Southern Africa Travel Guide (Africa)

Introduction to Southern Africa
List of Places to Visit in Southern Africa
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Southern Africa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Africa
Best Things to Do in Southern Africa: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Africa
Food and Drink Scene of Southern Africa
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Southern Africa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Southern Africa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Southern Africa
Best Time to Visit Southern Africa
Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Africa
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Southern Africa
- Health in Southern Africa
Getting to Southern Africa: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Southern Africa
Conclusion

Introduction to Southern Africa

Southern Africa is a region that includes countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Swaziland. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and abundance of wildlife, Southern Africa is a popular destination among travelers of all interests. From the bustling cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town to the serene savannas of the Kalahari and Serengeti, this region offers a wide range of experiences for visitors to enjoy.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Africa

Here are some of the top places to visit in Southern Africa:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Apartheid Museum - Johannesburg, South Africa
Robben Island - Cape Town, South Africa
Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe and Zambia
Sossusvlei - Namibia
Cape of Good Hope - Cape Town, South Africa
Table Mountain - Cape Town, South Africa
Maputo Central Railway Station - Maputo, Mozambique

Natural Attractions of Southern Africa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Kruger National Park - South Africa
Okavango Delta - Botswana
Blyde River Canyon - South Africa
Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe and Zambia
Fish River Canyon - Namibia
Skeleton Coast - Namibia
Garden Route - South Africa

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Africa

Southern Africa is home to many well-marked hiking and biking trails that take you through some of the region’s most stunning natural landscapes. Here are some of the best routes:

Table Mountain Hike - Cape Town, South Africa
Otter Trail - Garden Route, South Africa
Drakensberg Mountains Hike - South Africa
Namib Desert Hike - Namibia
Sabie River Valley Hike - South Africa
Tsitsikamma Forest Trail - Garden Route, South Africa

Best Things to Do in Southern Africa: Activities and Tours

Safari in Kruger National Park - South Africa
Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town - South Africa
Wine Tasting in Stellenbosch - South Africa
Sailing in the Okavango Delta - Botswana
White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River - Zimbabwe and Zambia
Sandboarding on the Namib Desert - Namibia
Whale Watching in Hermanus - South Africa

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Africa

If you are planning a trip to Southern Africa, here is a sample week-long itinerary:

Day	Activity
1	Arrive in Johannesburg, visit Apartheid Museum
2	Fly to Cape Town, visit Table Mountain and Robben Island
3	Drive to Stellenbosch, go wine tasting
4	Fly to Victoria Falls, visit the falls
5	Visit Chobe National Park or Okavango Delta in Botswana
6	Drive to Kruger National Park or take a safari tour
7	Return to Johannesburg, depart for home

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Africa

Southern Africa’s cuisine is a reflection of its diverse cultures and landscapes. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Braai (barbecue) - South Africa
Biltong - South Africa
Bunny Chow - South Africa
Kapana - Namibia
Umngqusho (maize and beans) - South Africa
Sadza (stiff maize porridge) - Zimbabwe
Piri Piri Chicken - Mozambique

Local Beverages

Rooibos tea - South Africa
Amarula Cream Liqueur - South Africa
Castle Lager - South Africa
Windhoek Lager - Namibia
Matata - Mozambique
Black Label - South Africa

Where to Stay in Southern Africa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Southern Africa has a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some recommendations:

The Table Bay Hotel - Cape Town, South Africa
The Palace of the Lost City - Sun City, South Africa
The Victoria Falls Hotel - Zimbabwe
Little Kulala Desert Lodge - Sossusvlei, Namibia
The Oyster Box - Durban, South Africa
Protea Hotel - Johannesburg, South Africa
Habitas Namibia - Windhoek, Namibia

What to Buy in Southern Africa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Southern Africa is known for its unique crafts, art, and jewelry. Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring home:

Carvings and sculptures - Zimbabwe
Wire and beadwork - South Africa
Tribal masks - Mozambique
Cowhide products - Namibia
Diamonds and gold - South Africa
Barbecue spices and sauces - South Africa
Sugar and Spice Gourmet Jams - Cape Town, South Africa

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Africa

Southern Africa is made up of many diverse cultures and traditions. Here are some general tips to keep in mind:

Dress conservatively when visiting religious sites or rural areas
Greet people with respect, especially elders
Avoid pointing with your finger or feet
Ask before taking photos of people or their belongings
Follow local customs when eating or drinking with others

Best Time to Visit Southern Africa

The best time to visit Southern Africa depends on your interests and budget. The peak season is from May to September, which is the dry season and ideal for wildlife viewing. The wet season from November to March is a good time to visit for bird watching and lush landscapes.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Africa

Do:

Try the local cuisine and beverages
Learn a few words of the local languages
Respect local customs and traditions
Talk to the locals to gain a deeper understanding of the culture
Follow the rules when visiting protected areas and wildlife reserves

Don’t:

Wear flashy jewelry or expensive clothing in public
Disrespect the local customs or traditions
Pat or touch wild animals on safari
Photograph human subjects without their consent
Litter or damage natural or cultural sites

Safety and Health

Safety in Southern Africa

Southern Africa is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take precautions to avoid pickpocketing and other petty crimes. It is also wise to avoid walking alone at night and to keep valuables locked up in your hotel room. Before traveling, check with your embassy for any travel advisories or warnings.

Health in Southern Africa

Travelers to Southern Africa should be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles, mumps, and rubella. Other recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and yellow fever (if arriving from a high-risk area). It is also wise to take precautions against malaria and other mosquito-borne illnesses.

Getting to Southern Africa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Southern Africa is easily accessible by air, with major international airports in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Windhoek, and Maputo. There are also frequent bus services that run between major cities, as well as well-maintained roads for those who prefer to drive.

Airports in Southern Africa

O.R. Tambo International Airport - Johannesburg, South Africa
Cape Town International Airport - Cape Town, South Africa
Hosea Kutako International Airport - Windhoek, Namibia
Maputo International Airport - Maputo, Mozambique

Bus Stations in Southern Africa

Johannesburg Park Station - Johannesburg, South Africa
Durban Station - Durban, South Africa
Pretoria Station - Pretoria, South Africa
Windhoek Bus Station - Windhoek, Namibia

Other Options

Car rental
Private transfers
Train travel

How to Get Around in Southern Africa

Southern Africa offers a variety of transportation options for getting around, including:

Domestic flights
Car rentals
Taxis and shuttle services
Bus services

Conclusion

Southern Africa is a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure, culture, and wildlife. With its diverse landscapes, unique cuisine, and friendly locals, there is something for everyone in this beautiful region of Africa. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Southern Africa will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.