Southern Africa: Where Our Story Begins
Singita Ebony Lodge, Sabi Sands, South Africa
Dear Friends and Fellow Travellers,
Southern Africa – where both Askari's story and my own journey began. This vast region, stretching from the Zambezi River to the Cape's rugged coastline, holds a special place in our hearts. We return regularly to visit family, to visit new lodges and our guests have enjoyed decades of safari experiences here.
Zimbabwe: Africa's Hidden Gem
Zimbabwe, often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, remains one of Africa's most rewarding safari destinations. Not only do the have the best safari guides on the continent (sorry everyone else - this is a fact!), but the terrain and experiences are varied and feel truly remote.
From the dramatic escarpments of Mana Pools (a UNESCO World Heritage site) to the elephant-rich plains of Hwange National Park; and Gonarezhou NP in the southeast (part of the massive 8.5 million acre Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park encompassing Mozambique and South Africa's Kruger NP). There is plenty of room to get lost amongst the wildlife and dusty golden sunsets. With a multitude of tented camps or thatched lodges, Zimbabwe offers an authenticity that's increasingly rare on safari.
Victoria Falls International Airport has transformed access to the region. You can fly directly into the heart of Southern Africa, with easy connections into Botswana (40 minutes by road to the border); Zambia (20 minutes over the famous Victoria Falls bridge), South Africa's Kruger National Park (1h40m flight) or direct to Cape Town (3 hour flight).
Zambia: Walking in the Wilderness
Zambia, which shares the Zambezi River with Zimbabwe, is where the walking safari was born and where one of our first safaris (20 years ago), was planned with Robin Pope - a legend in the industry. In addition to traditional game drives you can opt to walk from camp-to-camp in one of the last unspoiled wilderness areas in Africa - the South Luangwa National Park.
Why not begin your safari with an overnight stop at Mfuwe Lodge where elephants stroll right through the lobby on their way to a feast of amarula berries.
The northwestern reaches of Zambia are now also reachable without bone-breaking road transfers - airstrips have been built in the Kafue - established in the 1950's by Norman Carr Kafue is one of Africa's oldest and most diverse National Parks. Only open for 5 months of the year and lodges of only 4-5 rooms - this is as remote as it gets.
Botswana: Conservation Success Story
Botswana has long set the standard for conservation-led luxury safari experiences. The Okavango Delta, The Kalahari, Chobe and the Savute are synonymous with safari experts.
New direct international flights into Maun have made access easier, while properties like the exclusive Xigera Safari Lodge demonstrate how high-end tourism can support both wildlife and communities. For those with young children, there are small properties with family tents and activities geared to keep younsters engaged. Like in Zimbabwe and Zambia, camps are connected by a network of "safari flights" - small planes which operate on a schedule that would make Swiss trains proud. Flying over the Delta is the most beautiful thing.
South Africa: A World in One Country
Time Out magazine named Cape Town the world's best city for 2025 – which would be no surprise to those who know it. The ocean, the dramatic mountains, the food scene, and of course world-class wineries around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek just over an our away.
Many people combine Cape Town with their safari in South Africa. Flights to the game rich Sabi Sands and Kruger National park are direct and quick.
The Sabi Sands sets the bar for game concentrations, a community and conservation engagement. This is where Singita Lodges began their environmentally conscious hospitality brand in 1993 - setting the bar which to this day is the benchmark not only for safari operations but for humankind.
Least it is overlooked, South Africa also has some of the most beautiful coastal areas in the world. Secluded beach houses, small coastal towns like Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay are the perfect post-safari holiday.
Namibia
Namibia, so vast and so beautiful. A very easy connection from Cape Town, Botswana or Zimbabwe for something completely different.
Properties We Love
Morukuru Collection (South Africa): A series of exclusive-use houses, perfect for families or small groups seeking privacy with full service.
Xigera Safari Lodge (Botswana): Red Carnation's flagship safari property, where art and luxury meet wilderness in the heart of the Okavango Delta.
Zambezi Expedition Camp (Zimbabwe): Our favorite spot along the mighty Zambezi, where elephants wander through camp and hippos serenade you to sleep.
Wolwedans Desert Lodge (Namibia): A collection of camps in an extraordinary desert landscape. Absolute silence, limitless hiking, and herds of beautiful Oryx.
Mowani Mountain Camp (Namibia):A stunning retreat nestled among ancient granite boulders, where thatched suites blend seamlessly with the Damaraland landscape and desert-adapted elephants roam the valleys below.
Testimonials
Everything went extraordinarily well. All accommodations exceeded expectations with superb service, food, views and amenities. We saw an incredible array of wildlife and met wonderful people. The beauty of the land and especially the people made it so memorable and fabulous!
S.D. from Toronto (Zimbabwe & Zambia)
Somalisa Camp was unbelievable. The guides were phenomenal and wildlife viewing exceeded our expectations. The location, service and attention to detail made this a true trip of a lifetime. Already looking forward to returning to explore more of Zimbabwe's wonders.
S.A. from Chicago (Zimbabwe)
We had the time of our life! The most wonderful trip and we thank you for your excellent advice and planning. Tim said many times, I will trust Askari with all of our future adventures. We felt in we were in very capable hands throughout so again thank you.
NS & TS from Burlington (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Rwanda)
Planning a safari for 2025?
Many of our favourite lodges are small and book up fast, especially for peak season (July-October). Let us help you discover the magical combination of properties and experiences that will make your Southern African journey unforgettable. Our next newsletter will focus on East Africa!
Where to Next?
I am heading to Iceland in February to chase the Aurora Borealis - this is a banner year for the shimmering "northern lights" and it is a lot warmer there than in Toronto! Belinda is heading to Europe - Amsterdam and Spain. Madelyn is going on a well earned vacation to Barbados!
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Best regards from all of us at Askari Travel,
Muriel