Africa’s wild heart beats in rhythm with the wildlife that roam its plains, forests and coastlines. Exploring different ecosystems and conservancies across Africa allows for unique opportunities to spot different species in spectacular wildlife havens where they truly flourish.
These sightings can be very memorable. For instance, I will never forget the spine-tingling roar of lions in the Masai Mara in the dead of night, the adrenaline rush of tracking wild dogs at great speed in Madikwe … the emotion of seeing rhinos up close in the far flung regions of Namibia … and the awe of meeting ancient tortoises on Changuu island.
Here are a few of my favourite places to spot safaris specials…
Wild dogs in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
The rugged wonderland of Madikwe Game Reserve is a unique reserve, where red earth meets acacia woodland. Elephants rule here — towering, wise, and often found quenching their thirst at the reserve’s shimmering waterholes. Just as majestic are Madikwe’s famed African wild dogs, also known as painted wolves, moving in tight-knit packs that hunt with astonishing coordination. Watching their swift, silent teamwork at dawn feels like witnessing nature’s choreography in action.
Enjoy affordable, rustic charm at Mosetlha Bush Camp and Eco Lodge where wildlife gathers daily at the camp’s bird bath and incredible guided walks are on offer with local guide Justice – or splash out on a luxury suite with private plunge pool at the popular, ultra luxurious Madikwe Safari Lodge.
Leopards in Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana
Mashatu Game Reserve is known as the “Land of Giants” for its towering baobabs and huge elephant herds – but it’s the leopards that often steal the show here! I have never seen so many different leopards in one day as I have done in Mashatu! Sleek, elusive, and endlessly captivating, these cats thrive among Mashatu’s sandstone ridges. Your best chance to see one? At dusk, when they begin their silent prowl in the golden light and shadows.
Book a stay at Mashatu Euphorbia which boasts just eight villas, elevated high on a ridge, tucked in a Euphorbia forest with cinematic views over the Majale riverbed. If its leopards you are after, be sure to check availability to also spend a night of unmatched predator action at the Lala Limpopo overnight hide. It’s no wonder Mashatu was recently awarded “Best Game Reserve in Southern Africa 2025” at the World Luxury Travel Awards.
Rhinos in Onguma Nature Reserve, Namibia
Onguma Nature Reserve, located on the eastern fringe of Namibia’s iconic Etosha National Park, protects one of Africa’s most threatened treasures — rhinos. Tracking these prehistoric giants on foot alongside expert guides delivers an unmatched rush: the soft crack of dust underfoot, the guide’s gesture to pause, the sight of a rhino emerging from the scrub — both humbling and unforgettable. This sanctuary is one of the safest havens for black and white rhinos thanks to its highly trained APU team and the latest tech. Their survival here tells a story of resilience.
Onguma Camp Kala is Onguma’s flagship luxury lodge with just four stunning suites elevated on stilts, offering spectacular birds eye views over a busy watering hole. The intimate camp combines contemporary luxury with a deep respect for conservation and a commitment to sustainability. Evenings end with stargazing from your private plunge pool, wood fired hot tub, or from your outdoor bed in your private sala. Pure bliss. Photo by Nadia Snijders.
Everything you need to plan your trip in 2025
Lions in the Masai Mara, Kenya
No safari roundup is complete without the Masai Mara, where the golden savannah stretches endlessly under vast skies. This is the kingdom of lions — charismatic rulers seen lazing under acacias or stalking wildebeest during the Great Migration. The Mara’s prides are renowned for their sheer numbers and close family bonds, offering intimate views of big-cat life against one of the world’s most cinematic backdrops.
Stay at Mara Bushtops, which is one of the most exclusive safari camps in the Mara, set within the private Isaaten conservancy that borders the National Park (unfenced border allowing for wildlife to roam freely) and offers superb game viewing with minimal vehicles and far fewer restrictions like allowing for night drives etc. The camp features just 12 expansive luxury tents, with large wooden decks, sunken hot tubs and sweeping views over a busy wildlife salt lick.
Guests enjoy personalised butler service, à la carte dining with excellent wine pairings and no set meal times. Mara Bushtops is also renowned for its award‑winning Amani spa, infinity star pool and access to night drives and walking safaris, creating a rare blend of deep comfort and authentic “wild luxury”. Isaaten is also community owned so you know your stay is making a positive impact on local Maasai families. Photo by Oliver Fly.
Cheetahs in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Venture into the central Serengeti, where open plains stretch so wide they seem to touch the horizon. Here, the cheetah reigns supreme — the fastest land animal, built for bursts of breathtaking acceleration. Watching a cheetah sprint through the grasslands in pursuit of a gazelle is an experience that defies description; it’s pure, primal energy in motion.
The new Warangi Ridge Lodge by The Wilderness Collection is dramatically set against granite ridges with sweeping views over the savanna, grasslands and kopjes. It boasts just 15 beautiful, tented suites inspired by the silhouette of the endangered pangolin (which can also be spotted in the area, if you are very, very lucky!), each with a private deck, plunge pool, outdoor shower and freestanding bathtub. Central facilities include an impressive infinity pool built into the rocks, a gym, spa and an elevated restaurant, lounge bar and library tucked among acacia trees. The lodge is tucked away in a crowd-free, semi-restricted area of the park with a cheetah research project located nearby, so your chances of “spotting” a few are very good!
Buffalos in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Game drives in the iconic Ngorongoro Crater are legendary. This natural amphitheatre is teeming with wildlife, including zebras, flamingos, hippos – and large herds of buffalo! Cape Buffalo are massive, unflinching, and always watchful. You are well advised to give them respect! Estimates suggest there are over 4,000 in the crater, making sightings almost guaranteed – sometimes in herds of hundreds. This volcanic caldera honestly feels like stepping into an ancient Garden of Eden, sealed in perfect harmony.
Perched right on the rim, Craters Edge by The Wilderness Collection offers just 15 tented suites raised on stilts and tucked into acacia woodland, blending refined safari style with panoramic vistas from your bed, deck or private lounge with cozy fireplace. Guests can enjoy expertly guided game drives inside the crater (arriving long before most day visitors due to its quick and easy access via Lemala Gate), crater-rim walks, and special experiences such as picnic lunches on the crater floor and stargazing back at camp.
Tortoises on Changuu Island, Zanzibar
Trade savannah dust for island breezes on Changuu Island (also known as Turtle Island or Prison Island), just off the coast of Zanzibar. Here lives a colony of Aldabra (Alhambra) giant tortoises, ancient creatures that embody patience and longevity. As they move slowly under palm shade beside turquoise shores, they remind you that Africa’s wonders are not only fast or ferocious — some endure quietly, timelessly. Peacocks also wander freely around the old ruins and pathways, often displaying their bright tail feathers in the sun.
A new resort will be opening in 2026/2027 on the island – but for now you can stay on nearby Bawe Island, also by The Cocoon Collection. Enjoy ocean swims, snorkelling, diving and sunset dinners on the private beach, surrounded by turquoise Indian Ocean and protected coral reefs. The 30-hectare private island is home to a just one luxury resort with 70 villas, each with a private pool, generous terrace and butler service. Bawe works perfectly as a post‑safari finale: remote enough to feel secluded, yet close enough to Stone Town (15 minutes by speed boat) for spice tours and cultural visits on the Zanzibar mainland.
Birdlife in Zambia
Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park and Nsefu Game Reserve are known for their incredible wildlife, but this region of Zambia also boasts prolific birdlife for twitchers and bird watchers. Carmine bee eaters are one of the most spectacular seasonal sights here, arriving in large numbers from about August and staying through roughly November.
Their bright carmine, turquoise, and blue plumage forms a vivid moving curtain along the Luangwa River’s vertical sandbanks, where they nest communally in thousands of burrows dug 1–2 metres into the bank. These noisy colonies can be heard from over a kilometre away as birds constantly commute between nests and feeding areas.
Carmines River Lodge is an intimate luxury safari retreat scheduled to open in June 2026. Set on a private 54‑acre island between two rivers, it is home to a vast colony of striking Carmine Bee Eaters. The camp will comprise just three elevated two‑bedroom villas when it opens, promising the ultimate privacy, personalised service and expansive views from freestanding baths, indoor–outdoor showers and its private plunge pools.
Elands in the Drakensberg, South Africa
Africa’s largest antelope, the Eland, is a magnificent beast! The “last” eland in the Northern Drakensberg mountains of South Africa was shot in about 1948 because they were considered a nuisance on the Tugela Gorge path – so for many years, sadly, there wasn’t a single eland in the area. Thankfully, they were reintroduced into the Sterkfontein Nature Reserve and over the past 15 years they have flourished again and today large breeding herds of over 100 can be seen in the recently proclaimed Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve.
These beautiful antelope can often be seen roaming through The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa, and encountered on the various self-guided walks and guided hikes. The Cavern is a long‑established, family‑run resort set in a forested valley, adjacent to the Ukhahlamba‑Drakensberg World Heritage Site. The resort offers family‑friendly activities such as horse riding, fishing, mountain biking, tennis, bowls, swimming pools and children’s programmes, making it easy to combine wildlife viewing with a relaxed nature based holiday. Photo by Frankie Watkins-Ball
Safari specials
From South Africa’s painted wolves to Zanzibar’s ancient tortoises, Africa will undoubtedly “wow” you with its wonderful wildlife, no matter which species is top of your wish list. Why not book your safari adventure in search of some of its specials for 2026?
Please share in the comments some of the special species you would like to go in search of in the year ahead?
Claire Roadley
Claire Roadley is Founder of Umlingo. Umlingo promotes authentic, sustainable hotels and safari eco lodges across Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
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