The capital of the United Arab Emirates is, unlike its flashy neighbor Dubai, a city and an emirate that favors nature, bio-tourism and family entertainment, with another emphasis on art and culture.

The city’s Saadiyat Island is already home to the superb Jean Nouvel-designed Louvre Abu Dhabi, while the other two long-anticipated museums, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, designed by Frank Gehry, and the Zayed National Museum, designed by Foster + Partners, will finally open to visitors in 2026.

Another important milestone to be celebrated in 2026 will be the opening of the Etihad Rail network, which will eventually extend across the United Arab Emirates. The first phase will link the cities of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, allowing sustainable travel across the country, an endeavor close to Abu Dhabi’s heart, working toward its Environment Vision 2030.

For a budget-friendly city option, try the Marriott Hotel Downtown right in the heart of the bustle, and with a panoramic roof terrace. Alternatively, try the chic SHA Emirates when it opens in 2026. Located on its own island roughly halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it offers a tranquil coastline and an ideal location for looking around both emirates.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve gets all the glory. Meanwhile, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is quietly safeguarding Kenya’s most incredible wildlife. Ol Pejeta has many claims to fame. It’s Africa’s largest Black Rhino Sanctuary, Kenya’s only Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and, most importantly, is home to the only two Northern white rhinos left on the planet.

Beneath the imposing shadow of snow-capped Mount Kenya, the plains of Ol Pejeta are bursting with incredible wildlife. Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Wild Dogs, Spotted and Striped Hyena, Giraffe of numerous varieties, the rare Grevy’s Zebra, Bat-Eared Foxes, Cape Buffalo, and so much more. This is East Africa’s premier wildlife park and Kenya’s best-kept secret.

Just an easy day’s drive North of Nairobi, this cattle farm turned conservation powerhouse is run by the local community, which is in part why the park is so widely successful. Rather than displacing Kenyan ranchers, it allows them to coexist with wildlife and be a part of conservation efforts. So, don’t be surprised if you spot a herd of cows grazing within the grassy plains. This unique setup is only one of the numerous ways the park is a global trailblazer of conservation. They also have trained teams of poacher-tracking dogs, have implemented a 24-hour armed guard surveillance program on the rare Northern White Rhino ladies, and are working with NGOs like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to save the species through in-vitro fertilization.

Whether you’re joining a luxury rhino-centric safari with a WWF partner like Natural Habitat Adventures or self-driving through the Kenyan Bush in a 4×4 hire with Road Trip Africa, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the most impressive Kenyan wildlife park to visit in 2026. Avoid the hordes of tourists and immerse yourself in the herds instead.

Staying overnight within the boundaries of Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a must. Bucket list budgets can opt to stay at the idyllic Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, tucked into a river bend often frequented by bathing elephants in the early morning hours. Budget travelers can choose from the six ranger-guarded campsites scattered throughout the sprawling park, offering tent camping (or car-camping for self-drivers).

With overcrowding in Kenya and Tanzania making headlines, those interested in a safari where you can see more animals than cars, should head to the lesser-known Lower Zambezi National Park. Here, lions, elephants, giraffes, and leopards populate the park, while packs of wild dogs camp out near watering holes. The real gem, though, is the Zambian Riviera, where rustic camps and luxury hotels dot the banks of the Zambezi River. Classic game drives and walking safaris are available, but in the Lower Zambezi, there’s the added thrill of being able to see many of the animals from the water, as well.

There is something incredibly dreamy about lazily floating down a river, sun on your back, breeze in your hair while watching a family of elephants romp on the water’s edge. Fishermen can find plenty to catch and release, but those who don’t angle can simply catch the sunrise from the water and watch the hippos and crocodiles lolling on the banks or set out for a sunset cruise with a cooler stocked with Zambia’s Mosi beer or South African white wine. Even those who are old hands at safaris will find this to be an incredibly special experience.

The Anabezi camp sits in a winter thorn forest near the Lower Zambezi National Park offering guests a front row seat to Zambia’s wildlife and glorious sunsets over the river. The luxurious Zambezi Grande is located right on the banks of the Zambezi River and offers a boutique hotel stay with world-class cuisine and a wide array of safari and fishing options.