Southern Africa Safari Guide - World Holiday Vibes Blog

On safari, there’s a moment you just can’t capture in a photo.

Contents

Why is Southern Africa special?5 Safari Experiences in Southern Africa When is the best time for a Southern Africa safari?A basic seasonal guide.The important lesson?Can you book a safari for two countries?What is a typical safari day like?Stay at a Safari Lodge, stay in a Camp or self-drive?What animals can you see?What to take on a safari in Southern Africa?How long do you need for a Southern Africa safari?A few safari lessons worth knowing Is Southern Africa worth visiting for a safari?Final Thought FAQ

The engine goes quiet. The temperature is cool in the morning. There’s something moving beyond the golden grass. You wait. Your guide watches. Then a lion comes into view, very unhurried, as though you have come to his world rather than the other way around.

Welcome to Southern Africa.

This is an area where safari can do more than check off the Big 5. It’s about watching elephants gather next to a river, silently drifting through waterways in the Okavango Delta; following tracks through the bush; sitting under a giant African sky, as the last light turns everything gold.

Visitors to Southern Africa who are embarking on their first trip to Africa can be truly overwhelmed by the excitement of the region. So, if you were to one of the Southern African countries, such as South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia or Zimbabwe, Which one is right for you? Is the dry season a time to visit alone? Would a luxury lodge, mobile camp or self-drive adventure suit you best?

This Southern Africa Safari Guide is here to help you make those choices, as well as to help you find the safari experience that suits you best.

Why is Southern Africa special?

Southern Africa is blessed with an amazing diversity of landscapes in one corner of the continent.

From the open savannah grasslands of South Africa, you can travel to the water of Botswana, the deserts of Namibia and the wild river valleys of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

That diversity makes all the difference for the safari experience.

A day can be a day in the woods with a leopard. Another might be to observe hundreds of elephants by a river. Safaris can even be done in the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro, which paddles silently among the reeds and channels.

That is why I would never just ask the question, “Where can I see the most animals?” when it comes to safaris in Southern Africa.

Instead, ask: What African experience do I want to be remembered for?

That question will usually lead you towards a much more rewarding safari experience.

If you haven’t yet narrowed down your choices of trips to Africa, then my ultimate African safari holidays guide may be a good resource to help you narrow your choices before deciding on your route.

5 Safari Experiences in Southern Africa

Imagine Southern Africa to be the five moods of the safari.

Safari in South Africa – the wonderfully flexible one

For anyone who is looking for an introduction to safari it is very often the easiest to begin with South Africa, where one can have wildlife with cities, beaches, food and wine.

The most well-known name is that of the Kruger National Park, but it’s not the only one. If you want a more intimate lodge experience, then private reserves surrounding Kruger can give you a unique opportunity to enjoy wildlife, as can the Eastern Cape.

One of the most attractive features of South Africa is its flexibility.

Spend a couple of days on safari and then head to the Garden Route or the coast or to Cape Town.

To learn more about country’s wildlife experiences, as highlighted by official resources like South African Government – Tourism, read the South Africa Safari Guide.

Ideal for: first time safari travellers, families, luxury safaris, and travellers looking for a longer holiday experience that includes a safari.

Botswana – the experience of true wilderness.

Botswana is a dream destination for travellers seeking space, silence and wild beauty. Its famous Okavango Delta transforms with seasonal floods, creating a stunning landscape of lagoons, channels and islands.

There’s also Chobe National Park with its impressive elephant population, the wide landscapes of the Kalahari and so much more.

Much of the experience comes from the way you explore the wilderness.

This could be followed by a walking safari or a tranquil mokoro cruise through the Delta. In general Botswana Tourism states that the dry season is the time to see wild animals as the months are the best times to find them concentrated around rivers, pools and waterholes.

Ideal for: adventure seekers, romantic getaways, nature lovers, and those who prefer a more laid-back experience.

Namibia – where Safari and desert intertwine.

In Namibia, it’s all about something entirely different.

This is a land of vast skies, ancient desert landscapes and wildlife adapted to some of Africa’s harshest conditions.

Etosha National Park is Namibia’s most popular wildlife park. The park offers excellent opportunities to see animals gathering around its waterholes.

However, Namibia has much more to offer than viewing game.

The safaris can be combined with dunes of Sossusvlei, the Atlantic coast around Swakopmund or dramatic landscapes throughout the country’s immense interior.

The country of Namibia is particularly attractive for travellers who wish for their safari to be a combination of a wildlife holiday and a road trip.

Ideal for: photographers, road-trippers, nature lovers, and for the first-time safari-goers.

Zambia – for a more adventurous safari

For those seeking a more active and immersive safari experience, Zambia is a popular destination.

A special attraction of South Luangwa is walking safaris, which allow you to explore the bush in a different way. Rather than being in a car, you become more conscious of tracks, sounds, plants and small animals.

The Lower Zambezi region is another stunning landscape, where the river is a factor in the wildlife experiences.

Then there’s Victoria Falls which can be easily incorporated into a longer southern Africa trip.

Ideal for: adventurous travellers, walking safari fans and returning safari guests.

Zimbabwe – big landscapes and unforgettable wildlife

Zimbabwe is a wonderfully wild country!

Hwange National Park offers some of Zimbabwe’s finest game-viewing experiences, particularly around its waterholes during the dry season.

Zimbabwe is also home to Victoria Falls, which is one of the biggest and most spectacular falls in the region.

I find one of the joys of travelling here is that it can be a less rushed experience. There is time to enjoy the scenery, learn about the country and the things that happen on the safari that are not so obvious.

Ideal for: wildlife lovers, explorers, couples seeking a more adventurous safari experience, and photographers.

When is the best time for a Southern Africa safari?

This is the element where a lot of safari guides get simple.

They say, “May to October is the best time and that’s that. That’s helpful, but not the whole answer.

In most parts of Southern Africa from around May to October is a great time for viewing wildlife during the dry season. The plants start dying off and animals may be seen near the water sources that remain.

However, there is magic in the green season as well.

Dry landscapes turn into new green areas with rain. Migratory birds arrive, young animals are born and dramatic afternoon storms can bring about extraordinary skies.

For example, the wet season in Botswana is also known as a green season, where the landscape is green, and sometimes can be very rewarding for birders and for young plains game.

A basic seasonal guide.

May to June:

The landscape begins to dry out in many areas, temperatures become more comfortable and wildlife viewing generally becomes easier as water sources become more important.

July to September:

These are among the most popular safari months in many parts of Southern Africa, with dry conditions, sparse vegetation and wildlife often concentrated around reliable water sources.

October:

Temperatures can become very hot in many areas, while water becomes increasingly scarce. This can create excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities, although conditions can be challenging.

November to March:

This period generally brings wetter, greener conditions to many parts of Southern Africa. It can be rewarding for birdwatching and seeing young animals, although rainfall patterns vary by destination and some camps operate seasonally.

April:

Beautiful shoulder period in many areas, still green landscapes and easing temperatures. The extraordinary Okavango experience begins as seasonal flooding starts in Botswana.

The important lesson?

There’s no such thing as one ‘best’ safari month. You’ll find just the right month to see what you want.

Which Southern Africa safari is right for you?

Instead of choosing a destination first, choose your travel style.

If you want…	Consider…
Your first classic safari	South Africa
Luxury and remote wilderness	Botswana
Wildlife + dramatic landscapes	Namibia
Walking safaris	Zambia
Wildlife + Victoria Falls	Zimbabwe/Zambia
A family-friendly introduction	South Africa
Photography	Botswana, Namibia, South Africa
A road-trip adventure	Namibia
A quieter wilderness experience	Zambia or Zimbabwe
Safari combined with city life	South Africa

This is also where combining countries can become exciting.

A Southern Africa itinerary does not have to mean staying in one country.

Can you book a safari for two countries?

Yes, and some of the best trips are two or three stops long, not one.

A classic route may include South Africa + Botswana, allowing you to experience a more accessible safari adventure alongside the remote waterways of the Okavango Delta.

Another is Botswana + Zimbabwe from Chobe to Victoria Falls and Hwange.

If you’re feeling adventurous, Zambia + Zimbabwe can combine walking safaris, Zambezi and Victoria Falls.

The one rule, however, is that:

Avoid trying to fit too much into a single outing.

Africa appears close on a map, but as soon as you begin to travel between distant safari destinations it becomes obvious that there is a great distance. Time between flights, transfers and camps can consume more time on holiday than anticipated.

I would prefer to sleep for three memorable nights in one beautiful wilderness than sleep for each other day while packing my bag.

What is a typical safari day like?

Don’t think that safari is about spending the whole day in a car.

The rhythm is key to a good safari.

It is possible that you wake up before sunrise, so the bush is cool and quiet. You leave after a light breakfast and coffee, when predators are around.

Midday is typically quieter. You could go back to your lodge for lunch, relax by the pool or just sit somewhere with a view out over the wild frontier.

After the morning drive, there’s the afternoon drive.

As the temperature drops, animals often become more active again. Elephants begin moving. Antelope gather. Birds are singing in the trees.

Next up is one of my most favourite moments on safari – the “Golden Hour”.

The sun falls towards the horizon. The terrain becomes yellowish. The terrain becomes yellowish. Your driver halts the car.

There is a pause. The bush falls quiet.

That is safari.

Stay at a Safari Lodge, stay in a Camp or self-drive?

The place you stay can make all the difference in your experience.

Luxury lodges

Ideal for those who prefer comfort, stunning scenery, great meals and a more sophisticated experience.

Many lodges design the wilderness into the day-to-day encounter including open vistas, private decks and meals set against the backdrop of nature.

Safari camps

Camp is “greener”. Some are migrants and some are seasonal.

Mobile and seasonal camps can offer a closer connection with the wilderness, particularly for travellers who value a more adventurous experience.

Self-drive safari

For those who like to travel on their own terms, explore the landscape, and take their own routes, South Africa and Namibia can be very attractive.

But driving in Africa is no ordinary holiday trip. The distances are considerable, the roads are often uneven, and wild animals need patience and respect.

For those who are going on their first safari, having a guided safari will take a lot of the pressure off and you will be able to focus more on the animals themselves.

What animals can you see?

The Big Five are still a big draw: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo.

However, the smaller sightings are often as thrilling for the experienced safari traveller.

A very small chameleon going across the road.
A leopard tortoise crawling among grass.
An African fish eagle calling overhead beside a river.
A pack of African wild dogs travelling together.
A very young elephant attempting to catch up with the herd.

Southern Africa is also an excellent birding destination, with colours and activity in the landscape also in the wetter months with migratory birds.

So be careful not to ask your guide the whole time:

Where’s the Lion?

Sometimes the most incredible thing is going on just above your head.

What to take on a safari in Southern Africa?

Don’t have to bring a large suitcase.

Actually, lighter is frequently much simpler to travel, particularly if you are journeying by small aircraft or in a remote camping.

Pack:

Lightweight, comfortable clothing
Neutral-coloured layers
A warm fleece or jacket for early mornings
Comfortable walking shoes
Sun hat
Sunglasses
High-SPF sun protection
Insect repellent
Reusable water bottle
Binoculars
Camera and extra batteries
Small day bag

Even if the afternoon is very warm, the early morning can be very cold, so layers come in handy.

And don’t wear your bright safari outfit.

No need to wear clothes from a movie where a character explores the wild.

How long do you need for a Southern Africa safari?

For one destination, 4 – 6 safari nights are sufficient to become familiar with the rhythm of the bush.

If you’re travelling to multiple countries, then 10 – 14 days is ample time!

A longer journey might involve:

South Africa → Botswana → Zimbabwe / Namibia → Botswana → Victoria Falls

The length will depend on whether safari is the entire holiday or just one component of a larger African adventure.

If this was the first time I have travelled, I would not want to fill my itinerary with too many hotel changes.

Slow safaris make better memories.

A few safari lessons worth knowing

As all that planning is over, keep in mind that animals live on their own schedule.

It can take you hours to spot a leopard and you might end up seeing nothing.

Then, it comes out as you are just about to leave. You could possibly be dreaming of seeing lions and end up completely engrossed in a herd of elephants.

That’s not a bug. It is the point.

Have high expectations but try to include some “Oh My!” moments.

Follow the directions of your guide. Respect wildlife distances. Do NOT have noisy discussions during sightings. Place the camera down occasionally. Look around.

There are times to experience, not to photograph!

Is Southern Africa worth visiting for a safari?

Yes, with no hesitation, but not because it will give you a list of animals.

There is a whole lot more in Southern Africa.

It provides you with space, and it provides you with silence and landscapes that vary from desert to delta, river to savannah and forest to open plains.

It allows you to wake up before sunrise without knowing what the day has in store.

And maybe that’s the true luxury of safari in Southern Africa.

Not the lodge, Not the vehicle, Not even the wildlife.

This is the sense of being “here” and experiencing the time frame that nature provides.

If it’s your first time going to Africa, take your time to pick the right destination. If South Africa is calling you, then I’d recommend the South Africa Safari Guide for a broader overview of safari holidays in the country, otherwise, if you’re looking to step out of the country, then my ultimate guide to African safaris is for you.

The best safari doesn’t always equal the safari with the most sights. This is the one that lingers on after you’ve gone home.

Final Thought

In the African wilderness we are reminded of something we tend to forget in our daily lives: nature has its own rhythm and we are visitors in its house.

A Southern African safari is not just about ticking animals off a list, whether you are in the expansive and quiet waters of Botswana, the desert dunes of Namibia or the comfortable and familiar start in South Africa. It’s about getting up early, slowing down and greeting the land to experience true world holiday vibes.

When making your travel plans, make sure to take your time, and do not overbook yourself with too many destinations. Go through the experience you feel is right, believe your local guide’s advice and turn off the camera periodically. It’s not the photos you get on your phone while on safari, it’s those golden moments that are quiet, and they stay in your heart long after you’ve got home.