Forget the tourist traps and selfie sticks. Calling all thrill-seekers with wanderlust in their veins! Whether you're a seasoned safari pro or a newbie with a thirst for adventure, here's how to ditch Africa's sometimes overrated hotspots and buckle up for an unforgettable expedition into Africa's hidden paradises - the B List destinations. These off-the-beaten-path gems promise heart-pounding encounters and enough bragging rights to last a lifetime. Are you ready? Lights... Camera... Action... Let's go!

Bwabwata National Park, Namibia

Where lush beats arid hands down (shh, don't tell the rest of Namibia), Bwabwata is an oasis in a desert land. So if you crave a break from sand, this is where to head. Located at the western tip of the Caprivi Strip, this park is a haven for birdwatchers, thanks to the mighty Kavango River snaking through the verdant landscape, creating a paradise for all things feathered, with the highest avian species count in all of Namibia. 

But that's not all this emerald jewel has to offer! Look out for rare antelope species like the roan, sable and the very springy tsessebe, the semi-aquatic sitatunga, and abundant red lechwe. Along the riverbanks you also get huge herds of elephant and buffalo sharing a drink with hippos and Nile crocodiles (don't blink, you might miss it!). Venture away from the water and your mind will be blown by majestic baobabs and stunning woodland.

Stay: Nambwa Tented Lodge or Kazile Island Lodge

Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

While the Serengeti might be de rigeur and has all those wildebeest, if you're after a more secluded safari experience head south to Ruaha National Park. This sprawling wilderness, Tanzania's largest protected area, boasts a staggering 20,200 square kilometres of diverse habitats, from open grasslands perfect for cheetah sprints to dense acacia woodlands where lions strategize their hunts. Basically, it's a predator playground! This is the place 10% of all Africa's lions call home, often forming massive prides. If that's not enough to get your heart racing, prepare to be awestruck by the park's impressive painted wolf (African wild dog) population – the world's third largest – and some of East Africa's healthiest cheetahs. Talk about bragging rights!

Stay: Jabali Ridge

Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe

Ready for a breathtaking adventure? Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe is ready and waiting! Bordering Mozambique and part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, this park boasts gob-smacking scenery with the Save River snaking through dense woodlands, all dwarfed by the awe-inspiring red sandstone escarpment of the Chilojo Cliffs and stunning Chilo Gorge.

But the beauty doesn't stop there. True to its name, which translates to "Place of Elephants" in the local vernacular, Gonarezhou boasts a globally significant population of over 11,000 elephants. That's right, elephant lovers, this is your dream destination. It's also the only place in Zimbabwe where you'll find significant numbers of the elegant nyala antelope. Explore the park on exciting game drives, thrilling walking safaris that will get your adrenaline pumping, or indulge in some rewarding birding adventures – the possibilities are endless!

Stay: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge

Samburu National Reserve, Kenya

Step off the plane straight into a National Geographic spread. Kenya's Samburu National Reserve is that good. A semi-arid paradise with tons of drama – think sun-drenched scrubland merging with shady riverine forests and towering mountains, all nourished by the lifeblood of the Ewaso Nyiro River - visitor numbers to Samburu are as scarce as rainfall!

The lack of crowds allows you to truly connect with the place and the local Samburu people, custodians of the park's incredible wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive "Northern Five" – the endangered Grévy's zebra and reticulated giraffe, the Somali ostrich with its killer legs, the statuesque beisa oryx, and the graceful gerenuk antelope. But that's not all, folks! Be prepared for awe-inspiring elephant herds, cunning lions plotting their next move, stealthy leopards ready to pounce, and sleek cheetahs blurring across the plains. Feeling the FOMO yet? Let's go!

Stay: Sasaab 

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa

Think endless sandy dunes and rocky outcrops stretching towards the horizon, vast open plains shimmering under the desert sun, and dry riverbeds whispering tales of water. Welcome to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a sprawling wilderness paradise spanning the border between South Africa and Botswana, with Namibia popping its head over the fence for good measure. 

Despite the arid environment, wildlife thrives here. Desert-adapted antelope like the gemsbok with its impressive horns and the springbok with its springy jumps abound, as do the predators that keep them on their toes. You never know what you might see – black-maned lions stalking their prey at dawn, an elusive brown hyena emerging from the shadows, or a leopard napping next to a waterhole. The Kgalagadi is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with soaring raptors keeping a watchful eye over the landscape.

Stay: !Xaus Lodge

Text: Sharon Gilbert-Rivett