African countries unite to form world's largest conservation area

One of Africa's most appealing features is the vast array of exotic creatures that live across the continent.

Thousands of people embark on luxury safari holidays to places like Namibia and Botswana each year in order to see species such as elephant, lion, buffalo and rhino in their natural habitat.

In order to protect these remarkable creatures, five nations in the south of Africa have joined forces to create the world's largest conservation area.

A deal was struck during a meeting yesterday (15th March), which saw government ministers from Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Angola and Zambia agree to cooperate in order to allow animals to roam freely over an area of 170,000 sq miles.

The vast space is known as the Kavango Zambezi and it is home to 45 per cent of Africa's entire elephant population.

It also encompasses some of the world's most famous national parks and landmarks, including the stunning Victoria Falls and Botswana's amazing Okavango Delta.