Southern Africa offers a huge diversity of landscapes and some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. The Luangwa Valley in Zambia provides the best walking safaris anywhere in Africa where small, intimate luxury camps are one of Africa’s best kept secrets. Along with plentiful plains game, Leopard and Wild Dog sightings are particularly good. From the Lower Zambezi in Zambia to the Caprivi Strip in Namibia, the mighty Zambezi River provides some fantastic wildlife sightings, especially in the dry season. The riverside camps along the Zambezi and its tributaries incorporate boat rides and canoeing in addition to driving and walking safaris. In Botswana strictly protected private concession areas allow exclusive, upmarket safaris into the world famous Okavango Delta and Savuti areas. A mixture of 'wet' and 'dry' camps allow visitors to experience the diversity of the region, and fly-in safaris maximize game-viewing time. By contrast Namibia’s dramatically different desert landscapes give yet another look at a unique environment where many animals, including the desert Elephant and Gemsbok survive in a land with virtually no rainfall. South Africa offers a mixture of exclusive private concessions and more mainstream government parks with excellent wildlife viewing for visitors of all budgets. It is often chosen by families or those wanting the independence of self-drive options, or a malaria free gameviewing experience. Malawi with its beautiful freshwater lake and upland areas is often mistakenly overlooked, but its uncrowded national parks offer great wildlife-viewing and we highly recommend it for those wanting something different. Offshore, the enormous island of Madagascar is in a league of its own – separated from the mainland for millennia its unique flora and fauna have developed on their own and its lemurs and other creatures continue to fascinate visitors. Highlights February • Leatherback, and Loggerhead Turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on the beaches of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa. April • Now until mid-June is the best time to visit Zambia’s Bangweulu Swamps for the elusive Shoebill, Black Lechwe and numerous waterbirds. • This is the beginning of ‘Wild Dog season’ in the South Luangwa National Park – until the end of May. June • Marks the beginning of the ‘dry’season in southern Africa (except for the Cape) with the opening of the seasonal bush camps and the beginning of walking safaris. July • Southern Right Whales arrive into the bays of South Africa’s coast, and stay until October. August • In late August magnificent wildflower spectacles appear in South Africa’s Cape and west coast. September • Many migrant birds appear in southern Africa. • Late September sees thousands of colourful iridescent Carmine Beeeaters re-establishing their colonies in the banks of the main river courses in southern Africa, particularly the Luangwa, and Zambezi Rivers. October • The last dry month in southern Africa as the heat builds – this is a good time to view game by the major water courses. November • The start of the ‘green’ season in the Luangwa Valley with clear skies, spectacular sunsets, great offers, less visitors and great birdwatching – from now until May. Climate South of the equator the climate is mainly tropical with a summer rainfall between November and March. Heat and humidity build throughout the dry season to peak in late October. The rains bring relief, and some wonderful game-viewing is possible in the ‘green’ season with occasional downpours clearing the air, excellent birdwatching and the birth of many young. The highland temperatures are more moderate, with the low grassland areas being warmer. The desert areas of the west coast and Kalahari are hot in the day but can see winter temperatures from June to August plummet at night and in the early mornings. It is worth noting that the Cape region has a Mediterranean climate with a cooler winter rainfall, and hot drier summers at odds with the rest of the region. S E E U S O N T H E W E B AT wildlifeworldwide.com 53 Africa / Southern Africa Elephants dust-bathing

F O R R E S E R V A T I O N S C A L L U S O N 0845 130 6982 Botswana 54 Chobe’s Waterways & Big Game 11 days London to London Experience a huge variety of animals and environments on this small, but adventurous circuit – from the lush waterways of northern Botswana, Namibia and Zambia to the fabulous big game experience of Chobe National Park, and the unmissable Victoria Falls. This mixture of hotel and lodge accommodation provides excellent value for money. Day 1. Depart London Depart London for Livingstone flying via Johannesburg. Days 2 and 3. Victoria Falls [B (Day 3 only)] On arrival you will be met and taken to the Zambezi Sun for two nights. Situated right beside the magnificent Victoria Falls it is possible to walk from the hotel grounds into the lush rainforest park surrounding the Falls themselves and to hear the roar of the waters from your room. Days 4 to 6. Zambezi Islands [B, L, D] Today you transfer by road and boat to the upper reaches and islands of the mighty Zambezi River. You stay at Impalila Lodge for three nights. This small luxury lodge sits on its own island at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers where four countries meet. The area is unique - an amazing mosaic of waterways, floodplains and woodland, with exceptional birdlife and game-viewing. Secluded and remote, it offers guests the very best of the Chobe River… that is game-viewing by boat and mokoro trips on the quiet backwaters, or just pampered relaxation while lazing by the pool. Days 7 to 9. Chobe National Park [B, D] Today you transfer by boat and road to Chobe Safari Lodge for three nights. Chobe is home to the largest concentration of elephant in Africa and huge herds of buffalo. This is thrilling big game country and during the dry season the enormous herds congregate along the fertile flood plains of the Chobe River, stalked by waiting predators. Other major species include Lion, Wild Dog, Puku, Red Lechwe, Sable and Roan Antelope and huge numbers of Hippopotamus. Game-viewing is by 4-wheel drive vehicles inside the park or boat rides along the river. Days 10 & 11. Transfer by road to Livingstone for your return flight via Johannesburg, and arrive back in the UK on the morning of Day 11. Cost per person: From £2,295 Single supplement: Available on request What is included: Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, guided activities Accommodation: Hotels & lodges Departure dates: Daily, throughout the year Impalila Island Lodge, Caprivi Strip Fish Eagle