Embark on an exhilarating journey through Ubuntu Travel’s curated safari bucket list, designed to spark your adventure-seeking spirit. As passionate travelers and avid safari enthusiasts ourselves, the Ubuntu Travel team has pooled our most coveted and captivating safari experiences. From witnessing the mesmerizing predator-prey interactions to encountering rare sightings of white lions in the Kruger region, our curated collection unveils Africa’s unparalleled wonders. Each entry promises to transport you into the heart of wildlife encounters, inviting you to explore the untamed beauty and endless possibilities of an African safari. Let our bucket list inspire your next thrilling journey into the captivating wilderness of Africa. Interestingly, there is a certain (unintended) theme on our list – can you spot it?
Kyle’s Safari Bucket-List Experiences
1) Witness the intense predator-prey relationship at Wilderness Mokete
Mababe Depression | Botswana
Located in the Mababe area between the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, Wilderness Mokete is Wilderness Destination’s newest offering in Botswana. Game viewing in Mababe is supposed to be unmatched by many other locations in Africa, particularly when it comes to predator sightings. In this part of Botswana, it’s not uncommon to see lions hunting on the plains during broad daylight, attracted by the mega herds of buffalo. The region is also known to have high concentrations of other predators, such as spotted hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs. As a huge lover of Botswana, I am eager to experience Mokete for myself!
2) Visit the Sand Dunes of Sossusvlei
Namib Desert | Namibia
In all of my years spent living in and traveling to Africa, I’ve yet to visit the epic sand dunes of Sossusvlei. Located within the Namib, the world’s oldest desert, Sossusvlei contains some of the highest sand dunes in the world. My ideal day would start with a hike of “Big Daddy”, the highest dune in Sossusvlei, followed by a helicopter tour over the Namib Desert. Given that Sossusvlei is located within an international dark sky reserve, the day would then conclude with an incredible stargazing experience.
Jenna’s Safari Bucket-List Experiences
1) Horseback Safari in Lewa
Lewa Conservancy | Kenya
A multi-day horseback safari; what better way to connect with nature than to live in it! I love horses and the idea of packing up and riding out each day to a new destination sounds like such an adventure. Getting to experience the bush in such an up close and personal way would be amazing. The experience would be such a wonderful ‘reset’ in contrast to our daily lives living in big cities, dealing with all of the chaos. Lewa Wilderness (in the Laikipia region of Kenya) offers three up to 10 day horseback safaris.
2) Trekking for Lemurs
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park | Madagascar
Walking safaris in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Madagascar. It’s a destination I’ve never been to and boasts flora and fauna I’ve never seen before. The lemurs (of which there are many varieties) are of course the main attraction, but also all the smaller species that you don’t get to see many other places such as seldom-seen species of mammals, reptiles and birds. And of course simply enjoying the forest in all its grandeur would be a site to see! Night walks here are also part of this venture, as there is much nocturnal activity to observe.
Leah’s Safari Safari Bucket-List Experiences
1) Swim with Whale Sharks near Mafia Island
Mafia Island | Tanzania
Growing up by the beach in California and competitively swimming all my life, I’m always game to sign up for underwater adventures. I’ve been fortunate enough to swim with these massive creatures in La Paz, Mexico, and while it was truly a memorable experience, the water visibility was low and left me eager for another opportunity. Mafia Island is truly stunning, as are the crystal blue waters surrounding it. I know from personal experience how fantastic the ocean excursions are around Zanzibar, and exploring that region further would be such a thrill for me. Kyle and my daughters, Charlie and Stella, both are little ‘fish’ in the water, as well, so this is something I’d love to experience with our family a few years down the line. I mean, just look at this lodge! You get me!
2) Witness the white lions in the Kruger
Ngala Private Game Reserve | South Africa
I’ve had exceptional lion sightings all over the African continent but seeing the white lions in Ngala Private Game Reserve, would be a dream to see. The Birmingham Pride, located in Kruger National Park, has made news all over the world with the arrival of each new white lion cub. It has been such a treat to follow along as this gorgeous pride continues to grow, and being able to see them up close would be so special.
Josie’s Safari Bucket-List Experiences
1) Fly Camping in Remote Tanzania
Nyerere National Park | Tanzania
It’s a dream of mine to head out into this remote and wild part of Tanzania and do a couple of nights fly camping combined with walking safaris. Sleeping in the wilderness with almost nothing between you and the world around you is one of the best ways to really immerse yourself in your surroundings. And walking safaris allow you to explore remote areas that you just wouldn’t see any other way! Having been lucky enough to spend a lot of time in the bush in my life, this would be a new experience for me and absolutely unique. Being based from one of the luxury lodges, like Nomad Sand Rivers in the Nyerere National Park, also doesn’t hurt so you can spend a couple of nights recovering from all the adventure with some much-needed pampering and cocktails!
2) Helicopter over Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls | Zimbabwe
As someone who is scared (terrified) of heights and normally likes to keep both feet on the ground – this is a big one for me! As scary as it would be I think it’s the best way to appreciate the sheer size and power of the Falls. From the air, you get a panoramic view, impossible to get from below and you really see the falls in its entirety, with its intricate network of gorges and surrounding landscape. I think it’s a sight that you can’t really comprehend or understand until you’ve seen it for yourself. I would ideally like to go right at the end of summer/early fall to see the Falls in full force. Suggested read – Untamed Zimbabwe: why its should be your Next Safari
Sean’s Safari Bucket-List Experiences
1) Five-Day Walking Safari with Time & Tide
South Luangwa | Zambia
In my ‘Guide to Walking Safaris,’ I revealed my longing for the intimate experience of tracking animals on foot, missed from guiding in Kruger and Sabi Sands. Spending five days (or more) walking between Time & Tides luxury lodges in South Luangwa, Zambia, offers an authentic, immersive safari. Picture mornings walking through a wilderness known for leopard and wild dog viewing, followed by relaxation at luxury lodges. Of course you can indulge in an afternoon game drive too! I would also definitely request a sleepout – those look magical!
2) Viewing Lowland Gorillas in Odzala
Odzala-Kokoua National Park | Republic of Congo
Having gorilla trekked in Uganda, Rwanda and (even) in the DRC, I would love the opportunity to experience the more arboreal western lowland gorillas in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo. Renowned for its breathtaking ‘bais’—open clearings drawing diverse wildlife like forest elephants, bongo antelopes, and captivating gorillas—I’m eager for the chance to also photograph the wonders of this incredible rainforest ecosystem. This region naturally boasts a splendid array of luxury lodges that perfectly complement this remote and distinctive forest safari experience!
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