Southern Africa, a Journey to the ends of the earth

All about Southern Africa

The Southern African region, located in the southern part of the African continent, is a territory of fascinating cultural, geographical and political richness. Composed of countries with varied histories, diverse landscapes and evolving political dynamics, this region offers a captivating insight into the complexity of the African continent.

The Southern African region encompasses a number of nations, each bringing its own distinct history and culture to the mix. The main countries in this region include South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Namibia and Zimbabwe. Indian Ocean islands such as Mauritius and Seychelles are also sometimes associated with this region due to their geographical proximity.

Covering an area of around 3.5 million square kilometers, Southern Africa offers a variety of landscapes ranging from desert expanses to majestic mountain ranges and fertile farmland. Among these countries, South Africa occupies the largest share of the territory, while the other nations each contribute to the region's geographical diversity.

Southern Africa's political history is marked by a series of transitions and challenges. South Africa overcame apartheid to become a multi-ethnic, democratic nation, thanks to Nelson Mandela's ascension to the presidency in 1994. However, the region has also experienced political tensions and conflicts, notably in Zimbabwe, where political problems have had regional repercussions. Regional integration is encouraged by organizations such as the Southern African Development Community, aimed at strengthening political and economic cooperation.

Nowadays, Southern Africa is probably one of the safest and most prosperous regions on the African continent.

Southern Africa offers a wide range of climates due to its varied topography. Arid deserts, such as part of Namibia, rub shoulders with areas with a Mediterranean climate, such as parts of South Africa's Western Cape. Subtropical and tropical regions are found in northern South Africa and parts of Mozambique respectively.

This climatic and geographical diversity creates an ideal setting for tourism. Particularly South Africa which stands out as a top tourist destination, offering vibrant cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, renowned wildlife reserves, picturesque coastal landscapes and famous vineyards. Namibia attracts adventurers with its iconic deserts, while Botswana offers unforgettable safaris in the Okavango Delta. Zimbabwe impresses with its majestic Victoria Falls, a symbol of nature's grandeur.

The Southern African region is home to an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna, creating a unique and fascinating ecosystem. The vast savannahs of this region are populated by an impressive variety of iconic animals such as lions, elephants, rhinos and leopards. Reserves and national parks, such as Botswana's Chobé National Park and Zimbabwe's Matusadona Hwange National Park, preserve this exceptional natural heritage, allowing visitors to see this rich wildlife up close, as well as the colorful birds and fascinating reptiles that populate southern Africa's arid regions and wetlands. The spectacular coasts bordering the Atlantic and Indian Oceans are home to a diverse marine life, including the famous Cape penguins.

When and how to travel in Southern Africa?

Travelling to Southern Africa offers an unforgettable experience.

The ideal time to visit this region mainly depends on your preferences and interests. The best time to travel varies from country to country, but in general, the dry season from May to September is often recommended. These months offer pleasant temperatures and a low probability of rain, making it easier to observe wildlife in the national parks. However, for those wishing to experience Victoria Falls at its best, the rainy season from November to April is ideal for admiring its impressive flow. It's important to note that the months from June to August are the peak tourist season, while April, May and September can offer a good balance between favorable climate and lower crowds.

Travelling in Southern Africa offers a multitude of enriching experiences. In addition to the iconic wildlife to be seen on captivating safaris, the region offers a rich cultural diversity to discover, from the colorful markets of Cape Town to the traditional, remote village of Impalila Island.

Discover Southern Africa with CroisiEurope

With CroisiEurope, discover Southern Africa in a different way: following a 9- to 14-day circuit, this trip, combining cruise, safari and lodge, is a true adventure at the ends of the world.

This Safari-Cruise will take you to discover the 4 most beautiful countries in this region: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Departing from Johannesburg, the country's largest city, you'll visit the city along Mandela's route.

However, if you'd like to see more of South Africa, our "Cape Peninsula" pre-program allows you to take advantage of an extra 4 days in Cape Town, to see the famous penguins of Simon's Town, Robben Island and Table Mountain, among others.

The rest of the trip takes you to the heart of nature in this unique region of the world. Between Namibia and Botswana, you'll stay in a private lodge, surrounded by unspoilt wildlife. During your stay, you'll cross the Chobe National Park on a 4x4 vehicle safari and a water safari, and sail on the Zambezi River.

Then your tour continues aboard one of our two luxury boats: the African Dream or the Zimbabwean Dream, with a maximum of 16 passengers, on Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe. In addition to the exceptional sailing on the 4th largest man-made lake in the world, these few days will take you up close to the animals for an extraordinary and respectful observation of animal life.

Finally, this trip of a lifetime ends in Victoria Falls, where you can discover the Victoria Falls on foot or by helicopter.

OUR SAFARI CRUISES IN SOUTHERN AFRICA