Outdoor adventures don’t get any better than an African safari. Whether you hope to gaze at the peaceful plains of the Serengeti or follow a lion pride as they nurture their newborn cubs, safari trips take visitors on the adventure of a lifetime through this beautiful continent. Once only the province of big-game hunters, safaris now cater to all kinds of travelers with an interest in wildlife and experiencing the joys of nature. From treks into the heart of the African jungle to luxury jeep rides that bring you as close as can be to herds of majestic zebras and gentle elephants, safaris are welcoming, life-changing getaways that will occupy a place in your memories for a lifetime.
Let’s countdown our picks for the top safari destinations in Africa and see what they offer travelers hoping to take a walk on the wild side!
Classic Safari Destinations
Whether you’re a seasoned safari goer or planning your first trip to the African plains, these destinations provide the classic safari experiences that have stirred the world’s collective imagination for countless generations.
South Africa: The Classic Safari Experience
Giraffe and plains zebra in Kruger National Park, South Africa
When it comes to the classic safari experience, few destinations can match South Africa for incredible adventures in the wilds of the African plains. One of South Africa’s best wildlife preserves is the famed Kruger National Park, a breathtaking wilderness retreat encompassing nearly 20,000 square kilometers of untouched African savanna. A perennial favorite among animal lovers the world over, Kruger is home to Africa’s Big Five, the continent’s most iconic big-game animals that include lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and African buffalo.
Other popular safari destinations in South Africa include Madikwe Private Game Reserve, which spotlights the endangered African wild dog, and Addo Elephant National Park, home to over 500 gentle pachyderms.
Kenya: Safari with a View
African lion couple and safari jeep in Kenya
Kenya’s majestic vistas make it one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring safari locations on the African continent. Owing to its location in the heart of East Africa, it has an incredible diversity of ecosystems, from sweeping savannas and tropical rainforests to arid deserts and thundering mountains. The nation’s geographic diversity helps it support a menagerie of beautiful animals popular among vacationers on safari.
Along with the Big Five, visitors can look forward to seeing many of Africa’s big cats in action. Maasai Mara National Park, one of the nation’s most-visited nature preserves, boasts a large population of quick-footed cheetahs, who stand among the most beautiful animals to race across the African plains. Herds of majestic zebras and serene antelope are also residents of the park.
Tanzania: Serengeti and Beyond
Waterbuck with zebras at Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Tanzania is home to some of most recognizable places in all of Africa. Along with the continent’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, this nation is also the location of the Serengeti, a 30,000 square-kilometer expanse of untouched savanna that is home to hundreds of species of majestic wildlife. It is because of the area’s reputation for incredible animal life that most guests of Tanzania head to Serengeti National Park for memory-making safari adventures. By far the most popular time to visit Serengeti is during the Great Migration, two periods between December and March and June and October of each year when herds of wildebeests and zebras cross the plains with their young.
Another well-known safari destination in Tanzania is Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Best known as a haven for predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas, Ngorongoro Conservation Area also sports a large population of black rhinos.
Botswana: The Okavango Delta
Yawning lioness with cubs in Okavango Delta, Botswana
Formed over the course of millennia by strong river currents, the Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of Africa’s most varied natural paradises. A region rich in lush islands, sapphire-blue lagoons, and gentle streams, it supports a diverse assembly of wildlife, making it a choice destination for travelers on safari.
Like most African safari destinations, the Okavango Delta retains large populations of Africa’s most iconic ambassador animals like lions, elephants, and buffalo. What distinguishes this place from other popular spots on safari tours of the continent is its immense population of over 400 types of birds. Rare and beautiful avian species like the wattled crane, Pel’s fishing owl, and white-backed night heron all call the Okavango Delta home. Many tour operators help vacationers experience these wonderful examples of avian life in mokoro boats, traditional dugout canoes that can easily navigate the narrow passages of the Okavango Delta’s winding waterways.
Off-The-Beaten-Path
Lesser-known getaways that nonetheless provide unparalleled outdoor adventures, these off-the beaten path destinations afford visitors the most distinct and inspiring safari experiences.
Namibia: A Desert Safari with a Twist
Oryx running in the Sossusvlei area, Namib-Naukluft National Park
Deep in the recesses of the Southern African nation of Namibia rests the Namib Desert, the oldest one in the world. In spite of the Namib’s exceedingly arid landscape, the desert hosts an incredible range of wildlife that remains expertly adapted for living in one of the driest places in the world. Boasting a safari experience like no other, the Namib Desert is home to the largest sand dunes in Africa, with many examples surpassing heights of 300 meters tall.
Most safari tours of the Namib take visitors to Namib Naukluft National Park, where vacationers can explore their new surroundings in 4×4 vehicle tours of the desert’s dune sea, salt and clay pans, and sandy riverbeds. Common wildlife spotted in Namib Naukluft include herds of majestic oryx, bat-eared foxes, and dune larks. Visitors who follow the Namib to the Skeleton Coast will also get the chance to spot desert-adapted elephants and lions.
Uganda: Trekking with Gorillas
Mountain gorilla in the Ugandan rainforest
Few safaris let adventurers undertake as moving an experience as Uganda’s gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking brings globetrotters into the heart of Uganda’s tropical rainforests, with the most popular treks taking visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. A massive primeval forest known for its biodiversity, incredible fauna, and, of course, wonderful primates, Bwindi is home to about half of all the critically endangered mountain gorillas in the world.
With the aid of a team of guides and trackers, safari goers head into the thick tangle of Bwindi in search of the gentle primates. Treks can often last several hours before guides are able to locate the nearest troop of gorillas, but guests can nevertheless look forward to sightings of some of Uganda’s other amazing animal life along the way, including chimpanzees and elephants. Guides usually allow visitors to spend about one hour photographing and watching the gorillas from a safe distance. Often described as a deeply moving experience, visitors get to watch families of gorillas as they go about their daily life. Along with the joy of seeing these gentle giants keep a tender eye on their young, you can also look forward to watching baby gorillas loll about as they frolic and play all over the forest.
Madagascar: A Wildlife Safari Like No Other
Lemurs at Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Over the past decades, Madagascar has emerged as one of Africa’s most popular up-and-coming destinations for safari travel. By far the biggest draw for the nation’s safari goers is the island’s diverse population of lemurs. Over 100 species of these animals live in the rainforests of the island nation, with the indri lemur being the largest subspecies of the animal in the world.
Most safari travelers visiting Madagascar head to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, a 155-square-kilometer preserve only a few hours from the nation’s capital of Antananarivo. Like with all of Madagascar, lemur species dominate throughout the forests of Andasibe-Mantadia. Indri lemurs remain the most common type of lemur spotted in the park, while diademed sifakas and common brown lemurs are also frequently seen by visitors. Various species of reptiles and birds also call Andasibe-Mantadia home, including geckos, chameleons, and the red-breasted coua.
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Zimbabwe: The Place of Elephants
Photographers admiring a male elephant in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe stands as one of Africa’s most beautiful, untouched natural ecosystems. Home to an amazing level of biodiversity, the nation is also a haven for some of the continent’s most iconic species of animal life, including the gentle giants of the African plains, the elephant. In total, over 80,000 elephants reside in Zimbabwe, many of whom call Gonarezhou National Park their home.
Zimbabwe’s second largest national park, Gonarezhou’s name appropriately translates to “the place of elephants” in the native Shona tongue. An estimated 11,500 elephants reside here, which makes Gonarezhou one of the largest concentrations of pachyderms in the world. These elephants have the distinction of having larger tusks than many other elephants in the world, an attribute passed down from generations of large bull elephants. While these animals get most of the attention at the park, safari goers can also look forward to seeing countless other species of wildlife, including prides of noble lions and herds of graceful impalas.
FAQs:
Q: What is the best time of the year to go on an African safari?
A: The dry season, typically from June to October, is considered the best time for safaris. Wildlife congregates near water sources, making it easier to spot animals. However, some regions, like Kenya and Tanzania, are also popular during the Great Migration, which has specific timing depending on the location.
Q: Do I need any vaccinations before going on safari?
A: Vaccinations like yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A are often recommended. Additionally, malaria prophylaxis is essential for many safari destinations. Consult a travel health specialist for advice tailored to your itinerary.
Q: What should I pack for a safari?
A: Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a good camera. Sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential, and layering is helpful for varying temperatures.
Q: Are safaris suitable for families with children?
A: Many safari lodges and tour operators cater to families, offering child-friendly accommodations and activities. However, some safaris have age restrictions due to safety and attention span requirements. Research family-focused options to ensure a great experience.
Q: Do I need a visa for an African safari?
A: Visa requirements vary by country and your nationality. Many African nations, like Kenya and Tanzania, offer e-visas or visas on arrival. Check the specific requirements for each country on your itinerary.
Q: Is it safe to go on a safari?
A: Safaris are generally safe when guided by professionals who know the area and animal behavior. Follow the instructions of your guides, avoid wandering off, and remain inside vehicles in wildlife areas.
Q: Can I combine a safari with other types of travel?
A: Yes! Many travelers pair safaris with beach vacations, cultural tours, or city stays. Popular combinations include safaris with Zanzibar, Cape Town, or the Victoria Falls. Many tour operators offer customized itineraries.
What other African adventures have you been on? Tell us about them in our comments section below!