Exclusive Safari Destinations: A Journey into Luxury Wildlife Exploration
The word ‘safari’ originates from the Swahili term ‘safar’, meaning ‘journey.’ It’s a journey that transcends ordinary travel, immersing you in the untamed beauty of the wild. As 19th-century explorer William Cornwallis Harris, who pioneered this style of travel, once said: “Nothing compares to the excitement of wandering among the wild creatures of the desert.” Beginning with an early morning start, the adventures would unfold through intense treks and a midday pause, before concluding with a dinner filled with captivating tales. While safaris may require a significant investment of time and resources, they offer an unparalleled experience that continues to captivate adventurers worldwide. From awe-inspiring landscapes and opulent accommodations to the genuine warmth of local hospitality, every moment is crafted to leave you spellbound.
Tanzania
Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Tanzania reigns as the ultimate safari destination. It’s home to the iconic Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981 and the backdrop of countless legendary wildlife documentaries. The park offers a chance to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, bisons, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and countless bird species – all visible to the naked eye.
But the Serengeti’s pièce de résistance is the Great Migration, a breath-taking natural phenomenon that tops every traveller’s bucket list. Witness over 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 sebras, and 300,000 gazelles embark on an epic 800-kilometer journey from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara. To fully immerse yourself in this spectacle, stay at mobile campsites that follow the migration, ensuring you’re always at the heart of the action.
Tanzania’s allure extends beyond its wildlife. The country’s landscapes are nothing short of cinematic. Marvel at the towering majesty of Mount Kilimanjaro and the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Formed over 3 million years ago, the crater is now a sanctuary for over 25,000 wild animals, including lions, rhinos, zebras, and elephants.
For an unforgettable safari experience, indulge in Tanzania’s handpicked luxury lodges and campsites. To witness the Great Migration in style, book your stay at andBeyond Under Canvas Serengeti, a luxury mobile camp that relocates five times a year to stay close to the migrating herds. For a front-row seat to the Ngorongoro Crater’s wonders, andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offers unparalleled views and intimate encounters with elephants and endangered black rhinos.
For an extended vacation, Tanzania’s Zanzibar Island, nestled off the eastern coast in the Indian Ocean, is the ultimate haven for relaxation, inviting you to unwind and embrace the island’s serene, unhurried rhythm of life.
Kenya
Located in the southwest of Kenya, the Masai Mara National Reserve, seamlessly extending into Tanzania’s Serengeti Park, is celebrated for its rich wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, and more. The reserve dazzles with its breath-taking landscapes, from rolling hills and endless savannahs to dramatic river crossings. Known for its incredible density of wildlife, the Masai Mara is also home to group ranches, Maasai villages, and sanctuaries that offer a glimpse into local culture.
While the Masai Mara often steals the spotlight, Kenya boasts other extraordinary destinations like the Samburu National Reserve. Here, visitors can marvel at zebras, ostriches, and giraffes while immersing themselves in the traditions of local tribes, enjoying camel treks, and savouring regional delicacies. Amboseli National Park, set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, is one of the best places to witness vast herds of elephants thriving in diverse habitats, from dry lakebeds and sulphur swamps to lush savannahs and forests.At Lake Nakuru National Park, the sight of flamingos painting the water pink is unforgettable, while rhinos, buffaloes, lions, and a myriad of bird species add to the park’s allure. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, where elephants dusted in red earth and lions prowling beneath acacia trees create scenes straight out of a dream.
For an unforgettable stay in the Masai Mara, consider Mahali Mzuri at Branson’s Kenya Safari Camp, crowned the World’s Best Hotel by Travel + Leisure three years ago. This luxurious retreat offers exceptional safari experiences, from expert-guided wildlife viewing and hot air balloon rides to witnessing the Great Migration, bush walks with Maasai warriors, rejuvenating spa treatments, and indulging in exquisite local cuisine.
South Africa
No trip to South Africa is complete without a visit to the legendary Kruger National Park, established in 1898 to protect the Lowveld region’s extraordinary wildlife. Here, you can encounter elephants, buffalo, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, wild dogs, cheetahs, antelopes, and a dazzling array of bird species. Among the area’s most celebrated reserves is Sabi Sands, where you can observe leopards in their natural habitat, studying their behaviours and interactions alongside other captivating wildlife. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to September.
For a truly luxurious experience, consider staying at Singita’s 5-star lodges, Singita Boulders and Singita Sabi Sands. This eco-tourism pioneer blends sustainability, environmentally conscious practices, and community empowerment. Staying here allows you to witness the Big Five in their natural habitat, embark on exhilarating safari adventures, and soak in the region’s unique landscapes, all while savouring world-class cuisine.
Botswana
Located in Southern Africa, Botswana is renowned for its luxurious safaris and some of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences. From the vast, sun-scorched expanse of the Kalahari Desert to the lush, life-giving waters of the Okavango Delta, the country offers a stunning array of landscapes that will leave you breathless. The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders, is famed for its crystal-clear lagoons, reed-covered islands, and ever-shifting tidal waters. Here, where land and water intertwine, elephants wade through shallow channels, and giraffes stride gracefully across the horizon. This 15,000 km² paradise of islands provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness hippos, crocodiles, elephants, rare antelopes, leopards, lions, and African wild dogs thriving in their natural habitats.
Another must-see destination is Chobe National Park, Botswana’s first national park, celebrated not only for its massive elephant herds, large buffalo populations, and vibrant birdlife but also for its lush, diverse vegetation. The sight of the Chobe River meandering through sandy plains, dense forests, and teeming wildlife is a memory you’ll treasure forever.Botswana is home to a selection of luxurious lodges and campsites, with andBeyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp standing out as a top choice. This lodge offers breath-taking views of mature mopane forests and seasonally flooded grasslands, along with activities like boat cruises, fishing, owl spotting, and animal tracking. For a truly unique experience, consider Eagle Island Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana. Here, you can explore UNESCO-listed wildlife, learn about the Elephant Havens charity, and embark on thrilling safaris with expert guides, whether by land or helicopter.
Zambia
Zambia, nestled in southern Africa, stands as the ultimate safari destination – a magical land blessed with abundant wildlife, flowing waterways, and expansive open spaces. Here, you’ll encounter a dazzling array of animals, including hippos, elephants, zebras, leopards, lions, and giraffes. The landscape is equally mesmerising, crowned by the world’s widest waterfall, Victoria Falls, which spans both Zambia and Zimbabwe. The falls are adorned with smaller islets, creating a cascade of breath-taking beauty.
Zambia’s premier safari destination is South Luangwa National Park, one of Africa’s largest unspoiled wilderness areas, retaining its raw, authentic charm. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the warm hospitality of the local people, eager to share their culture with visitors. The park is home to an incredible concentration of wildlife, including wild dogs, lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and zebras. Whether you choose a daytime or evening safari, each experience promises to be equally unforgettable.For an extraordinary stay in South Luangwa National Park, consider Time + Tide Chinzombo, a luxury tented camp run by a family business. Here, you will indulge in spa treatments or even sleep under the stars. Come morning, immerse yourself in local culture and embark on both land and water safaris.
Another exceptional option is the Victoria Falls River Lodge, owned by a passionate individual with a deep love for the Zambezi River and its surrounding National Park. The lodge offers unparalleled wildlife viewing and easy access to the town of Victoria Falls. Though located in Zimbabwe, it’s the perfect base for those seeking a Zambia safari adventure as well.
Namibia
Discover Namibia, where the wild heart of Africa beats in rhythm with the untamed beauty of its landscapes. This extraordinary destination offers a safari experience like no other, inviting you to step into a world where nature’s grandeur takes centre stage. Namibia is a land of breath-taking diversity, where ancient deserts meet rugged mountains, and river valleys blend seamlessly into vast savannahs. At the heart of this natural wonder lies Etosha National Park, a sanctuary for Africa’s most iconic wildlife and home to the world’s largest population of endangered black rhinos. While Namibia’s environment is dominated by arid deserts, its wildlife has adapted to thrive in these harsh conditions, creating a unique ecosystem unlike any other.
Among its most iconic landmarks are the Sossusvlei Dunes, towering red giants that rank among the tallest dunes on Earth. Formed over millions of years, these dunes are a testament to nature’s artistry, with sand carried from the Oranje River and sculpted by time and wind. As you journey through Namibia, you’ll cross paths with ostriches, black-backed jackals, foxes, and wolves, each adding to the rich tapestry of life in this remarkable land.
Venture to the Skeleton Coast, a mystical and hauntingly beautiful stretch of coastline where the desert meets the cold Atlantic Ocean. This otherworldly landscape, once feared by sailors as the “Hell Coast,” is now a place of awe-inspiring beauty, shaped by the Benguela Current’s dramatic influence.
In the mountainous Damaraland region, desert-adapted elephants, rhinos, zebras, and lions roam freely, showcasing nature’s resilience. Near Namibia’s highest peak, Brandberg Mountain, you can explore ancient rock art and engravings that tell the stories of civilisations long past. Nearby, the fossilised forest offers a glimpse into a prehistoric world, with colossal tree trunks preserved in time.
For an unforgettable stay, indulge in the timeless elegance of Zannier Sonop Lodge, a 20th-century-inspired retreat nestled in the Namib Desert. Here, you’ll wake up to panoramic views of untouched landscapes and enjoy activities like horseback riding, hot air ballooning, and private sunrise or sunset viewings. For a more rugged adventure, the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Campsite in the remote Kaokoveld offers rock climbing, al fresco dining, and close encounters with wildlife, promising an experience you’ll treasure forever.
Looking for an adventure beyond Earth? We invite you to create unforgettable memories with Glotera, our trusted travel partners, who are dedicated to turning your dream of experiencing African safaris – just like in the movies – into reality.