Beyond the Map: Nine Secluded Escapes for a 2026 Journey into Untamed Luxury

Blog post with #NANANtravel

When it comes to luxury travel in Africa, the most unforgettable experiences often happen far from the well-trodden paths. It’s not just about where you go—it’s about how you experience it. At Nanan Travel, we believe that true luxury lies in access: the privilege of privacy, the authenticity of deep cultural connection, and the quiet elegance of spaces designed with both comfort and a sense of place.

For 2026, we’ve curated nine remarkable escapes across Africa—each offering a secluded setting, exceptional accommodation, and immersive experiences shaped to your preferences. These are not merely destinations; they are personal sanctuaries, each revealing Africa’s wild beauty in its most unspoiled form.

1. Phinda Forest Lodge – South Africa’s Hidden Safari Gem

Nestled in the heart of the Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda Forest Lodge offers an entirely different kind of safari experience. Set within a rare dry sand forest, the lodge’s glass-walled suites are designed to immerse you in nature without sacrificing privacy or comfort.

Here, you can wake to the sound of delicate bird calls filtering through the trees, sip morning coffee while nyala antelope graze just beyond your deck, and spend afternoons tracking cheetahs or black rhinos with expert guides.

The reserve itself is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, ranging from savannah to wetlands, meaning you can expect to see everything from the Big Five to the elusive pangolin. Between game drives, enjoy tailored activities such as private bush walks or community visits, all arranged with Nanan Travel’s meticulous attention to safety and detail.

Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris _ Ultimate Guide - Lioness and cubs<br />

Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris _ Ultimate Guide- clients on safari

Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris Ultimate Guide- Elephants at pool at lodge in Africa

2. Morocco – Desert Luxury in the Agafay & Beyond

While not a traditional safari destination, Morocco offers a different type of wild beauty—one rooted in the silence of the desert and the cultural richness of its ancient cities. For travellers seeking seclusion with a touch of the exotic, luxury tented camps in the Agafay Desert provide an unforgettable experience.

Just a short drive from Marrakech, you’ll find yourself surrounded by rolling dunes and distant snow-capped peaks. Your days might begin with a sunrise camel ride or a private yoga session overlooking the desert, followed by spa treatments using local argan oils, and evenings under a blanket of stars.

Extend your stay to explore the Atlas Mountains with a private guide, or discover the winding streets of Fez and Chefchaouen. With Nanan Travel, every moment is choreographed to combine Morocco’s vibrant culture with peaceful desert retreat—ensuring you experience both adventure and stillness in equal measure.

3. Okavango Delta – Botswana’s Water Wilderness

Few places on earth match the Okavango Delta for sheer natural spectacle. This UNESCO World Heritage Site floods seasonally, creating a shimmering network of channels, lagoons, and islands teeming with wildlife.

Our preferred lodges here—such as Xigera lodge or Mombo Lodge—offer elevated luxury while ensuring you remain closely connected to the landscape. Expect private plunge pools, open-air decks, and floor-to-ceiling views of hippos wallowing and elephants crossing channels at sunset.

Activities go beyond traditional game drives: glide silently in a mokoro canoe, enjoy a helicopter flight over the mosaic of waterways, or take part in conservation tracking with expert guides. Nanan Travel ensures every transfer, whether by small aircraft or 4×4, is seamless—allowing you to focus entirely on the magic of Botswana’s wilderness.

Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris _ Ultimate Guide-Leopard in tree

Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris _ Ultimate Guide-safari break German drinking coffee

Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris _ Ultimate Guide-lion sighting on a safari

4. Sossusvlei & Dead Vlei – Namibia’s Iconic Dunes

The towering red dunes of Sossusvlei are among Africa’s most photographed landscapes, but experiencing them in person is transformative. We recommend &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge or Wolwedans Dunes Lodge, where architecture blends with the desert and every suite offers uninterrupted views of the Namib’s vast horizons.

Your days here are tailored to your pace: early morning climbs to the top of Big Daddy dune, guided e-biking across the sands, stargazing in one of the clearest night skies on earth, or scenic flights over the Skeleton Coast. The stillness of this place is profound—ideal for travellers seeking clarity, solitude, and luxury that feels intrinsic to the landscape.

5. Skeleton Coast – Shipwreck Lodge

Remote, raw, and deeply atmospheric, Namibia’s Skeleton Coast feels like the edge of the world. Shipwreck Lodge, designed to resemble the shipwrecks that line this desolate shore, offers an entirely unique luxury stay.

Here, your mornings might begin with breakfast overlooking the Atlantic, followed by guided excursions to seal colonies, windswept dunes, and hidden oases. The lodge operates in harmony with its environment—solar-powered, sustainably built, and deeply respectful of its fragile surroundings.

For solo travellers and couples alike, this is a place where you can disconnect entirely while feeling completely cared for, with Nanan Travel ensuring every element of your journey—from charter flights to private guided explorations—is flawlessly arranged.

6. Serengeti & Ngorongoro – Tanzania’s Endless Plains

Tanzania’s Serengeti needs little introduction, but our focus is on exclusive, intimate camps such as Singita Sabora or Mwiba Lodge, where just a handful of guests share thousands of hectares of pristine wilderness.

Imagine watching the Great Migration from the privacy of your deck, enjoying candlelit dinners under the stars, and having guides adapt each day’s activities entirely to your preferences—whether it’s a long day of photography or a gentle afternoon in camp.

Combine this with the Ngorongoro Crater for an entirely different landscape—a UNESCO-protected caldera teeming with wildlife. Nanan Travel’s team ensures seamless transitions between these iconic locations, with every detail—from luggage transfers to private vehicles—handled discreetly.

7. Lower Zambezi – Zambia’s Riverine Paradise

For travellers seeking an intimate safari that feels untouched, the Lower Zambezi National Park is a jewel. This area is less visited than its neighbours, meaning you can enjoy exceptional wildlife sightings without the crowds.

Stay at Chiawa Camp or Royal Zambezi, where the Zambezi River flows just steps from your tent. Days are spent on water safaris, canoeing alongside elephants, or enjoying sunset cruises where hippos snort in the fading light.

With Nanan Travel’s network of trusted partners, you’ll have expert guides who ensure your safety while delivering insightful, personalised experiences—whether you’re on foot, in a vehicle, or drifting silently in a canoe.

8. Mahé & Praslin – Seychelles Serenity

While known for its beaches, Seychelles offers secluded luxury that pairs beautifully with a safari. Resorts such as Six Senses Zil Pasyon or Constance Lemuria provide private villas with panoramic ocean views, world-class spas, and direct access to pristine, often empty beaches.

Your stay can be as active or as relaxed as you wish: snorkelling among coral reefs, hiking forested trails, or indulging in spa rituals that draw on local traditions. For those combining with mainland Africa, Nanan Travel coordinates all flight connections, ensuring a smooth transition from the bush to the beach.

9. Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe’s Natural Wonder

Few experiences rival standing at the edge of Victoria Falls, where the Zambezi River plunges into the gorge below in a spectacular curtain of water. Yet our approach is to make this visit not just about the view, but about the stay.

Choose from lodges such as Tongabezi, Royal Chundu, set along a private stretch of the river, or Victoria Falls River Lodge, where safari game drives and river cruises complement your waterfall experience.

Activities might include a private tour of the falls, a helicopter flight over the gorge, or an evening river cruise with champagne in hand. As always, Nanan Travel ensures you enjoy exclusive access, flawless logistics, and the personal touches that turn an iconic sight into a deeply personal memory.

The Nanan Travel Difference

Every destination on this list is hand-picked not just for its beauty, but for the quality of its accommodation, the authenticity of its experiences, and the trustworthiness of its local partners. Drawing on Germán’s first-hand experience across Africa, each journey is shaped to your style—whether you seek solitude, cultural immersion, or the quiet indulgence of having every detail handled.

With Nanan Travel, you can expect:

Curated luxury that blends seamlessly with the environment.
Trusted partnerships ensuring safety, comfort, and exceptional service.
Personalised itineraries built entirely around your preferences.
Continuous support from the moment you arrive until you return home.

Ready to Breathe Africa?

Africa awaits, with its vast horizons and timeless beauty. Let us design a journey for you—seamless, sophisticated, and entirely your own.

Reach out and let’s begin your African story—crafted with care, delivered with distinction.

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