Know Before You Go | Southern Africa Safaris
Whether you're preparing for your upcoming safari or just want to learn more about Southern Africa, be sure to check out these useful resources. Learn about African animals and habitats, browse helpful packing tips and read inspirational travel stories that will bring the wilds of Africa close to your heart.
Travel Tips
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Wildlife Guide
Wildlife Guide
Discover fascinating facts about elephant herds, lounging leopards and the other wildlife you may encounter on your Southern Africa safari.
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Conservation & Community
Conservation & Community
Read on to discover how our initiatives in Southern Africa help protect African wildlife, preserve culture and support community development.
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African Wildlife Trivia
African Wildlife Trivia
Take our African safari wildlife quiz to put your knowledge to the test, then share it with your family and friends to see who knows the most about life on the savanna!
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Weather & Climate
Weather & Climate
Find out the typical weather conditions and climate of Southern Africa's ecosystems during the green season and dry season.
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Packing List
Packing List
We’ve made a comprehensive list of all the clothing and gear you’ll want to pack so you'll be well prepared for your Southern Africa safari.
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Travel Stories & Articles
Chasing Dreams and Wild Dogs in Botswana: A Safari Travel Story
Chasing Dreams and Wild Dogs in Botswana: A Safari Travel Story
—By Valerie Gleaton
“I felt a connection to Botswana that I really can’t explain—there’s just something about it,” Jan says. “There’s a certain kind of happiness when you’re in a place that touches you so deeply that you cry. It’s powerful.” “Every day was new and every day was great,” Dennis adds. “It was our dream trip.”
“I felt a connection to Botswana that I really can’t explain—there’s just something about it,” Jan says. “There’s a certain kind of happiness when you’re in a place that touches you so deeply that you cry. It’s powerful.” “Every day was new and every day was great,” Dennis adds. “It was our dream trip.”
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Africa’s Amazing Birdlife
Africa’s Amazing Birdlife
—By Laura Kiniry
Here are eight extraordinary avians to keep an eye out for on your next African game drive, or African safari with Nat Hab.
Here are eight extraordinary avians to keep an eye out for on your next African game drive, or African safari with Nat Hab.
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KAZA: How a Shared Vision for Conservation Became the World’s Largest Transboundary Protected Region
KAZA: How a Shared Vision for Conservation Became the World’s Largest Transboundary Protected Region
—By Joel Centano
Southern Africa’s Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area is a study in convergence, confluence and coexistence. Look at how the unprecedented endeavor benefits African wildlife, local communities and travelers alike—and how visitors can contribute to KAZA’s mission while on Natural Habitat Adventures’ Secluded Botswana Safari.
Southern Africa’s Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area is a study in convergence, confluence and coexistence. Look at how the unprecedented endeavor benefits African wildlife, local communities and travelers alike—and how visitors can contribute to KAZA’s mission while on Natural Habitat Adventures’ Secluded Botswana Safari.
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Why a Private Trip May Be Right For You
Why a Private Trip May Be Right For You
—By Sharyl Nance-Nash
An increasing number of globe trotters don’t want a cookie-cutter itinerary, and particularly since COVID, the deal is made sweeter still if they can travel with only their family and friends. Private family trips and adventures with small groups of friends are more popular than ever.
An increasing number of globe trotters don’t want a cookie-cutter itinerary, and particularly since COVID, the deal is made sweeter still if they can travel with only their family and friends. Private family trips and adventures with small groups of friends are more popular than ever.
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Meet the Pioneering Women Changing the Face of the African Safari Industry
Meet the Pioneering Women Changing the Face of the African Safari Industry
—By Lavanya Sunkara
For the longest time, women in many wildlife-rich African nations did not work in safari tourism, due to the perception that it’s a “man’s job.” Today, women aren’t just breaking barriers, they’re paving the way for others to follow. They’re working as guides, security officers, head chefs and managers, and saying, “anything a man can do, we can do, too.”
For the longest time, women in many wildlife-rich African nations did not work in safari tourism, due to the perception that it’s a “man’s job.” Today, women aren’t just breaking barriers, they’re paving the way for others to follow. They’re working as guides, security officers, head chefs and managers, and saying, “anything a man can do, we can do, too.”
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Why a Custom Africa Adventure May be Right for You
Why a Custom Africa Adventure May be Right for You
—By Laura Kiniry
While Nat Hab offers a wide selection of group trips to Africa, ranging from a riverboat safari in Zimbabwe to a Madagascar rain forest adventure, the reasons for a custom trip tailored to your schedule, travel style and preferences are plenty. Our Adventure Specialists and Custom Africa team work directly with you to design the itinerary of your dreams!
While Nat Hab offers a wide selection of group trips to Africa, ranging from a riverboat safari in Zimbabwe to a Madagascar rain forest adventure, the reasons for a custom trip tailored to your schedule, travel style and preferences are plenty. Our Adventure Specialists and Custom Africa team work directly with you to design the itinerary of your dreams!
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Celebrate World Rhino Day Alongside Nat Hab Conservation Hero Richard de Gouveia
Celebrate World Rhino Day Alongside Nat Hab Conservation Hero Richard de Gouveia
—By Megan Brief
On September 22, conservation scientists and animal advocates join forces in recognition of our planet’s five species of rhino. Learn how Richard saves species as a Sony Ambassador and Expedition Leader for Nat Hab & WWF.
On September 22, conservation scientists and animal advocates join forces in recognition of our planet’s five species of rhino. Learn how Richard saves species as a Sony Ambassador and Expedition Leader for Nat Hab & WWF.
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Nature: The Currency of a Life Worth Living
Nature: The Currency of a Life Worth Living
—By Jesse Marcus, WWF
I traveled to Southern Africa on a Natural Habitat Adventures trip in October 2019, just a few months before COVID-19. I saw a pride of lions dozing in the shade of an acacia tree. An adult rhino squaring off with his child in a playful, even tender, shoving match. A herd of wild buffalo at magic hour, trailing a sepia-toned dust cloud behind them. I also met people whose lives and livelihoods directly benefited from local conservation efforts. The time I spent in Southern Africa seems like a dream now. But even though the memories may fade, they remain the gift that keeps on giving. That is what it means to be enriched by an experience. It stays with you. It changes you. It makes you a part of it. Forever.
I traveled to Southern Africa on a Natural Habitat Adventures trip in October 2019, just a few months before COVID-19. I saw a pride of lions dozing in the shade of an acacia tree. An adult rhino squaring off with his child in a playful, even tender, shoving match. A herd of wild buffalo at magic hour, trailing a sepia-toned dust cloud behind them. I also met people whose lives and livelihoods directly benefited from local conservation efforts. The time I spent in Southern Africa seems like a dream now. But even though the memories may fade, they remain the gift that keeps on giving. That is what it means to be enriched by an experience. It stays with you. It changes you. It makes you a part of it. Forever.
Photo Expeditions Available
Why Do Lions Roar? Facts about Big Cat Communication
Why Do Lions Roar? Facts about Big Cat Communication
—By Laura Kiniry
The first time I heard a lion’s roar, it shook me to the bones. Lions have the loudest roars of all big cats, but they’re not the only big cats you’ll find in southern Africa. Africa’s lions, leopards and cheetahs are decidedly complex beasts and while watching them in action is incredible, there’s also plenty to learn about these animals as well.
The first time I heard a lion’s roar, it shook me to the bones. Lions have the loudest roars of all big cats, but they’re not the only big cats you’ll find in southern Africa. Africa’s lions, leopards and cheetahs are decidedly complex beasts and while watching them in action is incredible, there’s also plenty to learn about these animals as well.
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My South Africa Adventure: The Trip of a Lifetime
My South Africa Adventure: The Trip of a Lifetime
—By Nat Hab Traveler Connie Owen
To be able to enjoy gorgeous landscapes and wildlife was an experience of a lifetime. I get tearful when remembering this wonderful adventure that I got to take this late in my life.
To be able to enjoy gorgeous landscapes and wildlife was an experience of a lifetime. I get tearful when remembering this wonderful adventure that I got to take this late in my life.
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Southern Africa’s Top Wildlife Photography Destinations
Southern Africa’s Top Wildlife Photography Destinations
—By Samantha Miller
Isolated camps on private sanctuaries allow travelers to interact with and photograph the species-rich habitats of Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Take flight on three separate helicopter safaris and a hot air balloon safari to capture aerial shots of Southern Africa’s most pristine wilderness enclaves.
Isolated camps on private sanctuaries allow travelers to interact with and photograph the species-rich habitats of Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Take flight on three separate helicopter safaris and a hot air balloon safari to capture aerial shots of Southern Africa’s most pristine wilderness enclaves.
Photo Expeditions Available
Conservation and the Big Five on a South Africa Safari
Conservation and the Big Five on a South Africa Safari
—By Jon Jared
Conservation is a key ingredient in Natural Habitat Adventures’ South Africa safaris. Our motto, “conservation through exploration,” is more than a platitude—it’s at the heart of everything we do. Journey with us into national parks and private reserves where wildlife runs free and where ongoing conservation initiatives (supported by tourism) aim to make sure it stays that way.
Conservation is a key ingredient in Natural Habitat Adventures’ South Africa safaris. Our motto, “conservation through exploration,” is more than a platitude—it’s at the heart of everything we do. Journey with us into national parks and private reserves where wildlife runs free and where ongoing conservation initiatives (supported by tourism) aim to make sure it stays that way.
Photo Expeditions Available
World Elephant Day: Elephants Abound on a Southern Summer Safari
World Elephant Day: Elephants Abound on a Southern Summer Safari
—By Samantha Miller
Celebrate these majestic mammals during Botswana's green season, where mothers and babies abound in Chobe National Park, home of the largest surviving elephant population in the world.
Celebrate these majestic mammals during Botswana's green season, where mothers and babies abound in Chobe National Park, home of the largest surviving elephant population in the world.
Photo Expeditions Available
Sabi Sand – Wildlife Hotspot of South Africa
Sabi Sand – Wildlife Hotspot of South Africa
—By Samantha Miller
Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a 160,000-acre reserve that has become a world-renowned wildlife hotspot. The Big Five are nearly a guaranteed sight and the region is one of the best places to see leopards, one of Africa’s more elusive species.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a 160,000-acre reserve that has become a world-renowned wildlife hotspot. The Big Five are nearly a guaranteed sight and the region is one of the best places to see leopards, one of Africa’s more elusive species.
Photo Expeditions Available
Know Before You Go
