Best Game Viewing in Southern Africa

Southern Africa is where National Geographic documentaries come to life, where you’ll have experiences most people only see on television. From the world-famous Kruger National Park to the water wonderlands of the Okavango Delta, Southern Africa offers safari adventures and game viewing that will leave you breathless and forever changed.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the top game-viewing destination in Southern Africa.

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Our Top Picks for the Best Game Viewing in Southern Africa

1. Best Game Reserve in Southern Africa to See the Big 5
2. Best Wildlife Safari in the Okavango Delta
3. Best Southern African Reserve for Game Drives at Night
4. Best Reserve in Southern Africa for Desert Wildlife
5. Best Place to See Elephants in Southern Africa
6. Best Destination in Southern Africa for Year-Round Viewing

Why Southern Africa is a Game Viewing Mecca

The unique geography and climate of Southern Africa create diverse ecosystems that support an extraordinary variety of wildlife. It’s one of the few regions where you can reliably spot all members of the Big Five:

• Lions: Found throughout the region, with some of the largest prides in Africa
• Leopards: Particularly abundant in Sabi Sands and parts of Kruger
• Elephants: Massive herds in Chobe, Hwange, and northern Botswana
• Rhinos: Both black and white rhino populations in various reserves
• Buffalo: Large herds throughout the region’s major parks

Ever wondered why they’re called the ‘Big Five’? It has nothing to do with size. Rather, the name originates from the five most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot.

Beyond the Big Five, Southern Africa offers incredible diversity including cheetahs, painted dogs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and over 900 bird species. Furthermore, the region’s commitment to conservation has also resulted in well-managed national parks and private reserves that offer visitors authentic safari experiences while protecting these precious habitats for future generations.

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1. Best Game Reserve in Southern Africa to See the Big 5

What makes Kruger South Africa’s most famous wildlife reserve? Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometers, Kruger National Park is South Africa’s flagship reserve and one of Africa’s largest game reserves. Home to over 500 bird species and 147 mammal species, including the Big Five, Kruger offers unparalleled wildlife diversity, making it one of the best places in the world for a safari. The vast, unfenced landscape also allows animals to roam freely between the main park and the private reserves that border it, ensuring a truly wild experience.

Beyond wildlife, the park boasts numerous archaeological sites, rock art, and historical buildings, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s past. It’s highly recommended to book well in advance, especially for popular camps and during peak seasons like holidays, as they can be fully booked far in advance.

2. Best Wildlife Safari in the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lush oasis of channels, lagoons, and islands. Moremi Game Reserve, located within the Delta, is a premier destination for water-based safaris, offering mokoro (dugout canoe) and motorboat excursions.

The Delta’s seasonal flooding attracts elephants, hippos, red lechwe, and rare sitatunga antelopes. Over 400 bird species, including African fish eagles and Pel’s fishing owls, make it a birdwatcher’s paradise. The Delta’s mix of water and land habitats supports predators like lions and leopards, often seen hunting near water.

3. Best Southern African Reserve for Game Drives at Night

South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its night drives and walking safaris, pioneered here in the 1950s. The Luangwa River, Africa’s most intact river system, supports over 400 bird species and animals like Rhodesian giraffes, African buffalo, and endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe. Night drives reveal leopards, hyenas, and nocturnal species like genets and civets. The park’s remote setting and diverse habitats—ebony groves, mopane woodlands, and floodplains—offer intimate wildlife encounters.

4. Best Reserve in Southern Africa for Desert Wildlife

Namibia might be known for its vast deserts and rugged landscapes, but it’s also home to some of Africa’s most accessible wildlife viewing. Etosha National Park is centered around a massive salt pan, creating a stark yet stunning backdrop for game viewing. Its 114 mammal species include black rhinos, black-faced impalas, and lions adapted to the arid environment. Over 340 bird species, including flamingos and pelicans, flock to seasonal lakes.

Floodlit waterholes at camps like Okaukuejo and Halali offer 24/7 wildlife viewing. Etosha’s open terrain ensures excellent visibility, especially during the dry season when animals congregate at waterholes.

5. Best Place to See Elephants in Southern Africa

Famous for having the largest concentration of elephants in Africa (120,000!), Chobe National Park offers spectacular game viewing. The Chobe Riverfront is a hotspot, attracting buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles, while the riverine forests, floodplains, and savannas support predators like lions and leopards. Chobe’s location near Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia makes it ideal for multi-country trips. River cruises offer unique perspectives on wildlife, especially during sunset.

6. Best Destination in Southern Africa for Year-Round Viewing

Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s most reliable wildlife destinations thanks to its innovative solution to seasonal water scarcity. In the park, there are over 400 bird species due to the seasonal wetland and you can spot gemsbok, brown hyena, African wild dogs, lions, leopard, elephants, spotted hyena and cheetahs.

While most parks see animals disperse during different seasons, Hwange’s 60 strategically placed artificial waterholes keep wildlife concentrated year-round. These viewing platform-equipped water sources create consistent game viewing opportunities regardless of season. The result? Exceptional wildlife encounters guaranteed no matter when you visit.

When is the Best Time to Visit Southern Africa?

The best time depends on your priorities:

• Dry Season (May–September): Sparse vegetation and concentrated wildlife at waterholes make this ideal for game viewing.

• Wet Season (November–March): Lush scenery and excellent birdwatching, especially in the Okavango Delta and South Luangwa.

• Shoulder Seasons (April, October): Fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and balanced wildlife sightings.

Always check specific reserve conditions, as weather patterns vary across the region.

Start Your Adventure with African Overland Tours

Southern Africa’s wildlife destinations offer something for every traveler, from luxury lodges to rugged camping. Whether you’re chasing the Big 5, gliding through the Okavango Delta, or discovering hidden gems, African Overland Tours can craft a journey that brings your safari dreams to life. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable adventure today!

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