Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife. Home to one of the biggest elephant populations in the world, as well as around 100 mammal species, the park is popular among animal lovers. Several protected species inhabit the awe-inspiring open landscapes, including the endangered wild dog, critically endangered black rhino, and rare roan and sable - along with lion, cheetah, and around 500 bird species. Adventurers can look forward to guided bush hikes, game drives, and horse riding safaris, all of which offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Set in south-western Zimbabwe, Bulawayo is known for its broad, jacaranda-lined streets, historic architecture, and a slower, more relaxed pace than the capital. Often regarded as the country’s cultural heart, the city offers a blend of colonial-era landmarks, lively markets and strong Ndebele heritage. Visitors can explore museums, railway history and local craft workshops, or use the city as a gateway to nearby attractions such as Matobo National Park, where balancing granite hills, ancient rock art and roaming wildlife create a striking landscape. The atmosphere is warm and unhurried, with the scent of dust after summer rain, late-afternoon light on red-brick buildings and the distant sound of township music carrying through the streets.
Encompassed by majestic granite formations in southeastern Zimbabwe, Lake Mutirikwe, formerly known as Lake Kyle or Kyle Dam, is a pristine reservoir meticulously constructed to supply water to the Lowveld farming estates, particularly around Triangle, a prominent centre for sugar cane cultivation. This breathtaking lake offers a variety of recreational activities, such as fishing, camping, leisurely picnicking, and serene sailing. As a part of the Lake Mutirikwi Recreational Park, it's home to diverse wildlife, including white rhinos, zebras, giraffes, impalas, and kudus. The park also hosts cultural education programs collaborating with the local Nyoongar people, illuminating the area's rich history and heritage. Explore this natural gem through horseback safaris, guided game drives, rhino trails, and birdwatching.
Located in the northern province of Limpopo, the Soutpansberg, meaning ‘Salt Pan Mountain’ is South Africa’s most northern mountain range, which forms part of the UNESCO-designated Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. Known as the gateway to the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, the spectacular Soutpansberg mountain range stretches from east to west covering over 130 kilometres. These mountains boast a rich cultural heritage, diverse fauna and flora, and unspoilt wilderness featuring rugged peaks rising from the baobab-dotted plains. Take a guided tour to a nearby Venda village, explore the sacred valleys and lakes, and discover the ancient historical rock art of this beautiful area.
Located on South Africa’s Highveld plateau, Johannesburg is a fast-paced, creative city shaped by gold-rush history, cultural diversity and constant reinvention. Its atmosphere is energetic and urban, with contemporary galleries, rooftop bars and leafy suburbs existing alongside powerful reminders of the country’s past. Visitors can explore the Apartheid Museum, tour Soweto’s historic streets or browse vibrant markets and design spaces in neighbourhoods such as Maboneng. The city’s soundtrack shifts from lively jazz and amapiano beats to the hum of busy streets, while the scent of grilled street food drifts through open-air cafés and market stalls. Johannesburg rewards travellers who engage with its complexity and culture, though its size, traffic and contrasts mean it is best experienced with some planning and local insight.
Stretching over more than two million hectares, the famous Kruger National Park is one of the world’s largest game reserves and a truly remarkable destination. Owing to its exceptional size, visitors are able to experience fantastic diversity – from changing scenery and ecosystems to an impressive array of animals, plant life and birdlife. The park is home to over 130 mammals and over 500 bird species. Visitors can look forward to learning about the area’s prehistoric past, enjoying a host of accommodation options, and viewing abundant wildlife including the famed Big Five. The diversity and sheer density of wildlife make Kruger National Park an unforgettable and once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Located in the Lubombo Conservancy, Mbuluzi Game Reserve is a privately owned reserve in Eswatini. It is home to three beautiful lodges that are situated on the Mlawula River, as well as a stunning campsite. The reserve stretches over 3000 hectares of African landscape which is characterized by the deep Mbuluzi gorge and steep Lubombo escarpment, rocky cliffs, dense riverine forests, and vast open savannah. Visitors can look forward to spending their days spotting a wide range of wildlife, discovering scenic hiking trails, and experiencing the mountain-biking route that winds around the reserve offering impressive views. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this beautiful corner of eSwatini.
Mozambique's capital, Maputo, is known for its well-preserved Portuguese colonial architecture. With its beautiful art deco architecture and its exceptional setting on a hill overlooking the glittering Maputo Bay, the city of Maputo once sparkled as the 'Riviera' of Southern Africa. Previously called Lourenco Marques, Maputo is Mozambique's largest city and home to the country's most famous harbour. It is well-equipped with a wide selection of hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, a vibrant cultural scene and open-air sidewalk cafes lining the streets. Visitors can stroll down the jacaranda-lined streets of the Baixa neighbourhood in the Old Town, explore the Praca da Independencia square, discover the Neoclassical City Hall and view the unique bronze-domed Maputo Railway Station. Other popular activities include visiting Catembe and Ponta d'Oura's beautiful beaches as well as snorkelling and scuba diving in the warm Mozambican waters.
Resting on the southeastern shore of Mozambique, roughly 485 kilometres of Maputo and 25 kilometres of Inhambane, the magnificent Barra Beach (or Barra) is an idyllic holiday destination. Pristine, gorgeous soft sands line the turquoise Indian Ocean waters, which are warm enough for swimming year-round. The beach stretches far enough to provide a good location for walks, and is lined by coconut trees and wonderful beach resorts. Brightly coloured fish inhabit the reefs offshore, making this an excellent spot for scuba diving. There are also ample opportunities for fishing, surfing, kite surfing, quad biking, safari tours, dhow trips to the breathtaking Pansy Islands, and guided walks through the mangroves. Make sure to indulge in a little bar hopping to try the delicious local cocktails and culinary specialities.
Vilankulos is a relaxed coastal town on Mozambique’s Indian Ocean shoreline, best known as the main gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Fringed by palm trees and wide sandy beaches, it has a gently worn, working seaside feel where fishing boats pull in with the tide, and dhows drift across blue horizons. Offshore, the Bazaruto islands offer some of southern Africa’s most striking marine scenery, with coral reefs, shifting dunes and clear waters suited to snorkelling, diving and dhow sailing, often alongside sightings of dolphins, turtles and dugongs. Onshore, simple lodges, markets and sandy lanes reflect a low-key pace of life. Salt air, heat and ocean breeze define the sensory experience, while sunsets wash the coast in deep orange and gold. Vilankulos blends relaxed coastal life with direct access to one of the Indian Ocean’s most remarkable marine environments.
Located north of Xai Xai, Chidenguele is a small village that shares its name with a long stretch of neighbouring pristine beaches along Mozambique’s scenic coast. The surrounding area is dotted with glittering lakes, one of which is Lake Nhambavale - a popular freshwater body stretching over 20 kilometres in length. Visitors can look forward to a variety of wonderful activities in this area. Enjoy a wide selection of thrilling watersports on Lake Nhambavale, explore the Boa Paz Lighthouse, and stroll along unspoilt deserted beaches. Other popular activities include snorkelling, diving, fishing, bird watching, and hiking.
Situated between Mozambique and the Mpumalanga escarpment of the Drakensberg, the Lowveld is renowned for its subtropical climate, rich biodiversity and fascinating history. This lush region forms part of South Africa’s premier safari landscape and includes some of the country’s most iconic protected areas, most notably the world-famous Kruger National Park. Rolling farmlands, river valleys and wilderness areas stretch across the landscape, making it an ideal base for exploring the Kruger and surrounding reserves. Visitors can also travel the scenic Panorama Route, discover the historic gold rush town of Barberton, or enjoy the urban amenities of Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit). A wide range of comfortable lodges, guesthouses and safari camps provide excellent accommodation, offering travellers both convenience and immersion in one of Southern Africa’s most diverse and wildlife-rich regions.
