Last Updated on May 2, 2026
Africa safaris are a popular travel wish for many American holiday makers, and Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti often dominate the bucket list. But they can feel overcrowded, especially during the Great Migration, the continent’s grandest wonder of nature. Fortunately, there are many lesser-known spots, but with a deeper sense of adventure. From off-the-beaten-path getaways in Northern Kenya to the iconic Malawi’s Nyika Plateau, here are the most underrated safari destinations you should look out for.
Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
See the Samburu Special Five and more
Samburu National Reserve’s breathtaking scenery, incredible biodiversity, and diverse wildlife make it one of Kenya’s most scenic yet overlooked safari destinations. Its rugged and dramatic landscape, along with its remote location on the country’s northern side, on the banks of the River Ewaso Ng’iro, allows for a perfect off-the-beaten-path safari experience in Africa.
It offers an impressive selection of wildlife, including the Big Cats and “the Samburu Special Five”(gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, and reticulated giraffe), which you won’t find in the southern reserves.
You’ll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich Samburu culture through various activities, including a visit to a traditional manyatta (village), witnessing and participating in local dances and ceremonies, and engaging in conversations with the elders to learn about the people’s history, traditions, and more.
- Best time to visit: June to October & December to March
Related post: Best Things to Do in Kenya: 10 Unforgettable Experiences
Katavi National Park, Tanzania
Home to more hippos and crocodiles than any other place in Tanzania
Skip Serengeti’s crowds for one of the most underrated safari destinations. Katavi National Park is the go-to place for a raw African wild safari adventure. It has one of the continent’s most incredible wildlife biodiversity, having more hippos and crocodiles than any other place in Tanzania.
It also hosts some of the largest herds of buffalo and elephants. And the dry season, between June and October, is the best time to spot the park’s fantastic creatures. Katavi is also a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts, boasting over 400 species of birds.
- Best time to visit: June through October
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
The birthplace of walking safaris
Zambia’s South Lungwa National Park is one of Africa’s best-kept safari gems, offering a range of unique experiences you won’t find in famous locations. It’s the birthplace of walking safaris, which allow for a more intimate wildlife adventure, as you stroll through the bushes, enjoying a more immersive experience of the landscape and the animals.
Thanks to being home to one of the highest numbers of free-roaming leopards, it’s “the Valley of the Leopards,” making it one of the best places to spot them. You’ll also see lions, hyenas, and elephants, some of Africa’s most dangerous animals.
Besides, the park is home to creatures that aren’t found elsewhere, including Crawshay’s zebra, Thornicroft’s giraffe, and Cookson’s wildebeest. With over 450 bird species, South Luangwa is another bird-watching hotspot you don’t want to miss.
- Best time to visit: July to October
Related post: Africa’s Deadliest Animal May Surprise You
