Southern Africa Travel Guide – Best Places to Visit & Things To Do

The southern region of Africa is mainly known as Southern Africa. Both eastern and southern Africa has amazing wildlife sightseeing. In addition, this part of Africa is also famous for its natural beauty, varied topography, and cultural diversity.

If you are confused regarding deciding to visit Southern African countries, then remember that you can find the best beaches, food, wine, weather, history, and a lot more than this. So, if you are looking forward to a great tour, then the best idea is to plan to visit major tourist attractions in Southern Africa.

A brief history of Southern Africa

The history of Southern Africa dates back 100,000+ years ago, as researchers believe that modern humans inhabited it at that time. The prehistory of this region splits into the Stone age and the Iron age.

Khoisan, San, and Khoi Khoi are the first nations of South Africa. In the 13^th century, European exploration began, and later in the 14^th and 15^th centuries, the Portuguese explorers did mapping and detailing.

In 1652, The Dutch East India Company founded the Dutch Cape Colony in South Africa. The year 1497 is also a very important date as Vasco Da Gama visited South Africa in this year on his way to India. Thus, the region you visit currently holds many things from its history. So, if you are a person who is curious to dig into history, along with exploring the present, then you must visit Southern Africa.

Exciting facts about Southern Africa

• There are 11 official languages of South Africa, the Rainbow nation. Those languages are English, isiZulu, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, Sesotho, IsiNdebele, Northern Sotho, SiSwati, Setswana, Xitsonga, and Tshivenda.
• Both Eastern Africa and Southern Africa are wildlife wonderlands.
• The South-Western and Southern part of the coast of the Indian Ocean lies in South Africa. Cape Agulhas of the Southern Coast is the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
• This part of Africa has numerous landscapes and places to spend your holidays.
• The wines of Southern Africa are world-famous. Their wine is exploring the international market, resulting in boosted economic growth. However, the southern African Development community is there to gain economic growth, alleviate poverty, peace & security to improve the quality of the people from Eastern Africa and Southern Africa.
• There are three capital cities of South Africa. Those cities are Cape Town, Pretoria, and Bloemfontein.
• South West Africa is known for the World’s highest bungee jump.
• In Southern Africa, you can find table mountain, which is amongst the list of World’s oldest mountains.

There are several other interesting facts about the Southern part of Africa. But it’s better to explore them instead of making a note of them.

Countries that you must visit in Southern Africa

You might be thinking about which country you should explore in Southern Africa. Stop worrying because we have done all the research to help you with everything. Additionally, we have come up with a list of the top 5 countries you should explore in Southern Africa.

1. Botswana

Capital: Gaborone
Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP)
International Airport: Sir Seretse Khama International Airport.

Botswana

Botswana in Southern Africa is a landlocked country officially known as the Republic of Botswana. This country shares its borders with South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. English is the country’s official language, and it has a population of nearly 2.3 million people. The country receives several tourists because Botswana has some of the best wildlife areas.

• Gaborone, South-East District: Gaborone is the largest and also capital city of Botswana. According to the 2022 census, the city has approximately 246,325 population. Southern Africa consists of some of the best places to visit, out of which several sights are in Gaborone. You can visit Gaborone Game Reserve, The Three Dikgosi Monument, Kgale Hill, National Museum, and Art Gallery here. Tourists also visit National Botanical Garden, Central Kalahari Wild Tours, and Tsholofelo Park.
  

  Gaborone

• Francistown, North-East District: This city is the second largest. It was founded in 1897 but incorporated as a city in 1997. The city sprawls over an area of 31 sq mi. You can visit Kuminda farm, Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Makgadikgadi Salt Pan, Old Palapye, and other attractions here.
  

  Francistown

• Molepolole, Kweneng: In the Kweneng District of Botswana, you can find a large village, Molepolole. If you are interested in digging into the culture of African tribes, then you can visit these places. You can also plan to explore the Kalahari desert from this village.
  

  Molepolole

• Maun, Ngamiland: Maun is a town in Southern Africa. Do you know this town in Botswana is the country’s tourism capital? The town has hotels, shopping centers, lodges, and much other stuff, just like other developed areas. Major tourist attractions in this town are Helicopter Horizons, Moremi Game Reserve, and Okavango Delta.
  

  Maun

2. Eswatini (Ex-Swaziland)

Capital: Mbabane and Lobamba
Currency: Swazi lilangeni (SZL)
International Airport: King Mswati III International Airport (KMIII).

Eswatini

Eswatini is a landlocked country that was earlier known as Swaziland, and at present, the country’s official name is the Kingdom of Eswatini. It shares its borders with Mozambique and South Africa. This small country in Southern Africa has English and Swazi as its official language.

• Manzini, Manzini Region: Manzini is the capital of the Manzini region in Eswatini. This city is commonly known as The Hub of the country, where you can visit several popular attractions. Some of the top sights in the city are Manzini Lifestyle Center, Mantenga Nature Reserve, and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.
  

  Manzini

• Mbabane, Swaziland: It is the capital of Swaziland. The city was founded in 1902 and covered an area of approximately 31.57 sq mi. Sibebe Rock, Mkhaya Game Reserve, Mantenga Nature Reserve, and Hawane Nature Reserve are the most famous sights in the city.
  

  Mbabane

• Nhlangano, Shiselweni: Nhlangano is a town in Southern Africa. Earlier it was named Goedgegun, and it has a casino, prison, health center, and a lot more than this. People explore Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Khambula Battlefield, Ithala Game Reserve, and House On Fire when they are in Nhlangano.
  

  Nhlangano

• Siteki, Lubombo: In the eastern part of Eswatini, you can find a town named Siteki. You can explore top sights from this town, such as Hlane National Park, Samora Machel Monument, and much more.
  

  Siteki

3. Lesotho

Capital: Maseru
Currency: Lesotho Loti (LSL)
International Airport: Moshoeshoe I International Airport.

Lesotho

Lesotho is a country in Southern Africa with the highest mountains. The country has an area of over 11,600 sq mi with a population of approximately 2 million. It is famous for its scenic beauty that can mesmerize you. You can witness national parks, animals, plants, and bird life in Lesotho.

• Maseru, Lesotho: Maseru is the largest capital city of Lesotho. The location of the city is located on the Caledon river and was established in 1869. The top sights in the city are Lancers Gap, Katse Dam, Maluti Mountains, and ThabaBosiu. Other famous sights include Katse Dam Botanical Gardens & Nursery, Morija Museum & Archives, and Kome Caves.
  

  Maseru

• Butha-Buthe, Lesotho: The city got its name after the Butha-Buthe mountain; the meaning of its name is ‘place of deposits’. It was founded in 1884 and is amongst the best tourist attractions. Some top sights in Butha-Buthe are Liphofung Cave, MafikaLisiu Pass ViewPoint, and Moteng Pass.
  

  Butha-Buthe

• Ha Lejone, Kgatleng: It is a village in Lesotho. Ha Lejone is famous for activities like water sports and bird watching. It is also known for the Gates of Paradise Pass, Bokong Nature Reserve, and MafikaLisiu Pass ViewPoint.
  

  Ha Lejone

• Mokhotlong: It is among one of the major cities in Southern Africa. Mokhotlong is famous for the highest road in Africa that is the Tlaeeng Pass. The city has several places to visit where you can enjoy sightseeing, shopping, dining, and much more.
  

  Mokhotlong

4. Namibia

Capital: Windhoek
Currency: Namibian Dollar (NAD)
International Airport: Hosea Kutako International Airport.

Namibia

When planning a tour to Southern Africa, how can you not visit Namibia? This country in Southern Africa is officially known as the Republic of Namibia. The country shares its borders with the Atlantic Ocean, Zambia, Angola, Botswana, and South Africa. The country’s official language is English; other recognized languages in this region are German, Setswana, Afrikaans, and many others.

• Windhoek, Windhoek Central Business District: It is the largest and also the capital city of Namibia. The city sits in the central part of the country, which is 1,700 meters above sea level. The city was first settled in 1840 and was founded for the second time in 1890. It spreads over 1,982 sq mi and has a population of nearly 431,000. It is the country’s political, economic, and cultural center.
  

  Windhoek

You can explore Independence Museum, Parliament Gardens, and National Botanical Gardens here. Other top sights in the city are Alte Feste, the National Museum of Namibia: Owela Display, Avis Reservoir, and Kudu Statue.

• Rundu, Kavango-East Region: In the Southern African subregion, you can locate Rundu, which lies in the northern part of Namibia. It is famous for its intricate wood carvings and millet, goat, and cattle farming. Here, you can explore the beauty of nature, so whether you need to relax in the lap of nature or witness the beauty of Southern Africa, you can visit Rundu.
  

  Rundu

• Walvis Bay, Erongo: Walvis Bay is the country’s largest coastal and second-largest city. It sprawls over 11 sq mi which lies Walvis Bay. It was founded during the 1790s and had top sights to visit. People usually prefer visiting sights like Bird Island, Tommy’s Living Desert Tours, Flamingo Lagoon, Dune 7, and Sun Sail Catamarans, Namibia.
  

  Walvis Bay

• Swakopmund, Erongo: This city covers an area of 76 sq mi on Western Namibia’s coast. You can visit Swakopmund Museum, Kristall Galerie, Woermannhaus, National Marine Aquarium, and Swakopmund Mole. Other major tourist attractions in the city are Snake Park, Hohenzollernhaus, and Bush Bird Aviation – SOSSUSFLY.
  

  Swakopmund

5. South Africa

Capital: Cape Town, Pretoria, and Bloemfontein
Currency: Rand (ZAR)
International Airport: Tambo International Airport (ORTIA).

South Africa

In the southern portion of the African continent, you can locate South Africa. The country is famous for its ecosystems, safari destinations, lush Winelands, beaches, and much more. The country is officially known as the RSA, which stands for the Republic of South Africa. Southern Africa stretches to the Indian and South Atlantic oceans. There are 11 official languages of the country, out of which Zulu and Xhosa are the most spoken.

• Cape Town, Western Cape: It is the legislative capital of the country. It was founded in 1652 and covered an area of approximately 950 sq mi. The city is famous for its landmarks, harbor, and several other things. Some of the top sights in Cape Town are Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Boulders Beach, V&A Waterfront, and Two Oceans Aquarium. People also prefer visiting the Cape of Good Hope, Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum, Robben Island, and Castle of Good Hope.
  

  Cape Town

• Johannesburg, Gauteng province: It is the largest city in South Africa, also known as the city of Gold. It was established in 1886 and sprawled over 63,513 sq mi. In South Africa, you find top sights like Gold Reef City Theme Park, Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct, and Apartheid Museum. The most popular tourist attractions are Mandela’s House, Johannesburg Zoo, Wits Art Museum, and Johannesburg Botanical Gardens.
  

  Johannesburg

• Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province: After Johannesburg, the other most populous city of South Africa is Durban. Durban Botanic Gardens, Moses Mabhida Stadium, PheZulu Safari Park, and Golden Mile Beach are the top sights in the city. You can also visit The Pavilion Shopping Centre, Mitchell Park Zoo, and Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium.
  

  Durban

• Gqeberha: Southern Africa includes popular cities like Gqeberha. It was established in 1820 and spread over 96.92 sq mi with a population of 967,677. Several tourists visit this city and explore KraggaKamma Game Park, Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve, Addo Elephant National Park, and Sardinia Bay Beach. Other city sights are Fort Frederick, Eastern Cape; South End Museum; Route 67; and Maitland Beach.
  

  Gqeberha

What is the best time to visit Southern Africa?

Are you searching for the best time to visit Southern Africa? South Africa is a year-round destination, so you need not worry much before visiting South African countries like Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa. Every month of the year will bring out something unique for you in the country that will mesmerize you.

From May to October, Botswana can offer you great waterways where you can spend your time. During these months, Eswatini is full of greenery where you can enjoy the local culture and abundant birdlife. These months are also the peak season to explore Namibia and South Africa. At the same time, Lesotho can offer pleasant weather to explore the country between October to April.

Top hidden gems to explore in Southern Africa

Are you looking for the Gems that you can explore in Southern Africa? Below, you can find a brief description of the same.

• Robberg nature reserve: This Robberg Marine Protected Area was established in 1998 and spread over 16 sq mi. To explore this hidden gem of South Africa, you must reach the nearest city, Plettenberg Bay.
  

  Robberg nature reserve

• Cango Caves: When you are in Southern African countries, how can you skip visiting one of the wonders of this region? One of the seven wonders of South Africa is the Cango cave, which can let you experience great historical things.
  

  Cango Caves

• Old Palapye: The location of this heritage site is in Botswana. If you are a person who is interested in history, artifacts, and other such stuff, then Old Palapye has a lot for you.
  

  Old Palapye

• Sibebe Rock: In the World, it is the largest granite pluton and one of the most amazing and unique geological formations of Southern Africa. People around the World visit Eswatini to witness this nature preserve.
  

  Sibebe Rock

• Kruger National Park: Kruger national park is home to thousands of buffaloes, elephants, leopards, and lions.
  

  Kruger National Park

• Victoria falls: In Southern Africa, another important gem is Victoria falls. This Cataract waterfall has a height of nearly 108 m and is a famous sight in the country.
  

  Victoria falls

• Muizenberg Beach: South Africa has famous beaches, of which Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town is the best to visit. It was established in 1895 and spread over 5.85 sq mi. If you are a beach lover, you can plan your visit to Muizenberg Beach in Southern Africa.
  

  Muizenberg Beach

Popular food items you must try when you are in Southern Africa

Now that you are all set with your plan to visit Southern Africa, here are a few food items you must try in the Southern African region.

Braai (Barbecue): South African Braai can best try first. Braai is a Southern African country grill or barbecue that brings family and friends together. It usually includes lamb, chicken, skewers, and marinated fish and then cooked to serve.

Braai (Barbecue)

Dikgobe: Dikgobe is a traditional dish of Botswana that is quite popular in different Southern African countries. It consists of corn, beans, and lamb; they serve the dish with sprigs of parsley.

Dikgobe

Bobotie: This is a national dish of South Africa and is exceptionally rich in flavor. To make a traditional bobotie, one needs milk, egg, crunchy nuts, and meat. To enhance the taste, now people in different places use curry powder.

Bobotie

Samp: It is amongst the best food items in Lesotho. The main ingredient of this dish is dried maize kernels, and once they cook it, people prefer to season it with coffee creamer, Aromat Rama margarine, and other such stuff. So, when you are busy exploring Southern Africa, make sure to try Samp on your tour.

Samp

Gatsby sandwich: Gatsby is quite popular in Cape Town. They made the sandwich first in 1976 for construction workers. But soon it got so famous that the shop owner started selling it and so far it has been the best and most famous kind of sandwich in the city.

Gatsby sandwich

Other food items: Southern African countries have various dishes to offer you. You can try food items like Nyekoe, Boerewors, Zambezi Bream, Biltong, Sosatie, Roosterbrood, and others in the Southern African region.

Travel tips for every traveler

Before traveling to Southern Africa, you must consider a few tips.

Climate

Always remember that the climate of the place you are traveling plays an important role. Now you might be thinking about how and why the climate plays such an essential role. Depending on the climate, you can pack your bags and plan the top sights to visit in Southern Africa, as well as the climate might also affect your tour budget. For example, if you are planning a budget-friendly tour, you might have to choose a climate and a season during which the destination receives fewer tourists.

Transportation

You can reach Southern African regions through airways, railways, and roadways. But, of course, the mode of transportation depends on you, your budget, timing, and other such stuff. You can easily avail of Every transport in the country, but it’s better to book your tickets a few months before to avoid any hassle or expensive tickets.

How to get around?

Are you thinking about how to get around Southern Africa? Stop worrying because this region can offer you some of the cheapest bus tours and a perfect scenic view while traveling. So, the choice is all yours; choose a budget-friendly tour, scenic views, luxurious traveling, or anything you would like to experience during your Southern Africa tour.

Conclusion

Southern African countries can offer you a great experience on your tour. So, whenever you plan to travel to Southern Africa, list the countries, cities, and top sights you want to visit. Also, do not forget to consider the activities and food items that you can try in that particular region.