Safaris in Southern Africa
The southern third of the African continent
is one of the great natural regions of the world. Here, the
traveler is rewarded with fine wildlife reserves, pristine
wilderness coastlines, deserts and a potpourri of mountain
ranges.
Big game - the prime reason for most safari
adventures to Africa - still abounds in Southern Africa. Concerted
conservation efforts have preserved the lush wetlands of the
Okavango Delta, the Zambezi bushlands, South Africa's Lowveld
savannas and the searing thirstlands of the Kalahari Desert.
However, for most people, an African safari
is no light undertaking. The continent might seem distant
and unfamiliar, but good planning and
adequate research can ensure a rewarding experience.
Safari activities in Southern Africa
The use of open safari vehicles for game drives in many areas
(much better for photography than enclosed mini-vans).
Walking safaris with experienced guides (less commonly undertaken
in east Africa).
Night drives with spotlights, a wonderful
way to see nocturnal animals such as leopard, genet, civet
and African wild cat. This is also not a common practice in
east Africa.
Game drives by boat and mokoro (dug-out 'canoe') afford a
different avenue to see some of the rarer animals and big
game drinking or crossing rivers.
In general the overall quality of the guides in Southern Africa
is higher due to better training standards. |
