Find safari spots that aren’t on the beaten path for your next adventure. On safaris, there’s no need for dozens of people to be crammed into jeeps and squished together to get a good look at a lion. Beyond the usual safari hotspots, there’s a whole world of untamed wilderness waiting to be discovered by travelers who like to take risks and see wildlife. Safaris that don’t follow the main tourist routes take you to peaceful places with unique wildlife, fewer people, and nature that hasn’t been changed in any way. You’re in the right place if you want to jump off the beaten path and find parts of nature that haven’t been touched by humans yet. We’ll talk about the benefits of these less well-known safaris, show you some amazing places to visit, and give you advice on how to plan your next trip into the wild.
What makes an off-the-beaten-path safari a good choice?
1. Get away from the crowds
Imagine staring into the eyes of a lion with no one else around, or stopping to enjoy the beauty of a group of elephants in complete peace. If you choose safari spots that aren’t as famous, there will be fewer vehicles, so you can get closer to the animals and scenery.
2. One-of-a-Kind Views of Wildlife
The Maasai Mara and Kruger National Park are well-known safari spots, but there are also some secret gems that are worth exploring. Off the beaten path adventures are more exciting and unique, like elephants that have learned to live in the desert or walking tours where you can track dangerous animals on foot.
3. Help local efforts to protect the environment
Tourism in national parks and areas that aren’t as well known helps raise much-needed conservation funds that help animals and the people who live nearby. You can help protect regions that aren’t usually visited by tourists by going to these places.
4. Grow your relationship with nature
Off-the-beaten-path safaris are very rewarding because you can enjoy the peace and quiet of untouched scenery without hearing the chatter of tourists. You can also see nature in its most natural state. It’s a journey for the mind and the body.
Four Amazing Safari Spots That Aren’t on the beaten path
1. South Luangwa National Park in Zambia
The South Luangwa National Park in Zambia should be at the top of your list if you like the idea of walking tours. This park is famous for being the first place where walking safaris started. You can experience the African bush on foot with knowledgeable guides. What makes it unique: When you go on a walking safari, you get closer to the land and can look at plants, follow animal tracks, and learn more about an environment that is full of life. Tigers, hippos, giraffes, and more than 400 kinds of birds live in the park. When to go: Seeing wildlife is best from July to October, when there are still some water sources left open after the dry season.
2. National Park of the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana
Want to go on a journey that is unlike any other? Hello, and welcome to Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans. These are beautiful salt flats that go on forever, and they are home to amazing animals that have learned to live in the desert. What makes it unique: Animals like meerkats, brown hyenas, and even swans that come in large groups during the rainy season live in this strange park with strange landscapes. People who come can also talk to the San Bushmen, who are very knowledgeable about the bush. Visit between May and September, when it’s dry, or between December and March, when you can see the beautiful zebra migration.
3. Serengeti National Park in Tanzania (Northern Circuit)
Serengeti is well-known for being a great place for safaris and for the Great Migration. But its northern route hasn’t been explored as much and offers more peaceful but still enjoyable experiences. What makes it unique: This part of the Serengeti has beautiful scenery, big predators, and places where you can cross rivers and watch wildebeests and zebras brave crocodile-filled waters. Since not many people come here, you’ll have the natural beauty all to yourself. When to go: From late July to October, when the wildebeest are migrating, is the best time to do the northern circle.
4. Etosha National Park in Namibia
Etosha National Park in Namibia is a dream for people who want to meet interesting people in stunningly beautiful places. The dramatic salt pans and dry lands are unlike any other place you can go on safari. What makes it unique: Etosha is home to animals that can live in deserts, like the oryx, the springbok, and the very rare black rhino. The watering holes spread out in the park are great places to watch animals getting water. As for when to go, the best time to see wildlife is from June to October.
Ways to Plan an Off-the-Beaten Safari
It’s time to make plans now that you know where you want to go. To make sure you have the best time possible, here are some tips:
1. Pick the Best Time to Go
It is very important to know how the seasons work in the place you want to visit. For instance, the best time to see wildlife is usually during the dry season, which is usually winter, when animals gather around waterholes. But the rainy season can bring chances like birdwatching and lush scenery.
2. Choose a Tour Company with a Good Name
For safety and better experiences, getting around in less well-known parks often needs professional help. Look for tour companies that care about environmentally friendly travel and have great reviews from past visitors.
3. Pack smart:
Bring light, neutral-colored clothes, strong walking shoes, binoculars, bug spray, high-SPF sunscreen, and a good camera with a zoom lens. Bring a water bottle that you can use again and again to stay refreshed and reduce waste.
4. Think about options that put conservation first
When you book your trip, look for lodging and tour packages that donate the money they make to environmental causes. From eco-lodges to community-run camps, the place you stay can have a direct, positive effect on taking care of wildlife.
5. Get ready for experiences that are far away
Less well-known places usually have fewer services. Get ready to stay in basic lodges or camp out under the stars, but don’t worry—these places make your safari experience more real.
Explore the wild areas that haven’t been tamed.
Some safari spots will always be beautiful, but there’s something magical about going somewhere off the beaten road. Walking through Zambia’s wild landscapes, gazing at Botswana’s strange salt flats, or seeing animals that have adapted to live in the desert in Namibia—each place gives you a unique connection to nature. Going out of the way of busy tourist spots will not only help protect untouched ecosystems and local communities, but it will also give you experiences that will last a lifetime.
You need to get out of your comfort zone and take the road less traveled. Are you ready for the next trip? Start making plans right away—your one-of-a-kind safari adventure is waiting!
