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Many people today choose luxury tailor-made holidays because they want to maximize the experience they have in a limited time. Choosing luxury holidays allows you to make the most of your time and craft unforgettable memories. If you are looking for adventure and relaxation choosing luxury safari holidays makes sense.
Africa offers some of the world’s most exclusive safari experiences, combining untamed wilderness with world-class luxury. Hence, you can look out for bespoke African safari holidays that allow you to spend time and focus on activities that you want to try.
Whether you prefer a private game drive in the savannah, a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti, or a beachfront safari lodge overlooking the Indian Ocean, Africa delivers unmatched elegance and adventure.
With expertly crafted itineraries, Sundowner Holidays can provide you with bespoke safari holidays that cater to your preferences and needs and offer access to Africa’s most exclusive luxury lodges and camps. In this list, we cover the best African destinations that offer you a unique blend of luxury and raw wilderness.
Here are the Best African Destinations for Customized Luxury Safari Holidays:
1. Okavango Delta, Botswana
Botswana is one of the top contenders for luxury safari destinations in Africa. The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s unique destinations offering a blend of water-based and land-based experiences. Its seasonal floodplains bring together a variety of wildlife creating an ideal environment for exclusive safari holidays. This vast inland delta is home to Africa’s Big Five which you can spot here.
However, along with that, you can also spot other animals like hippos, crocodiles and rare antelope species like the sitatunga. You can also head out for a guided tour for birdwatching and look out for malachite kingfishers and African fish eagles. When you opt for bespoke African safari plans you can explore the Okavango Delta by helicopter and access some of the remote areas as well.
Apart from private helicopter tours, you can also focus on personalized spa treatments, starlit bush dinners and sunset river cruises that allow you to make the most of the moments you spend here.
2. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park in South Africa is a great place when you are thinking of bespoke African holidays. Being one of the largest and most renowned safari destinations in Africa it offers exceptional game viewing and luxury experiences. With excellent Kruger safari packages and luxury accommodations, you can bask in the comfort and convenience that Kruger has to offer while enjoying wildlife adventure excursions.
The diverse landscapes of Kruger National Park combined with a high concentration of wildlife make it a great space for those who are interested in seeing wildlife in its natural habitat. Visitors can spot cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and Africa’s Big Five along with more than 500 different species of birds.
Luxury lodges within Kruger’s private reserves offer private game drives, guided bush walks, and gourmet dining under the stars. Guests can enjoy spa treatments with views of the savannah, sunset cocktails at riverfront decks, and exclusive wildlife photography sessions.
3. Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
While most people choose Maasai Mara National Reserve, you can choose Samburu National Reserve which offers a more remote and intimate safari experience. This is one of the top national parks in Kenya ideal for luxury travellers seeking exclusivity and rich wildlife encounters.
Nestled along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, the arid landscape of this reserve attracts rare species not found in other Kenyan reserves, including the Samburu Special Five — Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. While you are here you can also spot elephants, lions and leopards that can enhance your bespoke African safari holiday experience.
Samburu National Reserve can provide you with luxury camps that offer elevated views of the rugged terrain. These camps and accommodations come with private plunge pools and personal butler services that allow you to enjoy holidays in style and comfort. Exclusive experiences include private game drives, cultural visits to Samburu villages, and starlit bush dinners by the river.
4. Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
If you are looking for lesser-known safari destinations in Africa you should head to the Gorongosa National Park. The park was once destroyed by conflict but with proper care and restoration efforts, it has become one of the top choices for luxury travelers around the world. One of the best things about this national park is its diverse landscape which includes forests, grasslands and wetlands.
While you are exploring this national park you can come across a range of wildlife including elephants, lions, hippos, and buffalo. Additionally, you can also spot rare species like the African wild dog and pangolin along with 400 bird species.
This national park also has a variety of luxury camps and lodges that ensure that you can have a great time here whether you are alone or with your loved ones. Exclusive experiences also include guided safaris, bush picnics, and sunset drives with panoramic views of Mount Gorongosa. You can also plan a visit to Bazaruto Archipelago where you can also explore some of the finest beaches in Mozambique to make your Africa holiday experience better.
5. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
While Serengeti National Park safari does steal the limelight, you can always opt for something different that Tanzania has to offer. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most spectacular safari destinations, offering unmatched wildlife density and breathtaking scenery. This volcanic caldera offers a unique combination of fertile grasslands and soda lakes that create a microclimate for the animals and birds to thrive.
While you are exploring this crater you can spot Africa’s Big Five along with other animals like zebra, wildebeests and hippos. This is also where you can find the highest concentration of lions and that can add to your experiences. The crater is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to flamingos on Lake Magadi and African-crowned cranes in the grasslands.
Choosing luxury lodges here offers you undisturbed and elevated views of the crater along with private butler service and gourmet bush dining. Exclusive experiences include private game drives along the crater floor, sunrise breakfasts overlooking the rim, and cultural visits to Maasai villages.
6. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
While Zimbabwe might not strike you as a top choice for luxury African holidays it can surprise you with what it has to offer. The Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest and most diverse wildlife reserve, known for its massive elephant population and rich variety of species.
The diverse landscape of this park is home to elephants along with lions, buffaloes, leopards and endangered African wild dogs. If you are into birdwatching you can spot over 400 different species of birds here.
Luxury camps and lodges offer private game drives, guided walking safaris, and night drives for a closer look at nocturnal wildlife. Guests can enjoy sunset drinks at waterhole-facing decks, spa treatments with views of the bush, and starlit bush dinners under the African sky.
