best safari spot in africa

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The 9 Best Countries in Africa for a Safari in 2024

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Where To Go and What To See on a Safari in Tanzania

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While Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the most popular destinations on the African continent to see the Big 5 — lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo — many other African countries offer incredible safari experiences and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife sightings, assuming you’re willing to think a bit outside the box and get off the beaten path.

These are some of the best places to go on a safari in Africa, from Botswana’s Okavango Delta to fan favorites like the Serengeti and Kruger to a safari you can do just outside of Kenya’s capital at Nairobi National Park.

1. How To Plan a Tanzania Safari

Most people planning a safari trip in Tanzania should head to Serengeti National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its massive migrations of zebra and wildebeest . Start by organizing travel to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). From there, you can travel by land to the Serengeti or fly to one of the park’s 7 airstrips and transfer to your desired safari lodge.

Most people take a safari trip to Tanzania to see the wildebeest migration, but you can also expect to spot the Big 5, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards in the Serengeti.

Some of the best lodges in the Serengeti National Park are the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti (which can even arrange a hot air balloon safari) and various tented camps and luxury lodges from Singita , a company focused on sustainable exploration of the region. But start saving up Marriott Bonvoy points, as Marriott announced the opening of JW Marriott Serengeti Lodge in 2026 , an ideal spot to view the Great Migration between the Grumeti and Mbalageti rivers.

Travelers can also head to the Ngorongoro Crater , one of the world’s largest intact volcanic calderas, where you can also view the Big 5, zebras, impalas, hippos, and more. You may also spot flamingos there.

Birders or those who want to avoid larger crowds should consider Tarangire National Park , which has one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, more than 500 bird species, and a wildlife migration that’s not as large as the Serengeti’s but impressive nonetheless.

Besides taking more traditional safaris, visitors can go chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania in Gombe Stream National Park , one of Africa’s smallest national parks (and only accessible by boat).

The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari is June to October, the dry season in the Serengeti . This is when the bush is thin and you can see more wildlife, including the Big 5. However, May through June is when visitors can see the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti. Those who want to view wildebeest calving should visit in January and February . And if you’re looking for a Tanzania safari on a budget, months like April and early May can offer better prices and fewer crowds.

See the most wildlife at Ngorongoro Crater from December to February and June to September, which are the months with the driest weather, when you can spot herds out in search of water. For Tarangire National Park, the best time for migrations is the June to November dry season , where you can spot many different animals grazing around and drinking from the Tarangire River.

When it comes to chimpanzee trekking, it’s best to go between May and October in the dry season, when the forest flora is short and trails are less muddy. Keep in mind these experiences require permits, and most companies require visitors to be over the age of 15 .

2. How To Plan a Kenya Safari

Some of the best African safaris in Kenya allow you to see the Great Migration and the Big 5 (just as you can in Tanzania). Masai Mara National Reserve is probably the most popular spot . Start by flying into the main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) in Nairobi , then pop over to the nearby Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL) for shorter, domestic hops to airstrips closer to the park.

Besides the Big 5, you can also expect to see animals like cheetahs, hyenas, gazelles, and wildebeest on a safari. Our top pick for lodging would be the  JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge , one of the few safari accommodations in Africa you can book using points and miles. The all-inclusive property features 20 luxury tents overlooking the Talek River.

Another iconic riverside camp is the Governor’s Camp , a collection of luxury tents overlooking the Mara River, where you can spot hippos and crocodiles. Both hot air balloon safaris and walking safaris are popular in the region, offering unique ways to enjoy the region’s flora and fauna. As the Maasai are one of the largest tribes in Africa, don’t forget to visit local villages and experience some of the tribe’s unique cultural practices.

Amboseli National Park at the base of Kilimanjaro is another Kenyan destination to experience a safari. Here, you can see the Big 5 and more than 600 types of birds. You can also get close-up views of large elephant herds. Samburu National Reserve  is another popular safari destination, known as one of the best Kenyan destinations to spot leopards.

And if you’re extra short on time, remember that Kenya is one of the only countries in Africa where you can spot wildlife just a short drive from a capital city. Nairobi National Park is just a few miles outside of Nairobi, home to animals such as leopards, lions, black rhinos, and giraffes.

If you’re dying to stay at the famous Giraffe Manor (a hotel where the resident giraffes poke their heads into your bedroom window each morning) but it’s too expensive or fully booked, you can visit the Giraffe Center instead.

In most cases, the best time to take a safari in Kenya is between June and October, the dry season . You’ll be able to catch the wildebeest migration in Masai Mara in September . November and December can offer lower prices and fewer crowds. March through May is also a more affordable time to visit, but heavy rain or flooding may disrupt your trip.

There aren’t many opportunities to use your points and miles for safari lodges, but if the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is on your list (or you want to start saving up for the JW Marriott Serengeti for a 2026 safari), building up a stash of Marriott Bonvoy points is a great plan. Consider getting a co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card . Amex Membership Rewards points from a card like The Platinum Card ®  from American Express  and Chase Ultimate Reward points from cards such as the  Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  or the  Chase Sapphire Preferred ®  Card transfer to the Marriott Bonvoy program at a 1:1 ratio.

‌3. How To Plan a Botswana Safari

Those looking for a more remote, intimate safari experience should consider Botswana. The country is a bit more difficult to get to, making it feel far-flung and offering an authentic African safari experience. As tour operators need to adhere to strict conservation requirements, safaris in Botswana are often smaller and more exclusive, which is why safari prices in Botswana can also be more expensive . Anyone in the market for a water safari will likely appreciate Botswana, as some of the best ways to spot wildlife are by boat or even canoe.

If you’re coming from abroad, you may fly into Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE), just outside of Gaborone. Still, many safari camps are much closer to the Maun Airport (MUB) or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI), which you can get to from hubs in South Africa .

One of the most unique and popular destinations for a Botswana safari is the Okavango Delta , grassy flood plains home to the Big 5 and more. Here, you can explore the area by water safari on small boats or even canoes, as well as on land — both walking safaris and driving safaris. Make sure to keep an eye out for African wild dogs. There are less than 6,600 left in the wild, and many reside in this area. Stay at Xigera Safari Lodge in Moremi Game Reserve, an intimate lodge with just 12 suites and the stunning 32-foot baobab treehouse suite.

Chobe National Park is another emblematic destination in Botswana for a safari, especially if you’re in the market to support female guides. Guests at the Chobe Game Lodge can book a female guide as part of an all-female safari guide team, the Chobe Angels . Boat up and down the Chobe River, spotting lions, buffalo, elephants, and more along its banks.

For something different, consider a safari in the Kalahari Desert. Here, you can ride horses through salt pans, sand dunes, and savannas, go fishing, ride camels, hike, or even take a cycling safari. Keep an eye out for oryx, giraffes, and meerkats.

Similar to the aforementioned countries, the dry season in many areas of Botswana runs from May to October and is one of the best times to visit, as much of the wildlife comes out in search of watering holes. However, December to April is the rainy season, turning the Kalahari Desert into a green and blossoming paradise , making it the perfect time to visit this unique region.

‌4. How To Plan a Namibia Safari

Namibia is a special place for a safari because not only can you see 4 out of the Big 5 in places like Etosha National Park, but you can also see a distinct collection of wildlife in the Namib Desert in Namib-Naukluft National Park. Namibia is more difficult to get to than many other safari spots, especially from Europe and the U.S., so most visitors come from destinations like South Africa first.

The most popular place in Namibia for a more traditional safari is Etosha National Park . One of the largest game reserves in Africa, it’s home to large populations of elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, leopards, black rhinos, and black-faced impalas, among many others. There are several accommodations within the park, but the more luxurious, like Mokuti Etosha and Ongava Lodge (built into a rocky enclave), can be found just outside the park. Ongava Lodge is also home to an airstrip, and you can fly there from Namibia’s capital airport, Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), in Windhoek.

Sossusvlei is where the landscape changes , so don’t expect a traditional experience in this red-dune salt and clay pan. Part of Namib Naukluft National Park and Desert , it’s so vast you may want to explore it by hot air balloon to take it in from above. Hike dunes like Big Daddy, explore the ancient trees at clay pan Deadvlei, or traverse the entire area by 4×4 or quad.

While this desert landscape may seem barren, keep an eye out for wildlife like hyenas, jackals, foxes, ostrich, and geckos. Sossusvlei offers accommodation for all budgets, but luxury travelers should plan to stay at the andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge , home to 10 glass suites from which you can admire the sparkling, starry night sky (the NamibRand Nature Reserve is an International Dark Sky Place ).

And don’t discount Namibia’s barren Skeleton Coast — you may spot desert elephants, cheetahs, black rhinos, ostriches, lions, hyenas, and more. Named for the whale and seal bones once scattered on its beaches but now known for its numerous shipwrecks, it’s also home to Cape fur seals, too. Explore the area on foot, boat, surfboard, or quad.

June through September is the driest and best time to visit Etosha , as animals are crowding around sparse watering holes. The same goes for Sossusvlei when the dry season (May to October) brings crisp, blue skies that juxtapose beautifully against the ochre desert sands. However, those heading to the Skeleton Coast may prefer to travel between May and December . Although November and December bring some showers and fog, the weather also gets warmer at this time of year.

There’s a lot to know when planning a safari. Our safari adventure guide has updated tips on finding accommodation, booking travel, and packing for your upcoming African safari.

‌‌5. How To Plan a Uganda Safari

Although visitors can see animals like elephants, hippos, and lions on a Uganda wildlife safari, the main call of this African country is gorillas in the wild . About 400 mountain gorillas call Uganda home , which is about half of the mountain gorilla population left in the world. Gorilla safaris are different from more traditional safaris. In lieu of driving around in a Jeep-style vehicle, gorilla trekking is all about getting up into the hills to see these giant creatures in their natural habitat .

Chimpanzee trekking is also popular in Uganda, as are birding safaris. Most travelers start their adventure by flying into the Entebbe Airport (EBB) and then taking a quick domestic flight to smaller airports. However, visitors planning to gorilla trek in Uganda may find it faster to fly to Kigali International Airport (KGL), Rwanda’s capital, then drive to the national parks .

The most popular location for a safari in Uganda is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park , known for birding, forest elephants, chimpanzees, and, of course, mountain gorillas. There is some gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park , but your chances of spotting gorillas are higher in Bwindi, as this park has more gorilla groups.

For gorilla trekking in general, many visitors are stuck between Uganda and Rwanda. When it comes to Rwanda versus Uganda for gorilla trekking , budget travelers ready for an adventure should select Uganda , where gorilla trekking permits for either park cost $800 per person per day . (It’s nearly double in Rwanda, as we’ll outline below). You must be at least 15 to get a permit.

However, those heading to Uganda should be ready for an adventure, as the treks can be tougher and longer . Always book permits well in advance .

If you go to Bwindi, stay within the park at cozy lodges like Buhoma or just outside the park at Mahogany Springs , perched along the Munyanga River. Birders may want to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park , home to more than 600 bird species, plus tree-climbing lions .

Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking between June and September and December and February . Since you’ll be hiking along hilly, forested trails, it’s better to go during the dry season, when it’s less muddy and slippery . The same times of year are best for visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park, though March through May are some of the best times for birding.

6. How To Plan a Rwanda Safari

Rwanda safaris can be on the expensive side , and they’re best for adventure travelers who are also ready to splurge. The country offers some of the most accessible gorilla trekking but also some of the most costly.

Start with a flight into Kigali (KGL), then take the 2.5-hour drive to reach the country’s most renowned destination for viewing mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park . The park itself is stunning, home to 5 volcanoes and a lush, hilly rainforest, home to mountain gorillas, elephants, buffalos, and nearly 200 bird species. Permits start at $1,500 per person per day , and they only issue 96 per day, so it’s important to book in advance. Stay at one of the 6 conical, luxury bird nest villas at Bisate , which overlooks an amphitheater formed by volcanic cones.

And yes, if you’re in the market to see the Big 5 after you’ve spotted the elusive mountain gorillas, head to Akagera National Park . It borders Tanzania and is one of the largest protected wetlands in Africa. Spot elephants, lions, black rhinos, buffalos, hippos, hyenas, zebras, antelopes, and more than 500 different types of birds, including the shoebill stork.

Down south, aid in rainforest conservation by visiting Nyungwe National Park , a UNESCO-listed site that’s home to 13 of Africa’s primates (including chimpanzees) and a stunning canopy bridge where you can walk amid the towering treetops

The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park is during the dry seasons, which run from mid-December to early February and June to mid-September . However, if you find yourself there from March to May, make sure to view the many butterfly species that come along with the heavy rains . The dry periods are also the best times to visit Nyungwe National Park and Akagera National Park.

Some countries on this list require U.S. citizens to obtain a visa. Others, such as South Africa, require 2 full, consecutive blank pages in your passport per entry. Some require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months after your visit. Some require you to have certain vaccines, or you may need to take malaria medication. Check passport, permit, visa , and vaccination requirements before booking travel.

7. How To Plan a South Africa Safari

South Africa is the most popular African country for a safari, but that doesn’t necessarily make planning any easier. With so many different game reserves, tour companies, and other options, it can be difficult to decide exactly where to go. The good news is, because there are so many choices, it’s easy to find a safari that fits your budget and travel style. Start by flying into either Cape Town (CPT) or Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo Airport (JNB). From there, many safaris have private airstrips, but you can also fly into smaller airports like Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) or Hoedspruit (HDS) and be on your way to viewing the Big 5.

Start by deciding if you’d like to visit a state-run or private game reserve. Popular state-run game reserves include Kruger National Park and Addo Elephant National Park , which is actually home to the Big 7 (the Big 5 plus the great white shark and the southern right whale, found within the park’s marine section). Pilanesberg National Park also features the Big 5, while Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is known for its big cats . These larger parks often offer more budget-friendly safaris, though they can get crowded during peak season.

Luxury travelers may prefer a more exclusive safari experience, where a lodge or tented camp on a private game reserve includes all the safari excursions. Some of the best private game reserves for a luxury African safari experience include Sabi Sand, Phinda, Timbavati, Kwande, MalaMala, Amakhala, and Phinda, among many others. Choosing a game reserve and safari lodge may come down to where you want to base your trip: You can start in Johannesburg or Cape Town. While Johannesburg is the most convenient hub for visiting Kruger, Cape Town is known for its immense beauty and unique cultural offerings and is a favorite among seasoned travelers.

‌Go on a South African safari during the dry season, where less vegetation makes it easier to spot animals, which you can often find gathering near rivers and watering holes. Most of the country’s wildlife parks see their dry season between May and September. However, this is when the Western Cape sees rain , so if you’re heading to that area of the country, it may be best to go to this region in the other months.

‌8. How To Plan a Zambia Safari

If you’re in the market for something a bit more off the beaten path, consider a safari in Zambia. Start by flying into the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in the nation’s capital, Lusaka. Then, catch a short flight to Mfuwe Airport (MFU), which is the hub for South Luangwa National Park , the most popular area in the country for a Zambia safari, where you can spot wildlife such as leopards, hippos, and rare Thornicroft giraffes. Or, fly to the Royal or Jeki airstrips to visit Lower Zambezi National Park .

‌South Luangwa National Park is the ideal destination for walking and driving safaris, as the Luangwa River can be unpredictable, so boat safaris aren’t common. Those who want to see wildlife by boat should visit Lower Zambezi National Park, where you can paddle through the Zambezi River via canoe with expert guides who can help you spot all kinds of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and birds.

The nice part about a safari in Zambia is that it’s appropriate for any budget . Stay at cozy river lodges, in luxury tents, or open-air villas. The Old Monodoro camp in Lower Zambezi has 5 chalets — and don’t be surprised if you find an elephant sipping water out of your outdoor tub in the morning. Elephants also regularly walk through the open-air lobby at Mfuwe Lodge in South Luangwa.

Most lodges in South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park are only open during the dry season between March and October. To have the full Zambia safari experience, booking your trip during this period is best.

‌9. How To Plan a Zimbabwe Safari

Most travelers combine a visit to Victoria Falls with a Zimbabwe safari . The best way to do this is to fly to Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), which is about a 20-minute drive to the falls .

Just a short drive from Victoria Falls, you’ll find Zambezi National Park (a completely different park than the aforementioned Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia ). This park features the Big 4 (everything but rhinos). You can also cross the border into Zambia via a quick drive to visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park , where you can spot elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and white rhinos.

If you’re hoping to spot the Big 5, Hwange National Park is just over an hour’s drive away , though you’ll have to look hard to find rhinos, as they’re few and far between. You can even do horseback safaris through this park, getting up close and personal with wildlife on your horse. Plan to stay at Davidson’s Camp , where the en suite tents look out over a watering hole for prime wildlife-watching from your room.

Victoria Falls is also just an hour’s drive from Chobe National Park in Botswana , home to one of the world’s largest elephant populations.

June to September is the best time for a safari in Zimbabwe , and June is an especially beautiful time to see Victoria Falls , as you may catch the tail end of the rainy season, bringing powerful sprays and cascades. However, those visiting Hwange to birdwatch should visit from November to April , when the migratory birds return from the north.

When planning a safari, you have endless possibilities to consider. But knowing you can visit other countries besides just Tanzania or South Africa may make it easier to create a safari trip that fits your timing, budget, and travel style. Whether gorilla trekking, birdwatching, or a traditional safari searching for the Big 5, these African countries have got you covered.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which african country has the most wildlife.

Tanzania has an estimated 4 million animals, but countries like South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya are also excellent places to view wildlife or take a safari vacation.

Which African country is the safest for safaris?

Botswana is considered one of the safest African countries. It’s politically stable and has low crime rates. Rwanda is also safe for tourists, and Namibia is also a safe country for a safari.

What country in Africa has the most safaris?

South Africa has numerous public and private game reserves, making it an easy place to find a safari, no matter what part of the country you’d like to visit. The top safari destination in South Africa is Kruger National Park.

Is Tanzania or Kenya better for safaris?

Both Tanzania and Kenya are excellent destinations for a safari. Tanzania is often considered better because it has so many animals, but Tanzania safaris can often be very expensive. However, seeing the Masai Mara villages and embracing Kenyan culture is a wonderful addition to seeing wildlife in Kenya. You can’t go wrong with a safari in either destination!

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About Lori Zaino

Lori is an intrepid traveler who loves creating itineraries that exude “luxe on a budget.” She’s written for CNN, NBC, The Infatuation, and more, and loves to muse about points-fueled trips to Sri Lanka, Sicily, and Myanmar.

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12 Top African Safari Tours

Cross this must-do activity off your bucket list.

Courtesy of Micato Safaris

Spot the big five on your safari adventure.

Safari tours in Africa are just as diverse as the continent itself, though these types of trips typically require a large sum of money. Whether you want to spend a few days gorilla trekking in Uganda or a couple weeks spotting the "big five" – lions, leopards, African elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalos – in South Africa, you'll find an array of tours to best suit your needs. To help you narrow down your options, U.S. News compiled a list of 12 can't-miss African safari tours. Read on to find your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Note: Some of the African countries in this article may require travelers to get an entry visa and certain vaccinations in order to visit. Jump to the list of visa and vaccination requirements by country at the bottom of this page for more information.

&Beyond

Courtesy of &Beyond

Visitors who don't want to sacrifice creature comforts while on safari will appreciate &Beyond's offerings. During the tour operator's 10-day Kings of the Jungle safari – which starts at $11,340 per person – travelers will see breathtaking natural wonders like the Ngorongoro Crater and the Maasai Mara savanna. But the highlight of this journey is its four-night stay at Tanzania's Serengeti National Park . After watching animals like wildebeest and zebras partake in the great migration while also spotting lions, giraffes and more, vacationers retreat to high-end tents and lodges with private bathrooms.

[See more of Serengeti National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Wilderness Safaris

Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris

For some of Africa's most jaw-dropping scenery, opt for the seven-night Namibian Adventure Safari tour offered by Wilderness Safaris. This weeklong trip features visits to the Namib Desert's dune-filled Sossusvlei region (which you may recognize from the film "Mad Max: Fury Road") and the mountainous Palmwag Concession – a protected area with springboks, giraffes, black rhinos and more. The package's per person fee starts at $6,725, which covers most meals, park entrance fees, and transfers from Namibia's capital Windhoek and between the safari destinations. It also covers your stay at properties like the fully solar-powered Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp and the five-star Little Kulala lodge amid the stunning desert.

Wild Rwanda Safaris

Courtesy of Wild Rwanda Safaris)

Adventurous travelers sticking to a more conservative budget should consider Wild Rwanda Safaris' Bwindi Gorilla Safari. The three-day package features a full day in southwestern Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (a haven for silverback gorillas) and an adjacent Batwa Pygmy community. Wild Rwanda Safaris allows guests to choose between midrange, luxury and super luxury accommodation, which can help keep costs down if necessary. The company's packages include the $700 permit required to visit the gorilla park. The round-trip journey by safari vehicle to and from Kigali, Rwanda, and English-speaking guide services are also covered in all rates. The tour can begin from Kampala, Uganda, as well, although you'll spend longer on the road to the park.

Nomad Tanzania

Courtesy of nomad-tanzania.com

Sign up for Nomad Tanzania's Southern Tanzania safari and you're bound to get an up-close look at Tanzania's diverse wildlife. Offering eight days of activities, including game drives and boat trips in Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park, this safari gives you prime opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, leopards and elephants, among other species. What's more, lodging at the company's campsites, select meals, and flights to and from Dar es Salaam are factored into the package's prices. Expect to pay a minimum of $5,700 per person; prices vary depending on the time of year, and the tour isn't offered in April and May.

Micato Safaris

If you want to explore multiple destinations while on safari with plenty of comfort (but a price tag to match), book the 15-day Micato Grand Safari. This outing by Micato Safaris starts with a two-day visit to Nairobi, Kenya, before continuing to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the Amboseli and Serengeti national parks for wildlife-viewing excursions. During your trip, you'll see Mount Kilimanjaro as zebras, gazelles and more roam in the foreground. The package costs at least $22,450 per person (based on double occupancy rates) and includes a hot air balloon ride, a camel tour led by members of the Samburu tribe, and lodging at upscale properties like Serengeti's Four Seasons outpost. The company also offers various extensions allowing you to explore other parts of Africa, from the island paradise of Zanzibar to the deserts of Namibia.

Rothschild Safaris

Courtesy of Rothschild Safaris

If your ideal safari vacation consists of customizing your trip from start to finish, consider an outing with Rothschild Safaris. The company offers itineraries in locales like Zambia and Madagascar , but if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the big five animals, the Essence of Tanzania safari is a good bet. This nine-day experience, which embarks from Arusha and returns there by plane, includes game-viewing drives in Tarangire National Park and accommodations like canvas tents and farmhouse lodges. Elephants, zebras and lions are just some of the animals you may spot during your journey. You'll also have the opportunity to go on a nighttime safari to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Lion World Travel

Courtesy of Lion World Travel

As the trip name implies, Lion World Travel's 10-day Best of Cape Town & Botswana vacation package combines sightseeing in Cape Town, South Africa , with a classic safari in Botswana. During the latter half of the itinerary, visitors will explore Botswana's Okavango Delta (home to cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos and more) and Chobe National Park, which is believed to have Africa's largest elephant population. Prices start at $4,299 per person and cover game drives; many of your meals; and stays at luxury hotels, camps and lodges. You'll need to pay an extra charge for the flights within the tour (Cape Town to Botswana as well as Botswana to Johannesburg ).

[See more of Cape Town: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Bearded Heron Safaris

Neil Heron | Courtesy of Bearded Heron Safaris

Travelers keen on seeing South Africa's Kruger National Park through the eyes of a local naturalist will appreciate the 15-day safari with Bearded Heron Safaris. Led by Neil Heron, a nature guide and wildlife photographer and writer, Bearded Heron Safaris' longest option features small game drives that may include lion, rhino, zebra and leopard sightings throughout all corners of Kruger. Rates are inclusive of in-park cottage accommodations and all breakfasts, dinners, snacks and drinks. Flights and park fees are not included. For a 15-day safari, expect to pay 76,900 South African rand (about $4,500) per person.

[See more of Kruger National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Discover Africa

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For an inside-out trip through the natural wonders of Botswana, Discover Africa's nine-day Epic Botswana Adventure is a formidable option. You'll start out at a riverside lodge on the Chobe River – a great location for elephant spotting – before moving onto the marshy Okavango Delta, a wildlife-rich area where you can spot a huge range of animals from leopards to rhinos. The safari ends at the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a good place to admire wildlife like zebras and buffalo on the savanna as well as salt pans from a former lake. You'll stay in upscale lodges and campsites within close reach of the wilderness. All meals and transport along the tour are included in the price tag (which starts at $4,800 per person), but international flights are excluded.

Wild Wings Safaris

If you're looking to have a broader experience that mixes in some history and beach time, consider Wild Wings Safaris' eight-day Battlefields, Bush and Beach Safari. You'll start off visiting some of South Africa's historic sites from the Boer wars, before moving on to the Phinda Private Game Reserve, which doesn't allow day visitors, so you should be able to look out for the big five without too many crowds. The tour wraps up at Thonga Beach Lodge, where you can snorkel or scuba dive near coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. As far as safaris go, this one is an affordable option, starting at about $2,795 per person with all meals included as well as a rental car; for the cheapest price, you will need to drive yourself between the destinations, but it's possible to pay an additional fee for a driver to guide you instead.

Cuckoo Safaris

This tour company kicks off its tours from the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, with a host of safaris that range from two days to nine, across Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana, including some family-friendly choices. For an affordable option, there's the four-day Discover Victoria Falls, Chobe and Hwange Park safari, which will take you on two full-day tours to Chobe National Park (across the border in Botswana) and to Hwange, Zimbabwe's largest national park, where you should keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants and more. This safari also includes a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The price starts at $900 per person, which includes the tours plus breakfast, lunch and lodging in Victoria Falls; travelers will need to pay for entrance fees to the parks and dinner.

Compass Odyssey

Courtesy of Compass Odyssey

Explore the savanna and deserts of southwest Africa with Compass Odyssey's eight-day Namibia Wildlife Safari. You'll visit a community-based conservation area in Damaraland – known for its desert-adapted elephants, oryx, giraffes and other wildlife – while staying in the rustic-chic Doro Nawas Camp. You'll also spend two days in Etosha National Park, seeking wildlife at the park's bustling waterholes by day and embarking on an evening game drive as well. Starting at $3,750 per person, the tour includes most meals and all park entry fees, but not flights; the company does allow the tour to be customized on request.

Vaccination and visa requirements for African countries

Some popular safari destinations may require you to have received certain vaccinations in order to enter the country as a tourist. Inoculation requirements can include vaccination against COVID-19 and yellow fever, and you'll need to get these vaccines before departing on your trip. Be sure to bring proof of vaccinations with you. If you are transiting through another country en route to your safari tour, you must check that you also meet immunization requirements for the stopover location.

Note that, outside of what's required, there are a number of other vaccinations that are recommended, so ensure you're up to date and fully protected before you travel. In addition, many safari locations are prone to malaria; you should consult with your doctor to see if you need to bring anti-malaria medication on your trip.

Safari countries have varying visa requirements for travelers from the U.S. – these are detailed below. Depending on your itinerary, you may need a single- or multiple-entry visa, and some visas require you to apply in advance of traveling and/or have a certain number of blank pages in your passport. Regardless of your destination, your passport should be valid for at least six months before you leave for your trip.

Here are the vaccine and visa requirements for major safari destinations as of November 2022:

Botswana: If you have recently visited a country where yellow fever is common, you will need to be vaccinated against this illness. This does not include the U.S. but does include a number of countries in Africa, Central and South America. Consult the World Health Organization's website for a list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Kenya and Uganda.

U.S. citizens and nationals can stay in Botswana for 90 days without a visa.

Kenya: Travelers to Kenya must have been vaccinated against COVID-19 with the last shot administered more than 14 days before arrival in the country. Unvaccinated visitors can enter with a negative PCR test, conducted no more than 72 hours before departure. Proof of COVID-19 tests or vaccines must be uploaded to an online system called Panabios. Kenya is a country where you'll be at risk of yellow fever transmission; it also requires those traveling from other places with yellow fever or cholera outbreaks to be vaccinated against these illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you protect yourself against yellow fever before your trip here.

Americans need an e-visa to enter Kenya. You should apply online at the eVisa government website no more than eight weeks before your trip, as visas are not available upon arrival in Kenya. See more on the U.S. Department of State's website .

Namibia: Those traveling from a country where yellow fever is common need to be vaccinated against it. No visa is required as long as you're staying for 90 days or less.

Rwanda: If you're coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic, a yellow fever vaccination is required before departure.

U.S. citizens and nationals can be issued a 30-day visitor visa on arrival in Rwanda or through the Rwandan Embassy in Washington, D.C. A single-entry visa costs $50, and it's recommended you bring sufficient cash in U.S. dollars to pay for this (although credit card payment may be accepted at Kigali International Airport). Consult the State Department website for more information.

South Africa: A yellow fever vaccination is required if you're traveling from a country with a risk of transmission. No visa is required for stays of 90 days or less.

Tanzania: Travelers must be able to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination with a QR code to enter Tanzania. Unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure, and the test results should be accessible by QR code. Yellow fever vaccines are mandatory if you're traveling from a location where yellow fever is present – including if you spend more than 12 hours in transit in such a country.

Visas are required for tourism in Tanzania. You can apply for a single-entry, 90-day visa online for $50 – and be sure to print a copy of the approval to bring with you. The processing period takes up to 10 days. You can also obtain a visa on arrival for a $100 fee; it's recommended you bring cash to cover this. Find more Tanzanian visa information on the State Department website .

Uganda: To enter Uganda, you must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or present a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Like Kenya, Uganda is a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. All visitors must show proof of vaccination against yellow fever to enter Uganda, regardless of where you're traveling from.

American visitors to Uganda must apply online for an electronic visa before departure; arriving in Uganda without completing this process could result in your detainment. Visit the State Department website to learn more.

Zambia: Visitors who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must show proof of vaccination but do not need a test to enter Zambia; unvaccinated travelers must undergo a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure. Yellow fever vaccines are only required if you're coming from an area considered at risk.

Visas are required to visit Zambia, but these can be obtained online before your departure or at a port of entry. Check the State Department website for more details.

Zimbabwe: To enter Zimbabwe, travelers must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or must take a negative PCR test no more than 48 hours before your departure. As with other countries on this list, visitors from countries with yellow fever outbreaks also require a vaccine against this illness.

U.S. visitors can obtain a 30-day, single-entry visa upon arrival in Zimbabwe for $30. If you're taking a tour that requires you to leave and reenter Zimbabwe, be sure to get a double-entry visa for $45. You can learn more from the State Department website .

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Wallets (That Also Hold Vaccine Cards)
• The Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options
• The Best International Travel Insurance Plans
• The Best Zoos in the U.S.
• The World's Best Places to Visit

Tags: Travel , Vacation Ideas

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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13 of the best safaris in Africa

From big-name parks to lesser-known, wilder reserves, these are africa’s top safari destinations.

T here’s a lot to consider when it comes to deciding where to go on safari. If you’re keen to see the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos and rhinos — South Africa is a solid choice, with options for all budgets, good tourism infrastructure and family-friendly properties in malaria-free areas. If you’re more seasoned or just keen to avoid the busier spots, you might be tempted by walking safaris in Zambia or southern Tanzania . Timing is a factor, too — most safari areas are at their driest between June and September, but the wet season can be great for birding, it’s cheaper, and those lush landscapes are ideal for photographers. With all that in mind, read on for the best African safaris.

Main photo: Giraffes in Ngorongoro, Tanzania (Getty Images)

1. Okavango Delta, Botswana

This inland delta is one of the most beautiful and wildlife-rich areas in Africa. Located in northern Botswana, it is fed by floodwaters from neighbouring Angola between May and October. This is the time when visitors can explore the reed-lined waterways by mokoro— a traditional canoe — which is a particularly special experience. There are a number of reserves in the delta and tourism is controlled so it feels wild and remote; it’s also the most expensive place to go on safari. But the wildlife viewing is exceptional — think buffalo-hunting lions, wild dogs sprinting through the bush, hippos cooling off in the water, elephants browsing acacias. And it’s a great birding destination.

Best base camp Vumbura Plains is one of the fanciest camps in the delta and in a really good spot for wildlife sightings, particularly big cats.

go2africa.com/accommodation/vumbura-plains

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Best safari camps and lodges in Botswana

Okavango Delta guide: when to go and where to stay

2. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The Masai Mara in southwest Kenya is famous for the beauty of its rolling savanna grasslands, the density of its wildlife populations, and, between July and October, the great wildebeest herds that thunder across the Mara River. Big cats — lions, cheetahs and leopards — are prolific. Wildlife is habituated and easy to find. The key to enjoying your time in the Mara is avoiding the crowds — that means finding a great guide or paying a little extra to stay in one of the private community-run conservancies around the edges of the national park.

Best base camp The high-end Cottar’s 1920s Camp is in a private conservancy – great for uncrowded wildlife sightings – and is one of the most long-established camps in the Mara.

yellowzebrasafaris.com/kenya/accommodation/lodges/cottars-camp

The best time to visit Kenya

3. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

This inactive, ancient caldera is — at 2,000 feet deep and 100 square miles in area — one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes for viewing wildlife. There are elephants, critically endangered black rhinos, lions and flocks of flamingos. It’s not just safaris that you can do in and around the crater, but also hikes and visits to nearby Masai villages. The crater does get crowded, especially at the peak of the dry season from June to September. Wetter weather during the low season means smaller crowds and better rates, though of course conditions are not as favourable.

Best base camp Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge is a smart, comfortable hotel with 20 cottages, a pool and a spa — and it’s just five minutes away from the entrance gate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The best safari camps in Tanzania

4. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

In the southwest of Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is made up of savanna, forests and lakes, and it holds a diverse range of wildlife from elephants to chimpanzees. It’s perhaps best known for its lions that have an unusual penchant for climbing trees, but it’s also a great place for boat trips and birding. Given its proximity to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, it’s an excellent safari partner to mountain gorilla trekking.

Best base camp With beautiful views and only a few minutes from the park entrance, Buffalo Safari Lodge is a great option for Queen Elizabeth visitors.

5. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s best and most popular safari destinations, with a diverse range of wildlife across its savanna and forests. Animals you might spot include lions, wild dogs, leopards and cheetahs; Hwange’s also home to one of Africa’s largest population of elephants. In private concessions, you can take walking safaris in addition to game drives. And the park benefits from Zimbabwe’s famously excellent guides (due a rigorous qualification programme). Hwange is easily combined with Victoria Falls, which is only around three hours away by road.

Best base camp In a private concession, the nine-tent, simple but comfy Davison’s Camp is set by a waterhole often visited by elephants.

6. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

South Luangwa’s wildlife viewing is among the best in Africa, particularly for big cats and elephants. You can spot rare subspecies unique to the area, such as Thornicroft’s giraffes, too. The park — and Zambia generally — is renowned for walking safaris. So, if you’re keen to explore the bush on foot, whether just for the day or on an epic fly-camping adventure, this is the place for you. The Luangwa River attracts large numbers of animals during the dry season, the most popular time to visit. Be aware that many lodges close for the wettest months, between December and March.

Best base camp A popular little spot just outside South Luangwa National Park, Flatdogs Camp used to be a backpackers and it retains a relaxed, friendly vibe.

7. Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), Tanzania

In southern Tanzania, Nyerere is Tanzania’s largest — and newest — national park. It was the northern section of the massive Selous Game Reserve, until 2019 when the area was designated a national park. The best wildlife viewing is around the Rufiji River — leisurely boat safaris are a highlight — and the park has populations of lions, elephants, hippos, critically endangered black rhinos and wild dogs. As an added bonus, Nyerere — and the south of Tanzania generally — receives a mere fraction of the tourists who visit the northern parks.

Best base camp Serena Mivumo River Lodge sits on the banks of the Rufiji River, with just 12 elevated chalets overlooking the water.

8. Kruger National Park, South Africa

In the far northeast of South Africa, the Kruger is the most popular safari destination of them all. In addition to the wildlife viewing being superb — especially for leopards, which tend to be extraordinarily nonchalant around vehicles — it’s got great tourism infrastructure, including good roads for self-driving safaris. There are basic self-catering facilities or super-luxury lodges in the Kruger’s private reserves, so something for most budgets. It can be very busy, but travelling in shoulder or low seasons will help, as might venturing to the less-visited north of the park, where there are great walking trails, big baobabs, and fever tree forests.

Best base camp Amongst the sleekest luxury lodges on the continent, Singita Lebombo is for the stylish safari-goer. 15 suites overlook the bush or river. The food and wine offerings are excellent, too.

Where should I go in South Africa?

Best safaris in South Africa

9. Etosha National Park, Namibia

While the density of its wildlife is much lower than other parts of Africa, Namibia makes up for it with its breathtaking desert landscapes. In the north of the country, Etosha National Park is its most popular safari destination. The best time to visit are the dry months when animals gather at water — there are lots of elephants, plus giraffes, lions — and it’s possible to see black rhinos, too. The Etosha Pan, the focal point of the park, is a salt flat, where mammals and birds such as flamingos gather. You can drive up from the capital Windhoek or take a scenic light aircraft flight — either option reveals some of Namibia’s huge, open landscapes.

Best base camp On the edge of Etosha National Park, Ongava Tented Camp is in a private reserve, where you can go on after-dark game drives and bush walks.

10. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The vast plains of the Serengeti, in northern Tanzania, are featured in dozens of nature documentaries for good reason. Not only is it a striking landscape, but it’s home to incredible wildlife, most of which is extremely habituated to tourists. Watch cheetahs scan for prey from atop a termite mound or park up next to a leopard chowing its kill in a tree. The Great Migration wildebeest herds stop to graze and give birth to their young in the south of the park from November to February; from June, you can see them crossing the river as they move between the Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara on their cyclical migration.

Best base camp In the south of the park, Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp has glorious views across the plains. The 12 tents each have private decks and side panels that can be rolled up to take in the surroundings.

11. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

On the banks of the Zambezi River, Mana Pools feels wilder and quieter than most safari destinations in Southern Africa. The name means “four” in Shona, referring to the four main pools that make up the park. As well as lions and wild dogs, Mana Pools is known for elephants that have learnt to stand on their hindlegs to reach the higher branches. Explore the river by canoe, or take a bush walk during the dry season (in the wettest months, January to March, parts of the park are inaccessible and lots of properties close).

Best base camp With ten tented suites and being in a private reserve, Ruckomechi Camp gives guests a sense of exclusivity and remoteness. Don’t miss the opportunity to sleep under the stars.

yellowzebrasafaris.com/zimbabwe/accommodation/lodges/ruckomechi-camp

12. Laikipia, Kenya

In central Kenya, the Laikipia plateau is a less-visited alternative to the Mara, with a different appeal. The landscape is open and rolling, with views of Mount Kenya’s jagged peaks. The various reserves in this area are home to the Big Five — including many black rhinos and the last two northern white rhinos, which live in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The region also has wild dogs and rare subspecies such as the reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra.

Best base camp A mid-range option in Ol Pejeta, Sweetwaters Serena Camp is a solid choice for travellers looking for comforts but without blowing the bank.

The best Kenyan safaris

13. Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

Close to the border with Botswana, Madikwe is a scenic reserve, with rolling hills and rust-orange sand. It’s home to the Big Five and other charismatic animals, such as wild dogs. Madikwe is a great option for families, as it’s malaria-free and many of the properties are geared to hosting children, with fun activities and private villas. You can also drive from Johannesburg , which cuts down on the expense of light aircraft flights.

Best base camp Madikwe Safari Lodge is a luxury option in the reserve, with 20 rooms including family suites with bunkbeds (and special turndowns for the kids).

When is the best time to go on safari?

In most of southern and eastern Africa, the dry season runs from June to October. The advantage of the dry season is that wildlife tends to congregate around waterholes and the foliage is sparser, making animals easier to see. This is typically considered the best time to travel. But the rainy season can be better for landscape photography and birding (as migratory birds are in the south), as well as it being a quieter and generally cheaper time to travel.

What should I bring with me on safari?

Pack comfortable clothes in relatively neutral shades (very bright colours can frighten animals) and layers — mornings and evenings can be chilly enough for a hat and gloves, but by 10am, it’ll be T-shirt weather. Bring sturdy, closed-toe footwear if you’ll be walking, a hat, sunglasses and suncream. Photographers will want their longest lenses, but plenty of people do fine with their smartphones. Binoculars are very useful, although guides usually have pairs to share.

Do I need a guide on a safari?

A good guide will definitely enhance your safari experience — and in many places, you need them. Places like Kruger are great for self-driving (even without a 4×4) and the wildlife is prolific enough to find without a professional. But for walking or night driving, you will always need a qualified guide.

Take me there

Inspired to go on a safari but yet to book your trip? Here are the best options from Virgin Holidays* and Exodus Travels* . These are the best safari tours from our trusted partners* .

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Related articles

Where to go on your first safari in Africa

Feb 20, 2024 • 17 min read

Botswana is an excellent choice for a well-rounded, first-time safari – though it can be a pricey one © Getty Images

So you want to see a lion in the wild? Terrific. Now comes the tricky part: choosing where to go on your first safari.

Which countries offer the easiest introduction to the continent for first-time travelers? Which countries are best for wildlife?

Let us help you cut through the overwhelming options and plan your first safari to Africa for blockbuster wildlife watching – without feeling overwhelmed.

Planning a safari in Botswana

Why botswana.

Water-based safaris, exclusivity, privacy and high-quality camps in captivating areas: Botswana is one of Africa’s premier wildlife-watching destinations. Its prolific wildlife inhabits extraordinary landscapes, including the Chobe River, the Okavango Delta  and the salt pans of Makgadikgadi .

The easiest choice for your trip,  Chobe National Park is home to the world’s largest concentration of elephants, as well as a host of easy-to-spot big cats, buffaloes, giraffes and zebras, making it perfect for first-timers. The best way to see Africa’s elephant capital is to board a boat and cruise the Chobe River’s wildlife-rich shores. From here, you can travel into the Okavango Delta, where you can splurge on a luxury safari and take a mokoro  (dugout canoe) through the wetlands, before forging on into the Makgadikgadi salt pans to mingle with meerkats.

Botswana’s appeal and ease, however, come with a (big) caveat: the cost. To avoid the pitfalls of mass tourism, most luxury lodges and camps lie in concession areas rented out by the government to enforce a high-value, low-volume responsible-tourism strategy. The best reserves sit in the swamps of the Okavango Delta, and visitors fly in on small bush planes from Maun or Kasane. Mobile safaris – group trips that take you from site to site, often involving camping along the way – are a more cost-effective alternative: you can combine time in  Moremi Game Reserve  with Chobe National Park.

Best time to visit for a safari in Botswana

The high and dry season from June to October is the best wildlife-watching time , and also when water levels are generally at their highest in the Okavango Delta, allowing you to glide along the channels in a mokoro .

Where to stay on safari in Botswana

In and around Chobe National Park, we recommend  Chobe Game Lodge , Chobe Safari Lodge  and Chobe Bakwena , with Chobe Game Lodge being the only one inside the park. For photographers, Pangolin Chobe Hotel has specialist boats with swivel seats and gimbal mounts to snap that Attenborough moment on the Chobe River.

You can combine Chobe with the Okavango Delta through scheduled group mobile safaris with Bush Ways or Letaka . If you’re after a luxury experience in an exceptionally wild, isolated area, Mombo Camp is probably the Okavango’s most exclusive and legendary lodge, with predators galore (and a pretty price tag). Mma Dinare Camp (which offers affordable road transfers), 4 Rivers Camp , Shinde Camp and Camp Moremi are well situated for spotting excellent big game. Xugana Island Lodge , Setari Camp and Mopiri Camp are wonderful for experiencing the waterways, and offer fishing and birding opportunities by boat. Mogotlho Safari Lodge is also accessible for self-drivers, and occupies a lovely position on the Khwai River near Mababe. Want a more adventurous, budget-friendly option? Try a fully catered, accommodated mokoro campout excursion that departs from Sitatunga Camp , south of Maun.

Trips to meet the cute meerkats of the Makgadikgadi salt pans can be arranged through San Camp, Jack’s Camp or Camp Kalahari, with Planet Baobab as the best budget-friendly option with self-drive access.

Budgeting and costs for a safari in Botswana

Stays at isolated camps in the Okavango Delta start at roughly $650 per person, per night and can go up to an eye-watering $4000 a night. At approximately $300, Chobe National Park lodges are more affordable – so stretch out your days here to keep costs down. For better pricing on accommodations, travel during the shoulder season (April to May and October to November). Finally, check the distance between your luxury lodge and Maun to reduce the return-ticket cost. Some camps offer road transfers or boating access between camps to minimize travel costs.

Planning a safari in Kenya

Kenya ’s wildlife offering is outstanding, with the Great Migration in particular at the top of many bucket lists – so it’s no surprise that safaris have been a thing in Kenya since the very concept was invented (indeed, safari translates to “journey” in Swahili). Do keep in mind, though, that this track record does make Kenya one of the busiest, most popular wildlife destinations on the continent.

A renowned annual phenomenon, the Great Migration sees millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River from the Serengeti in southern Tanzania into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve . The country’s semi-nomadic Maasai communities and their time-honored warrior traditions are another source of fascination. Visitors can support community-powered tourism by visiting the private reserves surrounding the Mara, which are leased to different safari companies. A guided bush walk with a Maasai warrior will let you experience this culture’s deep connection with the land.

The main safari circuit couples Lake Nakuru with the Masai Mara and Amboseli (where Mt Kilimanjaro provides a staggering backdrop). Tsavo West , Tsavo East and Samburu are popular add-ons, if you have extra time. Any combination of these parks should ensure ample sightings of big cats, plenty of elephants, a few rhinos and all of the plains animals, such as buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and all manner of gazelle and antelope species. Want even more? Extend your stay by another week and scale Mt Kenya , Africa’s second-highest peak (after Kilimanjaro).

Most travelers just pass through Nairobi , staying long enough to visit Nairobi National Park . An extraordinarily well-stocked park on the cusp of one of Africa’s largest cities and easily accessible, Kenya’s original game reserve has wildlife in abundance, from lions, leopards, and buffaloes to the endangered black rhino and around 400 species of birdlife.

Generally, Kenya is viewed as a better choice for family safaris, those on a budget and those on a tight timeline.

Best time to visit for a safari in Kenya

July to October and January to February are the best times to see the Great Migration, when a million-plus wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, cross the crocodile-infested Mara River to graze on the lush grasses of the Masai Mara. With unrestricted visitor numbers, some areas can get crowded.

Where to stay on safari in Kenya

Kenya has hundreds of excellent lodges and tented camps, standards of service from local staff are generally high, and tour operators are experts at the logistics of moving between national parks for each leg of your safari itinerary.

Cottar’s 1920s Camp has entertained guests in high style for over 100 years, while “gentle on the earth” takes on a whole new meaning at Emboo River Camp , whose team will have you floating through the grasslands of the Masai Mara in the region’s first electric game drive vehicles.

Good value but still luxurious, Ol Tukai Lodge sits within Amboseli Park, with views of Kilimanjaro from the bar; nearby Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge is a comfortable family-friendly option. In Nairobi,  Giraffe Manor  provides a memorable breakfast spread before a visit to the city’s park; all accommodations in the upmarket Karen and Langata areas are close to the main entrance.

Budgeting and costs for a safari in Kenya

Masai Mara National Reserve is the most wallet-friendly location for seeing the wildebeest migration. Despite having a shorter migration season, Kenya has more flights, more tourists, stiffer competition and a greater variety of affordable accommodations than next-door Tanzania. Expect to pay anything from $150 to $1000 per person, per night.

For a cheaper safari, book between the short and long rains (January to March), when prices are usually lower than during the peak season. Nairobi National Park charges $40 to non-residents for entry, while admission to Masai Mara is $80 for 24 hours if you stay outside the reserve, and $70 if you stay inside.

Planning a safari in Namibia

Why namibia.

Two reasons: self-driving independence and dramatic desert scenery. While a 4WD African safari is always an ambitious undertaking, Namibia has good roads, well-equipped campsites and reasonably priced rental vehicles. This is one of the easiest Southern African countries to explore from the driver’s seat.

The classic circuit starts in Windhoek , where you’ll rent a fully equipped 4WD camper van or a decent gravel-road car. From there, you’ll head to Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert for incredible vistas, circle up to Swakopmund for coastal adventures and end at Etosha National Park , where elephants, rhinos and giraffes strut their stuff.

Etosha is Namibia’s version of South Africa’s Kruger National Park, with roads and facilities suitable for a self-driving budget safari. Each public camp overlooks a busy water hole, where game moves in and out to drink during the dry season. The camp is floodlit by night, which means you won’t need to leave once you settle in.

Best time to visit for a safari in Namibia

Etosha is well-known for its productive water holes, and peak game viewing is from June to October, when wildlife flocks to these oases dotted throughout the park. This is also a cooler time of year to climb the dramatic dunes such as  Dune 45 at Sossusvlei.

Where to stay on safari in Namibia

Arranging everything through the  Gondwana Collection is hands-down the easiest and best way to organize a self-driving safari. This group has a portfolio of accommodations in all the key tourist spots, ranging from well-serviced campsites to glamping tents and swank lodges filled with character. Favorites include the quirky Desert Grace and Namib Dune Star Camp (with its alfresco beds) near Sossusvlei, and The Delight in Swakopmund. A sister company,  Namibia2Go , offers car rentals with comprehensive insurance.

As an alternative, you can book campsites and chalets inside the parks with the government-run Namibia Wildlife Resorts . Okaukuejo Rest Camp lies inside the perimeter of Etosha and is the place to watch at the water hole.

Budgeting and costs for a safari in Namibia

At about $800, a full week’s vehicle rental is cheaper than a single night’s stay at a luxury lodge in the Okavango Delta. Due to the vast distances between destinations in Namibia, however, fuel expenses can add up fast. National parks and private campsites offer affordable camping fees, though luxury accommodations will (understandably) be more expensive. For camping, expect to pay $20 to $50 per person, per night for camping; for lodges, $100 to $300.

Planning a safari in South Africa

Why south africa.

Expect bush, beach and fine wine. From iconic Kruger National Park to the picturesque landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa offers a safari experience that caters to all levels of adventurers. 

Kruger is the easiest and most rewarding safari destination for first-timers and budget travelers. You can see the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes), as well as cheetahs, giraffes, African wild dogs and hundreds of bird species. Drive the park’s paved roads yourself if you’re on a budget, or visit private reserves like Sabi Sands or Thornybush for exclusive guided experiences, plus a better chance to see the Big Five in a short period.

Lesser-known reserves in KwaZulu-Natal are equally impressive. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is just as accessible as Kruger from the city of Durban , and has excellent facilities for travelers on all budgets; expect to spot rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes and wildebeest. (The big cats are a little more challenging to see here.) Nearby Phinda Private Game Reserve offers stunning high-end stays – plus the possibility of a beach day or scuba diving at Sodwana Bay .

Madikwe Game Reserve in North West Province is close to the Botswana border and a four-hour drive from Johannesburg , making it popular for South Africans looking for a safari. It’s also a malaria-free option for families with young children.

Combine any of these safari parks with a flight south to Cape Town , and you’ll add fine wine, world-class restaurants and a seaside safari – visiting the  African penguins of Boulders Beach – to your itinerary.

Best time to visit for a safari in South Africa

While South Africa is a year-round destination , most visitors love the cooler, dry season between May and August. During these months, wildlife is easier to spot as vegetation is more sparse and animals gather around water holes.

Where to stay on safari in South Africa

There are plenty of affordable self-catering rest camps in Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi run by SANParks , the government parks agency. Kruger’s southern zone is prime game-viewing territory, with Skukuza , Lower Sabie and Letaba rest camps all favorites. Hilltop Camp in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi has terrific views, while Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is a superb, privately run option that supports the local community.

Plush camps and lodges in the private reserves come with highly trained guides who can take you out on foot or by vehicle. You can’t go wrong at Saseka in Thornybush, Dulini in Sabi Sands, Tanda Tula in  Timbavati , Jaci’s Safari Lodge in Madikwe or any of the &Beyond accommodations in Phinda.

Budgeting and costs for a safari in South Africa

Rates range from $100 to $200 per person, per night in government-run camps. Mid-range prices start at $300 to $700 per person, per night, with a corresponding bump in accommodation and guiding quality.

Planning a safari in Tanzania

Why tanzania.

Limitless plains, the epic migration and relaxing dips in the Indian Ocean. Tanzania ’s northern safari circuit includes the amazing  Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater . Exploring these places for 10 days to two weeks is a sure way to fall in love with Africa. You should consider adding a few days on the island of Zanzibar  (officially called Unguja) to make your dream trip even more memorable.

Tanzania and Kenya share similarities, both having plentiful wildlife parks and excellent safari operators. Tanzania’s vibe, though, is generally less stressful – perhaps due to the fact that the Serengeti is nearly 10 times bigger than Kenya’s Masai Mara, offering endless horizons and greater habitat variety.

In the heart of the Serengeti, the Seronera River provides big-cat and herbivore sightings year round, making it popular with visitors. Kogatende and Lamai, on the Mara River, are ideal for observing river crossings – with fewer tourists. Private reserves such as  Grumeti allow viewings of the migration without the crowds (and for a price).

The Ngorongoro Crater is only a short drive to the east from the Serengeti. In this giant collapsed volcano (or caldera), animals like lions, elephants and black rhinos are enclosed as they prowl a complete ecosystem of pretty plains and dramatic forests. Note that such assets do draw the crowds in peak season.

Best time to visit for a safari in Tanzania

Plan a visit between January and March to witness the migration of wildebeest – and their newborns – passing through the Ngorongoro and Ndutu regions. (Get as early a start as possible to avoid day-trippers.) The best time to witness the famous wildebeest river crossings in the Serengeti is during the peak season, from July to August.

Where to stay on safari in Tanzania

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is an upmarket accommodation inspired by traditional Tanzanian architecture; its popular mobile-safari offering is Kiota Camp. Run entirely by women,  Dunia Camp is a luxury tented property situated in prime lion territory. Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a great value-for-money permanent lodge conveniently located near the entrance to the Ngorongoro Crater. For an even more budget-friendly option, consider  Bougainvillea Safari Lodge . For a different kind of stay, book a stay  Gibb’s Farm , which is situated on a working coffee farm and offers campfire storytelling and other fun extras.

On the coast, Chumbe Island in Zanzibar/Unguja is a highly rated, ecofriendly property that offers sensational snorkeling in a protected marine reserve. In the historic heart of  Stone Town , the best-value stay is Zanzibar Coffee House , dating from the 19th century.

Budgeting and costs for a safari in Tanzania

Expect to pay anything from $250 to $950 per room, per night, during your stay in Tanzania. Entry fees at Serengeti National Park for foreign tourists are $70 (peak season) and $60 (low season). To visit the Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll pay $250 for a vehicle, in addition to the same entry fee. These fees are typically included in organized safari packages.

Planning a safari in Zambia

Why zambia.

Track rhinos, witness an awe-inspiring cascade and join a walking safari to experience nature up close. Indeed,  Zambia is celebrated worldwide as the birthplace of the safari on foot, during which, under the guidance of two armed rangers, rhino tracking in nearby Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park will bring you close to these magnificent animals – only a taste of what’s to come at South Luangwa.

Livingstone , the tourist capital of Zambia, lets you gaze at another (non-living) marvel: mighty Mosi-oa-Tunya, better known as  Victoria Falls . If the 935 cu meters (33,000 cu ft) of water that pours over the falls each second is not heart-pumping enough, there are plenty of other thrilling activities to enjoy , such as white-water rafting on the Zambezi River and bungee jumping (also available on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls). During July and August, you can even take a refreshing dip in the natural infinity pool at the edge of the falls.

Several small and rustic camps in the Luangwa Valley cater just to walking safaris – a thrilling alternative to traditional game drives. These camps are mainly located in South Luangwa National Park .

Best time to visit for a safari in Zambia

Peak game viewing is from June to October, and Victoria Falls is at its best on the Zambia side from March to May.

Where to stay on safari in Zambia

Flatdogs Camp in South Luangwa National Park offers family-friendly luxury. In Livingstone, Jollyboys Backpackers provides a vibey base from which to explore town. The Victoria Falls Waterfront provides a free shuttle to the main event – but if you want to stay at the falls with unlimited access, the swish Royal Livingstone Resort is top-notch; the three-star Avani Victoria Falls Resort is next door.

Green Safaris operates a great circuit of camps in Zambia if you want to combine Victoria Falls with South Luangwa. Live the Robinson Crusoe life at Sindabezi Island Lodge on the Zambezi, and then head into the bush at Shawa Luangwa Camp . You can’t go wrong with walking-safari operators Time + Tide (its  Kakuli is a classic camp that’s been open since 1950), or Robin Pope .

Budgeting and costs for a safari in Zambia

Consider getting the KAZA UniVisa , a special $50 pass that allows for unlimited crossings between Zambia and Zimbabwe, plus a one-day trip to Botswana (via the Kazungula border crossing), within 30 days. Budget $250 to $700 per person, per night for lodging.

Planning a safari in Zimbabwe

Why zimbabwe.

The adventurous choice for a first-time safari, Zimbabwe has arguably the best guides in Africa. The easiest way to experience it all? Spend three days in Victoria Falls. Since it’s one of the country’s most popular tourist towns, you’ll find plenty to see, do and eat.

The meandering rainforest walkway in Zimbabwe is where the majority of Victoria Falls viewpoints lie. This is a better option for experiencing the falls during during the dry season (May to October), when water levels on the Zambian side lessen. On some evenings and during the full moon,  Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe remains open at night for dazzling stargazing.

After a day of adrenaline-fueled bungee jumping, white-water rafting, zip-lining or hovering in a helicopter above Batoka Gorge, afternoon tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel , served every day between 3pm and 6pm, offers some refined relaxation, as you share a tiered stand of pretty sandwiches and delicate pastries beside the manicured lawns. If this lies beyond your budget, enjoy a simple gin-and-tonic sundowner – or head to the Wild Horizons Lookout Café .

The wildlife around here is less prolific than nearby Chobe National Park in Botswana (which you can visit on a day trip or easily combine with Victoria Falls). Yet a boat cruise allows for spottings of hippos, crocodiles and the occasional elephant. A 45-minute flight or two-hour drive away,  Hwange National Park is where you’ll find bigger game.

Best time to visit for a safari in Zimbabwe

There is fantastic wildlife viewing during the dry months, from May to October. Victoria Falls is at its peak from March to May.

Where to stay on safari in Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge sits on a ridge and overlooks a water hole frequented by buffaloes and other beasts. Nkosi Guest Lodge is a pretty, upmarket inn, while Ilala Lodge Hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls Hotel, the iconic grande dame, offers perhaps the best views. Further afield, you can ensconce yourself in the bush at  Mpala Jena , about 40km (25 miles) upstream. In Hwange, The Hide , Camp Hwange  and Somalisa are all visitor favorites.

Budgeting and costs for a safari in Zimbabwe

Entry to Victoria Falls is $50. With the wide range of accommodation options, you can spend $150 to $700 per person, per night.

This article was first published Oct 17, 2019 and updated Feb 20, 2024.

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17 unforgettable African safaris

Set off into the wild and see the world like never before with this guide to the best experiences in 11 countries.

Chobe National Park in Botswana holds one of Africa’s largest elephant populations.

What images come to mind when you hear the words “African safari”? Sitting in the bush on a moonlit night, so close to a lion that you can feel the rumble of its roar in your chest?

Many travelers might conjure up visions of tented camps, gourmet meals under a baobab tree, game drives through golden savanna, and sundowners at the end of the day. But safaris can also involve self-guided rental cars , game walks, and fly-fishing. Safaris can be as varied as the continent of Africa itself.

One recent trend: expeditions that enlist travelers in the fight to save endangered wildlife. Tourists make a difference by joining rhino or lion conservationists at work in South Africa or accompanying researchers working on a chimpanzee habituation project in Kibale National Park in Uganda . ( Read about the dark truth behind wildlife tourism. )

Three zebras line a waterhole in South Africa's Kruger National Park.

No matter where you go and what type of safari you choose, timing is key. Once you’ve narrowed your options, look into the best time to visit. South Africa’s summer (December through February), for example, is prime safari season in that region. You’ll still see wildlife if you go during South Africa’s winter (June through August), but pack a jacket, as temperatures can be chilly, especially before the sun rises.

Set off into the wild and see the world like never before with our guide to top safari experiences in 11 African countries.

Spot animals in these natural wonders.

South Africa

Kruger National Park: South Africa ’s largest game reserve, Kruger National Park makes a perfect home base for self-guided and first-time safaris. Stay in one of the park’s fenced camps, such as the Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp on the northern bank of the Crocodile River. Head into the bush early to explore the Southern Circle, famous for its competing lion prides and their varied hunting practices. Don’t miss the nearby hippo pool, but be sure to stay in your car outside of the camp. ( Take a solo safari through South Africa’s wild grasslands. )

Hazyview: Not far from Kruger’s southwestern Phabeni Gate, Hazyview is a family-friendly hub for horseback safaris, zip-lining, safari golf, and trout fishing. Check in to one of the lodges, such as Hippo Hollow Country Estate , and then head out into the Kruger before sunrise on a self-guided game drive to scout lions and white rhinos. Break for lunch in the town of Skukuza.

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve: The rugged Timbavati is one of the private nature reserves that make up the greater Kruger area. Guests can choose from eight lodges there. An upscale chalet at fence-free Simbavati Safari Lodges , for example, is perfect for families. Wake up early for game drives, perhaps to search for African wild dogs . Mid-morning, kids head into the bush for a scavenger hunt with a guide.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve: Animals aren’t the only sights to track on safari. In South Africa’s Western Cape region, wildflowers provide the dazzle. The two lodges at Grootbos , part of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World , sit amid the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms, home to some 800 plant species. Watch for sharks and southern right whales from your suite’s deck. ( See the world’s best places for flowers. )

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, located in South Africa’s Western Cape, offers a "flower safari" to guests.

Hlane Royal National Park: Head to Swaziland , a country landlocked between South Africa and Mozambique , to see Hlane ’s fiercely protected rhinos and marabou storks. Stay in one of the park’s two lodges, Ndlovu Camp or Bhubesi, and enjoy self-guided drives on the safe game-viewing roads that crisscross the park’s flat terrain. Spot lions, hyenas, giraffes, and vulturess, then picnic at the Mahlindza water hole.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve: Black-maned Kalahari lions roam this reserve in central Botswana . Stay just north of the reserve at Deception Valley Lodge , where you can watch magical sunsets dip into the horizon from the deck of your chalet.

Chobe National Park: To the north of Central Kalahari, Chobe National Park is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations. And Chobe Game Lodge boasts the only all-female safari guide team in Africa. ( Meet the all-female anti-poaching unit saving rhinos and other wildlife. )

Elephants enjoy a sunny day in Botswana’s Chobe National Park.

Hwange National Park: All aboard the Elephant Express to tour the Ngamo Forest Area and Hwange National Park, known for its pachyderms and 400-plus species of birds. The two-hour safari rail trip is easily accessible to Imvelo Safari Lodges’ Bomani Tented Lodge or Camelthorn Lodge . Check out the game-viewing underground hide at nearby Stoffie’s Pan. North from Hwange, a four-hour drive or a one-hour flight gets you to regal Victoria Falls, a thundering natural wonder you can hear long before you first catch sight of it.

Mana Pools National Park: Try a river-based safari in a kayak at this remote park. The best time to go may be in April, when large herds of elephants, buffalo, kudu, and the elusive eland return to the four (or mana in the local language) large permanent pools along the south bank of the Zambezi River after the rainy season. Accommodations in the park include lodges, thatched chalets, and campsites.

Namib Desert: A safari here means brilliant stargazing, silky sand, age-old views, and resilient desert animals such as oryx, bat-eared foxes, Burchell’s zebras, and loads of lizards. Stay at & Beyond’s Sossusvlei Desert Lodge , located at the desert’s eastern edge. Explore the Namib dunes on a quad bike, and hike a craggy slope to see ancient rock paintings in a nearby cave, making sure to pack water, a hat, and sunscreen. ( See eerie photos of a Namibian ghost town. )

Gorongosa National Park: Located in central Mozambique , Gorongosa has been brought back to life after suffering the devastations of many years of civil conflict. Today, when you visit, you become a part of one of Africa’s most successful wildlife restoration stories. Home to floodplains and preserved palm forests, Gorongosa has an amazing diversity of wildlife, from antelope to primates and huge Nile crocodiles, as well as lions, elephants, and hippos.

A female crocodile guards her nest of eggs beside the Mussicadzi River in Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park.

Selous Game Reserve: Visit this off-the-beaten-track and tranquil reserve in southern Tanzania for walking safaris and traditional game drives. Then cruise the Rufiji River to watch for elephants, hippos, lions, leopards, and brindled gnu. Stay at Beho Beho , a hilltop lodge that also has secluded tree-house accommodations for the extra adventurous.

Serengeti National Park: At Asilia’s Namiri Plains camp in northern Tanzania, visitors become part of the migration as they travel in a luxury mobile camp alongside herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. Walking safaris get you closer to the action, with veteran Serengeti safari guides giving the play-by-play. The animals—often stalked by big predators, such as lions and cheetahs—follow one of Earth’s most ancient routes. And if you come too close to an animal, never run. Move away quietly.

Olare Motorogi Conservancy: Cross the border from Tanzania into southern Kenya for an iconic East African lodge experience at the Mara Plains Camp. About a 2.5-hour drive from the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, the eco-friendly camp was built by National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert with their partners at Great Plains Conservation . From camp, you’ll head out on safari to watch migrating zebras and wildebeests make exciting and risky river crossings. You may even see a few big cats. ( Experience an air safari through Kenya. )

A lioness takes in the view of Kenya's Olare Motorogi Conservancy.

Ragati Conservancy: Kenya may be a great place to see the migrations, but it’s also a surprisingly fantastic spot for fly-fishing. On the southern slopes of Mount Kenya (Africa’s second highest peak), the Ragati Conservancy has mountain streams stocked with glistening rainbow trout. What makes the Ragati worth the trip? Nat Geo photographer and fly fisherman Pete Muller says that while Idaho fishing is amazing, “anglers won’t encounter an elephant along the Lochsa!” Fishing in Kenya, he says, also gives fishing enthusiasts the chance to visit locations such as Aberdare National Park.

Rwanda/Uganda

Volcanoes National Park/kalinzu Forest Reserve: Rwanda ’s Volcanoes National Park allows a limited number of visitors per day to hike into the jungle to view endangered mountain gorillas up close, as they groom each other, play, and eat bamboo shoots and fruits. Keep your eyes open for golden monkeys too. Nat Geo Expeditions offers an itinerary that includes a gorilla trek, then heads north into Uganda for a chimpanzee trek through the lush Kalinzu Forest Reserve near Queen Elizabeth National Park. ( Here’s how to visit the endangered mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda. )

Zakouma National Park: Intense wildlife experiences await at this park known for the number of animals that make it their home. A herd of more than 500 elephants and flocks of birds, such as the black-crowned crane, in the tens of thousands, congregate here. Zakouma had a tremendous comeback after enduring civil unrest in the region. Visit between December and April, and stay at traditional Camp Nomade, its tents decorated with local carpets and brass bells.

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Travelling Without a Passport

Best Safari Destinations in Africa for 2024

The Big Five have never been more appealing. Here are our big five safari destinations Africa for 2024 and beyond

“There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne—bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive.” Karen Blixen, of Out of Africa fame, waxed rhapsodic about the wonders of the mighty continent and the appeal of a safari. Most of us have only seen wild elephants and lions in documentaries, but there’s nothing more thrilling than seeing these mighty beasts in their natural habitat. An elephant calf playfully following the herd, an ochre-hued lion gazing intently at wildebeests, a giraffe slowly chewing the branches from an acacia tree. Witnessing these animals on a safari in Africa truly transforms you and your views on conservation and sustainability.

Africa boasts dozens of countries, each with their own cultures, languages and norms, but across this dynamic continent, from north to south, lie wilderness parks, savannahs and velds where the Big Five—lions, elephants, cape buffalos, rhinos and leopards—and other animals live peacefully under the watchful eye of park rangers and conservationists. Check out our top five best safari destinations in Africa for 2024. 

Botswana boasts so many natural wonders, it’s hard to pick a place to start when heading here for a safari adventure. The Okavango River Delta, the largest inland delta in the world, offers miles upon miles of myriad waterways, lagoons and grassy flood plains where one can admire mighty beasts from a safe vantage point in an overland truck. Get as close as you can get to African elephants as well as lions and leopards on a Botswana safari .

The Moremi Game Reserve, situated in the heart of the delta, is the perfect campsite for any driving safari as you’ll be rewarded with hippos, Cape buffalos, lions, leopards and the ever elusive Tawny Eagle. If you love elephants as much as we do, Chobe National Park on the border of Botswana and Zambia, boasts a herd population of around 50,000 elephants across the savannah. A Botswana safari is the perfect choice if you want to splurge on a private African safari tour as you get personal chefs and other amenities.

Kenya offers tantalizing glimpses of wildlife from any budget or luxury African safari tour. With more than 800 safari tours to choose from, travelers will find it hard to pick just one. Head to the Masai Mara for gaming drives that ensure you see at least one or two of the Big Five. Tsavo West National Park goes beyond the Big Five and offers rhinos, hippos, cheetahs and plant and bird species that you can’t find anywhere else. This rugged wilderness boasts verdant plains thanks to watering holes such as Mzima Springs. 

Mt. Kilimanjaro is the resident icon here and with its snow-capped peaks as a backdrop, you’ll find elephants migrating from one watering hole to another at Amboseli National Park. Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake, is a great vantage point to admire birds as well as hippos among papyrus reeds and flat-topped acacias. After six days of trekking and hiking, relax in your air-conditioned hotel in Nairobi when you’re done.

South Africa

When one thinks of the Big Five, South Africa immediately comes to mind as it’s considered the place to see all of these animals in their natural habitat. A safari in South Africa means you’ll be guaranteed lions, leopards, rhinos, and other wildlife across a five- to eight-day African safari. 

From the verdant banks of Lake Saint Lucia in iSimangaliso Wetland Park to the grassy plains of Kruger National Park, South Africa teems with wildlife that is indigenous to the continent. Blyde River Canyon, the third largest of its kind in the world, boasts gorges and greenery like you’ve never seen anywhere else on earth. Expect views of the rivers and valleys laid out like a banquet feast for the senses. Meandering ribbons of blue traverse the landscape and waterfalls are carved into cliff sides, offering a pleasing respite from long days in an overland truck tour. 

For African safari tours, Tanzania is always at the top when one thinks of best safari destinations in Africa. With sites such as Ngorongoro Crater, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tarangire National Park, and Serengeti National Park it isn’t not hard to see why. A Tanzania safari is a one-of-a-kind experience thanks to the Great Migration. This annual event sees more than 2 million animals, mainly wildebeests, zebras and giraffes, traverse the golden plains of Serengeti National Park, from Tanzania to nearby Kenya. A safari in Tanzania is always appealing thanks to conservation efforts that preserve the Big Five and other wildlife as well as fertile soil and abundant watering holes.  

On any given Tanzania safari, expect iconic wildlife while on a game drive and close-but-not-too close interactions with animals (perfect for anyone looking for an African safari photography tour); it’s one of our favorites because of this personal interaction. Descend into Ngorongoro crater where you might be lucky enough to spot an endangered black rhino or visit a Maasai village to learn about their way of life. 

While most people head on an African safari to see the Big Five, there are other animals just as majestic and endangered as the mighty lion. Uganda boasts gorilla safaris so you can do your best Jane Goddall impression watching primates in their native habitat.

Before you get to the primates, travel to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to admire rare white rhinos, which have been saved from the brink of extinction by park rangers here. Track chimpanzees, our closest animal relatives, in Kibale Forest National Park. Then it’s time to hike 4-6 hours to see mountain gorillas.

In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park you’ll get to spend one hour admiring these majestic beats in the dense foliage. Grab your camera and quietly take photos of these sociable creatures who are often in family groups of more than a dozen, led by an alpha male. These mighty animals can look placid but can be quite intimidating when viewed up close so don’t use your video camera or flash. You’ll leave your Uganda gorilla safari with a new appreciation for primates of all sizes. 

See Also: Best Safari Destinations In the World

Shandana A. Durrani

Shandana A. Durrani is the Head of Content & Brand at TourRadar. A former Senior Editor at Cigar Aficionado and a former Dining Editor at Google, Durrani has written about travel for Condé Nast Traveler, Afar, Silverkris and Metro London and is the author of “Day Trips from New York City.”

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African Safaris: Finding The Best Safari in Africa

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Without a doubt, Africa is the continent where you can get the best wildlife experience possible. Drifting away from the vulgarity of zoos, travel in African safaris aims to bring travelers and wild animals together in a more natural environment.

The animals can roam around in their natural habitats, while the tourists, accompanied by experienced safari guides, can walk or drive around safely without safety. The national parks in East Africa and Southern Africa present excellent opportunities for animal encounters that will make your heart pound faster than it ever could when watching a documentary.

Africa is a massive continent with many options when it comes to wildlife viewing. In this article, we will break down the top safaris in Africa, country by country. We will explain how each country stands out and what their highlights are.

Best Tours of African Safaris by Country

Before planning your vacation of African safaris, you first need to book a flight ticket, which means you have to decide on the country. Here are the countries that offer the most pleasant wildlife experiences.

Why Safari In Kenya

In an African country where tourism is the second most important income, wildlife tourism is of particular significance. The dense savannah vegetation makes the country perfect for viewing a wide diversity of wild animals. As a result, Kenya has a high concentration of predators, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. 

More importantly, it seasonally witnesses the phenomenal wildebeest migration, where thousands of these wild herbivores migrate from drylands to grasslands in the hope of finding food. This is a sight that you can only experience in two countries, and Kenya is one of them.

With 54 protected national parks, Kenya has some of the most well-maintained game reserves in the world. The best part is, you can experience them with the guidance of local Masai people .

Safari Destinations in Kenya: Top Five

• Masai Mara National Park
• Chyulu Hills National Park
• Tsavo East National Park
• Amboseli National Park
• Nairobi National Park

Why Safari In Tanzania

Among African safaris, Tanzania’s is one of the most amazing and unforgettable experiences. The abundance of lakes in the northern region and the unfenced borders with Kenya’s National Parks makes Tanzania an accomplice in the world-famous wildebeest migration.

The Northern Circuit sees the largest population of wild animals in the world, with millions of herbivores, thousands of big cats and other predators, and vast numbers of rare species. 

Safari in Tanzania is not only popular in the north. The southwest of the country stands out for its chimpanzee population, which you can visit thanks to affordable safari tours. There are even safari parks next to the coast, which is extremely rare.

Another advantage of a Tanzanian safari is that you can combine it with a diving experience along the pristine Swahili coast.

Safari Destinations in Tanzania: Top Five

• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Crater National Park
• Tarangire National Park
• Ruaha National Park
• Gombe National Park

Why Safari In Botswana

Botswana has a reputation that transcends our planet when it comes to wildlife. This small landlocked country has surprisingly diverse climate zones and vegetation. The south and center are taken up by the Kalahari, which is one of the largest drylands in the world.

On the other hand, the north of Botswana is an oasis that stems from the Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. There are several rivers that run across the country, especially in the north. Finally, the northeast of Botswana has a distinct collection of salt pans that seasonally flood and give rise to a lush and nutritious grassland.

The bottom line is, any type of animal can easily find a spot in Botswana and adapt to the climate. There is an incredible amount of antelopes and big cats that have adapted to the Kalahari’s dryness, while the Makgadikgadi and Nxai pans receive a mass migration of elephants, zebras, buffaloes, giraffes, followed by hundreds of predators every year.

The region around the Okavango, especially the Chobe National Park is best known for having the highest concentration of wildlife in a national park, including endangered species.

With 80% of the country allocated to conservation areas, finding African safaris in Botswana is like finding water in the sea. Speaking of water, Botswana is close to the Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world, which means it is easy to merge your African safari trip with a tour to the Victoria Falls.

Safari Destinations in Botswana: Top Five

• Chobe National Park
• Moremi Game Reserve
• Central Kalahari National Park
• Makgadikgadi Salt Pans National Park
• Nxai Pan Game Reserve

South Africa

Why Safari in South Africa

Many African safari destinations are hard to reach because of the lack of good road networks. This is not true for South Africa, as it is one of the very few countries where you can drive to the national reserves, or even drive within them on well-maintained roads.

On top of that, South Africa is one of the most important players in wildlife tourism around the world. The Kruger National Park alone is enough to overshadow many of Africa’s safari parks. Not only does it have one of the largest mammal populations in the world, but it is also one of the best when it comes to viewing elusive nocturnal animals like cheetah, and leopards. 

Another feature of South Africa is that it is the leader of Inrhino conservation in Africa. From the Kruger to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, there are many parks that contain both the black and the white rhinoceros.

Have we mentioned that the majority of South Africa is malaria-free? While the Kruger National Park is in a low-risk malaria zone, there are many award-winning places for game viewing that are far away from malaria and other diseases. It is not only the diversity of animals but also the high-quality of service provided by the best African safari companies that make the country stand out.

Safari Destinations in South Africa: Top Five

• Kruger National Park (especially Sabi Sands)
• Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park
• Madikwe Game Reserve
• Shamwari Game Reserve
• Pilanesberg National Park

Why Safari In Namibia

You might find yourself asking how an animal can survive in a country, where most of the land is desolate and arid. However, this doesn’t change the fact that Namibia is home to the largest safari in Africa. Covering almost twenty-two thousand kilometers in the north, the famous Etosha Pan is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa.

What makes the Etosha Pan so special is the water holes that attract animals. Because the vegetation is thin and the water sources are limited, the animals are exposed as they congregate around the waterholes. That’s why Etosha Pan is one of the easiest places in Africa for tracking and viewing animals.

The wildlife in Namibia has many distinct features, such as the tallest elephants in the world, as well as a considerable number of endangered black rhinos.

Safari Destinations in Namibia: Top Five

• Etosha Pan National Park
• Skeleton Coast National Park
• Bwabwata National Park

Why Safari in Zambia

Tourism in Zambia remained underdeveloped for many years due to the threat of yellow fever and ebola. As soon as the country was cleared of these diseases, tourism took an exponential turn. Yet, Zambia’s wildlife potential remains extremely underrated. 

Zambia’s charmingly diverse vegetation stems from significant climate change throughout the year, which causes fluctuations in the water level of the rivers. Through several floods, the soil in Zambia is rich in minerals and this helps the growth of diverse vegetation. From the big five to thousands of herbivores, all types of animals migrate in and out throughout the year.

The national parks in Zambia are exceptional in walking safaris, which is somehow limited in many other African safari destinations.

Safari Destinations in Zambia: Top Five

• South Luangwa National Park
• Lower Zambezi National Park
• Kafue National Park
• Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
• North Luangwa National Park

Why Safari in Uganda

The last country on our list offers a safari experience that no other country can offer. Besides the abundance of carnivores, herbivores, and birds, Uganda is heaven for primates. The main reason for this is the abundance of water sources throughout the lake region in the south and the Nile basin. As a result, the country boasts vast territories of rainforests suitable for primates.

The highlight of Uganda is the giant mountain gorilla that is becoming closer to extinction every day, but there are also large populations of chimpanzees and rare monkey species such as colobus.

Tour operators organize guided trekking tours through the rain forests, so you can take a closer look at these unique mammals.

Uganda is also special because of the rare and unusual tree-climbing lion species.

Safari Destinations in Uganda: Top Five

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kibale National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

African Safaris: FAQs

It really depends on where you are visiting, but there are options for every budget. A budget-friendly safari in tented camps can be as cheap as 120 USD per night. On the other hand, you can expect to pay up to 2000 USD per night at a luxury safari lodge.

According to user reviews; Masai Mara National Park, Kenya Serengeti National Park, Tanzania Kruger National Park, South Africa Chobe National Park, Botswana South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

In general, the dry season is often the best time because the vegetation is thin and animals are forced to gather around water sources. These factors make game viewing much easier.

African safari tours are conducted by experienced guides. The tours don’t dive into the wildlife territory directly, so the animals are mostly calm as long as you follow your guide’s instructions.

African Safaris: Conclusion

Africa is a mystical continent, where nature carries on in perfect harmony. The best way for you to witness the phenomenal wilderness is by joining one of many African safari tours.

To capture your precious memories, consider purchasing the best camera for safari .

The safari destinations are not just limited to the countries listed here; there are endless options in many destinations in Africa. Consider reading our posts on the best countries to visit in Africa and tourist attractions in Africa .

Let us know what your favorite country for the African safari is below.

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• World's Best

The 10 Best Safari Lodges in Africa in 2022

The best safari lodges, according to Travel + Leisure readers, go beyond the traditional game drive with a wide range of cultural experiences.

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite safari lodges in Africa.

For Travel + Leisure readers, the best safari lodges in Africa aren't necessarily traditional safari properties — though plenty of those did make this list. Take, for example, Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge — a luxurious base for tracking mountain gorillas in the cloud forest of Rwanda. It seems that this once-in-a-lifetime experience elevated guests' memories beyond those of Big Five safaris: the word amazing appears repeatedly in Bisate reviews.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city hotel, resort, or safari lodge based on their locations and amenities.

This year's World's Best list reveals a growing interest in nontraditional safaris. In addition to Bisate at the top spot, there's another Rwandan lodge, One&Only Nyungwe House (No. 3), where the highlights are tracking chimpanzees, bird-watching, and visiting a tea plantation. "A gorgeous property in an incredible location," said one voter. And there's a second gorilla-tracking property on the list: Bwindi Lodge (No. 10), in Uganda. "How special to stay at Bwindi Lodge," wrote one guest, "and be so well cared for when setting out to see the magnificent gorillas."

At No. 2, Gibb's Farm is "the most unique lodge of any kind in East Africa," claimed one reader. Overlooking Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater, a protected area known for its incredible density of wildlife, the 17-cottage property offers activities around its coffee plantation and gardens, as well as bush walks from the property and wildlife drives in the crater. One guest loved that it was "fun for adults and kids." It's "an incredibly beautiful hotel," said another. "The food was amazing, and I loved the farm-to-table philosophy."

Classic safaris are still well represented, with guests favoring wildlife-rich areas such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, the Masai Mara reserve in Kenya, and the South African Kruger National Park. As well as wildlife sightings and luxurious rooms, it was the people who made an impact on T+L readers. Of andBeyond Bateleur Camp (No. 6), in Kenya's Masai Mara, one reader said that "the guides are truly spectacular," while another described "warm, welcoming service."

1. Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

On the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Bisate Lodge has six stylish and cozy villas, each overlooking the surrounding villages, forests, and misty mountain peaks. The main activity there is trekking into the national park to spend some time watching the mountain gorillas, but there are also opportunities to see golden monkeys, go hiking in the mountains, or visit the grave of renowned primatologist Dian Fossey. The staff are "amazing," said one reader, who added the food was "delicious," especially the homegrown vegetables. Another fan said staying at Bisate was "the absolute best...experience we have ever had. The food, service, and rooms were beyond amazing."

Score: 98.29

More information: wilderness-safaris.com

2 Gibb's Farm, Karatu, Tanzania

Score: 96.63

More information: gibbsfarm.com

3. One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda

Score: 96.36

More information: oneandonlyresorts.com

4. andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Score: 95.80

More information: andbeyond.com

5. Angama Mara, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Score: 94.95

More information: angama.com

6. andBeyond Bateleur Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Score: 94.88

7. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Score: 94.00

More information: fourseasons.com

8. andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park Area, South Africa

Score: 93.09

9. Lion Sands Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

Score: 92.47

More information: more.co.za

10. Bwindi Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Score: 89.68

More information: volcanoessafaris.com

Related Articles

4 Great Countries in Africa for Your First Safari

These experiences and operators offer a range of price points and embrace sustainable tourism practices..

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If you’ve never been on safari in Africa before, rest assured that no wildlife documentary can capture the awe of experiencing the region’s vastly contrasting landscapes and cultures in person. There are the sweeping savannas of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in East Africa, home to the world’s largest migrating animal herds, while green Central Africa is a habitat for the last remaining mountain gorillas on Earth. Southern Africa is home to such famous natural wonders as the Okavango Delta and the otherworldly Kalahari Desert. And in West Africa, forthcoming infrastructure in destinations like Pendjari National Park in Benin, where West African lions roam, is opening up lesser-explored areas for wildlife viewing.

Africa is composed of 54 countries with varying experiences ranging from thriving urban scenes to sublime landscapes. The continent’s seemingly endless wilderness experiences can be especially hard to navigate for the first-time safarigoer.

With that in mind, AFAR has picked four countries to get them started. Experiences include the fenceless savannas of Kenya, where such groups as the Maasai own and manage private conservancies; South Africa, with its family-friendly, malaria-free reserves and impressive rewilding projects; the wildlife-filled rivers of Zambia, known for family-owned camps and walking safaris; and Tanzania, home to sprawling, fenceless savannas and Mount Kilimanjaro.

These countries are only scratching the surface of nature-based experiences in Africa—and the beginning of a lifetime of return trips to explore. While we won’t cover the vibrant metropolises of these countries this time, you’ll regret skipping them, so ask your outfitter to work an urban experience into your trip. Here are four of the best places to go on safari if you’ve never been before.

Asilia Jabali Ridge

With nearly two dozen national parks , Tanzania contains some of Africa’s largest remaining unfenced wilderness areas. It’s home to wildebeest who roam together in numbers upwards of a million and make dramatic crossings through the country’s river systems. Those who want to see the river crossings should aim for July to September, but the November-to-March green season can be even more appealing—the rains are short, there are fewer crowds, and you can catch the excitement of calf birthing season.

Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem

Tanzania’s most famous park gets the lion’s share of attention for being the site of the seasonal Great Migration of wildebeest. andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge is well situated right in the path of a major river crossing area. A 2022 refurbishment transformed the camp into a design-driven retreat with sustainably sourced local hardwoods and colorful kitenge fabrics inspired by the region’s craft traditions. The camp, which now runs on 80 percent solar energy, offers plenty of ways to get outside of the safari vehicle, whether you’re tracking elephants on foot or visiting fishing communities on nearby Lake Victoria.

Sitting within the greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem on its own 350,000-acre reserve, Singita Grumeti operates five lodges and camps, each with their own approach to the safari experience. There’s the hilltop Sasakwa Lodge, with its chandeliered guest rooms featuring four-poster beds, deep soaking tubs, and plunge pools that overlook the savanna. The lodge doubles as a museum, with rare artifacts from all over Africa and photography by the likes of Peter Beard. The recently renovated Sabora Tented Camp—an AFAR favorite—offers a more intimate connection with nature, thanks to outdoor showers and canvas walls that let all the noises of the bush lull you to sleep (or keep you awake).

Ruaha National Park

Ask a seasoned safari hand what their favorite wilderness area is in Tanzania, and there’s a good chance they’ll tell you it’s Ruaha National Park. Less-visited Ruaha happens to be the country’s second largest national park, and you could spend an entire trip exploring its widely varied landscapes, which range from miombo forests to sprawling wetlands. Asilia Africa’s camps offer a variety of experiences.

Located on a boulder-filled hill near the Mwagusi River, Jabali Ridge is a prime spot for sightings of lion prides and leopards, as well as elephants who dig beneath dry riverbeds in search of water. The design-driven camp itself features eight suites with a soothing palette of grays and natural woods; a massage in the airy spa comes with a soundtrack of birdsong. For those who want a hands-on conservation experience, the new Asilia Usangu Expedition Camp in the remote Usangu Wetlands offers that. It’s located in a former hunting block that the government is now researching and monitoring; Asilia stepped in as a partner to help raise tourism funds to go toward those efforts. Guests can help monitor wildlife by setting up camera traps and studying animal behavior through thermal monocular lenses—and any data they collect supports the research work happening here.

How to book

andBeyond puts together custom trips that include andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge and other andBeyond and non-andBeyond camps. Niarra Travel can create individualized itineraries that include andBeyond, Singita, and Asilia camps.

Safari operators like Micato send guests to community-owned conservancies, which are sustainably operated and limit visitation.

Courtesy of Micato / Giuliana Provenzano

Kenya is a mosaic of contrasting landscapes and home to more than 40 distinct tribes and communities . In the arid hills to the northeast, the Laikipia Plateau is the historical land of the Samburu and Kikuyu among others; to the south, a safari in the Tsavo and Amboseli national parks means large elephant herds, self-drive safaris, and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The iconic savannas of the Maasai Mara National Reserve are where millions of wildebeest known as the Great Migration roam, with hungry predators like lions and cheetahs in tow.

The Maasai Mara

The Mara fills with visitors in the dry period between June and October, when there’s less green foliage to hide wildlife; in July, hundreds of vehicles line the rivers to watch epic wildebeest herd crossings. But a visit outside of high season can be even more rewarding, according to Dennis Pinto, managing director of Nairobi-based Micato Safaris . “The lushness of the landscapes throughout Kenya right after the April rains, during the off-peak green season, makes for a photographer’s paradise,” he said. “Wildebeest, zebra, and multitudes of other plains game being born make April and May such a wonderfully literal time of renewal—along with the predators looking for easy prey.”

Micato frequently sends guests to the private, community-owned conservancies adjacent to the Mara reserve that are sustainably managing wildlife on their lands—and have more restricted visitation, which translates into fewer crowds, benefiting both visitors and nature. One such camp is the well-appointed, 12-tent Mahali Mzuri , a Virgin Limited Edition camp that leases land from the Masai-owned Olare Motorogi Conservancy .

Tourism on conservancies creates jobs and supports the creation of roads, schools, scholarships, hospitals, and enterprises such as basketry, according to Vincent Oluoch, the program officer who oversees tourism for the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association , which represents 174 conservancies across Kenya. Since the height of the pandemic, “most facilities within the conservancies have started experiencing a steady increase in visitor numbers, including domestic visitors, and in turn have started generating necessary revenues,” said Oluoch.

Some conservancies operate their own tourism businesses—often at gentler prices than international lodges. Oluoch recommends a safari in the Nashulai Maasai Conservancy , which owns and manages Oldarpoi Mara Camp , a series of midrange cottages and tents with en suite bathrooms and Maasai design touches. In the Tsavo Conservation Area, he suggests the recently renovated Kivuko Eco Camp , composed of a family house and camp accommodations run by the Taita Wildlife Conservancy.

Nairobi-based luxury outfitter Micato Safaris , owned and run by a Kenyan family, can arrange a custom-designed itinerary in Kenya that takes travelers to such private conservancies as Olare Motorogi and the Tsavo Conservation Area as well as the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Ask it to work in a couple of days in Nairobi, a vibrant city the company knows particularly well. Travelers can also book experiences directly through some conservancies, including Nashulai .

South Africa

The Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, in South Africa, is a popular—and malaria-free—spot.

Courtesy of Your Private Africa

With its winelands, grasslands, ancient forests, and windswept coasts, rural South Africa offers something for nearly everyone. Varying experiences also make it a year-round destination, with the cooler months falling between July and September.

Kruger National Park

In the country’s popular Kruger National Park, dry season falls between April and October. Green season can be a great option for those in search of better prices and fewer people. Showers are often brief, and less dust from the rain makes for beautiful light.

London-based tour operator Byron Thomas founded Niarra Travel in May 2021 to ensure that as much money travelers spend in a destination stays there—especially at smaller camps with few rooms that don’t have a lot of earning power. “Niarra’s goal is to get as much money to the destination as possible, and the best way to do this is booking directly,” said Thomas. “The second best way is to use a tour operator who has a real, vested interest in making sure they provide that service of putting together a trip that’s the right one for you as cheaply as possible for the particular destination.”

The Cape Town region

Niarra takes a 10 percent commission from companies on the ground, much lower than the industry standard, which can reach as high as 35 percent. The company also partners with responsibly run businesses with guidance from such groups as the Long Run , an organization that helps nature-based tourism businesses to drive such sustainability initiatives as community well-being and land and wildlife conservation. The 11-day Family Adventure itinerary starts with whale watching in the De Hoop Nature Reserve near Cape Town while staying at the four-bedroom Morukuru Ocean House. It continues to the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, which has sunny days for much of the year. Game drives lead to lion, leopard, and elephant sightings, and guests sleep at the three-bedroom Morukuru River House .

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

For a safari that’s both ecofriendly and stylish, Nick Bay, founder of Seattle-based tour operator Your Private Africa , recommends Cheetah Plains in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Electric, solar-powered game drive vehicles offer not just a zero-emissions game drive but also quieter encounters with wildlife. The modern-feeling villa accommodations are a sight on their own, with their minimalistic interiors decorated with the work of contemporary African artists.

The Kalahari Desert

Bay also suggests heading north to the Kalahari Desert near the border of Botswana to experience Tswalu Kalahari Reserve , another malaria-free area set on a former cluster of overgrazed farmland that South Africa’s Oppenheimer family purchased and helped to rewild. Today it’s home to brown hyena, meerkats, desert black rhino, and large predators, including cheetah. Tswalu has an on-site researcher, Wendy Panaino, who is dedicated to studying ground pangolins , the world’s most trafficked animal, which can be found on the reserve.

Tswalu’s accommodations include the Tarkuni villa, a large home perfect for families. “The villa is especially family friendly, which is an emerging trend for safaris—bringing children six and under,” said Bay.

U.K.-based Niarra Travel offers several South African itineraries including the 11-day Cape, Wine, Wildlife, and Waterfalls, which goes to Kruger National Park and the country’s famous winelands. The 11-day Family Adventure in South Africa trip visits the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve for glimpses of big cats and elephants and the coastal De Hoop Nature Reserve for whale watching. U.S.-based Your Private Africa arranges customized private safaris for a wide range of travelers and budgets from start to finish, and it can organize hands-on conservation experiences at places like Tswalu.

Consider Chiawa Camp for a family-friendly safari.

Courtesy of Classic Portfolio / TCunniffe

Home to the Zambezi, Kafue, and Luangwa rivers, and sharing roaring Victoria Falls with neighboring Zimbabwe, Zambia offers a wide range of land- and water-based wildlife experiences. Safaris here are characterized by small, family-run camps that put guests especially close to nature through walking safaris, for which the country is famous (yet it’s still one of southern Africa’s less visited destinations). The popular dry season falls between July and November, but the April to June shoulder season, when the landscape turns green in the wake of the rains, is an especially good time to see Victoria Falls.

“Zambia is personally my ultimate safari experience,” said Suzanne Bayly-Coupe, managing director of Classic Portfolio , a collection of 53 independent lodges in 10 African countries. “It is one of the very few countries that has not been dominated by the bigger commercial safari companies.” According to Bayly-Coupe, Zambia’s water-based wildlife experiences rival those of the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

Lower Zambezi National Park

She recommends Chiawa Camp in Lower Zambezi National Park, which offers canoe rides along the crocodile-filled Zambezi River and has a multi-room family tent for parents with kids; about 20 miles to the east at Old Mondoro , five riverside chalets all have outdoor baths. In South Luangwa National Park, also known as valley of the leopard, add on a few nights at one of the half dozen tiny camps run by the Bushcamp Company .

South Luangwa

Niarra will soon add a trip in partnership with Green Safaris , which operates camps with light footprints, including the canvas-tented Shawa Luangwa Camp in South Luangwa. “We’ve been really impressed with the aptly named Green Safaris, which are all off-grid and all electric, including vehicles, bikes, and boats, and they’re doing a lot of good work on the ground,” Thomas said.

Lower Zambezi

According to Bay, some of the newest camps in Zambia focus on energy efficiency, resource conservation, and community capacity building. They include Lolebezi Safari Lodge in the Lower Zambezi, which is powered by solar panels, has its own water treatment plant, and was built with minimal use of concrete.

Livingstone

One of his favorite lodges in Zambia is Royal Chundu Island Lodge in Livingstone, which is easy to reach because of its location near Victoria Falls and an international airport. “Aggie Maseko, one of the owners, is a hospitality maven and makes it hard to ever leave,” said Bay. “The menu is composed of local ingredients elevated to French Relais & Châteaux standards.” Take a boat transfer to Katombora Island on the Zambezi River, where four sprawling villas have their own private river-facing decks that hover 40 feet above the ground. Go on a day tour to nearby Chobe National Park in neighboring Botswana for sightings of lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and giraffes.

Book a tailored trip through southern Africa with these Classic Portfolio properties through such outfitters as Africa travel experts Explore Inc. or Your Private Africa. Niarra Travel offers a 13-day Victoria Falls, Okavango, and Cape Town itinerary that incorporates the Zambezi River and Falls into a three-country itinerary (Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa).

25 Epic Places to Have the Best Safari in Africa

Many travelers dream of witnessing the African plains, of seeing herds of elephants marching through the savannah, of lion prides sunning on rocks or wildebeest making their great cross-country migrations.  The best safari in Africa will draw on all the romanticism that the continent has to offer, and will deliver to its travelers not only the majesty of the unique wildlife but the beauty of epic landscapes and diverse local cultures.

Each country, from South Africa to Uganda has its own special national parks, its own iconic natural attractions, and its own great safaris. It can be difficult deciding which is really the best safari because truly, the competition is fierce.

We’ve spent a total of 6 months traveling throughout the African continent, visiting many of the best national parks and conservation areas on offer.

To help you decide which is the one for you, we’ve broken it down by country, highlighting the best safaris on offer in each one to help you figure out which is right for you. 

Don’t leave home without:   Lonely Planet Africa (Travel Guide)

Quick Guide to the Best Safari in Africa

Table of Contents

(click to jump ahead to select park)

• South Africa: Kruger National Park
• South Africa: Addo Elephant Park
• Namibia: Etosha National Park
• Namibia: Skeleton Coast
• Namibia: Sossusvlei
• Botswana: Chobe National Park
• Botswana: Okavango Delta
• Botswana: Moremi National Park
• Botswana: Central Kalahari Game Reserve
• Zimbabwe: Hwange National Park
• Zimbabwe: Mana Pools National Park
• Zimbabwe: Nyanga National Park
• Zimbabwe: Matopos National Park
• Tanzania: Serengeti National Park
• Tanzania: Lake Manyara National Park
• Tanzania: Saadani National Park
• Tanzania: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Kenya: Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Kenya: Mount Kenya
• Kenya: Lake Nakuru National Park
• Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
• Rwanda: Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Uganda: Murchison Falls National Park
• Uganda: Queen Elizabeth National Park

South Africa

South Africa is one of the most accessible countries to visit to go on safari, especially for first-timer safari-goers. With a huge diversity in wildlife and scenery, many of the national parks here will allow you to see all of the famous Big Five animals – lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards, and buffalo – in one location. A great chance to use your best safari camera and capture a photo.

While the country has great international flight connections, domestic transport, and accommodation. The best time to visit is in the pleasant dry season between May and September.

Kruger National Park is the largest national park in South Africa, and one of the largest on the entire continent. Found in the northeast of the country, you can easily reach the boundaries from the big city of Johannesburg, while inside the protected limits you will find everything from basic camping areas to luxury glamping experiences. You can find all of the Big Five animals in Kruger, as well as almost every other African animal imaginable.

• Kruger National Park Safari from Johannesburg
• Big Five Afternoon Game Drive in Kruger National Park
• Kruger Park Safari: Guided Day Tour from Nelspruit

Addo Elephant Park is found along the Eastern Cape, and this is the best safari in Africa for elephant lovers. The park is dedicated to the preservation and study of the species, and with a small population of just 11 elephants in the 1930s, Addo Elephant Park now supports over 600 of these majestic animals, alongside a whole array of other local wildlife too, including buffalo, lions and even a few rhinos.

• 7-Day Garden Route, Winelands and Addo Safari from Cape Town
• 5-Day Small-Group Garden Route Tour from Cape Town including Addo National Park

Check out:   South Africa (National Geographic Adventure Map)

The deserts of Namibia may not seem like the best location on which to embark on a safari, but actually, despite the waterless landscapes and endless sand dunes, this makes for one of the most unique and potentially the best safari in Africa.

Visit Namibia in the dry season, between June and October, when the weather and is cool and it’s easy to find wildlife congregating around the sparse watering holes.

Etosha National Park is the most famous park in Namibia , encompassing vast areas of the Etosha Salt Pan. This arid landscape is almost surreal to see, but actually, it is full of life. Here you can find rhinos – and even the extremely rare white rhino – alongside giraffe, leopards, lions, and elephants, all of which are uniquely adapted to the dry environment.

Sossusvlei is more commonly overlooked for safari due to it being primarily a desert landscape. However, it is a place for some very cool sightings, like the one we had of the Oryx on a massive sand dune pictured above. While it’s not a place to see the big five or more traditional safari animals, Sossuvlei is a place to have unique opportunities at animal spotting.

Skeleton Coast conjures images of barren landscapes and empty deserts, and that’s not wrong. This sparsely populated and windswept land is full of shifting sand dunes, lifeless shipwrecks on the coast but a surprising amount of wildlife too.

• 10 Day Namibian Explorer

Botswana is a vast and varied land, encompassing huge areas of the Kalahari Desert, that then blends into the green, verdant deltas of the Okavango. It’s an excellent country for a safari, especially for those looking for real diversity in landscapes and wildlife.

The best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is dry, the roads are passable and the wildlife is waiting along the rivers.

Chobe National Park is one of the greatest national parks on the African continent. Famous for its huge herds of elephants, this area in the north of Botswana comprises every conceivable environment, from wetlands to open plains. It is a great place to safari if you’re looking for high concentrations of herd animals like elephants, giraffe, and zebra.

Okavango Delta is a unique safari experience in that you mostly explore by foot or in a traditional mokoro canoe . Comprised mostly of dense wetlands, you can have some incredibly exciting hippo encounters in this park. On foot, safaris are filled with adrenaline as you follow your experienced guide through the bush in search of animals. 

Moremi Game Reserve can be found along the banks of the Okavango Delta in the north of Botswana. By no means the largest reserve, Moremi is one of the most diverse, and here you can find all Big Five animals as well as incredibly distinct wet and dry regions that contrast spectacularly.

• Botswana Delta Experience
• Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai village,  Okavango Delta  and Savuti
• Okavango Delta Fly-In Safari

Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the portion of this great desert that is found in Botswana. This is a safari for the experienced, as this is a remote wilderness, with long expanses of nothingness and sparse wildlife. It is, however, a completely unusual destination to explore.

• Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Rakops Village, Makgadikgadi Pans and Nxai Pans
• 7 Days Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Khama Rhino and Lekhuba

Zimbabwe is perhaps better known for its politics than for its safari opportunities, but actually, this is an accessible landscape of beautiful vistas and top quality wildlife spotting chances. May to October is the best months to experience the outdoors when it’s dry and cool.

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest conservation area, and it’s perfect for those looking to experience a taste of Africa’s vast beauty. Hwange is one of the last remaining locations where you are likely to find the African Wild Dog, a species that has long been endangered across the continent. 

Mana Pools National Park is Zimbabwe’s most charming and scenic safari location. Here you can find beautiful lakes, surrounded by grassy wetlands that are teeming with wildlife that flock here to refresh themselves in the cool waters.

Nyanga National Park makes for a more offbeat location when it comes to safaris. This is predominantly a highland mountain range, but it’s spectacular, and the area is full of wildlife. Although you may not be guaranteed sightings of lions or hyenas or elephants as you may in game reserves, when you do see them at Nyanga, it’s all the more rewarding.

Matopos National Park has to be one of our favorite places to safari in all of Zimbabwe, maybe even Africa for that matter. Why do you ask? It’s a unique place where you can, in fact, take a walking safari among huge Rhinos. A healthy population of heavily guarded Rhinos lives in the confines of this park and it is a magical experience to see them.

Tanzania is not only the quintessential safari destination but also makes for an excellent holiday destination at the same time, as this is a wonderful country to experience both the great African plains and the sunny coastline of the Indian Ocean. Travel here between July to October, and you will witness the epic Great Migration of wildebeest.

Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s premier conservation zone . This is the Africa of your imagination, with stampeding herds and brutal crocodiles. Visit the Serengeti to see the Great Migration, when millions of zebra and wildebeest move through the plains every year in search of new grazing grounds.

• Tanzania Camping Adventure
• 5 Days Predators In Action Northern Tanzania Budget Camping Safari

Lake Manyara National Park is a completely different safari experience from the Serengeti, which is why we like it. Instead of vast open plains, you will be searching for animals in a heavily forested area. You have the opportunity to see many of the classic safari animals here but for us, it was all about the rarities. Nowhere else in Africa have we had the chance to see a huge Green Mamba hunting on the top of a termite mound!

Saadani National Park is found on the eastern coast and is where the Tanzanian bushland meets with the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. This is a small national park, but it’s the only national park in Tanzania where you can snorkel in the morning before embarking on a game drive in the afternoon. And if you are lucky, you might just see lions frolicking int he waters too.

• 3 Days / 2 Nights – Bagamoyo Town / Saadani National Park
• 2 Days / 1 Night – Saadani National Park / Bagamoyo Town

Ngorongoro Conservation Area gives you an opportunity to not only explore the inside of a gigantic volcanic crater but to do so in one of the top safari places in Tanzania. For whatever reason, the wildlife of Tanzania is drawn to this massive pan, meaning the safaris there are incredible. You can see the whole spectrum of African safari animals on a one-day safari here. This conservation area is commonly included in a larger safari package that includes the Serengeti and Lake Manyara.  

The great savannas and mountains of Kenya have long been a firm favorite for safari-goers. From the herds of the Maasai Mara plains to the mountainous scenery of Mount Kenya, there’s a lot to see. Visit in the dry season, from June to October, for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Maasai Mara National Reserve is the most famous park in Kenya, and for good reason. This is the traditional domain of the nomadic Maasai Mara people, and it’s a vast savanna that’s perfect for huge herds of animals to graze.

• 4-Day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari from Nairobi
• Kenya Safari Experience National Geographic Journeys

Mount Kenya is the second tallest mountain in Africa, but you don’t need to visit to climb the high peak. This is a huge game reserve that protects not just the mountain, the flora and fauna and that surround it. Here you can see a great array of wildlife, all int he glorious shadow of the mountaintop.

• 7D/6N Mount Kenya: Nelion – Batian Route
• 5 Days Mt Kenya Climb Sirimon – Chogoria Route
• Mount Kenya Ascent

Lake Nakuru National Park is a weird phenomenon as it’s one of the only parks where you can be on safari and see a cityscape in the background. But don’t let that deter you from checking out this park. It is not far from Nairobi and has a large population of Rhinos, along with giraffe, zebra, buffalo and an enormous salt lake that attracts flocks of pink flamingos. 

Despite its traumatic, recent past Rwanda is now emerging as one of Africa’s top travel destinations because here you can find everything from volcanic peaks to gorilla sanctuaries. Make sure to visit Rwanda in the dry season between June and September to avoid heavy rains.

Volcanoes National Park as the name would suggest protects a beautiful area of land that surrounds five volcanic peaks. As well as rugged, dreamlike scenery though, this national park is one of the best places to spot Gorillas in the wilds of Rwanda.

• Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda
• Gorilla Safari

Nyungwe Forest National Park is not a traditional safari destination, but it is an astoundingly biodiverse location to visit. This vast forest is teeming with life and is the oldest rainforest in Africa.

• 3 Days Nyungwe National Park Visit
• 7 Day Wildlife Viewing In Rwanda (Akagera And Nyungwe National Park)

Uganda is famed for the vast lakes and rivers that are found within its borders. Add to this a complex ecosystem comprising high mountains and dense rain forest and you have an excellent location for an alternative African safari.

The best time to visit Uganda is June through to August when the dry season gives you the best chance to see gorillas.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that comprises an enormously diverse rain forest ecosystem. Here you can hike through the jungle and perhaps even find the elusive gorillas that call the park home.

• Gorilla Trekking- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• 3 Day Gorilla Fly-In Safari at Bwindi National Park
• Gorilla Trek Independent Adventure

Queen Elizabeth National Park is by far the best place in Africa to see chimpanzees. Safaris are organized to visit this unique species both by truck and on foot. This park is also a fantastic place for the incredibly rare and endangered Golden Monkey. These two attractions alone make this park one of the best safaris in Africa. 

Murchison Falls National Park provides an opportunity to explore the abundant and lively waterways of the Nile River as it makes its way through Uganda. Aside from the plentiful crocodiles, you will be in awe of the Murchison Falls, a dramatic sight to behold.

More on Africa:

• Ultimate Vaccination Guide for Africa Travel
• African Safari Animals and Where to Find Them
• Best Sleeping Bag for Cold Weather From Africa to Greenland
• 25 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Africa
• Africa Overland Trip Budget-Oasis Overland
• Oasis Overland Trip Through Africa-What to Expect
• Preparation Guide for Gorilla Trekking in Africa
• Day in the Life of an Overland Trip through Africa
• Cape Peninsula Photo Tour in South Africa With Viator

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

2 thoughts on “25 Epic Places to Have the Best Safari in Africa”

Lina, Embarking on a safari is a dream come true for many travelers. I can vouch for a safari in South Africa since I was there sometimes back. There are beautiful parks, roads are smooth, and you get to see all the big five. The road trips are fantastic and the scenery; breathtaking!

Sounds great, Lydia

I have been in South Africa twice, the Kruger National park is absolutely scenic.

Have you tried Tanzania? It is another destination I found so unique when it comes to safari.

I am looking to try Namibia in my coming holidays. After I had watched Vanishing Lions of the Desert Document by Dr Philip in Nat Geo wild I promised myself I would go there to pay my tribute to the vanished 5 musketeers

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The Best Safari Destinations In Africa: A Complete Guide 2024

Over the last 25 years, we have traveled extensively in Africa and have taken countless safaris. We’ve seen some incredible sights in some of the best safari destinations in Africa.

An African safari is like nothing else you will ever experience. Once you go, you will be hooked for life. Nothing beats the thrill of seeing a wild animal in its natural habitat or hearing a lion roar in the distance as you drift off to sleep.

Africa is an incredible continent and Ernest Hemingway’s quote sums up exactly how we feel about it.

“I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy”.

It is no coincidence that we named our first child Ernest. We’re happy to say that he loves to go on safari as much as we do!

His thirst for knowledge of African wildlife is incredible. Honestly, if you didn’t think you could take an African safari with kids , we can tell you that you absolutely can and should.

Not only is educating the next generation on the importance of wildlife and habitat conservation crucial, they will absolutely LOVE it.

Africa will take your breath away and the great thing about it is that it is vast and there is so much to see. With so much choice, though, comes the question. Where is the best place in Africa for a safari? 

We have compiled a list of some of the best places in Africa to go on safari.

Most of these African safari destinations are places that we have personally visited and offer Africa’s top wildlife experiences. The rest are on our list to visit as soon as possible!

Whether you want to see the “Big Five” (Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard and Buffalo) or encounter incredible bird life, there is the perfect African safari destination waiting for you.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and book or buy something, we may earn a small commission but this is at no extra cost to you.

Need help planning the ultimate African safari?

Before we cover the best safari destinations in Africa, we want to mention that Go2Africa has helped us plan and book many safaris.

They are the leading luxury safari tour operator in Africa and have won lots of awards. They are also an ethical company, ensuring that your safari gives back to the local community and wildlife projects. You can read more about their Positive Impact initiative here .

They ensure that 100% of your money stays in Africa. This is something that is really important to us and we hope that it is for you too.

They have a great section on their website where you can say when you want to travel and their recommendations for each month come up.

Or you can just speak to a consultant after completing a quick enquiry form here .

One important thing to consider is whether you want to go for a safari in a large National Park like the Serengeti or Maasai Mara or whether it is better to go to a private game reserve.

The large National Parks can sometimes get incredibly busy with lots of independent safari guides jostling for the best view of an animal sighting.

This is what you can experience (photo below). You don’t get this in a private game reserve, but you will pay more for the experience.

In a private game reserve, you also have the opportunity to ‘off-road’ to get closer to the animals.

Best safari destinations in Africa for the ultimate safari experience

With the sheer number of fantastic places in Africa to visit for a safari, deciding where to go can be overwhelming.

To help you make the best choice, we’ve created a list of our favorite African safari destinations.

For each safari destination, we have mentioned the best time of year to visit and also recommended where to stay.

Table of Contents: Best Safari Destinations in Africa

1. Serengeti National Park in Tanzania 2. Kruger National Park in South Africa 3. Etosha National Park in Namibia 4. Okavango Delta in Botswana 5. Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya 6. Mana Pool National Park in Zimbabwe 7. Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa 8. Amboseli National Park in Kenya 9. Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania 10. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda 11. South Luangwa National Park in Zambia 12. Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda 13. Hwangwe National Park in Zimbabwe 14. Damaraland in Namibia Preparing for your first African safari African Safaris Frequently Asked Questions Conclusion: The Best Safari Destinations in Africa

1. Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

We’ll start our list of the best safari destinations in Africa with The Serengeti National Park as it is probably the most famous safari destination in Africa.

It is a huge national park in Tanzania spanning over 3 million hectares.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is most known for its annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest who migrate to the Serengeti each year to give birth.

This great migration is known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.

It can also provide a setting for dramatic animal encounters as the predators descend. There are over 3000 lions in the serengeti and they tend to follow the herd.

There are also river crossings for the wildebeest to contend with which are frought with danger.

To get an idea, you can watch this underwater crocodile ambush clip from David Attenborough .

Best time to visit the Serengeti National Park

Most people visit the Serengeti from July to September as this is when the great migration occurs. This is also the busiest season in the park.

There are two short rainy seasons in the Serengeti: March to April and November to December. These are generally the quietest times to visit.

See here for more detailed information on when to visit the Serengeti.

Where to stay in the Serengeti National Park

Did you know that you can also stay in mobile safari camps that follow the wildebeest migration? Spaces on these camps is limited and you need to book around a year in advance. See Kimondo Migration Camp or Olakira Migration Camp to find out more.

Or see here for all of the accommodation in the Serengeti recommended by Go2Africa .

Serengeti National Park safaris

See here for safaris in the Serengeti National Park.

2. Kruger National Park in South Africa

The Kruger National Park is one of the best safari destinations in Africa for first timers. It is a huge 7500 square miles and is home to the Big 5.

The Kruger National Park is one of the most accessible wildlife viewing areas in the world, with paved roads and lots of rest camps with excellent facilities. It is the perfect place for a self-drive safari.

You also have the Greater Kruger area where you will find the private game reserves.

Many of these private game reserves open out onto the Kruger and the animals are free to come and go.

The Southern end of the Kruger is known for the best wildlife viewing, but this is also where most visitors will go.

If you want game viewing away from the crowds, northern Kruger is the place to be.

Also keep an eye out for news on the new Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park . It is a huge conservation initiative to create a 100,000km² park spanning South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe where animals will be free to roam.

As well as the big five, other animals include:

Cheetah Hippo Crocodile The elusive Honeybadger (we’re quite proud of that sighting!)

Best time to visit the Kruger National Park

The best time to visit the Kruger Park is from April to October. See also our guide on the best time of year to safari in the Kruger .

Where to stay in the Kruger National Park

We have stayed outside of the park and done a self-drive safari and we have stayed in private game reserves on the fringes of the Kruger.

If you are visiting the Kruger with kids, see here for our recommendations for accommodation for families in the Kruger .

We also have posts on the best accommodation for families in Timbavati as well as reviews of Jackalberry Lodge and Thornybush Game Lodge .

We have also stayed in AfriCamps if we want to stay somewhere affordable just outside the park.

There are municipal camps within the Kruger National Park, but we find the accommodation there to be fairly expensive for what you get.

We have stayed at a couple of them in our tent when doing a cheap safari holiday . It was probably the most uncomfortable night’s sleep we’ve had.

It was in December and the daytime temperature was 45 °C. The ground heated up so much during the day and gave it all back during the night. It was like sleeping in a sauna.

Kruger National Park safaris

See here for safaris in the Kruger National Park.

3. Etosha National Park in Namibia

Etosha means ‘great white place’. It gets its name from the salt-laced mud found in the large salt pan in the centre of Etosha National Park.

This Namibian National Park is home to one of the most unique sights you will see on safari in Africa: The Ghost Elephants of Etosha National Park.

These enormous elephants wallow in the mud of the salt pan and when the mud dries, they are almost entirely white and are a sight to behold.

Honestly, take a look at the photo we took below. Even their eyelashes are coated. You can see why they are called Ghost Elephants of Etosha.

Etosha was proclaimed a national park in 1907. Like the Kruger, it is one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa and is perfect for self-drive safaris.

It is accessed by four gates which are open from sunrise to sunset. See here for more info on Etosha entrance fees .

Wildlife is abundant and sightings of wildlife are made easy in the dry season when animals gather around the waterholes to drink.

The landscape is arid and flat and you can see for miles around.

One of our favorite spots was Okaukuejo Camp where we watched black rhino come to the floodlit waterhole in the evening.

Etosha has one of the largest black rhino populations in the world and thankfully has been realtively unaffected by poaching for the last 20 years.

The other great thing about Etosha that will appeal to families on safari is that it has a low risk of malaria. The Eastern Cape in South Africa is also good for family-safaris that are malaria free .

If you are interested in visiting Namibia, read all about how to plan an epic 2-week Nambian itinerary .

Best time to visit Etosha National Park

The best game viewing in Etosha is during the dry season (winter) which is from May to October.

During the summer months, the park transforms into a lush green landscape and wildlife viewing is a bit more difficult. Read more here on the best months to visit Etosha .

Where to stay in Etosha National Park

There are six camps within Etosha National Park . We have personally stayed at Okakuejo in our tent when we were doing budget safaris .

We have also stayed at Onguma Fort , Onguma Tented Camp and are about to stay at Onguma Forest Camp .

Etosha National Park safaris

See here for safaris in Etosha National Park. You might also like to read about our favourite wildlife tours in Swakopmund .

4. Okavango Delta in Botswana

Our safaris in the Okavango Delta were (and are still to this day) the best safaris in Africa for all round incredible animal sightings.

The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland Delta and one of the most remote places on the planet for a safari with fly-in access only to many of the camps.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 2014).

One of the unique things about the Okavango Delta is that you can take to the water for your game viewing.

The Okavango Delta is also an excellent destination for bird sightings with the possiblity of seeing some rare birds.

We didn’t know we were birders until we visited the Okavango Delta!

The safari adventure begins on your flight to camp as you can spot wildlife below. Elephants look like tiny specs in the huge wilderness.

You also get to appreciate how much of the land is under water.

One of the highlights of our safari from Nxabega was taking a mokoro (canoe) trip and a full-day boat safari.

The full-day boat safari involved a picnic stop on a tiny island and a chance to jump into the water for a swim. This could only be done under close supervision by the guide due to the proximity of crocodiles and hippos. A truly once in a lifetime experience.

It felt like we were getting lost in the many channels but our guide knew exactly where we were going.

This is probably a good place to mention that safari jeeps can be quite noisy. If you like the idea of floating along with just the sounds of nature, then a safari in the Okavango Delta is for you.

You also get the chance to spot things like minute reed frogs. Test your guide’s skills as they are incredibly difficult to spot. They are no bigger than a finger nail.

Animals you can expect to see in the Okavango Delta are:

Cheetah Leopard Crocodile Lion Hippo

(Pretty much everything)!

Best time to visist the Okavango Delta

The best time to visit the Okavango Delta is June to October. Read more here .

Where to stay in the Okavango Delta

We stayed at two luxury camps in the Okavango Delta and would highly recommend either of them.

Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge was great for birdlife. It is an open camp and we had the incredible experience of elephant wandering past our tent at night and giving it a little bump! Sandibe was also great for leopard spotting.

Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp was perfectly placed for exploring the Okavango by boat. They offer the most amazing mokoro safaris.

Okavango Delta safaris

See here for safaris in the Okavango Delta.

5. Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya

The Maasai Mara National Reserve (also known as the Masai Mara or the Mara) is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa and certainly one of the best safaris in Kenya.

Located in the Great Rift Valley in Kenya, it is made up of 700 sq mi (1800 km²) of grassy plains and rolling hills.

This is the iconic African landscape with savannah dotted with Acacia trees that might spring to mind when you think of an African safari.

If you visit between August and November, you will witness the wildebeest migration – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.  They cross to the Serengeti in Tanzania from the Maasai Mara in Kenya.

If you are visiting during this time, make sure to book well in advance because it is a very busy time of year. Note that due to changing weather patterns, the exact times change each year.

Animals you would expect to see in the Masai Mara are:

Lion Leopard Cheetah African Bush Elephant Plains animals (Wildebeest and Zebra)

The Maasai Mara has plenty of family-friendly lodges if you are looking for the best safari holidays with kids.

Best time to visit the Maasai Mara

The best time to safari in the Maasai Mara is between August and November if you want to see the Wildebeest migration.

However, it is actually one of the best African safari destinations for year-round safaris.

January to March is usually the quietest time to visit.

Read here for more information on the best times to visit the Masai Mara.

Where to stay in the Maasai Mara

Angama Mara is widely regarded as one of the best safari lodges in Kenya. We will let you know as we’re aiming to test it out shortly.

Maasai Mara safaris

See here for Maasai Mara safaris.

6. Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe

Mana Pools National Park is located in the north of Zimbabwe and runs along the Zambezi River and is one of the least developed national parks in Africa.

Mana means ‘four’ in Shona and refers to the four large permanent pools formed by the twisting and turning of the middle Zambezi.

It is one of Africa’s best safaris for elephant spotting with a huge population of elephants. Also prevalent are hippos and Nile Crocodile.

Mana Pools National Park offers one of the most beautiful safari destinations in Africa.

It’s known for its huge elephant population, many of which you can see in and around the water.

One of the unique offerings at Mana Pools National Park is a canoe safari.

You can explore Mana Pools without a guide but you would need a 4×4. This is not recommended for beginners.

For similar wildlife viewing, see also Lower Zambezi National Park which is just over the border in Zambia.

This one is on our list. We have not yet visited but will update this section when we have.

Best time to visit Mana Pools National Park

August to early November is the best time to visit Mana Pools as the water in the surrounding area has mostly dried up and animals flock to Mana Pools to drink.

Read here for a guide to visiting Zimbabwe at different times of the year.

Where to stay in Mana Pools National Park

Kanga Camp is situated in a private concession in Mana Pools. It is a rustic camp with the most incredible game viewing from the camp.

Mana Pools National Park safaris

Read here for safaris in Mana Pools National Park

7. Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa

Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a private reserve located near the southern end of the Kruger and is home to the Big 5.

Sabi Sands is one of the best African Safaris for leopard sightings. We were lucky enough to spot one with its kill. He was trying to drag it up a tree but it was just too big so he settled for a hill in front of our jeep instead.

The game reserve is also known for its excellent birdlife. Make sure to bring your binoculars along for the ride.

Best time to visit Sabi Sands Game Reserve

The best time to visit Sabi Sands Game Reserve is during the winter months (April to October) when the bush is sparse. It makes it much easier to spot the animals.

Where to stay in Sabi Sands Game Reserve

We actually stayed in Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge which is within Sabi Sabi Game Reserve. This is one of the best safari lodges for kids because they have a fabulous children’s centre .

Sabi Sands Game Reserve safaris

See here for Sabi Sands safaris.

8. Amboseli National Park in Kenya

Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most popular national parks.

For me personally, this is one of the best safari destinations in Africa because it was the first safari I ever took in 2002.

I will never forget seeing the plain animals grazing as far as the eye could see with the silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.

It has to be one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world.

The great thing about a safari in Amboseli National Park is that you can easily combine this with a relaxing beach break afterwards.

We opted to visit Zanzibar by driving across the border into Tanzania and flying from Arusha. But you could equally drive on through Tsavo National Park towards Mombasa and the Kenyan beaches.

If you are feeling adventurous, why not join an expedition to climb Mount Kilimanjaro ? This has been on my bucketlist since seeing this view all those years ago.

Best time to visit Amboseli National Park

The best time for a safari in Amboseli National Park is between June to October.

This is the dry season and the grass is shorter. Read more about Amboseli here .

Where to stay in Amboseli National Park

I visited Amboseli National Park in 2002 and stayed at Porini Amboseli Camp . Obviously I can’t vouch for what it is like these days but we loved it. It was a true African tented camp. We even had someone come and pour hot water into a bucket outside our tent to feed our shower!

If this is a bit too basic for you, Go2Africa can recommend some excellent safari lodges in Amboseli.

Amboseli National Park safaris

See here for Amboseli National Park safaris.

9. Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.

It is an incredible place for wildlife viewing and in our view, one of the best ssafari destinations in Africa to see the Big 5.

It is one of the best places to see black-maned lions and black rhinos and is famed for being one of the most reliable Big 5 safari destinations in Africa.

There are around 30,000 animal species in the Ngorongoro Crater but no giraffe because the walls of the crater are just too steep for them.

When we went, there was a lake in the center of the Crater where huge flocks of flamingo congregated and the occasional cheeky hyena would try their luck to catch one.

Best time to visit the Ngorongoro Crater

The best time of year to safari in the Ngorongoro Crater is April to May. This is the rainy season and there will be far fewer visitors. Read all about the best months to visit the Ngorongoro here .

Where to stay in the Ngorongoro Crater

We stayed at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge . We couldn’t fault it and the views from the hotel were incredible. It is perched just on the crater rim. You can see in the photo below just how amazing the views are.

For a more upmarket Ngorongoro hotel, we also recommend andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge .

You can also find these Serena Safari Lodge on Booking.com and Expedia. It is worth comparing prices if you are booking independently.

Ngorongoro Serena Safaro Lodge on Booking.com

Ngorongoro Serena Safaro Lodge on Expedia.com

Ngorongoro Crater safaris

See here for Ngorongoro Crater safaris.

10. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

A safari doesn’t have to all be about the Big-5. A Gorilla safari is an incredible experience and will leave lasting memories.

There are fewer than 1000 Mountain Gorillas in the world, although conservation efforts seem to have been working. Numbers are slowly increasing but they are still endangered.

The Mountain Gorillas can be found in three locations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is has more than twice the number of habituated mountain gorillas than Uganda and it is easier to get Gorilla permits to see them.

It is also only 2 hours drive from Kigali Airport, making it the most accessible location for gorilla trekking in world.

Depending on where the group is you are tracking, your walk to reach the gorillas can be 30 minutess or a few hours.

You are advised to stay a few metres from the gorillas. This isn’t just for your own safety but also to try to prevent spreading human disease to these endangered animals.

During our gorilla trek, we encountered some playful babies who seemed to find it amusing to drop down right in front of us. They obviously didn’t understand the 6-metre rule!

Gorilla trekking safaris should be organised well in advance because only a certain number of permits are available per day.

Best time to visit Volcanoes National Park

The best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda is between December to early March and June to September. This is the dry season in Rwanda.

Read more about the best time to visit Rwanda here .

Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park

Bisate Lodge is one of the best places to stay in Volcanoes National Park. Not only does it offer exceptional luxury, it also teamed up with the local community to re-forest an area with 2000 trees. It is committed to eco-friendly tourism.

The hotel looks like gorilla nests in the trees. There are only 6 suites, accommodating up to 12 guests. It is a truly an incredible experience staying here.

Volcanoes National Park safaris

See here for Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda.

Photo Credit: Go2Africa

11. South Luangwa National Park in Zambia

South Luangwa National Park is Zambia’s top wildlife destination.

In terms of best safaris in Africa, South Luangwa is a relative newcomer and much of its 5600 sq mi (9000 km²) is unexplored.

This makes it a great place for more experienced safari-goers who are looking for something wild with a bit more of an edge.

This park is where walking safaris all started and are one of the best ways to see wildlife still. Among the animals you will see in South Luangwa are the Big 5 as well as endemic species such as Crawshay’s zebra and Thornicroft’s giraffe.

Best time to visit South Luangwa National Park

The best time to visit South Luangwa National Park for wildlife viewing is July to October (dry season). November to April is the wet season and the park will be quieter. This is a better time for bird-watching.

Where to stay in South Luangwa National Park

Billed as South Luangwa’s most luxurious lodge, Time and Tide Chimzombo is a must see.

South Luangwa National Park safaris

See here for safaris in South Luangwa National Park.

12. Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda

The Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda. It’s one of the most diverse parks in the country with mountains, swamps, tropical forests, savannahs and wetland areas.

It sits between Lake George and Lake Edward which are connected by the Kazinga Channel. Here you can take boat cruises for some leisurely wildlife spotting along the riverbanks.

It has the highest bird diversity in all of Africa making it one of the best safari destinations in Africa for birders. It also has one of the largest variety of animals in any Ugandan park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is also famous for its tree-climbing lions which can be found in the Ishasha sector in the south.

If you are looking for chimpanzees, you will find them in the forests of the Kyambura Gorge.

If you are flying into Kampala or Entebbe for your safari, why not incorporate a trip to Jinja, the source of the Nile?

The area is great for white water rafting.

Best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is between January and February and June to July. This is the dry season when animal viewing is at its best.

Where to stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wake up to the sounds of hippos in the morning at Ishasha Wilderness Camp , a small camp set on the banks of Ntungwe River.

Queen Elizabeth National Park safaris

See here for safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

13. Hwangwe National Park in Zimbabwe

Hwangwe National Park is located in the far north west of Zimbabwe. It is the largest nature reserve in Zimbabwe at 5600 sq mi (14,600 km²).

It is made up of grasslands and mopane woods which are home to elephant herds, lions and African wild dogs.

It is home to 30,000 elephants which is the second largest elephant population in the world after Chobe National Park in Botswana.

Of course, you can’t come to this part of Zimbabwe and not visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and World Heritage Site – Victoria Falls.

Hwangwe has suffered hugely in the past from poaching. Whilst it has not been eradicated, a large population of African Wild Dogs is said that have aided in the reduction of poaching.

Best time to visit Hwangwe National Park

The best time to visit Hwangwe National Park is between August and early November. This is the dry season when animal viewing is at its best and the risk of malaria at its lowest.

Where to stay in Hwangwe National Park

See here for all recommended accommodation in Hwangwe National Park.

Hwangwe National Park safaris

See here for safaris in Hwangwe National Park.

14. Damaraland in Namibia

Damaraland is a region located in the north-central part of Namibia.

The apparent near-barren landscape is home to a surprising number of desert-adapted animals. Most notably the rare desert-adapted elephants.

The red rocky, mountainous scenery is breathtaking (reminding us slightly of Wadi Rum ). Make sure to climb high to catch a sunset with sundowners.

We can personally vouch for it being a great spot for a proposal! We last visited in 2010 and are very excited to be visiting again in 2023.

We didn’t go on a safari in this region but we will be seeking those elusive elephants on our next trip.

While visiting this region of Namibia, you should visit the rock art at Twyfelfontein, Namibia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will find 5000 cave paintings and carvings dating back 6000 to 10,000 years.

Best time to visit Damaraland

The best time to visit Damaraland is May to October as this is the dry season. Wet season becomes very humid.

Where to stay in Damaraland

We have previously stayed in Camp Kipwe and Mowani which were both absolutely incredible.

Camp Kipwe – the rooms are built into the landscape so you can barely see them. Take a look at the photo below of our suite.

Mowani Mountain Camp – thatched suites that blend seemlessly with the surrounding landscape.

If you are travelling independently, you can check prices and book on Booking.com which is sometimes cheaper.

Mowani Mountain Camp

Damaraland safaris

See here for safaris in Damaraland.

Preparing for your first African safari

To ensure you have the best African safari experience, there are a few things you need to work out before you book anything:

• Which animals would you really like to see? Some destinations are better than others for elephants, for example or leopards.
• If you are looking to save money on your safari, you might want to consider a destination where you can do self-drive safaris.
• Another tip for booking cheaper safaris is to travel in the off-season or shoulder season. This is usually the wet season. It doesn’t necessarily rain all the time and game viewing may not be as good but there will also be less crowds.
• If it is your first safari, consider getting a guide. See below our reasons for hiring a guide.

Reasons to hire a guide

If game drives aren’t included in your accommodation, it’s a good idea to hire a safari guide as they will find the best wildlife for you.

There have been times when I couldn’t even see an animal when the guide pointed it out. So there would have been no chance of me spotting it without a guide.

Either that or take kids. They seem to spot everything!

The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and you can ask them any questions you like. This is great if you have kids who love asking non-stop questions.

If you’re lucky, they might have some fantastic safari tales to tell. If you want to know what I’m talking about, I recommend reading ‘ Whatever You Do, Don’t Run ‘ by Peter Allison.

You are also giving back to the local community by hiring a local guide.

Things to take on safari drives

Don’t forget to bring a camera with a decent zoom lense and binoculars.

If you are going on safari with kids, you might find our guide to things to take on safari with kids helpful.

If you are taking game drives through your luxury safari lodge, they will pack a lot of essential items into the safari jeep, including snacks and drinks.

If you are self-driving, make sure to take these with you as there will be nowhere to grab them once in the National Parks (except Etosha and the Kruger).

Waterproof coat in rainy season and a lightweight fleece top in the dry, winter season. It can get very cold on evening game drives.

Think about colours. You shouldn’t wear navy blue or black if you are travelling to an area with Tetse flies. White is also a bad colour to wear on safari. Bright colours are generally a no-no.

Try to go for neutral colors like beige and khaki green. Avoid camo though as it is banned in certain countries.

Even if you are staying in a luxury safari lodge, you will not be expected to dress for dinner so no need to pack your most fabulous evening dress.

Other things to take on safari include:

Insect repellent Anti-malarials (if applicable) Sturdy shoes in case of a walking safari Sunglasses Hat Sunscreen Flashlight

African Safaris Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions by travelers who want to experience the best safaris in Africa:

Which is the best month to go on an African safari?

Africa is a very large continent and climates differ greatly by country. We have given detailed information on the best times to visit each of the best safari destinations in Africa to help you decide.

Which country is best for a family safari?

South Africa and Namibia would be ideal safari destinations in Africa for families given the malaria free safari options they offer. After that, we would suggest Kenya.

Which is the best safari in Africa to see the Big 5?

All of the above recommendations will offer the chance to see the Big 5 (with the exception of the Volcanoes National Park). In our experience, however, your best chance of seeing the Big 5 is in the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

What is the average cost of a safari?

There isn’t really an average cost of a safari. There are luxury safaris costing many thousands of dollars and then there are budget, self-drive safaris. You need to think about how much you would like to spend and work from there.

The best thing to do is to speak to a safari consultant at Go2Africa and they can work something around your budget.

Don’t forget to budget for tips and have some (preferably) USD for this. This is our rough guide for tipping on safari although it is a personal choice at the end of the day:

Ranger : $20 per day per suite.

Tracker : $15 per day per suite.

Butler : $10 per day per suite.

General staff : $10 per day per suite.

How many days on safari is enough?

We are often asked ‘how many days should you spend on an Africa safari?’

The most popular duration for a safari holiday is between 7 and 14 days. Obviously, how much time you spend on safari is a personal choice. What we would say is that the longer you have, the more places you shouuld visit.

Remember that you will be going out on safari in the morning and evening and if you are doing this in the same place every day for 2 weeks, it can get a bit much.

Take the opportunity to try out a few lodges. We recommend spending 3 to 4 nights in a lodge before moving on.

If you are on safari with kids, we also recommend breaking up the safari holiday with a stay somewhere on the coast or somewhere completely different.

This is why South Africa is a great safari destination for families because it has so many beautiful places to visit.

Conclusion: The Best Safari Destinations in Africa

With so many amazing safari destinations in Africa to choose from, it’s very hard to go wrong with any of the above recommendations.

If you do find any other amazing African safari destinations, let us know!

We participate in various affiliate marketing programs. Flashpacking Family is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Top 10 Best African Safari Parks and Destinations of 2024

Anita is a data researcher and content manager at SafariBookings with a background in editing and translation.

Africa has some incredible places to go looking for animals, but which safari park do travelers rate the highest? After an exhaustive analysis of 2,494 reviews written by safari travelers and experts, we are pleased to announce that, for the fourth consecutive time, Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park has won top spot in our list of the Top 10 Best African Safari Parks and Destinations of 2024.

Its overall rating of 4.87 out of 5 put this world-renowned wildlife park out in front of 199 other parks and reserves across East and southern Africa, as well as Ethiopia and Madagascar. Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve in South Africa continued its rise through the rankings this year, reaching second place, with Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park coming in third.

Top 10 African Safari Parks and Destinations

Top 11 to 50 african safari parks and destinations, how we created this list, interesting insights, demographics of the reviewers (all parks).

4.52 /5 Classic safaris, giraffe, cheetah, antelope species, four of the Big Five (no rhino)

4.51 /5 Boat and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), abundant elephant

4.50 /5 Classic dry-country safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), adjoins Buffalo Springs National Reserve

4.50 /5 Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present

4.49 /5 Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present, chimpanzee refuge, stunning scenery

4.48 /5 Canoe, boat, walking and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino)

4.47 /5 Classic safaris, great abundance of all major safari animals including the Big Five

4.45 /5 Walking and classic safaris, Victoria Falls and small wildlife park, white rhino, elephant and giraffe, no big cats

4.44 /5 Walking, boat and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), healthy population of wild dog

4.43 /5 Boat safaris, sublime scenery, wonderful birding, rhino tracking

4.37 /5 Classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no buffalo), abundant wildlife during the Dry season

4.36 /5 Boat and classic safaris, waterfall, abundant wildlife, four of the Big Five (no rhino)

4.36 /5 Classic safaris, great elephant viewing, famous for its views of Mt Kilimanjaro

4.32 /5 Classic safaris, zebra migration in the Wet season, all big cats present

4.29 /5 Classic safaris, adjoins Tsavo West National Park, good for elephants and big cats

4.28 /5 Boat and classic safaris, abundant wildlife, four of the Big Five (no rhino)

4.27 /5 Walking, canoe and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino) and wild dog present

4.23 /5 Walking and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), lots of elephants in the Dry season

4.22 /5 Classic safaris, adjoins Tsavo East National Park, Big Five present, low wildlife density, varied scenery

4.17 /5 Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present

4.15 /5 Exceptional granite landscapes, prehistoric rock art, limited wildlife includes rhino

4.12 /5 Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present

4.05 /5 Big Five, lovely scenery, top birding, night drives and boat trips

4.05 /5 Classic safaris, black and white rhino, lion and leopard, no elephant, family-friendly

3.98 /5 Classic safaris, zebra migration in the Wet season, all big cats present

3.96 /5 Hiking, small antelope species and primates, birding hot spot

3.96 /5 Classic safaris, Big Five present

3.88 /5 Walking safaris, forest elephants and tree hotels

3.88 /5 Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present

3.87 /5 Cycling, walking and climbing, with mainly buffalo and antelope species

3.81 /5 Boat, walking and classic safaris, mainly antelope species, lion present but rare

3.79 /5 Classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no elephant), city skyscrapers as backdrop

3.72 /5 Classic, walking and canoe safaris, treetop walkway, four of the Big Five (no rhino)

3.70 /5 Classic safaris, hiking, mainly antelope species, buffalo, giraffe and Kilimanjaro colobus

3.65 /5 Walking and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino)

3.56 /5 Classic safaris, Cape mountain zebra, cheetah, lion, black rhino and antelope

3.45 /5 Classic safaris, Big Five present, but only elephant are regularly seen

3.44 /5 Classic safaris, Big Five present, famous for its rhino population

2.84 /5 Scenery, hiking, animals scarce, mainly antelope species, none of the Big Five

1.95 /5 Classic safaris, wildlife scarce except after summer rains, all big cats present

• We analyzed 2,494 park reviews on the SafariBookings.com website, which included 1,380 contributions by safari tourists from 107 countries, as well as 1,114 reviews written by our international team of safari experts.
• In total 200 parks from 15 countries, consisting of Botswana, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, were included in the study.
• Only parks recognized for classic wildlife-viewing safaris were considered. Parks mostly known for scenery or gorilla/chimp tracking (and not other wildlife) were not included.
• Parks with less than 10 reviews were excluded from the Top 50.
• Serengeti National Park in Tanzania was the clear winner with a 4.87 overall rating. This was the fourth time running that the Serengeti has come out on top, after placing first in 2015, 2018 and 2019. Driving the Serengeti’s popularity is the park’s spectacular wildlife (including the abundance of predators and the wildebeest migration), for which it was ranked highly by travelers and experts alike.
• South Africa’s Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve came in second with an overall rating of 4.71 out of 5. Ranked ninth in 2019, it jumped all the way to second place this year, roaring into the top three. Confirmation that Sabi Sands belongs in such elite company comes from the fact that both travelers and experts gave it 5 out of 5 for wildlife, and a higher overall ranking than they did in the previous survey.
• Coming in third was South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, rising from a respectable seventh last time around. It may receive fewer visitors than other, better-known parks, but it gets top marks from both travelers and safari experts.
• Tanzania had the highest number of entries in the Top 10, with three parks: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Ruaha National Park. Botswana was close behind with two and a half parks: Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (which Botswana shares with South Africa).
• Kenya may have only one entry, Masai Mara National Reserve, in the Top 10, but it had more parks and reserves in the Top 50 (12) than any other country. South Africa had the second most entries with 11, down from 14 in the last survey. Tanzania (eight), Botswana (six) and Uganda (four) were next. For the first time in 2024, Malawi had an entry in the Top 50 with Liwonde National Park at number 20.
• Birders have clearly taken a liking to Kenya’s Kakamega Forest National Reserve: both safari travelers and experts ranked Kakamega in first place for bird watching.
• One of the biggest surprises was Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. Ranked second in 2019, it fell dramatically to 27th. But safari travelers have remained loyal to the park, giving it the maximum score of 5 out of 5 in the categories of wildlife, bush vibe and birding.
• Travelers aged between 20 and 35 decided that their favorite park was Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, followed closely by Tanzania’s Serengeti. For more mature age groups, the top ranking went to Namibia’s Etosha National Park (ages 35 to 50) and South Africa’s Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve (ages 50 to 65).
• Botswana’s Chobe National Park and Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park ranked highly for safari travelers who have been on more than one safari. And when it comes to wilderness, Botswana’s Okavango Delta deservedly came out on top in the bush vibe category for those who have been on five or more safaris.

User reviews: 1,380 Expert reviews: 1,114 Nationalities: 107

Percentage of Reviews by Country All user reviews. Move your cursor over a country to get the number.

Age and Gender (Percentage) All people who wrote user reviews. Move your cursor over the chart for more details.

Safari Experience Level (Percentage) All people who wrote user reviews. Move your cursor over the chart for more details.

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$3,911 to $4,065 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Arusha NP, Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Stone Town (Zanzibar) , Zanzibar (Beach) , Zanzibar Airport (End)

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Top 10 Unmissable African Safari Destinations

There is nothing quite like the thrill of an African safari . It's the stillness of the early morning, before the rising sun reaches its peak and casts a heat mirage across the horizon. It's the sound of wild creatures calling in the night and the sense of peace that comes with being surrounded by untamed wilderness. Above all, it's the excitement of the unexpected - in the bush one never knows what new sights and experiences each day will bring. In this article, we look at 10 of the most iconic safari destinations on the continent. Choose one of these for your next African adventure and you won't be disappointed. 

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Located in the extreme southwest of the country on the border with Tanzania, Maasai Mara National Reserve is Kenya's quintessential safari destination. Covering over 580 square miles/1,500 square kilometers, it's home to the Big Five  and is famous for its thriving big cat populations. In particular, the reserve is known as one of the  best places to see lions in their natural environment. Special Maasai Mara experiences include visits to traditional Maasai villages and the annual Great Migration . Between July and October, the migration sees approximately two million wildebeest, zebra and other antelope cross from Tanzania to Kenya across the mighty Mara River. 

Chobe National Park, Botswana

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Chobe National Park lies adjacent to the Okavango Delta in the northwest corner of Botswana . It includes four distinct ecosystems, allowing for an incredibly diverse array of animal and bird life. In particular, the park's Savuti Marsh offers one of Africa's highest year-round concentrations of wildlife. Chobe is especially famous for its elephants, with an estimated 120,000 of the great grey animals living within the park's borders. The best time to visit is during the dry season (April to October), when vast herds of elephant and other animals gather to drink along the banks of the Chobe River. The river also allows for unique boat-based game-viewing and rewarding birding. 

Kruger National Park, South Africa

TripSavvy / Anna Haines

Located in the northeast of the country on the Mozambique border, Kruger National Park is the most famous of all South Africa's many game reserves. As well as the Big Five, the park is home to the vulnerable cheetah, the endangered wild dog and several elusive small cat species . It is a good option for first-time visitors to Africa, with a wide choice of accommodation options (ranging from basic campsites to luxury lodges). With a well-maintained and easily navigated road system, Kruger is also the ideal self-drive safari destination. Keen birders should plan to visit between October and March. At this time, the park provides a temporary home for more than 200 migrant bird species . 

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

In eastern Zambia , South Luangwa National Park is known for incredible walking safaris that offer the chance to get up close to the park's wildlife. It supports healthy herds of antelope and elephant, as well as several large lion prides. River-dwelling species such as hippos and Nile crocodiles thrive here and more than 400 bird species have been recorded in the region. Above all, South Luangwa is arguably the best place in Africa to see wild leopards . The optimum time to visit depends on your priorities; birding is best in the rainy season but game-viewing is best during the dry winter months. At this time, animals congregate on the banks of the Luangwa River in search of precious water. 

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta is a unique inland water system created at the point where the Okavango River flows into the Kalahari Desert basin. It sustains an astonishing variety of wildlife and swells and recedes throughout the year according to the annual rains. The most exciting way to explore is on a traditional canoe or  mokoro and the   best time to visit is during the annual flood. Confusingly, this coincides with the May to September dry season. At this time, the Delta's animals are confined to the islands created by the flood, making them easier to spot. Highlights include great herds of elephant and antelope, hippos, crocodiles, lions and cheetah . Many of the birds spotted here are endemic.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

TripSavvy / Felicia Martinez

Serengeti National Park is located in northern Tanzania and shares a border with Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve. Its sprawling grasslands make for classic safari panoramas dotted with lone acacia trees and grazing herds of zebra and antelope. These herbivores attract high numbers of predators and the open environment makes this one of the best destinations for watching lions and cheetahs in action. The Serengeti is much larger than the Maasai Mara, and as such often feels less crowded. From November to June, the Serengeti is the main stage for the dramatic Great Migration. At this time, huge herds of zebra and wildebeest gather to graze, mate and give birth. 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwest Uganda  on the edge of the legendary Rift Valley. This dense rainforest is home to nearly half of the world's population of mountain gorillas - a critically endangered subspecies with just over 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Here, you can track the park's habituated gorilla groups on foot, allowing you to come face-to-face with these fascinating great apes. Gorilla trekking permits  are compulsory and must be booked well in advance. The forest is also home to chimpanzees, baboons and other mammals including elephant and antelope. Its birdlife is similarly diverse, with more than 20 endemic species. 

Etosha National Park, Namibia

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

In northern Namibia lies Etosha National Park , a diverse collection of different habitats arranged around a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. This self-drive park is generally arid and many of the animals here are adapted for life in the desert - including the gemsbok and springbok antelopes. Elephants are commonly spotted and you're likely to see lion, hyena and cheetah. You won't find buffalo or hippo, though - it's simply too dry. Etosha's main highlight is its population of critically endangered black rhino. These remarkable creatures are best spotted at the floodlit waterholes of the three main camps alongside an array of other nocturnal animals . White rhinos are found here too.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania is made exceptional by its volcanic crater - the largest un-flooded and unbroken caldera in the world. This vast depression acts as a natural enclosure for countless wildlife species, including the Big Five. Highlights range from a healthy population of black rhino to some of the largest tusker elephants on the continent. The lake at the center of the crater also hosts huge flocks of rose-colored flamingos, while Maasai tribespeople still live within the conservation area. Another unmissable attraction is the Olduvai Gorge , an important paleoanthropological site that has contributed hugely to our understanding of human evolution. 

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's  Hwange National Park  covers some 5,655 square miles/14,650 square kilometers of land in the west of the country. It is possibly the least crowded of Southern Africa's major safari destinations, allowing for a heightened sense of adventure and discovery. Hwange's elephant population is legendary, as are its large herds of buffalo. Lion are often spotted here, too. Above all, the park is one of the best places in the world to see the elusive African wild dog, thanks to the presence of several establish packs. Hwange's private game lodges offer a variety of different safari options - including walking safaris, horseback safaris and night safaris . 

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Where Are the Best Safaris in Africa?

Liz is a collector of grand adventures. She first discovered her passion for meaningful travel wh...

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Every wanderluster has daydreamed about getting up close and personal with some of the world’s most exotic, awe-inspiring wildlife, witnessing them in their natural habitat. If this sounds right up your alley, there’s no doubt an African safari is at the top of your bucket list.

Sure, you can get up close and personal with wildlife, but keep an ethical distance.

So where are the best safaris in Africa? That depends on the wildlife you want to see and the kind of safari experience you desire—from walking safaris to game drives, from camping to luxury. The best places for African safari are far and wide between.

Africa is one of the best regions in the world for safari as the continent is home to the iconic “Big Five,” some of the largest and most dangerous wildlife in the world: elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceroses.

While it’s never guaranteed that you’ll see animals while on safari—at least if you’re on an ethical one—the odds are in your favor when in Africa. With some of the most diverse wildlife on the planet and the best national parks and game reserves in the world, Africa is the place to be for safari.

Is it ethical to go on a safari in Africa?

You should always consider ethics when looking for the best place for safari in Africa. Safaris aren’t always ethical—there are plenty out there that disrupt the wildlife and natural habitats, and some that still support hunting and abuse. But with a little research, it’s definitely possible to find ethical safaris .

An ethical safari has ethical practices. They respect the animals, allow them to roam freely without disruption, and expect tourists to maintain safe distances so there is no human contact. Not only that, but ethical safaris typically play a role in conservation initiatives and supporting local economies.

Always do your research—after all, the best safaris in Africa are the ethical ones. Consider where your money is going and how the safaris are conducted so you can ensure your safari is protecting the wildlife rather than harming it.

Where are the best African safaris?

The best safaris in Africa let you create memories (and photos!) to last a lifetime while following ethical practices.

1. Tanzania

• Why it’s the best: When many think of the best places to go on safari in Africa, Tanzania immediately comes to mind. Tanzania is one of the most famous safari destinations, and it’s known as the best country for safari not just in Africa, but in the world. It boasts some of the most world-renowned national parks, especially if you want to see the Big Five.
• Visit Africa’s iconic UNESCO-listed Serengeti National Park in Northern Tanzania to explore one of the world’s oldest ecosystems. Not only will you have the opportunity to see wildlife across the plains and grasslands, but if you visit at the right time of year, you may be able to bear witness to the Great Migration, a 1,000 kilometer journey of over two million wildebeest, zebra, impala, gazelle, and clouds of birds overhead from Tanzania to Kenya. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped foot into the real-life Lion King witnessing one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
• And if you want to knock off another one of the Natural Wonders? Visit Ngorongoro Crater, the largest caldera in the world and one of the best places to go on safari in Africa
• Recommended program : IMA Safaris Africa - Group and Student Travel Opportunities

Animals in their natural habitat make for a memorable adventure.

• Why it’s the best: Another one of the best African safari countries is Kenya. Just as Tanzania is famous for the Great Migration, Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve receives the animals from across the Mara River in July and sees this largest mammal migration make the journey back to Serengeti in October.
• In addition to the Great Migration, Kenya is known for its diverse landscapes, from snowy mountains to hot, dry deserts to rainforest to rugged coastline. Visit the Samburu National Reserve on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River to see some of the most unique wildlife that can only be found in the Samburu ecosystem—reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, Beisa oryx, Somali ostriches, and the gerenuk—along with all the other typical African icons.
• Soak in the rich culture in local villages and be at peace knowing Kenya is home to some of the largest conservation and anti-poaching efforts in East Africa, birthing some of the best African safaris out there.
• Recommended program : AFS Kenya Global Prep: Wildlife Conservation

3. South Africa

• Why it’s the best: If you’re looking for the best country for safari, South Africa should be at the top of your list. South Africa is home to some of the oldest and most iconic national parks on the continent, making it a top destination on many African bucket lists.
• Visit Kruger National Park to explore two million hectares of land, filled with cheetahs, hoppos, Nile crocodiles, and even the endangered black rhinoceros. Within Kruger National Park, you’ll find the Karongwe Private Game Reserve where you can not only spot wildlife, but also learn about the rich culture and culinary traditions of the Shangaan people.
• But there are also endless parks to discover outside of the iconic Kruger. Visit the Mala Mala Game Reserve on Kruger’s border to find the largest population of lions in their natural habitat or explore the wide-open savannah of Sabi Sand Game Reserve. No matter which parks you want to visit in South Africa, the ideal time to go will be between June and September to spot the best wildlife.
• Recommended program : Volunteer in Animal Care in South Africa

4. Botswana

• Why it’s the best: Botswana is the best place to safari in Africa if you want to bask in vast wildlife without fences or restrictions. The landscape ranges from beautiful baobabs to sandy desert and is home to some of the highest concentration of big game in Africa.
• From the plains of Chobe National Park to the marshlands of Okavango Delta, you can find both land and water animals, especially if you’re willing to break outside the mold and safari by water. That’s right, you can take canoes through the connected river and lake system to spot kingfishers overhead while buffalo, lions, and leopards linger on the riverbank.
• Not only that, but Botswana is by far the best place for safari in Africa if you want to spot elephants, with a population of over 120,000 wandering in dry season along the Chobe River.
• Recommended program : Become a Safari Guide in Botswana/South Africa or Kenya

Head over to one of the most diverse parks for a chance to see nature like you’ve never seen it before.

• Why it’s the best: Uganda is another one of the best places to go on safari in Africa due to its varied landscapes and species. Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park near Murchison Falls, one of the most diverse parks in the country. There you’ll find beautiful mountains, lush rainforests, open savannah, crater lakes, swampy wetlands, and flowing lakes and streams that are the sources of the Nile, the longest river in the world.
• With such diverse ecosystems, Uganda houses diverse wildlife, from elephants and buffalo to forest hogs and hippos. You’ll also find the unique African skimmer bird in the wetlands, crocodiles lurking in the Nile, and chimpanzees hanging out in the rainforest.
• In addition to the wildlife, Uganda is the perfect destination for adventure lovers . With endless water features, you can take a break from safari to go white water rafting, chase waterfalls, or visit local tea and coffee plantations for a caffeine buzz.
• Recommended program : 7 Day Culture-Adventure Tour of Uganda
• Why it’s the best: If you Google “where are the best African safaris,” Zambia may not be first on your list, but it should definitely make the cut! This safari hotspot is often an overlooked destination, yet it offers some of the most unique experiences.
• Visit South Luangwa National Park to spot high concentrations of Thornicroft’s giraffes and Crawshay’s zebras, in addition to the Big Five. Or, go birdwatching at Lower Zambezi National Park, where they have recovered from poaching and now host ethical safaris. In Zambia you’ll have the option to explore through canoe safaris, walking safaris, and even go on night game drives to spot nocturnal wildlife.
• There are usually plenty of places to stay in the parks in Zambia too, from camping areas to cozy lodges. And if you want to explore outside of the game reserves, you can take a pit spot at Victoria Falls for epic hiking and helicopter rides, or swim to the edge of Devil’s Pool.
• Recommended program : Zambia - Livingstone Community Teaching

7. Zimbabwe

No time for yawning, get your adventure on with an African safari!

• Why it’s the best: While years of economic and political turmoil have dealt a blow to Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, it’s now making a comeback as one of the best places for African safari. One of the highlights of Zimbabwe is Mana Pools National Park, one of the most picturesque parks in all of Africa.
• Mana Pools is known for its huge elephant population, along with a plethora of leopards, lions, and the occasional African wild dog. Thin vegetation means you can explore the park on a walking safari or canoe down the Zambezi River in the middle of the wilderness.
• There are options to stay in unfenced campsites and even explore without a guide, although it’s not recommended for beginners. With Zimbabwe bordering the other side of Victoria Falls, this is also one of the best places to go on safari in Africa if you also want a taste of hiking, trekking, and water adventures.
• Recommended program : Wildlife Photography Workshop Zimbabwe

Get matched with 5 safari programs in Africa for FREE

The right safari in africa could be life changing.

Where are the best safaris in Africa? Wherever you can spot the wildlife you want to see while sticking to ethical practices.

It’s impossible to pick just one location as the best place for safari in Africa. Each country offers a unique safari experience with diverse landscapes, ecosystems, wildlife, and cultural experiences. No matter which country you choose, there’s no doubt that a safari in Africa will be a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

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The Best Safaris In Africa

Our travel writers' top africa safari picks.

Stuart Butler

Hans Cosmas Ngoteya

Heather Richardson

Anthony Ham

Mazuba Kapambwe

Charlotte Beauvoisin

• In this guide

Safari in Africa

• Top experiences
• Wildebeest migration
• Balloon safari

Walking safari

• Chimp tracking
• The Big 5 in Kruger
• Kayaking the Okavango

Gorilla trekking

There is much more to Africa than safari, but there's no doubt the continent's natural heritage is one of the main draws for international and local tourists alike.

For the uninitiated "safari" might mean viewing big land mammals from a 4x4, and while the Big Five game drives remain a cornerstone of the experience, these days there's so much more on offer. From walking safaris accompanied by bushmen, to kayaking expeditions or hot air balloon rides over vast inland deltas, to getting up close and personal with our closest great ape cousins.

Safari in Africa can present some ethical quandaries, too. While noble efforts are being made in indigenous and community-based tourism, ownership is generally concentrated in the hands of a small, often foreign, elite. The imagery and language of safari often draws on colonial-era undertones with glossy marketing brochures full of photographs of African workers 'serving' rich, white outsiders. While the industry increasingly wakes up to its environmental responsibilities, the simple act of flying across continents to reach Africa explodes most greenwash claims of carbon neutrality.

There are no easy answers to these problems, but a good starting point is to arrive mindful that they exist and make your choices as responsible as possible.

To help, we've organised the top insights from our team of expert Africa travel writers to curate some of the Africa's very best safari experiences. Dig in!

The wildebeest migration in Tanzania, the most iconic of Africa's safari sights

Africa's best safari experiences

The best safari activities in africa, see the wildbeest migration in tanzania & kenya.

Sometimes called ‘the greatest show on earth’, the wildebeest migration sees mega herds of almost two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles continuously travel thousands of kilometres in a broadly clockwise direction from the southern Serengeti, north into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, and back again.

The migration is one of Africa's classic safari experiences, drawing visitors year round to witness this magnificent spectacle.

Staying at a mobile safari camp ensures a good chance of catching the migrating herds, as these properties are moved each season to follow the migration route. If you have the time, aim to stay at two or three safari camps in different locations in the Serengeti or the Mara, depending on when you travel.

The best places to see the wildebeest migration

Sometimes called ‘the greatest show on earth’, the wildebeest migration sees mega herds of almost two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles continuously travel thousands of kilometres in a broadly clockwise direction from the southern Serengeti, north into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, and back again…

Get a new perspective over the Masai Mara

Balloon flight over the Masai Mara

Riding high on the morning thermals above the plains is a quintessential Kenyan experience and the Masai Mara is the place to do it. From on up high you'll marvel at snake-like lines of migrating wildebeest, watch the shadow fall from an acacia tree at dawn and, if you’re really lucky, see lions or cheetah readying themselves for the a pounce.

Masai Mara safaris

The Mara has a huge range of accommodation options…

Walking safari in Zambia

Walking safaris make a thrilling change from shuttling around in a 4x4 or, worse, a crowded minibus. With a (well trained and usually armed) guide you'll venture deep into the bush to get up close and personal with whatever wildlife you can track. Walking safaris are typically not allowed in government run parks but are arranged in private reserves and concessions.

Walking safaris are a speciality in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park , and were pioneered by renowned conservationist Sir Norman Carr in the 1950s and 1960. They continue to be one of the most popular ways to view wildlife in the park. On a walking safari, guests can see lions, leopards, elephants and learn about the flora of the park. It’s not all about big beasts however; a walking safari will allow you to get up close with a termite mound and learn about Zambia’s ecosystem.

Walking safaris can also be arranged in Kenya's Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves , three interconnected reserves on the edge of northern Kenya’s vast semi-desert wilderness. Although walking in the reserves themselves is forbidden it is possible to arrange fascinating bush walks led by Samburu tribesmen on the periphery of the reserves (the best place to organise this is the fast growing village of Archer’s Post, which is the main gateway to the reserves).

Safari In South Luangwa National Park

The 9,000 square kilometre South Luangwa National Park is one of Africa’s greatest safari destinations, although certainly not one of the most famous…

Tracking chimpanzees in Gombe National Park

Chimp tracking in Gombe & Mahale Mountains National Park

In Tanzania’s far west, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale Mountains National Park and Gombe National Park are widely considered to be some of the best places to see chimpanzees in Africa. It is in Gombe that legendary conservationist Jane Goodall has conducted one of the longest-running wildlife research projects on earth, and the habituated chimps here and in nearby Mahale Mountains National Park can be tracked through the forest, one of the continent's great nature experiences.

The best safari in Tanzania

Along with neighbouring Kenya, Tanzania is one of Africa's classic safari destinations, most famous for the great wildebeest migration where a herd of some two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle make their epic annual journey—with numerous predators hot on their heels…

Elephants in South Africa's Kruger National Park

See the Big Five and more in Kruger National Park

The showpiece of South African tourism, Kruger National Park is one of the world’s most famous protected areas, and for good reason. This huge (19,485 sq km) park in the far northeast of South Africa is home to tens of thousands of mammals and birds including large numbers of all your African favourites.

The scenery is classic Africa, with the diversity of safari activities the equal of anywhere and there are endless accommodation options and safari styles available, from tented camps to luxury lodges. The park is readily accessible and, thanks to an impressive road system, easy to travel around.

Safari in Kruger National Park

The showpiece of South African safari, Kruger National Park is one of the world’s most famous protected areas, and for good reason…

Kayaking the Okavango Delta

Pretty much every Botswana safari calls at the Okavango Delta, and pretty much every visit to the Delta features an excursion on a traditional mokoro canoe. For something entirely different, try heading out on a multi-day kayaking expedition across the Delta, from end-to-end. Two to three day trips are available, but for the adventurous the full 10-day expedition promises one of Africa's few truly unique safari experiences.

Safari in Botswana

My favourite time to visit Botswana is during the dry season, June to September…

Meeting the mountain gorillas in Rwanda

Go gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Today the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda are both countries' biggest draw for international visitors. Perhaps there's something about these creatures' gentle vulnerability despite their colossal size that triggers a sense of empathy for our distant cousins. Do we see something in them that we wish we saw in ourselves? Whatever the appeal, visitors who come to spend a magical moment with the gorillas describe a life-changing experience.

You can see mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. For a stand-out experience (which comes at a price!) our vote is Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.

Before Sir David Attenborough’s landmark TV programme, Life On Earth, gorillas were seen largely in a negative light, based on King Kong and cheap B-movie monsters…

Other guides in this series

South africa safari, an expert guide to safaris in south africa, safari in tanzania, an expert guide to tanzania's best safari parks & camps, safari in zambia, an expert guide to zambia's best safari parks, camps & lodges.

Sarah Kingdom

An expert guide to botswana's best safari reserves, camps and experiences, how and where to see gorillas in the wild.

Philip Briggs

Safari in kenya, kenya's best safari reserves and camps, about the authors.

Stuart is an award-winning travel journalist covering safari, trekking and conservation in Africa for the Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, BBC, Bradt Travel Guides, amongst many others. He is the author of Walking With The Maasai , a journey through some of Kenya's lesser-visited Maasai lands.

Hans Cosmas Ngoteya is a conservationist from Tanzania, a National Geographic Explorer, and co-founder of numerous conservation organisations including Ngoteya Wild, Landscape and Conservation Mentors Organization and Tanzania Wildlife Media Association.

Heather is an award-winning journalist and editor based in Cape Town, South Africa. She writes for the BBC, Sunday Times , National Geographic , Lonely Planet, Departures Magazine , among others.

Anthony is a renowned travel journalist and guidebook author and is one of the world's leading authorities on Africa safari, wildlife and conservation. He has been travelling to Africa for more than two decades to research Africa safari guidebooks for Lonely Planet. He is widely published in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, The Monthly, Virginia Quarterly Review (VQR), National Geographic Traveler, BBC Wildlife, Lonely Planet Traveller, Africa Geographic, The Independent, Travel Africa, among many others.

Mazuba is a freelance writer from Zambia whose travel writing has appeared on CNN Travel, Unearth Women, Culture Trip and several in-flight magazines. Her travel podcast Mwende Bwino (Go Well) was recently featured on Conde Nast Traveler’s website and listed as one of the top five Zambian podcasts. Mazuba co-wrote the Lusaka Arts and Culture guide produced by the National Arts Council of Zambia.

Charlotte is a travel journalist and guidebook author based on the edge of Kibale Forest, Uganda. She is an expert contributor on East Africa for the Bradt Uganda Guidebook and has written for Lonely Planet, The Daily Telegraph and Fodor's. She also volunteers with Conservation Through Public Health where she works with Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Uganda's most prominent gorilla vet.

Julie Olum is a nomad, writer, YouTuber and architecture graduate from Nairobi, Kenya. The hands and mind behind FrameAmbition.com , she makes online content around solo travel, festivals and visa hacks for holders of “weak passports". Her love affair with travel is now a near-obsession with slow travel and exploring cultural similarities across the world.

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Best Safari In Africa: 13 Must-visit African Safari Locations

For many people, going on an African safari has magical allure. It's a unique adventure that speaks to the heart of every nature lover. 

But Africa is vast and offers a myriad of safari experiences. The best African safaris are distinct, each one promising an unforgettable journey. Whether it's the Big Five you're after in South Africa or the untouched wild of Zambia's walking safaris, there's something for every traveler.

But deciding on the best safari in Africa can be overwhelming, especially with considerations like:

• What wildlife you want to see

With all these aspects to ponder, this guide offers our curated selection of the 13 best safari locations in Africa . Keep reading to gather insights and inspiration for crafting the safari of your dreams.

1. Masai Mara, Kenya: Witness the Great Migration

Masai Mara in Kenya is renowned for the Great Migration , a spectacular event where over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the plains. The best time to witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon is from July to October.  

But don't discount the rest of the year; the Masai Mara offers rich wildlife viewing opportunities with endangered lions , leopards, and elephants dotting the landscape. Cultural encounters with the Maasai people add to the allure, making it one of the best places for African safari.

2. Kruger National Park, South Africa: The Best Safari in Africa for Diverse Wildlife Encounters

Accessibility and diversity make Kruger National Park one of the best African safaris. This vast park offers an incredible array of wildlife, including the Big Five of lions , leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos. 

Kruger is arguably the best safari in Africa for self-driving travelers thanks to its well-maintained roads. Guided tours provide additional insight into the flora and fauna. With numerous accommodation options, Kruger caters to all budgets , making it one of the best safari locations in Africa for safety and access.

3. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: A Classic Safari Experience

The Serengeti 's vast plains in Tanzania offer one of the most iconic safari landscapes. It's home to the annual migration of wildebeest and offers year-round wildlife viewing opportunities. 

Lions, cheetahs, elephants, and more thrive in this rich ecosystem. A visit to the Serengeti is a journey to the heart of wild Africa, with endless horizons and abundant wildlife, offering perhaps the best place for an African safari.

4. Okavango Delta, Botswana: A Water Safari Wonderland

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a unique wetland within a desert. The annual flooding of the delta between June and August transforms the landscape into a labyrinth of lagoons, lakes, and channels. 

Exploring by mokoro , a traditional canoe commonly used in the Delta, provides a serene and intimate experience with nature. Bird watching is exceptional here, and encounters with hippos and giraffes are thrilling. The Okavango Delta offers a different perspective from some of the other best safari locations in Africa and is a must-visit for those seeking variety .

5. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania: A Natural Wildlife Haven

As one of the best African safaris on the continent, the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is a geological wonder and a wildlife paradise. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's home to over 25,000 animals within its protective walls . 

The crater's unique geography ensures year-round water supply, attracting a dense concentration of wildlife. Rhinos, elephants, endangered giraffes , and flamingos are just a few of the diverse species that inhabit this breathtaking landscape.

6. Chobe National Park, Botswana: The Elephant Capital

If African elephants are your favorite animal, then Chobe National Park in Botswana might be your best place for an African safari. The park boasts the highest concentration of elephants on the continent, with numbers in the tens of thousands . 

The dry season from May to October offers the best viewing opportunities along the riverbanks, where large herds congregate. Sunset boat cruises provide unforgettable experiences as elephants swim across the river, silhouetted against the setting sun.

7. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda: Track Mountain Gorillas

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda might be the best safari in Africa to track mountain gorillas . The experience of coming face-to-face with these gentle giants is unparalleled. 

With controlled tourism and a commitment to conservation, Bwindi ensures an eco-friendly and authentic experience. While challenging, the trek through dense forests is rewarding, providing a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with these magnificent creatures.

8. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia: Walk on the Wild Side

South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is the best African safari for anyone seeking a walking experience . Guided by expert naturalists, walking through the bush provides an intimate and profound connection to the wilderness. 

The park's diverse landscapes range from dense woodlands to open plains , inhabited by an impressive array of wildlife. Leopard sightings are a highlight, and night drives add to the excitement, revealing the nocturnal creatures of the African bush.

9. Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia: The Best African Safari for Desert Wonders

Namib-Naukluft Park in Namibia houses the world's oldest desert . The towering dunes of Sossusvlei and the eerie landscape of Deadvlei offer surreal and breathtaking experiences. 

Unique desert-adapted wildlife, including oryx and desert elephants, thrive here. A hot air balloon ride at sunrise provides a mesmerizing perspective of this ancient landscape. It’s one of the best safari locations in Africa to visit during the cooler months of May to October. 

10. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe: Unspoiled Wilderness

Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe might be the best safari in Africa for anyone seeking an unspoiled and remote experience. Home to over 100 mammal species , Hwange's vast expanses provide an authentic wilderness feel. 

The dry season sees large congregations of elephants and other wildlife at the park's numerous waterholes. Hwange's commitment to conservation and community engagement adds to its appeal, making it a hidden gem among the best safari locations in Africa.

11. Etosha National Park, Namibia: A Photographer's Paradise

Etosha National Park 's vast salt pan in Namibia creates a surreal backdrop for wildlife photography. The dry season from May to October provides the best viewing opportunities, with eccentric giraffes and other animals flocking to the waterholes. Unique landscapes and abundant wildlife make Etosha the best place for African safari among photographers and nature lovers .

12. Nyere National Park, Tanzania: Remote and Wild

Nyere National Park is Africa’s largest stand alone national park. Its remote location and wild landscapes provide a rugged and authentic safari experience. 

The Rufiji River adds to the allure, offering boat safaris and fishing opportunities. Wildlife viewing is best during the dry season, and the relative lack of crowds enhances the sense of adventure .

13. Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa: Elephant Encounters

Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa is another elephant lover's paradise. This accessible and family-friendly park provides close encounters with large herds of elephants. 

Other Big Five members are present, along with unique species like the flightless dung beetle. Addo's commitment to conservation and community involvement adds to its charm, offering a well-rounded experience.

Common Questions About the Best African Safaris

When planning the perfect safari adventure, there are several key questions that many travelers find themselves pondering. Understanding the ideal times to visit and the safety of different safari options can play a crucial role in shaping an unforgettable experience.

What Month Is Best for an Africa Safari?

Planning the best time to go on an African safari requires considering the destination's specific weather patterns and wildlife behavior. Generally, the dry season, from May to October, offers the best safari experiences across many regions. 

During these months, vegetation is sparse, and animals congregate around water sources, making wildlife viewing more accessible. However, some locations have unique attractions at different times, so consulting local experts or operators can provide tailored advice.

Which African Safari Vacation Is the Safest?

Again, safety is a paramount concern when planning an African safari. Among the options, Kruger National Park in South Africa stands out for its comprehensive safety measures, well-maintained facilities, and experienced guides. 

That said, established national parks with proper regulations and accredited tour operators generally offer safe experiences. Always follow guidelines, consult local experts, and choose reputable providers to ensure a safe and memorable journey.

So Where Is the Best Safari in Africa?

We don’t mean to disappoint you, but the answer is: it’s subjective! The best place for African safari depends on your individual preferences and desires. 

Africa's vast and diverse landscapes offer something for every traveler. From the classic savannahs of the Serengeti to the unique wetlands of the Okavango Delta, the best safari locations in Africa provide a rich tapestry of experiences .

Whether you're an adventure seeker, wildlife enthusiast, or a lover of landscapes, Africa has a safari destination that will resonate with your soul and leave you yearning for more. Wherever you go, you’ll be sure to explore, engage, and embrace this incredible continent and its natural treasures.

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Best Safari Spots In Africa

• February 21, 2023
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Africa is a vast continent with a diverse range of wildlife, making it one of the best places in the world for a safari. Whether you’re a first-time safari goer or an experienced traveler, there’s no shortage of incredible safari spots to choose from. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the best safari spots in Africa.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous safari destinations in Africa and has an area of about 30,000 square kilometers. Located in northern Tanzania, the park is home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest. The park is also known for its annual wildebeest migration, which sees millions of wildebeest and other animals move across the park in search of greener pastures. It is one of the most beautiful natural events to witness, and it’s worth visiting.

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

This is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa. Located in southwestern Kenya, numerous wildlife documentaries about Africa are shot in this place. The reserve is home to a wide range of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and buffalos. The landscape has beautiful plains and rolling hills and is crossed by the famous Mara and Talek rivers. It has an area of 1,510 square kilometers. The reserve is also known for the Great Migration, which sees large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the park.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, covering an area of over 19,000 square kilometers. Located in northeastern South Africa, the park is home to over 500 bird species and 147 different mammal species, including the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos). The park also offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to campsites and many believe it is the best place to see cats like leopards.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

This is one of the most unique safari destinations in Africa. It is the largest inland delta in the world and is located in northern Botswana with an area size of about 15,000 square meters. The delta is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and crocodiles. Visitors can explore the delta on foot, by boat, or by mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe), and experience the incredible beauty and serenity of the African wilderness.

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Etosha National Park is located in northern Namibia and covers an area of over 22,000 square kilometers. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and endangered black rhinos. The park also has a unique landscape, with a large salt pan that dominates the center of the park and can be seen from outer space.

There’s always an amazing experience to have whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor. A trip to one of these incredible destinations is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

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5 Best Safari Tours In Zambia, Africa

Z ambia has been my home for over 30 years and one of the things I love most about the country is its amazing safari destinations. With its pristine landscapes, diverse wildlife, and exceptional conservation efforts, Zambia has emerged as one of Africa’s best safari spots. Whether you’re looking for the Big Five or just seeking the unspoiled African wilderness, Zambia has it all. 

Let’s head on an adventure together, through the heart of Africa, and explore five of the country’s top safari destinations. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of Zambia. 

1. Lower Zambezi National Park

Game drives, fishing, and canoeing .

The Lower Zambezi National Park is one of Africa’s greatest wildernesses featuring 2,542 square miles of unspoilt nature. With no paved roads, it’s rare to encounter another safari vehicle, and night time here is all about sitting out by the fire, under a sky full of stars. 

The Zambezi, Africa’s fourth longest river, forms the boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park.  The area is an incredible wildlife sanctuary — herds of elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and over 400 different bird species. Most of the wildlife is concentrated along the river, so a great way to experience the park is to board a boat, or drift silently past the riverbank in a canoe. You’ll see plenty of hippos peeking curiously above the water’s surface. Look out for the magnificent carmine bee-eaters who nest in the riverbanks from September to November. The river is also home to the coveted tiger fish — highly prized by serious sport fishermen. 

Where To Stay: Sausage Tree Camp is the epitome of bush chic, set in a stunning location along the Zambezi River right in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable; the rooms are well designed, opening onto private plunge pools that overlook the river; and the cocktails are so good you may never want to leave!

2. South Luangwa National Park

Game drives.

The 3,500-square-mile South Luangwa National Park is renowned as one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations, with 60 animal species and over 450 different species of bird. Often referred to as “The Valley of Leopards,” the main predators here are leopard, lion, spotted hyena, and wild dog — with the leopard population among the densest in the world. Expect to see large herds of elephants, sometimes up to 70 strong. South Luangwa is also home to the endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest, and the near-endemic Crawshay’s zebra.

The best way to see South Luangwa’s wildlife is on a morning or afternoon game drive from your lodge. Expect early wake-ups as most morning drives set off at around 6 a.m. You’ll return to camp for a middle-of-the-day siesta and then head out again in the afternoon; the animals are more active at these cooler times of day.

Where To Stay: Shawa Luangwa is a small, eco-friendly bush camp overlooking the Luangwa River in one of the park’s most untouched areas with excellent year-round game viewing.

3. North Luangwa National Park

Walking safaris.

The remote, 2,880-square-mile North Luangwa National Park is synonymous with walking safaris. The beauty of this park is the opportunity to experience Africa as it once was — wild and untouched. No game drives are permitted in a majority of the park and access is primarily for walking safaris. You’ll leave the four-by-four game-drive vehicle at camp and set out on foot with your guide and an armed park ranger. You’ll walk among elephants, antelope, zebras, and even the occasional predator, always maintaining a safe distance from the magnificent wildlife. In addition to strong populations of buffalo and elephants, there’s a number of black rhinos, making it the only Big Five park in Zambia.

Where To Stay: Remote Africa Safaris operate two camps that specialize in guided walking safaris. For the more adventurous, the Samala and Ituba Community Camps offer self-catering, and for the intrepid, there’s the Amatololo Experience , a self-drive camping route.

4. Kasanka National Park

Bats and beyond.

Kasanka National Park is one of Zambia’s smallest national parks. But it’s one of the country’s hidden treasures and has an incredible 480 bird species and 114 mammals; there is a lot for you to see.  

Kasanka is best known as home to the annual migration of straw-colored fruit bats — the largest bat migration in the world and, in fact, the world’s largest mammal migration. From October to December each year, about 10 million bats descend on a tiny patch of forest in the park. They migrate from thousands of miles away, some from as far away as West Africa. The migration is one of the natural world’s best-kept secrets; even scientists don’t know exactly where the bats come from or where they go when they leave the park. 

Beyond the bats, Kasanka gives you excellent opportunities to find and photograph one of Africa’s rarer antelopes, the shy, secretive, and semi-aquatic sitatunga. The park is home to more than 500 of them, making it Africa’s densest and most visible population of sitatunga! The elusive blue monkey and the little-known Kinda baboon also call Kasanka home. It’s unlikely you’ll encounter either of these species anywhere else in southern Africa.

Where To Stay: Kasanka has two basic lodges — Wasa and Luombwa — and a seasonal self-catering tented camp.

5. Liuwa Plain National Park

Wildebeest migration.

The 2,274-square-mile Liuwa Plains National Park in Zambia was once the traditional hunting ground of the Litunga (King) of the Lozi people. Liuwa Plain is home to the second largest wildebeest migration in Africa but yet it’s hardly known. Each year in November, with the start of the rainy season, massive herds of blue wildebeest, 45,000 strong, migrate to Liuwa Plains, often mingling with zebras along the way. It’s an incredible sight to witness.

Other unusual antelope found here include oribi, red lechwe, steenbok, duiker, tsessebe, and roan. Predators include wild dogs, lions, and hyenas. The bird life is abundant and the dramatic lightning and storms at the start of the rains make for spectacular views and fantastic photography opportunities.

Where To Stay: King Lewanika is the only permanent camp in Liuwa Plain National Park. It has six stylish, open-front safari tents that are the epitome of luxury.

As a safari destination, Zambia is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets — an amazing, game-rich, unspoilt destination. On safari in Zambia, you’ll get a taste of the real Africa: wild and untamed.

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits