Best Places for Safari in Africa

Best Places for your Africa Safari

Africa is a vast and diverse continent that attracts adventure seekers with unparalleled safari destinations. Whether you yearn for intimate gorilla encounters or crave the thrill of witnessing the great wildebeest migration, African safaris offer an abundance of unforgettable experiences.

Traverse lush savannas to find towering elephants. Witness the raw beauty of nature unfold when you come face-to-face with baboons or vervet monkeys. Discover the tremendous thunder of a stampeding herd of zebras and indulge in the expansive colors of sunset over the plains during a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience.

Enjoy the journey through the best safari destinations in Africa that can guide you toward your adventure and help you plan an unforgettable Africa safari trip. 

Overview of Safari in Africa

From the verdant rainforests of Central Africa to the vast savannas of East Africa and the rugged terrain of Southern Africa, each region offers you a unique and captivating African safari tours opportunity that holds a specific type of experience.

Central Africa is cloaked in lush greenery and remains a haven for those interested in witnessing primates, from chimpanzees to gorillas. East Africa, on the other hand, is renowned for its iconic wildebeest migration, where millions undertake an awe-inspiring journey across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara plains resulting in a life-altering sensorial experience.

In Southern Africa, the diverse landscapes range from the lush Okavango Delta to the arid deserts of Namibia, each teeming with an array of unique wildlife. From the elusive leopards to the majestic elephants, this region promises different but equally memorable African safari packages that speak of adventure.

The Difference between Central Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa

Africa is a giant treasure chest of experiences overflowing with wildlife and culture. Each region unlocks a different opportunity, so deciding where to go depends on what kind of adventure sparks your interest. 

Central Africa

Central Africa is like stepping into a real-life Jurassic Park. Think dense, emerald rainforests teem with exotic primates. Here, tracking chimps swinging through the canopy or encountering a gentle giant gorilla family is an everyday possibility. This region isn't about wide-open spaces; it's about intimate encounters with some of our closest animal cousins in their natural habitat. Countries in Central Africa with established safari experiences include Gabon, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

East Africa

East Africa is all about grand scale and iconic encounters. Here, you travel the savanna, witnessing a sea of wildebeest stretching to the horizon, their annual migration a thundering testament to the circle of life. This region is also home to classic safari sightings like lion prides looking for shade, zebras galloping across the plains, and giraffes reaching for leaves from acacia trees. It's the safari experience etched into the minds of travelers for over a century. 

Kenya

Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Kenya's safari destinations. This vast expanse of rolling savannas and acacia-dotted landscapes is home to one of the most spectacular natural events on the planet – the wildebeest migration. Each year, over a million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, embark on an arduous journey across the Mara River, braving treacherous currents and lurking crocodiles in search of greener pastures. It's a sight that will leave you in awe, as you witness the raw power of nature and the relentless struggle for survival.

Samburu National Reserve, Kenya

Venture into the rugged and semi-arid landscapes of the Samburu National Reserve, and you'll be greeted by a unique and unforgettable safari experience. This reserve is home to the rare and striking Grevy's zebra, with its distinctive narrow stripes and larger ears. 

But that's not all – the Samburu is also a haven for other iconic African species, such as the reticulated giraffe, with its intricate patterns, and the majestic Somali ostrich, strutting across the dusty plains. Prepare to be captivated by the region's enchanting blend of wildlife and culture, as you immerse yourself in the traditional ways of the Samburu people.

Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Nestled at the foot of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park offers a truly breathtaking backdrop for your safari adventure. Imagine vast herds of elephants roaming the open plains, their imposing silhouettes framed against the snow-capped peak of Africa's highest mountain. 

This park is a paradise for elephant enthusiasts, with its large and diverse population of these gentle giants. But Amboseli is more than just elephants – it's also home to an array of other wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and a variety of bird species. With its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, Amboseli promises an unforgettable and truly immersive safari experience.

Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the epitome of an African safari adventure. This vast and untamed wilderness, stretching across the boundless plains of northern Tanzania, is renowned for hosting one of the greatest natural spectacles on Earth – the wildebeest migration. 

Witness millions of these resilient creatures undertake the massive journey across the vast Serengeti, braving treacherous river crossings and the ever-present threat of predators like lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles. Beyond the migration, the Serengeti is a haven for a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and the elusive leopard, making it a true mecca for safari enthusiasts.

Ruaha National Park

Venture off the beaten path and discover the raw beauty of Ruaha National Park on a tailor-made safari in a hidden gem at the heart of Tanzania. This remote and untamed wilderness offers a truly authentic safari experience, far from the crowds. Ruaha boasts an incredible diversity of landscapes, from the mighty Ruaha River to the rolling hills and vast savannas that stretch as far as the eye can see. 

Find the iconic "Big Five" as well as the rare and elusive African wild dog, one of the continent's most endangered predators. With its commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation, Ruaha promises an unforgettable and responsible safari adventure.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park, a true oasis in the heart of Tanzania, offers a unique and captivating safari experience. This park is renowned for its staggering concentration of ancient baobab trees, their gnarled and twisted trunks standing as silent sentinels over the vast savannas. But the real draw of Tarangire is its incredible diversity of wildlife, particularly during the dry season when vast herds of elephants congregate around the park's life-giving waterholes. 

Witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, as they interact and socialize within their complex family structures. Tarangire is also home to a wide variety of other species, including lions, leopards, and a plethora of bird species, making it a true paradise for nature enthusiasts.

Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

Nestled in the misty highlands of northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is a true gem for those seeking an intimate and profound encounter with nature. This iconic park is renowned for being home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

Embark on a guided gorilla trek through the park's lush, bamboo-covered slopes and dense rainforests, where you'll have the privilege of observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Watch in awe as they go about their daily routines, foraging, playing, and caring for their young, all while being part of a truly humbling and transformative experience.

Akagera National Park

For a more diverse and dynamic safari adventure, Akagera National Park shows you a rich combination of landscapes and wildlife during every game drive opportunity. The park is located in eastern Rwanda and boasts a remarkable diversity of habitats, from savannas and rolling hills to wetlands and lakes.

Spot the iconic "Big Five,” known as lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and Cape buffalo, in addition to a plethora of other animals that includes but isn’t limited to giraffe, zebra, and a multitude of bird species. 

Akagera also offers unique opportunities for water-based safaris, where you can glide silently along the park's waterways, observing hippos, crocodiles, and more. 

Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Nestled in the heart of Uganda's ancient rainforests, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a verdant paradise that offers a truly immersive and life-changing experience. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi is renowned as a sanctuary for nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population. 

Embark on a guided trek through the park's dense vegetation and misty trails, where you'll have the privilege of encountering gorillas in their natural habitat. Watch in awe as they go about their daily routines, foraging, playing, and nurturing their young – an experience that will leave you humbled and forever changed.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a true gem in Uganda's crown, offering a diverse and captivating safari experience. This sprawling wilderness area boasts a remarkable variety of landscapes, from the vast savannas and rolling hills to the stunning crater lakes and the iconic Kazinga Channel. 

You can witness the iconic "Big Five" – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and Cape buffalo – as well as a plethora of other species, including the elusive tree-climbing lions, known for their unique behavior. Embark on a family-friendly game drive or a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, and you'll be treated to a rich spectacle of wildlife, from hippos and crocodiles to an array of birdlife. Queen Elizabeth National Park promises an unforgettable and truly immersive safari adventure.

Southern Africa

Southern Africa throws a curveball at your expectations. Here, the landscapes are anything but monotonous. Lush wetlands alive with hippos in Botswana's Okavango Delta, the transition to the stark beauty of Namibia's Namib Desert where oryx defy the arid conditions, or the chance to travel from wildlife havens to world-class wineries in South Africa. 

This region is also famous for its excellent anti-poaching efforts, making it a haven for large mammals like elephants and rhinos. Southern Africa offers a chance to witness not just the drama of predator-prey interactions, but also the resilience of life in a challenging environment.

South Africa

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Nestled in the heart of South Africa's renowned Kruger National Park region, the Sabi Sands Game Reserve offers a truly luxurious and exclusive safari experience. This private reserve is renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, where you can spot the iconic "Big Five" – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and Cape buffalo – in their natural habitat. With its diverse landscapes, from savannas to riverine forests, Sabi Sands provides a rich tapestry of ecosystems for you to explore.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Venture to the northwestern corner of South Africa, and you'll discover the Madikwe Game Reserve, a hidden gem that boasts an impressive array of wildlife. This malaria-free reserve is home to the "Big Five," as well as rare and endangered species like the African wild dog and the black rhino. With its diverse landscapes, from open savannas to rocky outcrops, Madikwe offers a truly immersive and unforgettable safari adventure.

Phinda Private Game Reserve

Nestled in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, the Phinda Private Game Reserve is a true oasis of tranquility and natural beauty. This reserve boasts an incredible diversity of habitats, from lush forests to vast savannas, making it a prime destination for spotting a wide range of wildlife, including the "Big Five," as well as cheetahs, hyenas, and the elusive black rhino. With its commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism, Phinda offers a truly unique and responsible safari experience.

Botswana

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a true oasis in the heart of Botswana's Kalahari Desert. This vast and intricate network of waterways and islands offers a truly unique and unforgettable safari experience. Glide silently through the tranquil waters on a mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe), observing the rich diversity of birdlife and the occasional glimpse of elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.

Moremi Game Reserve

Nestled within the heart of the Okavango Delta, the Moremi Game Reserve offers a truly immersive and unforgettable safari experience. This protected area boasts a diverse range of habitats, from lush floodplains to dry savanna woodlands, making it a prime destination for spotting a wide variety of wildlife.

Embark on a guided game drive through the reserve, and you'll have the opportunity to witness the majestic "Big Five" on a more conventional land-based safari. Lions, leopards, wild dogs, and elephants are only a sample of the type of wildlife you may find during your safari in Moremi Game Reserve, in addition to opportunities to spot the vast array of bird species in the region. 

Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest and most celebrated game reserve, offers a truly authentic and off-the-beaten-path safari experience. This vast wilderness area is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from arid savannas to lush woodlands, making it a prime destination for spotting a wide range of wildlife, including the "Big Five."

Embark on a guided game drive or a thrilling walking safari, and you'll have the opportunity to witness magnificent herds of elephants congregating around the park's numerous waterholes, as well as lions, leopards, and the evasive African wild dog. With its commitment to conservation and responsible tourism, Hwange offers a truly unique and sustainable safari adventure.

Mana Pools National Park

Nestled along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a truly immersive and unforgettable safari experience. This remote and untamed wilderness area is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including the towering Zambezi escarpment and the iconic "Mana Pools" – oxbow lakes formed by the river's ever-changing course.

Embark on a guided walking safari or a canoe trip along the Zambezi, and you'll have the opportunity to spot a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. With its emphasis on eco-tourism and sustainable practices, Mana Pools offers a truly authentic and responsible safari adventure.

Namibia

Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park, a vast and arid expanse in northern Namibia, is a true oasis for wildlife viewing. This park is renowned for its unique and striking landscapes, including the vast Etosha Pan – a shimmering salt flat that serves as a natural mineral lick, attracting an incredible array of wildlife.

Embark on a guided game drive through the park, and you'll have the opportunity to view the "Big Five," as well as unique and adapted species like the black-faced impala and the Hartmann's mountain zebra. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive and endangered black rhino, one of Etosha's most prized residents.

With its diverse ecosystems, from savannas to salt pans, and its commitment to conservation and responsible tourism, Etosha National Park offers a truly unforgettable and sustainable safari experience.

Zambia

South Luangwa National Park

Nestled in the heart of Zambia's Luangwa Valley, the South Luangwa National Park offers a truly authentic and immersive safari experience. This remote and untamed wilderness area is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from lush riverine forests to vast savannas, making it a prime destination for spotting the "Big Five” and a wide range of fascinating wildlife. 

Embark on a guided walking safari, and you'll have the opportunity to experience the thrill of tracking big game on foot, while learning about the intricate ecosystems and the fascinating behaviors of the animals that call this wilderness home. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive leopard, one of the park's most sought-after sights, as well as the majestic herds of elephants that roam these lands.

Lower Zambezi National Park

Nestled along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, the Lower Zambezi National Park offers a truly unforgettable and immersive safari experience. This remote and untamed wilderness area is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from lush riverine forests to vast floodplains, making it a prime destination for spotting a wide range of wildlife.

Embark on a guided game drive or a thrilling canoe safari along the Zambezi, and you'll have the opportunity to witness iconic species like elephants, hippos, and crocodiles up close. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive leopard, as well as the majestic herds of buffalo that roam these lands.

With its emphasis on eco-tourism and sustainable practices, the Lower Zambezi National Park offers a truly authentic and responsible safari adventure.

Find the Right Safari Destination for You

Africa's safari destinations offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form. From the misty mountains of Central Africa to the vast savannas of East Africa and the rugged landscapes of Southern Africa, each region promises a truly unforgettable and transformative experience. Depending on where you visit, you can include Cape Town, Victoria Falls, or Nairobi as part of your trip to Africa. 

Lose yourself in the grunts of hippos wallowing in murky waters, the hidden signs of leopards walking through the night, or the delicate footsteps of dik-diks bounding across the plains. Whether you seek intimate experiences or the thrill of predators in the wild, this magnificent continent has something to offer every type of traveler. You can start your journey by creating your African Safari Wishlist.