A Selection of our Favourite, Truly Wild Regions of Southern Africa
Southern Africa offers some of the world’s most spectacular self drive and overlanding experiences. From vast deserts and endless salt pans to lush delta wetlands and iconic wildlife corridors, the region provides some of the last truly wild travel experiences on the planet. A self drive safari gives you the freedom to set your own pace, explore off the beaten track destinations, and witness wildlife in their natural habitats without the interruptions of crowds.
At Drive Africa, we’ve been lucky to explore many of these areas on various overlanding adventures over the years. Below is a snapshot of some of our favourite parks and regions for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and share the land with wildlife in the most authentic way.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a must for true overlanders seeking wilderness and solitude. Covering over 50,000 square kilometers, the reserve offers raw, untouched landscapes with dramatic sand dunes, sparse vegetation, and endless horizons. Wildlife here is abundant but elusive, making each sighting special. From black-maned lions and leopard to oryx and springbok, the Kalahari showcases the diversity of southern African wildlife.
Self drive routes require preparation: tracks can be challenging, especially during the wet season. Bringing a reliable 4×4, extra fuel, water, and recovery gear is essential. Bush camping here offers an unparalleled connection to the environment, with nights filled with the sounds of the African bush and the thrill of spotting wildlife from your tent or rooftop setup.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa/Botswana
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, straddling South Africa and Botswana, is famed for its red sand dunes, sparse acacia woodlands, and incredible predator sightings. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas roam freely across this iconic wilderness, and the park is a photographer’s paradise.
For overlanders, The Kgalagadi offers both freedom and challenge. While main roads are navigable, remote tracks demand a capable 4×4 and careful planning. The park’s dry climate and vast open spaces reward patience. Sightings often come with a sense of isolation and intimacy rarely found elsewhere. Self sufficient camping at one of the designated wilderness camps is highly recommended to experience the park’s true magic.
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Mana Pools, on the banks of the Zambezi River, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Zimbabwe’s premier safari destinations. The park’s floodplains, riverine forests, and islands create a unique habitat for elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
Overlanding in Mana Pools combines river adventures with classic self drive safari thrills. Boat trips through the flooded river channels provide an intimate perspective of wildlife, while game drives along the sandy tracks offer excellent opportunities to spot predators. Camping at riverine sites enhances the connection to nature, with sunrise and sunset wildlife experiences that are unmatched.
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana
The Makgadikgadi Pans are some of the largest salt flats in the world and a striking contrast to Botswana’s lush Okavango Delta. This area is ideal for adventure travel and overlanding, with unique landscapes, seasonal floods, and migratory wildlife such as zebras and wildebeest.
Self drive trips here are a lesson in navigation and patience. The open expanses and shallow pans make for spectacular photography, while salt flats offer a surreal backdrop for camping. Stay in traditional bush camps or sleep out under the stars on the legendary Kubu Island to fully immerse yourself in the remote beauty of the pans.
Caprivi Strip, Namibia
The Caprivi Strip in northern Namibia is a lush corridor of rivers, wetlands, and forests, offering a completely different overlanding experience. Home to elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and prolific birdlife, it is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts seeking quieter, water-rich landscapes.
Self drive safari here involves a mix of riverine tracks and gravel roads. Highlights include boat safaris, fishing trips, and wildlife viewing along the Kwando and Zambezi rivers. Camp at riverside lodges or private campsites to experience the rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. The Caprivi Strip’s remoteness ensures a peaceful adventure travel experience with fewer tourists.
Overlanding Tips for Southern Africa
- Vehicle Prep: A well set up 4×4, recovery gear, spare fuel, water, and a robust roof tent or camping gear.
- Respect Wildlife: Keep distance, avoid sudden noise, stick to marked tracks, and never feed animals.
- Plan for Remoteness: Some regions like the Central Kalahari or Makgadikgadi have long stretches without services, so stock up on essentials.
- Seasonal Timing: Dry season generally offers the best wildlife viewing, but wet season transforms areas like the Kalahari into lush, green landscapes.
- Accommodation: Mix bush camping, wilderness camps, and occasional lodges for comfort without losing the adventure.
Check out our previous blog posts for more in depth guides to overlanding in southern Africa.
Southern Africa’s diversity of landscapes and wildlife makes it a haven for overlanders and self drive safari enthusiasts. From the red dunes of Kgalagadi to the riverine forests of Mana Pools, each park offers unique encounters and unforgettable memories. With careful planning, respect for nature, and a spirit of adventure, your overlanding safari in southern Africa will be an experience of a lifetime.
No matter which region of Southern Africa you want to explore, Drive Africa can help plan the perfect tailor-made self drive adventure. From arranging the ideal overlanding ready vehicle and camping gear, to mapping your route, securing park entry permits, and booking rest camps or lodges, we take care of every detail. This ensures you can focus on the adventure, wildlife, and unforgettable landscapes, while enjoying a safe, seamless, and fully immersive experience.
