Our selection of off the beaten track destinations
As African experts, we’ve selected our 10 best “off-the-beaten-track” destinations for you. The destinations and properties we’ve chosen are the ones that have stuck with us from our travels over the years, whether for their sustainable approach, level of luxury or sheer beauty and remoteness. We hope you’ll enjoy exploring these unique off-the-beaten-track African destinations as much as we have.
Here they are, in no particular order:
Destination #1: Serengeti
Why? The Serengeti plays host to the greatest mammal migration on earth with Big 5 sightings in bounds. See it from above in a hot air balloon as well as on a game drive.
Stay: Singita Explore Mobile Tented Camp in the Grumeti Game Reserve – it’s Singita’s latest, mobile, luxury-tented property and ideal because it moves with the migration so you can see this animal spectacle in full glory. It’s also eco-friendly and designed to keep environmental impact at a minimum.
Tour: Our Tanzania Safari and Beach Tour
Destination #2: Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
Why? The Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique is one of southern Africa’s premier beach destinations and contains its own collection of over 30 islands off the coast of Pemba. It is more private, exclusive, and off the beaten track than Bazaruto as it is harder to reach and there are therefore fewer tourists. Couple it with mangroves, coral reefs, and palms in abundance, and Robinson Crusoe himself would turn palm green with envy.
Stay: Medjumbe Private Island Resort – This luxurious hotel is located on a private island in the Quirimbas Archipelago a 40-minute flight from Pemba.
Tour: Sian’s Mozambican Escape
Destination #3: Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta
Why? The Okavango Delta is a must for African enthusiasts and absolutely had to be in our top 3 of the best off the beaten track destinations. We recommend exploring it from the Moremi Game Reserve. Moremi offers both, water- and land-based safari activities. Moreover, the game and birdlife viewing here is second to none.
Stay: Xakanaxa Camp, on the banks of the Khwai River and Xakanaxa Lagoon in the heart of the Reserve. It offers all activities, including Mokoro trips.
Tour: Okavango – Chobe – Vic Falls
Destination #4: Damaraland and Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Why? Firstly, Damaraland and the Skeleton Coast in Namibia are spectacular self-drive destinations with several highlights and unique geology. Secondly, Damaraland is also the scene of our own Challange4ACause cycle, an annual event to raise funds to help protect the endangered desert-adapted black rhino, indigenous to the region.
Stay: In Damaraland – Mowani Mountain Camp – a luxury safari lodge built into and around the rocky mountainside that lays claim to the best view in Namibia. In Skeleton Coast – Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp. An honourable mention must go to Serra Cafema, which is on the Kunene River, on the edge of the Namib Desert and the Skeleton Coast Park.
Tour: Self-Drive Tour Through Namibia and Botswana
Destination #5: Thornybush Game Reserve
Why? Most people think of the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Game Reserve when it comes to South African safaris, but Thornybush Game Reserve is lesser known and therefore unique in its own way. It lies adjacent to the Kruger National Park. The game rangers and trackers here are among the best qualified and experienced in South Africa and it is one of the few places you can still see black rhino in South Africa.
Stay: Royal Malewane – this is an über exclusive luxury lodge with a spectacular spa
Tour: Cape Town – Kruger – Vic Falls. We can replace any of the Kruger properties with Royal Malewane.
Destination #6: Nosy Iranja, Madagascar
Why? Nosy Iranja in Madagascar consists of two idyllic islands some 30 miles south of Nosy Be. The island is famous for its turtle population and you can see babies hatching and scurrying across the sand. In addition, you can also watch lemurs playing. They can be seen further afield off Nosy Iranja at the Lemur sanctuary on Nosy Komba, and further east and south in the island’s lush forests.
Stay: Constance Tsarabanjina – located on an unspoilt private island.
Tour: Luxury Madagascar Island Holiday
Destination #7: Mnemba Island, Zanzibar
Why? Mnemba is renowned as one of the most romantic ocean destinations in the world with some of the world’s most beautiful dive sites. It is an exclusive island just 4.5 kilometres off the north-eastern tip of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean.
Stay: Mnemba Island Lodge offers rustic luxury surrounded by an atoll of breathtaking coral reefs and boasts some of Africa’s most wonderful dive sites.
Tour: Serengeti – Ngorongoro – Zanzibar
Destination #8: Tswalu Kalahari
Why? For the simple reason that the Kalahari always promises things you can never see elsewhere. This is why it’s one of our favourite off-the-beaten-track destinations in South Africa. Moreover, Tswalu Kalahari is malaria free and a great Big 5 safari destination. Additionally, it is also the largest private Game Reserve in South Africa. Watch out for meerkats, a family of these adorable little creatures may all of a sudden appear during your visit.
Stay: Tswalu Motse Lodge, the epitome of African safari chic.
Tour: Luxury Southern Africa Safari Experience
Destination #9: Whale Route on South Africa’s Garden Route
Why? Because the Whale Route runs from Cape Town to Cape Agulhas and offers malaria-free safaris, not to mention the Marine 5 spotting. If you’ve seen the Big 5, it’s time to add the Marine 5 to the bucket list too!
Stay: Grootbos Nature Reserve. Go whale-watching and on Marine 5 safaris, dive with great white sharks, go on guided horseback tours, and coupled it with walks and 4×4 tours through the reserve. Stay in either the Garden Lodge, Forest Lodge, or Villa.
Tour: The Ultimate Garden Route Self-Drive Adventure
Destination #10: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Why? The Volcanoes National Park is home to five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains, which are covered in rainforest and bamboo. Moreover, this is where you’ll be able to track gorillas on a safari through the forests.
Stay: The eco-friendly Virunga Lodge boasts one of the most stunning locations anywhere in Africa. Since it is just an hour from the Volcanoes National Park entrance, where all gorilla trekking activities leave from, you can easily include this destination in your Rwanda itinerary.
Tour: Rwanda – Kenya – Tanzania
For more information or to book your stay at any of these off-the-beaten-track destinations, simply contact us. Our passionate team of Travel Experts is standing by to tailor-make your dream African holiday.
