BEST AFRICAN SAFARIS: Top 15 Destinations

Safari vacations in Africa are as varied as the continent itself, yet these types of journeys are often expensive. Whether you want to spend a few days gorilla trekking in Uganda or a few weeks in South Africa observing the “big five”—lions, leopards, African elephants, rhinos, and Cape buffalo—there are excursions to meet your preferences. We’ve compiled a list of the top African safaris for couples and families to help you narrow down your options. Continue reading to uncover your once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

Best African Safaris

There are many amazing African safaris to choose from, depending on your interests, budget, and travel style. Here are a few of the best African safaris that offer incredible wildlife viewing, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences:

#1. Okavango Delta, Botswana

This inland delta is one of Africa’s most gorgeous and wildlife-rich places. Between May and October, floodwaters from Angola feed it in northern Botswana. This is the season for exploring the reed-lined canals by mokoro, a traditional canoe, which is a very unique experience. The delta has several reserves and tourism is controlled, so it feels wild and lonely; it is also the most costly region to go on safari.

#2. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The Masai Mara in southwest Kenya is noted for the beauty of its undulating savanna grasslands, the density of its wildlife populations, and the vast wildebeest herds that crash through the Mara River between July and October. Lions, cheetahs, and leopards are prolific predators. Wildlife is accustomed to and easy to locate. The key to having a good time in the Mara is to avoid crowds, which means hiring a good guide or paying a little extra to stay in one of the private community-run conservancies that surround the national park.

#3. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

This inactive, ancient caldera is one of the world’s most stunning wildlife-watching settings, measuring 2,000 feet deep and 100 square kilometers in size. Elephants, highly endangered black rhinos, lions, and flamingo flocks abound. Hikes and visits to local Masai villages are among the activities available in and around the crater. The crater does get crowded, especially during the dry season, which lasts from June to September. Whether that is warmer during the low season signifies

#4. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in southwest Uganda, is made up of savanna, woods, and lakes, and it is home to a rich range of animals, including elephants and chimps. It’s best renowned for its lions, who have a strange fondness for climbing trees, but it’s also an excellent area for boat rides and birding. It’s a fantastic safari partner for mountain gorilla trekking due to its proximity to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

#5. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s best and most popular safari locations, home to a varied array of species in its savanna and woodlands. Lions, wild dogs, leopards, and cheetahs are among the animals you might see; Hwange also has one of Africa’s greatest elephant populations.

#6. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Wildlife viewing in South Luangwa is among the greatest in Africa, particularly for big cats and elephants. You can also see uncommon subspecies that are peculiar to the area, such as Thornicroft’s giraffes. Walking safaris are popular throughout the park and around Zambia. So, if you want to explore the bush on foot, whether for a day or on a multi-day fly-camping excursion, this is the place to be.

#7. Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), Tanzania

Nyerere National Park is Tanzania’s largest and newest national park, located in southern Tanzania. It was part of the huge Selous Game Reserve until 2019 when it was named a national park. The Rufiji River offers the best wildlife viewing; leisurely boat safaris are a highlight, and the park is home to lions, elephants, hippos, critically endangered black rhinos, and wild dogs.

#8. Kruger National Park, South Africa

The Kruger National Park, located in the extreme northeast of South Africa, is the most popular safari destination of them all. In addition to excellent wildlife viewing—particularly for leopards, which are notoriously unconcerned around vehicles—it has excellent tourism infrastructure, including decent roads for self-driving safaris. In Kruger’s private reserves, there are simple self-catering facilities as well as super-luxurious lodges, so there is something for everyone’s budget.

These are just a few of the best African safaris, but there are many more to explore and discover. It’s important to research and plan to ensure that you choose a safari that meets your interests, budget, and travel preferences.

Best African Safaris For Couples

Few places are more romantic than Africa. Vast blue skies bend down to golden plains that extend to the horizon, bordered by distant mountains in navy and purple hues marching away. The aroma of wild sage, the cry of a fish eagle, and leopard sightings will stimulate your senses.

The days are delightfully hot, and the evenings are refreshingly cool. African hospitality is warm and genuine, and when it comes to great cuisine or luxurious luxury, it’s difficult to top a leading safari resort.

If you and your travel companion are seeking an adventure and romance setting, a memorable honeymoon, or a last jaunt before becoming family travelers, look no further. Here are some of our favorite African safaris for couples:

#1. Gorilla Trekking In Uganda

Take the best African safaris for couples to Uganda’s rainforests, which are home to the endangered mountain gorilla. After some time trekking, your guide will advise you of the existence of gorillas, either in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Queen Elizabeth National Park.

#2. Lilondwe National Park

Malawi may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of safari destinations, but that is about to change. You and your spouse can follow rhinos with researchers at Lilondwe National Park. With the reintroduction of lions, it has also become a Big Five reserve, a fitting compliment to the Shire River’s natural splendor. Following that, a sunset boat trip provides excellent opportunities to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks, and a variety of fascinating bird species.

#3. Bwabwata National Park

Bwabwata National Park in Namibia offers the best African safaris for couples with fewer tourists. You and your spouse will have the opportunity to witness large herds of elephants, buffalo, big cats, antelopes, and over 430 bird species.

#4. Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders, is the ideal safari destination for couples. The Delta is rich in wildlife and has amazing luxury lodges situated on the banks of the canals. Unique Okavango safaris, like the Mokoro safari, are available here.

#5. Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Maasai Mara National Reserve has to be mentioned while discussing the top African safaris for couples. Disappear into the renowned nature with your spouse on a guided safari. Walk among the zebras, fall asleep to nature’s melody, and soar over the plains. You will have gone on a big game safari, picturesque bush walks, and a sunrise hot air balloon ride before leaving Maasai Mara.

#6. Serengeti National Park

If you and your companion want to see the Big 5 – lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes – Serengeti National Park should be at the top of your list. Other spectacular species, like hippos, antelopes, cheetahs, and wildebeest, can also be seen here.

Best African Safaris For families

A family safari features game drives as the main attraction, but it also includes a supporting cast of activities and accommodations that are ideal for young tourists. It’s a trip that combines wildlife viewing with time to relax, study, and meet the people and creatures who make Africa home. There are several factors to consider while planning an African safari for families, including child-friendly accommodations, activities, and safety precautions. Some of the top African safaris for families are as follows:

#1. Londolozi Game Reserve

Londolozi Game Reserve in South Africa is the ideal site for a family safari vacation. It is located inside the Greater Kruger National Park. Its Cubs program caters to youngsters aged six to sixteen, with personalized activities guided by a Cub Coach (children under the age of six are not permitted to remain at the lodge).

#2. Maasai Mara National Reserve

A family trip to Southern Africa would be incomplete without a stop at Kenya’s Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp in the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, where you’ll enjoy front-row seats to the world cup of wildlife. The Maasai Mara is home to one of the most spectacular natural phenomena: the wildebeest migration, which takes place from July to October. This family-friendly safari camp accepts kids of all ages and has an interactive WILDChild Program.

#3. Serengeti National Park

The Four Seasons Safari Lodge in Tanzania is located in the middle of the Serengeti National Park. Its Kids for All Seasons program strives to educate younger guests about Africa through unique activities that take advantage of the natural surroundings of the Serengeti. Children can spend a morning with a Maasai warrior learning vital bush skills like lighting a fire and constructing a toothbrush out of a tree, followed by traditional African storytelling.

#4. Madikwe Game Reserve

Jaci’s Lodges in South Africa provide a variety of unique safari experiences, including a Conservation Safari and a Walking Safari, but Jaci’s Photographic Safari is a family favorite. A local photographer is on hand to educate aspiring photographers on the ropes and assist them in capturing breathtaking photographs of Madikwe Game Reserve’s Big Five. The water-level Terrapin Hide is open 24/7 to Jaci’s Lodges visitors and is entered by an underwater tunnel, providing a fantastic vantage point for seeing animals and birds without them knowing you’re there.

#5. Waterberg

Ant’s Hil and Ant’s Nest, located on a private reserve in South Africa’s little-known Waterberg region, are among the most child-friendly lodges in Africa, delivering some of the most exhilarating adventures. A horseback safari provides families with unparalleled game-watching opportunities, allowing them to go closer to the animals than is possible on foot or by vehicle.

#6. The Victoria Falls

Livingstone’s Adventure’s Victoria Falls River Safaris in Zambia take families beyond the conventional walking and game drive places to discover out-of-the-way locations by boat. The boats are built to function in shallow waters and may get as close to wildlife on the water’s edge as well as Victoria Falls as 200 meters. The two-hour cruises run all day, with options for early morning, lunchtime, and twilight cruises.

#7. Shamwari Game Reserve

Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa is a paradise for families about an hour’s drive from the city of Port Elizabeth. Its Kids on Safari program teaches youngsters about conservation entertainingly and engagingly. On arrival, children will receive their age-appropriate gift bag, as well as access to The Born Free Foundation, the reserve’s big cat rehabilitation center. Families can also visit the Rhino Awareness Center and the Animal Rehabilitation Center.

#8. Volcanoes National Park

Mountain gorilla trekking is the highlight of any trip to Rwanda, which is one of just three nations in the world where critically endangered primates may be found in the wild. Volcanoes National Park is an excellent location for a safari. Wander through bamboo forests for breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains and the opportunity to get up close and personal with gorillas. With most gorilla treks requiring a minimum age of 15, this is an excellent alternative for families with older teens.

#9. Pilanesberg National Park

A day trip to the nearby Pilanesberg National Park is a must if you are staying at the internationally recognized Sun City Resort in South Africa. The neighborhood is one of the safest African safaris and is ideal for families. Spot the Big Five on one of the safari experiences available, which include guided day and night game drives and a Hot-Air Balloon Safari, South Africa’s first hot-air balloon launch from within a national park.

What months are best for an African safari?

The best time to go on an African safari depends on several factors, such as the destination, the wildlife you want to see, and the weather conditions. Generally, the best time to go on an African safari is during the dry season, when the wildlife is more concentrated around water sources and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot animals.

Where is the best safari trip?

It’s difficult to determine the best safari trip as it depends on individual preferences, interests, and budget. However, several destinations in Africa are known for providing exceptional safari experiences. Here are some of the best safari destinations in Africa:

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Etosha National Park, Namibia

What time of year is the cheapest for a safari?

The cost of an African safari can vary greatly depending on the destination, type of accommodation, and time of year. Generally, the cost of a safari is higher during peak season, which is typical during the dry season and the wildebeest migration in East Africa. However, there are a few ways to save money on a safari:

Travel during the green season
Choose budget-friendly accommodations
Book in advance
Travel in a group

What part of Africa are the best safari tours?

Africa offers a wide range of safari tours, each with its unique wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences. Some of the best safari tours are found in the following regions:

East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania)
Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia)
East and Southern Africa (Uganda and Rwanda)
West and Central Africa (Gabon and Congo)

Where is the Cheapest Place to Safari in Africa?

The cost of a safari in Africa can vary greatly depending on the destination, type of accommodation, and time of year. However, there are a few destinations that are generally considered more budget-friendly than others. Here are some of the cheapest places to safari in Africa:

South Africa
Tanzania
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Kenya

Which African Country has the cheapest safari?

Here are some African countries that offer relatively affordable safari options:

South Africa
Namibia
Zimbabwe
Tanzania
Uganda

Where should I go on safari for the first time?

If you’re going on safari for the first time, it’s important to choose a destination that offers a well-rounded safari experience with a high likelihood of seeing a variety of wildlife. Here are some top safari destinations for first-time safari-goers:

South Africa
Tanzania
Kenya
Botswana
Zimbabwe

Conclusion

Africa offers some of the most spectacular and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities on the planet, making it a top destination for safari enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or a family-friendly vacation, there are countless options to choose from.

When planning an African safari, it’s important to consider factors such as your budget, travel style, and interests, as well as the safety and health measures in place. By doing your research and working with a reputable travel agency or advisor, you can create a customized itinerary that meets your needs and provides an unforgettable African safari experience.