Southern Africa Travel Guide

Lonely Planet: The world’s leading travel guide publisher


Lonely Planet Southern Africa is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Clamber up the world’s oldest sand dunes in Sossusvlei, step back in time on Mozambique Island, or enjoy world-class wildlife-watching in Etosha National Park; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Southern Africa and begin your journey now!


Inside Lonely Planet Southern Africa Travel Guide: 

Colour maps and images throughout

Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests

Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots

Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices

Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss

Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, art, cuisine, environment, wildlife, music, religion, literature, visual arts

Over 115 maps

Covers Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland and more


eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones)

Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges

Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews

Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience

Seamlessly flip between pages

Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash

Embedded links to recommendations’ websites

Zoom-in maps and images 

Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing


The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Southern Africa, our most comprehensive guide to Southern Africa, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled.


Looking for a guide focused on South Africa or Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi? Check out Lonely Planet South Africa guide, and Zambia, Mozambique & Malawi guide for a comprehensive look at all these countries have to offer.


Looking for more extensive coverage? Check out Lonely Planet Africa guide for a comprehensive look at all the region has to offer.


Authors: Written and researched by Lonely Planet.


About Lonely Planet: Since 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel media company with guidebooks to every destination, an award-winning website, mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travellers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves.