Southern Africa my Favourite Spots

 

South Africa Drakensberg ©Solange Hando

The Zulus call it 'Barrier of Spears' and this is the highest mountain range in the country. A place for stunning views, rare species and spectacular sunsets.

Drive all the way up to the Sani pass if you dare, 2784 metres, enjoy a meal in the pub and if time allows, spend the night in a traditional rondavel or pop over the border into Lesotho.

                                                               Namib Desert ©Solange Hando

This is the 'sea of sand' spreading all along the coast of Namibia, across the borders and inland for up to 120 km. They say it is the oldest desert in the world and claims some of the highest dunes.

This is an amazing place with dried up oases and skeleton trees but at times some unexpected greenery benefitting from moisture from the nearby Atlantic. Look out for wild life, including the oryx gazelle, Namibia's national animal.

                                                            Victoria Falls in Zambia ©Solange Hando

Plunging down to 108 metres, the Victoria Falls spread 17 km across Zambia and Zimbabwe- the quieter side-, protected by Unesco and national parks on both sides.

On the Zambian side, you can walk along the 'knife's edge' bridge but only the brave should bathe in the Devil's Pool on Livingstone Island. 

                                                     Chobe National Park in Botswana ©Solange Hando

Easily accessed from neighbouring Zambia, this is a great wilderness of wetlands and riverine forest meandering along the blue Chobe river.

It's a haven for wild life on land and water, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocs, buffaloes and more, and 460 species of birds. One of the best safaris in Africa.

                                                       Madagascar Land of Lemurs ©Solange Hando

Off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, this is a big island but two national parks are relatively close to Antananarivo, the capital, most popular Andasibe, a four hour drive or so.

Andasibe's easy trails give you to chance to see a range of lemurs in the wild, including the indri, the largest- and the beautiful 'dancing lemur', as seen on the picture. 

                                                                  Reunion Island ©Solange Hando

Just east of Madagascar, Reunion is a volcanic hotspot, all ravines, gorges and peaks, very green except for the Furnace Peak which erupts every few months.

But in this far away French department, there's plenty to do and see from forlorn villages and mountain treks to tropical beaches and seaside resorts with few crowds.

                                                                 Mauritius ©Solange Hando

          Then if you need to relax, just check out the paradise island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.