Step into a photographer’s paradise with Thakadu African Safaris. Our Photo Safaris are tailor-made for wildlife lovers and visual storytellers, offering close encounters with Africa’s most iconic species in breathtaking natural settings.
OKAVANGO, CHOBE, VICTORIA FALLS AND HWANGE
Botswana at present day is a symbol of the last Wilderness recourses in Africa. Discover the countries uniqueness and diversity in a pleasant and luxurious way with Thakadu African Safaris. Botswana and Zimbabwe are great Countries where wild animals still roam freely. Botswana is one of Africa’s most peaceful and democratic states.
The massive Hwnage National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife conservation area, at almost 15 000 km, It is famous for its more than 35 000 Elephants, large herds of buffalo and big Lions, all of which is made for spectacular game viewing.
What to look forward to:
The Okavango Delta is a labyrinth of lagoons, lakes and hidden channels covering an area of over 17 000km. It is also the largest inland Delta in the world.
The delta environment is home to prosperity of rare wildlife, such as Crocodile, Red Lechwe, Sitatunga, Elephant, Wild Dogs, Buffalo, Wattled Crane, as well as Kudu and Bushbuck. The best time for game viewing in the delta is between May and October as the animal life is concentrated along the flooded areas and the vegetation has dried out. The best time for birding and vegetation is during the rainy season (November-April) as the migrant bird populations are returning and the plants are flowering and green.
Mapungubwe – Word Heritage site – Out of the mist of the mysterious past raises the Mapungubwe National Park. Located at the confluence of the mighty Shashi and Limpopo Rivers, this envisaged Transfrontier Park embraces South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Mapungubwe gives tangible proof by way of the rich fossil deposits, Bushman Rock Art and Gold artefacts of Ancient Civilisations that once flourished here. The giant Baobab trees, riverine forests and associated flood plains provide an intriguing mix of habitat for a tremendous diversity of creatures. Here herds of Elephants and Buffalo roam and the roar of the Lion echo’s through the still of the night.
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans is the largest salt pan in the World, this silver-grey surface covers over 12 000 km of completely barren flatness. Experience the true peace and serenity of this vast expanse.
Hwnage – The massive Hwnage National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife conservation area, at almost 15 000km2, It is famous for its more than 35 000 Elephants, large herds of Buffalo and big Lions, all of which make is made for spectacular game viewing.
Victoria Falls – The town, is Africa’s undisputed adventure capital where one can experience the thrill of White River rafting, bungi jumping, canoe trips, sky diving and plenty more. Add to this some excellent reserves for Game Viewing, Sundowner River Cruises, Elephant-back Safaris and helicopter flips, make it easy to see why Victoria Falls is a top destination.
Victoria Falls – The Kololo People living along the upper reaches of the river named the waterfall Mosi o a Tunya (the smoke that rises) When David Livingstone became the first-known European to see the falls on 16 November 1855, he named them the Victoria Falls, in honour of Queen Victoria.
Chobe National Park and river, bordering the town of Kasane, is only 80km upstream from the Victoria Falls. The water of the Chobe River begins its journey in the Central Angolan highlands, weaving its way south along the Angolan Zambian Border, across the Caprivi Strip to become the Linyati Swamp and then the Chobe River flows east to Kasane.
Cape Town, South Africa’s’ oldest and most beautiful city. It is ranked as one of the most beautiful places on earth. The Mountains of the Cape, with their spectacular peaks, fertile valleys, farms and vineyards, are one of the most beautiful scenic routes known.
What to look forward to:
Valley of Desolation – Experience the breathtaking view of piled dolerite columns against the backdrop of the plains of the Great Karoo. Absorb yourself in the timeless sense of wonder at a landscape said to be the product of volcanic and erosive forces of nature over a period of 100 million years. From the Toposcope enjoy the unique view of the historic town of Graaff Reinet, set like a jewel within a horseshoe bend of the Sundays River. Nature lovers will appreciate the Karoo mountain flora and fauna and the opportunity to view Black Eagles at close range.
The Addo Elephant National Park is a key destination linked to the famous Garden Route. The Park is sanctuary to Kudu, Impala, Eland, Zebra, Bushbuck, Red Hartebeest, Blue Wildebeest and abundant birdlife, including over 450 Elephants, Lions, Black Rhinos, Cape Buffalos, Leopards, Spotted Hyenas as well as the unique flightless Dung Beetle.
Garden Route
One of the most popular holiday regions in South Africa is the magnificent Garden Route, which will leave every nature lovers’ heart beat faster. The Route begins nearby Cape Town and ends at Port Elizabeth in the Estuary of the Toms River. Due to the diverse course of the vegetation rich coastline and Mountainous background lures this route with its different landscapes like thick forest, impressive mountainous panorama, dreamy coastal Villages and beaches, lush flower slender and a perfect infrastructure. Wilderness, Knysna and Hermanus are only a few famous Towns of this Region.
Gango Caves – Ecologically significant and impressively beautiful, the Cango Caves – Africa’s largest show caves and one of the Seven Wonders of Southern Africa – are the archaeological and historical highlight of the Klein Karoo.
Cape Agulhas – END OF THE ROAD – According to De Castro’s Roteiro the Portuguese gave the name Agulhas (Needles) to this Cape because it is here, at the southernmost tip of Africa, that the needle of a compass points due north, without magnetic deviation.
Cape Agulhas the cold Benguela Current in the Atlantic Ocean comes up from Antarctica and brushes the West Coast of Africa below the equator. These two currents, Benguela and Agulhas, meet and mingle between Cape Agulhas and Cape Point in an area measuring hundreds of square kilometres. The meeting of these currents can be partly judged by the sea plants.
Cape Town – A town not far from the Cape of Good Hope, by the foot of the mighty Table mountain a World wonder, lively and Colourful next to the classic sights. Cape Town offers a fascination landscape
The millions old Rock formation of the Drakensberg Mountain Range are the most desired tourist Attraction in Southern Africa, and also on the list of UNESCO-World Heritage site. The Sunny City of Durban is the third biggest Metro pole and a sought-after holiday destination. Summer or winter this subtropical climate and the warm current of the Indian Ocean creates a perfect opportunity for swimming and surfing.
What to look forward to:
Midlands Meander – For tens of thousands of years, what is now known as the Kwa-zulu Natal Midlands was home to groups of hunter-gatherers living in harmony with the forests and the earth, following animal tracks as they moved across the hillsides. The Midlands Meander offers the visitors some intriguing opportunities to look back at the multi-cultural history of the region.
The Midlands Meander has become South Africa’s leading arts and crafts rout and now includes a colourful variety of crafts. Activities include gentle country pursuits and eco-friendly adventures.
Valley of thousand Hills – One of the best-known scenic attraction of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Basically, thousand Hills are rolling down to the Umgeni River. This area is also well known for its African Artwork and is a home of many local Artists.
Howick Falls was considered a sacred site by the San People and Zulu legend has it that the spirit can take the form of a serpent which in habits the depths of the pool at its base. Another site of spiritual significance is the Game Pass Shelter at the Kamberg Rock Art Centre, Considered one of the best exhibits of rock painting in the world.
The Sunny City of Durban is the third biggest Metropole and a sought-after holiday destination. Summer or winter this subtropical climate and the warm current of the Indian Ocean creates a perfect opportunity for swimming and surfing. Durban is also the biggest Harbour town in Africa and UShaka Marine World is the fifth biggest Aquarium in the World.
The Kruger Park is 380km long and on average about 60km wide. A varied geological substructure supports an intricately interwoven rich variety of vegetation, animal and bird life. It is probably the world’s richest wildlife reserve. A journey through this priceless heritage of Southern Africa is a deeply rewarding experience.
Dramatic views and spectacular landscape you can experience on the Panorama Route.
What to look forward to:
Kruger Park – Well known for its diversity of habitat and wildlife, Kruger offers visitors an excellent opportunity to experience close encounters with elephant, Rhino, buffalo, Lion, and Leopard in a natural unfenced environment. Wild dog, Cheetah, Zebra, Giraffe and a variety of other species are also indigenous to the park. A Paradise for the wildlife enthusiast with close to 150 mammals, over 380 species of indigenous trees, as well as over 500 bird species, the park is a birdwatcher’s haven.
Pilgrms Rest – A modern day living museum. This historical mining Town has been preserved in the exact architectural style of the Gold rush period. Allunial Gold was first discovered here in 1873 and spark off one of the biggest gold rushes of the time and mining only ceased in 1972.
Blyde River Canyon – Burke’s Luck Pot holes mark the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon. The third largest natural Canyon in the world. The Natural potholes are deep cylindrical holes formed by the action of sand and rock carried down when the rivers are in flood.
Sudwala Caves – The oldest known Cave is situated at Sudwala. These are one of the major tourist attractions of the Crocodile River Valley. Visitors can explore a 600 meter route through passages and small halls with a total floor area of 14 000 square metres.
Kosi Bay is engulfed by stretches of pristine coastlines, a wilderness of lakes, swamps and crystal clear aquamarine waters. A piece of paradise for locals and tourist alike. The coral reef and tidal pools are bursting with tropical fish and other marine treasures.
What to look forward to:
Mkuze Game Reserve is one of those special destinations which captures the imagination and takes a strong hold of your affections. This 40 000ha Reserve is an ever-changing wonder world to which nature lovers revisit year after year. Situated in the Lebombo Mountain Range, with its abundance of game species like Rhino, Hippo, Kudu, Nyala, Giraffe and Zebra. It is also renowned as a mecca for bird lovers. More than 400 African bird species have been recorded here in this most beautiful Game Reserve in South Africa.
Tembe Elephant Park is a link with ancient Africa, with animals, birds and with its Indigenous people. The proclaimed National Park, owned by the Tembe tribe lies on the old Ivory Route between Mozambique and the Zulu Territory. This Park has the largest Elephants in the world and a range of Big 5 from Lion and Buffalo down to the Small 5 the Suni and Red Duiker, some of the smallest antelope.
The greater St. Lucia Wetland Park was established in 1999 and is declared as Unesco World Heritage site.
The town St. Lucia itself lies bedded between the Indian Ocean and the St. Lucia Estuary.
It is the only town that is situated in the middle of a Nature Reserve. The Lake St. Lucia with its length of 85km and a average depth of 1m, it is the biggest estuarine system in the world and is home of thousands of crocodiles, hippos, fish and birds.
What to look forward to:
Discover the Mystery of the Mountains….and Magic of Mkuze
This region rests below the mighty and mysterious Lubombo Mountains, in the north-western area of the Elephant Coast. The fever tree flourishes here, glinting in afternoon sunsets along waterways and in reserves such as Mkuze and Ndumo. The region’s history is intriguing, the landscape interesting and diverse and the activities unique.
The greater St. Lucia Wetland Park is in 1999 established and is declared as Unesco World Heritage site. The town St. Lucia itself lies bedded between the Indian Ocean and the St. Lucia Estuary. It is the only town that is situated in the middle of a Nature Reserve. The Lake St. Lucia with its length of 85km and a average depth of 1m, is the biggest estuarine system in the world and is home of thousands of crocodiles, hippos, fish and birds.
Hhuhluwe – Umfolozi – One of the largest and oldest Game Parks in South Africa founded in 1895. This Game Park is renowned for its wide variety of bird and animal life. The Park covers 96 000ha and its home of the Big 5 like Lion, Worlds biggest Elephant , Buffalo and large population of White and Black Rhino’s.
The Elephant Coast, ancient Zulu territory, is packaged into four diverse tourist routes each offering a unique experience. The diversity of activities in this region extends from marine life to Big 5 game viewing, includes world class birding and Deep-sea diving, it’s where you will find the province’s largest African elephants and the ocean’s mighty Humpback Whales.
