The Best Country for African Safari
When it comes to the best country for an African safari, the answer depends on what you’re hoping to experience. Whether you're seeking a classic safari adventure, a blend of city exploration and wildlife encounters, a unique desert safari, a gorilla trek, or an off-the-beaten-path wilderness, Africa offers countless options. Each destination has its own unique charm and appeal. The most popular safari destinations—South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania—are ideal for first-time safari-goers, but every African country offers incredible, one-of-a-kind adventures. Here’s a guide to some of the most coveted safari destinations where luxury, adventure, and relaxation converge.
Kenya: The Classic Safari Destination
Highlights: Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, The Great Migration, Maasai and Samburu cultures.
Best for: Families, first-time safari-goers, adventure lovers.
Expect: Spectacular landscapes, diverse and abundant wildlife, thrilling game drives, cultural encounters, and luxurious lodges in secluded locations.
Kenya is the quintessential safari destination, offering a blend of incredible wildlife and rich cultural experiences. The Masai Mara is world-famous for its vast plains and the annual Great Migration of wildebeest, zebras, and other game. Amboseli National Park provides spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro and is home to some of the largest elephant herds in Africa. For an exclusive experience, Laikipia and Samburu offer private conservancies where wildlife, including unique northern species, roams freely. Guests can enjoy intimate game drives away from the crowds and take part in conservation activities.
Tanzania: A Safari Wonderland
Highlights: Serengeti and the Great Migration, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Zanzibar.
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, nature lovers.
Expect: Wide-open landscapes, abundant wildlife in renowned national parks and reserves, thrilling predator-prey interactions, white-sand beaches of Zanzibar.
Tanzania offers some of the world’s best safari experiences, from the endless plains of the Serengeti to the unique landscape of the Ngorongoro Crater. The Serengeti is renowned for its dramatic migrations and its incredible variety of wildlife, including the Big Five. Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the world’s most unique wildlife hotspots, offering easy access to large herds of animals. Tarangire National Park is another highlight, famous for its massive elephant herds and baobab trees.
Rwanda: The Primate Capital of Africa
Highlights: Volcanoes National Park and gorilla trekking.
Best for: Primate enthusiasts, adventure lovers, bucket-list experiences.
Expect: Primate trekking, lush rainforests, luxury lodges, and an emphasis on conservation and sustainable tourism.
Rwanda’s lush rainforests and rare primates make it a must-visit for those seeking something beyond the classic safari. Volcanoes National Park offers the opportunity to trek to meet the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat—one of the most profound wildlife experiences on Earth. Akagera National Park offers a classic safari experience with the Big Five and a variety of landscapes, from savannah to wetlands. Nyungwe Forest National Park is a sanctuary for chimpanzees and home to Africa's largest remaining montane forest. In Rwanda, you can stay in luxurious lodges and eco-friendly retreats that complement the country’s commitment to conservation.
South Africa: A Perfect Balance of City and Safari
Highlights: Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Cape Town, Winelands, the Big Five.
Best for: Those seeking a mix of wildlife and city exploration, families, first-time safari-goers.
Expect: Diverse experiences, culture, history, wildlife encounters, including the Big 5, luxury lodges in private reserves.
South Africa offers the perfect blend of city life and wildlife adventures, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both cultural immersion and a thrilling safari. Cape Town presents a cosmopolitan experience with its breathtaking beaches, iconic Table Mountain, and rich cultural attractions. The nearby Winelands region offers a taste of South Africa’s world-renowned wines. Kruger National Park, one of the world’s most famous safari destinations, is known for exceptional wildlife viewing, particularly the Big Five. Bordering it, private game reserves like Sabi Sands provide an exclusive safari experience, offering intimate game drives and stays at world-class lodges. Malaria-free safaris in Shamwari are ideal for families.
Botswana: An Exclusive Wilderness Retreat
Highlights: Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Makgadikgadi Pans
Best for: Luxury travelers, honeymooners, photography and bird enthusiasts, those seeking exclusivity
Expect: Seclusion, privacy, and a focus on conservation with luxury accommodations and personalized game experiences in one of Africa’s most pristine wildernesses.
Botswana is the epitome of luxury and exclusivity, particularly in the Okavango Delta, one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an inland delta, where water channels, lush vegetation, and wildlife-rich islands offer a one-of-a-kind safari experience. Luxury tented camps and exclusive lodges offer a serene, intimate atmosphere, where guests can enjoy boat safaris, game drives, and mokoro (canoe) rides. Chobe National Park is known for its large elephant populations, while the Makgadikgadi Pans offers surreal landscapes and a sense of remote adventure.
Namibia: A Desert Adventure Like No Other
Highlights: Sossusvlei, Etosha National Park, Skeleton Coast, Damaraland, Kunene region.
Best for: Photographers, adventurers, those seeking solitude and unique experiences.
Expect: Dramatic desert landscapes, unique desert-adapted wildlife, and a sense of quiet isolation in exclusive, tranquil accommodations.
Namibia’s landscapes are as unique as they come. Sossusvlei is a striking desert destination with towering red dunes that are some of the highest in the world. Etosha National Park is a great place to witness the desert’s wildlife, where animals gather at waterholes against the stark, salt-crusted landscape. The Skeleton Coast offers an eerie yet beautiful coastline, making it perfect for those looking to explore Africa’s wilder side. Damaraland is known for its rugged landscapes, ancient petroglyphs, and desert-adapted elephants. It's a remote region perfect for adventure seekers. Kunene region (formerly known as Kaokoland) offers a unique cultural experience with the Himba people and stunning, arid landscapes.
Zimbabwe: Off-the-Beaten-Path Safari and Victoria Falls
Highlights: Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, Victoria Falls.
Best for: Adventurers, nature lovers, those seeking a more remote safari experience, and repeat safari-goers
Expect: Quiet, remote experiences, walking safaris, rare wildlife sightings, and the breathtaking Victoria Falls.
Zimbabwe is a treasure trove of off-the-beaten-path safari destinations, offering pristine landscapes and intimate wildlife encounters. The Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is a must-see. Visitors can experience its awe-inspiring power from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides, with activities ranging from boat trips along the Zambezi River to thrilling helicopter flights over the falls.
For those looking to experience the heart of Africa’s wilderness, Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site offering an unparalleled sense of solitude. Known for its exceptional walking safaris, canoeing safaris, and incredible wildlife sightings, Mana Pools is perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest park, is home to vast herds of elephants and diverse wildlife, making it an ideal destination for game drives and wildlife photography.
Zambia: A Hidden Gem for Wildlife and Victoria Falls
Highlights: South Luangwa National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls.
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, those seeking an authentic safari experience, adventure seekers, seasoned travelers, and repeat safari-goers.
Expect: Authentic experiences in pristine wilderness, stunning landscapes, walking and water safaris, incredible wildlife, and the majestic Victoria Falls.
Zambia is known for its immersive and authentic safari experiences, especially in its less-traveled parks. South Luangwa National Park is a renowned hotspot for walking safaris, where guests can venture into the wild with expert guides and learn about the ecosystem on foot. The park’s remarkable biodiversity, from lions to leopards and elephants, makes it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Lower Zambezi National Park offers a peaceful retreat with boat safaris along the Zambezi River, where guests can observe wildlife from a unique perspective. The Victoria Falls, located on the border with Zimbabwe, offer another unforgettable experience, including adventurous activities like rafting, canoeing, or ziplining.
Madagascar: The Eighth Continent
Highlights: lemurs, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Avenue of the Baobabs, Tsingy de Bemaraha, Isalo National Park, Spiny Forest.
Best for: Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and unique adventures.
Expect: Remote wilderness, unique wildlife such as lemurs and chameleons, extraordinary and diverse landscapes.
Madagascar offers a truly unique safari experience, with over 90% of its wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Encounter playful lemurs, chameleons, and towering baobabs, along with dramatic landscapes and exclusive wildlife experiences. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is a top spot for seeing the indri lemur. The Avenue of the Baobabs creates a surreal landscape, while Tsingy de Bemaraha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers unique limestone formations. Isalo National Park features striking sandstone formations and natural pools. For a more secluded adventure, Mandrare River Reserve invites exploration of the spiny forest and rare wildlife. Anjajavy Forest combines pristine beaches with rare wildlife and private lodges.
For those seeking experiences beyond the safari, Egypt and Morocco offer unique adventures that blend ancient history, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes. In Egypt, the awe-inspiring pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor, and a peaceful cruise down the Nile River bring the legacy of an ancient civilization to life. Morocco, a land of contrasts, fuses ancient traditions with stunning scenery. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the vast Sahara Desert and the towering Atlas Mountains, each region offers its own captivating charm.
No matter which destination you choose, a safari in Africa is more than a trip—it’s a transformative journey into some of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, where unforgettable wildlife encounters and rich cultural experiences await at every turn.
