Bucket List 2026 African Safaris: Luxury, Wildlife, & Private Guided Tours

As we look ahead to 2026, we are thrilled to already be curating incredible journeys across Africa for our guests. At Arc Earth, we specialize in intimate, small-group safaris that offer exclusive access to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary wildlife encounters. Because the camps and lodges we choose have limited availability, we typically plan our safaris at least a year in advance to ensure our guests experience the very best.

We are particularly excited about the journeys we have lined up for 2026, each crafted to offer a unique and unforgettable adventure. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:

East Africa: A Safari of Legends

Our first grand adventure of the year takes us to the iconic landscapes of East Africa. We begin with a stay at the world-renowned Giraffe Manor, where guests will enjoy a truly unique experience—having breakfast with the resident Rothschild giraffes. From there, we venture into Laikipia Wilderness, home to Giza, the elusive black leopard, offering an unparalleled opportunity to photograph one of Africa’s rarest big cats.

Continuing our journey, we will visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where we will come face to face with history—the last two remaining northern white rhinos, a sobering but inspiring encounter that highlights the importance of conservation. Finally, we conclude this East African odyssey in the Masai Mara, staying at the luxurious Mara Plains Camp, where we will immerse ourselves in the wild beauty of the savanna, tracking big cats and experiencing the rich Maasai culture.

Namibia: A Photographer’s Dream

In April, we set our sights on the ethereal landscapes of Namibia, a land of endless horizons and striking contrasts. This journey is designed with photographers in mind, offering unparalleled opportunities to capture the magic of the desert.

We start with an unforgettable hot air balloon safari over Sossusvlei, where the towering red dunes are bathed in golden light at sunrise. From there, we head to the Hoanib Valley, searching for the legendary desert-adapted elephants that roam this arid wilderness. Next, we journey to Shipwreck Lodge, perched on the hauntingly beautiful Skeleton Coast, where we will explore the enigmatic shipwrecks that dot the shore and experience the raw power of the Atlantic meeting the desert. Our final stop in Namibia takes us north to the Kunene River, where we will meet and learn from the Himba people, one of Africa’s last semi-nomadic tribes, offering a rare cultural insight into a vanishing way of life.

Zimbabwe & Botswana: A Wild Encounter

Following our Namibian adventure, we continue deeper into the heart of Africa, where untamed wilderness and spectacular wildlife await. This expedition begins in Mana Pools, one of the most remote and rewarding wildlife destinations in Zimbabwe, known for its dramatic landscapes and close-up encounters with elephants, wild dogs, and lions. From there, we explore the vast expanse of Hwange National Park, home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations.

Crossing into Botswana, we arrive at the wildlife haven of Mashatu, where we will spend time in specially designed photographic hides, capturing intimate moments with elephants, leopards, and cheetahs in their natural habitat. With its open plains and rocky outcrops, Mashatu offers some of the best predator viewing in Southern Africa, making it a paradise for photographers and wildlife lovers alike.

Zambia: The Wildest of the Wild

Another major expedition of the year takes us into the untamed heart of Zambia, a destination that remains one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. Due to its remote nature, this safari involves charter flights between parks, ensuring seamless access to some of the most pristine wilderness areas on the continent.

We begin in the Lower Zambezi National Park, where we will explore the stunning riverine ecosystem by boat, canoe, and game drive, encountering large herds of elephants, hippos, and big cats along the way. Next, we head to the vast Busanga Plains, where the golden grasslands stretch endlessly and lions are known to perch on termite mounds, surveying their kingdom. Finally, we conclude our journey in South Luangwa National Park, a place famed for its incredible leopard sightings and pioneering walking safaris, providing one of the most immersive wildlife experiences in Africa.

Guided & Self-Guided Safaris

Each of these safaris is guided by either Matt or myself, ensuring that our guests have expert knowledge and personalized experiences throughout their journey. However, we understand that not everyone is looking for a guided safari, and we have curated numerous self-guided itineraries for 2025 and 2026 as well. For those who prefer to travel independently, we handle everything from start to finish, ensuring a seamless experience. With our dedicated concierge service, travelers can enjoy peace of mind knowing they have expert support throughout their adventure. Whether you are looking for a fully guided safari or an independent exploration, we are here to create unforgettable journeys into the wild.

Join Us in 2026

We can’t wait to share these incredible journeys with our guests in 2026. If you’re dreaming of an African safari, now is the perfect time to start planning. With limited availability at these exclusive camps and lodges, early booking ensures you don’t miss out on the adventure of a lifetime.

Stay tuned for links and videos showcasing these itineraries in greater detail, and feel free to reach out if you’d like to join one of these unforgettable safaris. We look forward to exploring the wild with you!