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For wildlife enthusiasts, a private safari offers the ultimate adventure—an exclusive experience in remote wilderness areas where you can get up close to some of the world’s most incredible animals, away from the crowds. These safaris allow you to experience pristine landscapes, enjoy personalized services, and tailor your journey to your specific interests, whether it’s spotting big cats, tracking elusive animals, or photographing rare species.
Here are seven of the best private safaris in remote locations that guarantee a once-in-a-lifetime experience for passionate wildlife lovers.
The Serengeti is synonymous with incredible wildlife and is home to one of the most famous wildlife spectacles in the world—The Great Migration. On a private safari in the Serengeti, you’ll experience the thrill of seeing massive herds of wildebeest and zebras, along with big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The remote northern regions of the Serengeti, such as Kogatende, offer fewer crowds and more intimate wildlife encounters.
You can customize your itinerary to focus on specific wildlife interests, such as following the migration route, or spending time observing predators on the hunt. Private vehicles with expert guides allow for flexible game drives.
The Great Migration up close, a breathtaking natural spectacle as millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains.
June to October, during the migration or calving season in February to March for predator action.
The Okavango Delta is one of the most extraordinary wildlife regions in Africa, known for its stunning landscapes, lush wetlands, and diverse animal life. A private safari here offers unparalleled access to the delta’s secluded waterways and islands, where you can encounter elephants, lions, hippos, and rare species like sitatunga and wild dogs. Private guides tailor your experience to include game drives, mokoro (dugout canoe) trips, and walking safaris.
The Okavango Delta offers unique water-based safaris, giving you the chance to explore remote areas unreachable by land. It’s ideal for birdwatchers and photographers, with more than 400 bird species.
May to September, during the dry season when wildlife is concentrated around the waterways.
The Namib Desert offers a safari experience unlike any other, with its stunning red dunes, ancient landscapes, and surprising abundance of wildlife adapted to the harsh desert conditions. On a private desert safari, you can explore remote areas such as Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast, and Damaraland, where you’ll encounter desert-adapted elephants, lions, and even black rhinos. Namibia is perfect for those who want to experience a truly off-the-beaten-path safari in one of the most visually striking landscapes on earth.
A private safari in the Namib Desert allows for uninterrupted exploration of the stark beauty of the desert and the chance to see rare, desert-adapted wildlife that’s found nowhere else.
April to November, during the dry season when wildlife is easier to spot.
Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets, offering incredible wildlife viewing without the tourist crowds. The park is famous for its walking safaris, allowing you to get up close to animals like elephants, giraffes, and leopards while on foot with an expert guide. A private safari here ensures you experience the wilderness in solitude, whether you’re walking through the bush or enjoying a game drive in the park’s remote areas.
South Luangwa is considered the birthplace of walking safaris, offering an exhilarating way to experience wildlife without the noise and distance of a vehicle. The park is also one of the best places to spot leopards.
July to October, when the park’s dry season concentrates animals around the river.
For a unique and less crowded safari experience, head to Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. Known for its arid landscapes and rare species, a private safari in Samburu offers sightings of the Samburu Special Five—Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk—species not found in more famous parks like the Masai Mara. Samburu’s remote location ensures a more intimate and exclusive experience.
The diversity of wildlife in Samburu, combined with its stunning landscapes and the Ewaso Nyiro River, provides a safari experience that feels both adventurous and luxurious. A private guide will focus on finding the reserve’s unique animals.
June to October, during the dry season when wildlife is concentrated near water sources.
For wildlife enthusiasts interested in more than just Africa’s savannas, Manu National Park in Peru offers a private safari experience in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Located deep in the Amazon rainforest, Manu is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including jaguars, giant otters, tapirs, and hundreds of bird species. A private tour through Manu takes you into remote areas of the jungle, where few travelers venture, ensuring a pristine and untouched environment for wildlife viewing.
Manu’s remoteness means it’s largely inaccessible to mass tourism, offering an authentic jungle experience where you can encounter rare species in their natural habitats.
June to November, during the dry season for better access to remote areas and higher wildlife activity near rivers.
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in South Africa offers one of the most exclusive and luxurious private safari experiences on the continent. Set in the vast expanse of the Kalahari Desert, Tswalu is a haven for rare and endangered species such as pangolins, meerkats, cheetahs, and black-maned lions. With a focus on conservation and sustainability, Tswalu offers private safaris in a nearly untouched wilderness, where you’ll have access to your own guide, vehicle, and the freedom to design your day’s activities.
Tswalu offers one of the most exclusive private safari experiences in Africa, with personalized service, luxury accommodations, and the opportunity to explore rare wildlife in a remote and private setting.
April to October, during the cooler months, when wildlife is more active and the landscape is at its most beautiful.
A private safari offers exclusive access to vehicles, guides, and accommodations, allowing for a more personalized and flexible experience. You have the freedom to focus on specific animals, landscapes, or activities without being constrained by a group itinerary.
The cost varies widely based on location, level of luxury, and duration. A private safari can range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more per night, depending on the exclusivity of the lodge or camp and the services offered.
Yes, one of the benefits of a private safari is the ability to tailor your experience. Whether you’re a photographer, a birder, or looking to track a specific species, your guide can customize the itinerary to meet your interests.
Many private safari lodges and camps focus heavily on sustainability and conservation, minimizing environmental impact and contributing to wildlife protection. Always check whether the camp or reserve is committed to eco-friendly practices.
Pack light, neutral-colored clothing suitable for warm days and cool nights, along with comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars, and camera gear. Most luxury camps provide essential items such as insect repellent and laundry services.
These top private safaris in remote locations offer wildlife enthusiasts a chance to experience exclusive adventures in some of the world’s most untouched wildernesses. With tailor-made itineraries, intimate encounters with rare species, and luxurious accommodations, these safaris provide an immersive experience for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.
