19 Images from Southern Africa That Will Make You Want to Go There Right Now

February 22, 2016 Todd Weselake

The world's second-largest and second-most-populous continent, Africa is a place of tremendous potential for a traveller. There is so much to see that often, one’s first journey here seems only to scratch the surface; somehow that’s OK. For once you’ve set your feet on the ground here, Africa seems to tighten its grip, leaving a mark on you that means you’re sure to return. My trip with G Adventures took me through Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa — all of which are truly amazing.

Here’s an essay of my favourite images, how I saw these countries through my lens:

With a width of 1,708m, or 5,603 ft, and a height of 108m, or 354 ft, Victoria Falls, which crosses the borders of both Zambia and Zimbabwe, is the world’s largest falling sheet of water during the rainy season.

Trying to capture the enormous landscape of Victoria Falls.

Trying to capture the enormous landscape of Victoria Falls.

Market day in Harare, Zimbabwe. Street markets and local shopping are a must-do on all trips.

Market day in Harare, Zimbabwe. Street markets and local shopping are a must-do on all trips.

One of the highlights of my trip was going on a safari. Here, we’re spotting for rhinos.

One of the highlights of my trip was going on a safari. Here, we’re spotting for rhinos.

And, we found them! Two rhinos grazing in a field.

And, we found them! Two rhinos grazing in a field.

Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park offers some unique options to get up close and personal with the rhinos.

Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park offers some unique options to get up close and personal with the rhinos.

Locals are hired to protect the remaining rhinos from poaching.

Locals are hired to protect the remaining rhinos from poaching.

The views from the caves in Matobo National Park.

The views from the caves in Matobo National Park.

2000 years ago the San – bushmen – looked out over the same views.

2000 years ago the San – bushmen – looked out over the same views.

Matobo National park has some of the oldest pictographs on the planet, which were painted between 320 and 500 C.E.

Matobo National park has some of the oldest pictographs on the planet, which were painted between 320 and 500 C.E.

The stories told by local tribes in Matobo bring up the realities of surviving in the remote regions of Southern Africa.

The stories told by local tribes in Matobo bring up the realities of surviving in the remote regions of Southern Africa.

Portrait of a tribesman.

Portrait of a tribesman.

Local villages are still strongly attached to traditions. We were grateful to be able to see some of their dance.

Local villages are still strongly attached to traditions. We were grateful to be able to see some of their dance.

Camping under the stars in Matobo.

Camping under the stars in Matobo.

Smile!

Smile!

Urban living just outside of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Urban living just outside of Johannesburg, South Africa.

A giraffe having his snack in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

A giraffe having his snack in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Mother and baby elephant cool off with a drink in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Mother and baby elephant cool off with a drink in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Getting There

G Adventures runs a number of departures in Africa encompassing a wide range of departure dates and activities to cater to different tastes. We’re thrilled at the prospect of showing you this big blue planet of ours — check out our small group trips here.

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