Nowadays, it’s becoming increasingly harder to find African safari experiences that evoke the profound sense of wilderness immersion that so many of us seek. Far off Southern Africa’s typical tourist track are Zambia and Zimbabwe, two less-visited safari destinations that are home to some of the continent’s richest wildlife enclaves. Safari aficionados will revel in secluded wildlife experiences in Hwange National Park, Mana Pools (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Kafue National Park, wild places that are reminiscent of what most of Africa was like a century ago.

Traveler Paul Gitman took the following photographs while uncovering the Hidden Jewels of Zimbabwe and Zambia with Nat Hab.

Elephants in Hwange Zimbabwe

Elephants, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Sunrise over Busanga Plains Zambia

Lechwe, Busanga Plains, Kafue National Park, Zambia

Lionesses playing in Hwange Zimbabwe

Lionesses, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Eagle in Hwange Zimbabwe

Eagle, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Lions in Hwange Zimbabwe

Lionesses, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe