Southern Africa - tips |
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| In short | Southern Africa may be the most varied part of the Continent. In parts, it's very mountainous, it's desert, it's a temperate coast on the west side, a tropical one on the east. Lots of variatio, lots of wildlife and the remote westernization of South Africa itself doesn't hurt at all. |
| Highlights | For nature, South Africa is hard to beat, boasting a seemingly endless variety of green hills, rugged montains, sand beaches and, surprisingly, penguins (at Cape Point). Still, in my opinion, Namibia is even better; probably the most beautiful country of Africa - which says a lot. The sand dunes of Sossusvlei and the Etosha National Park are worth any detour. Way down south, another favourite national park is Mkhaya (Swaziland), however, don't forget the Krüger Park (RSA), Chobe/Okavango (Botswana) or Hwange in Zimbabwe, if the political situation permits it. Apart from the Galapagos, Africa is by far the continent giving the best opportunities for watching wildlife, and the only one suitable for "big animals". Photo samples: Southern Africa (1) and Southern Africa (2). Slide shows: Namibia and Swaziland-Lesotho. Articles (in Danish): South African Drink Driving. |
| Places to avoid | As always, the big cities. The crime rate is alarming in places as Durban and Johannesburg (South Africa), and Zimbabwe is probably not safe at all due to the Mugabization. Paranoia is a terrible travelling companion, and since you can't change the situation, so just stay away. |
| Seasons | The east is very typically tropical with periodic summer showers (= European winter), while the other side is cooler and drier. In general, the Southern Africa is best in their winter season from May to November, but check the detailed seasons in the guidebooks. |
| Do's and don'ts | Not too much. Southern Africa is as easy as it gets. |
| Visa | Rather easy, as most Europeans don't need visas for anywhere but Mozambique. |
| Value for money | Ranging from excellent to poor. In general, the southern Africa is surprisingly cheap, and Zimbabwe and Mozambique can be "done" for less than 10 USD/day if you do a bit of camping. On the other hand the touristy parts of East Africa are much too concious about it's wild-life potential and safaris are very expensive. |
| Others | Get a car (preferably 4WD) and try
to avoid the urban centres. The Africans may not be the most "sharp" minds in
the world, however, their friendliness and hospitality is amazing. Try to get underneath
the skin of the tribal societies and discover an amazingly beautiful world. Despite the rumours, Africa seems to be easier for women travelers than Central Asia and, of course, a fair share of the Muslim world. Dress a bit conservative, and you'll notice that the Africans (Blacks and Whites alike) are as good gentlemen as anyone anywhere. |
