There was a time when Zinave National Park was almost forgotten. Decades of civil conflict and uncontrolled poaching had devastated wildlife populations across much of Mozambique, and Zinave — despite its vast wilderness and ecological importance — was no exception. Yet today, Zinave stands as one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation recovery stories, and one of Southern Africa’s most exciting emerging safari destinations.

Long before safari vehicles traced today’s sandy tracks, Madikwe Game Reserve’s story began deep in human time: the reserve’s cultural record stretches back close to a million years, with archaeological evidence embedded in its ridges and riverlines.

Southern Africa offers some of the most rewarding birding on the continent, particularly for travellers seeking regional specials and elusive “lifers” in remote wilderness areas. Some special destinations offer some amazing birding opportunities. For us at Africa Sky Runners (enthusiastic birders ourselves), two destinations (for a birding air safari) that consistently stand out are the Gorongosa National Park in central Mozambique and the Pafuri region in the far north of the Kruger.