Top 10 Luxury Safari Destinations for 2019

 

Part one of a two part article

10. HWANGE, ZIMBABWE

Hwange is Zimbabwe’s most famous game reserve and home to a large population of wildlife. Located a few hours’ drive from Victoria Falls, it is home to the dense concentrations of elephant and is an excellent destination for Africa’s big predators.  Hwange provides a mix of habitats ensuring large numbers of animals all year round.

9. SOUTH LUANGWA, ZAMBIA

South Luangwa National Park is a top choice for excellent big game viewing.   Few parks in Africa can match the phenomenal density of game that gathers at this park’s lakes and rivers: massive herds of elephant, hippo and buffalo, prides of lion, giraffe and opportunistic crocodiles to name a few.  The park is famous for its guided walking safaris that range from gentle morning strolls to day long hikes to remote bush camps.

8. VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, RWANDA

The Volcanoes National Park, houses five of the Virunga Mountains’ eight volcanoes. This incredible natural environment is Africa’s oldest national park and is the main area where Dian Fossey carried out her gorilla research. The park is home to several gorilla families and provides an opportunity for the adventurous to get up-close with these endangered animals.  Totally different to any other safari experience, an exhilarating trek with knowledgeable rangers will lead you in search of these magnificent creatures.

7. ETOSHA, NAMIBIA

Etosha National Park is famed for its huge salt pan that spans over 4,800 square km.  Its edges give way to a surprising variety of vegetation types and – critically – a series of springs and waterholes that at attract a vast amount of wildlife.  This unique landscape plays host to high densities of animals that gather at these waterholes throughout the year.

6. SABI SANDS, SOUTH AFRICA

The most famous private game reserve in Africa, Sabi Sands neighbours South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park.  Home to a wide selection of luxury lodges, the area is particularly known for its spectacular leopard sightings.  Game viewing possibilities are unparallelled and guests are often rewarded with ‘Big 5’ sightings in a relatively short space of time. 

To be continued…till next time – Happy travels!

Stephanie Moss