Question 1

What countries are included in Southern Africa?

Accepted Answer

Our Southern Africa trips cover Botswana, Eswatini (Swaziland), Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Many itineraries combine two or more countries — for example pairing South Africa's Kruger with Zambia's Victoria Falls, or Namibia's deserts with Botswana's Okavango Delta.

Question 2

How long should a Southern Africa trip be?

Accepted Answer

Single-country trips typically range from 7 to 14 days. If you're combining countries — say Namibia's highlights with a Botswana fly-in safari — allow 14 to 21 days. Short 3- to 5-day add-ons to Victoria Falls or the Cape Winelands work well alongside a longer safari.

Question 3

Can I combine multiple countries in one Southern Africa trip?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — multi-country trips are one of Southern Africa's strengths. Popular combinations include South Africa + Zambia (Kruger and Victoria Falls), Botswana + Namibia (Okavango and the Namib Desert), and Namibia + Zambia + Botswana for a grand three-country circuit. Internal flights and short transfers make cross-border travel seamless.

Question 4

What is the best time to visit Southern Africa?

Accepted Answer

The dry winter months from May to October offer the best game viewing across the region — wildlife congregates around water sources and vegetation thins out. The Cape and Garden Route are best from November to March (Southern Hemisphere summer). Whale watching along the South African coast peaks from June to November.

Question 5

What wildlife is Southern Africa known for?

Accepted Answer

Southern Africa is home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), plus wild dogs, cheetahs, hippos, and hundreds of bird species. Kruger and its private reserves in South Africa, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and Etosha in Namibia are among the continent's premier wildlife destinations.

Question 6

Do I need a visa to enter Botswana?

Accepted Answer

Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Visitors from certain countries may be exempt from obtaining a visa for short stays. It is recommended to check with the nearest Botswana embassy or consulate in your home country to determine the specific visa requirements. Find out more here. Botswana offers visa-on-arrival facilities at major entry points for eligible nationalities. It's essential to ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date. Have at least 1 blank page in your passport for endorsements and take 2 colour passport photographs.

Question 7

What is the climate like in Eswatini ?

Accepted Answer

Eswatini experiences distinct summer and winter seasons. Summer runs from October to April and coincides with the wet season, while winter, from May to September, brings dry conditions. Rainfall in summer typically comes as short-lived afternoon storms that rarely disrupt activities, though temperatures can climb to 32 °C (90 °F) with high humidity.

Question 8

Do I need a visa to enter Namibia?

Accepted Answer

As a citizen of the EU, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia and the UK, you will need a passport valid for 6 months from your entry date with at least one blank page to enter Namibia. You DO NOT need to arrange a visa before arrival. However, If you plan on travelling for more than 3 months, you will need to apply for a visa.

Starting 1 April 2025, nationals from 32 countries, including the UK, EU, USA, and Canada, will require a visa on arrival to enter Namibia. Find out more here. If you are a citizen of a country not included above, you may need to acquire a visa before arrival in Namibia via your local Namibian Embassy. Citizens from some countries can obtain a single-entry tourist visa upon arrival in Namibia. Find out more here.

Question 9

What is the best time to travel to South Africa?

Accepted Answer

South Africa can be visited year-round, but the best time depends on the region. The dry winter months from May to September are ideal for safaris, as wildlife gathers around waterholes and vegetation is sparse. The warmer summer months from November to March are better for Cape Town, the Garden Route, and the beaches, although this is also the rainy season in much of the country.

Question 10

Do I need a visa to visit Zambia?

Accepted Answer

Travellers from 167 countries – including most EU states, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway, Japan, Israel, and Brazil – may enter Zambia visa-free for up to 90 days. All other nationalities must obtain a visa online or on arrival. Passports must be valid for at least six months and contain one blank page.

For those visiting both sides of Victoria Falls, the KAZA Univisa is the most convenient option. It is valid for 30 days and covers both Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Question 11

What currency is used in Zimbabwe?

Accepted Answer

Zimbabwe’s official currency is the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL), but due to its instability, the US Dollar (USD) is the primary currency used for most tourism-related transactions. Park fees, accommodation, and many goods and services are quoted in USD, and it is advisable to bring small denominations in cash for tips and smaller purchases. Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, lodges, and shops, though occasional connectivity issues mean carrying cash is wise. ATMs are available in cities and towns, but they typically dispense ZWL, which is of limited use to visitors.

Southern Africa

Iconic safaris, dramatic landscapes, and world-class wilderness

Find Southern Africa on the map

Best time to go to Southern Africa

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Suggested Trip Templates for Southern Africa

Where to stay in Southern Africa

Top destinations to visit

South Africa

Renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes, prolific wildlife, rich history, and cultural diversity

Namibia

Home to the oldest desert in the world, formidable wildlife, dramatic scenery, and rich culture

Botswana

Africa's premier wildlife destination with the largest concentration of elephants in the world

Zambia

A wild and remote safari destination that boasts roaring rivers, mighty falls and breathtaking wildlife

Eswatini

From black rhinos to a vibrant culture and verdant vistas – explore this small but mighty kingdom

Zimbabwe

A hospitable country that boasts natural wonders, bountiful wildlife and cultural riches

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Our FAQs about Southern Africa