Southern Africa Countries

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Southern Africa Countries:

Botswana
Lesotho
Mozambique
Namibia
South Africa
Swaziland
Zambia
Zimbabwe

East African Countries:


Tanzania
Botswana is one of the world's most exciting travel destinations for exploring wildlife and offers some of
the best wildlife safaris you'll find.

The natural beauty of Botswana is found in its land formations, its wilderness, wildlife and its cultural
diversity. To travel Botswana offers an unique experience in exploring wildlife, birds and game in its
natural state.

Malaria is endemic to most parts of the country and anti-malarial precautions should be taken.

Parks & Reserves


From the ancient baobabs of the Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve, the vast open land of the Central
Kalahari Game Reserve, the sand dunes of the Kgalagadi, to the savannah grasslands of Chobe National
Park and the mophane woodland of the Tuli Game Reserve there is a wide variety of wildlife in Botswana.

However it is in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve that visitors will find unforgettable
beauty.

Travel Options
Most of the camps (or lodges) in Botswana cannot be reached by own
vehicle. People often get lost as the tracks are not clearly visible and most private vehicles are not
equipped to handle the conditions.

We suggest that you join a safari - unless you are familiar with the country.

Most safaris start at Maun or Kasane. Both are connected to major


airports in Southern Africa or easily reached by car. Botswana has one
of the largest varieties as well as concentrations of wild animals in
the world and is a birders paradise. Encounter the Big Five whilst on
safari at any of the exclusive lodges.

Lesotho is a landlocked country and enclave — entirely surrounded by South Africa. It is the only
independent state in the world that lies entirely above 1,000 metres above sea level. Its lowest point is
1,400 metres and over 80% of the country lies above 1,800 metres.

Lesotho offers the chance to enjoy Africa’s majestic beauty, the simplicity of a mountain people, and a
serene quality of life for discerning travellers from all over the world.

Known as the Kingdom in the Sky it is building a reputation as a fantastic adventure holiday destination.
The Basotho people are very friendly and welcoming, the country is relatively safe and politically stable.

It offers a magnificent opportunity to explore nature still little changed by man, still unspoilt by crowds of
tourists, and to appreciate the untamed but beautiful landscapes of the soaring Maluti and Drakensberg
mountains.

Languages:
Sesotho (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa

Capital
Maseru
Electricity
220/30 volts AC, 50Hz; 15-amp round pin plugs are in use.

Money
Lesotho's currency, the Loti (LSL) (plural Maloti), is fixed at a 1:1 ratio with the South African Rand
(ZAR). South African currency is accepted everywhere - there is no need to change money. However you
will get Maloti in change (unless you ask) which is very difficult to change in South Africa.

There are ATMs at banks in most towns, but not elsewhere. Most banks will change travellers cheques for
you, but it can be a very lengthy process if they in any other currency then Rand (ZAR).

Credit cards are not widely accepted.

Visa
Citizens of most Commonwealth countries, Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries,
European states and the US will be granted a free entry permit, valid for 30 days.

Your passport needs to be valid for another six month and you need at least two blank pages. The proof
of a return or onward ticket or your future travel plans might be asked, but this should not be a problem.

Climate
The weather conditions in summer are ideal for camping and enjoying the outdoors. Rain, however, will
also fall during these months. Temperatures range between 18C and 30C, from the coolness of the
highlands to the warmth of the lowlands. <

The winters, however, can be very cold and any outdoor activities, especially in the highlands, should be
avoided.

Health
The HIV/Aids incidence rate in Lesotho is one of the highest in the world. As visiting anywhere in the
world, do not have unprotected sex.

Consult a doctor as to which vaccinations you will require, but they will most likely include Hep A, Hep B,
Rabies, Typhoid. Tropical diseases such as Malaria, Yellow fever and Bilharzia are not present in Lesotho.
<

If you do have any serious health problems whilst in Lesotho, get in contact with your country's embassy
either in Maseru, or in most cases, in Pretoria in South Africa, as there are very good hospitals across the
border in South Africa.

Lesotho is at a very high altitude, and the air is very thin especially in the Highlands, be warned that you
may suffer from altitude sickness when you first arrive. Drink a lot of water and keep covered up, as it
gets very hot in the sun in the summer!

The water in Lesotho is not clean and should not be drunk untreated. Remember Lesotho's air is very dry
and everyone will suffer from dry skin.


Accommodation in Mozambique | Provinces of Mozambique | Mozambique Tours & Safaris | Map of
Mozambique | Mozambique Visitors Information

Mozambique is an excellent tourist destination. The country's natural beauty, wildlife, and historic
heritage provide excellent opportunities for beach, cultural, and eco-tourism.

Offering an unique historical and cultural heritage, tropical beaches, coral reefs, spectacular landscapes,
intriguingly rich architecture and small desolated islands close to the coast, Mozambique is one of the
most enticing tourist destinations in Southern African.

After centuries of resisting onslaughts of various invaders, colonial rule was established in Mozambique
by Portugal in 1919. However, it is now an independent country, after national liberation on June 25,
1975 and has awakened after decades of isolation as a very popular tourist destination.
Situated on the East Coast of Africa, Mozambique is ranked 33rd in the world according to its size with
ten Provinces and Maputo as capital city. The 2500km coastline (Map of Mozambique) is scattered with
endless coral reefs, tropical beaches and is a mecca for scuba and snorkel divers, sun worshippers and
adventures explorers.

The pristine coast is one of the few unexplored pleasures of the Indian Ocean and host a dazzling display
of marine life. The world renown Bazaruto Archipelago is part of the pristine coast line.

Mozambique's distinct local style consists of a vibrant blend of African, Arab and Portuguese influences
and provides a refreshing contrast to the other countries in the Southern Africa region. The passion for
life can be seen on every corner of this diverse country, from Maputo's modern, bustling city streets and
pulsating night life to the colourful markets and small fishing villages which dot the coast.
And accommodation in Mozambique offers something different.

Northern Mozambique holds unforgettable experiences and sights for those travellers yearning to escape
the beaten path. Exotic destinations in the Northern region include the mysterious and majestic
mountains of Namúli and Unango, historical settlements of Angoche, Ile de Mozambique, and Ibo and the
magnificent harbour of Pemba.

Of the cultural traditions imbued in colonial times, the remnants of a Mediterranean charm lives on. Food
is in the Afro-Potuquese style and contrasts favourably with the British culinary tradition prevalent in the
other countries in the region.

The warmth, liveliness and exuberance of Mozambicans is well-known. As a visitor, you will be welcomed
with open arms - Mozambique Visitors Information.

Additional Info
WikiTravel



Home | Accommodation in Namibia | Wildlife & Game Reserves of Namibia | Namibia Tours &
Safaris | Map of Namibia | Namibia Visitors Information

Namibia offers the visitor bountiful sunshine, abundance of wildlife & game reserves, scenic beauty and
rich diversity of geological phenomena.

The country is among the prime destinations in Africa and is known for ecotourism which features
Namibia's extensive Wildlife & Game Reserves and Tours & Safaris options.

The most popular places include the:


- Caprivi and Katima Mulilo
- Fish River Canyon
- Sossusvlei and Solitaire
- Skeleton Coast
- Etosha
- the coastal towns of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Lüderitz

The friendliness and cultural diversity of its people, a well-developed infrastructure and an extensive
choice of parks, resorts and variety of accommodation establishments in Namibia make it a sought-
after tourist destination to which visitors return again and again.

For sportsmen and adventurers Namibia has much to offer. Activities include soaring, hiking, hot-air
ballooning, dune skiing, mountain biking, white-river rafting, hunting, equestrian sports and excellent
coastal and freshwater angling.

Find also information on the different Regions of Namibia:


- Southern Region (map of Southern Region)
- Central Region (map of Central Region)
- Northern Region (map of Northern Region)
- Namib Region (map of Namib Region

Or see Map of Namibia for locations.


Swaziland Map | Swazi Visitors Information

The landlocked Kingdom of Swaziland is surrounded on the north and south by South Africa, and on the
east is bordered by Mozambique.

The Kingdom provides travellers the ideal gateway between KwaZulu-Natal and the Kruger National Park,
as well as Johannesburg and Maputo - no better route is available with added advantage of discovering a
whole new country filled with bygone African traditions and Swazi Culture.

Swaziland covers an area of approximately 193 kilometres from north to south, and 145 kilometres from
east to west.

Small as it may be, Swaziland is an exciting tourist destination with its Arts and Crafts outlets and
traditional markets and wildlife reserves.

At Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary tame birds and animals are free to come and go and wander through the
camp grounds. Mkhaya Game Reservee offers visitors the opportunity of game viewing by open
Landrover with guides.

A major attraction for the visit to Swaziland is the casinos located at the Royal Swazi Spa complex, in the
heart of the Ezulwini Valley, between Mbabane and Manzini.

Swaziland offers many scenic drives. North of Mbabane, the road to Luve is known as Pine Valley with a
series of waterfalls on the Black Umbeluzi River and the granite heights of "Bald Rock".

The drive to Piggs Peak, in the north is one of the most scenic in the country. The Malolotja National
Park lies to the west of the road and here, after a stiff walk, you can view the Malolotja Falls, the highest
in Swaziland.

Swaziland also hosts a large number of internationally renowned hotels and a number of thermal springs
where visitors can relax and unwind. Most are located at Ezulwini.


Zambia Accommodation | Zambia Tours & Safaris | Map of Zambia | Zambia Visitors Information

The Travel Guide to Zambia provides info on accommodation, safari's & tours in Zambia and travel
information about Zambia - a country with vast lakes, rich wetlands and breathtaking African sunsets
contributing to its scenic splendour.

Zambia is a land blessed with 17 waterfalls including the spectacular Victoria Falls, the country attracts
nature lovers and thrill seekers alike.

The wild Zambezi River is perfect for adrenaline rush activities such as river rafting, canoeing safaris,
river surfing and tiger fishing.

Zambia offers travellers some of the world's best safari opportunities, a glimpse into "real Africa," and
Victoria Falls, one of the World's Seven Natural Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Big game, abundant birdlife and raw, pulsating wilderness are what visitors can expect to find. The
Zambian government has long recognised the economic importance of its wildernesses and is acutely
aware of environmental concerns: almost one-third of the country is given over to national parks and
game reserves.

Game Reserves
The eight main parks, all with access and accommodation are:
* South Luangwa National Park — world-famous as an icon of African wildlife, numerous lodges
* Kafue National Park — world-famous for its animals, one of the world's largest national parks, several
lodges
* Lower Zambezi National Park — east of Lusaka, offers good wildlife viewing on the Zambezi River
* Nsumbu National Park (also known as Sumbu) — once ranked with Kafue and Luangwa, has good
wildlife potential and offers lakeside game viewing, three lodges
* Kasanka National Park — privately operated, south of the Bangweulu Swamps in the Central Province
* Lochinvar National Park — a small park world-famous for bird life and herds of lechwe
* Blue Lagoon National Park — a small park in the north of the Kafue Flats west of Lusaka, known chiefly
for bird life
* Victoria Falls National Park — a small park on the edge of the city of Livingstone

Most of the Luangwa Valley (in the Eastern Province) is protected by national parks comprising one of the
world's greatest wildlife areas: North Luangwa National Park, South Luangwa National Park, Luambe
National Park and Lukusuzi National Parks, and Munyamadzi, Musalangu, Mukumgule, Lupande,
Lumimba, Sandwe, Chisomo Game Management Areas.

Animals are plentiful and mostly well-protected, though poaching of elephant and rhinoceros has been a
problem in the recent past.

Places to visit
* Victoria Falls Spectacular in the extreme
* Zambezi River Definitely one of the world's 'must do' Rivers
* Lake Kariba - A lake with a history
* Lake Tanganyika - Long, deep, old, and very alive
* Chimp Sanctuary - Africa's sanctuary for Chimps on the Kafue River, sixty kilometers west of Chingola
* Lake Mweru - An inland life giving sea on the far north-west border of Zambia


Home | Zimbabwe Accommodation | Zimbabwe Tours & Safaris | Zimbabwe Map | Zimbabwe
Visitors Information

Zimbabwe is a land of diversity and contrasts and unrivalled natural beauty. It is a land where one can
experience nature first-hand. It is also a land with a fascinating history that provides depth and meaning.

Past and present are so inextricably part of everyday life that it is impossible to separate the two.

Perhaps this popular tourist destination's greatest asset is its friendly people, always ready to welcome
visitors to their country with a smile and good service.

Attractions
Zimbabwe offers a variety and diversity of attractions. Some of these are:
* Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe and boasts the National Gallery of Zimbabwe and the Harare
Gardens, the city's largest park.

* World-famous Victoria Falls is one of the world's great attractions, measuring a 1.7km wide and
dropping between 90m and 107m into the Zambezi Gorge.

* The Great Zimbabwe National Monument is the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa and
provides evidence that ancient Africa reached a level of civilisation not suspected by early scholars.

* In the Hwange National Park you'll find one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Animals
you can expect to see include elephant, monkey, baboon, impala, lion, giraffe and zebra.

* The Matobo National Park near Bulawayo has a wealth of ancient San paintings and old grain bins,
where warriors once stored their provisions.

* At the Mana Pools National Park, with its 4 pools, you're almost guaranteed to see hippo and crocodile,
as well as zebra, antelope and elephant and prolific bird life.

Lake Kariba, is an inland sea of two hundred kilometers long and forty kilometers wide at its widest point
with the Matusadona National Park (bordering the lake) offering a different experience of the wilderness.

Outdoors
Zimbabwe is a mecca for the outdoor-lover and adventure traveller. In the Victoria Falls area alone you
can go white-water rafting, kayaking, micro lighting, parachuting, horse-riding, cycling and even do the
world's highest bungi jump.

The Matusadona Wilderness offer superb hiking, the Lake Kariba area offers sailing, house-boating and
other water activities and the middle Zambezi is ideal for long-distance canoeing.

And you can obviously go on safari or enjoy golfing on some of the world's least expensive and least
crowded golfing courses.


Explore the countries using our Travel Guides:

Travel Guide to Botswana


Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, has a landscape defined by the Kalahari
Desert and the Okavango Delta, which becomes a lush animal habitat during the seasonal floods.
To travel Botswana offers an unique experience in exploring wildlife, birds and game in its natural
state.

Travel Guide to Lesotho


Lesotho is a landlocked country and enclave — entirely surrounded by South Africa - and the only
independent state in that lies entirely above 1,000 metres above sea level. It offers the chance to
enjoy Africa’s majestic beauty, the simplicity of a mountain people, and a serene quality of life.

Travel Guide to Mozambique


Mozambique is one of the most enticing tourist destinations in Southern African offering an
unique historical and cultural heritage, tropical beaches, coral reefs, spectacular landscapes,
intriguingly rich architecture and small desolated islands close to the coast. Mozambique is a
southern African nation whose long Indian Ocean coastline is dotted with popular beaches like
Tofo, as well as offshore marine parks. In the Quirimbas Archipelago, which is a 250km stretch of
coral islands, mangrove-covered Ibo Island has colonial-era ruins surviving from a period of
Portuguese rule. The Bazaruto Archipelago which is farther south has reefs which protect rare
marine life including dugongs.

Travel Guide to Namibia


Namibia, a country in southwest Africa, is recognized by the Namib Desert along its Atlantic
Ocean coast. The country is home to a great deal of wildlife, including a significant cheetah
population. The capital, Windhoek, and Swakopmund wich is a coastal town, contain German
colonial-era buildings such as Windhoek's Christuskirche, built in 1907. In the north, Etosha
National Park’s salt pan draws game including rhinos and giraffes.

Travel Guide to Seychelles


The Seychelles are a group of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean with he vast majority of the
Seychelles' population lives on the Inner Seychelles islands, home to the bulk of the country's
idyllic resorts as well as rear animals.

Travel Guide to South Africa


South Africa is often called "the world in one country". Wildlife, natural beauty, first world
infrastructure, yet still Africa, beaches, sunshine and wonderful people make South Africa one of
the best holiday destinations. Inland safari destination Kruger National Park is populated by big
game and is great for wildlife viewing.

Travel Guide to Swaziland


The landlocked Kingdom of Swaziland covers an area of approximately 193 kilometres from north
to south, and 145 kilometres from east to west and is an exciting tourist destination with its art
and craft outlets and traditional markets and wildlife reserves.

Travel Guide to Tanzania


Tanzania is the home of Africa's highest mountain, the world-famous Kilimanjaro, the country has
dozens of beaches such as those found in Zanzibar and world-appreciated national parks like the
Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Travel Guide to Zambia


Vast lakes, rich wetlands and breathtaking African sunsets contribute to Zambia’s scenic
splendour. A land blessed with 17 waterfalls including the spectacular Victoria Falls, the country
attracts nature lovers and thrill seekers alike.

Travel Guide to Zimbabwe


Zimbabwe is a land of diversity and contrasts and unrivalled natural beauty. It is a land where
one can experience nature first-hand. It is also a land with a fascinating history that provides
depth and meaning.
3 Capital Cities? | What is the Capital
of South Africa?
Updated: April 6, 2018 By Sporcle

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1. Kruger National Park
4.5
(4,626)

Enormous game reserve protected in 1898


South Africa's first National Park containing significant numbers of all of the big 5 game species.

2. Table Mountain
Mountain, hiking, abseiling, and climbing
Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape
Town in South Africa. It is a significant tourist attraction, with many visitors using the cableway
3. Robben Island
Penguin and mountain
Robben Island is an island in Table Bay, 6.9 kilometres west of the coast of Bloubergstrand, Cape Town,
South Africa. The name is Dutch for "seal island." Robben Island is roughly oval in shape

4. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront


4.5
(20,859)

Harbor-side commercial & residential hub


Vast complex of homes, businesses, restaurants, shops & an art museum on a historic working harbor.

5. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden


4.8
(5,207)

Nature reserve with mountain views


Hillside garden & nature reserve with rare plant species, walking trails & mountain views.

6. Table Mountain National Park


4.7
(9,671)

7.
4.4
(765)

Massive hand-dug diamond mine pit


Enormous diamond mine pit, dug by hand in the 1800s, with a viewing platform & a storied past.

8. Hector Pieterson Museum


4.3
(986)

Soweto rebellion museum & monument


Museum chronicling the 1976 Soweto student uprising & named for its first victim, a 12-year-old boy.

9. Constitution Hill, Johannesburg


4.3
(1,229)

Old prison complex, now court & museums


Infamous century-old prison, now a center with the High Court, tours & exhibitions on local history.

10. Montecasino
4.5
(10,969)

Plush entertainment complex with casino


Leisure complex designed like an Italian village, housing a casino, 2 theaters, cinemas and a mall.

11. Hartbeespoort Dam


Aquarium, hiking, river, elephant, and safari
Hartbeespoort Dam is an arch type dam situated in the North West Province of South Africa. It lies in a
valley to the south of the Magaliesberg mountain range and north of the Witwatersberg mountain

12. Swartberg Pass


Common ostrich and mountain biking
The Swartberg Pass on the R328 run through the Swartberg mountain range which runs roughly east-
west along the northern edge of the semi-arid area called the Little Karoo in the Western Cape

13. Cape of Good Hope


4.6
(2,270)

Scenic spot & tip of the Cape Peninsula


Tip of the Cape Peninsula forming part of a protected wildlife reserve with picnic spots and walks.

14. Boulders Beach


4.6
(3,212)

Sandy cove with resident penguin colony


Sheltered public bay with a sandy beach & boardwalk, plus free-roaming colony of African penguins.

15. Cape Peninsula


Penguins, wine tasting, wine, and safaris
The Cape Peninsula is a generally rocky peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean at the south-
western extremity of the African continent. At the southern end of the peninsula are Cape

16. Cape Point


Nature reserve, lighthouse, and hiking
Cape Point is a promontory at the southeast corner of the Cape Peninsula, which is a mountainous and
scenic landform that runs north-south for about thirty kilometres at the extreme southwestern
17. Sani Pass
Chalet, backpacking, hiking, and adventure
Sani Pass is a mountain pass located in the West of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa on the road between
Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal and Mokhotlong, Lesotho.

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