December 7, 2015

Most Beautiful Places in Southern Africa

Africa is one of the most neglected continents and many people know almost nothing about it. Very few people know that Southern Africa is world’s second largest fruit producer; that it has some of the oldest mountain ranges in the world and that at this very place the most diverse fossils of early dinosaurs were found. 

Besides this, Southern Africa hides some of the most dramatic and beautiful sceneries, such as natural oases, vast deserts and lush vegetation. Landscapes like these, and many others, are well preserved and had become true wonders of nature.


Okavango Delta in Botswana



Okavango Delta is located in Botswana and it has diverse wildlife, vegetation, and a maze of narrow canals that are intercepted with numerous small islands. Also, it represents one of the largest inland delta systems of the world.

What makes Okavango Delta an attractive destination for tourists is its intact beauty, as well as a lot of exotic and rare animals and plants. If you plan to stay overnight at the delta, you can hear lions roaring, hippos feeding near your tent at night and see many other species just roaming around. 


Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe

 

The name of this mesmerizing waterfall dates way back to 1855, when the famous Scottish explorer David Livingstone laid eyes on the falls and was fascinated by their beauty. He named them after Queen Victoria. However, the locals have their own name for the falls, Mosi Oa Tunya, which means “the smoke that thunders”.

With its size of 1708 meters (5604 ft) in width and 108 meters (354 ft) in height, Victoria Falls are the largest waterfall in the world. They originate from the Zambezi River which marks the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and it is the fourth largest river in Africa. 

You can admire this wonder of nature from both countries. In Zimbabwe you have the chance to see the falls from the front, but you have to be careful during high water. On the other side from Zambia you can have better a view into the gorge and have the opportunity to take a dip into the Devil’s pool. What is more, these falls are a great choice for anyone who loves extreme sports. 


Maputo, Mozambique



Maputo is the capital of Mozambique and it is a planned city with square blocks and wide avenues. It is a city of great potential. More and more houses and buildings are being erected for the rising middle class. Many successful online real estate portals, like Property Maputo, offer extensive news about increasing opportunities to invest in real estate in Mozambique.


Sossusvlei and Deadvlei in Namibia
 


Another astonishing and surrealistic natural wonder is Sossuvlei in Namibia. It covers a larger part of the Namibia Desert and there are some of the highest sand dunes in the world. Starting from an entrance of the national park to the location of Deadvlei and Sossusvlei, the dunes are reaching the distance of about 70 kilometers. The dunes get their red-orange color from the great amounts of iron in the sand, and during the sunset and sunrise the glow of the sun changes the colors of dunes turning them into a jaw-dropping scenery. Among the dunes, in the marsh where the water flows from the mountains, you can see various species of small wildlife like springbok and gemsbok ostriches, as well as acacia trees and bushes that can grow in the dry desert area. 

On the other hand, Deadvlei is a marsh that only receives water from the rain. The surrounding dunes cut off the flow of water, which resulted in Deadvlei drying out. Today, this marsh is marked by a white clay pan and dried out Acacia trees, because they could not survive without the water.


Blyde River Canyon in South Africa

 

Also known as the “green canyon”, Blyde River Canyon is located on the eastern part of South Africa and it is one of the largest canyons in the world. Astonishing sandstone cliffs and lush and exotic vegetation are covering the canyon, making it a perfect place for hikers.

This destination attracts a lot of visitors because it is near the Kruger National Park. It can be admired from many different viewpoints. Also, during the rainy seasons there are various waterfalls you can visit, like the Berlin and MacMac falls.

Among many wonders and beauties of Africa, these are some of the most breathtaking ones. This little corner of the planet is rich with wildlife and vegetation and it is mostly intact. The absence of humans let this area grow and evolve on itself and made it a true wonder of nature.


Guest Post by: Oliver Hyde

 
Oliver is an experienced business consultant from the UK. His job allows him to travel, which also happens to be one of his greatest passions. You can find him on Twitter.


Thanks alot for this article Oliver!


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