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Top Places to Travel in 2026-2027: Discover Africa’s best safaris and beach vacations
Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic escape, or a solo journey, these destinations are guaranteed to leave you in awe. Here’s a guide to the top places to travel in Africa and the Indian Ocean and what makes each destination special.
1. Botswana
If you’ve already ticked off classic safari destinations, Botswana offers something truly exceptional. The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lush oasis teeming with wildlife. Mokoro (dugout canoe) rides through the delta channels, coupled with luxury tented camps, create an immersive and exclusive safari experience.
Why Botswana is Special:
- Unspoiled wilderness: Remote and pristine landscapes.
- High-end lodges: Exclusive, eco-conscious luxury.
- Unparalleled wildlife: Large populations of elephants, lions, and leopards.
2. South Africa
South Africa is a fantastic destination offering a variety of experiences to suit all ages. The malaria-free game reserves in the Eastern Cape and Madikwe provide incredible safari adventures without the need for anti-malarial medication. Cape Town, with its vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery, is a must-visit, and the Garden Route offers a scenic road trip with beaches, forests, and plenty of quaint stop offs along the way.
Why South Africa is Special:
- Malaria-free safaris: Safe for younger children.
- Cape Town: A vibrant city with attractions like Table Mountain, Boulders Beach (home to a penguin colony), and the V&A Waterfront.
- Garden Route: A picturesque drive offering a blend of nature and adventure.
3. Rwanda
Rwanda is one of the few places in the world where you can trek to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The lush forests of Volcanoes National Park provide an exhilarating adventure for those seeking a truly unique wildlife encounter. Beyond gorilla trekking, Rwanda offers scenic hikes, canopy walks, and cultural tours.
Why Rwanda is Special:
- Gorilla trekking: A once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Volcanoes National Park: Dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife.
- Safe and accessible: Known for its safety and excellent tourism infrastructure.
4. Kenya
Kenya offers the quintessential safari experience, with iconic reserves such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu. Witnessing the Great Migration is a bucket-list experience, as thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River in search of greener pastures.
Why Kenya is Special:
- The Great Migration: One of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events.
- Diverse landscapes: From savannahs to lakes and highlands.
- Cultural experiences: Interact with Masai and Samburu communities.
5. Zambia
For those seeking a more remote safari experience, Zambia is an excellent choice. The country is known for its walking safaris, pioneered in South Luangwa National Park. The majestic Victoria Falls, shared with Zimbabwe, is another highlight.
Why Zambia is Special:
- Walking safaris: Get up close and personal with nature.
- Victoria Falls: One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
- Remote and uncrowded: Ideal for those seeking solitude.
6. Mauritius
Mauritius is more than just a beach destination. This tropical paradise offers a mix of adventure, culture, and luxury. With its calm lagoons, lush mountains, and world-class resorts, it’s perfect for those who love island life with a dash of exploration.
Why Mauritius is Special:
- Multi-island experience: Explore different islets and lagoons.
- Water sports: From snorkelling to kite surfing.
- Luxury spas and golf courses: Ideal for relaxation and a perfect honeymoon escape.
7. Seychelles
For couples seeking romance and seclusion, the Seychelles archipelago is unmatched. With its powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts, this island paradise is ideal for honeymoons and romantic getaways. Whether it’s lounging on Anse Lazio beach or exploring the lush interiors of Praslin Island, Seychelles offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Why Seychelles is Special:
- Private island resorts: Intimate and exclusive experiences.
- Stunning natural beauty: Perfect for sunset beach walks and snorkelling.
- Gastronomy: Fresh seafood and Creole cuisine make for memorable dining experiences.
Off-Grid Extras
For those seeking true wilderness and off-the-beaten-path destinations, consider these lesser-known but equally captivating locations:
Reunion
A volcanic island with lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs, and incredible hiking trails, Reunion offers a unique blend of French and Creole culture.
- Best for adventure seekers: Trek or train run through volcanic landscapes and explore waterfalls.
- Rich culture: A fascinating mix of French, Indian, African, and Asian influences.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Bwindi is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking through this ancient forest is an unforgettable experience.
- Best for wildlife lovers: Get up close with endangered gorillas.
- Community tourism: Experience local Batwa culture.
Mana Pools, Zimbabwe
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools offers a remote safari experience along the Zambezi River. It’s renowned for walking safaris and canoeing.
- Best for adventurous explorers: Canoe safaris and walking with expert guides.
- Untouched wilderness: Incredible views and abundant wildlife.
Kaokoland, Namibia
Known for its dramatic desert landscapes and the semi-nomadic Himba people, Kaokoland is one of Namibia’s most remote regions.
- Best for cultural explorers: Visit Himba villages and learn about their traditional way of life.
- Stunning scenery: Rugged mountains, desert plains, and the big open skies.
Best Destinations for Every Type of Traveller
- Families: South Africa stands out with its malaria-free safaris and family-friendly cities like Cape Town.
- Honeymooners: Seychelles offers romantic private islands and idyllic beaches.
- Solo Travellers: Rwanda, with its safe environment and unique wildlife encounters, is perfect for solo explorers.
- Well-Travelled Explorers: Botswana and Zambia offer off-the-beaten-track adventures and remote luxury.
- Adventure Seekers: Rwanda’s gorilla trekking and Kenya’s Great Migration provide thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
- Off-Grid Enthusiasts: Reunion, Bwindi, Mana Pools, and Kaokoland are ideal for those craving true wilderness and cultural immersion.
Your 2026-2027 African Travel Questions Answered
Our selection for 2026-2027 focuses on destinations we believe offer particularly exceptional experiences right now. This could be due to exciting new lodge openings, remarkable wildlife viewing opportunities anticipated for the year, strong conservation success stories, ideal seasonality lining up with key UK travel times, or simply representing outstanding quality and value within the luxury space. Each place offers something unique for travellers seeking the best of Africa.
That's a great question, and the answer lies in your personal preferences! Consider what elements are most important for your vacation: Are you dreaming of specific wildlife encounters (like gorillas or the Great Migration)? Vast, open landscapes or intricate waterways? A high-energy adventure or peaceful relaxation? The time of year you can travel from the UK also plays a significant role. Our expertise at The Safari Edit is in understanding your priorities and guiding you towards the destination on this list (or perhaps elsewhere!) that will be the perfect match.
Yes, combining destinations is often an excellent way to experience more of Africa's incredible diversity on one trip. Logistically sound combinations often include linking different safari areas within a region (like Kenya's Masai Mara and Laikipia) or pairing a safari adventure with a relaxing coastal stay (for instance, Tanzania and Zanzibar, or South Africa and Mauritius). We specialise in designing seamless multi-destination itineraries with convenient travel connections from the UK.
The ideal time to visit varies considerably across Africa. For many safari areas highlighted, the dry season (often around June to October) offers concentrated wildlife viewing. However, 'green seasons' can bring lush scenery, fewer crowds, and newborn animals. For beach destinations, weather patterns are key. The article likely touches on timings for each featured location, but we provide in-depth advice tailored to your specific travel dates during the planning process.
For travel in 2026-2027, particularly to sought-after destinations or during peak vacation periods (like July/August, Christmas, Easter), we strongly recommend booking 9 to 18 months ahead. Premier lodges, especially those with limited rooms, and specific experiences often get booked up very early. Planning well in advance gives you the best choice and allows us ample time to meticulously craft your bespoke journey. We can still however, help with bookings in 2026 and at shorter notice.
Luxury travel investments vary significantly based on the destination's exclusivity, the standard of accommodation, trip length, seasonality, and inclusions like private guides or flights. As a broad guideline for the calibre of trips featured, itineraries often range from £6,000 to £15,000+ per person for a typical 10-14 day journey. Sharing your indicative budget helps us propose options that deliver exceptional experiences within your desired range.
Our list likely includes a mix. Some destinations are exceptionally well-suited for families (perhaps offering dedicated activities or malaria-free areas), while others might lend themselves more to couples seeking romance and seclusion. Many classic safari destinations are wonderful for first-time visitors. We always consider who is travelling when making recommendations to ensure suitability and enjoyment for everyone.
Think of us as your personal travel planners for Africa. We start by listening to your ideas and interests sparked by articles like this. Then, we leverage our first-hand knowledge and relationships to design a detailed, tailor-made itinerary proposal. We handle all the bookings – from international flights originating in the UK & US to intimate lodges, seamless transfers, and unique activities – ensuring everything is expertly managed and financially protected (where applicable).
Visa requirements and health recommendations (including vaccinations and malaria precautions) are specific to each African country and your travel history. It is vital that UK & US travellers check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO for UK, DOS for US) advice and consult their GP or a travel health specialist well before departure (usually 6-8 weeks prior). We provide pointers on where to find official information during our planning discussions.
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