Wildlife, waves & waterfalls in southern Africa

A highlight on any Southern Africa trip, seeing Vic Falls in all its pounding, dramatic, mesmerising glory is unforgettable – and there is plenty to keep you busy in the area. Firstly, we recommend a walk (guided or unguided) to get a feel for the sheer enormity of the waterfall, before taking to the skies and marvelling from above in either a helicopter or a microlight. Both offer incredible views and big, bucket-list ticks.

To really get the adrenalin going, there’s a selection of daredevil activities to choose from – bungee jumping, gorge swinging, white water rafting and trips to the iconic Devil’s Pool spring to mind – but if something more sedate is on the cards, there are languid boat trips on the Zambezi, sundowner cruises and wonderful afternoon teas to enjoy.

If safari is on your mind, there are a couple of options to choose from. Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers good game viewing of elephant, buffalo, giraffe and zebra (sadly no big cats) as well as fantastic rhino tracking opportunities and walking safaris. Otherwise, take a day trip to Botswana’s Chobe National Park for the Big Five and river cruises to see the hundreds of elephant the park is rightly famous for.

The safari superstar of Southern Africa, the Okavango Delta sets the standard for wildlife and activities. Experiences are largely water- or land-based and the lodges tailor offerings according to their geography, whilst some offer both options. On the water, iconic mokoro safaris lead the way and are in their prime from April to October. Boat safaris are also possible but exploring at eye-level in the small, dugout mokoros is magical, taking you closer to the wildlife congregating on the banks and floating past elephants in the shallows. Wildlife-wise, red lechwe and aquatic sitatunga are highlights.

On land, day and night game drives will have you flexing your binos. Four out of the Big Five are common (not rhino), as well as African painted dog, zebra, unusual antelope (roan and sable) and a menagerie of birds. For big cats, day time sightings are fantastic, but head out at night to catch some of the real action. Make time for a walking safari to get into the nitty gritty of the animal kingdom and admire the juicy scenery – and, if there’s any time left, there are options to add hot air balloon flights, horseback safaris, or even a spot of fishing to your itinerary.

In many ways, Johannesburg is the beating heart of South Africa. It’s the city that welcomes most international visitors and overflows with art, history and the signature ‘Mzansi’ atmosphere. For some, a luxury hotel may be all you see of Joburg before jetting off to your next stop on the continent, but there’s so much to discover if you have the time.

Rewind about 7 million years at the Cradle of Humankind, where some of the earliest hominid remains have been unearthed, and learn about the tumultuous period of history before South Africa became a democracy at the Apartheid Museum, Freedom Square in Soweto, and the unassuming building that was once the home of Nelson Mandela. Then, get under the skin of Joburg’s art scene with a walking tour of its street art or galleries. All of this can be done with a private guide or see where the hop-on, hop-off bus takes you.

Candyfloss beaches, incredible water clarity and private islands await in the Seychelles archipelago. In total, there are 115 islands ranging from specks of sand and forest, to rugged, granite outcrops offering adventurous hikes and climbs.

When it comes to water sports, enjoy catamaran sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and surfing in the turquoise lagoons. Alternatively, cruise deeper into the marine park for a snorkelling or diving experience with clarity of up to 30 metres, where parrotfish, waving octopus, reef sharks and manta rays await.

Certain islands are havens for sea turtles and you may be able to see them nest, or watch as the hatchlings make their departure back to the ocean. The Seychelles is home to some fantastic conservation projects too, so pay a visit and learn about their integral efforts to protect these incredible isles.