Africa Safari

African Safaris. Africa is home to some of the world’s most iconic safari destinations, each delivering a unique adventure. From the expansive Serengeti in Tanzania and Masai Mara in Kenya famed for the Great Migration, to South Africa’s legendary Kruger National Park with its rich biodiversity and top notch lodges. These safari regions provide unparalleled opportunities to observe the continent’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.

Whether exploring the remote luxury of Botswana’s Okavango Delta or the dramatic scenery of Tanzania’s Serengeti or Kenya’s Masai Mara, Africa’s top safari destinations are must-visits for nature enthusiasts as well as luxury travelers. 

Top African Safari Destinations

Our tailored Africa Safari Tours take you to popular safari destinations mostly in Southern Africa and East Africa. The destinations deliver incredible safari experiences including magical encounters with wildlife and thrilling authentic African culture.

In this guide we explore the best popular destinations to visit in Africa

African safaris in Tanzania

From witnessing millions of wildebeests, zebras and Thomson and Grant’s gazelles traverse the plains of the Serengeti to ascending to the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro or sipping chilled drink on the white sands – beaches of Zanzibar. Tanzania offers travelers some of the most diverse safari experiences in Africa.

Here are the best safari destinations to visit in Tanzania.

1. Serengeti National Park

The iconic Serengeti National Park is listed among the best safari destinations in Africa and it is the best place to go in Tanzania for game viewing at its most dramatic. The Serengeti hosts the biggest share of the Wildebeest Migration (from January to September), the Serengeti’s sheer size, accessibility, world-class safari lodges and camps, and year-round abundance of wildlife make it one of the best safari destinations in Africa.

2. Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a top notch safari destination in Tanzania hosting the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most famous sites in Africa said to have the highest density of wildlife in Africa. The Ngorongoro Crater is described as an “eighth wonder of the world”, the crater has achieved world renown, attracting an ever-increasing number of visitors each year.

The Ngorongoro Crater – a breathtaking natural wonder is the jewel in Ngorongoro’s crown, it is a deep, volcanic crater formed nearly 2.5 million years ago, the largest un-flooded and unbroken caldera in the world. About 20 kms across, 600 meters deep and 300 square kilometers in area.

3. Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is one of the most renowned national parks of the northern circuit in Tanzania, famous for its large herds of massive elephants and huge, ancient baobab trees. In fact, Tarangire National Park is home to some of the world’s largest elephants.

During the June to October dry season, animals especially elephant concentrations along the Tarangire River are among the highest in the country.

4. Zanzibar

The beautiful island of Zanzibar also known as the Spice Island is an incredible beach destination full of culture and history, shinning white – sand beaches with palm trees swaying lazily in the sea breeze.

Zanzibar is the semi-autonomous part of Tanzania in East Africa. It is composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25-50 kilometers (16-31mi) off the coast of the mainland and consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, referred to informally as Zanzibar) and Pemba. 

African Safaris in Kenya

Consistently Kenya ranks as one of the best places to go on safari in Africa. Every year, thousands of safari goers visit this amazing country to explore its destinations and see its astonishing wildlife areas and spectacles like the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Below are some of the best tourist destinations to visit on an African safari in Kenya

1. Masai Mara National Reserve

The iconic Masai Mara National Reserve also known as The Mara is widely regarded as the jewel of Kenya’s wildlife  viewing areas and deservedly. The reserve varied land of savannah woodlands, riverine forest and vast grassland is home to an abundant predator popular year – round, with the chance to encounter prides of lions, cheetahs hunting on the open plains and leopards stalking in the forests all serving as key attractions.

Masai Mara delivers incredible wildlife experience, from July through to September you will witness thousands of wildebeests making their annual journey across the Mara River during the Great Migration. 

2. Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is the second popular national park in Kenya attracting millions of travelers from around the world to witness the huge flocks of flamingoes gathering at the lake, as well over 300 other species of birds which call the park home.

In addition to the pink flamingoes, Lake Nakuru National Park is home to the largest population of Rothschild Giraffes and big numbers of black and white rhinos. Other variety of wildlife in the park include leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras among others.

3. Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park – The Land of Giants is the most famous national park in Kenya situated on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro – the tallest mountain in Africa, the park has an area of 392 square kilometers in the southern part of Kenya near the Tanzania border.

Amboseli National Park is renowned for its large herds of elephants and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. In addition to large herds of elephants, Amboseli National Park is also home to lions, leopards, hyenas, wildebeests, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of bird species which are seen during game drives and guided nature walks.

4. Ol Pejeta Conservancy

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is one of the most iconic conservancies and home to one the largest black rhino sanctuaries in East Africa. This 90,000 acre wildlife conservancy located in Central Kenya is also home to two remaining northern white rhinos in the world.

Visitors to Ol Pejeta Conservancy can indulge in guided game drives to see the conservancy’s wildlife including lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes and hyenas among others. Visitors can also learn about the conservancy’s conservation efforts, including anti-poaching patrols, community projects and research programs.  

Africa Safaris in Uganda

Uganda dubbed as the Pearl of Africa is a perfect destination of travelers seeking beautiful places to experience in Africa. The country comprises of rivers and lakes, and many more wonderful places of interest that make visitors on a Uganda Safari yearn for more.

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is considered one of the best places in Uganda famous for its population of mountain gorillas with over half of the world population thriving within its confines. Here, you get a privilege to hike through the dense forest and see the majestic creatures at close range in their natural environment.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering stunning views, incredible biodiversity for bird species, butterflies and mammals (over 350 of them), and beyond gorilla trekking, there are other amazing activities to do in Bwindi including gorilla habituation experience, guided nature walks and Batwa Cultural Encounters.

2. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most diverse and popular parks of Uganda renowned for its unique wildlife including the rare tree climbing lions and spectacular landscapes.

In addition to incredible game drives in the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can also take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where you will spot herds of elephants, buffaloes and hippos. There are over 600 recorded species that you will spot on a birding experience.

3. Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park – the primate capital of Africa is one of the must visit places in Uganda, the forest offers an accessible and enlightening insight into life in a tropical rainforest

4. Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda and one of the amazing safari destinations to visit, with the Nile River neatly bisecting the park, you would expect a wide range of animals at Murchison Falls and you will be right.

Murchison Falls National Park is where to go for classic big game species such as elephant, buffalo, lion and hippos. In addition to a bird count of nearly 500 species, the park also boasts chimpanzees and colobus monkeys in its forest.

On the boat cruise to the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the thundering Nile is squeezed through a 7-metre cleft in the Great Rift Valley Escarpment.

African Safaris in Botswana

Botswana is a great African safaris destination known for its diverse, alluring landscapes and wealth of wildlife. From winding waterways of the famous Okavango Delta to the friendly meerkats of the Kalahari.

A Botswana Safari is one of the most sought-after travel destination in Africa offering visitors an opportunity to visit the Delta to experience the world’s biggest inland wetland that is completely surrounded by a desert that is laced with millions of high-quality diamonds.

1. Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is an emerald-green paradise in the middle of the red Kalahari, forming the centerpiece of most Botswana wildlife experience.

Okavango Delta is one of the world’s most mesmerizing natural destinations, its labyrinthine channels, open floodplains and tangled woodlands really do teem with all the animals found in Botswana. With no doubt, Okavango Delta Safari is a thrilling adventure offering a wide range of safari activities including game drives, nature walk, boat rides and canoe safaris.

Much of the Okavango Delta is protected by the legendary Moremi Game Reserve, a privately managed conservation concessions take care of much of the rest.

2. Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Africa and is a perfect place to go in Botswana for elephants. Located in northern Botswana, Chobe is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.

The park covers an area of approximately 11,700 square kilometers and is distinguished by its varied landscapes which include floodplains, marshlands, riverfronts and savannahs. These diverse habitats support a rich variety of flora and fauna making Chobe a must-visit destination for safari lovers.

The best time to visit is between June and October when enormous herds congregate on the Chobe River. Further south is Chobe’s Savuti region, the ultimate raw, wild and legendary setting for savage interactions between lions and hyenas in other words.

3. The Kalahari

The beautiful wooded grasslands and seasonally flooded pans of Botswana’s three Kalahari Parks are home to an astonishing variety of animals found in Botswana. Different from Botswana’s more famous destinations, a safari to Kalahari is ideal for seasoned travelers looking for a unique safari experience and can easily be combined with the Chobe and Okavango Delta.

On a Kalahari Safari, visit Nxia Pan National Park, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Makgadikgadi Pans National Park for game drives through woodland, seasonally flooded pans and rolling grasslands, the scenery is beautiful, the illuminated night sky staggering, and then there is the wildlife.

4. Tuli Block

The Tuli Block is one of Botswana’s least known destinations but worth exploring, tucked away in eastern Botswana set around the Limpopo River. This amazing destination offers a vastly different safari experience from the rest of the country, boasting a topography of dramatic rocky landscapes, huge baobab trees and free roaming elephants, protected by private reserves.

The Tuli Block offers one of the best things to do in Botswana, do a night drive in search of nocturnal residents including the elusive leopard, aardvark and caracal among others.

African Safaris in South Africa

South Africa is one of the greatest African safaris destinations in Africa with so much to offers its visitors, from the Kruger’s private reserves which deliver the most reliable Big 5 game viewing in Africa to the vibrant Cape Town and its surrounding wine valley providing an elegant, Mediterranean twist to a South Africa Safari.

1. Kruger National Park

The iconic Kruger is South Africa’s flagship safari destination and one of Africa’s largest reserves covering about 20,000 square kilometers. The park offers an unmatched wildlife experience, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) and hundreds of other species.

The self-drive options make Kruger National Park popular with adventurous travelers, while world-class private lodges on its outskirts offers luxury safaris with professional guides and trackers.

2. Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Sabi Sands, adjacent to Kruger is renowned for its luxurious lodges, expert guides and incredible leopard sightings. This private reserve is one of the best places in Africa to witness the elusive big cats up close.

3. Addo Elephant Park

Addo Elephant Park is particularly famed for its huge elephant population, but still you can see all the Big 5. Located around 45 minutes from Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, Addo Elephant Park offers an accessible and affordable safari experience.

At a size of Addo Elephant Park is the third largest game reserve in South Africa, however do to its close proximity to Port Elizabeth, it is far easier to visit as a day trip on a South Africa Safari. The park has some amazing lodges such as the Gorah Elephant Camp and the Addo Rest Camp for guests who wish to stay for several nights.

Addo Elephant Park makes a magical final stop on a Garden Route Itinerary from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.

4. Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

This beautiful private game reserve offers a totally different game viewing experience than the iconic Kruger National Park and other northeastern parks, with a diverse ecosystem including mountains and red-hued grasslands.

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve has abundant meerkats with a habituated family you can see up close, the reserve is one of the best places in South Africa to see elusive, highly endangered pangolin.

African Safaris in Namibia

The remote, vast and wild Namibia is one of the most fascinating African safaris destination, situated along the Atlantic Coastline in Southeast Africa sharing borders with Angola and Zambia in North, and Botswana and South Africa to the east and south respectively.

Here are the best parks to visit on a Namibia Safari

1. The Namib Desert

The Namib Desert is the oldest desert in the world and is arguably the most iconic, spectacular region in Namibia,

2. The Skeleton Coast

A desolate scene of nothing but sand and dunes surrounded by the beautiful Atlantic Ocean is what you will find on the Skeleton Coast. This region is one of the most exclusive destinations in Namibia, the limited number of visitors offer those who explore the area the option to enjoy a different kind of paradise, steeped in the luxuries of solitude.

Shipwrecks scatter the shoreline, making for dramatic photo opportunities and a chance to see the famed desert elephants for a unique experience.

3. Fish River Canyon

The Fish-River Canyon is the one of the world’s largest canyons which lies in the |Ai-|Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. The breathtaking vistas span miles in any direction and open to images of orange and brown hues that contain splashes of green.

Rock striations suggest a deep history to the formation of the canyon, which lies mostly dry-year round, the Fish River occasionally quenching its thirst. Witness the sheer beauty of this region as it unfolds in dramatic style. 

4. Etosha National Park

Home to four of the Big Five and other wildlife, Etosha National Park is the leading safari destination in Namibia and one of the largest park in Africa. It lies in the northwest of the country and is a must visit of any Africa safari to Namibia, teeming as it is with incredible wildlife and dramatic scenery.

The great salt pans in the park will surely impress you as a visit and when full of water, is the perfect pay ground for flamingoes. Embark on game drives in open  -vehicle game drives and stay at luxury accommodations in a tranquil and captivating setting that embodies the thrills of an Africa safari experience.

African Safaris in Zambia

Zambia is one of the most mesmerizing destinations in Africa, with some of the wildest and most beautiful national parks on the continent worth exploring on an African safari.

1. Victoria Falls

Your African Safaris to Zambia cannot be complete without a visit to the magnificent Victoria Falls, and it is on top of most travelers’ bucket list. Nothing will ever prepare you for your first sight of the Zambezi River in full flood thundering over Victoria Falls; the scale, sound and drenching spay are impossible to capture on camera and it really needs to be experienced firsthand.

The Victoria Falls displaces 500 million litres of water per minute which perfectly explains the local name for Victoria Falls is Mosi Oa Tunya translated as the “Smoke that Thunders”. Listed as a Natural World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is shared by two countries that is Zambia and Zimbabwe, and is protected by two national parks – Victoria Falls National Park and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. 

2. South Luangwa National Park

The Southern Luangwa National Park is one of the best destination in Africa for game viewing, the park protects a remarkable density of game that gathers around the park’s rivers and lakes, huge herds of elephants, hippos and buffaloes, lion prides, giraffes and giant Nile crocodiles among others.

Day and Night game drives in South Luangwa National Park are a great opportunity to see leopards, the park is also renowned for offering exciting guided walking adventure from a gentle morning stroll from your lodge to several days in a remote bush camp.

3. Lower Zambezi National Park

The Lower Zambezi National Park is a wide game park, with flat floodplains and a wild mountain backdrop. Also, it offers serious game viewing and a hanful of its safari lodges and camps sit on the Zambezi Riverbank with a range of day safari activities perfectly arranged to suit your mood.

The park is an ideal destination for those interested in an expertly tailored Zambia Safari experience, where you have an optional of waking up early for a sunrise game drive or sleep late and go fishing.

4. North Luangwa National Park

The North Luangwa National Park is a remote national park offers one of the finest wilderness experiences in Zambia as well as Africa at large, the park covers an area of 4,636 square kilometers. In addition to hosting strong populations of buffalo predators including wild dogs and elephants, there is a stable population of black rhinos within the Special Protection Zone (SPZ) that enjoys intensive safety precautions and limited access, making this a Big Five destination in some areas of the park.

On a Zambia safari to North Luangwa National Park you get an opportunity to experience Africa as it was.

African Safaris in Zimbabwe

1. Victoria Falls

The magnificent Victoria Falls is an iconic destination/attraction in Zimbabwe, the falls is one of the worl’s largest waterfalls, forming a natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The Victoria Falls presents a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, forming a natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Kololo tribe living in the area described the falls as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” – the “Smoke that Thunders” for the immense spray and incredible noise caused by the rushing water. The Victoria Falls is also known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world when its width and height are combined

At the height of the rainy season, more than five hundred million cubic metres (over 17 billion cubic feet) of water per minute plummet over the edge, over a width of nearly two kilometers or over a mile, into a gorge over a hundred metres or 300 feet below.

2. Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is considered the most famous big game reserve in Zimbabwe and is home to an abundant population of wildlife making it a haven for travelers seeking an unforgettable safari experience.

Located a few hours’ drive from Victoria Falls, the array of immersive camps in Hwange National Park make for a perfect base to stay during your safari. Also, the park is home to the densest concentrations of elephant after Botswana’s Chobe National Park, and is an excellent destination for Africa’s big predators.

3. Matusadona National Park

Matusadona National Park located in north-western Zimbabwe delivers authentic safari experience in Zimbabwe. Bordering Lake Kariba, the park is famously packed with animals. The park has a mixture of grassy floodplains and rugged hill country, Matusadona offers sanctuary for some of the biggest elephant and buffaloes herds in Zimbabwe, many of which use the park as a vital staging post on cross-country migrations.

Also, the park is home to arguably the greatest concentrations of lions outside of Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater as well as healthy numbers of leopards and spotted hyenas, cheetahs, wild dogs are regularly seen. If you are luck you may even get the chance to see both black and white rhinos.  

4. Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools National Park is a wild, remote and little visited park in Zimbabwe, situated along the majestic Zambezi River. Its forests and floodplains are home to large herds of elephants, rare antelopes and plenty of plains game. Its rivers are filled with hippo and crocodiles, tiger fish and bream, and there is an abundance of world-class lodges to stay in.

Mana Pools National Park is best explored on game drives, guided walks and canoe expeditions.

What is the Best Time of Year for an African Safari Tour?

The best time for a safari in Africa is in the dry season which is also the peak season for tours. In this season the vegetation cover is short delivering unparalleled views of the game, also animals congregate around watering holes thus easy to see them.

Also, this season provides bright sunny days and cooler nights, and since it is also peak season for safaris you will find many tourists on safari. However, the wet season will present amazing scenery to experience the green nature since there are few visitors in tour. Also, tours in this season are usually cheaper. Contact our team for your African safari bookings.

What to wear on an African Safari

Packing list is very important for an African safari, here is the list of what to wear for your Africa Safari

• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (mostly neutral colors)
• A cap or hat
• Comfortable shoes
• Sweaters
• Sunglasses
• Poncho or rain jackets

What to Pack for Safaris in Africa?

Here is a list of the important items to pack for your safaris and tours in Africa

• A camera with extra batteries
• A day backpack
• Pair of binoculars
• Insect Repellents
• Personal first aid kit
• Sunscreen
• Personal medication prescription

Where to stay on an Africa Safari

All African safari destinations have a range of accommodation options ranging from budget, midrange to luxury offers a perfect place to stay during your tour. The kind of accommodation you stay at is determined by your presence as well as budget.

What is the Average Cost of an African Safari Trip?

The cost of an Africa safari trip depends on the traveler’s budget. Many safaris offer per-person pricing of around $ 150 to $ 15,000 per day. Midrange African safari packages usually between $250 to $350 per person, per day. Contact us for details.

What are the Best Safaris in Africa?

Africa offers some of the best safaris in the world and you can choose from various safari destinations and experiences including game viewing, cultural encounters, birding and enjoying natural African beauty.

Why is African Safari so Expensive?

The cost of African safari is influenced by several factors which is why some tour and safari packages are expensive as detailed below

• Park Entrance Fees – These are paid daily which makes the safari costly during your adventures
• Lodges especially those located in remote parks are usually costly thus making the safaris expensive
• On your African safari you will spend money on hiring guides and vehicles every day for your tour
• In some destinations, you will need to use domestic scheduled flight since such remote areas cannot be accessed by road
• Some Africa countries will need you to use the US dollars and not the local currencies, this some of the trip expensive.

Vaccination and Visa Requirements for African countries

Most of the African vacation countries need some vaccinations to be allowed entry as a tourist. Countries like Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda all require you to be vaccinated against yellow fever so you should carry proof of these vaccinations.

Additionally, many tour destinations are not free of malaria, so it is necessary to ask your doctor for anti- malaria medication on your trip.

In conclusion, African safaris and holidays will provide you with the best safari experience of a lifetime. Discover various activities for example game viewing on which you will search for animals in their natural habitat. On game drives, birding and balloon tours in Masai Mara National Reserve or Serengeti of Tanzania, among other impressive destinations, you will enjoy aerial views of the animals up close.