Southern Africa Tourist Information
Southern Africa Tourist Information
17 May 2011Southern Africa is a gem, with unending facets to explore. Each of our member countries have something unique and unforgettable to offer. Here is a brief introduction to each of the countries with respective link to their tourism website :
Angola – Luanda boasts unspoilt beaches of shimmering white sands and clear waters perfect for swimming, diving and other water sports. www.angola.org/tourism.html
Botswana – The second-largest game reserve in the world, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, boasts 52 800 square kilometres of vast open plains, saltpans and ancient riverbeds. It is also home to the Basarwa people (a Bushman tribe) and prolific wildlife including lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, gemsbok and more. www.botswanatourism.co.bw
Democratic Republic of Congo – Situated on the highest point of the East-African Rift Valley on the border of DRC and Rwanda, Lake Kivu is one of the African Great Lakes, with a total surface area of some 2 700 square km and an average depth of 240 m. It is one of three known ‘exploding’ lakes, suspected to be caused by volcanic activity. www.rdcongo-tourisme.com
Lesotho – Sehlabathebe National Park is remote, very high up (2 400 metres above sea level) and only accessible with a 4X4-vehicle. It offers stunning guided pony treks, prolific bird life and unforgettable hiking trails. www.ltdc.org.ls
Madagascar – See an array of multi-coloured fish, sparkling coral, whale sharks and sea turtles while diving and snorkeling along the Madagascar coast. Diving lessons, equipment and infrastructure are good, especially in the coral barrier area on the south-west coast at Ifaty, Mangily, Nosy Ve, and Belo-sur-Mer. www.madagascar-tourism.com
Malawi – On the southern edge of Malawi is the Lengwe National Park, the most northerly African habitat of the striped-backed nyala antelope. Game viewing of other animals, such as buffalo and a wide variety of buck can be seen at water holes, along with amazing birdlife. www.malawitourism.com
Mauritius – The historic Mauritius Gymkhana Club in the centre of the island dates back to the mid-1800s and today boasts an 18-hole golf course open to members, tourists and locals. Other activities include tennis, squash and snooker, as well as a swimming pool, gym and entertainment. www.tourism-mauritius.mu
Mozambique – Gorongosa National Park, on the southern end of the Great African Rift Valley, offers a variety of activities including birding walks, trips to Mount Gorongosa, community visits, a Community Education Centre and the Bué Maria lookout point. www.visitmozambique.net
Namibia – The capital, Windhoek, is a culture-rich city with interesting landmarks, historic buildings, art and crafts projects, quaint shops, museums, a theatre and several art galleries. www.namibiatourism.com.na
South Africa – Stretching over 1000 km from the Eastern Cape, across KwaZulu-Natal and into neighbouring Lesotho, the Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in southern Africa and features nature reserves, outdoor activities, fauna, flora, Bushman cave paintings and village tourism. www.southafrica.net
Swaziland – The King Sobhuza II Memorial Park in Lobamba was established as a tribute to King Sobhuza II who led the Swazi nation to independence from the British in 1968. The park features a memorial enclosure with a three metre high bronze statue of the king, as well as a mausoleum over the space where the king was buried, a museum and memorial torch. www.welcometoswaziland.com
Tanzania – Zanzibar Archipelago consists of a series of islands off the coast of Tanzania. The exotic island is famous for its spices, the historic Stone Town and a wide range of tourism activities. www.tanzaniatouristboard.com
Zambia – Zambia’s capital, Lusaka, is one of the fastest growing cities in central Africa. Not-to-be-missed attractions include Munda Wanga Environmental Park, Lusaka Anglican Cathedral, the vibrant Soweto Market, Lusaka National Museum, Kabwata Cultural Village, and Chaminuka Private Game Reserve. www.zambiatourism.com
Zimbabwe – The largest game reserve in Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park, is home to 105 mammal species, including 19 large herbivores and eight large carnivores. Walking, driving and horseback safaris are popular ways of viewing the wildlife, while game lodges provide suitable accommodation.
www.zimbabwetourism.net
