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

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

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

Blog post with #NANANtravel
Blog Posts
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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

German and Niece in Cape Town

What Our Clients Say

Safari and Beach Escapes: How to Combine Africa’s Best Luxury Adventures and Coastal Retreats

Safari and Beach Escapes: How to Combine Africa’s Best Luxury Adventures and Coastal Retreats

Safari and Beach Escapes: How to Combine Africa’s Best Luxury Adventures and Coastal Retreats

Blog post with #NANANtravel
Blog Posts

Africa offers an unparalleled combination of luxury, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty. For discerning travellers, nothing beats the thrill of an exclusive safari followed by a private beach retreat. This seamless blend of wildlife and relaxation allows you to experience the continent’s most iconic landscapes—spanning from the untamed wilderness of Africa’s finest game reserves to the serene white sands of its coastal paradises.

At Nanan Travel, we specialise in curating tailored journeys that combine the best of both worlds: exhilarating game drives and tranquil beach escapes. Below, we present five luxury safari and beach combos that will transform your African adventure into an unforgettable experience.

1. Okavango Delta (Botswana) + Bazaruto Archipelago (Mozambique)

Safari: Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations, where luxury lodges are set against the backdrop of lush wetlands teeming with elephants, lions, and hippos. For a truly exclusive experience, stay at MomboCamp, Duke’s Camp, or Xigera Safari Lodge. These camps offer unparalleled luxury in the heart of the Delta, with private game drives and mokoro (traditional canoe) safaris. You’ll have the chance to spot elusive predators and rare bird species in an intimate setting.

  • Best Time to Visit: The dry season, from June to October, offers the best game-viewing opportunities as animals congregate around the water sources.
  • Exclusive Experience: Enjoy a heli-safari over the Delta for a bird’s-eye view of this unique ecosystem.

Beach: Bazaruto Archipelago

After the adventure of your safari, fly to the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique for a serene escape. Stay at andBeyond Benguerra Island, a private island retreat offering beachfront villas, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters perfect for diving and snorkelling. Alternatively, consider Sussurro, an eco-luxury retreat on the mainland of Mozambique, known for its elegant design and tranquil coastal setting.

 

  • Best Time to Visit: From April to November, when the weather is ideal for beach activities and underwater exploration.
  • Exclusive Experience: Book a private dhow cruise at sunset with champagne, or enjoy a secluded beach dinnerunder the stars.

2. Serengeti (Tanzania) + Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Safari: Serengeti

The Serengeti is synonymous with the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains in search of fresh pastures, pursued by Africa’s most iconic predators. Stay at Mombo Camp, located within the private Grumeti Reserve. This ultra-luxury lodge offers a front-row seat to the migration, with fewer crowds and the perfect blend of comfort and adventure.

  • Best Time to Visit: The migration moves through different parts of the Serengeti, with the river crossings being most dramatic between June and July. Game viewing is excellent from June to October, as the migration makes its way across the plains, offering multiple chances to witness this spectacle.
  • Exclusive Experience: Take a private hot air balloon safari at dawn, floating over the plains as the sun rises and wildlife awakens.

Beach: Zanzibar

After your safari, unwind on the stunning beaches of Zanzibar. Stay at Zuri Zanzibar, an eco-luxury resort that perfectly balances indulgence with sustainability. Enjoy private beachfront villas, gourmet dining, and wellness experiences, including beachfront yoga or a traditional Swahili spa treatment.

 

  • Best Time to Visit: From June to October, the dry season brings ideal beach weather, with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall.
  • Exclusive Experience: Arrange a private snorkelling or diving trip to explore the vibrant coral reefs of Mnemba Atoll.

3. Kruger National Park (South Africa) + Benguerra Island (Mozambique)

Safari: Kruger National Park

For a truly elite safari, explore the private concessions of Kruger National Park. Stay at Tanda Tula Safari Camp or Saseka Tented Camp, where you’ll experience intimate tented luxury combined with thrilling Big Five game drives. These lodges offer exclusive access to some of the most remote areas of Kruger, with the flexibility to embark on private walking safaris or night drives.

  • Best Time to Visit: The dry season, from May to September, offers excellent game-viewing conditions and more comfortable temperatures.
  • Exclusive Experience: Book a private bush dinner under the African stars, complete with gourmet cuisine and fine South African wines.

Beach: Benguerra Island

After the excitement of Kruger, retreat to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Stay at andBeyond Benguerra Island, where you’ll find secluded beachfront villas and exceptional marine experiences. Explore the vibrant coral reefs, go deep-sea fishing, or simply relax on the powder-soft sands while your personal butler attends to every need.

 

  • Best Time to Visit: April to November is perfect for beach activities and calm waters.
  • Exclusive Experience: Charter a private yacht for a day of island-hopping, or enjoy a picnic on a deserted sandbank.

4. Masai Mara (Kenya) + Seychelles

Safari: Masai Mara

The Masai Mara is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, famous for its vast savannahs and abundant wildlife, including the legendary Big Five. Stay at Mara Plains Camp, which offers exceptional luxury, personalised service, and unrivalled access to the Great Migration. This lodge is perfectly located for spectacular game viewing, including river crossings during migration season.

  • Best Time to Visit: July to October, when the wildebeest migration reaches the Mara and river crossings are at their peak.
  • Exclusive Experience: Arrange a private bush breakfast after a morning game drive or opt for a private photographic safari led by an expert guide.

Beach: Seychelles

For the ultimate beach retreat, fly to the Seychelles, home to some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches. Stay at North Island, a private island resort that epitomises barefoot luxury. The island offers pristine white beaches, luxurious villas, and endless ocean views. Enjoy the exclusivity of the island, where you can engage in water sports, dive among vibrant coral reefs, or simply relax in your private pool villa.

 

  • Best Time to Visit: From May to September, Seychelles offers perfect beach weather with pleasant temperatures and calm seas.
  • Exclusive Experience: Book a private sunset sail or arrange a spa treatment on the beach.

5. Kruger National Park (South Africa) + Benguerra Island (Mozambique)

Safari: Selous Game Reserve

For a more off-the-beaten-path safari, the Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania is an undiscovered gem. Stay at Siwandu Camp, a luxury tented camp offering river safaris, walking safaris, and game drives. The diversity of wildlife and the reserve’s vast, untouched landscapes create a truly immersive safari experience.

  • Best Time to Visit: From June to October, the weather is dry, and wildlife congregates around the rivers.
  • Exclusive Experience: Take a private river safari at sunset, with sundowners on the Rufiji River, spotting hippos and crocodiles as the day fades.

Beach: Pemba Island

After your wilderness adventure, head to Pemba Island, one of the lesser-known gems of the Zanzibar Archipelago. Stay at Fundu Lagoon or The Manta Resort, where you can experience Africa’s most unique accommodations, including an underwater room at Manta Resort. Whether you’re snorkelling with tropical fish or enjoying complete seclusion on the beach, Pemba offers the perfect end to your adventure.

 

  • Best Time to Visit: From June to October, Pemba offers warm, dry days and calm seas for diving and snorkelling.
  • Exclusive Experience: For the ultimate indulgence, enjoy a private dinner on the beach, with the waves gently lapping at your feet.

Combining Africa’s top luxury safari destinations with its finest coastal retreats offers an unbeatable travel experience, blending excitement with relaxation. Whether you’re navigating the waterways of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, witnessing the Great Migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti, or indulging in the pristine beaches of Mozambique or Zanzibar, these safari and beach combos promise exclusivity, adventure, and the ultimate in luxurious comfort.

Let Nanan Travel create your perfect safari and beach escape—a seamless journey that takes you from the heart of Africa’s wilderness to the idyllic shores of the Indian Ocean.

Ready to start planning your African adventure? 

Get in touch now for tailored travel guidance and make your African adventure truly unparalleled. Together, we’ll plan every moment of your journey, ensuring that your coastal experience is the epitome of luxury and exclusivity.

German and Niece in Cape Town

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