Resting on the southern banks of the Zambezi River at the western end of the eponymous falls, this popular tourist town is compact enough to walk around and makes an ideal base for travellers exploring the seventh wonder of the world, the unfathomably vast Victoria Falls. About two thirds of the falls can be viewed from the Zimbabwean side and, while the falls are undoubtedly the star attraction, the area provides both adventure seekers and sightseers with plenty of opportunities to warrant a longer stay. Popular activities include scenic flights over the falls in helicopters or micro lights, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, white-water rafting (seasonal), and day trips to Chobe National Park. The town itself offers some excellent accommodation and restaurant options as well as an eclectic variety of African curios and authentic art sold by friendly Zimbabwean locals who are wonderfully welcoming and eager to help you enjoy your stay.
Forming the boundary between Botswana and Namibia is the Chobe River - one of the most well-known perennial rivers in Africa. The Chobe River Front encompasses vast floodplains fringed by lush riverine woodlands. The abundant wildlife inhabiting the river and its shores can be viewed from a river safari where visitors can spot elephants, hippo, water-loving antelope including the rare red lechwe and a variety of other game such as giraffe, zebra, and buffalo. Nature lovers will delight in the incredibly scenic natural landscapes and bird watchers can look forward to the wide section of bird species which can be spotted along the river banks.
Situated 180 kilometres north of Francistown, the small village of Nata is a popular stopover between Maun and Kasane along the ‘game drive route’ (there is often a chance to catch a glimpse of wildlife along the way). The unique surrounding landscapes feature white sand, tall termite mounds, and Mokolwane palm trees. The Nata Sanctuary is a particular highlight for avid bird watchers, where lucky visitors can be rewarded with large flocks of Flamingos and Pelicans, which breed here each year. The town is also a perfect base for exploring the legendary and spectacular Makgadikgadi Pans, where quad biking and four-wheel-drive tours can be enjoyed.
Situated in east Botswana near the border of Zimbabwe, Francistown is the second largest city in the country. Known as the gateway to Maun and Kasane in the north, it serves as an excellent stopover for tourists as it is conveniently located along the main road from Gaborone to Kasane. Dubbed the ‘Capital of the North’, Francistown was originally started as a gold rush and mining town and today it has developed into a thriving urban centre. Visitors can enjoy several attractions including: the Supa Ngwao Museum, exhibiting traditional wood carvings and local cultural displays; the Domboshaba Ruins, a series of centuries-old stone walls and enclosures; and Tachila Nature Reserve, inhabited by abundant wildlife such as hyena, warthog, leopard, kudu and much more.
Sandwiched between South Africa to its east and Zimbabwe to its north, the Central Tuli Block is a narrow strip of land in the eastern corner of Botswana. This vast expanse of unspoilt African bushveld is best known as a top-notch safari destination as it is scattered with a collection of exclusive privately-owned game farms. Visitors can look forward to exploring these incredibly scenic landscapes which are dotted with an array of African wildlife within a variety of magnificent games reserves including the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, the Mashatu Game Reserve, the Tuli Safari Area and many more.
Resting at the foot of the northern Drakensberg Mountains, in South Africa’s Limpopo Province, the town of Tzaneen serves as the economic hub of the region. The surrounding landscape is made up of lowveld and mountainous terrain scattered with indigenous and exotic plants. This large bustling town is a popular tourist destination with visitors enjoying its convenient proximity to a variety of game reserves and natural attractions namely, the Kruger National Park and the breathtakingly beautiful Blyde River Canyon. Set in a fertile subtropical area, the town is also known as one of the country’s top producers of tea, coffee, mangoes, avocados, and pawpaws. Other popular activities include: hiking, mountain biking, climbing, fly fishing, rafting, and kayaking.
Situated in a valley on the escarpment of the Drakensberg, overlooking the Sabie River, Sabie is a quaint, country town surrounded by stunning natural scenery, such as cascading waterfalls and tranquil mountain streams. It is the centre of the local timber industry and home to the statues of the famous dog, Jock of the Bushveld.
The cosmopolitan city of Pretoria, also known as ‘Tshwane’, is situated in the province of Gauteng and functions as one of three capitals of South Africa. Pretoria has been dubbed ‘The Jacaranda City’, which is owed to the annual bloom of magnificent purple blossom trees that adorn the wide avenues of the city. Discover several historic monuments, fine government buildings, and fascinating museums, and explore several interesting cultural sites. The Transvaal Museum is a natural history museum showcasing an ancient dinosaur fossil found at the nearby Cradle of Humankind; the Pretoria Botanical Gardens offers visitors a glimpse of different biomes, and the Voortrekker Monument is a famous National Heritage Site. Don’t miss the nearby Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary as well as the beautiful Wonderboom and Groenkloof Nature Reserves.
