Explore Africa’s Secrets: Hidden Gems Safaris
SAFARI IDEA
Venture off the beaten path to discover remote safari destinations that offer exclusive wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled luxury. You’re seeking an intimate, crowd-free safari experience? Let us show you Africa’s hidden gems in style. Our travel agents have travelled to the most beautiful corners of the content and can’t wait to design a bespoke safari adventure for you.
DISCOVER AFRICA’S HIDDEN GEMS
What You Can Expect
A hidden gems safari immerses you in Africa’s untouched wilderness, far from the masses of more traditional wildlife destinations. Picture yourself exploring pristine ecosystems with the freedom to create your own safari pace.
These destinations often offer rare wildlife sightings, from endangered species to unique behaviors seldom seen in more popular national parks. Whether you’re seeking seclusion, adventure or luxury, Africa’s hidden gems promise an extraordinary safari experience.
UNIQUE PLACES, FEWER CROWDS
Why a Hidden Gems Safari?
A holiday in a remote safari destination gives you a sense of exclusivity and discovery unmatched by more frequented locations. These untamed landscapes are home to countless animal species and authentic, ancient cultures, all while offering luxurious accommodations that harmonise with their natural surroundings.
A hidden gem safari allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds: exclusive wildlife moments and impeccable service in the heart of Africa.
Ready for your hidden gems safari?
Our Top Hidden Gems Safari Destinations
Discover the magic of Africa’s most untouched landscapes, from vast golden savannahs and dense riverine forests to remote wetlands teeming with wildlife. These hidden gems promise a safari experience as raw as the flora and fauna themselves.
BOTSWANA
The Savuti & Linyanti Concession
Discover the Savuti and Linyanti regions, two hidden gems in Botswana known for their incredible predator sightings and pristine wetlands. These areas boast unique ecosystems teeming with wildlife, including large prides of lions, wild dogs and elephants in dramatic numbers. The Savuti Marsh, in particular, transforms with the seasons, creating the perfect stage for migrating zebras and birdlife.
- What Makes It Special: A haven for predator enthusiasts and stunning seasonal contrasts.
- Luxury Accommodations: King’s Pool Camp, DumaTau Camp, Linyanti Tented Camp.
- Best Time to Travel: June to October for peak wildlife viewing and dry season activities.
MOZAMBIQUE
Gorongosa National Park
As one of Africa’s hidden gems, Gorongosa combines conservation success with biodiversity. Expect to see lions, elephants and vibrant birdlife against a backdrop of lush forests, mountains and sweeping savannahs. Gorongosa offers a unique balance of wildlife and cultural heritage, making it perfect for a unique safari in Mozambique.
- What Makes It Special: A conservation-focused national park with diverse ecosystems and rare wildlife.
- Luxury Accommodations: Murombodzi Tented Camp, Montebelo Gorongosa Lodge, Muzimu Lodge.
- Best Time to Travel: May to October, during the dry season for excellent wildlife viewing.
ZIMBABWE
Matusadona National Park
Nestled along Lake Kariba, Matusadona is a secluded paradise for water-based safaris and wildlife viewing. The national park’s dramatic scenery includes escarpments, lush floodplains and tranquil lakeshores. Matusadona is home to a growing population of black rhinos, elephants and prolific birdlife.
- What Makes It Special: A mix of traditional and water-based safaris with stunning lakeside landscapes.
- Luxury Accommodations: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, Changa Safari Camp.
- Best Time to Travel: July to October, when wildlife congregates near water sources.
Ready for your exclusive safari?
TANZANIA
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is another safari secret that offers an authentic safari experience with fewer visitors and diverse wildlife. It is a predator hotspot, home to one of the largest lion populations in Africa, alongside elephants, leopards and wild dogs. Its baobab-studded landscapes are breathtaking, especially during sunset.
- What Makes It Special: Renowned for predator sightings and large baobab trees.
- Luxury Accommodations: Jabali Ridge, Ikuka Safari Camp.
- Best Time to Travel: June to October, during the dry season for the best wildlife spotting.
NAMIBIA
Kunene Region
The Kunene Region is a stark yet beautiful area in Namibia, offering dramatic desert landscapes and rare wildlife. This remote corner is home to desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos, as well as the semi-nomadic Himba people. Experience the raw beauty of rugged mountains, sand dunes and ephemeral rivers on your next safari adventure.
- What Makes It Special: Desert-adapted wildlife and authentic cultural encounters with the Himba people.
- Luxury Accommodations: Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, Serra Cafema Camp.
- Best Time to Travel: May to October, during Namibia’s dry season for optimal wildlife viewing and desert exploration.
ZAMBIA
North Luangwa National Park
North Luangwa’s unspoilt wilderness is perfect for exploring flora and fauna on foot. The birthplace of walking safaris boasts thriving populations of lions, leopards and buffalo, along with some of Zambia’s most scenic riverine landscapes. Its untamed environment ensures a deeply personal connection to nature.
- What Makes It Special: Renowned for thrilling walking safaris in untouched wilderness.
- Luxury Accommodations: Mwaleshi Camp, Takwela Camp.
- Best Time to Travel: June to October, when the Luangwa River draws wildlife to its banks.
Ready for your bespoke Africa holiday?
TANZANIA
Mahale Mountains National Park & Rubondo Island
For a truly unique Africa adventure, Mahale Mountains National Park and Rubondo Island offer an extraordinary blend of wildlife and exclusivity. Mahale is famous for its chimpanzee trekking in lush forests along Lake Tanganyika, while Rubondo provides a secluded island escape with rich biodiversity. Together, they create a safari experience unlike any other.
- What Makes It Special: Close encounters with chimpanzees and the serene beauty of Lake Tanganyika.
- Luxury Accommodations: Greystoke Mahale, Rubondo Island Camp.
- Best Time to Travel: July to October, during the dry season for comfortable trekking conditions.
TANZANIA
Tarangire National Park
Often overlooked, Tarangire is one of Africa’s most stunning safari destinations, featuring giant baobabs, golden savannahs and an abundance of elephants. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise and offers exceptional dry-season wildlife concentrations. Night game drives and guided bush walks add a unique dimension to your hidden gems safari.
- What Makes It Special: High density of elephants and iconic baobab-dotted landscapes.
- Luxury Accommodations: Tarangire Treetops, Oliver’s Camp.
- Best Time to Travel: June to October, during the dry season when wildlife is plentiful.
ZAMBIA
Kafue National Park
As one of Africa’s largest, yet least explored national parks, Kafue offers endless horizons and diverse ecosystems. Known for its big cats, large herds of antelope and boat safaris on the Kafue River, it’s a remote safari destination perfect for discerning travellers. In other words, Kafue is a treasure trove for those seeking tranquility and exclusivity.
- What Makes It Special: Vast wilderness with incredible predator sightings and serene boat safaris.
- Luxury Accommodations: Shumba Camp, Musekese Camp.
- Best Time to Travel: July to October, when the national park is at its most accessible and wildlife congregates around water sources
ZIMBABWE
Gonarezhou National Park
Meaning “Place of Elephants,” Gonarezhou is a hidden gems safari destination with untamed beauty. Its red sandstone cliffs, sprawling savannahs and rivers are home to large herds of elephants, rare wild dogs and colourful birdlife. The national park in Zimbabwe offers solitude and incredible photographic opportunities.
- What Makes It Special: Stunning landscapes and some of Africa’s largest elephant herds.
- Luxury Accommodations: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, Gonarezhou Bush Camp.
- Best Time to Travel: May to October, during the dry season when wildlife gathers at water sources.
Image Credit: Chilo Gorge