Where to Go on Safari in 2026

If you’re planning a safari in 2026, you’ll likely have a stack of essential questions that need answering. One of the most important is where to go. Cue our deeply knowledgeable safari experts, who are on hand to make the decision-making process an easy one. Here, we highlight some of the best places to travel in Africa for a stand-out safari in 2026, including some of the continent’s most sought-after lodges and highly anticipated openings in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Across Africa, the most sought-after camps, safari guides, and seasonal wildlife events are booked up months, sometimes even years, in advance. Those who know the rhythm of the bush get to experience the best of it. Getting the timing right isn’t about luck. It’s about insight. That’s where our safari specialists come in. With first-hand experience and deep on-the-ground knowledge, they can help secure the most coveted safari moments long before they disappear from the calendar.

A safari that stands out isn’t just planned – it’s expertly created.

Opening in June 2026, Wilderness Mara occupies one of the Mara Triangle’s finest locations. Access to both sides of the Mara River guarantees unrivalled wildlife-viewing opportunities, including the riveting Great Migration. Safari enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike will appreciate the privacy and exclusive access this exciting new camp offers, and we can’t wait for our clients to experience Kenya’s latest safari offering. 

2026 marks Londolozi’s 100th anniversary – an incredible feat, given it is still one of the most accomplished luxury safari products in Africa. Londolozi Tree Camp is super stylish and an excellent choice for honeymooners seeking solitude, romance, and luxury amenities such as indulgent spa treatments and champagne sundowners in South Africa. Not to mention witnessing elephants gather at the river from your own private plunge pool. Pure bliss!

For wild luxury in Botswana, Wilderness Mokete promises pristine natural beauty in the Okavango Delta’s private 50,000-hectare Mababe Concession. Mokete means ‘celebration’ or ‘feast’, and this is a place to celebrate witnessing the raw and untamed side of Botswana. Guests of Mokete will be amongst the first to experience this spectacular, wildlife-rich zone, with full days out in the field tracking healthy lion and hyena populations.  

Rwanda is a dynamic and resilient country that continues to attract travellers worldwide, not just for its mountain gorilla population but also for a lesser-known yet brilliant conservation success story – Akagera National Park. In recent years, the park has undergone a complete transformation, and it’s now home to a thriving wildlife population. Overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga, the brand-new Wilderness Magashi Peninsula pairs perfectly with a gorilla-trekking expedition at Wilderness Bisate in 2026. 

Serra Cafema is one of the most far-flung safari camps in Africa. Deep in the heart of northwest Namibia, this remote landscape is home to the Himba people and an array of desert-adapted wildlife. Uncover the region’s unique geology, look out for lone oryx, relax on the Kunene River, and enjoy privileged encounters with the Himba community. Serra Cafema is a truly special camp and a top choice for a bespoke 2026 Namibia journey.

Gorongosa National Park is one of Africa’s great restoration success stories, now re-emerging as a premier safari destination. Several of our experts visited at the end of 2025 and returned inspired. Set on the banks of the Gorongosa’s Mussicadzi River, Muzimu Lodge offers relaxed, solar-powered tented accommodation with excellent guiding and a true sense of place. Ideal for adventurous travellers looking beyond the classics, Gorongosa promises authentic wilderness and meaningful encounters in 2026 and beyond. For a more secluded feel, consider Muzimu’s sister property, Chicari Camp.

The April seasonal reopenings of Chula Island Camp and Kutali Camp bring renewed life to the wilds of Lower Zambezi National Park. We love the authentic, rustic experience created by Classic Zambia with these two riverside bush camp favourites. When it comes to beating the crowds in 2026, April might just be the best time to visit both Chula and Kutali, the perfect duo for a full Lower Zambezi experience, combining both walking and boating opportunities. We rarely recommend being the very first in camp, but a crowdless safari filled with stunning start-of-season wildlife sightings compels us to make an exception!

Our safari specialists know when to travel, where to stay, and when to book, ensuring your journey isn’t just a safari… it’s the right safari for you. 

Our team use their first-hand experience to bring clarity to all the fine details of planning. We’ll match your travel style, needs and budget to destinations, seasons, and camps that truly deliver. From securing the best wildlife moments to navigating availability at Africa’s most sought-after lodges, we take care of the details, so your 2026 or 2027 safari is thoughtfully planned and expertly tailored to you.

Fill us in on your wish list by completing our bespoke itinerary enquiry form. A member of our expert team will be in touch promptly to get the ball rolling and address any questions you may have. Remember that early booking gives you a better chance of availability at top lodges and for the most in-demand private safari guides.

The best time of year to visit Africa’s new or reopening luxury safari lodges depends on your personal interests and priorities. For crowd avoidance and exceptional wildlife sightings, we advise setting your sights on the start of the season. Wilderness Mara opens in June 2026, perfectly timed to gain momentum before the Great Migration arrives in the Mara Triangle. Book early in the season for magnificent game viewing just ahead of the migration crowds. As always, our team provides an endless fountain of knowledge on where and when to go, making it a key topic for discussion during initial itinerary planning.

Yes, absolutely. In fact, most clients stay at several of our favourite camps and lodges on one trip. It’s best to speak with one of our experts to chat through the options and have a bespoke trip perfectly tailored to your specific requirements. Advance planning puts us in prime position to secure all your favourite choices.