Southern Africa

Southern Africa is generally defined as the area below the Kunene and Zambezi rivers at approximately 60° South of the Equator. I, however include the countries of Zambia and Malawi as neither of these is classed as East Africa and they don't have the "Heart of Darkness" feel of Central Africa such as the Congo.

Personally I have visited Zambia, Malawi, Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. I have not been to Zimbabwe or Mozambique so cannot comment on those areas although I am told that they are not anything like as bad as you might imagine from media reporting.

Zambia

Sometimes referred to as "the Real Africa", Zambia as a nation really dates back to era of Cecil Rhodes. There are ten National Parks within the country the most developed and accessible of which is the South Luangwa National Park. An often recommended trip to Zambia would include a visit to Livingstone and the Victoria Falls as well as the Luangwa Valley. There are always documentary crews in the valley filming the large variety of game.

Malawi

Malawi is one of the poorest countries in Africa with a very high proportion of its national income reliant on tobacco, obviously not a growing industry. The beautiful Nyika Plateau is often regarded as looking a lot like the Scottish moors and I'm inclined to agree. A few days here followed by lazing around on the shores of Lake Malawi would make a great trip.

Namibia

Namibia is the same size as the continental European Community with an entire population of 3 million. The most famous National Park is the Etosha pan where all the big five are plentiful although I must confess that I have never seen a leopard there. The other must see location is the Fish River Canyon, not for its wildlife but for the spectacular scenery (second only to the Grand Canyon).

Although English is the National language Afrikaans and German are very widely spoken.

Botswana

The most famous park in Botswana is the Central Kalahari which includes Deception Valley home for many years to Mark and Delia Owens who wrote their book "Cry of the Kalahari" while there. The Moremi Wildlife Reserve on the Okavango Delta is very different being a huge flood plain with plentiful wildlife. Chube National Park actually has a problematic excess of elephants.

Botswana is prosperous in African terms and also quite expensive in relation to the other countries in the area.

South Africa

The Kruger National Park is deservedly world famous although it did suffer badly from flooding last year and there is a risk of a repeat in 2001. If you want to go out at night, which I highly recommend you will need to stay in one of the private reserves to the North in Sabi Sands where you are almost guaranteed to see the big five.

A few days here and a few days in Cape Town, perhaps chilling out in the winelands would make a very civilised trip.

Further Information

Much more comprehensive information than I provide here can be found at Africa Insites. I recommend you pay them a visit.

© Afrikeye 1999 - 2007 (certain items under permission of original copyright owner)

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