Beyond the Beaten Path: Safaris in Africa’s Rarest Landscapes

Many of our guides choose a different path. Rather than returning again and again to Africa’s most familiar safari circuits, they venture further - into landscapes that remain largely untouched, under-visited, and profoundly rewarding for those willing to explore them.

These are places where wildlife encounters are shaped not by crowds or convenience, but by deep local knowledge, patience, and intuition. In such regions, safaris slow down. The silence is louder. The stories are richer. And the experience becomes not just about what you see, but how deeply you come to understand it.

Across Africa’s lesser-known wildernesses, our guides reveal hidden ecosystems, quieter wildlife havens, and cultural narratives that are often missed entirely on traditional routes. Get to know some of our guides who consider themselves experts with destinations that are ‘off the beaten track’:

Chad & Gabon: Africa at Its Wild Extremes

Zarek is best known for his expertise in two of Africa’s most unusual and compelling safari destinations: Chad and Gabon.

In Chad, vast, untamed wilderness dominates the horizon. Places like Zakouma National Park offer a raw, uncompromising safari experience - large elephant herds moving across floodplains, lions reclaiming recovered ecosystems, and remarkable birdlife thriving far from mass tourism. Here, the landscapes shift dramatically between desert, savanna, and wetlands, creating encounters that feel truly earned.

Gabon, by contrast, is often described as Africa’s “Last Eden.” Dense equatorial rainforests spill onto pristine Atlantic beaches, and wildlife encounters unfold in hushed, intimate ways. Forest elephants move through tangled vegetation, gorillas and chimpanzees are tracked on foot, and offshore, humpback whales breach just beyond the forested coastline.

Together, Chad and Gabon showcase Africa’s wild extremes. Under Zarek’s guidance, travelers gain access to rare, unforgettable experiences that few will ever witness.

Republic of Congo: Immersion in the Forest

Michael “Mike” Rosati is a seasoned naturalist and private safari guide with over 14 years of experience across Southern, Eastern, and Central Africa. His work in the rainforests of the Republic of Congo, particularly in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, defines much of his guiding philosophy.

While there, Mike played a key role in training and mentoring the next generation of guides, passing on deep ecological knowledge, refined tracking skills, and an intuitive understanding of forest systems. His safaris go far beyond wildlife sightings - they are immersive journeys designed to encourage reflection, learning, and a renewed connection to the natural world.

Whether guiding through dense Central African forests or open Southern African savannas, Mike’s commitment to ethical guiding, conservation, and meaningful travel leaves guests with insights and memories that endure long after the journey ends.

The Mountain Ranges of East Africa

The high mountains of East Africa - Mount Kenya, Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and the Rwenzori Range - are best explored with Stellah Njeri.

A Kenya Wildlife Service Honorary Warden for decades, Stellah brings confidence, care, and deep experience to every trek. Her calm and intuitive guiding style makes her an exceptional leader for those drawn to Africa’s alpine landscapes.

With a profound understanding of mountain ecology, flora, wildlife, and local history, Stellah brings each journey to life through stories that connect nature, culture, and time. Under her guidance, these iconic peaks become more than destinations - they become landscapes to be felt, understood, and remembered.

Ethiopia: Highlands, History, and Hidden Valleys

Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most fascinating and under-explored destinations, and exploring it with Gebriel transforms the journey entirely.

From the dramatic escarpments of the Simien Mountains to remote highlands and ancient pathways, Gebriel leads travelers through landscapes and cultural sites often overlooked by conventional itineraries. His storytelling brings depth to visits to places like Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, while his local knowledge reveals the living traditions, wildlife, and histories that define the country.

With Gebriel, Ethiopia unfolds as a richly layered experience - rugged, spiritual, and deeply human.

Mabamba Wetlands, Lake Victoria: In Search of the Shoebill

In the papyrus channels of the Mabamba Wetlands on Lake Victoria, patience is rewarded - and few guides embody this better than Judith.

Renowned for her expertise in wetland ecosystems, Judith offers guests one of Africa’s most sought-after birding experiences: the chance to observe the enigmatic shoebill in its natural habitat. Her quiet, observant approach maximises opportunities for sightings, but the experience goes far beyond a single bird.

Judith shares insights into the shoebill’s behavior, the surrounding wildlife, and the delicate balance of the marsh eco-system, turning each excursion into a thoughtful journey of discovery for seasoned birders and curious travelers alike.