Offbeat Safari Gems: 5 Wild Places You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Okay, real talk – when someone says “African safari,” you instantly picture jeeps crawling through the Serengeti or selfie sticks waving around Kruger, right? Been there, done that. But what if I told you there are places where lions outnumber tourists, where you can actually hear nature instead of camera shutters, and where your African safari pics will make everyone go “Wait…WHERE is that?!”

I’ve been lucky enough to explore some properly wild corners of Africa (and made all the mistakes so you don’t have to). Here are my top 5 under-the-radar spots that’ll give you bragging rights for life:

1. Liuwa Plain, Zambia – Where the Wild Things Really Roam

Imagine the Serengeti…if the Serengeti was a secret

• Coolest thing? The wildebeest migration here is Africa’s second biggest, but with approximately zero tourist buses ruining the view
• Weird flex: This is hyena kingdom – they literally rule the place
• Pro tip: Time your visit for November when the plains turn into one giant animal party

I’ll never forget camping here under the stupidly huge African sky, listening to hyenas whooping while lions growled in the distance. Magic.

2. Katavi, Tanzania – Africa’s Last True Wilderness

For when you want to feel like David Livingstone (but with better mosquito repellent)

• You’ll see: Buffalo herds so massive they look like moving mountains
• Bonus drama: Dry season turns waterholes into hunger games for crocs, hippos and big cats
• Truth bomb: The roads here will rearrange your spine – consider it a free chiropractic session

Went here last year and nearly cried when we found a leopard dragging its kill up a tree. Not a single other vehicle in sight.

Kruger National Park

3. Mana Pools, Zimbabwe – Walk on the Wild Side

Literally. Like, walking with elephants wild.

• Mind-blowing moment: Watching elephants stand on their hind legs to snack on trees (looks photoshopped but isn’t)
• Adrenaline kick: Walking African safari where you might bump into a grumpy buffalo (guide carries a rifle, don’t panic)
• Best time: Avoid the sauna months (November-April) unless you enjoy sweating like a sinner in church

Pro tip: The “office pool” at Kanga Camp is just a deck overlooking a waterhole where elephants come to drink. Best work view ever.

4. Hwange, Zimbabwe – Where Elephants Go to Retire

Think of it as the elephant version of Florida, but way prettier

• Crazy stat: Some waterholes attract 500+ elephants DAILY in dry season
• Rare find: Wild dogs – saw a pack take down an impala last visit (nature is metal)
• Local secret: Camelthorn trees provide the best shade for lazy afternoon animal watching

Stayed at Little Makalolo last year – fell asleep to lions roaring and woke up to elephants splashing in the pan. 10/10 would recommend.

5. Zakouma, Chad – The Safari That’ll Shock Your Friends

“Wait, Chad does safaris?!” – Everyone when you show them pics

• Comeback story: From poaching hellhole to conservation superstar
• Wildlife win: Elephant numbers have skyrocketed from 450 to 5500+
• Culture bonus: The nomadic Mbororo people add serious Indiana Jones vibes

Visiting here feels like you’ve discovered something no one else knows about. Also the night skies will ruin all other night skies for you forever.