BEAUTIFUL PLACES

---

 An astonishingly diverse region fused by its prolific wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and deeply rooted cultures, Southern Africa is Africa at its most memorable. 

Wild dogs reflecting - Kim, Simbambili Game Lodge in Thornybush.

 East Africa is a wild realm of extraordinary landscapes, peoples and wildlife in one of our planet's most beautiful corners. 

Majestic elephants with ice-capped Mount Kilimanjaro - Ken Haley, Amboseli National Park.

Whether you are visiting East Africa or Southern Africa, you will be spoilt for choice of destination and experiences. Here are some of the Saseka Safaris team's favourite places.

Mrembo and her  cubs - Kim , Kicheche Mara Camp.

“A World In One Country”

South Africa has so much to offer visitors, from safaris in the north and east of the country to the winelands in the Cape; the magnificent mountains which run through the centre of the country and the miles of beaches on the east coast; vibrant cities and the melting pot of cultures; whale watching and the Garden Route; world renowned golf courses and leisure resorts. South Africa really does have it all.

Impala fawn - Kim (Kruger National Park)

Botswana is synonymous with the Okavango Delta, one of the most sought-after safari destinations on Earth. The Delta offers the chance to experience the world’s largest inland wetland which is completely surrounded by a desert. This creates safari opportunities on water and on land, on foot, by air and in boats. Botswana also offers deserts, rivers, open grasslands, riverine forests, unusual animals and outstanding birdwatching.

Lily-pads of the Delta - Kim 

Mozambique is a hidden gem amongst Southern Africa’s spectacular destinations, offering a mouthwatering combination of “beach and bush” experiences. As well as having more than 2,500km (1,553 miles) of pristine coastline, there are several offshore islands worth exploring - Bazaruto Island, Benguerra Island or Quirimbas Island, for example. Experience world-class diving in the Bazaruto National Park; exceptional game viewing in the Gorongosa National Park; rich and diverse cultural encounters exploring the volatile history of this tucked away gem.

Ponto Malongane - Merrill King

Zambia shares the Victoria Falls with Zimbabwe and there are many exciting opportunities to explore in this region: zip-lining across the Falls, white-water rafting down the mighty Zambezi River, swimming in rock pools overlooking the gorges of the river. But it is the Zambian game reserves that attract the traveller looking for something different. Although remote and wild, there is plenty of luxury in the camps which are sited either along the banks of the Zambezi River or in the bushlands of the protected game reserves. Zambia exudes raw, untamed energy and offers spectacular game viewing and birdwatching.

Sunset over the Kafue River - Kim 

Namibia lies between the Kalahari and the Atlantic Ocean and offers vast and gigantic stretches of land or sea.The incomparable and ever-changing sand dunes of the ancient Namib Desert are a highlight of any Namibian safari, combined with the dramatic Skeleton Coast, Kaokoveld, Damaraland and Etosha National Park. Game viewing and birdwatching offer up several unique species, as well as other better known species, such as elephant, lion and rhino, which have adapted to the harsh Namibian conditions.

Oryx on orange - Kim, Sossusvlei

There is so much more to Zimbabwe than the Victoria Falls, which is probably what the country is best known for, and which is a must on any Southern African itinerary. Zimbabwe is one of Southern Africa’s most rewarding big game safari destinations, offering rugged, authentic, and classic safari experiences in big game country, and thrilling activities in Africa’s adventure capital. Zimbabwe offers the experienced traveller new opportunities in remote, less-travelled  destinations.

Elephants as they should be viewed - Candice, Jozibanini

At Saseka Safaris we pride ourselves on finding the safari experience that suits you and with the wide diversity and myriad offering of both national parks and private game reserves in South Africa we are spoilt for choice. 

The grandfather of all, the Kruger National Park, situated in the north eastern sector of South Africa, is complemented by shared boundaries with private game reserves in the Sabi Sand, Manyeleti, Timbavati and Klaserie, thus creating a massive conservation area with accommodation and safari experiences ranging from the ultra luxurious to camping.

There are national parks and private game reserves throughout South Africa offering opportunities as diverse as the country and these include the Addo Elephant National Park, Augrabies Falls National Park, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, Mountain Zebra National Park, Pilansberg Game Reserve, uMkhuze Game Reserve, Nambiti Game Reserve and the Waterberg, to mention a few.

Giraffe silhouette - Kim, Kruger National Park

The Masai Mara National Reserve offers excellent game viewing all year round due to its varied landscapes, wide open spaces, temperate climate and diverse population of resident game, such as lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant and buffalo, as well as zebra, giraffe, hyena, eland and many species of gazelle.

Between August and November each year, the Mara is a much-welcomed pit stop for mammoth herds of wildebeest on the Great Wildebeest Migration - a circular journey of almost 3,000km (approx 1,850 miles) in search of the rains.

There are a number of private concessions which border the Mara and these offer hot air balloon safaris, cultural encounters with the Maasai people, family educational safaris and so much more.

Lion cub love - Kim, Masai Mara

The Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s flagship conservation area and home to the Great Wildebeest Migration. As well as the wildebeest, there are mega-herds of zebra and buffalo, as well as elephant and giraffe. There are a plethora of gazelle and antelope species, and where there is an abundance of plains game, there are predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena and wild dog.

Best known for the wildebeest migration, which takes place mid-year, where herds of hundreds and thousands of these beasts migrate from one region to another, facing the challenges posed by predators along the way, and the infamously huge crocodiles at the river crossings. The migration is truly one of Mother Nature's breathtaking extravaganzas!

African sunset - Kim, Serengeti

The Okavango Delta is like nowhere else in the world and offers a life-enhancing experience. The Delta is a World Heritage Site and it lies at the heart of Botswana’s arid Kalahari Desert, yet when the waters come down, it supports an extravaganza of wildlife second to none.

The enchanting combination of water and land has created a haven for large numbers of plains game, including the more unusual antelope like red lechwe, sitatunga and puku; it is also a stronghold for predators and the birdlife is phenomenal and includes species such as the Pel’s Fishing Owl, many varieties of kingfishers, herons and jacanas. The haunting cry of the African Fish Eagle is a sound like no other.

There are not many places in the world where you can be silently gliding along the water in a makoro (traditional dugout canoe), and get within feet of a massive bull elephant, or a pod of hippo, and later the same day be sitting in a game viewing vehicle immersed in the sunset while watching a pack of African wild dog hunting.

Chasing hippo - Kim, Botswana

Tucked away in the east of Zambia, South Luangwa National Park is without doubt the premier wildlife destination in this country. It is wild and remote and renowned for its several endemic species, magnificent birdlife and abundance of leopard, hence the nickname “Valley of the Leopard”. 

A variety of camps and lodges are located along the banks of the Luangwa River but much of the area remains unexplored and wild. The British Conservationist, Norman Carr, in collaboration with the local chiefs, started the first walking safaris in this area and this is still highly recommended to really explore the wild heart of this unique area.

Pretty puku - Kim, South  Luangwa 

The adrenaline capital of Southern Africa, whether visiting from Zimbabwe or Zambia, Victoria Falls is twice the height of Niagara Falls. Traditionally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders) the falls flow throughout the year with water levels dependent on rains in the catchment areas upstream.

The falls can be explored on foot, by air - either in a helicopter or microlight - from above and from below. Adventure activities include white water-rafting, zip-lining, swimming in rock pools on the edge of the falls, and the more leisurely river cruises upstream which include game viewing, fishing and the traditional Sundowner Cruise.

Victoria Falls is set in a National Park which abounds with game and birds, and it is perfectly located to combine into a safari package with nearby game reserves in neighbouring Southern African countries.

Spray path - Kim, Victoria Falls

Cape Town is the melting pot of South Africa and this is reflected in the culture, architecture and cuisine of the city. It is vibrant and eclectic and fascinating. Easily one of the most recognisable cities in the world it is set on a peninsula between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and watched over by the iconic Table Mountain.

There is so much to see and do when visiting Cape Town: exploring the city with its historic gardens, craft and flower markets, beaches and waterfronts; discovering the Cape Winelands to the east of the city; travelling up the west coast to see the wildflowers or visiting Robben Island, where former President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Also accessible from Cape Town is the village of Hermanus where, between July and November, migratory whales arrive from the Antarctic for the breeding and birthing season.

Table Mountain cradling Cape Town  - Ken Haley

Namibia is like no other country in Africa and offers a wide variety of exciting adventures. Due to its diversity and unusual geographic features, there are several highlights to be considered when planning your beautiful journey. Amongst these we recommend: searching for wildlife in  Etosha National Park, seeking out the “Damara Elephants” which have adapted to living in the desert of Damaraland, admiring the ancient rock art in the Twyfelfontein area, searching for lion and shipwrecks on the Skeleton Coast, exploring the fascinating town of Swakopmund with its strong German roots.

Most highly recommended is a visit to Sossusvlei, a World Heritage Site, which is home to the largest sand dunes in the world. Situated about a six hour drive south of Swakopmund,  the vibrant, fiery colours of the sand dunes light up the landscape and are constantly changing. Climbing to the top of the dunes affords the most breathtaking views, and if the temperature and humidity are just right, you can immerse yourself in the experience of the “singing sand dunes”.

Deadvlei trees - Candice

When you mention Zanzibar your imagination is filled with images of spice markets, palm-fringed beaches and white-sailed dhows on a turquoise sea… and if you are a certain age, of one Freddy Mercury who was born in Stone Town.

Lying just off the Tanzanian coast but at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Zanzibar is a fascinating juxtaposition of cultures and experiences.

Stone Town, now a World Heritage Site, buzzes with colourful back-street markets and local flavours. Experience mouthwatering street food and inhale the aroma of a myriad different spices. The Zanzibar beaches are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a lazily luxurious beach holiday and Zanzibar and its outlying islands are home to some of the finest beaches in East Africa as well as a number of the best dive sites in the world.

Zanzibar can be easily integrated into an East African adventure, or visited as a stand alone destination.

Kendwa Beach - Ken Haley