The Great South African Safari
Safari means an expedition or caravan. The Great South African Safari takes one through the beautiful natural sites and wildlife sanctuaries located in eight countries viz. South Africa, Malawi, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Swaziland and Lesotho, forming the southern belt of Africa continent; adventure travelers have now abandoned traditional safari sites in Kenya and Tanzania.
South Africa is one of the most popular safari destinations because of its extraordinary diversity with exotic culture, breathtaking wildlife, lush green landscapes, the dry savannas where animals roam freely, the majestic mountains, the eroded clay of the desert that somehow manages to sustain life, and the stifling cities with looming skyscrapers. Over 300 game reserves and national parks make it possible to search out specific animal species or an overview of the natural world. There are cosmopolitan cities, world renowned vineyards, and stunning beaches on the Cape, and the picturesque Garden route which follows the coast between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The two small countries of Swaziland and Lesotho which are virtually embedded in South Africa, and offer unique opportunities in terms of specialized animal species e.g. snakes, rock hyraxes, meerkats, mountain reed bucks in Lesotho; and black and white rhino and facilities for hiking, rafting, horse riding, and cycling through many of the excellent parks which allows close and personal game viewing of a huge variety of wildlife in Swaziland, add another dimension to already varied safari in South Africa.
Botswana has amazing wildlife, the best that Africa can offer, ranging from wildebeest, zebras, rhinos, hippos, white rhinos or square lipped rhinos; and the world’s largest inland Okavango Delta which is unique and most beautiful thing to see as it has abundant flora and fauna. dense reed beds, papyrus grooves, clear waterways, largest concentration of wildlife, many kinds of fish and myriad birds. The north east corner of the country has the lush delta and the extreme north is green where the Moremi and Chobe national parks are.
There is no country in whole of Africa that has its geography so sculptured and determined by Africa’s Great Rift Valley as Malawi. Towering mountains, lush fertile valley floors and enormous crystal-clear lakes are the hallmark of the Rift valley. This is what Malawi is all about. It is little gem of a country in the heart of central Southern Africa. Lake Malawi, third largest in Africa and ninth largest in the world, rolling hills, plateaus, cool misty mountains and much varied scenery, and eleven national parks and reserves make it a worth safari destination.
The Namib Desert of Namibia reputed to be one of the driest places on earth, has the world’s tallest sand dunes, and is yet home to a huge array of fauna and flora. It is also home to a unique species of plant known as Welwitschia which has a lifespan of over 1000 years. The most well known park here is Etosha National Park.
Zambia is home of the modern and Africa’s best walking safaris, particularly in the Luangwa valley; night drives provide the best means for seeing some of the Zambia’s elusive nocturnal species including leopard. Safari industry is very strong with 30% of Zambia under game management.
Zimbabwe’s mighty Zambezi River coupled with superb national parks which harbour immense herds and great game viewing as well as one of the world’s natural wonders — Victoria Falls, put Zimbabwe at or near the top of the African Safari destinations. The Hwange national park is the home to the last great Elephant, buffalo and sable herds.
It is the experience of a lifetime to enjoy gorgeous landscapes and wildlife of the Great South African Safari.
