The Top Ten Places to Visit in 2026

1. Liuwa Plain, Zambia – The Other Great Migration

Did You Know? Each Safari Tent at King Lewanika Lodge is 60 square meters in size, together with an additional 40 square meter veranda and outdoor shower.

Why Go? While millions flock to witness the Serengeti’s migration, Zambia’s Liuwa Plain hosts Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration, yet remains virtually unknown. With its pristine landscapes, intimate lodges, and strong conservation ethos, Liuwa is where serious safari-goers go to experience wildlife in true isolation.

Insider Tip: Go in October or November to see the herds move across the golden plains, followed by dramatic thunderstorms that set the scene for one of the most breathtaking sky spectacles in Africa.

More Information:  Check this page for a complete rundown on Liuwa Plain.

2. The Great Migration Calving Season, Tanzania – Nature’s Greatest Nursery

Did You Know? Wildebeest calves can stand and run within minutes of being born. This remarkable ability helps them avoid predators in the Serengeti’s vast, open plains, where survival depends on speed and endurance.

Why Go? The Serengeti’s calving season (January–March) is one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife events. Over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born, attracting predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Unlike the chaos of the river crossings, this is a time of new life, stunning landscapes, and exceptional predator-prey interactions.

Best Way to Experience It: Stay in the Ndutu region of the Serengeti, where the herds concentrate, ensuring an unforgettable safari with breathtaking wildlife encounters.

3. Chilo Gorge & Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe – Big Tuskers, Big Wilderness

Why Go? Zimbabwe’s best-kept secret is Gonarezhou, a park home to some of Africa’s last giant-tusked elephants, stunning red cliffs, and zero crowds. With Zimbabwe’s safari industry undergoing a quiet revival, now is the time to experience its wild beauty before demand catches up.

Best Way to Experience It: Stay at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, owned by conservation legend Clive Stockil. From here, take exclusive guided walks and boat trips along the Runde River, a safari experience few travelers ever get to have.

4. Mana Pools, Zimbabwe – The Jewel of African Safaris

Did You Know? A few Mana Pools elephants are famous for their ability to stand on their hind legs to reach high branches—a skill rarely seen elsewhere in the wild. This behavior is thought to have evolved due to seasonal food scarcity.

Why Go? Once considered the jewel in the crown of African safaris, Mana Pools is regaining its title thanks to its authentic, luxury experiences and exceptional wildlife. With walking safaris, canoe safaris, and the famous elephants that stand on their hind legs to reach high branches, this is one of Africa’s most unique safari destinations.

What Makes It Special? For those seeking a truly wild experience, Chitake Springs offers one of the last true untamed safari settings, where wildlife moves unrestricted, and human presence is minimal.

More Information:  Check this page for a complete rundown on Mana Pools.

5. The Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland, Namibia – Where the Desert Meets the Ocean

Did You Know? The Skeleton Coast is often called “The Land God Made in Anger” due to its harsh, otherworldly landscapes. Yet, desert-adapted lions and elephants thrive here, proving nature’s incredible ability to adapt to extreme conditions.

Why Go? Namibia’s Skeleton Coast remains one of the most hauntingly beautiful places on Earth, with its shipwrecks, sand dunes, and fog-laden beaches. Pair this with the Himba culture in Kaokoland, and you have an itinerary that is equal parts adventure, anthropology, and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Our Recommendation: Charter a private fly-in safari to witness the coastline’s desolation from the air before exploring on foot with expert Himba guides.

6. Southern Tanzania – The Classic Safari, Reimagined

Did You Know? The Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park) is named after British explorer and conservationist Frederick Selous, whose writings inspired the creation of Africa’s national parks. At 30,000 square miles, it's larger than Switzerland.

Why Go? While the Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) dominates, Tanzania’s southern parks (Nyerere & Ruaha) offer an experience that’s more exclusive, wild, and unfiltered.

Who Should Go? Safari purists who want superb predator sightings, authentic walking safaris, and luxury camps that feel entirely disconnected from the world.

7. Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa – The Best Safari for First-Timers and Families

Why Go? Malaria-free, filled with the Big Five, and home to outstanding lodges that combine luxury with accessibility, Madikwe is perfect for those who want a seamless, unforgettable safari experience without the challenges of more remote parks.

What Makes It Special? Exceptional conservation programs, expert guiding, and a diverse landscape make Madikwe an ideal choice for travelers who want a safari with all the thrills, but none of the hassles.

8. Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa – A Private Safari Like No Other

Did You Know? Tswalu is home to the elusive pangolin, the world’s most trafficked mammal. Thanks to conservation efforts, Tswalu has one of the highest densities of pangolins in Africa, making it one of the best places to see this rare creature in the wild.

Why Go? South Africa’s largest private reserve, Tswalu offers ultra-exclusive safari experiences with a strong conservation ethos. Limited guests mean you have the entire wilderness practically to yourself, with rare wildlife sightings like pangolins, aardvarks, and black-maned Kalahari lions.

Best Way to Experience It: Stay at Tswalu’s exclusive Motse or Loapi lodges, and take part in private game drives, horseback safaris, and conservation activities that let you give back while experiencing Africa’s raw beauty.

9. Zanzibar, Tanzania – The Perfect Beach Escape & Diving Paradise

Did You Know? Zanzibar’s Stone Town was once the hub of the Indian Ocean spice trade, attracting explorers like David Livingstone and merchants from as far as Persia and India. Today, its historic streets still echo with the scents of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

Why Go? After an exhilarating safari, Zanzibar offers the perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and coastal beauty. With pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a rich Swahili heritage, Zanzibar is the ultimate post-safari retreat.

Best Way to Experience It: Stay at a luxurious beachfront lodge in Nungwi or Matemwe, where you can unwind with ocean views, spice tours, and private dhow cruises at sunset. Zanzibar is also a world-class diving destination, offering spectacular coral reefs, diverse marine life, and famous dive sites like Mnemba Atoll, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced divers.

10. Cape Town, South Africa – A Global Food & Wine Capital

Image: La Colombe

Did You Know? Cape Town is home to two of the world's top 100 restaurants, showcasing its world-class culinary reputation on the global stage.

Why Go? With its world-class culinary scene, stunning coastal landscapes, and renowned wineries, Cape Town is a must-visit for travelers who love food, wine, and natural beauty.

What Makes It Special? From fine dining in the city to wine tasting in modern and 300+ year old wineries, Cape Town offers an unparalleled gastronomic experience alongside breathtaking scenery.

Book Now, Before the World Catches On

2026 is the year to go beyond the ordinary and into Africa’s most extraordinary destinations. Whether you're seeking unparalleled wildlife encounters, authentic cultural connections, or luxurious escapes, these ten destinations offer experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.

At Experiential Travel, we specialize in crafting bespoke journeys that immerse you in the heart of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. Let’s start planning your 2026 adventure—before the rest of the world catches on!

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