“We saw SO MANY animals and saw them up close. We observed lions and wild dogs as they lazed around, played, and then moved off to hunt. It was awe-inspiring.”
–Nat Hab Traveler Mary Ellen G., Secluded Botswana Safari
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From the golden dunes of Namibia’s Namib Desert to the emerald channels of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Southern Africa is a land of striking contrasts—and home to some of the continent’s largest and most iconic wildlife populations.
In Botswana, more than 100,000 elephants roam free in some of Africa’s most successful conservation areas. The lush Okavango Delta—one of the world’s largest inland deltas—teems with wildlife year-round, offering a haven for hippos, crocodiles, lions, leopards, and hundreds of bird species. Beyond the Delta’s vibrant wetlands, the Kalahari Desert stretches wide, sheltering black-maned lions and preserving the ancient traditions of the San Bushmen.
Across the border in Namibia, desert-adapted rhinos, elephants, and oryx thrive in stark, sunbaked terrain where survival depends on resilience and evolutionary ingenuity. The eerie beauty of the Skeleton Coast and the soaring dunes of Sossusvlei add a dramatic backdrop to the wildlife experience.
In South Africa—often considered the birthplace of the wildlife safari—legendary game viewing in Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand, and other storied reserves is complemented by rich cultural heritage and coastal wonders. From penguin colonies and whalerich bays to vibrant cities and historic wine country, South Africa blends wild nature with diverse human stories.
The vast, unmarred landscapes of Zambia offer a less-discovered safari destination where untamed rivers flow, abundant wildlife roams sprawling plains, and the essence of wild Africa reigns.
Discover Africa at its wildest on Nat Hab’s Southern Africa safaris across Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia. Call 800-543-8917 or visit nathab.com/southern-africa to learn more.
Though much of Botswana is desert, its northern reaches feature the Okavango Delta, the Chobe River and the Makgadikgadi Pans— an astonishing contrast of drylands and wetlands. This geographic diversity sustains an extraordinary range of wildlife and has helped establish Botswana as one of the continent’s last great strongholds of unspoiled wilderness.
Botswana’s holistic approach—combining ecotourism, strong protections and community partnerships— has made it a beacon of conservation success and a refuge for Africa’s wildlife.
One might assume that a country consisting of 70% desert would struggle to support wildlife, yet Botswana defies expectations. From the parched dunes of the Kalahari to the shimmering waterways of the Okavango Delta, life flourishes here. The Okavango—Earth’s largest inland delta—is a seasonal oasis that transforms arid land into a lush, green expanse. Between June and August, water floods the delta’s plains, drawing a staggering array of animals: elephants wading through reed-fringed channels, lions stalking the shallows, and lechwe bounding through knee-deep water.
The delta’s biodiversity has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status and solidified Botswana’s place among Africa’s premier safari destinations. Beyond its immense elephant population—roughly a third of the world’s total—the region teems with wildlife: African wild dogs, hulking hippos, elusive leopards, and crocodiles nearly indistinguishable from driftwood. Zebras, giraffes, rhinos and buffalo traverse the landscape, each playing a role in this ecological web.
“The whole trip exceeded our expectations. We loved seeing the animals, meeting the people of Botswana, and learning so much about both. We could not have been more pleased!”
—Nat Hab Traveler Sunny S., Family Botswana Safari
Botswana’s wildlife success is no accident. In the 1990s, the country adopted a conservation-first model of safari tourism, prioritizing high-quality, low-impact travel over mass visitation. This approach has protected delicate ecosystems while fueling the economy. Tourism is now Botswana’s second-largest source of foreign income and employs nearly 9% of the population.
This commitment to nature-based tourism has also driven long-term investment in conservation programs, which have proven remarkably effective. Today, Botswana stands as a model for other nations seeking to balance environmental protection with economic growth.
Explore Nat Hab’s Botswana Safaris
Bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Namibia spans more than 200 million acres of stark, striking beauty—where rugged coastlines give way to woodland savannas, lush floodplains and deserts that shift color with the wind. Its name comes from the Nama word namib, meaning “vast”—an apt description for the Namib Desert, which hugs the country’s western edge.
The Namib is Earth’s oldest desert, shaped over 55 million years ago and defined by extremes. Rain is rare—less than half an inch a year. The silence is broken by coastal winds that sculpt towering dunes—some more than 1,200 feet high—glowing burnt orange to crimson at dawn and dusk. Life endures in extraordinary ways: Fog-harvesting beetles drink from morning mist, desert-adapted elephants follow ancient riverbeds in search of water, and brown hyenas scavenge along
the Skeleton Coast, where shipwrecks bear witness to a turbulent maritime past.
Namibia’s coastal waters teem with life. Southern right whales, once nearly extinct, now breach in growing numbers, while Cape fur seals gather by the tens of thousands. Inland, conservation efforts have helped wildlife rebound: Springbok ripple across the plains, and gemsbok and black-faced impalas roam the savanna. In this vast landscape,
Namibia’s cheetahs—the largest free-roaming population on Earth—streak across the open land. Namibia also harbors Africa’s largest population of wild black rhinos.
In a pioneering move, Namibia became the first African country to enshrine environmental protection in its constitution. Through communal conservancies, local communities gained the power to manage natural resources, allowing wildlife to thrive. In partnership with the
government and conservation groups, these efforts have restored rhinos, lions, cheetahs and zebras to their ancestral range—making Namibia a global model for conservation.
Today, conservation tourism provides sustainable income and helps ensure this vast, ancient land remains a haven for the wild.
“The adventure was unforgettable. From viewing majestic white and black rhinos to taking in the stark beauty of the landscape, every moment was special.”
South Africa is a land of extremes, where biodiversity thrives across a dramatic sweep of landscapes. Though it covers just 2% of Earth’s surface, it shelters 10% of all known plant species and 7% of the planet’s reptiles, birds and mammals. Thousands of these species exist nowhere else, their futures tied to South Africa’s varied ecosystems.
South Africa is a country of astonishing biodiversity, where dramatically varied landscapes support an array of species. Along the rugged southern coast, the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet in a nutrient-rich upwelling. Great white sharks patrol offshore, Cape fur seals gather in thriving colonies, and kelp forests sway beneath the waves. Inland, the red sands of the Kalahari stretch for miles, broken only by camelthorn trees and the shimmering mirage of springbok herds. South
Africa’s grasslands are home to the largest rhino population in Africa, their fate shaped by both conservation efforts and the threat of poaching.
Even the ground tells ancient stories— Mpumalanga’s Barberton Mountains, at 3.5 billion years old, hold some of the world’s earliest signs of life. In the east, the jagged peaks of the Drakensberg rise toward Mafadi’s 11,320-foot summit on the Lesotho border, where snow occasionally dusts the crags.
In an environment where conservation and economic survival sometimes clash, South Africa has embraced innovative solutions. Conservation tourism has become a powerful tool for easing poverty in remote areas. Through profit-sharing, direct employment, and partnerships with local farmers, ecotourism spreads benefits through communities. Safari lodges buy local produce, anti-poaching units are staffed by residents, and wildlife
protection supports household income, allowing people to see firsthand how their futures are linked to the land.
As a result, many communities have become fierce defenders of endangered species—proof that conservation and human prosperity can thrive together.
“Each safari drive was more incredible than the last, and the pontoon boat cruise and sundowners were delightful extras. It was astounding how close we got to the wildlife!”
—Nat Hab Traveler Linda Z., Secluded South Africa
Zambia is where the walking safari was born— a raw, untamed destination where intimate wildlife encounters unfold on foot. With vast, undeveloped parks and few tourists, it offers one of Africa’s most authentic and immersive safari experiences.
“The entire safari was incredible! What we love most about Nat Hab is how they take care of all the details. Going to a new place, let alone a foreign country, can sometimes feel scary, so it’s comforting to know Nat Hab is on top of everything.”
—Nat Hab Traveler Deb R. Botswana: Kalahari, the Delta & Beyond
Far from the crowds and paved roads of more commercial safari destinations, Zambia offers a truly wild experience, steeped in adventure and ecological integrity. It’s the birthplace of the walking safari, a legacy that continues today in the country’s renowned national parks, especially South Luangwa—often called the “Valley of the Leopard” for its high density of these elusive cats. Here, guests trade safari vehicles for the thrill of exploring on foot, led by expert naturalist guides and armed trackers who teach travelers to read tracks, interpret animal behavior, and experience wildlife from a respectful distance.
Beyond leopards, South Luangwa teems with giraffes, elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and more than 400 bird species. Night drives offer a chance to spot nocturnal wildlife—bush babies, hyenas, porcupines, and even the rare aardvark.
This low-impact, conservation-focused approach to tourism benefits local communities and helps preserve Zambia’s wild heritage. Safari camps operate in partnership with local residents and national park authorities, ensuring that wildlife tourism supports livelihoods and preserves natural habitats.
Zambia’s appeal lies in its authenticity: towering mahogany groves, meandering rivers, and sweeping savannas unspoiled by mass tourism. It is Africa at its most elemental— a haven for those seeking connection with nature in its purest form.
Explore Nat Hab’s Zambia Safaris
A Southern Africa safari is the ultimate opportunity to encounter the Big Five and a plethora of other species, from prolific birdlife to mighty predators and prey. From national parks to private conservancies, the protected wildlands of Southern Africa offer starkly contrasting ecosystems that support a vast diversity of life.
The “Big Five” include lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Once feared as Africa’s most dangerous animals to hunt, they are now celebrated as symbols of wild Africa. Powerful and enduring, they capture the continent’s spirit and remain the most sought-after sightings on safari.
Chobe, Botswana’s first national park, was established in 1967. Spanning nearly 4.5 million acres, it is one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, best known for hosting the largest elephant population on Earth—an estimated 120,000. Each day, these giants gather at the Chobe River, ears fanning against the heat as they drink and bathe. Lions stalk the savanna, leopards lounge in acacia trees, and packs of endangered wild African dogs move in relentless pursuit of prey.
Beyond elephants and apex predators, Chobe is home to an extraordinary array of other wildlife. Giraffes tower over the brush, while sable and roan antelopes cut elegant silhouettes. Red lechwe bound through the wetlands, hippos loll in shallow rivers and crocodiles lurk, motionless, just beneath the surface. The rare puku, found in few places beyond Chobe, grazes near the river alongside zebra, buffalo, and warthogs. More than 460 bird species thrive here, from jewel-toned kingfishers to the African fish eagle, known for its piercing cry.
Chobe’s landscapes are divided into four ecosystems: the Linyanti swamps, the arid Savute, the remote Ngwezumba Pans, and the Chobe Riverfront. The riverfront is the park’s lifeblood, its year-round water drawing immense concentrations of animals, especially in the dry season. As inland waterholes vanish, herds descend on the riverbanks, offering some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing in Africa.
On the southern banks of Botswana’s Linyanti River lies the private Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, a roughly 309,000-acre wilderness of marshes, lagoons, flowing rivers, and riverine forests of sausage and jackalberry trees. These lush areas transition into dry woodlands and open grasslands, creating diverse habitats that support an extraordinary range of wildlife.
The Savute Channel, a lifeline between the Linyanti River and Chobe National Park, behaves mysteriously—flowing for years, then inexplicably drying up. Regardless of its state, the region remains a magnet for wildlife. Elephants move in vast herds, zebra and giraffe graze the floodplains, and predators—lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, and jackal—prowl the landscape. Bat-eared foxes skitter across the open terrain, while hippos and crocodiles dominate the waterways.
Savute is also a birder’s paradise, with kori bustards, towering secretary birds, and countless more. The dawn chorus is filled with the calls of red-billed francolins, while quelea flocks darken the sky in swirling masses.
Located north of Savute, along Chobe’s western boundary, the Linyanti region offers superb game viewing, particularly in the dry winter months. Thousands of migrating zebras pass through before heading south in November for fresh grazing. Rare sable and roan antelope roam the woodlands, while red lechwe and the elusive sitatunga thrive in the wetlands. Towering ebony, marula, and leadwood trees line the papyrus-fringed waterways, providing refuge for migrating elephants.
The ever-changing Okavango Delta is constantly being reshaped by the rhythm of water. Each April, floodwaters spread across the plains, swelling the Delta to nearly three times its permanent size and transforming the entire landscape. Floating papyrus and reed rafts form the backbone of the Delta’s plant life. These buoyant mats filter out pollutants, trap sediment to build new land, and provide critical nurseries for fish, nesting platforms for waterbirds, and cover for crocodiles.
During the dry winter months of June through August, when the surrounding land turns brittle with drought, wildlife flocks to the water-rich Delta. This seasonal migration creates one of the most impressive concentrations of animals in Africa, with sightings of elephants, hippos, buffalo, zebras, baboons, and greater kudu. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, sable antelope, and both brown and spotted hyenas also appear, more easily seen thanks to low grass and sparse vegetation.
By October, the floods recede, temperatures climb, and the terrain takes on a parched appearance. Then, as the rains return in November, the Delta is draped once again in green. Afternoon storms give way to vivid rainbows and dramatic skies—ideal for photographers. The lush vegetation provides food for elephants, buffalo, and hippos, many of which give birth during this time. It’s common to spot lions, elephants, and
zebras tending to their young, while newborn antelope hide in the grasses. Other greenseason regulars include bushbucks, kudu, impalas, wildebeest, and hippos.
The Delta also hosts more than 560 species of resident and migratory birds, including African jacanas, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles, and the brilliantly colored carmine bee-eater.
The word “desert” is something of a misnomer when it comes to the Kalahari. More accurately, it’s a semi-desert. Its name comes from the Tswana word kgala, meaning “the great thirst,” or kgalagadi, “a waterless place”—terms that capture the spirit of this vast and mysterious land.
Unlike true deserts, the Kalahari is covered in vegetation and receives seasonal rainfall. But its sandy soils absorb moisture quickly, leaving little surface water. Life here relies on seasonal pans that briefly hold rain, underground streams and the annual pulse of the Okavango River. The plants that survive have deep roots to tap into hidden reserves of water.
The Kalahari Dunes form the world’s largest expanse of sand dunes—even larger than those of the Sahara, where much of the terrain is bare rock. These red sands get their color from iron oxide; in essence, the Kalahari is rusting. And it’s shifting. After 10,000 years of relative stability, the dunes are expanding as livestock overgrazing increases areas of bare sand.
Yet much of the central Kalahari remains true wilderness, home to wildlife adapted to the harsh environment and to the San, Indigenous huntergatherers who have survived here for millennia. They know which roots and fruits provide moisture. They store standing water in emptied ostrich eggs buried beneath the sand, a simple, ingenious method passed through generations.
Southeast of the Okavango Delta, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans stretch across a glittering, salt-crusted expanse within the Kalahari Basin. The pans formed when Lake Makgadikgadi, once larger than Switzerland, evaporated thousands of years ago. As the lake dried, thick layers of salt—up to 15 feet deep—accumulated on the basin floor. This arid landscape is the largest salt pan complex on Earth, spanning some 10,000 square miles. It’s so vast it can be seen from the moon!
Adapted to harsh conditions, desert wildlife like gemsbok, springbok, steenbok, and hartebeest wander the shimmering plains. Meerkat colonies entertain safari-goers as they groom, sunbathe, and hunt for scorpions. Other resilient inhabitants include mongooses, honey badgers, aardvarks, aardwolves, hyenas, and jackals. Millennia-old baobab trees rise from the flats like sculptures, their stubby branches clawing at the sky. With no light pollution, this remote region offers some of the best stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere.
For much of the year, the pans are dry, with only a trace of blue-green algae as vegetation. But during the rainy season, water transforms the landscape into nutrient-rich savanna. Zebras arrive by the thousands—the largest such migration in Southern Africa—followed by wildebeest, oryx, and impala, with black-maned lions in pursuit. Makgadikgadi is also a vital breeding ground for flamingos. These vivid pink birds flock to seasonal saltwater lakes, their color casting a surreal contrast against the silver-white flats.
Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia offers one of Africa’s most unique wildlife experiences, anchored by an 80-mile-long salt pan so vast it can be seen from space. In the Ovambo language, Etosha loosely means “Great White Place.”
The park’s centerpiece—also called “the place of dry water”—was once a massive lake that dried up after the Kunene River shifted course.
Formed more than 100 million years ago, the pan now covers nearly a quarter of the park. During the rainy season, shallow pools gather across its surface, and in wetter years, the pan briefly becomes a lake again, drawing thousands of flamingos in dazzling pink flocks.
Framed by mopane woodlands and open savanna, Etosha’s stark, silvery terrain creates a dreamlike setting for wildlife photography.
Umbrella thorn acacias and spindly moringas dot the landscape, adding to the park’s surreal atmosphere. Wildlife sightings are plentiful: elephant, zebra, springbok, black rhino, wildebeest, giraffe, kudu, eland, lion, cheetah, leopard, and hyena, along with more than 320 bird species—most notably flamingos, ostriches, and yellow-billed hornbills.
Much of the action unfolds at Etosha’s watering holes. Okaukuejo is ideal for spotting black rhinos and elephants, while Okondeka is prime lion territory. For those hoping to glimpse a leopard, Halali and Goas are promising bets. Sueda and Salvadora offer rare opportunities to photograph cheetahs in action, caught in motion against a wide, sun-bleached backdrop.
Namib-Naukluft National Park is one of the largest national parks in the world, spanning nearly 19,216 square miles. Located along Namibia’s west-central coast, the park includes the Naukluft mountain range and part of the Namib Desert, which gave Namibia its name: “land of open spaces.”
In the Namib’s heart rise the tallest dunes on Earth, some soaring nearly 1,000 feet above the desert floor. Shaped by wind and fog drifting in from the Atlantic, the dunes’ red
and burnt orange hues come from iron in the sand oxidizing over time—like rusted metal. The older the dune, the brighter its color.
Sossusvlei—a salt and clay pan surrounded by towering sand dunes—is arguably the park’s most iconic attraction. Often called the “dead-end marsh,” it is located at the end of the Tsauchab River in the southern Namib Desert. The area remains dry much of the year—sometimes for several years at a time. When rains fall in the Naukluft
Mountains, flash floods create temporary marshes that attract migratory birds. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind a crust of salt.
Vibrant orange dunes contrast sharply with the pale yellows of the salt pan and the deep blue Namibian sky, making Sossusvlei one of the world’s most photographed desert landscapes. Now and then, the silhouette of an oryx appears on the dune line—etched like a work of art against the horizon.
Not to be overlooked, nearby Deadvlei features a haunting forest of 800-year-old petrified trees rising from a bleached-white pan—another surreal scene beloved by photographers.
Though it’s the scenery that draws most visitors, these arid environs support plenty of wildlife. Beyond the small reptiles and insects typical of the Namib, you may spot rodents, jackals, antelope, and ostriches moving through this seemingly lifeless terrain.
Situated between the Skeleton Coast to the west and Etosha National Park to the east, Damaraland is a striking region of contrasts— home to prehistoric rock engravings, bald granite peaks, and palm-fringed valleys that evoke hidden oases. It also harbors remarkable wildlife adapted to the harsh, arid conditions, where permanent water is scarce or nonexistent.
For centuries, Damaraland’s remoteness and unforgiving climate have limited development and deterred visitors. Even today, this rugged wilderness remains off the beaten path— a pristine haven for travelers seeking solitude and adventure.
The region shelters desert-adapted elephants, lions, and one of the last strongholds of critically endangered black rhinos. Elephants
here have longer legs and broader feet to move easily across sand in search of water, while desert lions have thicker coats and elongated limbs to survive chilly nights and scorching days.
Game drives offer a chance to track these elusive animals and learn about the conservation efforts helping them persist. Other wildlife includes zebra, giraffes, gemsbok, and spotted hyenas—each uniquely suited to this raw, resilient landscape.
Damaraland is also culturally significant, with sites like Twyfelfontein featuring some of the oldest known petroglyphs in Africa. Its combination of ancient human history, dramatic scenery, and rare wildlife makes it one of Namibia’s most compelling—and least crowded—regions to explore.
Named for the whale bones and rusting shipwrecks scattered along its remote shores, Namibia’s Skeleton Coast
National Park is a hauntingly beautiful wilderness at the edge of the northern Namib Desert. Stretching 310 miles along the Atlantic—from the Kunene River in the north to the Ugab River in the south—this 24-mile-wide strip of coastline is often called the world’s largest ship graveyard. Strong currents, dense fog, and shifting underwater sandbars have doomed countless vessels, leaving behind skeletal remains that echo the region’s forbidding name and give the landscape an eerie, otherworldly feel.
Still, the Skeleton Coast is a magnet for intrepid travelers drawn to its solitude, stark beauty, seascapes, and vast sand
dunes. The southern zone is reachable by rugged four-wheel-drive safari, revealing dramatic desert terrain and hardy wildlife, while the park’s northern reaches are accessible only by scenic flight—showcasing the area’s windsculpted dunes, endless beaches, and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic. Near Cape Fria, aerial views reveal more than 100,000 Cape fur seals clustered on the shore.
Despite its desolate appearance, the Skeleton Coast supports a surprising diversity of desert-adapted wildlife. Look for rare desert elephants, giraffes, springbok, gemsbok, black rhinos, jackals, brown hyenas, seals, and seabirds navigating this harsh but resilient ecosystem.
The Palmwag Concession, also known as Palmwag Reserve, is a 1.36 million-acre conservancy in northwestern Namibia’s Damaraland. This game-rich communal land in the Kunene region is one of Africa’s last strongholds for wild black rhinos. The landscape is a dramatic mix of boulderstrewn valleys, rust-colored hills, rocky terraces, and the ephemeral Uniab River, all framed by the table-topped Etendeka Plateau.
Near the reserve’s entrance, the Uniab springs to life and winds its way west toward the sea, sustaining remarkable biodiversity along the way—most notably the continent’s largest population of free-roaming, desertadapted black rhinos.
Desert elephants, Hartmann’s mountain zebras, southern giraffes, gemsbok, springbok, kudu, meerkats, scrub hares, jackals, genets, and countless bird species all rely on the river for water. Predators including desert lions, leopards, cheetahs, brown and spotted hyenas, and black-backed jackals also roam this rugged ecosystem.
At the heart of Palmwag’s success is the local nonprofit Save the Rhino Trust, which has played a critical role in protecting the region’s rhinos. Thanks to its vigilant antipoaching and conservation work, this is one of the only places where black rhino numbers are rising. Visitors can join conservationists on a walking safari through the reserve— a rare opportunity to walk among giants brought back from the brink of extinction.
Madikwe Private Reserve is one of the few wildlife reserves in the world created specifically because wildlife conservation was deemed the most appropriate and sustainable use of the land. Once designated for agriculture, poor soil conditions made farming unviable. In response, the South African government chose to protect the land to both conserve biodiversity and uplift the surrounding communities.
Established in 1991, Madikwe underwent one of the largest rewilding efforts in Africa. Over seven years, nearly 8,000 animals from 28 species—including elephants, white rhinos, and lions— were relocated to the area. African wild dogs, also known as painted wolves for their mottled black and brown coats,
were successfully reintroduced, making Madikwe one of the few places in Africa where these elusive predators can reliably be seen.
Today, the reserve spans more than 148,000 acres of open woodland and grassland plains, making it one of South Africa’s largest protected areas. Alongside the Big Five, Madikwe is home to wildebeest, kudu, springbok, impala, and oryx. Thanks to its proximity to the Kalahari, desert-adapted species like the brown hyena and bat-eared fox also thrive here.
Birdwatchers are rewarded with sightings of secretary birds, yellow-billed hornbills, and an array of raptors, including the Martial eagle, African fish eagle, and African harrier hawk, known for its flexible knees that bend both forward and backward.
Marataba Private Reserve is a 52,000acre sanctuary tucked within South Africa’s mountainous Marakele National Park. Located along the Waterberg massif in Limpopo Province, where bushveld meets Kalahari sands, it’s one of the country’s most scenically striking wildlife regions. Positioned between South Africa’s dry west and wetter east, the reserve’s red rock cliffs, grassy hills, and lush valleys form a uniquely biodiverse ecosystem.
In the Tswana language, Marakele means “place of sanctuary”—a fitting name for this inviting landscape. Within its realms, Marataba is a less-trafficked spot. While it may not have the name recognition of Kruger or Sabi Sand, it delivers one of South Africa’s most spectacular safari experiences.
Although visitors can explore the reserve by vehicle and boat, walking safaris at the true highlight here, offering an unmatched intimacy with the terrain. Travelers can track black and white rhinos on foot, while lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo round out the Big Five. Other species include giraffe, zebra, kudu, waterbuck, eland, impala, wildebeest, hyena, bat-eared fox, and both vervet monkeys and chacma baboons.
More than 400 bird species thrive here, including the African scops owl, lilac-breasted roller, and fiery-necked nightjar. Water safaris on the Matlabas River and off-road night drives add even more depth to this exceptional wildlife experience.
Bordered by the Sabie River to the south and bisected by the Sand River, Sabi Sand is the oldest and most prestigious private reserve in South Africa. Day visitors are not permitted, making it an exclusive experience for the limited number of guests staying at the reserve’s luxury lodges. It’s considered one of the best places in Africa to spot the Big Five—especially the elusive leopard— and is home to more than 300 bird species.
Sabi Sand shares an unfenced boundary with the renowned Kruger National Park, forming a vast, uninterrupted ecosystem teeming with wildlife. The two were originally joined as the Sabi Reserve, established in 1898. When Kruger became a national park in 1926, the privately held land was separated, and landowners— many of whose descendants still manage properties here—began shaping what is now the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.
Thanks to its origins in cattle ranching, the land features year-round water from boreholes and reservoirs once built for livestock. These water sources were preserved when the land shifted to conservation and tourism, making it one of the few areas in the region
where wildlife isn’t affected by seasonal drought. The result is consistently high concentrations of game.
At 33,000 acres, the MalaMala section is the largest in the reserve. It shares 12 miles of unfenced boundary with Kruger and offers some of the region’s best wildlife viewing, along with sweeping vistas of the Sand River and surrounding bushveld. MalaMala was also a pioneer in wildlife photography tourism, banning hunting in the 1960s.
Since 2013, MalaMala’s owners have partnered with the local Nwandlamhari community to share land management and tourism revenue. This model creates opportunities for education, employment and skills development—showing how tourism can uplift local communities while inspiring long-term protection of the wildlife that draws visitors to Southern Africa.
“The game drives were outstanding, with an amazing breadth of sightings. This was our seventh trip to Africa, and we saw a number of species for the first time!”
—Nat Hab Traveler Ken R., Secluded South Africa
Often described as one of Africa’s finest wildlife sanctuaries, South Luangwa National Park is a raw and remote haven teeming with biodiversity. Set along the meandering Luangwa River in the eastern part of the country, the park is the birthplace of the walking safari—an immersive experience that invites travelers to step into the rhythms of the bush on foot. With guidance from expert naturalists and armed scouts, guests learn to track animals, interpret signs in the wild, and experience wildlife at eye level.
South Luangwa is especially renowned for its dense leopard population, earning it the nickname “Valley of the Leopard.” Lions, elephants, hippos, buffalo, giraffes,
crocodiles, and a wide variety of antelope are frequently spotted, while night drives reveal secretive nocturnal species like bush babies, genets, and hyenas. Birders will be equally thrilled—more than 400 species inhabit the park, including carmine beeeaters, African skimmers, and fish eagles, easily identifiable by their unmistakable call.
The park remains refreshingly uncrowded, with no paved roads and only a handful of small, eco-conscious camps. This sustainable tourism model supports local communities and conservation initiatives. South Luangwa’s wild character, ecological richness, and walking safari legacy make it a standout destination for travelers seeking an intimate, off-the-beatenpath adventure in Africa.
Lower Zambezi National Park is a pristine wilderness renowned for both its dramatic beauty and exceptional wildlife. Once the private game reserve of Zambia’s president, the park remains one of the country’s most unspoiled and exclusive safari destinations, protected from mass tourism by its remoteness and commitment to low-impact travel.
The park’s rich floodplains, woodlands, and oxbow lagoons support an impressive array of wildlife. Herds of elephants wade through the shallows, hippos wallow in muddy channels, and crocodiles patrol the riverbanks. Buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck, zebra, kudu, and impala graze the grassy plains, while predators like lions, leopards, hyenas, and African wild dogs keep close watch. The area is also a
birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 370 recorded species, including Goliath herons, fish eagles, and colorful bee-eaters.
Lower Zambezi is uniquely suited to multidimensional safari experiences. In addition to traditional game drives, visitors can explore by canoe, motorboat, or on foot. Paddling quietly past elephants drinking at the river’s edge or drifting near a pod of hippos is an unforgettable thrill.
With few lodges and an emphasis on conservation and community engagement, Lower Zambezi offers an exclusive, deeply immersive safari—where the pulse of wild Africa still beats strong and untamed.
On Nat Hab’s small-group Southern Africa Safaris and Photo Expeditions, our focus is on secluded and spectacular wildlife encounters away from crowds. Our Expedition Leaders are among the most experienced safari guides in Africa. And, despite our isolated locales, you’ll enjoy surprising luxury in the bush, with amenities and personalized service that will exceed your expectations.
In this remote environment, Nat Hab’s exclusive access and decades of expertise guarantee a safari experience you won’t find with any other tour operator or on a self-planned itinerary. Trust us to get you there, and the stunning landscapes and iconic wildlife of Southern Africa will do the rest!
“Our Expedition Leader was one of the best guides we have ever had in our 30 years of international nature travel. He was extremely knowledgeable, considerate, enthusiastic, compassionate, and patient, and he is clearly passionate about his country, its people, and its wildlife.”
-Nat Hab Traveler Linda J., The Great Namibia Wildlife Safari
Our naturalist Expedition Leaders are the finest in Southern Africa, holding high-level certifications and advanced degrees in scientific research. With their expertise and experience—along with access to training resources from our conservation partner, World Wildlife Fund—our naturalist guides provide exceptional insight and interpretation. They’re also warm and personable, invested in getting to know each guest!
Our small groups range from 6–14 travelers depending on the safari. This allows for intimate, personalized exploration. During game drives and other activities, we divide into even smaller groups, ensuring closer, quieter encounters with the flora and fauna of Southern Africa.
To sleep under canvas in the bush beneath the Milky Way, listening to the roar of a distant lion...there’s no more iconic safari experience! We place our camps in remote and secluded areas where wildlife viewing is best. Spacious walk-in tents evoke the classic safari ambience of yesteryear, yet luxury amenities ensure your comfort is not compromised.
You’ll find well-dressed beds and an en suite bathroom with hot shower, plus your own shaded veranda to watch animals ambling past. Evenings in camp are magical, with dinners served by lantern light and nightcaps around a crackling fire.
In the heart of the Okavango Delta, teeming with wildlife, Gomoti Camp’s canvas tents on raised decks offer exceptional close-up viewing, including from your own private veranda. Teak furnishings and paraffin lanterns lend ambience.
Magnificent knob thorn acacia trees shade this authentic bush camp where luxurious tents capitalize on a splendid view over the Linyanti waterways in an intimate, wild setting.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
From this seasonal tented camp on the Jao Concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta, guests experience a watery wilderness immersion with safari excursions inside permanently flooded terrain.
This secluded camp gets you deep into the delta for unparalleled proximity to wildlife. Eight Meru-style tents have dark wood, iron campaign-style furniture, Oriental rugs and lanterns, creating vintage atmosphere.
Reading enriches any journey. Whether you’re preparing for your trip or deepening your understanding while on a Southern Africa safari, books offer essential context—from wildlife facts and natural history to human stories and conservation. Each of our book picks offers deeper insight into the region’s wildlife, history, and culture to enhance your experience before, during, and after your adventure.
The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals | Richard D. Estes
An invaluable encyclopedic guide to Africa’s mammals, written with the typical safari-goer in mind. This perennial bestseller by a noted scientist includes in-depth information and an overview of each animal group accompanied by black-and-white drawings.
The Kingdon Pocket Guide to African Mammals | Jonathan Kingdon
This compact illustrated guide provides easily digestible information on the identification, distribution, ecology, and conservation status of African mammals. Text, range maps and color illustrations are integrated on facing pages for ease of use in the field.
The Collector of Treasures and Other Botswana Village Tales | Bessie Head
Head was born in South Africa but lived in exile in Botswana, stemming from her involvement in anti-apartheid politics and her uncertain status as a mixed-race woman. These masterful short stories draw the reader into rural communities in independenceera Botswana.
The Careless Seamstress | Tjawangwa Dema
This debut collection of poems by spoken word artist Dema won the Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets in 2017. In this body of work that examines “the nature of power and resistance,” Dema explores the empowerment of women expressed through everyday activities.
Horn of Darkness, Rhinos on the Edge | Carol Cunningham & Joel Berger
A lively account of field work, combining adventure, natural history, and thoughtful commentary on the plight of the severely endangered black rhinoceros in Namibia.
Skeleton Coast | Amy Schoeman
Shoenman’s classic, first published in 1971, shows the magnificent landscapes, wildlife, and nature of the Namib desert, Skeleton Coast and northwest Namibia in 160 color photos and accompanying essays on geology, climate, nature, and history.
My Traitor’s Heart | Rian Malan
Afrikaner journalist Malan retraces his journey home on the eve of apartheid’s collapse. Weaving together family history and rich legends of the Zulu nation, he delivers a beautifully written and brutally honest account confronting the stark contrasts at the heart of South Africa.
Cry, The Beloved Country | Alan Paton
This 1948 classic is a deeply moving tale of Reverend Kumalo’s search for justice. It’s both a lyrical tribute to individual resilience and a powerful indictment of apartheid.
When is the best time to travel to Southern Africa for a safari?
You can view wildlife year-round in Southern Africa. The rainy green summer occurs from November to April, and the dry, temperate winter typically falls between May and October. Both seasons have their advantages, with the green season offering fewer crowds, vibrant scenery, newborn animals, and migratory birds, making it excellent for photography. In contrast, the dry winter has cooler temperatures and tends to have great visibility, with limited water resources forcing wildlife to congregate in smaller areas.
What is the weather like on a safari in Southern Africa?
The weather in Southern Africa varies significantly depending on the region (desert areas, coastal or inland highlands) and time of year. During the dry winter season (May to October), you can expect mild to warm days with cooler nights, especially in desert and high-altitude regions. Minimal rainfall across most of Southern Africa makes it a popular time for safaris. In Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia, daytime temperatures range from 68–86°F, while nighttime temperatures, especially in deserts like the Namib, can drop close to freezing. Zimbabwe and Zambia have average daytime temperatures of 77–86°F, with cooler nights.
The green season (November to April) is hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms in many areas. Rain is most common in the central and northern regions of Southern Africa, including Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and northern South Africa. Rain is usually in the form of short, heavy downpours, followed by sunshine. Daytime temperatures often exceed 86°F.
What time of day is wildlife most active in Southern Africa?
Wildlife in Southern Africa is usually the most active in the morning and evening. This works out especially well for travelers, since morning and evening are the coolest times of the day, and therefore the best times to be out in the bush. Mornings and evenings also provide the best lighting for photographing any animals you may encounter on your game drives or bush walks.
What wildlife am I likely to see on a Southern Africa safari?
Southern Africa is an ideal place to encounter iconic African wildlife, including the “Big Five”: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. It is also home to cheetahs, hippos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, baboons, vervet monkeys, warthogs, hyenas, African wild dogs, bat-eared foxes, ostriches, meerkats, and many species of antelope, along with hundreds of unique bird species, making for a unique, diverse wildlife viewing experience.
Check out our Southern Africa Wildlife Guide
How will we travel around Southern Africa on our safari?
We travel by light aircraft, and our game drives and road transfers are done in either open or closed 4x4 safari land cruisers. Our safari vehicles have cushioned passenger seats, and we rarely fill them to capacity so that each guest gets a window seat and has plenty of room for gear.
How are Nat Hab’s Southern Africa Photo Expeditions different from its other Southern Africa tours?
On our dedicated Photo Expeditions, you’ll be in the company of fellow photography enthusiasts (often ranging from amateurs to serious hobbyists) as well as a dedicated professional photographer Expedition Leader who will be able to help with photo instruction and get you to the right place at the right time for sensational photos.
What clothing should I pack for the weather in Southern Africa?
Though it gets warmer throughout the day and temperatures rise in the afternoon, mornings and nights can be quite cold, so guests should pack multiple layers. Bring lightweight long- and short-sleeved shirts, pants (zip-off pants are a great idea), a warm fleece or jacket, a hat and good walking shoes for bush walks. A wide-brimmed hat is always helpful on an Africa safari! For further details of what to bring, peruse this helpful packing list and check out Nat Hab’s online Gear Store for some of the key items recommended for your adventure.
Where do guests stay on a Southern Africa safari with Nat Hab?
Our luxury camps and lodges are often located in private reserves where we can do night drives and safari walks.
What type of food is served at Nat Hab’s safari camps? Will we have a chance to try local cuisine?
Meals on our African safaris are often described as “fine cuisine!” Breakfast generally consists of a light continental meal before our morning activities, and then often, there is coffee/tea with treats while on game drives. Returning late in the morning, we generally enjoy a full, hot brunch/lunch at camp. On the days we do a longer game drive, a picnic buffet lunch may be served in the bush. Dinners at the end of a long and exciting day can be quite elaborate, with European and local dishes often tilted toward American tastes. We provide plenty of options for all palates and dietary restrictions.
What currency is used in Southern Africa? Can I exchange money while I’m there?
Botswana’s national currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP). Click here to check the current exchange rate for USD to BWP. South Africa’s national currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Click here to check the current exchange rate for USD to ZAR. Namibia’s national currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD). Click here to check the current exchange rate for USD to NAD. Zimbabwe currently uses the U.S. Dollar as its currency, and U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Zambia.
Is a Southern Africa safari appropriate for children?
Nat Hab’s Expedition Leaders are known for their excellent rapport with kids. This fun dynamic, along with a diverse array of activities and unforgettable wildlife encounters, will leave children with lifelong memories. We strongly encourage you to call our office at 800-543-8917 to speak with an Adventure Specialist about the specific requirements of our Southern Africa trips. If you’re looking for a safari designed specifically for families, consider our Family Adventures
Can Nat Hab take our family or a group on a private Southern Africa adventure?
Yes! Families or friend groups can reserve entire departures on a private basis. Please call our office at 800-543-8917 for group size and pricing details.
Can you name the largest cat in Africa? Any idea how heavy an ostrich egg is, or how wide a hippo can stretch its jaws? Take
our African safari wildlife quiz to put your knowledge to the test!
With abundant wildlife, rich cultures, dramatic landforms, and fascinating history, a trip to Southern Africa is an unforgettable adventure.
Call 800-543-8917 to learn more about our Southern Africa safari offerings, as well as private, custom and family options.
