Secluded South Africa

—By Samantha Miller
Isolated camps on private sanctuaries allow travelers to interact with and photograph the species-rich habitats of Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Take flight on three separate helicopter safaris and a hot air balloon safari to capture aerial shots of Southern Africa’s most pristine wilderness enclaves.

—By Candice Gaukel Andrews
Zambia’s lions are telling their own travel stories of a sort: tales about their times caught in wire snares, noose-like traps used to poach bushmeat and control carnivores. And those stories could help researchers improve conservation efforts in the country.

—By Jesse Marcus, WWF
I traveled to Southern Africa on a Natural Habitat Adventures trip in October 2019, just a few months before COVID-19. I saw a pride of lions dozing in the shade of an acacia tree. An adult rhino squaring off with his child in a playful, even tender, shoving match. A herd of wild buffalo at magic hour, trailing a sepia-toned dust cloud behind them. I also met people whose lives and livelihoods directly benefited from local conservation efforts. The time I spent in Southern Africa seems like a dream now. But even though the memories may fade, they remain the gift that keeps on giving. That is what it means to be enriched by an experience. It stays with you. It changes you. It makes you a part of it. Forever.

—By Samantha Miller
Celebrate these majestic mammals during Botswana's green season, where mothers and babies abound in Chobe National Park, home of the largest surviving elephant population in the world.

—By Samantha Miller
Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a 160,000-acre reserve that has become a world-renowned wildlife hotspot. The Big Five are nearly a guaranteed sight and the region is one of the best places to see leopards, one of Africa’s more elusive species.

—By Nat Hab Traveler Connie Owen
To be able to enjoy gorgeous landscapes and wildlife was an experience of a lifetime. I get tearful when remembering this wonderful adventure that I got to take this late in my life.

—By Sharyl Nance-Nash
An increasing number of globe trotters don’t want a cookie-cutter itinerary, and particularly since COVID, the deal is made sweeter still if they can travel with only their family and friends. Private family trips and adventures with small groups of friends are more popular than ever.

—By Lavanya Sunkara
For the longest time, women in many wildlife-rich African nations did not work in safari tourism, due to the perception that it’s a “man’s job.” Today, women aren’t just breaking barriers, they’re paving the way for others to follow. They’re working as guides, security officers, head chefs and managers, and saying, “anything a man can do, we can do, too.”

—By Valerie Gleaton
“I felt a connection to Botswana that I really can’t explain—there’s just something about it,” Jan says. “There’s a certain kind of happiness when you’re in a place that touches you so deeply that you cry. It’s powerful.” “Every day was new and every day was great,” Dennis adds. “It was our dream trip.”

—By Megan Brief
On September 22, conservation scientists and animal advocates join forces in recognition of our planet’s five species of rhino. Learn how Richard saves species as a Sony Ambassador and Expedition Leader for Nat Hab & WWF.

—By Joel Centano
Southern Africa’s Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area is a study in convergence, confluence and coexistence. Look at how the unprecedented endeavor benefits African wildlife, local communities and travelers alike—and how visitors can contribute to KAZA’s mission while on Natural Habitat Adventures’ Secluded Botswana Safari.