For discerning travellers seeking the ultimate in high-end safari experiences, Africa offers an array of destinations with the very best luxury and wilderness there is. From iconic wildlife spectacles to secluded island retreats, here are 10 exceptional safari experiences that belong on your bucket list.
Encounter mountain gorillas in Rwanda
Few wildlife encounters are as humbling as coming face-to-face with a family of mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. After an unforgettable trek, unwind at a luxury lodge with uninterrupted views of mist-covered, long-extinct volcanoes.
The best time to visit Rwanda
June to September – Rwanda experiences a subtropical highland climate, which includes two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. This is the best time for gorilla trekking and offers exceptional game viewing on safari. Rwanda’s position just south of the Equator keeps temperatures steady throughout the year, though rain can be a possibility at any time, particularly in the rainforest.
December to February – This is Rwanda’s shorter dry season, offering mild temperatures and great opportunities for gorilla trekking, birding and safari.
Drift through the Okavango Delta by mokoro
Glide silently through the clear waterways of the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro dugout canoe. This quiet way of moving through the Delta allows for intimate encounters with birdlife, hippos, and elephants while staying in an ultra-luxurious, conservation-forward safari lodge.
When to visit the Okavango Delta
May to October – The Dry Season
This is the best time to visit the Okavango Delta. Flood waters arrive from the highlands of Angola, turning the plains into a watery wilderness.
The floods reach their peak around June to July and start to dry up again as the rainy season approaches with temperatures peaking in October.
November to April – The Green Season
The rains arrive in about November and last until March or April. These shoulder months are lovely as the rains transform the landscapes and baby animals are born.
Visit Namibia’s Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
The surreal dunes of Sossusvlei, some of the world’s tallest, offer a strikingly beautiful desert experience. After an exhilarating climb at sunrise, explore Deadvlei’s hauntingly beautiful landscape before retreating to a lavish desert lodge for a private stargazing experience.
The best time to visit Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
May to September – Late May to September is the dry winter season in Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. While nights can be very cold, the days are comfortably warm and great for exploring the area.
Indulge on Zanzibar’s Mnemba Island
Round off your trip with an escape to Zanzibar’s Mnemba Island. This exclusive private island offers pristine beaches, barefoot luxury and impeccable service—perfect for unwinding after an action-packed East African safari.
The best time to visit Zanzibar
June to October – Much like the rest of Tanzania, Zanzibar is best visited during the dry season, when beautiful sunny days are the norm.
December to February – The rains tend to ease off in the latter part of December and the long sunny days return all the way up until March. This is also a fantastic time for snorkelling and scuba diving with waters at their clearest.
Witness the Great Migration from a Hot Air Balloon above the Masai Mara
There’s no better way to witness the magic of the Great Migration than from the sky. Drift high above the Masai Mara in a hot-air balloon, where endless herds of wildebeest and zebra sweep across the plains in search of greener pastures. Below, the drama of river crossings and predator encounters unfolds, a living canvas of survival and beauty.
The best time to visit the Masai Mara
July to October – This is the dry season and it is when The Great Migration occurs.
November to December – This is the shorter rainy season. It is a great time to spot birdlife and baby animals.
January to March – During this time, the Masai Mara is less crowded and as the rains transform the landscape into lush vistas, an abundance of birdlife emerges. This time of year is also often referred to as the ‘Lion Season’ when many baby animals are born and there is dramatic predator activity.
April to May – The long rains occur during this time and some lodges and camps may close, so make sure to get in touch with us first if you would like to explore the Mara during these months.
Explore Cape Town & the Cape Winelands
Combine a South African safari with a sophisticated city escape in Cape Town, where world-class dining and breathtaking scenery meet. A short drive away, the Cape Winelands beckon with their historic vineyards, excellent restaurants, and indulgent boutique hotels — making for an elegant pre- or post-safari retreat.
The best time to visit Cape Town
October to April – Summer offers fantastic sunny weather and is great for beach visits. The peak months are from December to February.
Meet the San Bushmen in the Kalahari
Step back in time with a cultural experience like no other as you walk with the San Bushmen in the vast Kalahari Desert. Learn about their ancient traditions and deep connection to the land while staying in an exclusive desert retreat.
The best time to visit the Kalahari
November to April – In November, the rain arrives and offers a reprieve. This is the green season and a lovely time to visit, marked by a transformed landscape, plenty of birdlife and dramatic thunderstorms. The shoulder period of April to May is particularly temperate and without much rain, however, the early rains can result in flooding, so check with us first if you want to travel during this time.
Experience a walking safari in Zambia
For an immersive wildlife experience, nothing compares to a guided walking safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. Led by expert trackers, this exhilarating adventure offers an entirely new perspective exploring one of the most leopard-dense locations on earth – all complemented by an intimate, high-end bush camp.
The best time to visit South Luangwa National Park
May to October – This is the dry season in South Luangwa National Park and coincides with the best time to seek out wildlife from June to October. During this time, wildlife congregates around water sources such as the Luangwa River.
Discover the illusive leopard in the Sabi Sands
Sabi Sands is synonymous with exclusivity, offering some of Africa’s finest private game reserves. Here, you’ll enjoy exceptional leopard sightings, expert guiding, and opulent lodges that redefine the concept of a luxury safari.
The best time to visit Sabi Sands
May to September – This is the dry season and a great time to spot wildlife as vegetation is low and wildlife stay close to limited water sources. The weather is generally sunny and warm throughout the dry season, though early mornings and late evenings can be a little chilly so make sure to pack an extra layer for early morning game drives.
October to April – In October, the rainy season approaches, bringing higher temperatures. The green season is from roughly November to March. The park can get busy during the school summer holidays in South Africa in December and January. However, the shoulder months of March and April can be nice and mild, with lots of birdlife and baby animals.
Witness the power of Victoria Falls
A visit to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is a must. Known locally as ‘The Smoke That Thunders,’ this awe-inspiring cascade of water straddling Zambia and Zimbabwe is best experienced from a private helicopter flight or on a river cruise ending at an exclusive riverside lodge, where sundowners are paired with panoramic views of the mighty Zambezi river.
When to visit Victoria Falls
November to April – This is the low season in the Falls, which coincides with the rainy season. The water levels are at their highest, peaking from March to May. The Falls are at their most dramatic during this time, emitting an incredible roar as water cascades over the cliffs and hits the river below, shooting up spray and mist. This time of year can be wet with showers and dramatic thunderstorms. However, don’t write off the shoulder months of the high season, March and April are lovely times to see the Falls and combine perfectly with a vibrant green season safari or a trip to Cape Town.
May to October – This is the high season in the Falls. The water levels drop and coincide with the drier winter months in the region. August is considered perfect for white water rafting. This is also a great time to combine your trip to Victoria Falls with a safari. In September and October, the temperatures rise, the latter often being the hottest month of the year.
