Where to Go: The Best Safari Destinations in Southern Africa
Luxury safaris are all about exclusivity, privacy, and jaw-dropping landscapes. While there are stunning safari destinations across Africa, these Southern African gems are where you’ll find the pinnacle of safari chic:
1. South Africa – The Sabi Sands
Think Big Five sightings on demand, ultra-luxe lodges, and world-class service. The Sabi Sands, adjacent to Kruger National Park, is leopard central (trust us, the sightings here are unreal).
• Top Lodge Pick: Dulini River Lodge – Chic, contemporary, and effortlessly stylish, with suites perched over the Sand River.
• Why We Love It: Heated plunge pools, insane leopard sightings, and some of the best safari guides in the business.
2. Zambia – The Lower Zambezi
If you’re looking for remote, unspoiled wilderness with a splash of adventure, the Lower Zambezi National Park is where it’s at. Canoeing alongside elephants? Check. Fishing for tiger fish in the Zambezi? Absolutely. Luxury lodges that feel like private palaces? You bet.
• Top Lodge Pick: Lolebezi Lodge – A true masterpiece in the wild, with a riverfront setting that will make your heart sing.
• Why We Love It: Contemporary design, incredible food, and a private plunge pool for every suite.
3. Botswana – The Okavango Delta
For the most exclusive safari in Africa, Botswana is the place. The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a lush, water-filled wonderland packed with wildlife.
• Top Lodge Pick: Duba Plains – One of Africa’s most exclusive lodges, known for its extraordinary lion-buffalo interactions.
• Why We Love It: Only five tents, impeccable design, and some of the most dramatic wildlife encounters on the continent.
4. Namibia – Sossusvlei & Skeleton Coast
Dreamy desert landscapes meet ultra-exclusive lodges in the land of dunes and dramatic horizons. This is where you go if you love stark beauty, celestial stargazing, and feeling like you’ve stepped onto another planet.
• Top Lodge Pick: andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge – Minimalist desert luxury at its best.
• Why We Love It: Glass-walled suites, stargazing from your bed, and landscapes that look like a movie set.
When to Go: Timing Your Safari for Maximum Magic
Southern Africa is a year-round safari destination, but some months are better than others depending on what you want to see.
• May – October (Dry Season): This is peak safari time—wildlife congregates around waterholes, making for spectacular sightings. The weather is cooler, with crisp mornings and sunny afternoons.
• November – April (Green Season): Lush landscapes, dramatic skies, and fewer crowds. Great for birdwatching and photographic safaris, but spotting wildlife can be trickier due to thick vegetation.
What to Pack: Safari Chic Meets Practicality
Packing for a safari is an art. You want to look effortlessly fabulous while staying comfortable, sun-safe, and ready for anything. Here’s what’s going into our Safari Gal-approved suitcase:
• Neutral-Toned Safari Outfits – Think Teave Africa or lightweight linen sets in beige, olive, and khaki.
• Veldskoen Shoes – Stylish, durable, and made for adventure.
• Breazies – Because yes, you will be wearing a bikini in the middle of winter at your luxury lodge’s heated pool.
• Crystal Birch Hats – Essential for looking glam while shielding yourself from the African sun.
• Sisley Paris Skincare – Hydration is key! The bush is gorgeous, but it’s also dry, and your skin will thank you.
• A High-Quality Camera – If ever there was a time to invest in a Sony A7IV or a DJI drone, it’s now. Your phone just won’t do those sunsets justice.
Luxury Safari Experiences You Can’t Miss
A safari isn’t just about game drives. Here are some bucket-list moments to add to your itinerary:
• Hot Air Ballooning Over Sossusvlei – The most magical way to see Namibia’s iconic dunes.
• A Private Bush Dinner Under the Stars – Nothing beats fine dining in the wild, with lanterns flickering and the distant roar of a lion.
• Mokoro Canoe Safari in the Okavango Delta – Silent, serene, and completely mesmerizing.
• Swimming in Devil’s Pool Above Victoria Falls – If you’re feeling brave, this is the ultimate thrill.
