Travel Guide For Surrounding Countries Of South Africa

Introduction

South Africa is a beautiful country filled with diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals. However, there’s much more to explore beyond its borders. The surrounding countries of South Africa offer a wealth of unique experiences, from exploring ancient ruins to embarking on thrilling safaris. In this travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports in the countries surrounding South Africa.

Botswana

Top Attractions

Botswana is known for its stunning wildlife and natural wonders. The Okavango Delta is a must-see destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Chobe National Park is also a popular spot for wildlife viewing, with elephants, lions, and buffalo roaming freely.

Hidden Gems

The Tsodilo Hills are a hidden gem in Botswana. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 4,500 rock paintings and is considered one of the most important rock art sites in the world.

Food Scene

Botswana’s food scene is influenced by its neighboring countries, with dishes like pap and meat stew being popular. However, the country also has its own unique dishes, like seswaa (shredded beef) and morogo (wild spinach).

Budget-Friendly Tips

Botswana can be an expensive destination, but there are still ways to save money. Consider visiting during the low season, staying in campsites or budget lodges, and bringing your own snacks and drinks.

Outdoor Adventures

Botswana is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. From wildlife safaris to canoe trips down the Okavango Delta, there’s no shortage of adventure here.

Historical Landmarks

The Tswapong Hills are a series of hills in eastern Botswana that are home to ancient rock art, stunning waterfalls, and traditional villages.

Family-Friendly Activities

The Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a great place to take the kids. This wildlife reserve is home to rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and more.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

The Makgadikgadi Pans are a series of vast salt flats that are home to unique wildlife and stunning landscapes. This is a great spot for a unique camping experience.

Natural Wonders

The Okavango Delta is a natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vast wetland is home to an incredible array of wildlife and is a must-see destination in Botswana.

Vibrant Nightlife

Botswana’s nightlife may not be as vibrant as some other countries, but there are still plenty of bars and clubs in cities like Gaborone and Francistown.

Local Markets

The Gaborone City Flea Market is a popular spot for souvenirs, clothing, and local crafts.

Beaches and Mountains

While Botswana is not known for its beaches or mountains, the country does have some stunning landscapes. The Tswapong Hills and the Makgadikgadi Pans are both worth a visit.

Cultural Immersion

The Basarwa (San) people are indigenous to Botswana and have a rich cultural heritage. Consider visiting a traditional village or attending a cultural festival to learn more about their way of life.

Art and Music Scene

Botswana has a thriving music scene, with traditional music like Tswana and Kalanga being popular. The country is also home to a number of talented artists and artisans.

Walking Tours

Walking tours are a great way to explore Botswana’s cities and towns. Consider taking a guided tour of Gaborone or Francistown to learn more about the country’s history and culture.

Architectural Marvels

The National Assembly Building in Gaborone is a stunning example of modern architecture and is worth a visit.

Historical Sites

The Mokolodi Nature Reserve is home to a number of historical sites, including ancient rock art and Iron Age settlements.

Biking Routes

While Botswana may not have a vast network of biking routes, there are still some great spots for cycling. The Tswapong Hills and the Makgadikgadi Pans are both popular spots for mountain biking.

Wellness Retreats

The Mokolodi Nature Reserve is a great spot for a wellness retreat. The reserve offers yoga classes, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Adventure Sports

Botswana is a great destination for adventure sports like kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife safaris.

Zimbabwe

Top Attractions

Zimbabwe is home to a number of stunning natural wonders, including Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world. The country is also home to a number of national parks, including Hwange National Park, where visitors can see a wide variety of wildlife.

Hidden Gems

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are a hidden gem in Zimbabwe. This ancient city was once a thriving center of trade and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Food Scene

Zimbabwe’s food scene is influenced by its neighboring countries, with dishes like sadza (maize porridge) and meat stews being popular. However, the country also has its own unique dishes, like muriwo unedovi (vegetables with peanut butter).

Budget-Friendly Tips

Zimbabwe can be an expensive destination, but there are still ways to save money. Consider staying in budget lodges or campsites, and eating at local restaurants rather than tourist spots.

Outdoor Adventures

Zimbabwe is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From wildlife safaris to hiking, there’s no shortage of adventure here.

Historical Landmarks

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are a must-see destination for history buffs. This ancient city was once a thriving center of trade and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Family-Friendly Activities

The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust is a great place to take the kids. This wildlife sanctuary is home to a number of rescued animals, including lions and elephants.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

The Matobo Hills are a series of granite hills in southern Zimbabwe that are home to a number of ancient rock art sites and traditional villages.

Natural Wonders

Victoria Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world and a must-see destination in Zimbabwe.

Vibrant Nightlife

Zimbabwe’s nightlife is centered around the cities of Harare and Bulawayo. There are a number of bars and clubs in both cities.

Local Markets

The Mbare Market in Harare is a popular spot for souvenirs, clothing, and local crafts.

Beaches and Mountains

Zimbabwe is not known for its beaches, but the country does have some stunning mountain ranges, including the Eastern Highlands.

Cultural Immersion

The Shona people are the largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe and have a rich cultural heritage. Consider visiting a traditional village or attending a cultural festival to learn more about their way of life.

Art and Music Scene

Zimbabwe has a rich music scene, with genres like Zimbabwean jazz and mbira being popular. The country is also home to a number of talented artists and artisans.

Walking Tours

Walking tours are a great way to explore Zimbabwe’s cities and towns. Consider taking a guided tour of Harare or Bulawayo to learn more about the country’s history and culture.

Architectural Marvels

The Victoria Falls Bridge is a stunning example of engineering and is worth a visit.

Historical Sites

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are a must-see destination for history buffs. This ancient city was once a thriving center of trade and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Biking Routes

While Zimbabwe may not have a vast network of biking routes, there are still some great spots for cycling. The Eastern Highlands are a popular spot for mountain biking.