African safaris: 11 bucket list experiences from Kruger to Bwindi
This Out-of-the-Way New Safari Camp in Botswana Is for True Adventurers
Book a safari for 6 nights or more and receive a discount on your accommodation. Amid these challenges, 2024 saw a wave of political and social change across Africa. Frustration with government inaction on climate and biodiversity issues led to widespread protests, particularly among youth.
- It’s here that the concept of walking safaris was pioneered, offering intrepid travelers the chance to explore the bush on foot, led by some of Africa’s best guides.
- Namibia managed populations by reducing over 700 animals, including elephants, zebras, and antelopes, both to provide meat for drought-affected populations and to reduce pressure on scarce grazing lands.
- This year revealed the continent’s extraordinary resilience, the urgency of addressing climate change, and the undeniable link between conservation and sustainable development.
- The “dry” season (April-September) is the most popular time of year, when daytime temperatures are in the mid-70sºF and wildlife viewing is at its peak as waterholes attract a vast array of animals.
Our Iconic Destinations
Meanwhile, the Linyanti and Mababe are two of Africa’s most intense game viewing areas, and most exclusive private concessions. The first safari destination to consider is Botswana, our company’s birthplace and a destination well respected as the purest, most beautiful safari destination on the continent. We manage a vast amount of private land here; habitats that are well respected as Botswana’s best wildlife areas. That feeling, that experience, is in essence the very foundation of what we do at Wilderness. Our belief is that the very best safaris take place in pristine natural environments, habitats that are rich in wildlife and truly wild.
in Their Habitats
And so, when you travel with us, you are playing a part in a much bigger picture; you are helping us protect the finest wildlife sanctuaries on the continent, for future generations to come. The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” and for good reason. This vast caldera, formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed on itself millions of years ago, is now home to an incredible concentration of wildlife. Trekking through the dense, jungle-clad mountains in search of these gentle giants is an adventure in itself. When you finally come face-to-face with a gorilla family, time seems to stand still.
From lush, green rainforests to stark limestone tsingy formations to the dry spiny desert, Madagascar has a huge range of ecosystems, geography, and microclimates—and every area supports its own endemic species. Berenty, in the south, is the best place to see dancing sifaka lemurs, while Ankarana, in the north, is home to crowned lemurs. See below to compare the differences between the major National Parks and know what to expect from each.
Whether you are joining us for your very first safari or are a dedicated, lifelong safari-goer, you’ll find we have the most varied program imaginable. After 40 years specialising in tailor-made holidays, African Wildlife Safaris and sister company Natural Focus are excited to introduce Türkiye into their portfolio of worldwide destinations. A wonderful trip to a marvellous country which we recommend should be on all Africa “bucket-lists”. We have been travelling through Africa with your advice, support and guidance for more than 20 years and this latest adventure in the Zimbabwean bush confirms our view that you and your team are the very best in the business. To celebrate our 40th Anniversary we are offering some amazing specials on tours and accommodation, exclusive to African Wildlife Safaris and Natural Focus.
And if luxury travel is more your style, take a peek inside the world’s most private airline suite to see the future of luxury travel. The steep walls create a natural enclosure for an estimated 25,000 large animals, including rare black rhinos, lions, elephants, and flamingos on the central soda lake. The interplay between predators and prey unfolds before your eyes in this contained ecosystem, offering unparalleled game viewing opportunities. Walking through the park’s diverse habitats, from riverside forests to grasslands, you’ll discover a world of small wonders often missed from a vehicle. Learn to identify animal tracks, understand the complex relationships between plants and animals, and experience the thrill of approaching large game on foot. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the private reserves bordering Kruger, such as Sabi Sands, offer unparalleled luxury and intimate wildlife encounters.
But elsewhere, fragmented habitats have worsened conflict, threatening both livelihoods and biodiversity. The parks themselves are truly wild and utterly stunning; elephant and buffalo herds are absolutely huge, and predator densities are intense. Massive rivers provide dramatic backdrops to game drives, and the Zambezi Valley itself is home to the best boating trips on the continent. This is also an area, a small microcosm of the safari industry, where some of Africa’s finest guides have set up base.
The unique ecosystem here supports an incredible diversity of species, from the majestic lions to the colorful lilac-breasted roller. Our placement of camps is an ProjectAfricanWilderness.org exact science, offering wildlife experiences that are as exceptional from your deck as on a game drive. With no more than 12 suites per camp, spread over hundreds of acres, and built using the lightest possible footprint, we enjoy our areas peacefully and respectfully. We promise unrivalled comfort and exclusivity while staying true to the vibrant soul and spirit of each, unique destination.
As a destination management company, Wilderness Safaris has its own bush air charter company, Wilderness Air, as well as touring arms in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia and Wilderness Safaris Private Journeys in Cape Town, South Africa. Tanzania holds great importance in human history as well as environmental conservation. Wilderness Legends mission is to blend an exploration of her famed natural places with opportunities to interact with the local peoples who thrive there. Wilderness takes you on an unrivalled journey through a collection of the world’s most iconic wild destinations.
Days Uncharted Encounters
Watch elephants swim across channels, their trunks raised like snorkels, or spot rare sitatunga antelopes hiding in the reeds. Ready yourself for a true wilderness immersion – untamed, unfenced and unpredictable. Go beyond game drives and discover nature on walks, boats, hot air balloons and more.
Not just yours but also those of our staff, communities, and the ecosystems we impact. We restore wilderness through low-volume high-value conservation tourism. To ensure upliftment of local communities with help from guests, partners, donors, governments, and researchers. We’ve been trusted by guests across the globe to create safe travel adventures since 1983. Our industry-leading safety and logistics support, Wilderness24, gives you instant on-the-ground assistance for anything and everything that might arise.
Choose from carefully curated packages and promotions including free flights, complimentary value-adds, and long-stay promotions as you discover the very best African safari experiences. The resilience shown by African communities, the innovation of its youth, and the growing recognition of conservation as an economic driver give us hope. The world must rally behind Africa’s vision for a sustainable future, recognizing that its success is a shared triumph for humanity and the planet. These failures underscore the need for Africa to prioritize self-reliance in conservation financing.