The largest reserve in the world has appeared in Africa. It is called Cavango Zambezi. The complex is located on the borders of five states: Angola, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The total area of ​​the reserve exceeds 44 million hectares. The protected area unites 36 reserves and lands surrounding them. Almost half of all elephants in Africa live in Kawang Zambezi, more than 600 species of various plants and about 300 species of birds.
With the formation of conservation complexes such as the transnational reserve of Africa called Kavango Zambezi (abbreviated KAZA), endangered species of animals that are prone to migrations (elephants and rhinos) feel completely safe in a vast territory the size of Sweden.
Tourist paradise
There are many world famous attractions on this earth. For example, Victoria Falls. Despite the fact that this African reserve was founded recently (2011), one of the main tasks set by the five states was to create conditions for the free migration of all animal species. In addition, for these countries, reserves and national parks in Africa are the most important tourist sites. Thousands of tourists from all over the world come to this unique transboundary reserve every year.
Animals
Undoubtedly, the main representatives of the animal world living in the complex are elephants. It is probably hard to believe, but almost half of these giants of the total number of African elephants live in the conservation area. In these vast territories 600 species of plants grow. Among them are many unique. In the most picturesque areas of the region, 300 species of birds found their home.
South Africa is a land where the incongruous is miraculously combined. Amazingly beautiful landscapes are concentrated in nature reserves and national parks of the country.
Kruger Park
A cross-border territory of 20 thousand square kilometers is located between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Here, an elephant and a lion, a buffalo and a rhinoceros, a leopard feel quite comfortable.
Statistics confirm the uniqueness of these places. The area occupied by this reserve in Africa can be compared with the territory of Wales. It represents countless picturesque meadows and pastures, coastal forests in which about 150 species of mammals are found, including the largest population of rhinos.
A five-hour drive from Johannesburg, the largest metropolis of South Africa, you can see the inhabitants of the wild and get an unforgettable experience. For example, in the Kruger Park, you can watch the clash of a lion with a crocodile.
The most fearless tourists can go on a guided tour, accompanied by armed guards. Nature reserves and national parks in Africa are best visited in winter. At this time, the vegetation does not grow so rapidly and does not obstruct the view. Animals can be seen in numerous water bodies, in addition, at this time, the risk of contracting malaria is minimal.
Royal Natal
One of the most picturesque mountain ranges in Africa is Drakensberg. The name translates as Dragon Mountains. The sharp tops of the mountains here smoothly turn into green slopes, which are covered with bumps and bumps.
Royal Natal National Park is located on a not too large territory (2500 sq. Km), which is part of the Ukhamamba complex, a World Heritage Site. Despite this, Drakensberg is one of the most famous rock formations on Earth.
Sodeberg Nature Reserve
This mountain range is located 200 km north of Cape Town. The Sodeberg Africa Conservation Area consists of many sandstone hills, dense thickets of finbos and the magnificent Mount Saint-Rock. Guided tours last from one hour to several days.
During such a walk you can enjoy the wildlife of these places. You can climb the steep slopes to the picturesque hills - the Wolffberg Arch or the Maltese Cross. Tourists prefer to stay at the Sanddrif base. It has an observatory and a huge winery. The best time to travel is from April to August. At this time, the weather for walking will be the best.
Mapungubwe
National reserves of Africa amaze tourists with the beauty of pristine nature. Mapungubwe is no exception. It is located along the borders of Botswana and Zimbabwe, in the Limpopo River Valley . In these places, giraffes and elephants, baboons and leopards slowly walk between the trees.
Mapungubwe is a World Heritage Site and a historical asset, so be sure to come here if you are in Johannesburg.
In antiquity, the center of the South African kingdom was located on this territory. In 1300 BC nine thousand people lived in these places. Archaeologists have been able to discover hills with burials in which unique values ​​were buried, for example, a golden rhino figurine. It is better to come here in June – August.
Blyde River
Nature reserves and parks in Africa differ from each other in their natural landscape. This canyon deserves to be seen with its own eyes. It rises above the Blyde River, and it seems that it breaks down from the tops of the Drakensberg Range with magnificent crowns of thousands of beautiful trees.
Even more beautiful this place is made by green gentle slopes, over which hills of sandstone and limestone rise. The most famous of them is the Triple Rondawel rock, with its huge arches and semicircular peaks that resemble the roofs of the Rondawels (African houses).
It is better not to visit the nature reserves of Africa from January to March. At this time, traveling here is not very comfortable - humid air descends from the mountains, and there is a danger of contracting malaria.
Ishimangaliso
This place seems to be created for lovers of ecotourism. The name of this wetland park in translation from the Zulu language means “miracle”. You can’t say more about this place. The national park covers an area of ​​3320 square meters. km is an ecosystem of global importance. The territory of Ishimangaliso is covered by lakes, swampy forests, coral reefs. This is the continent's largest river delta and about 220 km of beaches located on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
African nature reserves are large and not very, mostly prepared for meeting tourists. For example, in Isimangaliso Park, excellent conditions for diving and horse riding are created. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you can enjoy kayaking and wildlife watching.
For one day in these places you can see a whale and a rhino. This park, located 375 km from Durban, is especially good from June to October, when there is no exhausting heat, and the risk of contracting malaria is minimal.
Namakua
Not all African nature reserves can boast of such unique vegetation as Namakuwaland, located along the coast of South Africa. It is often called the African garden, blooming in the spring with a thousand colors. This is a true decoration of the arid continent. From the beginning of August to the end of September this beauty can be seen with your own eyes.
The park is located near Cape Town. This true treasury has a rich flora. What is the flowering of daisies in this park is a bewitching sight.
Kgalgadi Cross-Border Park
The "wild island" of land located on the hot sands of the Kalahari desert. Kgalgadi Park is located in the transboundary zone between Botswana and South Africa - it is the world's largest conservation area. Many animals live here - lions and ostriches, leopards and cheetahs that survive in these arid lands.
Ktugalgadi Park is a great place to watch big cats. However, you must be careful - at any moment you can be with a lion on the same path.
Table Mountain
The national park, having such a strange name, is located on the territory of the Cape Peninsula. It offers amazing views of Cape Town, the oldest city in South Africa.
There are many great opportunities for outdoor activities in this park. Here you will be offered to paraglide from the cliff of the Lion's Head. You can go climbing on the highest slope of Table Mountain, walk along the picturesque paths. Locals recommend climbing up the meadows of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.
Golden Gate
The Maluti Mountains are located 300 km northeast of Bloemfontein. In the early morning you can see herds of grazing antelopes. The magnificent view of the mountains in the rays of the setting sun, when the slopes are covered with a golden color, gave the name to this park. Brandwag Mountain is especially beautiful - it can be seen here from any point.