Explore Southern Africa

For an unparalleled luxury safari experience in Southern Africa, the prime time to venture out is during the dry season spanning from May to October. This period is particularly enticing as it draws wildlife to concentrated water sources, presenting optimal opportunities for captivating wildlife sightings against a backdrop of lush landscapes. In Southern Africa, the dry season offers a unique blend of favorable weather conditions and wildlife activity, making it an ideal time for luxury safari enthusiasts.

During these months, the weather is typically cooler and drier, ensuring comfortable and pleasant safari experiences. Additionally, the reduced vegetation allows for clearer views and easier wildlife spotting, including iconic species like lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, leopards, and buffalos. Moreover, the dry season coincides with the peak travel period for many luxury safari destinations in Southern Africa, ensuring that visitors can enjoy world-class amenities, exclusive accommodations, and expertly guided tours.

Whether you’re exploring the vast savannas of South Africa, the majestic landscapes of Botswana, or the captivating wildlife reserves of Zambia and Zimbabwe, the dry season presents an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural wonders and luxury offerings of Southern Africa’s safari destinations.

Southern Africa boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The region is home to iconic species such as the Big Five game animals (lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and buffalos), as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species. Visitors to Southern Africa can witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats, showcasing the continent’s extraordinary biodiversity.

Some of the top destinations for wildlife sightings in Southern Africa include:

• Sabi Sands Reserve, South Africa: Known for its exceptional leopard sightings, Sabi Sands offers an immersive safari experience with a high density of wildlife, including the Big Five and a plethora of bird species.
• Okavango Delta, Botswana: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for wildlife, especially during the annual flood season when the delta comes to life. Visitors can spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and an abundance of birdlife while exploring this unique wetland ecosystem.
• Chobe National Park, Botswana: Renowned for its large elephant herds, Chobe National Park also offers sightings of lions, leopards, buffalos, and a diverse range of antelope species. Boat safaris along the Chobe River provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
• Kruger National Park, South Africa: As one of Africa’s largest game reserves, Kruger National Park is home to a vast array of wildlife, including the Big Five, cheetahs, wild dogs, and numerous bird species. The park’s diverse ecosystems provide diverse habitats for a variety of wildlife.
• Etosha National Park, Namibia: Known for its salt pans and waterholes that attract a wide range of wildlife, Etosha National Park offers fantastic game viewing opportunities, including sightings of elephants, rhinos, lions, and plains game.

These destinations, among others in Southern Africa, offer unforgettable wildlife experiences and showcase the region’s natural wonders.

Southern Africa offers numerous premium destinations for luxury safari tours, such as Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Private Reserve in South Africa, Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, and the Etosha Pan in Namibia. South Luangwa National Park in Zambia also comes highly recommended.

Kruger National Park, South Africa:
Boasting 20,000sq km of vast, diversified landscape which extends into Mozambique, and home to more than 20000 mammals, along with hundreds of reptile, bird, and insect species to discover, it’s no wonder why The Kruger National Park is easily one of the first places that comes to mind when planning a safari. Local South Africans often spend weeks at a time exploring the vast expanse, making the absolute most out of all the Kruger National Park has to offer. In fact, safari lovers make several trips to the Kruger because there is so much to see and do that a single trip only scratches the surface of the wild wonders available.

This “diamond in the rough” offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and needs, as well as ease of access by air, making it an ideal choice for both first timers and seasoned explorers alike.

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe:
Once considered the number one destination for a safari in Southern Africa given its high-level management structure and unparalleled game viewing (including lions and even rarer African wild dogs), Hwange National Park has staunchly adapted to meet the needs of an ever-changing natural as well as political landscape. It has survived droughts through rigorous water conservation for both humans and wildlife, plus endured decades-long political struggles.

It’s still well worth the visit as the park offers a wide selection of accommodation choices to fit all budgets, from more affordable options like the Hwange Safari Lodge, to the luxuriously sublime Elephant’s Eye Campground. What’s more, Hwange National Park is close enough to Victoria Falls and Johannesburg for day trips.

Everyone from casual to experienced campers and those who prefer a proper roof over their heads and hot water showers, is guaranteed an unforgettable holiday.

Etosha Pan, Namibia:
Located on a vast salt pan in Northern Namibia, Etosha National Park offers a truly unique travel experience for visitors to the region. Because of its arid climate, the shortage of rain results in wildlife generally spending more time closer to watering holes making them much easier to spot in the wilderness. Etosha National Park is also home to the highest concentration of black rhino in the world, a still critically endangered species, and national treasure to be sure.

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia:
South Luangwa National Park is situated in Northwest Zambia near the Malawian border and is a truly remote location, especially when traveling from the capital city Lusaka. Tourism numbers are considerably low to the park, yet it is widely known for having the highest biodiversity of all the national parks in Zambia, including the Zambezi National Park. Luangwa also caters for walking safaris through the bushveld with expert wildlife guides, making it a truly unique and up-close safari experience.

The options for luxurious accommodations on Southern Africa safari tours are diverse, ranging from private game lodges and tented camps to opulent hotels. There are some prime glamping opportunities, where the luxury of the camps is rivalled only by the richness of the wilderness experience.

Imagine waking up to an African sunrise and rolling out of your 5-star bed to enjoy a morning game drive and breakfast on the savanna. This is yours for the taking when you book your accommodation at one of the many deluxe safari venues in Southern Africa.

Some of the most luxurious options include Singita Boulders Lodge, Royal Malewane, and Mombo Camp, offering world-class amenities and services, such as private plunge pools, spas, and exquisite cuisine.

On a luxury safari tour, visitors can expect to explore diverse terrains such as savannas, wetlands, bushveld, deserts, and forests, providing remarkable and unforgettable journeys of the region’s natural beauty.

The season determines the terrain. Safaris during the wet season can be fresh and green and there’s a good chance you’ll see some babies because many animals give birth during the wet or green season because food is plentiful.

The dry season has a stark beauty of its own, but don’t wait for it to get too dry because game is scarcer when resources, like water, dwindle.

A luxury safari tour offers the opportunity to take in the region’s diverse cultures, such as the Himba people of Namibia, the Zulu of South Africa, and the San of Botswana. Visitors can also enjoy traditional arts, music, dance, and local cuisine, providing an unparalleled cultural getaway.

People sometimes forget that indigenous culture is every bit as captivating and enthralling as the majesty and splendour of nature. In fact, learning about local culture, traditions, and lifestyle can be even more rewarding because you gain greater understanding of humanity and your eyes are opened to alternative ways of living.

Southern Africa offers several romantic destinations for couples which are perfect for a honeymoon, anniversary celebration, or romantic holiday.

Some prime locations include:

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: Offering spectacular scenery and home to one of the great Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls, this iconic resort town is internationally renowned for its adventure tourism. From hiking, quad biking, and safari tours, to whitewater rafting, fly fishing, and skydiving, it’s no wonder why it’s one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Africa!

Cape Town, South Africa: With pristine beaches, world-renowned mountain ranges and vineyards, magnificent ocean vistas, plus abundant forests, grasslands, and nature reserves, Cape Town truly caters for the active, outdoorsy lifestyle. Given its widely varied landscapes and wildlife, as well as rich cultural heritage, this “Jewel of Africa” easily attracts thousands of eager visitors every year. Take a few days to travel one or two of the celebrated wine routes, book into a luxury guesthouse on the southern peninsula coast, and taste the varied flavours of the Cape for an unforgettable romantic getaway.

Benguerra Island, Mozambique: An exquisite private island paradise found within the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park just off the Mozambique coast, Benguerra is the perfect choice for a luxury beach vacation. The warm Indian Ocean waters surrounding it offer an abundance of marine life thriving in protected coral reefs, while gorgeous tropical gardens, indigenous forests, sand dunes and freshwater lakes set the stage for the perfect romantic island getaway.

Mnemba Island, Zanzibar: Dating back to the budding spice trades of centuries past, this charming, barefoot “spice island” has attracted seafarers, adventurers, and traders the world over. 12 chic, rustic Bandas offer pure comfort and relaxation amid the white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush natural greenery of this intimate island hideaway.

These are only four of the innumerable romantic holiday destinations in Southern Africa. It’s a vast and varied landscape with a cultural heritage that goes back to the dawn of man. You’ll leave feeling lighter and richer in spirit.