
Where to Go on Safari in 2026
What makes a safari stand out from the rest? Expertise that puts you in the right place at the right time.
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.

Top Safaris for 2026 & 2027

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.
2026 & 2027 Itinerary Inspiration
Top Safari Lodges for 2026

Old Mondoro

With its wonderfully intimate atmosphere and superb location in the Lower Zambezi, Old Mondoro is a firm Yellow Zebra favourite. We love its authentic, unpretentious bush-camp feel, which envelops guests in the true spirit of safari without any half measures on comfort or service. We regularly receive excellent reviews of Old Mondoro from our clients and can confidently recommend it for a 2026 Zambia safari.
Wilderness Mara

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.


Tena Tena Camp

Those who tuned into Sir David Attenborough’s BBC documentary, Kingdom, may well recognise Robin Pope’s Tena Tena Camp and sister property, Nsefu. Located in the South Luangwa’s remote Nsefu sector, the camp offers an experience that’s all about a close connection to nature, incredible predator sightings, including leopard, lion, hyena and wild dog, and some of the best guides in Africa, whether you’re travelling on foot or on a game-drive vehicle.
Londolozi Tree Camp

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!


Wilderness Usawa

Wilderness Usawa Serengeti features two luxury mobile tented camps that move strategically with the Great Migration, ensuring guests are always near the heart of the action. Visit during the upcoming calving season between January and early March for extraordinary wildlife scenes, notably young lives being born and a spate of increased predator activity! For the ultimate flexibility, book a private game-drive vehicle and spend entire days out on the Serengeti’s golden plains.
Wilderness Mokete

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.


Asilia Erebero Hills

Launching in June 2026, Asilia Erebero Hills is a departure from Uganda’s more rustic safari offerings, featuring eight glass-fronted forest suites in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Venture through the Afromontane forest and spend a transformative hour in the company of some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. We’re already confident that Erebero Hills will become Uganda’s premier gorilla trekking experience, so secure your spot now to be among the first to visit.
Wilderness Magashi Peninsula

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.


&Beyond Suyian

&Beyond Suyian is the only lodge in Laikipia’s 17,806-hectare Suyian Conservancy – a crucial detail when comparing luxury lodges in Kenya. From walking with camels to heli safaris over the Great Rift Valley, the opportunities for creative itinerary planning are limitless. You might even spot the elusive black leopard of Laikipia, a rare sighting indeed! As one of the most sought-after new safari lodges of 2026, we recommend booking early.
Wilderness Serra Cafema

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.


Gibb’s Farm

Gibb’s Farm is extremely popular, particularly with families on safari drawn to its warm hospitality and a truly fantastic range of activities suitable for all ages. A lush, plantation-style setting on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater, cosy cottage-style accommodations feature private terraces, garden or valley views, and outdoor showers. There are also spacious two-bedroom Farm Houses, ideal for small groups. We highly recommend booking early, at all times of the year, to avoid disappointment.
Muzimu Lodge

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.


Chula & Kutali, Zambia

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!
How We Can Help You Plan Your 2026 or 2027 Safari

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.

Good to Know
How do I book a 2026 safari lodge?
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.
When is the best time to visit the new lodges in 2026?
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.
Can I combine multiple lodges on one safari?
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.
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