Wonders Of Southern Africa That Will Blow Your Mind

Southern Africa offers magnificent scenery and a vibrant selection of activities to do. Set in exceptional natural backgrounds, each of the following wonders of southern Africa promises a surprising and unique experience.

Indian Ocean Sunrise – Réunion Island

At 3,070 meters, the massive extinct volcano Piton des Neiges is one of the highest points in the Indian Ocean. The peak features an incredible 360-degree view of Réunion Island – a colorful landscape punctuated by green mountains, volcanoes, waterfalls and lagoons. Piton des Neiges and Réunion Island’s cirques, ramparts and volcanoes are classified UNESCO world heritage sites. After a day’s hike and a short night stopover, getting to the top of Piton des Neiges with a headlamp to see the sun rising over the ocean is the ultimate way to experience a sunrise.

The stunning Victoria Falls are at a marginal frontier between Zambia and Zimbabwe. At 108 meters high and 1.7 kilometers wide, the falls carry about one million liters of water per second. It seems completely crazy to be able to swim at the edge of it, yet, formed by erosion, an ultimate infinite pool offers the unique opportunity to swim at the top in what the local tribe Kololos calls Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders). Accessible only between mid-August and December, depending on the water levels, this ultimate pool is a high-adrenaline experience, which has earned it the name Devil’s Pool.

Kaokoland – Namibia

The desert terrain of Kaokoland makes it a tourist hotspot for those seeking a more rugged experience. The area is home to the Himba indigenous people, who lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle. Famous for their jewelry and dress, the Himba are proud of their traditional practices. Just north of Etosha National Park, and host to the city of Opuwo, the terrain is good for trekking, rafting and being immersed in unspoiled, natural scenery. Safari tours are popular, as wildlife such as the desert elephant, giraffes and zebras can be watched in their natural habitats. Other notable scenic places to visit include the Epupa Falls, and the Ondurusa rapids.

Scuba Mecca – Mozambique

Mozambique is a surprising destination, offering a large selection of activities. One of the wonders of the country is its rich maritime life. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are home to numerous species, from the smallest fish to the impressive whale sharks and manta ray. Tofo, also called ‘Scuba Mecca’ is situated in the south-west of the country, close to a manta reef. It is one of the best diving destinations in the world, and offers the amazing opportunity to swim with the awesome whale shark.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.