Journeys of a Lifetime with Wilderness Safaris

The events of the last year have given all of us the opportunity to refine our travel bucket list, and daydream about the places we’ll visit once travel restrictions are lifted. It’s no surprise that Africa’s wide-open spaces, compelling wildlife and engaging cultures have propelled the continent to the top of many people’s list of dream destinations.

Africa’s pristine, remote wilderness areas and boutique safari lodges lend themselves to an uncrowded, unhurried experience, with an authentic sense of freedom. You’ll find time spent here to be immensely rewarding – a chance to step away from the mundane routines of every day life and reconnect with your loved ones – and yourself – emotionally and spiritually, in a world that’s wireless in the best sense of the word.

An African vacation is also an opportunity to give back – by travelling with Wilderness Safaris, you are contributing to conservation work and community empowerment in remote areas. We offer experiences with a purpose – it’s not just your own life that will be enriched. If you’ve not yet visited Africa, or you cannot wait to return, check out the bucket list itineraries we’ve curated to inspire you.

A Wish Called Rwanda

With the expansion of Rwanda’s network of protected areas and new lodges to experience, this central African nation has come of age as a destination in itself. Magashi in Akagera National Park and the capital city, Kigali, can be combined with a mountain gorilla encounter from Bisate Lodge to create a single-country vacation.

By also visiting Akagera or Gishwati-Mukura national parks for 3 days (2 nights) or more during the low season (1 November to 31 May), guests receive a 30% discount on the cost of gorilla permits, representing a saving of some US$450 per person.

Best of Botswana

Botswana has long been one of Africa’s premier destinations thanks to its extraordinary diversity of wildlife and scenery. Light aircraft flights connect lodges in the Okavango Delta with the adjacent Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, bringing Botswana’s wonders within reach. Mombo – Botswana’s place of plenty – offers exceptional predator viewing, while Jao is still the quintessential wetland lodge. King’s Pool, lives up to its billing as a fantastic place to view wild elephants, among other species; as will the brand new DumaTau – the alternative option in the Linyanti – when it opens its doors in April this year.

Desert Dreams

There is an enduring romance to Namibia’s vast open spaces – the ultimate antidote to the cabin fever that many of us have felt of late. Wilderness Safaris lodges like Serra Cafema and Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp offer glimpses into the life of unique, desert-adapted species. A dawn hot air balloon ride over the Sossusvlei Dunes from Little Kulala qualifies as a bucket list experience all on its own.

Falling for the Falls

Victoria Falls, arching between Zambia and Zimbabwe, has year-round allure, with Toka Leya being the perfect lodge from which to experience this natural phenomenon. Deeper into Zimbabwe, Little Makalolo and Chikwenya underscore the country’s reputation for amazing wildlife viewing. Choose from close encounters from Little Mak’s log pile or guided walking safaris and canoeing on the Zambezi in Mana Pools.