Regional Focus

On safari in Southern Africa, there will undoubtedly be a host of wonders to see. Each day offers a new peek into a colorful fabric of culture, history, spectacular landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. For the ultimate Southern Africa experience, any combination of these locations is guaranteed to please.

1. Private Wildlife Reserves – Greater Kruger Park, South Africa

The best-known wildlife area of South Africa, Kruger features some of the densest populations of large mammals — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, zebra, giraffe and more — and many of its finest private wildlife reserves, such as Sabi Sand.

2. Apartheid Museum – Johannesburg, South Africa

If you have a day in Johannesburg, this powerful museum is well worth a visit. The modern, multimedia facility tells the story of the system of racial injustice that systematically segregated South Africa for 46 years.

3. Victoria Falls – Zambia or Zimbabwe

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is the largest sheet of falling water on the planet, spanning more than a mile above the Zambezi Gorge. View it from both the Zambia and Zimbabwe sides of this natural border — our Safari Specialists can determine the best location for your time of year.

4. Savuti Channel – Linyanti Reserve, Botswana

Dry for three decades and flowing again since 2008, the unpredictable Savuti Channel is an important water source for resident wildlife. The region is home to migrating zebra that are stalked by lion, leopard and cheetah, and large concentrations of elephant. It is also a wild dog haven and magnificent birding area.

5. Okavango Delta – Botswana

This large inland delta sustains life in an otherwise arid desert, the Kalahari. The delta’s waters provide nourishing habitat to a variety of antelope, predators such as big cats, wild dog and smaller carnivores, as well as Africa’s giants — elephant, giraffe, eland, buffalo and more.

6. Cape Peninsula – Cape Town, South Africa

Stretching from Table Mountain to the Cape of Good Hope at its southern tip, the Cape Peninsula provides a stunning experience of coastal mountain scenery and marine wildlife such as the African penguin, Cape fur seal, dolphins, and seasonal whales and sharks.

7. Franschhoek – Cape Winelands, South Africa

A scenic 45-minute drive from Cape Town, Franschhoek (Afrikaans for “French corner”) is a scenic valley best known for its wine, food and chocolate, but worth visiting for its beautiful landscapes and charming architecture above all.

Can’t choose? See all of these areas on the 13-day Epic South Africa & Botswana safari with a Cape Town extension, or choose the 21-day Ultimate Southern Africa safari.

Images © Caroline Culbert, Wilderness Safaris, Delaire Graff