A Land Steeped in History

In 1848, explorer David Livingstone described the region as “a country full of rivers – so many no one can tell their number – and full of large trees.” Sadly, the area’s wildlife suffered under colonial exploitation. However, Botswana’s visionary move in 1962 to designate the Okavango Delta as a game reserve changed its fate. Today, the Delta flourishes under conservation efforts and eco-tourism, providing an untouched African experience for travelers while preserving its delicate ecosystems.

Explore Nature’s Masterpiece

The Okavango Delta’s unique geography creates a thriving habitat for diverse wildlife. This vast inland delta seamlessly blends crystal-clear waterways, lush forests, and expansive savannahs, forming one of the richest ecosystems on the planet. Unlike other African destinations, the Delta’s seasonal floods bring life to the landscape, making each visit uniquely magical.

Safari Activities to Remember

• Game Drives: Witness iconic wildlife in their natural habitat, including elephants, buffalo, and leopards. The Delta is home to the “Big Five,” now complete with the reintroduction of white rhinos.
• Water-Based Safaris: Glide through tranquil channels by boat, encountering hippos, crocodiles, and colorful birds along the way.
• Mokoro Excursions: Navigate the shallow waters in a traditional dugout canoe, an intimate way to experience the Delta’s quieter moments.
• Walking Safaris: Embark on guided walks to connect deeply with nature, spotting tracks, learning about flora, and feeling the wild up close.

Wildlife Encounters Like No Other

The Delta teems with life, from herds of elephants splashing in the waters to red lechwe and blue wildebeests grazing on the floodplains. Rare wild dogs roam freely, thriving in this protected paradise, while cheetahs lounge on tree branches. Bird lovers are in for a treat, with over 400 species to spot, including the wattled crane and pink-throated longclaw.

A Safari for the Senses

Every moment in the Okavango Delta is a sensory feast—hear the twitter of birds, feel the gentle sway of a mokoro, and see the drama of predators and prey unfold before your eyes. With its thriving biodiversity and innovative conservation, the Okavango Delta offers travelers an unparalleled safari experience while leaving a minimal ecological footprint.

The post The Okavango Delta: Africa’s Premier Safari Wonderland appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

Why should you meet with us? By engaging with our team, you’ll gain exclusive insights into our diverse travel packages that highlight the diversity of Southern Africa. From the breathtaking Namib Sand Dunes to a captivating Cape Wine, Whale and Wildlife tour, we have something for everyone. Our **Cape to Kruger** journey offers a spectacular combination of iconic destinations, while the **Grand Tour of South Africa** showcases the country’s highlights, including cultural treasures in **Swaziland**, the natural beauty of **St Lucia**, the vibrant atmosphere of **Durban** and the scenic **Garden Route**.

What’s more, some of our packages come with guaranteed departures, ensuring your clients have a seamless travel experience. This reliability allows you to offer them exceptional itineraries with peace of mind.

Can’t make it to the event? No problem! We’re happy to arrange a pre- or post-WTM meeting to discuss our offerings and answer any questions you might have. We understand how busy schedules can be, and we want to ensure you don’t miss out on these incredible opportunities.

Connect with us – Email Collin@southernafrica360.com.

Join us at WTM London to discover how we can work together to enrich your clients’ travel experiences. Let’s collaborate to create unforgettable journeys that showcase the magic of our beautiful region. Reach out today to schedule a meeting—we can’t wait to connect!

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Do you want to wake up by a waterfall, without having to forego your morning coffee?

As life becomes more chaotic, escaping into nature – without having to rough it and forego creature comforts has become so appealing. Say hello to glamping!

Glamping (glam camping) offers a fantastic way for families to experience indoor luxury and the great outdoors, exploring remote locations, choosing from active adventure options (spectacular views, rockpools, etc) and enjoying the best of nature together. Glamping offers a fantastic camping alternative without the hassle of having to pack and carry all your camping equipment, transporting a caravan or worrying about bugs and shared ablutions – transforming camping into a luxury experience.

Once travel starts again, it seems reasonable to consider a glamping holiday. The concept of road trips will become more common post-Covoid-19 era, discovering the country with total autonomy and flexibility may be a growing option after the restrictions are lifted. Travel privacy will also be much more important from now on. The fear of proximity between people and the need to avoid crowded spaces will play an important role. Nature tourism and more specifically glamping allow for social distancing, discovery and contact with nature, which in recent weeks many travellers have been unable to benefit from.

Glamping refers to permanent or semi-permanent structures located in distinctly beautiful and desirable locations – think forests, deserts, the seaside and more. Glamping locations offer anything from safari-style tents, platform tents, riverside chalets, cabins in the woods and more – perfect for any season. The level of luxury varies with glamping however comfort tends to be considered highly, along with private locations - seemingly made for social distancing.

South Africa is home to some outstanding and very popular glamping spots throughout the region! One of the better-known glamping projects is AfriCamps – allowing guests to reconnect with nature and each other.  AfriCamps offer fully equipped self-catering glamping tents across South Africa – from the Cape Winelands to Greater Kruger. This glamping holiday offers unique outdoor activities and experiences on the most beautiful working farms, estates and reserves.

The hallmark of AfriCamps is their custom-designed boutique glamping tents which are spacious and fully furnished with excellent kitchens, comfortable bedrooms and large showers. They offer guests the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive holiday, the closeness to nature of a camping trip and luxury of a beautiful self-catering unit. The effort of carrying food is even taken away if guests choose as “cook your own” meal baskets can be arranged.

AfriCamps heats up – If you’re visiting AfriCamps at Ingwe in Plettenberg Bay, AfriCamps at Doolhof in Wellington or AfriCamps at Oakhurst in Wilderness, you are in for a steamy hot, wood-fired treat. Travellers can enjoy a private outdoor wood-fried hot tub next to their glamping tent!

We highly recommend trying one of these three AfriCamps itineraries, each offering a memorable glamping experience that can be enjoyed by all ages:

11 Day Glamping Adventure: Route 62, Garden Route & Cape Winelands.

14 Day Cape Town, Garden Route & Whale Coast

9 Day Glamping Adventure: Kruger & Pongola

We have a range of glamping destinations and different style glamping packages on offer in South Africa. To find your idea glamping experience or for sample itineraries for glamping holidays you are welcome to contact us. We will assist you with finding your ideal glamping experience!

The post The Perfect Opportunity For Travellers to Reconnect with Nature and Each Other appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

Our romantic packages range from 6 to 11 days and offer something for every couple to enjoy and indulge in no matter what type of romantic escape you are looking for, choose from island escapes, luxurious bush stays, award-winning accommodation and more. Seasons are also an important choice when it comes to selecting a romantic trip, are you looking for late summer sunsets on the beach walking hand in hand? Or are you looking to enjoy a cosy fireplace in the winter with your loved one?

The destinations within Southern Africa offer all offer romance and uniqueness to add to your holiday, visit one of these top romantic destinations on your next trip to Southern Africa:

– Cape Town: Boasts some of the World’s best sunsets, with long warm days in summer, outstanding restaurants and unbeatable scenery this is a romantic paradise. The Cape Winelands or the Constantia Valley Winelands offer delicious local wines while you and your loved one enjoy the stunning settings all around.

– Rovos Rail: Rest, relaxation and indulgence awaits you as you step aboard the beautiful wood-panelled coaches and enjoy five-star luxury aboard the World’s most luxurious train. Couples will be treated to first-class treatment and a sommelier to recommend the perfect wine to accompany each delicious dish.

– Victoria Falls: Constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the World, known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, meaning the smoke that thunders. This destination is home to plenty of secluded river lodges along the enormous Zambezi, offering couples privacy and unforgettable beauty.

– Mozambique: Mozambique has a warm tropical climate with the average temperature throughout the year being a balmy 28C. The coastal areas tend to be sunny year-round. This destination offers the ultimate tropical experience with soft white beaches, swaying palms and clear blue waters. With luxurious, eco-sensitive lodges, often hidden away for maximum privacy, this couple’s getaway is like stepping into a dream. A Mozambique honeymoon is all about ‘barefoot luxury’, offering a shipwrecked feeling on virtually uninhabited islands.

– Safari Lodges:  Southern Africa is home to a fortune of award-winning safari lodges and camps, each with its own distinctive charm and character. These lodges invite guests to languish in bed and enjoy the views. Soak in some signature safari moments such as sun downer drinks and private dinners in the bush.

If you would like more information on our amazing romantic and Honeymoon itineraries on offer or sample packages suitable for couples you can contact us and we will help find the most suitable romantic package to suit your needs and create a magical trip.

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A family holiday can be a rewarding experience for all, over recent years we have noticed many families are looking for trips that offer engagement and cultural immersive experiences suitable for all ages. This includes dining at local spots, shopping at local attractions such as the Neighbourgoods Market or factory shops, and visiting local hangouts in trendy places like Mabongeng in Johannesburg and Florida Road in Durban.

We have also seen an increase in the number of visitors looking to have a glamping holiday, staying in remote or off the beaten track locations.  Active holidays are on still on the list for families looking to engage in adventure activities suitable for all ages, such as surfing, hiking or biking.  South Africa has the perfect climate and much to offer those guests with an active agenda.

Family trips these days more frequently involve families travelling with multi generations of travellers, therefore itineraries need to be suitable for children, parents, and grandparents. Families these days are tending to look for experiences that are both educational and inspiring. Enjoying activities where fitness is not an issue for the multi generational of travellers, such as local cooking and dining or an authentic dancing and drumming interactive experience.

When booking a family holiday there are several factors that need to be considered such as the ages of the children, meal types for kids, applicable room types, children’s rates and accommodation that caters best to the needs of the family. Knowing where best to book families especially those with young kids is essential, often safari based accommodation is not able to accommodate younger children at open camps, on game drives or other onsite activities such as bush walks, especially in a Big 5 game area however our experts have some awesome offers to counter this and create a safari holiday for families with younger children.

We know from experience that babysitting facilities and children’s programs suitable for younger and older children offer great value-adds. Game lodges are creating child-friendly areas included in the child rate, where children can spend time and learn about conservation. These areas offer a place where kids can play and learn in a fun, safe environment, learning about topics related to the African bush. How to track smaller animals, they can join Bushmen trackers on walks, learn to make bows and arrows and learn about the importance of conservation and respect for our wildlife. Beach and city locations are also known to offer children’s club, in a fun environment where kids can enjoy various activities throughout the day, mostly offered on-site such as crafts and games.

Our family trips cover areas throughout Southern Africa, from safaris to mountain breaks to beach escapes, we know just how to put together the perfect family holiday!

Here are three highly recommended destinations or itineraries to consider for your next family holiday:

– Sun City Resort, boasting a host of activities on offer for families, from a fun kids club to pools, games, mazes and more. This really is a one stop family destination with something for everyone!

– Mozambique with its undeniable beauty and charm, offering a haven of untouched wilderness and natural beauty. Families will love plenty of beach time and the multiple water sports on offer.

– The Okavango & Moremi for Young Explorers family itinerary offers a truly unique concept designed to immerse the whole family in the beauty of Botswana’s wilderness while you fully explore the Okavango Delta.

These are just some of the amazing experiences on offer for families. If you would like more information or assistance in finding the most suitable accommodation type for your family, we are happy to help. You can also contact us to book your family holiday, for sample packages suitable for families or if you would like to see our sample family itineraries on offer.

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“I have lived in the Cape Peninsula for twenty years and can honestly say that I never tire at the site of False Bay. Whether it’s sunny, cloudy, windy, hazy or rainy – every day in the Cape Peninsula offers something different to look at it and it is always something beautiful. When I first moved to Cape Town , as a student, I landed in the charming fishing village of Kalk Bay. My flat was right across the road from Dalebrook Tidal Pool. A skip under the subway and onto the beach, it didn’t take me long to get into the swing of refreshing early morning swims, walks along the beach and meeting the locals who had been doing the same for many years. When the tide goes out, the sun heats tends to heat the water of the tidal pools, making them wonderful and protected areas in which to swim, for children and adults alike. Tidal Pools are also safe from sharks and strong tides. Other than St James Tidal Pool, most of the pools lie hidden between the main road and train tracks, so it is good to talk to the locals and seek them out. The Tidal Pools are cleaned regularly (with high pressure hoses) to keep the areas free of algae. All of the sea life in the pools in protected and it is great to take some goggles to have a peak under the water.”

Here is a list of some of my favourite Tidal Pools to visit along the peninsula:

– St James and its brightly coloured beach houses are always a delight and a popular photographed tidal pool in the Cape. It is a good idea to get here early in the summer to avoid the crowds, the locals love their tidal pools too.

– Dalebrook Tidal Pool is my favourite, the swimmers like to train here in the early morning and the local school children often visit the rock pools to learn about the ocean and marine life. It’s safe for children to play and splash and offers a wonderful beach for families. In the summer, there are sometimes informal cinema evenings on the beach where you can bring a picnic and sit by the sea watching a projection screen on the wall. Dalebrook Tidal Pool is situated in Kalk Bay, an area sheltered from the South East wind. I have enjoyed sharing the pool with little fish, a few sting rays and even a local cormorant. Collecting sea glass and gazing into the many rock pools finding curious creatures of all colours. You can lie on the wall and watch the whales and dolphins go by, or watch when the boats are coming back with their catch of the day to the harbour.

– Brass Bell Tidal Pools, situated at the Brass Bell Restaurant in Kalk Bay, these are also popular pools for the locals to visit.

– Wooley’s Tidal Pool, situated on Clovelly corner, has a smaller swimming area and a baby pool that is often quiet.

– Glencairn Tidal Pool, situated further along the coast, another lovely pool locals enjoy visiting.

All of the Tidal Pools listed above are situated along the train line, keep an eye out for trains to wave at and on a Sunday there is often a Vintage Steam Train that passes by.

– Millers Point Tidal Pool, situated beyond Simon’s Town has braai (BBQ) facilities and a slide for children. This tidal pool is large and deep and has exceptional corals, anemones and rock pool life.

– Buffels Bay Tidal Pool, situated in the Cape Point Nature Reserve (entrance fee to the reserve applies) also has places to braai (BBQ) and picnic along the coast of the reserve. This Tidal Pool offers a great place to refresh when you are spending the day exploring the reserve.

– Soetwater Tidal Pool near Kommetjie looks over the Atlantic ocean and is situated close to the Slangkop lighthouse.

It is quite possible that you could tour the Southern Peninsula by visiting the various Tidal Pools dotted along the coastline over the course of a day or two if you don’t want to rush the experience, personally I like taking my time at the pools and enjoying the surrounding areas or beaches. Each tidal pool offers its own scenery, locals and character. A visit to any of these Tidal Pools offer a beautiful way to enjoy a warm summers day.

If you would like sample packages showing how the various Tidal Pools of the Southern Peninsula can be incorporated into an itinerary or if you would like more information on on these refreshing pools, please contact us.

The post The Southern Peninsula’s Tidal Pools – By Team Member Stacey Solomon appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

Sossusvlei is a clay pan that is covered with sand that is rich in salt making the area white in appearance. The dunes surrounding this is area nearly reach 400m high some of the highest in the world. One way of viewing this spectacular destination as well as its surroundings is via a hot air balloon which provides a thrilling adventure over a rare view.  

Another clay pan just out of Sossusvlei is Deadvlei which means “dead marsh” in English, this area is covered with skeletons of dead trees that are nearly 900 years old due to a period of drought that hit the area leaving it as forest frozen in time. This area serves as a photographic haven due to the stunning contrasts between the blue sky, white ground, black trees and the red sand dunes surrounding. 

Some the iconic dunes in the areas surrounding Sossusvlei include Dune 45 and Big Daddy. Dune 45 due to its fascinating shape and accessibility makes it one of the most photographed dunes in the world. This dune was named Dune 45 as it is situated 45km from Sesrium Gate which is the main access point to the Namib-Naukluft National Park and the sand making up this dune is nearly 5 million years old. Visitors are allowed to climb this dune that is 85m high, so be sure to arrive early to experience the sunrise over the Sossusvlei area. Big Daddy is situated past Sossusvlei near Deadvlei. Big Daddy just like Dune 45 can also be climbed but it is a much more strenuous climb due to its height, the dune itself is 325m making it one of the highest dunes in the Sossusvlei area and provides spectacular views of the Deadvlei area.

Another must see in this area is the Sesrium Canyon which has been shaped over millions of years by the Tsauchab River and is about 1m long and 30m deep. The canyon is situated 4.5km from the Namibia-Naukluft National Park and is one of the few places in the Sossusvlei that holds water throughout the year. 

Sossusvlei is one of the top destinations in the Namibia region and one that attract attention purely because of its natural beauty. If you are looking for a bucket list adventure and breath-taking views that are begging to be photographed the Sossusvlei area is for you. Please contact us if you would like more information or sample packages showing how this destination can be incorporated into a package.

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1. The Cango Caves: 29km from Oudtshoorn at the head of the picturesque Oudtshoorn lies the Cango Caves, a spectacular underground wonder of the Klein Karoo. Here you can experience the dark tunnels and shadowy chambers of this cave that wind through nearly 4 kilometres of dimly lit underground passages. Choose from two different guided group tours, the standard tour which will take you through easy-going portions of the cave where you can see stalactites and stalagmites aglow from spotlights below. The second tour option is an adventure tour taking you up steep rocky passes and through narrow tunnels, one of hich is only 27 centimetres wide!

2. A bucket worthy list activity perfect for thrill seekers, shark cage diving: If you are feeling brave enough to tick an unforgettable face-to-face encounter with natures perfect hunter, the great white shark, off your bucket-list the this is the perfect day trip for you! Spend the day shark cage diving in Mossel Bay where you will witness these magnificent, and often misunderstood, creatures in their natural habitat (from the safety of your solid steel cage).

3. The perfect add-on trip if you are visiting Knysna, A Featherbed Eco Tour: Experience the magic of the Knysna Lagoon with a Featherbed Eco Tour. Featherbed has recently revamped their premises offering the opportunity for friends and family to make new memories! This is the perfect day trip boasting spectacular views, a scrumptious lunch at the Food Forest restaurant and a fun boat transfer.

4. A picture perfect trip, visit the Swartberg Mountains. If you are looking to experience the beauty of the Swartberg Mountains then a trip up the Swartberg Pass will be perfect day trip for you. You will travel up this world famous pass, a national monument, that take you on a winding journey through the Swartberg up to the summit that offers panoramic views of the Great and Little Karoo.

5. If you feeling ready to face adrenaline head on then a jump at the Bloukrans Bungy is a must! This bungy jump takes place from the top of the arch of Africa’s biggest bridge, it is the highest commercial natural bungy jump in the world at 216 metres above the Bloukrans River. If you are not up to bungy there is a bridge walking tour available from ages 6 years old, either experience is guaranteed to be unforgettable!

6. Tsistsikamma Canopy Tour – Take a canopy tour in the beautiful Tsitsikamma rainforest, you will zip line through the trees, from platform to platform, 30 meters above the forest floor. Enjoy lush greenery and bird life while you learn about the forest’s ecosystem. This Canopy Tour offers a truly unique experience when visiting the Garden Route.

7. Addo Elephant National Park – Discover, experience and explore a world of diversity all in one park! Addo Elephant is the third largest national park in South Africa and has expanded to conserve a wide range of biodiversity, landscapes, fauna and flora. Did you know that the Addo Elephant Park is home Park is home to more than 500 elephants and South Africa’s Big 7, made up of the lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino, the Southern right whale and the great white shark. Addo is the only park in the world to house all seven species. A great day of wildlife viewing and bird watching awaits you at Addo!

8. A visit to Oudtshoorn – Cross the Oteniqua Mountains and head to Oudtshoorn for an unforgettable Klein Karoo experience. If you are hoping to see the world’s largest bird, you won’t be disappointed! Ostriches are common in this area and you can take an ostrich tour to get up close to these magnificent creatures. Learn more about ostriches and enjoy a family friendly day out exploring the best of Oudshoorn!

There is so much on offer in the Garden Route, it is perfect for families , group tours, a romantic getaway and more! Please contact us if you would like some more information on the Garden Route, activities on offer or some sample packages showing how this destination can be incorporated into a package.

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