Southern Africa

Many people dream of travelling to Africa one day. Seize the opportunity: spend your next holiday in Southern Africa and discover the magical, captivating facets of its flora and fauna on a tour! The countries are very different from one another and can easily be combined to suit your preferences and interests. Southern Africa comprises South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Swaziland, Malawi and Mozambique. The whole region offers unspoilt nature and breathtaking wildlife. On safari you will encounter the ‘Big Five’, zebras, giraffes, hyenas and penguins. It is not only the wildlife but also the savannahs, deserts, the African bush and the people of these regions that make a voyage of discovery to the southernmost part of the African continent so unforgettable.

Travel to South Africa

Cosmopolitan cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, first-class wine regions such as Stellenbosch and Constantia, chic boutiques and superb cuisine contrast with species-rich savannahs, vast rocky landscapes, beautiful coastlines, wide sandy beaches, national parks teeming with wildlife, warm-hearted people and a wide variety of game and nature reserves.
The country lies at the continent’s southernmost point, Cape Agulhas, between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. The Cape of Good Hope, with the rocky surf of Cape Point, is one of South Africa’s best-known and most popular sights.

With their breathtaking flora and fauna, the country’s national parks exceed every visitor’s expectations. Covering 20,000 km², Kruger National Park is the largest of them. The Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world, offers magnificent views and is also home to the national park of the same name.

No South Africa tour is complete without the Garden Route. This unique natural paradise runs along the Indian Ocean and reaches as far as the semi-desert of the Little Karoo. Thanks to its mild climate and spectacular scenery, the region is a paradise for golfers – and it is also ideal for family holidays. Along Route 62 to Montagu, picturesque mountains and deep forests provide the perfect setting for hiking and climbing excursions. Beyond them, a 1,500-metre-high mountain range separates the fertile coast from the arid semi-deserts. In Oudtshoorn you can visit ostrich farms or explore the Cango Caves.

To round off a South Africa journey along the Garden Route, several malaria-free game parks offer a very special safari experience. They include Addo Elephant National Park and various private reserves such as Kariega, Shamwari and Kwandwe. Watching South Africa’s wildlife at close quarters is an experience you will never forget.

Travel to Namibia

The ‘land of contrasts’ can be visited all year round. The dry season from March to December is ideal for wildlife viewing. But the rainy season has its own appeal, as the vegetation is lusher and the landscapes glow a rich green. In Namibia, diverse wildlife, vast desert landscapes and beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean await you. Namibia is ideally explored independently by hire car.

A safari in Damaraland, home to the rare desert elephants, is another very special experience. Damaraland’s stark landscape holds a powerful fascination and turns into a spectacular play of colours at sunset. Highlights of this region include the Brandberg and the rock art of Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) is green by Namibian standards, links Namibia with neighbouring Botswana and is another fascinating stop on a Namibia safari.

Travel to Botswana

Botswana is unique and overwhelming – on land, on water and in the air. Discover Botswana’s greatest treasure: vast, untouched landscapes as far as the eye can see and a fascinating variety of wildlife. A safari in Botswana is pure adventure, with luxurious accommodation such as Botswana’s lodges and lavish tented camps. The country is one of the most exciting destinations in Southern Africa. With a little luck you will see elephants, hippos and wildebeest. The various big cats also go on the hunt for prey and find shelter from the scorching sun among more than 1000 plant species.

Abundant wildlife and fascinating herds are at home in the famous national parks and game reserves of Moremi, Savuti, Linyanti and Central Kalahari, Nxai Pan and Makgadikgadi. The Chobe region is one of the most extraordinary reserves of all.
The Victoria Falls in the north make an ideal addition to a trip to Botswana. The Kalahari semi-desert in the south, bordered by Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, makes up the largest part of Botswana.

When is the best time to travel to Southern Africa?

Southern Africa can be visited all year round. Thanks to its geographical and climatic diversity, it is a highly rewarding holiday destination in every season. The best time to travel depends on what you would like to do and see. Climatic conditions vary depending on whether you are planning a safari, long hikes, whale watching or city sightseeing. The best time for safaris in Zambia, for instance, is from September to November: after the dry season, many animals gather along the lower Zambezi in search of water. The months from April to September are also highly recommended. The best time to visit Botswana is between June and September, when the weather is pleasant during the day and large herds gather in the Okavango Delta. In the north of South Africa, home to Kruger National Park and the private game reserves, the dry, cool months from June to September are ideal for wildlife viewing. The best time to visit Cape Town and the Garden Route is during the European autumn and winter.

To help you find the ideal time to travel to your chosen destinations in Southern Africa, the voyageplan specialists will be happy to advise you personally.

Why travel to Southern Africa?

Because the southernmost part of the African continent offers a wealth of fascinating countries that are easy to reach with no time difference. There are various ways to tour Southern Africa: independently by hire car, in a small guided group or on a privately guided tour. Fly-in safaris are very popular with travellers who are short on time.

Where can I book a trip to Southern Africa?

The voyageplan travel specialists have extensive expertise based on their own travel experience. Nothing stands in the way of your dream holiday in Botswana, Mozambique or Namibia – to name just a few countries!