When you think of Africa, you might imagine golden savannahs with a fierce lion, a graceful elephant at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, lazy leopards snoozing in a tree, an armoured rhino stomping through the dust, or a stealthy buffalo locking eyes with you. Whatever your imagination, it will involve untamed wilderness with raw beauty and wild animals. This year, it’s time to stop imagining things and experience them yourself. We’re spilling the tea on five classic experiences in Africa you have to tick off your bucket list.
Meet the majestic elephant on your classic African luxury safari
1. Classic Big 5 Safari in Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, African buffalo, and rhino). If you choose to stay at one of the many surrounding private game reserves sharing an unfenced border with Kruger National Park, you'll have the ultimate luxury safari.
Morning and afternoon game drives on these private game reserves mean that it’s just you and the wild heart of Africa. No crowds and no traffic. The luxury continues at the safari lodges with personalised service, the finest wine and gins, chef’s kiss cuisine, and ridiculously indulgent high teas.
You can't help but feel a little bit jealous of the leopard's beauty, Image Credit: Marlin Clark
It’s a thrill to see two leopards with a fresh kill lying under a tree with their fat, full bellies. And you’ll experience a cuteness overload from baby elephants playing with their trunks like it’s propellers.
Kruger National Park is safe for gay couples. South Africa as a country is LGBTQ+ friendly, and luxury lodges in Kruger are welcoming and inclusive.
2. Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania and Kenya
The Great Wildebeest Migration is the greatest show on earth! During this annual spectacle, millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle make their way across the vast plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania and Maasai Mara in Kenya.
Queues of Wildebeest prance through the wild waters during the Great Migration
On a luxury safari, you can have a front-row seat to nature’s biggest show. These lodges are positioned in prime locations, so you’re close to the action, from river crossings to predator-prey chases. Some luxury tented camps move with the migration, so they will be in the middle of nowhere while still being wrapped in luxury!
While it’s sadly still illegal to be homosexual in Kenya and Tanzania, tourists aren't subject to the same scrutiny. You can still experience your dream East African safari with your partner, and our Travel Experts will ensure you experience only the top gay-friendly lodges.
3. Victoria Falls Safari in Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls is a natural masterpiece that's twice the height of Niagra Falls! Seeing this massive sheet of water cascading down is remarkable. It’s no wonder our dearest "Vicky" is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can hear and see Victoria Falls from a distance
It’s a year-round destination, and choosing when to go will depend on what you want to experience. Between April and June, the falls are at their fullest, while November and December will be better if you want to swim in Devil’s Pool.
Regardless, you can have the best of both worlds here, with thrilling adventure activities (bungee jumping, helicopter flips, and white water rafting) and relaxed, laid-back vibes at the lodge and on the Zambezi River. If you can, opt for both morning and afternoon river cruises. They’re not the same, and both offer different perspectives on this wilderness.
Victoria Falls is safe for gay couples. When you book through a luxury tour operator like Out2Africa, we make sure you never feel uncomfortable. We recommend avoiding public displays of affection, but main tourist attractions are more relaxed.
4. Okavango Delta Safari in Botswana
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland deltas, and it is subject to seasonal flooding. It’s a lush haven for wildlife and offers a very unique luxury safari experience you won’t find anywhere else!
The vibrant colours of the Okavango Delta will leave imprints on your heart
There's wildlife activity all around you here, from elephants wading through the deep channels, lions stalking prey, and seeing a colourful array of birdlife. Swap game drives for mokoro rides and glide silently through their territory, witnessing wildlife from a different vantage point.
The lodges in the Okavango Delta are world-class! Some are so remote they can only be accessed by helicopter! The décor blends with the natural surroundings, suites have private decks, and you can delight in dinners under the stars.
If you’re an avid birder, we’d suggest going between May and September. This is also prime time for boat safaris. Between October and April, water levels start to drop, and you're more likely to see predators on foot.
Botswana is safe for gay couples as you'll be in remote areas offering ultimate privacy.
5. Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking takes a walking safari to a whole new level! Walking through the forests in Rwanda is a surreal experience that’s hard to put into words. Every sense is heightened, and yet, everything inside you goes quiet.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda is a must!
Meeting the majestic and gentle mountain gorillas in their natural home should be something to experience at least once in your life. The scenery is lush with misty mountains and dramatic volcanoes. The luxury lodges in Rwanda will enhance your inner zen.
Homosexuality is not illegal in Rwanda, but we suggest limiting displays of affection for when you get to your luxury lodge. Main tourist areas are, however, welcoming to queer travellers.
Let's Tackle That Bucket List
The yearning in your soul can only be tamed by Africa. It's wild and teeming with animals, lush with forests and deltas, barren with deserts, majestic with mountains and waterfalls, and must be your next travel destination.
Travelling with Out2Africa is effortless. Tell us where you want to go, and we will take care of the rest.
