Beyond the Big Five: Finding The Right Safari |
Going on safari is a rite of passage for many keen travelers, so how do you make sure you land the trip of a lifetime? With so many countries, landscapes, and dozens of ways to experience wildlife, it’s a jungle out there (we couldn’t resist the pun).
Lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo make up the traditional Big Five, though safari today goes far beyond those historic roots. Travelers are seeking conservation-focused camps, walking adventures, water-based experiences, and destinations beyond Africa. |
Solio Lodge, Kenya | Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia |
Classic safari destinations such as South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania are often ideal for first-time safari travelers thanks to the variety of wildlife and ease of reaching tented camps. South Africa pairs beautifully with Cape Town and the Winelands; Tanzania delivers the drama of the Serengeti and the Great Migration; and Kenya’s Maasai Mara is known for its expansive plains and seasonal wildlife movements.
Looking beyond the classics, or if this is not your first Jeep drive, Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe offer a different safari experience. These countries are often overlooked, which is part of what makes them so rewarding. Expect more immersive experiences with fewer vehicles and fewer tourists. Zambia is known for exceptional walking safaris, while Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools offers canoe excursions and close wildlife encounters along the riverbanks. |
Kisawa Sanctuary, Mozambique | Gorilla Trekking, Rwanda |
Want to pair wildlife with downtime? Bush-and-beach itineraries continue to grow in popularity. Zanzibar and Mozambique offer white-sand beaches that create a relaxing start or finish to a safari itinerary and a chance to ease into the trip or recover from any lingering jet lag.
Wildlife experiences beyond traditional game drives are also drawing more interest. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be deeply moving, while India is known for tiger safaris, and Sri Lanka pairs leopard sightings with beautiful coastal scenery. Brazil's Pantanal offers a completely different safari experience with one of the best opportunities to spot jaguars in the wild. |
Atzaró Okavango, Botswana | Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge, Namibia |
Celebrating something special? Look at Botswana and Namibia. High-end camps with fewer guests often offer greater privacy, personalized service, and exceptional guiding. Botswana’s camps offer extraordinary access to the Okavango Delta, while Namibia pairs safari with dramatic desert landscapes and some of Africa’s most visually striking lodges. |
Go wild! Let’s talk about what you’re looking for on safari. |
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Câmara de Lobos, Madeira, Portugal |
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Enjoy Europe’s ‘Joie de Vivre’ in New Destinations |
We love exploring Europe (who doesn’t?), but some of the destinations we’ve returned to for years are feeling busier than ever. Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Lake Como will always hold a special place in our hearts, though rising hotel rates and limited availability during peak travel periods are encouraging more travelers to look beyond the usual hotspots.
Lately, we’ve been helping clients discover destinations that feel fresh, exciting, and a little less crowded, without sacrificing the atmosphere, beauty, and culture that make Europe so memorable. |
São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal |
If you love Portugal, head for two of its island regions instead. The Azores is an archipelago of volcanic islands in the mid-Atlantic (bonus: the flight to reach the region is shorter). Summertime temperatures are comfortable and ideal for hiking, while rugged coastlines, lush green landscapes, and rolling hills create beautiful scenery at every turn.
Madeira, a group of four islands farther south in the Atlantic and closer to Morocco than mainland Portugal, is a clifftop hiker’s paradise known for its wine, botanical gardens, and dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic terrain. |
Love Croatia? Head north toward Istria and the Adriatic towns that feel a little more relaxed than the popular cruise ports of Dubrovnik and the busy streets of Split. Zadar is known for its sunsets, Roman ruins, and waterfront promenades, while Rovinj stands out for its colorful harbor and winding old town streets.
Cross into Slovenia and spend time in the coastal town of Piran, where Venetian architecture, seaside cafés, and narrow alleyways create a more laid-back atmosphere along the Adriatic. Inland, Ljubljana’s riverside atmosphere and beautiful architecture continue to win over travelers looking for a different side of Europe. |
Nusfjord Village & Resort, Norway |
Love mountain scenery and scenic rail journeys? Try Norway or Austria. In Norway, smaller towns along the water offer a peaceful contrast to Europe’s busier capitals, and if you’re lucky, you may even catch the northern lights. Austria delivers its own kind of alpine magic, where cities, lakeside villages, and mountain towns are connected by scenic, efficient rail routes. |
Your next favorite place in Europe might still be waiting to be discovered. |
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Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, Thailand |
How to Plan for Smarter Travel |
Life is full of choices these days. Many travelers are asking themselves: What experiences matter most this year? What feels right for our family? Where do we want to invest our time and create memories together?
When planning your next trip, know that your travel advisor already has your best interests at heart. We create thoughtful, value-driven journeys that prioritize what matters most to you. If you've had your eye on the world's most sought-after destinations, flexibility with travel dates can often lead to exceptional opportunities and experiences.
Some of the most rewarding destinations aren't always the names at the top of everyone's list. We know where to find places that deliver remarkable experiences through exceptional cuisine, distinctive accommodations, meaningful cultural connections, and memorable adventures. Sometimes the best trips come from discovering somewhere you weren't initially considering.
Insider knowledge, years of experience, and someone advocating for your travel experience every step of the way. That's the kind of value that transforms a good trip into an exceptional one. |
The right experience is always worth planning for. |
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