From the most iconic safari destinations to the most remote

Africa is the world’s most iconic safari destination. Here at OROKO, we love arranging luxury safari experiences to the continent, whether it is to the iconic Okavango Delta or the heart of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Our suggested African safari holidays are suitable for all holiday types, whether you are travelling solo, on your honeymoon or with your extended family. Having explored all corners of Africa, we are experts in creating any kind of luxury safari or wildlife experience.

Today, we shine the spotlight on our favourite safari destinations, from the most iconic to the most remote.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

With almost 50% of the country dedicated to national parks, nature reserves and wildlife conservation areas, the vast plains of Botswana are home to an abundance of wildlife, making it one of the greatest safari destinations in Africa. Our luxury camps of choice when embarking on a luxury holiday to Botswana  are Little Mombo, Jao Camp and Little Vumbura, all of which are owned and operated by Wilderness Safaris, a leading provider in sensational luxury safari experiences in Eastern and Southern Africa. Each of the camps are situated in the Okavango Delta, one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world. The world’s only inland delta, the Okavango allows you to experience a mokoro boat safari and cruise through channels and lagoons. Not only is it a unique way to safari, but it also offers the benefit of having no engine noise, allowing you to quietly pass by wildlife without startling them. Journey through reed-lined channels and discover the iconic wildlife of Africa.

One of our favourite luxury camps, guests at Little Mombo are afforded one of Africa’s best wildlife viewing locations. Linked to its sister camp, Mombo, by an elevated walkway, Little Mombo offers a more intimate experience, with just four suites. Another excellent option is the multi award-winning Jao Camp, a structural masterpiece of natural and recycled materials, which lies in the heart of the Jao Reserve on the Okavango Delta. All Wilderness Safaris camps offer fantastic land-and water-based safaris, walking safaris, birdwatching and hot air balloon and helicopter rides.

Maasai Mara, Kenya

Snow-capped mountains and immense savannahs teeming with vast herds of wildlife. Indigenous tribespeople bedecked in vibrant colours and steeped in rich cultures and traditions. When picturing Africa, you may be thinking of Kenya and the Maasai Mara people. World renowned for its ‘Great Migration’, which sees 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra migrate across the Mara River in search of greener pastures every year, without a doubt, the Maasai Mara is a must-see for every safari enthusiast.

Named after the ancestral tribes of the region, this vast stretch of hilly grassland, dotted with acacia trees, comprises not only the famous, unfenced nature reserve but also a dozen community conservancies, multiple group ranches and several Maasai villages. Known for having the highest concentration of wild animals in the world; lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, cheetah, rhino, and hippo sightings are abundant on game drives and walking safaris. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, embark on a sunrise hot air balloon ride followed by breakfast out in the bush as the savannah comes to life around you. During your luxury holidays to Kenya, meet the semi-nomadic Maasai people and acquaint yourself with their unique customs and rich culture during a visit to one of the local villages. Established as fierce warriors, their energetic cultural dancing, brightly-coloured clothing, and beautifully crafted handiwork are recognisable worldwide.

During your luxury Kenyan safari holiday, stay at Angama Mara. Sitting high above the Great Rift Valley, each of the thirty tented suites has floor-to-ceiling windows, offering breathtaking panoramas of the camp’s dramatic surroundings. With personal butlers and private decks, revel in next-level luxury.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

South Africa is considered one of the continent’s finest safari destinations because of its incredible diversity of wildlife and accessibility to national parks and reserves. We love luxury holidays to South Africa that combine Cape Town, the Winelands, and Kruger National Park. One of Africa’s largest reserves – almost 20,000 sq. km, it is also one of the world’s greatest national parks in terms of wildlife. The variety, density, and sheer number of animals here are almost unparalleled. Along with the Big Five, cheetah, giraffe, hippo, and zebra, as well as more than 500 bird species can be found gathering at the waterholes dotted across its vast savannahs and plains. Our two favourite South African partner properties are Earth Lodge and Thornybush Game Lodge, both of which are located within Kruger National Park.

Located in the Sabi Sabi Private Reserve, the award-winning Earth Lodge is a sculptural marvel, carved into the sloping earth which makes it almost invisible in the landscape. Blending in with its spectacular surroundings, the lodge has been described as the most environmentally sensitive in Africa. Each of the thirteen deluxe suites features a private plunge pool as well as individually designed furniture. Thornybush Game Lodge lies within the private Thornybush Game Reserve. Classically designed, the main area of the lodge affords guests a wonderful view of the waterhole and riverbed which are frequented by elephant, buffalo, and other large game. Eighteen of the twenty luxury suites enjoy stunning views of the Monwana River, and all twenty suites are equipped with a private deck.

The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Considered to be one of the last great places left on earth, Tanzania is the land of safaris. Dominated by Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders, the sound of pounding hooves rings out across its endless plains as the numerous wildebeest embark on their annual migration, which is one of the park’s biggest draws. Hippo and rhino jostle for space at the muddy waterholes whilst cheetah, hyena, leopard, and jackal stalk their unsuspecting prey, feasting on zebra, giraffe, gazelle, and impala. Birdwatchers will be in their element here with over 500 species on display. On guided walking safaris and game drives go in search of the Big Five, following the tracks and the scents of the bush.

Luxury holidays to Tanzania would be incomplete without a visit to Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s largest unbroken calderas that isn’t a lake. Once a colossal active volcano, the Crater provides a rich landscape of grasslands, swamps, and acacia woodland for the variety of animals that roam there. Accompanied by a local Maasai conservation guide, embark on a walk around the crater’s rim, marvelling at the breathtaking views below. Throughout your trip, stay in a range of luxurious accommodations including Serengeti Wilderness Camp and Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.

Serengeti Wilderness Camp is a small, intimate property that offers unparalleled game viewing in the heart of the Serengeti. Comprising just twelve tents with private verandas, a large communal dining area and a cosy lounge, the camp’s focus is on guests’ comfort and enjoyment, and you can expect a high level of personalised service throughout your stay. Sitting atop the highest point of the Ngorongoro Crater’s rim, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge offers breathtaking views of the vast caldera and the herds of buffalo, cheetah, and endangered black rhino that live there.

Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

For the ultimate African adventure, look no further than Virunga National Park. With a landscape carpeted by dense, verdant rainforests, interspersed with still-active volcanoes and home to the majestic mountain gorilla, it is well worth exploring on luxury Congo holidays. Largely untouched by the tourist industry due to years of political unrest, it is a more remote safari destination compared to its neighbours. Commence your luxury Congo safari holiday in Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the oldest national park in Africa and the world’s second-largest rainforest. In the company of your expert local guide, head out in search of the mighty mountain gorilla that call the park home. As well as gorilla, the park also hosts a range of other wildlife including lions, elephants, hippos, birds, and reptiles. Mikeno Lodge and Bukima Tented Camp are our luxury properties of choice when holidaying in the Congo.

Enveloped by the towering trees of the Mahura Forest, Mikeno Lodge is located within Virunga National Park. With a terrace that spans the entire property, the lodge possesses stunning views of the Albertine Rift, which teems with wildlife including monkeys, baboons, bushbuck, and endemic bird species. Due to its prime position on the border of Virunga National Park, Bukima Tented Camp is the ideal starting point for those embarking on gorilla treks. The property consists of six tents, a large dining area, a comfortable lounge, and a campfire where guests can gather to share stories. Given its location, guests are afforded wonderful views of the park and the Nyiragongo Volcano as well as ample opportunities to witness the untamed wildlife that surrounds the camp.

Your luxury Congo holiday would be incomplete without visiting the Nyiragongo Volcano, which is home to the largest lava lake in the world. After summiting its forested slopes, you will be duly rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. During your hike, keep an eye out for chimpanzees and monkeys.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Fondly referred to as the Land of a Thousand Hills due to its rolling, mountainous landscape, the landlocked country of Rwanda is the perfect destination for those who truly want to go off the grid on their luxury safari holiday. We’ve familiarised ourselves with the wonders of gorilla and chimpanzee through the outstanding productions of David Attenborough and the works of Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey, but to truly live it, we must embark on holidays in Rwanda.

The most majestic of these mountains are the Virunga volcanoes in the northwest, most of which are located in the aptly named Volcanoes National Park. Dotted amongst these volcanoes are dense bamboo forests, where some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas can be found. Along with your expert guides, battle through the thick, jungle vegetation of the park until you come face-to-face with a magnificent silverback or baby gorilla. Throughout your trek, keep an eye out for the rare golden monkeys that swing through the trees.

Located on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, the luxurious Bisate Lodge is set in the heart of an amphitheatre formed by eroded volcano cones and surrounded by a biodiverse forest. Each of the six thatched conical-shaped villas features spacious verandas affording magnificent views of Mount Bisoke.

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Exploring Zambia’s remote, hypnotic wilderness is a must for safari enthusiasts and budding photographers alike. On Zambia luxury holidays, venture deep into the bush, where both predator and prey amble through unfenced camps. Unaffected by modern life, South Luangwa National Park is the epitome of true wilderness. Situated in the valley of the Luangwa River, its vast plains and marshes are inhabited by a range of wildlife including waterbuck, giraffe, impala, leopard, elephant, and hippo, all of which can be seen on guided game drives and walking safaris. Birding enthusiasts will be in their element here as the park is also home to over 400 bird species.

A serene oasis set in the heart of South Luangwa National Park, Time + Tide Luwi derives its name from the seasonal river that flows between January and April. A leader in sustainable lodging, the solar powered property comprises just five tents which are rebuilt every year. Overlooking a floodplain which attracts elephants and hippos, guests are fully immersed in the bush experience.

Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Considered the adventure capital of Africa, holidays in Zimbabwe should be top of the list for anyone that considers themselves a serious outdoor and nature enthusiast. Be captivated by the stunning natural beauty of its landscapes which comprise a patchwork of highveld, boulders, msasa trees, verdant mountains, and powerful, fast flowing rivers.

For those keen to witness the Big Five, Mana Pools National Park is a must-visit. One of the top wilderness areas in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, four of the Big Five reside here along with crocodile, hippo, and wild dog. The park offers the ultimate immersive wildlife experience as guests can stay in unfenced camps and partake in walking and canoeing safaris, allowing you to get up close to the animals.

Located within a private concession in Mana Pools National Park, Kanga Camp is an utterly untouched wilderness paradise and home of the “armchair safari” safari experience. Bordering the remote Kanga Pan, which is the only water source for miles around, means that the camp is an absolute haven for wildlife spotting. Due to its proximity to the pan, it is not unusual to witness elephants ambling by as you enjoy refreshments on the upper deck.