Safari: The Countries
South Africa - ‘A world in one country’
The southernmost country on the African continent has a coastline that stretches for 3000km from the border of Mozambique in the east, to Namibia in the south west. There are 11 regional languages but English is widely spoken. South Africa has a superb system of National Parks, Game Reserves and Nature Reserves. Protection of the numerous species of wildlife is excellent. One may see lion, elephant, white and black rhino, giraffe, many species of antelope and smaller predators in easily accessible reserves throughout the country. Highlights include Kruger National Park, Zululand, Golden Gate, Knysna, the Garden Route, Cape Town and Table Mountain.
Namibia - ‘The land of contrast’
Untarnished wilderness, horizons that expand to infinity, abundant wildlife, intriguing cultures and the inimitable Namib desert - truly a land of contrast. Namib means ‘vast open place’ in the language of the Nama people. This vast, arid land has spectacular scenic attractions and interesting game parks. The reserves cover 13% of the country. Highlights include Etosha National Park, Damaraland, Kaokoland, Cape Cross Seal Colony, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert.
Botswana - ‘The gem of Africa’
Botswana is one of Africa’s great wildlife destinations with more than 100,000km2 devoted to Game Reserves and National Parks. Over 80% of Botswana is a semi arid region of grassland or thorn trees with erratic rainfall. The Okavango Delta, Moremi and Chobe stand in stark contrast to the rest of the country - both desert and wetland offering very different experiences. Highlights include the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Savute Marsh, Chobe National Park, the Chobe River, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Nxai Pan National Park and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
Zambia - ‘The real Africa’
Zambia offers some of the finest scenery and game viewing on the African continent. It boasts an impressive population of game and birdlife in the country’s 19 National Parks and 31 Game Management Areas. The name “Zambia” derives from the Zambezi River and a “must” on any traveler’s itinerary when visiting Zambia, is the Lower Zambezi National Park. The mighty Zambezi River forms the southern border of this remote and scenic National Park. Canoeing on the Zambezi is one of the highlights on a visit to Africa. Highlights include Victoria Falls, canoeing the Lower Zambezi, game-viewing in South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Kenya - ‘The classic safari’
Kenya, divided into 4 very different regions, boasts 48 different parks and reserves, as well as 9 marine national parks and reserves, home to a myriad of fish and magnificent coral reefs. The Great Rift Valley is home to 8 exquisite lakes and incredible birdlife. The Central Highlands spreads like a lush mantle over 3 mountain ranges - Mount Kenya, the Aberdares and Mau. The third region is an arid one. Its awesomely rugged terrain is full of a variety of game and crowned by mountain peaks of Marsabit, Mount Kulal, Mount Nyiru and the Ndoto Mountains. Finally there’s the beautiful 480km long coastline, with long stretches of idyllic silver-sanded beaches. A coral reef runs almost the entire length of this area, creating a spectacular underwater world.
Mozambique - ‘The new country’
Mozambique has been developing as a tourist destination once again, especially along the South Coast, particularly Maputo, formerly known as Lourenco Marques, and the islands of Inhaca, Benguerra and Bazaruto. Maputo is an attractive port which still retains much of its Portuguese charm. the largest island in the Gulf of Maputo, is a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches, a mangrove-lined coastline and brightly colored reef. The Bazaruto Archipelagos is a string of small sandy islands, about 20km from the mainland, which have become an up market haven for its unspoilt beauty and marine animals, including East Africa’s last viable population of the endangered dugong.
Malawi - ‘The warm heart of Africa’
Land-locked Malawi is a tranquil, scenic place, renowned for its warm hospitality and its palm-fringed Lake where water sports are enjoyed year-round, especially at Salima and Mangochi Monkey Bay. The Lake is set amongst rolling hills covered with tropical vegetation, some rising steeply from the water. Further into the highlands and plateau of the Northern region one finds some excellent national parks and game reserves where a variety of wildlife roams free. The spectacular Zomba Plateau is another popular tourist destination. The entire plateau is a forest reserve, crossed by clear mountain streams.
Tanzania - ‘Africa’s friendliest country’
Tanzania, is better known for the many parks and reserves in the North, notably the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area and Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. Yet, it also offers some the most untouched game reserves in Africa in the West and South including Selous Game Reserve, the largest game reserve in Africa along with its exotic coast-line and islands. Zanzibar, the romantic paradise isle, about 30km off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, remains wonderfully unspoilt; it’s an idyllic mix of palm-fringed beaches and turquoise sea with a strong Arabic influence. Here, centuries-old sailing dhows still sail its azure waters, ornately carved wooden doors still decorate its homes, and the scent of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg abound, giving Zanzibar the nickname, the ‘Island of Spices’.
Zimbabwe - ‘The mighty Falls’
Zimbabwe offers the magnificence of the Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, along with great wildlife viewing in the Zambezi Valley, Lake Kariba, a huge inland sea adorned with spectacular forests, and Hwange National Park. There’s also the incredible history of past civilisations found in the medieval ruins of Great Zimbabwe, whose massive stone constructions belong to a culture whose roots are lost in the distant past. There are two gateways by which visitors can arrive and depart from the Victoria Falls. The Falls can be accessed via Livingstone Airport located in Zambia or through Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe.
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