UNCHARTED® · Magazine · Autumn 2026

Global Safari
Field Notes · Travel · Africa

Top 10 Safaris of Southern Africa’s Untamed Wild

We’ve curated the best safaris in Southern Africa—taking you through the lush waters of the Okavango Delta to the warm breezes of the Indian Ocean.

October 12, 2021

By The UNCHARTED® editors · 4 min read
Sunset over rugged mountains with flowing clouds
Sunset over rugged mountains with flowing clouds

Encounter Thrill & Luxury in Southern Africa

OKAVANGO DELTA | MOSI-OA-TUNYA | HWANGE NATIONAL PARK | VICTORIA FALLS

This safari to Southern Africa’s big three wildlife destinations—Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—will have you roaming the majestic Okavango Delta, paddling the tranquil waters of the Zambezi, and exploring the legendary Hwange.

A leopard resting on a log in a sunlit savannah with trees in the background
A leopard resting on a log in a sunlit savannah with trees in the background
Outdoor kitchen and dining area with a fire pit and fenced yard, during dusk
Outdoor kitchen and dining area with a fire pit and fenced yard, during dusk

Botswana and Zambia: Game for Adventure

JOHANNESBURG | VICTORIA FALLS | ZAMBEZI RIVER | OKAVANGO DELTA

Ever dreamed of getting up close to the spray of Victoria Falls, roaming the majestic Okavango Delta, cruising past crocs on the Zambezi, and writing about it all at night within your luxury canvas tent? This trip checks all those boxes—and more.

Two people holding hands, walking on a bridge with lush greenery and a historic building in the background
Two people holding hands, walking on a bridge with lush greenery and a historic building in the background
Modern bedroom with large open sliding door to nature, cozy bed, and wooden ceiling
Modern bedroom with large open sliding door to nature, cozy bed, and wooden ceiling

This Is Namibia: Stars Above, Sand Below

KULALA RESERVE | SKELETON COAST NATIONAL PARK | HARTMANN VALLEY

The burning coast is beckoning to you, welcoming you to this enchanting and unforgettable land. Namibia is a world untouched by the outside, and she's ready to be explored and to share her wonders with you.

Luxury tent in a desert landscape at dusk
Luxury tent in a desert landscape at dusk
Three gemsbok (oryx) walking on rippled sand dunes
Three gemsbok (oryx) walking on rippled sand dunes

Wild and Romantic: A Honeymoon in South Africa and Mozambique

CAPE TOWN | SABI SANDS GAME RESERVE | VILANCULOS

You're newly hitched and setting off on a lifetime journey. Let your first adventure be to somewhere that sets the stage for excitement and wonder but leaves room for romance and relaxation. We’ve got a few choice places in mind.

Adult elephant with a calf in a green, grassy field
Adult elephant with a calf in a green, grassy field
Aerial view of a coastal resort with turquoise sea and greenery
Aerial view of a coastal resort with turquoise sea and greenery

Southern Africa: A Multi-Country Safari Odyssey

JOHANNESBURG | VICTORIA FALLS | OKAVANGO DELTA | WINDHOEK | SOSSUSVLEI | SKELETON COAST | CAPE TOWN

The most out of this world safari—from the wild Atlantic waters and spectacular beauty of Cape Town, up to the palm fringed Okavango Delta in Botswana teaming with wildlife, and the breathtaking landscapes of Namibia.

Outdoor cooking area with pots and utensils overlooking a serene grassy wetland
Outdoor cooking area with pots and utensils overlooking a serene grassy wetland
Wooden deck with lanterns and furniture overlooking a serene landscape at dusk
Wooden deck with lanterns and furniture overlooking a serene landscape at dusk

Botswana's Wild & Wonderful Waters

JOHANNESBURG | VICTORIA FALLS | OKAVANGO DELTA

You’ve heard of where the wild things are, but perhaps you’ve yet to visit that land. Wild, raging rivers. Gorgeous world-famous waterfalls. A wondrous delta home to beasts of all sizes and colors. This trip through Botswana is nothing less than a storied and spectacular adventure.

Luxurious outdoor bed with draped canopy and cushions overlooking a serene landscape at twilight
Luxurious outdoor bed with draped canopy and cushions overlooking a serene landscape at twilight
Cozy treehouse interior with sofa, large windows, and forest view
Cozy treehouse interior with sofa, large windows, and forest view

Discover Wild Southern Africa on this 10-Day Family Safari

JOHANNESBURG | VICTORIA FALLS | SELINDA RESERVE & DUBA PLAINS PRIVATE RESERVE

A truly out-of-this-world Southern African experience—featuring everything from the impressive Victoria Falls to the ultimate wildlife encounters on safari.

Duck swimming in a peaceful pond with lily pads, under a canopy of lush trees
Duck swimming in a peaceful pond with lily pads, under a canopy of lush trees
Aerial view of a river with a boat and surrounding autumn colored trees
Aerial view of a river with a boat and surrounding autumn colored trees

Experience Southern Africa With This Ultimate Family Safari

CAPE TOWN | GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK | SABI SAND PRIVATE GAME RESERVE | MOZAMBIQUE

South Africa is one of the most popular countries in all of the continent, and it’s easy to see why. This place has it all, from unbeatable safari experiences to sensational and exclusive outposts. We combine an epic week of cultural and wilderness adventures with a grand finale on the beach in Mozambique for a trip the whole family will love.

Aerial view of a luxurious white villa with a dome and pool, surrounded by lush greenery
Aerial view of a luxurious white villa with a dome and pool, surrounded by lush greenery
Elegant rustic living room with exposed wooden beams, eclectic decor, and multiple oriental rugs
Elegant rustic living room with exposed wooden beams, eclectic decor, and multiple oriental rugs

Superb South Africa: Wild & Vines Safari

CAPE TOWN | STELLENBOSCH | SABI SANDS GAME RESERVE

If you’re a wine aficionado, captivated by culture, and eager to seek out the Big 5 while on safari, this exciting ten-day trip is a testament to South Africa’s diversity, both wild and wonderful

A lioness and two cubs walking through tall grass in golden light
A lioness and two cubs walking through tall grass in golden light
Person standing next to a campfire at dusk, surrounded by wooden stools and hanging lanterns
Person standing next to a campfire at dusk, surrounded by wooden stools and hanging lanterns

Slow Down to Admire the Best of South Africa

CAPE TOWN | SABI SAND PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

There’s something to be said for the slow safari—the one that gives you enough time to sit back, give pause, and realize… “Wow, we’ve done it. We’re really halfway around the world.”

Woman setting a table outdoors near a river with lush greenery in the background
Woman setting a table outdoors near a river with lush greenery in the background
Dinner setup by a river at dusk, with tables, chairs, and many lit candles around
Dinner setup by a river at dusk, with tables, chairs, and many lit candles around

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About Top 10 Safaris of Southern Africa’s Untamed Wild — on the phone, no pitch.

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