In a recent survey of over 280 local and international tour operators by Southern African Tourism, a list was compiled of the top ten attractions in the region.
Number 1 is no surprise. Cape Town is one of the most famous and beautiful cities in the world. It is an iconic destination, and with excellent attractions all around it is a popular place for both short breaks and as part of longer tours.
Second is the Kruger National Park, one of the best game-viewing destinations in the world and offering a full range of facilities. From camp sites and park-owned cabins through to some of the most intimate and exclusive lodges in the world. There is something to suit all tastes and budgets.
At No. 3 is the Garden Route, the coastal strip of the eastern and Western Cape provinces famous for its dramatic coastline, excellent flora and quaint towns and villages. With its temperate climate, excellent roads and patchwork of landscapes the tour takes from 3 to 10 days.
No. 4 is the first of the attractions outside South Africa. Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world and one of the must-see places of the region. Currently most people visit from Livingstone in Zambia, the other option being Victoria Falls Town, itself in Zimbabwe. As well as the falls, there are plenty of activities, most famous being the excellent white-water rafting in the Zambezi River.
No. 5 is the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the most unique area for wildlife viewing in the world. The Okavango River rises in the Angolan Hills and meanders its way into Botswana before finding itself trapped in low lands with nowhere to run. It is the largest river in the world that fails to make it to any sea or ocean. Instead it breaks up into a wetland of meandering streams and marshlands, an absolute haven for wildlife and abundant in bird and plant life. Expensive to get to, it is worth every penny.
At 6 we return to South Africa and the Cape Provinces. The Winelands surround Cape Town in the Western Cape and offer some of the most beautiful and relaxing landscapes. The vineyards can all be visited, wines tasted, food enjoyed at prices that leave the visitor very pleasantly surprised.
No. 7 sees us back on safari, and the exclusive lodges and reserves of the Sabi Sands area. Popular with those who want safari away from the masses, it is the perfect destination for honeymooners as many of the lodges are secluded and romantic.
Numbers 8 and 10 introduce a new country. No. 8 is the country Namibia while 10 focuses on one destination within the country, Etosha National Park. Completely different from all its neighbours, Namibia offers huge deserts, unique landscapes and cultures. It also has Etosha, a National Park situated in a huge salt pan that gives it its unique white landscape and fauna.
Number 9 is KwaZulu Natal, full of tribal heritage and the increasingly popular battlefield tours, charting the battles and towns that played roles in the Boer Wars.
There is plenty more to see beside, but these are the current favourites according to the tour companies who take you there.