The 5 Most Underrated Safari Destinations, According to a Top Travel Advisor

"African safaris have seen a huge uptick of American travelers, and well-known destinations like Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve or the Serengeti in Tanzania can feel touristy. If you're hoping to avoid crowds, make sure to choose lodges or camps that are deep in the parks, far from entry points and main roads. It's also a good idea to travel during shoulder seasons and, when possible, to choose private concessions and conservancies, which host fewer people and offer more exclusivity."

"The Lower Zambezi region of Zambia offers an old-school safari experience: tented camps surrounded by untouched wilderness, with large concentrations of game like elephants, and easy access adventurous activities. Lower Zambezi is the birthplace of the walking safari, where you can get out of the vehicle and track wildlife on foot. You can also take a canoe along the beautiful Zambezi River to view wildlife. For anglers, fishing for tigerfish in the river is particularly excellent in October."

"Most safarigoers have heard of the Serengeti-but Southern Tanzania flies under the radar despite being a game-viewing paradise. This more remote region may take more effort to reach, but you'll be rewarded with plenty of intimate wildlife encounters. The vast and wild Nyerere National Park is a great place for walking safaris, and it's also home to a third of the world's wild dog population. If you're looking for elephants, lions, and buffalo, head to Ruaha"

African safaris have attracted many American travelers, making famous parks feel touristy. Lodges deep inside parks, away from entry points and main roads, reduce encounters with other visitors. Traveling during shoulder seasons and selecting private concessions or conservancies also lowers tourist density and increases exclusivity. Lesser-known regions deliver comparable wildlife experiences with fewer crowds. Lower Zambezi in Zambia offers tented camps, walking safaris, canoe trips on the Zambezi River, and excellent tigerfish fishing in October; Dulini Anabezi and Lolebezi provide riverfront luxury. Southern Tanzania, including Nyerere National Park and Ruaha, rewards visitors with intimate wildlife encounters and strong populations of wild dogs, elephants, lions, and buffalo.

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