The recent overcrowding in Tanzania’s Serengeti has put the spotlight on overtourism once again. For years, we’ve been promoting travel as a force for good, and the Secret Series – our portfolio of lesser-visited places in popular destinations – is central to this mission. In the African savannah, Secret Safaris keep you off the tourist trail and help preserve what makes these places truly special. From meeting gorillas in Uganda to luxury bush camping in Zimbabwe, read on to discover our favourite Secret Safaris...
Namibia
Relax and recharge in Namibia’s tangerine sands. This lesser-visited country offers second-to-none safaris in Damaraland (home to desert-dwelling elephants, lions and rhinos), and the chance to camp atop remote, red dunes in the Kalahari Desert.
Eager to see marine wildlife? Set sail on a catamaran cruise in Walvis Bay, where you can meet dolphins, seals, turtles, pelicans, cormorants and flamingos, all while expert guides share fascinating facts about the local ecosystem.
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Image by Jackie Cole.
Zambia
Take a walk on the wild side in Zambia and discover some of Africa’s finest (and crowd-free) landscapes. For unbeatable game viewing, visit South Luangwa National Park, stay in a remote bush camp and spot giraffes, elephants, hippos, impalas and, of course, big cats.
A trip to Zambia wouldn’t be complete without visiting Victoria Falls, the thundering spectacle straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. If you’re craving an adrenaline kick, hop in a helicopter and view the waterfall from above, white water raft on its rapids or bungee jump from the famous Victoria Falls Bridge.
Image by Coke Bartrina Nuria Val.
Uganda
Ever dreamt of meeting gorillas? Now’s your chance. Our next Secret Safari pick takes us to gorgeous Uganda, where our gently giant cousins reside in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Trek through its steep and steamy jungle, home to around 120 species of mammals and over 350 species of birds.
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Image by Andreas Hub / LAIF REA.
Zimbabwe
Few places bring you closer to nature than Zimbabwe. In Mana Pools and Hwange National Park, sleep just steps away from wildlife in a blissful bush camp on the banks of the Zambezi River. Search for wild dogs, lions, hippos and birds on foot or by canoe, and embark on evening game drives to spot creatures that roam at night.
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Image by Un Cercle.
Written by Evie Buller | Header Image by Coke Bartrina Nuria Val.
