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When people think of safaris, destinations like Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Tanzania’s Serengeti, and South Africa’s Kruger National Park often come to mind. While these iconic locations offer incredible wildlife experiences, they are also among the most visited, meaning larger crowds and sometimes a less intimate experience with nature.
For travelers seeking a more secluded adventure, lesser-known safari destinations offer equally spectacular wildlife, stunning landscapes, and fewer tourists. These hidden gems provide a chance to experience Africa in its rawest form—wild, unspoiled, and deeply immersive.
Here is a closer look at six incredible yet under-the-radar safari destinations.
South Luangwa in Zambia is one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries. Yet, it remains relatively uncrowded compared to the Serengeti or Kruger. This remote park in eastern Zambia is famous for its high concentration of leopards and exceptional walking safaris, pioneered here decades ago.
The Luangwa River, which runs through the park, attracts large numbers of elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. The area’s diverse ecosystems range from woodlands to floodplains and support over 400 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
The dry season from July to October is best for game viewing as animals gather near the river. The wet season from November to April transforms the park into a lush paradise, ideal for birding and dramatic landscapes.
Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana is a truly unique safari destination. Unlike the typical dense bush or savannah, this landscape is a vast salt pan, a remnant of an ancient super lake. The contrast between the cracked earth during the dry season and the lush oasis that emerges during the rains creates an otherworldly atmosphere that will pique your curiosity.
The reserve is also home to unique desert-adapted species, including brown hyenas and meerkats. Visitors can experience cultural interactions with the San people and learn about their ancient survival techniques in this harsh environment.
Often overshadowed by the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets. This park is known for its massive elephant herds, which gather around the Tarangire River during the dry season. Some of these herds can number over 300 individuals.
Tarangire also boasts spectacular baobab-dotted landscapes and excellent predator sightings, including lions and leopards. Unlike the Serengeti, which can be packed with safari vehicles, Tarangire offers a more peaceful and intimate game-viewing experience, allowing you to relax and enjoy the park’s beauty without the hustle and bustle.
The dry season from June to October is the best time for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources.
Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda is one of Africa’s most remote safari destinations. Tucked away in the country’s northeast, it offers breathtaking savannah landscapes with rugged mountains, golden grasslands, and abundant wildlife.
Despite its isolation, Kidepo is teeming with life. Large herds of buffalo, some of the largest in Africa, roam the park, along with elephants, lions, and cheetahs. The park is also home to unique species not found elsewhere in Uganda, such as the caracal, aardwolf, and striped hyena. Its remoteness means that visitors often have the park almost entirely to themselves.
The dry season from December to March and June to September is best for game viewing.
Liwonde National Park in Malawi is emerging as an exciting safari destination. Once impacted by poaching, conservation efforts have transformed it into one of Africa’s premier locations for viewing black rhinos, elephants, and cheetahs, which were reintroduced in recent years.
What makes Liwonde unique is its stunning scenery. The Shire River, which runs through the park, attracts large pods of hippos, crocodiles, and an incredible variety of birdlife, including African fish eagles and Pel’s fishing owls. Game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris offer diverse ways to explore this hidden gem.
The dry season from May to October is best for wildlife viewing, while the wet season from November to April is excellent for birding.
Liuwa Plain National Park in western Zambia is one of Africa’s most remote and untouched safari destinations. It is home to the world’s second-largest wildebeest migration, which has largely gone undiscovered by mass tourism. Unlike the Serengeti, where thousands of vehicles gather to witness the migration, Liuwa’s migration happens in near solitude.
Apart from wildebeest, the park is home to cheetahs, hyenas, and a growing population of lions. Birdwatchers will be in paradise, with over 300 species, including crowned and wattled crane flocks.
The wet season from November to May is best for witnessing the wildebeest migration. The dry season from June to October offers easier access but fewer water-dependent species.
For travelers looking to escape the crowds and experience Africa’s wild beauty in its purest form, these lesser-known safari destinations offer incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and an unmatched sense of adventure.
Whether tracking leopards on foot in Zambia, witnessing a zebra migration in Botswana, or exploring Uganda’s most remote park, these safari gems provide an unforgettable experience without the tourist rush.
If you are ready to venture off the beaten path, these destinations should be on your list.
