safaridestinations
Written By Gianluca Todini
African safari tours are the best way to enjoy the breath-taking scenery and stunning wildlife that is unique to this continent. From driving through the wind-swept deserts of Namibia to diving with sharks around Cape Town, Africa truly possesses an endless number of amazing sceneries and activities.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the best African safari destinations to help you plan your next unforgettable holidays!
Keep in mind that we didn’t list these countries in any particular order. They all offer a variety of sights and activities, and we find them all equally worthy of a visit.
With that disclaimer out of the way, let’s get started.
Best time to visit: June to August
Botswana often tops the list when it comes to the best safari locations in Africa, and it’s hard to argue why.
With unforgettable activities such as canoeing through the Okavango Delta, hopping on a drive through the vast plains of the Kalahari and the jaw-dropping Chobe National Park, or spending the night stargazing in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana really is home to some of the most amazing adventure opportunities on the continent.
When it comes to biodiversity, Botswana will not disappoint you. You will encounter lions and leopards throughout the country’s parks, along with the largest cheetah population in Africa.
You will also find the rest of the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and African buffalo) throughout Botswana. In addition, you might get lucky and catch a glimpse of the incredibly endangered African wild dog, for which Botswana is one of the last remaining habitats.
The best time for you to visit Botswana would be during the dry season that spans from June to August. During this time, the lack of rain leads animals to congregate around water sources, allowing you to spot them more easily. In addition, the dry vegetation will be easier to see through while on a drive.
Best time to visit: May to October
South Africa’s incredible natural diversity, coupled with world-class infrastructure, earn it a well deserved spot on as one of our favourite destinations on the continent.
With an amazing variety of sceneries, such as the towering Drakenberg mountains and the iconic Kruger National Park, South Africa has arguably the largest offer in terms of activities and operators, and you can expect absolutely top-notch treatment and extremely professional guides throughout the country.
In addition to spectacular game drives where you can expect to see all of the Big 5, wild dogs, cheetahs and so much more, South Africa is also one of the most popular destinations in the world for shark diving, especially around Cape Town and Gaansbai.
If you instead prefer a less adrenaline-filled (but still memorable) experience, you’ll be happy to know that South Africa is also renowned for whale watching. The area around Cape Town remains the best for this activity, with the nearby town of Hermanus being considered one of the top whale-watching spots in the world!
The best time for you to plan your visit is between May and October, as the east of the country goes through the dry season. The lack of vegetation will make animals easier to spot, and you won’t have to worry as much about the rain.
When it comes to whale watching, the best time is between June and December, a time that coincides with their migration around southern Africa.
Best time to visit: June to October
With the vast desert dunes of the Namib and Kalahari Deserts stretching as far as the eye can see, Namibia’s extreme landscape is as unique as it is breathtaking, and offers a safari experience unlike anything else you’ll find on the continent.
Travel to the haunting Skeleton Coast, where the dunes plunge into the Atlantic ocean and the remains of old shipwrecks litter the sand, or spend a night sleeping under the most incredible night sky you could imagine in Little Kuala and Damaraland.
And if you’re worried that the country’s arid landscape means there will be less wildlife to admire, you’ll be surprised; Etosha National Park is one of the top safari destinations in Africa, and home to all of the Big 5 with the exception of African Buffalos, only found in the Waterberg Plateau and Caprivi Strip.
Wild dogs, black rhinos and the rare brown hyena also make their home in Namibia. In addition, the South African Oryx (or Gemsbok) is a classic sight of the Kalahari and Namib Deserts.
The best time slot for you to visit Namibia is between June and October. The mild temperature and the gathering of animals around watering holes make this time slot the perfect time for a Namibian safari.
Best time to visit: June to October
There is no denying that Tanzania is absolutely emblematic when it comes to safaris.
From the stunning wilderness of the Serengeti National Park to the iconic snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, the landscapes and game reserves of Tanzania are among the most famous and recognisable in the world.
With fertile soil and widespread water sources, the country also has the largest wildlife concentration in Africa. Particularly in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll easily spot lions, leopards, elephants and the rest of the Big 5, along with huge herds of antelopes and zebras. In short, if you have an African wildlife bucket list you’ll be almost guaranteed to check it completely in Tanzania!
From May to July, you’ll also get a chance to witness the spectacular wildebeest migration across the Serengeti, a dangerous 800km journey that takes over 2 million animals from the southeast of the park all the way to the Maasai Mara of Kenya and back.
This annual event is the largest mammal migration on Earth, and a sight that has no equal anywhere the planet.
The best time for you to visit Tanzania would be from June to October, during the dry season that also coincides with the wildebeest migration.
The only downside is that the country’s popularity can sometimes lead to overcrowding, and nothing can ruin a safari quite as much as seeing a cheetah surrounded by 5 packed vehicles.
While this problem is partially mitigated by Tanzania’s higher safari prices, we suggest visiting from February to May if you want to have the parks all to yourself. With that said, you’ll have to plan for cooler temperatures and almost daily rain.
Best time to visit: June to October / All year long
Right across the border from Tanzania, Kenya offers essentially the same breathtaking scenery and huge wildlife concentration, albeit at a lower price than its neighbour, and with an arguably superior safari infrastructure.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve (the Kenyan side of the Serengeti) is the country’s most famous park, and one of the most sought after safari destinations in the world.
Just like in Tanzania, you’ll be able to admire all of the most iconic African animals in their natural environment, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos and so much more.
Along with Tanzania, Kenya also experiences the great wildebeest migration, and is a prime destination to witness this unique event. In addition, Amboseli National Park offers perhaps the most stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Kenya is also home to the Maasai, an indigenous nomadic tribe that inhabits most of the country and northern Tanzania. Their customs and traditions are a key part of Kenya’s national identity, and seeing them lead their cattle herds through the bush or visiting their villages is a privileged experience.
While it might seem that Kenya has the drop on Tanzania when it comes to world-class safaris, there is a downside; Lower prices than its neighbour mean that Kenya suffers even more from overcrowding, so you’ll have to plan your trip carefully in order to avoid this issue.
Choosing to visit private reserves surrounding the parks is one option, while another is visiting off season.
Luckily, while the high season runs from June to October, Kenya experiences mild weather all year long, meaning you can easily plan a safari during the low season as well.
Sure, while you’ll likely miss the wildebeest migration, but at least you’ll be able to see the animals in their natural environment without the endless number of vehicles and tourists bothering them.
Best time to visit: May to October
While often overlooked in favour of more popular destinations such as Botswana and South Africa, Zimbabwe offers some of the best safaris on the continent at a much lower price than its neighbours.
With 5 World Heritage Sites, an astounding concentration of wildlife and some of the best trained guides and rangers, a safari in Zimbabwe is an experience you won’t want to miss!
The country is home to all of the Big 5, with Hwange National Park being home to one of the largest elephant populations in the world. The huge number of animals is backed by a varied ecosystem, comprised of savanna, forests and large rivers.
In addition to the incredible wildlife, no visit would be complete without a trip to the Zambezi National Park and the incredible Victoria Falls, where the mighty Zambezi River plunges straight down over a 100m drop.
It is one of the largest waterfalls in the world, and one of the country’s 5 World Heritage Sites.
Another Heritage Site that you absolutely cannot miss is the Mana Pools National Park, one of the most stunning locations for observing wildlife in Africa.
From a cultural standpoint, the heritage sites of the Great Zimbabwe and Khami Ruins offer a unique insight into a lost civilization that once ruled a great kingdom, and are absolutely worth visiting if you get the chance.
Zimbabwe is best visited between May and October, when temperatures are milder and the chance of rain is lower. This period also brings elephants together as they migrate in search of water sources, greatly increasing the chances of spotting large herds.
Best time to visit: May to October
Zambia is perhaps the least visited country on our list, but that works fully to its advantage.
The lack of tourism compared to its more famous neighbours means that you’ll enjoy much more private safaris, and you’ll have better chances of sighting animals without being disturbed by other visitors. The country is also well know for walking safaris, an adventurous experience that we absolutely recommend!
In addition, Zambia’s landscape and wildlife are just as wild and untamed as you would expect from other high-end destinations.
The country's national parks, such as the spectacular South Luangwa National Park, are home to an incredible array of wildlife that includes all of the Big 5, along with a huge leopard population.
What’s more, you’ll also be able to visit the stunning Victoria Falls, as they are located on the border with Zimbabwe. On the same border you’ll also find Kariba Lake, the largest man-made lake in the world, and a haven for countless bird species, hippos and crocodiles.
Zambia is the perfect destination for low-key, intimate safaris without the overcrowding of more popular countries. The best time to visit this hidden gem is between May and October, when temperatures and are mild and dry.
And there you have it, our top 7 destinations for African safaris.
We tried to keep our list varied, with a little bit of everything for everyone in here.
So, whether you’re a first-time safari goer, or a seasoned traveller looking for a more cultural experience, we’re sure you’ll be able to find an African safari from our top destinations list that will perfectly suit your next African adventure!
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Gianluca Todini
