3 Countries in Southern Africa Worth Visiting (Besides South Africa)

When it comes to the best countries for safaris in Africa, old standbys such as Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania tend to end up on most wildlife lovers’ bucket lists.

But as countries in Southern Africa becomes increasingly accessible to travelers, lesser-known destinations are emerging as ecotourism hotspots.

In our eyes, Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia are all burgeoning breakout destinations for a Southern African safari.

Read on to discover a few reasons why…

READ MORE: The 20 Safest Countries in Africa to Visit

BOTSWANA

Botswana has prioritized wildlife conservation since 1963. That was the year the Batawana people established the Moremi Nature Reserve after seeing their lands threatened by illegal hunting and the development of cattle farms.

Ecotourism in Botswana is big business, bringing in approximately $250 million each year. Commercial hunting was banned there in 2014, and anti-poaching laws are VERY strictly enforced.

Wildlife management is largely left in the hands of local communities, providing alternative revenue streams to wildlife trafficking. 

Thanks to the country’s stable government and progressive social policies, it’s now one of the best countries for safari in Africa. Here are four great places to see animals in Botswana:

READ MORE: How Botswana Wildlife Conservation Helps Fight Poaching

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The second largest wildlife reserve in the world (20,000 square miles), this reserve is the ancestral home of the Bushmen people.

Its diverse array of animals includes Lions, Leopards, Hyenas, Wild Dogs, dozens of Antelope species, and many more.

The area’s annual Zebra migration is spectacular, but little-known.

READ MORE: The 25 Best National Parks in Africa for Wildlife Safaris

Chobe National Park

Chobe is home to over 120,000 Elephants– about 1/3 of the total African elephant population.

The park offers lots of different ecosystems to explore, including savannah, swamps, floodplains, and mopane woodlands.

Besides Elephants, Chobe is also a great place to see big cats, which are largely found in the Liyanti Marshes. 

READ MORE: The 10 Best Places for African Safari Tours

Makgadikgadi Pans

These are the world’s largest salt pans in the world.

When flooded, the area is visited…