This week in Around the World with HOLR we are visiting Southern Africa. More specifically Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, and Namibia. Make sure to pack your binoculars, hiking boots, and bathing suits!
Angola
Angola has a varied terrain of tropical Atlantic beaches, a labyrinthine system of rivers, and a Sub-Saharan desert. Angola has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Age and has a strong Portuguese influence due to the country’s colonial history. The Tundavala Fissure is a spectacular natural sight in Angola. It is between the cities of Lubango and Namibe with an elevation of 2,600 metres above sea level. The views from Tundavala Fissure are phenomenal and the vistas are some of the best views in Africa.
Botswana
Botswana’s landscape is defined by the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta, which becomes an animal habitat during seasonal floods. The Okavango Delta is one of the most awe-inspiring locations in Africa, and maybe the world. Possible animal sightings can include cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, elephants, crocodiles, and rhinos. Trips to here need to be strategically planned, some seasons you are less likely to see a large array of animals.
Malawi
Malawi is defined by its highlands split by the Great Rift Valley and massive Lake Malawi. Lake Mawali National Park has diverse wildlife from colourful fish to baboons, and its clear waters are a popular diving and boating spot.
Mozambique
Mozambique has a long Indian Ocean coastline with popular beaches and offshore marine parks. The most famously known Beach, Tofo, is a must-see spot. With the crystal-clear waters, and wealth of marine life snorkelling and scuba diving is a top choice activity. There are many businesses to go through, but Diversity Scuba has a high safety rating and very knowledgeable staff. Tofo is the capital for whale shark sightings in Mozambique and is the perfect place to go on an ocean safari. Beware, many people who visit Tofo fall in love with the beach and end up staying much longer than they plan to!
Namibia
Namibia is known for its Namib Desert along its Atlantic Ocean coast The country is home to a significant cheetah population, as well as wildlife like rhinos and giraffes. If you love nature, adventure and culture Namibia is the place for you to visit. Namibia is also home to the oldest desert in the world and the tallest sand dunes. Dune 45 is one of Namibia’s most popular attractions. It is not the tallest dune in the Namib Desert, but it is a dune you are allowed to climb. It may look like an easy trek from the base of the dune but at 80 metres (262 feet) tall this is no easy task.
South Africa, just like the rest of Africa, is full of beautiful terrain and wildlife. Are you feeling more of a desert hike or a swim with some fish?
Published by HOLR Magazine.