Three unique destinations to put on your bucket list

Southern Africa has no shortage of famous destinations, with Victoria Falls, Cape Town and the Kruger National Park attracting travellers from around the world, and with good reason. There is plenty more to explore, though, especially if you're willing to venture beyond the places that appear on almost every travel itinerary.

If you're looking for somewhere a little different for your next trip, here are three destinations worth adding to your bucket list.

Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Off Mozambique's coast, the Bazaruto Archipelago is known for its white beaches, clear waters and tropical islands. The national park includes islands, dunes, reefs, mangroves and seagrass habitats, while its waters support dolphins, whales, manta rays, whale sharks, turtles and the last known viable population of dugongs in the western Indian Ocean.

Visitors can reach the archipelago by boat from Vilankulo or Inhassoro on the mainland, with snorkelling, diving, dhow trips and island exploration among the activities on offer. There's plenty to do if you enjoy spending time on or in the water, although simply relaxing on one of the beaches is just as appealing.

The Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta is one of southern Africa's most remarkable wetland landscapes, formed as the Okavango River spreads into the sands of northern Botswana instead of flowing towards the sea. Water levels change throughout the year, affecting the channels, lagoons, islands and floodplains that provide habitat for an extraordinary range of wildlife.

One of the ways to explore the delta is on a traditional mokoro excursion, which allows visitors to travel quietly through the waterways. Game drives and walking activities are also available, offering opportunities to see different parts of the landscape and its wildlife, depending on the season and location.

Fish River Canyon, Namibia

For something completely different, head to southern Namibia, where Fish River Canyon stretches across a vast, dry landscape of layered rock formations and open plains. Situated in the far south of the country, it's particularly suited to travellers who enjoy a long road trip and don't mind covering some distance to reach their destination.

The scenery is rugged, with sunlight bringing out different colours in the rock as the day progresses. Its remote location also means visitors can enjoy the quiet surroundings, away from the crowds often associated with more popular tourist destinations.

Whether you're interested in exploring Mozambique's tropical islands, travelling through Botswana's waterways or taking a road trip to Namibia's Fish River Canyon, there's certainly no shortage of variety when planning a holiday in southern Africa. All three are worth considering if you'd like to see somewhere beyond the usual tourist favourites.

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