pools National Park Over the millennia, the mighty Zambezi River has carved for itself a series of valleys, islands, channels, sandbanks and ox-bow lakes. Thanks to the mineral-rich ancient volcanic soils, the vegetation is lush and plentiful, making Mana Pools a wildlife haven – and a wealth of big game is attracted to its floodplains. The area is perfect for both canoe safaris and hiking safaris. At Mana, you’re likely to encounter big cats, large herds of buffalo and elephants and resident packs of wild dogs as well as the large antelope like kudu, eland and waterbuck. The rivers are alive with crocodiles and hippos. Birding is superb, especially in the dry season when the migrant birds return. Matobo Hills National Park Easily accessible – a thirty-minute drive from Bulawayo, Matobo Hills offers dramatic scenery with its imposing granite boulders, seemingly thrown down at odd angles by angry giants in prehistoric times. It’s an area steeped in ancient history and folklore. Superb examples of bushmen rock art can be seen, it’s a sacred site of the proud Ndebele people and it’s where you’ll find the grave of Cecil Rhodes, carved into a high rock outlook at ‘World’s View’. You may see white rhino, leopard (supposedly Africa’s most prolific concentration of leopard) and black eagles. Unfortunately, no lions or elephants remain in this reserve. Matusadona National Park When the Kariba Dam was built in the late 1950s, much of the Zambezi Valley was flooded, resulting in Lake Kariba; one of the world’s largest man-made lakes. Matusadona National Park was established on its southern shores to cater for the wildlife displaced in the process. Today, there are many excellent safari lodges and houseboats on its shores, offering game drives, bush walks and boat and canoe safaris to explore its vast expanse. Matusadona is a Big 5 national park. It has the largest concentration of lions as well as white and black rhino and many of the larger antelope. The birdlife is prolific and the African fish eagle is a common resident. Climate and when to visit Zimbabwe has a warm, subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The rainy season is in the summer, from November to April, and some lodges are closed during this time. Halfway through the rainy season, the water level of the Zambezi River starts to rise, so that its peak flow is from March to June. This affects destinations like Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba and to some extent even Mana Pools National Park. October is the hottest month of the year, and the dry season is from May to October. The peak of the dry season, from July to October, is the most popular time to be on safari and the best time to visit Zimbabwe. During this time, the days can be nice and warm but the nights can be cold. Please take a look at our detailed travel calendar showing the best time to visit Victoria Falls. Safety in Zimbabwe Zimbabweans are peace-loving and friendly people, and they receive visitors with warmth and enthusiasm. Even at the height of the political turmoil and economic instability (around 2008), tourist regions like Victoria Falls were safe to visit and largely unaffected by politics. By and large, the country’s tourist regions and national parks remain peaceful, safe and unaffected by the political challenges the country has faced. Tourist numbers are on the rise again, and once-struggling lodges and businesses are starting to flourish. We have
Why Go on a Malawi Vacation?
Lakes, Landscapes, Wildlife & Culture One of Africa’s smallest yet most beautiful countries, Malawi is a true hidden gem and possibly the continent’s most underrated travel destination. A common theme found among travellers who arrive in Malawi have left the country singing its praises. The Southern African country is famous for its smiling, friendly people, and its slow and easy approach to life, as well as its extraordinary freshwater lake and its exceptional natural scenery. Malawi’s inherent likeability has earned it the moniker, ‘Warm Heart of Africa’. It’s this magnetism that makes holidays to Malawi an unforgettable experience for first-timers to Africa and seasoned safari-goers alike. Malawi vacations have so much to offer visitors. Animal lovers can encounter the immense marine life in Lake Malawi and the diverse wildlife in the game reserves. Nature lovers will get to soak up breathtaking views of the untouched forests, pristine beaches, and tranquil water of the lake. While those with an adventurous spirit will love taking on a wide variety of activities, including sailing, snorkelling, and kayaking. And with Go2Africa’s ability to craft tailor-made Malawi tours, you can have the vacation of your dreams. The Tiny Country with the Big Heart – Malawi Despite its diminutive size in comparison to other African nations, Malawi frequently attracts travelers seeking a tranquil vacation in a stunning, untouched region of the globe. It is renowned for having kind, smiling residents. Most notably, this landlocked nation is well-known for Lake Malawi, an incredible freshwater lake. A relaxed beach vacation is ideal, thanks to the calm islands and crystal-clear waters. While bird watching, hiking, mountain biking, and game viewing are among the activities available in Malawi’s 11 national parks and wildlife reserves. Here are 3 reasons to visit Malawi. 1. Lake Malawi The southernmost lake in the East African Rift system is Lake Malawi, also known as Lake Nyasa, an African Great Lake. By volume, it is the third-biggest freshwater lake in Africa and the fifth largest in the world (after Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika). The lake has a central depression that extends to a depth of more than 700 meters. It measures about 570 kilometers in length and 75 kilometers at its widest point. (If you need more context, consider that Lake Malawi is home to about 7% of all surface freshwater on Earth.) It is located between Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique. There is ongoing dispute over the precise location of Tanzania’s international boundary, which has frequently resulted in diplomatic spats. 2. Bush and Beach The Nyika Plateau is Malawi’s largest National Park that boasts a stunning afro-montane plateau with plenty of plains game to view. Watch out for zebra, Roan antelope, eland, and bushpig. In addition, there are 400 species of birds and over 200 orchid species to look out for. This is a truly superb environment for mountain biking in the bush! 3. Birding Although several African nations declare themselves to be birdwatcher’s paradise, Malawi might take first place. The great diversity of birds is supported by its variety of habitats, which include wetlands, lakes, forests, and Afro-montane highlands. It boasts an astounding 650 species of birds, many of which are hard to view in other parts of the world. Birds of prey such as Brown-breasted Barbet, Fiery-necked and Gabon Nightjars, Brown-backed Night Heron, Rufous-bellied Heron, Long-toed Lapwing, Dickinson’s Kestrel, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Palmnut Vulture, Osprey, and Calling African Barred Owlets are among the special birds. Therefore, if you are an avid birdwatcher, Malawi is unquestionably somewhere you should put on your bucket list.
South Africa travel guide
What to do, where to stay Why you’ll love it South Africa is the type of place people visit for the first time and quickly realise they’ve allotted way too little time. While it’s most famous for Cape Town and Big Five safaris, there’s so much more. The Drakensberg mountains form the highest points of the country and are criss-crossed by hiking trails. You can also horse ride, explore sites of ancient rock art, or just enjoy the view from your hotel. In the Western Cape, there are scores of wine farms within easy reach of Cape Town — and along the coast it’s common to spot southern right whales on their migration from Antarctica from June to October. While South Africa is most famous for Cape Town and Big Five safaris, there’s so much more Over on the eastern coast, there are Indian Ocean beaches, world-class surf breaks and wildlife-rich diving spots. Johannesburg is a frenetic, diverse city that leads the way in style; Cape Town’s appeal is its staggeringly beautiful setting. For a retreat from city life, the inland Great Karoo semi-desert sprawls across roughly 40 per cent of the country with old wooden windpumps standing amid vast dusty plains and rugged rolling hills. What to do For many, Cape Town is the first port of call. It offers Table Mountain hikes, wine farm visits, fine-dining restaurants, scenic drives along coastal roads and trips to see the resident penguin colony. Visit Robben Island, the offshore prison that held anti-apartheid activists including Nelson Mandela. Rent a car in Cape Town and take a few days to drive east along the scenic Garden Route, stopping at beaches and rural guesthouses along the way. There are single or multiday hikes all over the country and well-equipped campsites throughout. Watch whales breaching, cage-dive with great white sharks and freedive in the kelp forests of the Western Cape. Over on the Indian Ocean east coast, you can dive with shoals of tropical fish or, for the adventurous, follow the annual Sardine Run and the resulting predator drama. Pick your kind of safari: self-drive through Kruger National Park, soak up the stillness of the Kalahari, fly-camp on a walking safari or stay at one of the finest luxury lodges in Africa — where you can watch elephants quench their thirst at a waterhole, sip a G&T in the bush as the sun sets, and listen to lions roaring in the night. Where to stay As a country with a well-established tourism industry — for international and domestic travellers — you won’t struggle with accommodation. In Cape Town, you’ll find the full range of offerings, from award-winning luxury hotels to vibey backpackers and great-value Airbnbs; the Cape winelands also have a slew of plush hotels, as well as characterful boutiques and comfy cottages. Johannesburg and Durban offer almost as much choice; SA’s three largest cities are destinations in their own rights as well as jumping-off points to explore the rest of the country. You’ll find the swankiest safari properties in private reserves around Kruger National Park, while Kruger itself has lots of self-catering, camping and mid-range options. Other major safari destinations have a similar set-up, though fewer properties. In and around most national parks, there are camping and cottage facilities — for wild camping, look to wilderness reserves (make sure you know where you’re going and prepare for changeable conditions). Along the Western Cape coast, there are several fancy ocean-view hotels; the accommodation gets more rustic — not necessarily a bad thing — as you continue east. In most rural tourism areas, you’ll find cute family-run guesthouses, backpackers (for all ages and types of travellers) and self-catering cottages, plus the occasional high-end lodge in its own private nature reserve. Don’t miss The Cederberg Wilderness Area is three hours north of Cape Town and often overlooked by international tourists. For outdoorsy folk, it’s a dazzling playground of craggy mountains, burnt-orange rock, single-track trails and inky-dark night skies. You can hike, trail run or mountain bike; make sure you have a map as there’s no signal up here (and that’s part of the appeal). As a wilderness area, you can wild camp in the mountains — hire companies in Cape Town can provide all the gear. There are also campsites with braai (barbecue) facilities, washrooms and electricity, and lots of guesthouses and self-catering cottages if canvas isn’t your thing. There are a couple of luxury hotels for those who want to explore in comfort, including the longstanding Bushmans Kloof, which is in its own private reserve with some well-preserved examples of rock art. The Cederberg is a hotspot for rock art by the San (sometimes known as Bushman) or Khoi, the indigenous peoples of Southern Africa; a local community-based tourism project has sought to protect this heritage and has trained a number of excellent guides. When to visit The best time to visit South Africa very much depends on what you want to do. If you’re planning a safari to Kruger, June to September is best — this is the dry winter season with low bush coverage, making it easier to spot wildlife. If the Western Cape is on your radar then aim instead for December to February. This part of the country has a Mediterranean climate, which means it’s dry during the summer months and wet during winter. Also worth making a note of is the festivals and events across the country, which you might want to time your visit for.