Venture Beyond the Ordinary: Africa’s Hidden Safari Gems for 2026
“When you imagine an African safari, iconic names like the Serengeti, Maasai Mara, and Kruger spring to mind. But for those who crave the extraordinary, Africa’s wild heart beats strongest in its hidden corners—where the crowds thin, wildlife thrives, and adventure feels personal. At Epic Road, we specialize in crafting journeys off the beaten path to these rare places, where luxury, conservation, and discovery intertwine. Ready to chart your own Epic Road? Here are Africa’s most spectacular, lesser-known safari destinations and african luxury lodges for 2026, including Laikipia, Mokete, Serra Cafema, Liuwa Plain, Mana Pools, Loango, Zakouma, and more.”
Conservation’s New Frontier
Laikipia, Kenya
Laikipia is Kenya’s best-kept secret—a mosaic of private conservancies and wild landscapes north of the Rift Valley. Here, you’ll find more endangered species than anywhere else in East Africa: black rhino, Grevy’s zebra, and wild dog roam freely, protected by innovative community partnerships.
Why go? Off-road, private game drives, walking safaris, camel treks, and authentic Maasai and Samburu cultural encounters.
Hidden highlight: Laikipia is home to the only population of Jackson’s hartebeest in Kenya, and its night skies are legendary for stargazing.
Luxury lodges:
Segera Retreat: An absolutely stunning luxury lodge nestled in the heart of Laikipia. Segera offers exceptional game viewing, including endangered black rhinos, Grevy’s zebras, and African wild dogs. The retreat features 15 spacious suites with private decks, outdoor showers, and panoramic views of Mount Kenya and the surrounding wilderness.
&Beyond Suyian Lodge: The home range to the incredible black leopard, Giza, a melanistic leopard. 14 suites inspired by the local Samburu culture. Each suite boasts private plunge pools, panoramic views of granite kopjes, and sustainable architecture that blends with the landscape. Activities include camel and horseback safaris, guided bush walks, and helicopter excursions for a bird’s-eye view of Laikipia’s wild beauty. The malaria-free environment makes it ideal for families seeking luxury and safety.
The Untouched savage
Mokete, Botswana
Mokete is a whisper among safari insiders—a pristine sanctuary of meandering channels, ancient baobabs, and crazy wildlife spectacles, far from the crowds.
Why go? Glide silently by mokoro canoe, witness massive herds of buffalo move across the delta and lion hunts in broad daylight.
Warning: This place is intense! But also on top of our list!
Sustainable luxury: An ultra chic eco-designed camp that blend seamlessly into the landscape.
Did you know? Mokete is one of the few places in Africa where you might spot the elusive sitatunga antelope, perfectly adapted to the swamps.
at the edge of world
Serra Cafema, Namibia
On the remote banks of the Kunene River, Serra Cafema is where the Namib Desert’s stark beauty meets lush oases and the enduring traditions of the Himba people. This is one of Africa’s most isolated camps, accessible only by light aircraft, offering a true sense of wilderness and exclusivity.
Why go? Quad-bike across endless dunes, cruise the Kunene, and meet the semi-nomadic Himba people.
Hidden highlight: Serra Cafema is one of the only places on earth where you can see desert-adapted crocodiles, - an evolutionary marvel.
Luxury Lodge: Serra Cafema features spacious, river-facing suites with private decks, open-air bathrooms, and a design that blends seamlessly into the environment. Activities include guided nature walks, boating (water levels permitting), and immersive Himba cultural visits.
The Last Great Wilderness
Liuwa Plain, Zambia
Liuwa Plain is Zambia’s wild masterpiece—vast, remote, and teeming with life. Each November, it hosts Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration, yet remains blissfully uncrowded.
Why go? Walking safaris, canoeing in the wet season, and witnessing hyena clans and rare birds.
Lesser-known fact: Liuwa is home to the legendary “Lady Liuwa,” the last lioness of her pride, whose story inspired global conservation efforts.
Where the Wild Roams Free
Mana Pools, Zimbabwe
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools is famed for its floodplains, ancient forests, and up-close encounters with elephants and wild dogs.
Why go? Canoe safaris on the Zambezi, walking with expert guides, and iconic, stunning wildlife photography in golden light!
Hidden highlight: Mana’s elephants are known for standing on their hind legs to reach acacia pods—a rare and unforgettable sight.
Luxury lodges:
Ruckomechi Camp: Set on a private concession, this camp offers spacious tents with river views, expert guides, and walking safaris to see elephants, wild dogs, and rare bird species.
Nyamatusi Camp: A boutique camp with just a few tents, Nyamatusi provides exclusivity, personalized service, and prime access to Mana Pools’ wildlife-rich landscapes.
The Kalahari’s Secret Sanctuary
Tswalu, South Africa
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, spanning over 120,000 hectares of dramatic red dunes, savannah grasslands, and the ancient Korannaberg mountains. This is a destination for those seeking privacy, exclusivity, and a deep connection with nature.
Why go? Track endangered desert black rhino, bond with habituated meerkats, and witness the power of the Kalahari black-maned lion. Enjoy horseback safaris, bush walks, and star-gazing under some of the southern hemisphere’s clearest skies. Tswalu also offers unique opportunities to engage with conservation research and rock art sites.
Hidden highlight: Tswalu boasts the lowest guest footprint in South Africa, ensuring a truly private and flexible safari experience. Every booking includes a private safari vehicle, guide, and tracker, allowing you to tailor each day to your interests.
Fun fact: Tswalu’s conservation efforts have restored vast tracts of the Kalahari, making it a haven for rare species like pangolins and aardvarks, and supporting vital research projects.
Luxury Lodges:
Motse: Nine spacious suites designed for couples & families, with private verandas, indoor/outdoor showers, and access to two swimming pools, a spa, library, and wine cellar.
Tarkuni: An exclusive-use homestead perfect for families or groups, with five bedrooms, a private chef, and a dedicated team in a secluded valley.
Loapi: Six exclusive-use safari homes offering the ultimate private wilderness experience with panoramic views and personalized service.
Chimpanzee Encounters on Lake Tanganyika
Mahale Mountains, Tanzania
On the wild shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale Mountains National Park is a remote, forested paradise where the rainforest meets crystal-clear waters. This is the best place in Africa for tracking wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Why go? Trek through emerald forests to observe one of Africa’s largest protected chimpanzee populations, swim or kayak in the pristine lake, and relax on white-sand beaches with the dramatic Mahale Mountains as your backdrop. This place is magical!
Hidden highlight: Mahale is one of the only places where you can combine chimpanzee trekking with a classic beach holiday—think sundowners on the lake and barefoot luxury in the heart of the wilderness.
Fun fact: Mahale’s chimpanzees are habituated to human presence thanks to decades of research, providing some of the most intimate and ethical primate encounters in Africa.
Luxury Lodge:
Greystoke Mahale is the region’s iconic lodge, featuring thatched bandas set on a secluded beach. Each banda offers open-fronted views of the lake, en-suite bathrooms, and a rustic-chic design inspired by dhow boats. Activities include chimp trekking, boating, fishing, and kayaking.
Birthplace of the Walking Safari
South Luangwa, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park is famed as the birthplace of the walking safari. This immersive experience lets you explore the African bush on foot, offering unmatched intimacy with nature. Also famed for leopards and dramatic river landscapes.
Why Go? Spot abundant wildlife, including a high density of elusive leopards, elephants, and buffalo, against the stunning backdrop of the Luangwa River and its lush floodplains.
Fun Fact: South Luangwa’s walking safaris revolutionized conservation tourism, encouraging visitors to “shoot with cameras, not rifles,” making it a must-visit for wildlife lovers seeking adventure and connection.
Africa’s Last Eden
Loango, Gabon
Loango National Park is a place where elephants stroll the beach, surfing hippos ride the waves, and forest meets ocean.
Why go? Spot lowland gorillas, forest buffalo, and whales—all in one day.
Lesser-known fact: Loango is one of the only places on earth where you can witness “surfing hippos,” a phenomenon made famous by National Geographic.
A Conservation Comeback
Zakouma National Park, Chad
Once ravaged by poaching, Zakouma is now a beacon of hope—a wild, remote park where elephants, lions, and vast flocks of birds thrive.
Why go? See Africa’s largest gatherings of buffalo and Kordofan giraffe, and experience bird spectacles unmatched anywhere on the continent.
Hidden highlight: Zakouma’s transformation is one of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories, with elephant numbers rebounding dramatically in the past decade.
More Hidden and Upcoming Safari Destinations
Waterberg Biosphere, South Africa: Savannah, mountains, and riverine forests—ideal for walking and horseback safaris.
Kidepo Valley, Uganda: Remote, rugged, and home to unique species like caracal and aardwolf.
Liwonde, Malawi: A conservation triumph, now home to black rhino, cheetah, and thriving elephant herds.
Zambezi National Park, Zimbabwe: Intimate riverside camps, abundant wildlife, and far fewer crowds than Victoria Falls.
Why Choose a Hidden Gem Safari?
Exclusivity: Intimate camps, private guides, and wildlife encounters without the crowds.
Conservation Impact: Your visit supports pioneering, community-led conservation.
Unscripted Adventure: Rare species, spontaneous cultural exchanges, and moments of pure wonder.
At Epic Road, we don’t just send you on safari—we craft journeys that change you. Whether you dream of Mana’s elephants, Mokete’s vast buffalo herds or the silence of Serra Cafema, let us design an adventure as unique as you are. Africa’s hidden gems are calling!
