Nature has endowed Southern Africa with great riches and the sub continent is host to a multitude of game species, birds, plat life, reptiles, butterflies and several smaller creatures that are quite easily overlooked. No less diverse than its wildlife is its scenery; a mosaic of lakes, rivers, waterfalls, vast salt pans, towering mountains, beaches, forests, woodlands, and a fascinating array of geological formations. Fortunately, much of the sub-continent's wildlife heritage and many of its unique attractions enjoy the protection of conservation.
South AfricaOffering a variety of landscapes and wildlife experiences,
South Africa is justifiably promoted as "A World in one country". Within its borders are the expansive plains of the
Karoo, the
Cape Floral Kingdom, towering mountain peaks, vast tracks of bushveld and mikes of unspoilt beaches. It is recognized as a world leader in the field of conservation and counts among its parks two of the oldes conservation areas in Africa,
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi and
St.Lucia. Other well known parks include the
Kruger National Park,
Richtersveld,
Addo Elephant National Park, and the
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Southern Kalahari.
BotswanaApproximately 17% of
Botswana enjoys conservation status as national Parks, Game Reserves, or forestry areas. The
Okavango Delta in undoubtly the country's main attraction and nearly one third of the Delta is protected within the boundries of the
Moremi Game Reserve. Contrasting sharply with the waterways of the Delta are the vast saline pans of the
Makgadigadi and the savanna woodlands of the
Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Other game reserves in Botswana includes
Chobe National Park with its vast herds of Elephant,
Savute,
Khama Rhino Sanctuary,
Khutse Game Reserve,
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and the
Thuli Block.
LesothoSituated on the Drakensberg escarpment in the south eastern
Lesotho,
Sehlabathebe National Park is Lesotho's only conservation area. Its main attractions are the spectular mountain scenery, strangely shaped sandstone formations, rock paintings and excellent trout fishing.
MozambiqueMany years of civil war have destroyed much of
Mozambique. including most of its wildlife heritage. The country is however rebuilding its tourism industry and ans is currently enjoying the attention of private investors as well as government. Most visitors are attracted by the superb scuba diving and spectacular beaches of the Eastern Coast. National Parks includes
Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park,
Bazaruto National Park,
Parque Nacional da Grongoza, and the
Maputo Elephant Reserve.
The next issue of this blog will follow shortly with more information on parks in the following countries;
NamibiaSwazilandZambiaZimbabweExperience a African Safari with Lathita Expeditions.
