Take A Safari In A Different Location In Africa This Year

When going on a safari vacation in Africa, many travelers pick well-known locations like South Africa and Kenya. However, the continent has other equally worthy locations for a safari, including Malawi and Zambia. Read on to find out why you should experience at least one safari vacation in these lesser-known locations.

Malawi – the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’

There is a good reason why Malawi has been dubbed the “Warm Heart of Africa.” Here, the locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming and more than happy to share their country with travelers. Malawi is an inland country, with no beaches overlooking an ocean. However, what it does have is Lake Malawi, the third largest body of fresh water in Africa. At 365 miles in length, and in some places 53 miles wide, this magnificent lake features beautiful beaches, lush trees, rocky outcrops and colorful tropical fish to see in its clear water.

Meanwhile, the lake features excellent hotels, right on the beach, along with fun boat trips and fishing trips to enjoy. Moreover, visitors can enjoy the delicious, freshly caught fish from the lake, or a papaya picked from a nearby tree while taking in beautiful scenic views over the water.

On safari at the lake

Besides enjoying time on the beaches and swimming and diving in the crystal clear waters, the lake is an ideal base to set out on a safari adventure. Located in hilly areas close by are Malawi’s most prominent national parks – Liwonde, Lengwe and the Majete Game Reserve.

In these parks, visitors will see many of the country’s native elephant populations, as well as the chance to spot the shy nyala, a spiral-horned antelope native to the area. There’s nothing quite like spotting a rare animal out in the bush while on safari.

Meanwhile, at the southern end of Lake Malawi, more safari adventures are on offer, as the Shire River hosts almost 1,000 hippos, as well as a fair number of crocodiles.

Experience a safari in Zambia

Not too far from Malawi is another great, but also relatively unknown safari location. Zambia is located on a high plateau and also shares the iconic Victoria Falls with its neighbor, Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, the country has much to offer for a safari location.

The most important conservation areas of Zambia lie where the Kafue and Luangwa Rivers flow into the Zambezi. As well as the lower Zambezi National Park, the Luangwa National Park features an amazing game viewing experience in its riverine woodlands, savannah plains and pools.

The wildlife of Zambia

This area of Zambia boasts the largest number of leopards on the African continent. Meanwhile, it also hosts Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest, both of which are unique to the region and seen nowhere else in the world.

Heading to the unspoiled Kafue National Park, this less-visited but must-see location is perfect for a safari adventure. Birders are spoiled in the 4.5 million acre park, with its around 500 species on view in Zambia, including pelicans, herons, wattled cranes and storks.

Readers looking for an alternative and excellent location for a safari can’t go wrong with Malawi and Zambia. Both countries have much to offer their visitors in the way of a unique adventure, including wildlife that can only be found there.