SafarisAfricana

The World’s Best Safari Parks

Which safari park is your pick for best ever.

Always wanted to take a real African safari but never had the time or money to do it? Safari parks are the next best thing, and give people of all ages the chance to see African wildlife up close – with no bars or cages to ruin the views.

In this piece, we’ve picked out the top seven safari parks in the world for a traditional African safari experience. Whilst a safari park can never be as immersive as a real African safari, a day or overnight trip to a great safari park might at least get you in the mood to save up for the real thing!

Read on below for our pick of the world’s seven best safari parks along with a map showing the location of all safari parks worldwide:

Safari West, California, USA

Set in the middle of California’s wine country, Safari West styles itself as a “Sonoma Serengeti” with savannah-style landscape. The 400-acre safari park has 800 free-roaming animals from herds of kudu , zebra , antelope, Cape buffalo , and gazelle , to huge African rhinos and giraffe .

Safari West offers “the ultimate private safari” excursions where a private group of up to 10 people is taken on an exclusive safari ride with a guide, and like some true luxury African safaris you can add wine, cheese, and chocolate to your safari should you need an appetitive whilst game viewing. The private safari is essentially a 3-hour guide-led drive through the safari park in an authentic safari vehicle.

For a complete safari experience, you can spend a night on site with views over a lake or nestled in the woods with a true bushveld feel. The accommodation is in authentic African safari tents with a luxury twist, built on wooden platforms with large decking areas for lounging and taking in the views. If tents aren’t your idea of luxury then cottages are available too.

giraffe at safari west safari park

Visit the Safari West website >>

Wildlife reserves singapore, singapore.

The Singapore night safari is rightly a world-renowned safari experience. The safari park has eight geographical regions – linked by three walking trails and a tram route – to observe the primarily nocturnal animals from around the world. The reserve has an “Equatorial Africa” section of the park, which fits nicely with Singapore’s warm and moist climate throughout the year. Ample sunlight and rain support luxuriant tropical forests. In this part of the safari park you can expect to see Cape giraffe , serval , and bongo – the largest of Africa’s forest antelopes.

singapore night zoo

Visit the Singapore Night Safari website >>

Book your singapore night safari now:, disney’s wildlife kingdom, florida, usa.

Disney don’t bill their Wildlife Kingdom as a safari park, but rather the largest animal-themed park in the world. And with 250 species made up of more than 1,700 animals roaming 2 km sq they may well be right.

The entire park is split into seven areas, one of which is “Africa” themed. One adrenalin-pumping safari offering in this area is the “Wild Trek Africa” experience – a privately guided expedition which features close encounters with Nile crocodiles and huge hippos whilst hanging from a harness 10 feet in the air! If that’s a bit too hair-raising you can always take a more traditional open-sided safari vehicle for a game ride through acres of replica savanna, rivers, and rocky hills. Expect to see elephant, giraffe, pelican, cheetah, lion, oryx , black and white rhino , and just about any other wildlife you’d hope to spot in Africa.

disney safari style

Visit Disney’s Wildlife Kingdom website >>

The wilds, ohio, usa.

The Wilds safari park in Ohio offers a fairly authentic safari experience. You can buy a “Safari Transport Pass” to get shuttled around a selection of enclosures (Lake Trail, Mid-Sized Carnivores, Wetland, Pasture and Outpost), each with a selection of impressive African wildlife. The game highlights are the giraffe, rhino, zebra, cheetah and African wild dog.

In the “Pasture” area dozens of grazing species of African animals roam free, whilst the predators are kept separately for obvious reasons! A guided open vehicle safari gets you immersed in the rolling countryside and gives you the best opportunity to view all of the game on offer.

ohio safari park

Visit The Wilds website >>

West midlands safari park, west midlands, uk.

The American-run “West Midland Safari and Leisure Park” has been in operation since 1973. Here you can drive yourself around the “Africa Reserve”, a large open area that is home to a group of Southern white rhinos, along with plenty of other savannah grazers including giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, eland and the swamp-dwelling red lechwe. Other enclosures containing fabulous wildlife you can drive through include cheetahs , a large pack of the very endangered African wild dog, African elephants, and of course the mighty white lion.

west midland safari park van with rhinos in field

Longleat Safari & Adventure Park, Wiltshire, UK

Whilst Africa will always be the home of the safari drive, the first drive-through safari park outside of Africa opened in 1966 at Longleat as a 100-acre reserve for 50 lions. Set within the grounds of the Longleat House stately home, the safari park has grown and is now home to dozens of African animal species. There’s still a large pride of lions, now complemented by cheetah , rhino, elephant, giraffe, zebra and a plethora of African monkeys.

Whilst you can choose to drive yourself around a number of large enclosures, Longleat also offers a range of VIP guided tours – from a couple of hours to a full day. These take the form of being driven around the safari park by an expert guide in one of the specialised safari vehicles.

lion and car at longleat safari park

Visit  the Longleat Safari & Adventure Park website >>

Taman safaris, various destinations, indonesia.

Taman Safari Indonesia are safari parks in East Java, West Java and Bali, known as Taman Safari I, II and III respectively. Taman Safari I is the most popular and largest of the three safari parks and has over 2,500 animals, the majority of which are Indonesian and include tigers, orangutans, elephants, sun bears and komodo dragons.

It’s a drive-through safari park where you can get very close to the wildlife. Those on the hunt for an authentic African safari experience won’t be disappointed and can keep an eye out for the resident hippo, zebra, cheetah and giraffe. There are both camping and bungalows available to those who’d like to stay in the safari park overnight to soak up the atmosphere.

Taman Safari III is also known as Bali Safari and Marine Park – more of a theme park than a safari park, but highly popular with tourists none-the-less.

van in safari park

Visit the Taman Safari website >>

Book your taman safari now:, find each safari park on the map:, what is a safari park.

The biggest draw of a safari park is that game animals roam free in large enclosures which you can take a safari drive through – either on your own or with a guide. There are also options for walking safaris in some safari parks.

Safari parks are generally much larger than zoos, though they cover only a minuscule area when compared to the game reserves and national parks in Africa ( which can be up to 55,000 km sq ).

What’s your take on safari parks – decent African safari alternative, or little more than glorified zoos? Get involved in the comments below and let us know your thoughts on our list of the world’s best safari parks.

Top countries for safaris

  • Botswana safaris
  • Kenya safaris
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  • South Africa safaris
  • Tanzania safaris
  • Uganda safaris

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  • When to go on safari
  • What to take on safari
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Africa’s best game reserves

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

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12 Top African Safari Tours

Cross this must-do activity off your bucket list.

Top African Safari elephant

Courtesy of Micato Safaris

Spot the big five on your safari adventure.

Safari tours in Africa are just as diverse as the continent itself, though these types of trips typically require a large sum of money. Whether you want to spend a few days gorilla trekking in Uganda or a couple weeks spotting the "big five" – lions, leopards, African elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalos – in South Africa, you'll find an array of tours to best suit your needs. To help you narrow down your options, U.S. News compiled a list of 12 can't-miss African safari tours. Read on to find your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Note: Some of the African countries in this article may require travelers to get an entry visa and certain vaccinations in order to visit. Jump to the list of visa and vaccination requirements by country at the bottom of this page for more information.

&Beyond

African Safari vacation

Courtesy of &Beyond

Visitors who don't want to sacrifice creature comforts while on safari will appreciate &Beyond's offerings. During the tour operator's 10-day Kings of the Jungle safari – which starts at $11,340 per person – travelers will see breathtaking natural wonders like the Ngorongoro Crater and the Maasai Mara savanna. But the highlight of this journey is its four-night stay at Tanzania's Serengeti National Park . After watching animals like wildebeest and zebras partake in the great migration while also spotting lions, giraffes and more, vacationers retreat to high-end tents and lodges with private bathrooms.

[See more of Serengeti National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Wilderness Safaris

African Safari camp vacation

Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris

For some of Africa's most jaw-dropping scenery, opt for the seven-night Namibian Adventure Safari tour offered by Wilderness Safaris. This weeklong trip features visits to the Namib Desert's dune-filled Sossusvlei region (which you may recognize from the film "Mad Max: Fury Road") and the mountainous Palmwag Concession – a protected area with springboks, giraffes, black rhinos and more. The package's per person fee starts at $6,725, which covers most meals, park entrance fees, and transfers from Namibia's capital Windhoek and between the safari destinations. It also covers your stay at properties like the fully solar-powered Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp and the five-star Little Kulala lodge amid the stunning desert.

Wild Rwanda Safaris

African Safari gorilla in Rwanda

Courtesy of Wild Rwanda Safaris)

Adventurous travelers sticking to a more conservative budget should consider Wild Rwanda Safaris' Bwindi Gorilla Safari. The three-day package features a full day in southwestern Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (a haven for silverback gorillas) and an adjacent Batwa Pygmy community. Wild Rwanda Safaris allows guests to choose between midrange, luxury and super luxury accommodation, which can help keep costs down if necessary. The company's packages include the $700 permit required to visit the gorilla park. The round-trip journey by safari vehicle to and from Kigali, Rwanda, and English-speaking guide services are also covered in all rates. The tour can begin from Kampala, Uganda, as well, although you'll spend longer on the road to the park.

Nomad Tanzania

African Safari in Tanzania

Courtesy of nomad-tanzania.com

Sign up for Nomad Tanzania's Southern Tanzania safari and you're bound to get an up-close look at Tanzania's diverse wildlife. Offering eight days of activities, including game drives and boat trips in Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park, this safari gives you prime opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, leopards and elephants, among other species. What's more, lodging at the company's campsites, select meals, and flights to and from Dar es Salaam are factored into the package's prices. Expect to pay a minimum of $5,700 per person; prices vary depending on the time of year, and the tour isn't offered in April and May.

Micato Safaris

(Courtesy of Micato Safaris)

If you want to explore multiple destinations while on safari with plenty of comfort (but a price tag to match), book the 15-day Micato Grand Safari. This outing by Micato Safaris starts with a two-day visit to Nairobi, Kenya, before continuing to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the Amboseli and Serengeti national parks for wildlife-viewing excursions. During your trip, you'll see Mount Kilimanjaro as zebras, gazelles and more roam in the foreground. The package costs at least $22,450 per person (based on double occupancy rates) and includes a hot air balloon ride, a camel tour led by members of the Samburu tribe, and lodging at upscale properties like Serengeti's Four Seasons outpost. The company also offers various extensions allowing you to explore other parts of Africa, from the island paradise of Zanzibar to the deserts of Namibia.

Rothschild Safaris

African safari vacation

Courtesy of Rothschild Safaris

If your ideal safari vacation consists of customizing your trip from start to finish, consider an outing with Rothschild Safaris. The company offers itineraries in locales like Zambia and Madagascar , but if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the big five animals, the Essence of Tanzania safari is a good bet. This nine-day experience, which embarks from Arusha and returns there by plane, includes game-viewing drives in Tarangire National Park and accommodations like canvas tents and farmhouse lodges. Elephants, zebras and lions are just some of the animals you may spot during your journey. You'll also have the opportunity to go on a nighttime safari to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Lion World Travel

African safari vacation

Courtesy of Lion World Travel

As the trip name implies, Lion World Travel's 10-day Best of Cape Town & Botswana vacation package combines sightseeing in Cape Town, South Africa , with a classic safari in Botswana. During the latter half of the itinerary, visitors will explore Botswana's Okavango Delta (home to cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos and more) and Chobe National Park, which is believed to have Africa's largest elephant population. Prices start at $4,299 per person and cover game drives; many of your meals; and stays at luxury hotels, camps and lodges. You'll need to pay an extra charge for the flights within the tour (Cape Town to Botswana as well as Botswana to Johannesburg ).

[See more of Cape Town: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Bearded Heron Safaris

African safari vacation

Neil Heron | Courtesy of Bearded Heron Safaris

Travelers keen on seeing South Africa's Kruger National Park through the eyes of a local naturalist will appreciate the 15-day safari with Bearded Heron Safaris. Led by Neil Heron, a nature guide and wildlife photographer and writer, Bearded Heron Safaris' longest option features small game drives that may include lion, rhino, zebra and leopard sightings throughout all corners of Kruger. Rates are inclusive of in-park cottage accommodations and all breakfasts, dinners, snacks and drinks. Flights and park fees are not included. For a 15-day safari, expect to pay 76,900 South African rand (about $4,500) per person.

[See more of Kruger National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Discover Africa

Black rhinoceros in the african savannah

Getty Images

For an inside-out trip through the natural wonders of Botswana, Discover Africa's nine-day Epic Botswana Adventure is a formidable option. You'll start out at a riverside lodge on the Chobe River – a great location for elephant spotting – before moving onto the marshy Okavango Delta, a wildlife-rich area where you can spot a huge range of animals from leopards to rhinos. The safari ends at the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a good place to admire wildlife like zebras and buffalo on the savanna as well as salt pans from a former lake. You'll stay in upscale lodges and campsites within close reach of the wilderness. All meals and transport along the tour are included in the price tag (which starts at $4,800 per person), but international flights are excluded.

Wild Wings Safaris

best safari parks africa

If you're looking to have a broader experience that mixes in some history and beach time, consider Wild Wings Safaris' eight-day Battlefields, Bush and Beach Safari. You'll start off visiting some of South Africa's historic sites from the Boer wars, before moving on to the Phinda Private Game Reserve, which doesn't allow day visitors, so you should be able to look out for the big five without too many crowds. The tour wraps up at Thonga Beach Lodge, where you can snorkel or scuba dive near coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. As far as safaris go, this one is an affordable option, starting at about $2,795 per person with all meals included as well as a rental car; for the cheapest price, you will need to drive yourself between the destinations, but it's possible to pay an additional fee for a driver to guide you instead.

Cuckoo Safaris

Aerial few of the world famous Victoria Falls with a large rainbow over the falls. This is right at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in Southern Africa. The mighty Victoria Falls at Zambezi river are one of the most visited touristic places in Africa.

This tour company kicks off its tours from the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, with a host of safaris that range from two days to nine, across Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana, including some family-friendly choices. For an affordable option, there's the four-day Discover Victoria Falls, Chobe and Hwange Park safari, which will take you on two full-day tours to Chobe National Park (across the border in Botswana) and to Hwange, Zimbabwe's largest national park, where you should keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants and more. This safari also includes a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The price starts at $900 per person, which includes the tours plus breakfast, lunch and lodging in Victoria Falls; travelers will need to pay for entrance fees to the parks and dinner.

Compass Odyssey

best safari parks africa

Courtesy of Compass Odyssey

Explore the savanna and deserts of southwest Africa with Compass Odyssey's eight-day Namibia Wildlife Safari. You'll visit a community-based conservation area in Damaraland – known for its desert-adapted elephants, oryx, giraffes and other wildlife – while staying in the rustic-chic Doro Nawas Camp. You'll also spend two days in Etosha National Park, seeking wildlife at the park's bustling waterholes by day and embarking on an evening game drive as well. Starting at $3,750 per person, the tour includes most meals and all park entry fees, but not flights; the company does allow the tour to be customized on request.

Vaccination and visa requirements for African countries

Some popular safari destinations may require you to have received certain vaccinations in order to enter the country as a tourist. Inoculation requirements can include vaccination against COVID-19 and yellow fever, and you'll need to get these vaccines before departing on your trip. Be sure to bring proof of vaccinations with you. If you are transiting through another country en route to your safari tour, you must check that you also meet immunization requirements for the stopover location.

Note that, outside of what's required, there are a number of other vaccinations that are recommended, so ensure you're up to date and fully protected before you travel. In addition, many safari locations are prone to malaria; you should consult with your doctor to see if you need to bring anti-malaria medication on your trip.

Safari countries have varying visa requirements for travelers from the U.S. – these are detailed below. Depending on your itinerary, you may need a single- or multiple-entry visa, and some visas require you to apply in advance of traveling and/or have a certain number of blank pages in your passport. Regardless of your destination, your passport should be valid for at least six months before you leave for your trip.

Here are the vaccine and visa requirements for major safari destinations as of November 2022:

Botswana: If you have recently visited a country where yellow fever is common, you will need to be vaccinated against this illness. This does not include the U.S. but does include a number of countries in Africa, Central and South America. Consult the World Health Organization's website for a list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Kenya and Uganda.

U.S. citizens and nationals can stay in Botswana for 90 days without a visa.

Kenya: Travelers to Kenya must have been vaccinated against COVID-19 with the last shot administered more than 14 days before arrival in the country. Unvaccinated visitors can enter with a negative PCR test, conducted no more than 72 hours before departure. Proof of COVID-19 tests or vaccines must be uploaded to an online system called Panabios. Kenya is a country where you'll be at risk of yellow fever transmission; it also requires those traveling from other places with yellow fever or cholera outbreaks to be vaccinated against these illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you protect yourself against yellow fever before your trip here.

Americans need an e-visa to enter Kenya. You should apply online at the eVisa government website no more than eight weeks before your trip, as visas are not available upon arrival in Kenya. See more on the U.S. Department of State's website .

Namibia: Those traveling from a country where yellow fever is common need to be vaccinated against it. No visa is required as long as you're staying for 90 days or less.

Rwanda: If you're coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic, a yellow fever vaccination is required before departure.

U.S. citizens and nationals can be issued a 30-day visitor visa on arrival in Rwanda or through the Rwandan Embassy in Washington, D.C. A single-entry visa costs $50, and it's recommended you bring sufficient cash in U.S. dollars to pay for this (although credit card payment may be accepted at Kigali International Airport). Consult the State Department website for more information.

South Africa: A yellow fever vaccination is required if you're traveling from a country with a risk of transmission. No visa is required for stays of 90 days or less.

Tanzania: Travelers must be able to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination with a QR code to enter Tanzania. Unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure, and the test results should be accessible by QR code. Yellow fever vaccines are mandatory if you're traveling from a location where yellow fever is present – including if you spend more than 12 hours in transit in such a country.

Visas are required for tourism in Tanzania. You can apply for a single-entry, 90-day visa online for $50 – and be sure to print a copy of the approval to bring with you. The processing period takes up to 10 days. You can also obtain a visa on arrival for a $100 fee; it's recommended you bring cash to cover this. Find more Tanzanian visa information on the State Department website .

Uganda: To enter Uganda, you must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or present a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Like Kenya, Uganda is a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. All visitors must show proof of vaccination against yellow fever to enter Uganda, regardless of where you're traveling from.

American visitors to Uganda must apply online for an electronic visa before departure; arriving in Uganda without completing this process could result in your detainment. Visit the State Department website to learn more.

Zambia: Visitors who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must show proof of vaccination but do not need a test to enter Zambia; unvaccinated travelers must undergo a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure. Yellow fever vaccines are only required if you're coming from an area considered at risk.

Visas are required to visit Zambia, but these can be obtained online before your departure or at a port of entry. Check the State Department website for more details.

Zimbabwe: To enter Zimbabwe, travelers must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or must take a negative PCR test no more than 48 hours before your departure. As with other countries on this list, visitors from countries with yellow fever outbreaks also require a vaccine against this illness.

U.S. visitors can obtain a 30-day, single-entry visa upon arrival in Zimbabwe for $30. If you're taking a tour that requires you to leave and reenter Zimbabwe, be sure to get a double-entry visa for $45. You can learn more from the State Department website .

You might also be interested in:

  • The Top Passport Wallets (That Also Hold Vaccine Cards)
  • The Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options
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  • The Best Zoos in the U.S.
  • The World's Best Places to Visit

Tags: Travel , Vacation Ideas

World's Best Places To Visit

  • # 1 South Island, New Zealand
  • # 4 Bora Bora

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

10 Best Safari Parks To Visit In Africa

best safari parks africa

GTS Productions / Shutterstock

  • Activities and Interests
  • Africa National Parks
  • Destinations
  • National Parks
  • Outdoor Activities
  • South Africa

Africa is a vast continent, and if you are planning a trip there, you may well be wondering where to go and which of the hundreds of national parks and game reserves to choose from. Help is at hand.

Here, I weigh in on the top 10 parks and reserves per a safaribookings.com report that takes into account the reviews of 2,300 tourists and 1,000 African travel experts — and share what you can expect to see when you get there based on my decades of safari experience.

1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Coming in at number one is Serengeti National Park, in northern Tanzania. The Serengeti shares a border with Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve (which we will chat about more when you reach the number 10 spot on this list). Serengeti’s sprawling grasslands make for those classic safari views with flat-topped acacia trees and grazing herds of zebra and antelope. These grazing herds attract large numbers of predators, and the open plains make for a fantastic destination to watch lions and cheetahs in action.

The Serengeti is also home to the annual Great Migration, in which over one million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of other ungulates make their over-600-mile circular trek. The animals travel from their breeding grounds in the south to fresh pastures in the north, all the while with predators hot on their heels. The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural events in the world.

As an exciting and special bonus, black rhinos were reintroduced into the Serengeti, some in 2010 and more in 2019, and earlier this year, a black rhino calf was born to one of the reintroduced females — the first black rhino birth in the park for decades.

Nomad Tanzania has the beautiful Serengeti Safari Camp which is the perfect location to catch the wildebeest migration.

Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe.

African Bush Camps

2. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Next on our list, we have Mana Pools National Park in the far north of Zimbabwe. The Zambezi River’s wide waters form the boundary between Zimbabwe and Zambia. On the southern Zimbabwean side is Mana Pools National Park, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and a park known for fantastic wildlife visibility beside the river and flood plains. (On the northern bank is Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, which we will focus on when we reach number 5 in our countdown).

Mana is the Shona (local language) word for four, and within the park, the river channels have created four large pools, giving the park its name. These pools are surrounded by forests of mahogany, wild fig, ebony, and winter thorns. In the dry season, the shady glades beneath these trees are filled with wildlife — herds of impala, eland, elephant, zebra, buffalo, waterbuck, and kudu. These animals provide a plentiful supply of prey for both predators and scavengers. There are several sizable prides of lion as well as leopards and hyenas. Mana Pools is also a stronghold for wild dogs.

Mana Pools National Park is the perfect place for walking and canoeing safaris. David Attenborough’s wildlife series for the BBC , “Dynasties ,” filmed the episode about wild dogs in the park. I have spent hours watching these same wild dogs and I can promise you the park is the perfect place to go to spot this endangered African animal.

African Bush Camps have three fantastic lodges in Mana Pools, each in a different park area.

An elephant at the MalaMala Game Reserve in South Africa.

Roger de la Harpe / Shutterstock

3. MalaMala Game Reserve, South Africa

MalaMala is the oldest and one of the largest private Big Five game reserves in South Africa. It covers 37 000 acres, shares a 12-mile unfenced boundary with the world-renowned Kruger National Park, and is sandwiched in a prime position between the Kruger and the Sabi Sands Reserve, giving it great access to abundant wildlife.

In the local language, Xitsonga, the name Malamala means Kudu, and the area got its name from the abundance of these majestic, spiral-horned antelope within the game reserve. The reserve is also home to the Big Five and is famous for luxury photographic safaris.

MalaMala is the place to start your search for accommodation within the reserve.

Antelope in the Okavango Delta of Botswana.

Wilderness Safaris

4. Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta is a vast inland river delta in northern Botswana. The area is known for its sprawling grassy plains, which flood seasonally, becoming a lush animal habitat. The delta supports an astonishing variety of wildlife. The best time to visit is during the annual flood, when many of the animals are confined to islands created by the floodwaters, making them easier to spot. Highlights include great herds of elephant and antelope, hippos, crocodiles, lions, and cheetah. Many of the birds spotted here are endemic.

The most exciting way to explore the area is by traditional dugout canoe (mokoro), which I first did in my early twenties, navigating past hippos, elephants, and crocodiles, and spending several nights camping on tiny islands. About 40 percent of the Okavango Delta is in the Moremi Game Reserve, on the eastern edge of the Delta, and we will focus on that when we reach number 6.

Very much the center of Botswana’s safari industry, the Okavango Delta features some of Africa’s premier camps. A good place to start your accommodation search is with Wilderness Safaris who has several beautiful luxury lodges in the Okavango Delta.

An elephant at Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia.

Anabezi Lodge

5. Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

If you follow the Zambezi River about 300 miles downstream of the Victoria Falls, opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools, you will find the pristine wilderness of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park.

An area of abundant wildlife, from herds of elephants to soaring fish eagles and everything in between. A hunting ground for lions, leopards, and wild dogs. A timeless valley of giant towering winter thorns where wildlife finds sanctuary in the dappled shade. The area’s beauty lies in its wildness and the spectacular opportunities to get up close to the game that wanders in and out of the Zambezi’s channels.

The river is home to hippos and crocodiles and is the perfect place for sunset boat trips, trawling for the coveted tiger fish, and one of my favorite activities, canoeing safaris. I have traveled the length of the Lower Zambezi National Park by both road and river, and can highly recommend this beautiful park.

Anabezi has three fantastic lodges along this stretch of the river and is a great place to start planning your trip.

Zebra at Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana.

Sarah Kingdom

6. Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Coming in at number six, Moremi Game Reserve is a protected wildlife area in Botswana. It lies on the Okavango Delta’s eastern side and was named after Chief Moremi of the BaTawana tribe. Moremi was designated as a game reserve, rather than a national park, when it was created, which meant that the BaSarwa or Bushmen who lived there were allowed to remain in the reserve. Among other animals, the reserve is home to cheetah, white and black rhinoceros (rarely seen), wild dogs, lions, and over 500 bird species. This ecosystem is amongst the richest in Africa.

Island Safari Lodge is an ideal jumping-off point for a trip into Moremi, and they also offer fantastic mobile safaris into the reserve, which I have done with my family and thoroughly enjoyed. Let this small but diverse area blow you away with its wildlife.

A lion at South Luangwa National Park in Zambia.

Jane Addey / Surefoot Safaris

7. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

In eastern Zambia, South Luangwa National Park plays host to huge concentrations of wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, lion, giraffe, hippo — over 450 species of bird and 60 species of mammal! South Luangwa is also arguably the best place in Africa to see leopards.

South Luangwa is known for incredible walking safaris that give you the chance to get up close to the park’s wildlife. There is something incredibly special about a safari on foot — no noise from vehicles, just the crunch of dry grass underfoot. Your senses are heightened; you see and hear things that you have never noticed before. You become conscious of how loud your breath sounds in your ears as you try hard to walk silently through the bush. For an expertly guided walking safari in South Luangwa, you can’t go wrong with Surefoot Safaris .

Panoramic view of the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

8. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Crater formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself two or three million years ago, creating a crater 2,000 feet deep and a 64,000-acre floor. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to an exceptional concentration of fauna; it is estimated that over 25,000 large animals live here (I’m not including birds, insects, or reptiles in this count!), including huge herds of wildebeests and zebras. There is also no shortage of predators, with the crater being home to lion, hyena, cheetah, jackal, caracals, bat-eared foxes, and more. A definite highlight is the healthy population of black rhino and some of the largest tusker elephants on the continent. The lake at the center of the crater hosts huge flocks of rose-colored flamingos, while Maasai tribespeople still live within the conservation area.

Given its size, the Ngorongoro Crater really only needs a day or two of your travel time, and is best as part of a larger East African itinerary, perhaps combining the wildlife wonders of the Crater w with the migration spectacle of the Serengeti or the laid-back beaches of Zanzibar. I often take a day trip to Ngorongoro as a break at the end of a Kilimanjaro climb.

As a taste of luxury, perhaps try Ngorongoro Crater Lodge for a special visit to this fantastic place.

9. Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a 160,000-acre reserve pioneered by local landowners in the 1950s and shares a 31-mile-long unfenced border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Known for delivering excellent Big Five game viewing, with some extraordinary close encounters and prolific sightings, particularly of the elusive leopard, this area is considered one of the best safari areas in South Africa.

Sabi Sands offers a variety of accommodation options to suit everyone and every budget. As there are several lodges to choose from in the game reserve, visit Sabi Sands to start planning your trip.

A safari in Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.

Volodymyr Burdiak / Shutterstock

10. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Last but not least, and located in the extreme southwest of Kenya, on the border with Tanzania, is the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Covering over 580 square miles, this quintessential safari destination is home to the Big Five and is famous for its thriving big cat populations. Special Maasai Mara experiences include hot air balloon safaris, visits to local Maasai villages, and of course, the Great Migration, which is when the Mara is a pit stop for almost two million wildebeest, zebra, and antelope crossing from Tanzania across the mighty Mara River on their death-defying, 1,800-mile circular journey. In fact, these herds are so big they can be observed from space.

The Maasai Mara is a photographer’s paradise, with year-round game viewing, incredible big cat sightings, and large concentrations of elephant, buffalo, and giraffe. Governors’ Camp was the first permanent tented camp in the Masai Mara, and it occupies some of the best wildlife viewing locations in the reserve.

There is nothing quite like the thrill of an African safari. The stillness of the early morning, before the heat of the sun covers the land. The sound of wild creatures calling in the night. The sense of adventure that comes from being surrounded by untamed wilderness. Above all, it’s the excitement of being in the bush, never quite knowing what new sights, sounds, and experiences the day will bring. I’ve given you a tiny taste of 10 of the most popular safari destinations on the continent. Choose one of these for your next African adventure and you won’t be disappointed.

Related articles:

  • The Ultimate Guide To Planning Your First African Safari
  • 9 Things To Know Before Booking A Long Safari

Image of Sarah Kingdom

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

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The Top 10 Best African Safari Wildlife Parks To Visit in 2024

Discover the best african safari wildlife park..

With some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet, lush tropical beaches, and the challenging climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro , an African safari is a perfect vacation for any adventure enthusiast.

Immerse yourself in the lands you’ve only dreamed of and experience the majesty of the Great Migration when millions of animals make their yearly trek across the plains.

You will be amazed at all the things you can see and do while visiting an African safari wildlife park. But how do you know which one to visit?

Read on to learn the particulars of each park so you can make the best decision for your group.

1. The Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater  is one of the most beautiful regions in Africa. It is filled with volcanic craters and all manner of wildlife.

This area is home to the highest concentration of big five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and the cape buffalo) wildlife and a wide variety of predators ensuring you have an exciting day.

For bird enthusiasts, the crater is a must-see, as it is home to more than 400 different species of birds. Two of the most exciting birds you will see include the ostrich and the flamingo.

2. The Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The Serengeti is a rugged savanna full of rhinoceros and elephants, like many of the parks on this list. But what sets it apart is the sheer volume of animals that you will see. This park has been voted as the best African safari wildlife park in 2018

The park is large, spreading over 5,700 square miles and serves as home to more than 430 different species. The area is divided into three quadrants to make referencing easy.

The Northern Serengeti

The northern Serengeti is a region of rolling hills and woodlands. There you can find many giraffes and elephants.

The Serengeti Plains

The Serengeti plains are what come to mind when you hear the word. They are the Lion King-like plains that go on endlessly towards the horizon. On the plains, you will find large herds of animals roaming and migrating and with so few trees, you will have an excellent view.

The Western Corridor

At the heart of the savanna lies the Western Corridor. This area is home to crocodiles, hippos, and monkies. It features the Grumeti River which provides life-giving water for a variety of species.

3. Massai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya

Massai Mara is home to the Great Migration, the term for the movement of millions of animals across Africa each year. The spectacle is a can’t-miss sight for many tourists.

The best place to see the Great Migration is in Kenya between July and October. Over a million wildebeest travel together across the plains in the largest migration herd in the world. These animals are members of the antelope family and can weigh as much as 600 lbs.

The route the animals travel is filled with predators and the wildebeest travel through many rivers, many with hungry crocodiles. Seeing nature at play will be a spectacle you won’t soon forget.

4. Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

If you’re in this for the elephants, you have to head to Tarangire National Park . They have the largest concentration of elephants in the world with some herds consisting of more than three hundred elephants. This is especially true during the dry season when the park swells in population.

If you visit Tarangire, make sure you don’t miss the views of the Maasai Steppe. It truly is breathtaking. You will also want to spend lots of time near the Tarangire River, the river that gives the park its name. It is the main source of water for many animals during the dry season so it is a great place to spot all manner of wildlife.

The most iconic part of Tarangire National Park would have to be the baobab trees that dot its landscape. These ancient trees are hundreds of years old and provide homes for birds and small animals in the ecosystem.

5. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Ruaha National Park is home to the largest population of elephants in Tanzania, making it a great place to spot these large animals.

The park is also home to herds of buffalo, antelope, gazelles, wild dogs, and ostriches.

It is known for its wild topography formed by the Great Ruaha River that runs through the park and gives it its name. The river is home to crocodiles, hippos, and many different species of wading birds.

You will also enjoy views of mountains in the south and west reaching for the sky.

6. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park is located in South Africa and is the largest natural game reserve in the country. It is home to more than 500 different types of species and remains an excellent place to go to spot all manner of wildlife.

You will also enjoy the granite hills that pepper the south and create a unique landscape. Much of the park is covered in tropical forests that play home to a majority of the species in the area.

It’s important to note that Kruger National Park is a very popular place for people to safari and so it is sometimes very crowded. People like it because it has a large network of roads making most of the area accessible for exploration.

If you are concerned about the crowds, then you can consider visiting one of the many beautiful private game reserves in the same area.

7. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a great place to go tracking gorillas. The passes to go on excursions in this area are cheaper than in surrounding countries.

Although expensive, gorilla trekking is worth the money and you should see the price you pay as your tax for helping support the continued care of the land that the gorillas live on.

The forest is protected as a world heritage site to help keep the area preserved but it is easy to see the areas where land has been destroyed.

This forest will make you more aware of the necessity for conservation efforts and grateful that you got to experience this gem before it disappears from the planet.

8. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Etosha National Park is unique because it is a giant salt pan that can be seen from space with abundant wildlife.

This park is one of the more accessible parks in Africa and can be accessed in a regular sedan.

You will enjoy the unrestricted way in which the animals more and the lack of human interference that the park enjoys. This park is home to some of the largest elephants in Africa since its land is so nutritious.

9. Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania

Mahale Mountains National Park is one of the best places to spot chimpanzees. It is nestled alongside the shoreline of Lake Tanganyikan in western Tanzania.

You will love the mist-covered mountain of Nkungwe that rises in the background and the incredibly clear waters of the lake that lap at the white sand coves.

This is one of the most remote and alluring parks in Africa and is home to about 1700 chimpanzees. The best time of year to visit is in the dry season from June to October. This is when the undergrowth in the forest is less overgrown and the chimps will venture down to the main lodge area to find food.

10. Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Moremi Game Reserve rests on the Okavango Delta’s eastern side and has permanent water as well as drier areas. This Delta is the world’s largest inland and is an exotic feature to behold. The water that reaches the delta evaporates and doesn’t flow out to any sea or ocean.

In January-February the delta drains each year before filing again over the next four months from March-June.

It is one of the best places to experience bird watching since it has lovely lagoons and thickly wooded areas that are home to a wide variety of species.

The park covers almost 2,000 square miles and has wild dogs as well as leopards.

The diversity of animals at this park is truly incredible and includes:

  • African Bush Elephants
  • African Buffalo
  • Hippopotamus
  • Blue Wildebeest
  • Nile Crocodile
  • Brown Hyena
  • Spotted Hyena
  • Sable ANtelope
  • Black Rhinoceros
  • And many more!

Explore an African Safari Wildlife Park

Now that you have an introduction to each major African safari wildlife park, it’s time to make your decision. Do you want to relax on the beaches of Zanzibar, or does your adventurous spirit long to make it to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro?

No matter who you are, there is an African safari adventure for your group.

Check out our tours  today or create your own adventure!

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13 of the best safaris in Africa

From big-name parks to lesser-known, wilder reserves, these are africa’s top safari destinations.

best safari parks africa

T here’s a lot to consider when it comes to deciding where to go on safari. If you’re keen to see the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos and rhinos — South Africa is a solid choice, with options for all budgets, good tourism infrastructure and family-friendly properties in malaria-free areas. If you’re more seasoned or just keen to avoid the busier spots, you might be tempted by walking safaris in Zambia or southern Tanzania . Timing is a factor, too — most safari areas are at their driest between June and September, but the wet season can be great for birding, it’s cheaper, and those lush landscapes are ideal for photographers. With all that in mind, read on for the best African safaris.

Main photo: Giraffes in Ngorongoro, Tanzania (Getty Images)

An elephant in the Okavango Delta, Botswana (Getty Images)

1. Okavango Delta, Botswana

This inland delta is one of the most beautiful and wildlife-rich areas in Africa. Located in northern Botswana, it is fed by floodwaters from neighbouring Angola between May and October. This is the time when visitors can explore the reed-lined waterways by mokoro— a traditional canoe — which is a particularly special experience. There are a number of reserves in the delta and tourism is controlled so it feels wild and remote; it’s also the most expensive place to go on safari. But the wildlife viewing is exceptional — think buffalo-hunting lions, wild dogs sprinting through the bush, hippos cooling off in the water, elephants browsing acacias. And it’s a great birding destination.

Best base camp Vumbura Plains is one of the fanciest camps in the delta and in a really good spot for wildlife sightings, particularly big cats.

go2africa.com/accommodation/vumbura-plains

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Okavango Delta guide: when to go and where to stay

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya (Alamy)

2. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The Masai Mara in southwest Kenya is famous for the beauty of its rolling savanna grasslands, the density of its wildlife populations, and, between July and October, the great wildebeest herds that thunder across the Mara River. Big cats — lions, cheetahs and leopards — are prolific. Wildlife is habituated and easy to find. The key to enjoying your time in the Mara is avoiding the crowds — that means finding a great guide or paying a little extra to stay in one of the private community-run conservancies around the edges of the national park.

Best base camp The high-end Cottar’s 1920s Camp is in a private conservancy – great for uncrowded wildlife sightings – and is one of the most long-established camps in the Mara.

yellowzebrasafaris.com/kenya/accommodation/lodges/cottars-camp

The best time to visit Kenya

A zebra and a bird in Ngorongoro, Tanzania (Getty)

3. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

This inactive, ancient caldera is — at 2,000 feet deep and 100 square miles in area — one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes for viewing wildlife. There are elephants, critically endangered black rhinos, lions and flocks of flamingos. It’s not just safaris that you can do in and around the crater, but also hikes and visits to nearby Masai villages. The crater does get crowded, especially at the peak of the dry season from June to September. Wetter weather during the low season means smaller crowds and better rates, though of course conditions are not as favourable.

Best base camp Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge is a smart, comfortable hotel with 20 cottages, a pool and a spa — and it’s just five minutes away from the entrance gate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The best safari camps in Tanzania

A lion resting in a tree in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda (Alamy)

4. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

In the southwest of Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is made up of savanna, forests and lakes, and it holds a diverse range of wildlife from elephants to chimpanzees. It’s perhaps best known for its lions that have an unusual penchant for climbing trees, but it’s also a great place for boat trips and birding. Given its proximity to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, it’s an excellent safari partner to mountain gorilla trekking.

Best base camp With beautiful views and only a few minutes from the park entrance, Buffalo Safari Lodge is a great option for Queen Elizabeth visitors.

Up close with an African elephant at the Nehimba Safari Lodge in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (Getty Images)

5. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s best and most popular safari destinations, with a diverse range of wildlife across its savanna and forests. Animals you might spot include lions, wild dogs, leopards and cheetahs; Hwange’s also home to one of Africa’s largest population of elephants. In private concessions, you can take walking safaris in addition to game drives. And the park benefits from Zimbabwe’s famously excellent guides (due a rigorous qualification programme). Hwange is easily combined with Victoria Falls, which is only around three hours away by road.

Best base camp In a private concession, the nine-tent, simple but comfy Davison’s Camp is set by a waterhole often visited by elephants.

Two Rhodesian Thornicroft’s giraffes in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia (Alamy)

6. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

South Luangwa’s wildlife viewing is among the best in Africa, particularly for big cats and elephants. You can spot rare subspecies unique to the area, such as Thornicroft’s giraffes, too. The park — and Zambia generally — is renowned for walking safaris. So, if you’re keen to explore the bush on foot, whether just for the day or on an epic fly-camping adventure, this is the place for you. The Luangwa River attracts large numbers of animals during the dry season, the most popular time to visit. Be aware that many lodges close for the wettest months, between December and March.

Best base camp A popular little spot just outside South Luangwa National Park, Flatdogs Camp used to be a backpackers and it retains a relaxed, friendly vibe.

Hippopotamus in Lake Manze, Nyerere National Park, Tanzania (Getty Images)

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

In southern Tanzania, Nyerere is Tanzania’s largest — and newest — national park. It was the northern section of the massive Selous Game Reserve, until 2019 when the area was designated a national park. The best wildlife viewing is around the Rufiji River — leisurely boat safaris are a highlight — and the park has populations of lions, elephants, hippos, critically endangered black rhinos and wild dogs. As an added bonus, Nyerere — and the south of Tanzania generally — receives a mere fraction of the tourists who visit the northern parks.

Best base camp Serena Mivumo River Lodge sits on the banks of the Rufiji River, with just 12 elevated chalets overlooking the water.

African elephant in Kruger National Park, South Africa (Alamy)

8. Kruger National Park, South Africa

In the far northeast of South Africa, the Kruger is the most popular safari destination of them all. In addition to the wildlife viewing being superb — especially for leopards, which tend to be extraordinarily nonchalant around vehicles — it’s got great tourism infrastructure, including good roads for self-driving safaris. There are basic self-catering facilities or super-luxury lodges in the Kruger’s private reserves, so something for most budgets. It can be very busy, but travelling in shoulder or low seasons will help, as might venturing to the less-visited north of the park, where there are great walking trails, big baobabs, and fever tree forests.

Best base camp Amongst the sleekest luxury lodges on the continent, Singita Lebombo is for the stylish safari-goer. 15 suites overlook the bush or river. The food and wine offerings are excellent, too.

Where should I go in South Africa?

Best safaris in South Africa

Etosha National Park, Namibia (Alamy)

9. Etosha National Park, Namibia

While the density of its wildlife is much lower than other parts of Africa, Namibia makes up for it with its breathtaking desert landscapes. In the north of the country, Etosha National Park is its most popular safari destination. The best time to visit are the dry months when animals gather at water — there are lots of elephants, plus giraffes, lions — and it’s possible to see black rhinos, too. The Etosha Pan, the focal point of the park, is a salt flat, where mammals and birds such as flamingos gather. You can drive up from the capital Windhoek or take a scenic light aircraft flight — either option reveals some of Namibia’s huge, open landscapes.

Best base camp On the edge of Etosha National Park, Ongava Tented Camp is in a private reserve, where you can go on after-dark game drives and bush walks.

Wildebeest in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (Alamy)

10. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The vast plains of the Serengeti, in northern Tanzania, are featured in dozens of nature documentaries for good reason. Not only is it a striking landscape, but it’s home to incredible wildlife, most of which is extremely habituated to tourists. Watch cheetahs scan for prey from atop a termite mound or park up next to a leopard chowing its kill in a tree. The Great Migration wildebeest herds stop to graze and give birth to their young in the south of the park from November to February; from June, you can see them crossing the river as they move between the Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara on their cyclical migration.

Best base camp In the south of the park, Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp has glorious views across the plains. The 12 tents each have private decks and side panels that can be rolled up to take in the surroundings.

The Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe (Alamy)

11. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

On the banks of the Zambezi River, Mana Pools feels wilder and quieter than most safari destinations in Southern Africa. The name means “four” in Shona, referring to the four main pools that make up the park. As well as lions and wild dogs, Mana Pools is known for elephants that have learnt to stand on their hindlegs to reach the higher branches. Explore the river by canoe, or take a bush walk during the dry season (in the wettest months, January to March, parts of the park are inaccessible and lots of properties close).

Best base camp With ten tented suites and being in a private reserve, Ruckomechi Camp gives guests a sense of exclusivity and remoteness. Don’t miss the opportunity to sleep under the stars.

yellowzebrasafaris.com/zimbabwe/accommodation/lodges/ruckomechi-camp

Samburu tribesmen performing traditional dance at the Loisaba Wilderness Conservancy, Laikipia, Kenya (Alamy)

12. Laikipia, Kenya

In central Kenya, the Laikipia plateau is a less-visited alternative to the Mara, with a different appeal. The landscape is open and rolling, with views of Mount Kenya’s jagged peaks. The various reserves in this area are home to the Big Five — including many black rhinos and the last two northern white rhinos, which live in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The region also has wild dogs and rare subspecies such as the reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra.

Best base camp A mid-range option in Ol Pejeta, Sweetwaters Serena Camp is a solid choice for travellers looking for comforts but without blowing the bank.

The best Kenyan safaris

Elephants in Madikwe Reserve, South Africa (Getty Images)

13. Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

Close to the border with Botswana, Madikwe is a scenic reserve, with rolling hills and rust-orange sand. It’s home to the Big Five and other charismatic animals, such as wild dogs. Madikwe is a great option for families, as it’s malaria-free and many of the properties are geared to hosting children, with fun activities and private villas. You can also drive from Johannesburg , which cuts down on the expense of light aircraft flights.

Best base camp Madikwe Safari Lodge is a luxury option in the reserve, with 20 rooms including family suites with bunkbeds (and special turndowns for the kids).

Taking a break at Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya (Getty Images)

When is the best time to go on safari?

In most of southern and eastern Africa, the dry season runs from June to October. The advantage of the dry season is that wildlife tends to congregate around waterholes and the foliage is sparser, making animals easier to see. This is typically considered the best time to travel. But the rainy season can be better for landscape photography and birding (as migratory birds are in the south), as well as it being a quieter and generally cheaper time to travel.

What should I bring with me on safari?

Pack comfortable clothes in relatively neutral shades (very bright colours can frighten animals) and layers — mornings and evenings can be chilly enough for a hat and gloves, but by 10am, it’ll be T-shirt weather. Bring sturdy, closed-toe footwear if you’ll be walking, a hat, sunglasses and suncream. Photographers will want their longest lenses, but plenty of people do fine with their smartphones. Binoculars are very useful, although guides usually have pairs to share.

Do I need a guide on a safari?

A good guide will definitely enhance your safari experience — and in many places, you need them. Places like Kruger are great for self-driving (even without a 4×4) and the wildlife is prolific enough to find without a professional. But for walking or night driving, you will always need a qualified guide.

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best safari parks africa

Best Safari Destinations in Africa for 2024

The Big Five have never been more appealing. Here are our big five safari destinations Africa for 2024 and beyond

best safari parks africa

“There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne—bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive.” Karen Blixon, of Out of Africa fame, waxed rhapsodic about the wonders of the mighty continent and the appeal of a safari. Most of us have only seen wild elephants and lions in documentaries, but there’s nothing more thrilling than seeing these mighty beasts in their natural habitat. An elephant calf playfully following the herd, an ochre-hued lion gazing intently at wildebeests, a giraffe slowly chewing the branches from an acacia tree. Witnessing these animals on a safari in Africa truly transforms you and your views on conservation and sustainability.

Africa boasts dozens of countries, each with their own cultures, languages and norms, but across this dynamic continent, from north to south, lie wilderness parks, savannahs and velds where the Big Five—lions, elephants, cape buffalos, rhinos and leopards—and other animals live peacefully under the watchful eye of park rangers and conservationists. Check out our top five best safari destinations in Africa for 2024. 

best safari parks africa

Botswana boasts so many natural wonders, it’s hard to pick a place to start when heading here for a safari adventure. The Okavango River Delta, the largest inland delta in the world, offers miles upon miles of myriad waterways, lagoons and grassy flood plains where one can admire mighty beasts from a safe vantage point in an overland truck. Get as close as you can get to African elephants as well as lions and leopards on a Botswana safari .

The Moremi Game Reserve, situated in the heart of the delta, is the perfect campsite for any driving safari as you’ll be rewarded with hippos, Cape buffalos, lions, leopards and the ever elusive Tawny Eagle. If you love elephants as much as we do, Chobe National Park on the border of Botswana and Zambia, boasts a herd population of around 50,000 elephants across the savannah. A Botswana safari is the perfect choice if you want to splurge on a private African safari tour as you get personal chefs and other amenities.

best safari parks africa

Kenya offers tantalizing glimpses of wildlife from any budget or luxury African safari tour. With more than 800 safari tours to choose from, travelers will find it hard to pick just one. Head to the Masai Mara for gaming drives that ensure you see at least one or two of the Big Five. Tsavo West National Park goes beyond the Big Five and offers rhinos, hippos, cheetahs and plant and bird species that you can’t find anywhere else. This rugged wilderness boasts verdant plains thanks to watering holes such as Mzima Springs. 

Mt. Kilimanjaro is the resident icon here and with its snow-capped peaks as a backdrop, you’ll find elephants migrating from one watering hole to another at Amboseli National Park. Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake, is a great vantage point to admire birds as well as hippos among papyrus reeds and flat-topped acacias. After six days of trekking and hiking, relax in your air-conditioned hotel in Nairobi when you’re done.

South Africa

best safari parks africa

When one thinks of the Big Five, South Africa immediately comes to mind as it’s considered the place to see all of these animals in their natural habitat. A safari in South Africa means you’ll be guaranteed lions, leopards, rhinos, and other wildlife across a five- to eight-day African safari. 

From the verdant banks of Lake Saint Lucia in iSimangaliso Wetland Park to the grassy plains of Kruger National Park, South Africa teems with wildlife that is indigenous to the continent. Blyde River Canyon, the third largest of its kind in the world, boasts gorges and greenery like you’ve never seen anywhere else on earth. Expect views of the rivers and valleys laid out like a banquet feast for the senses. Meandering ribbons of blue traverse the landscape and waterfalls are carved into cliff sides, offering a pleasing respite from long days in an overland truck tour. 

best safari parks africa

For African safari tours, Tanzania is always at the top when one thinks of best safari destinations in Africa. With sites such as Ngorongoro Crater, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tarangire National Park, and Serengeti National Park it isn’t not hard to see why. A Tanzania safari is a one-of-a-kind experience thanks to the Great Migration. This annual event sees more than 2 million animals, mainly wildebeests, zebras and giraffes, traverse the golden plains of Serengeti National Park, from Tanzania to nearby Kenya. A safari in Tanzania is always appealing thanks to conservation efforts that preserve the Big Five and other wildlife as well as fertile soil and abundant watering holes.  

On any given Tanzania safari, expect iconic wildlife while on a game drive and close-but-not-too close interactions with animals (perfect for anyone looking for an African safari photography tour); it’s one of our favorites because of this personal interaction. Descend into Ngorongoro crater where you might be lucky enough to spot an endangered black rhino or visit a Maasai village to learn about their way of life. 

best safari parks africa

While most people head on an African safari to see the Big Five, there are other animals just as majestic and endangered as the mighty lion. Uganda boasts gorilla safaris so you can do your best Jane Goddall impression watching primates in their native habitat.

Before you get to the primates, travel to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to admire rare white rhinos, which have been saved from the brink of extinction by park rangers here. Track chimpanzees, our closest animal relatives, in Kibale Forest National Park. Then it’s time to hike 4-6 hours to see mountain gorillas.

In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park you’ll get to spend one hour admiring these majestic beats in the dense foliage. Grab your camera and quietly take photos of these sociable creatures who are often in family groups of more than a dozen, led by an alpha male. These mighty animals can look placid but can be quite intimidating when viewed up close so don’t use your video camera or flash. You’ll leave your Uganda gorilla safari with a new appreciation for primates of all sizes. 

See Also: Best Safari Destinations In the World

best safari parks africa

Shandana A. Durrani

Shandana A. Durrani is the Head of Content & Brand at TourRadar. A former Senior Editor at Cigar Aficionado and a former Dining Editor at Google, Durrani has written about travel for Condé Nast Traveler, Afar, Silverkris and Metro London and is the author of “Day Trips from New York City.”

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10 Best Safari Parks in Africa You Must Visit

You won’t be the first person in the world to have asked what are the best safari parks in Africa?

There are literally hundreds of national parks, game reserves and other protected areas on the continent. This can leave the uninitiated confused as to where to head for days on the trail of lion, elephant and rhino.

Using our years of on the ground experience, we’ve narrowed it down to just 10. From the chance to tick off the Big Five to the possibility of walking across plains hiding the world’s most fearsome predators, here’s our guide to the best safari parks in Africa.

10. Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

10. zambia

The only reason Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia is pushed down to tenth position is because the competition from other safari parks in Africa is so great. A near-pristine wilderness, it occupies a flood plain and wooded escarpment on the north bank of the River Zambezi.

Most lodges aren’t fenced, meaning you’ll be mingling with wildlife including elephant, leopard, lion and incredibly rare wild dogs (painted wolves). If they don’t come to you, you can get to them by 4×4 and canoe.

9. Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

9 botswana

At the heart of the Okavango Delta, Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve has some of the densest wildlife numbers anywhere on the continent. It’s a mix of drier plains and wetland dotted with islands reached in a traditional manner by mokoro canoes. The rest of the reserve can be explored by vehicle.

Rhinos have recently been reintroduced, making this one of the best safari parks in Africa for seeking out the Big Five – rhino, elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo. You’ll also find a large population of red lechwe antelope, who have evolved to take full advantage of their wetland home.

8. Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, Tanzania

8. tanzania

Closed off from the outside world by the steep sides of an extinct volcano possibly three million years old, The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is one of Africa’s smallest safari parks, covering 64,000 acres, but is still one of its best.

In addition to stunning panoramas from both the volcano’s edge and down on its valley floor, there’s the chance to catch sight of black rhino and some of the continent’s last remaining giant tuskers. There’s also the opportunity to interact with local Maasai, who have grazed their cattle in the region for hundreds if not thousands of years.

7. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

7. zimbabwe hwenge

Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park isn’t just one of the best safari parks in Africa when it comes to size – a massive 14,600 square kilometers. It’s also one of the most diverse when it comes to wildlife encounters.

There are 400 different species of bird alone, plus over 100 mammals. These include somewhere in the region of 40,000 elephants accompanied by antelope, giraffe and a host of species that prey on them.

6. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

6. zambia-2

Naming this park after the river that flows along its eastern boundary was a logical decision since it’s the presence of this constant source of water which means so many animals make their home in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park.

Night game drives offer the tantalizing opportunity to see leopards on the prowl rather than sitting out the heat of the day in a tree as hippos wallow noisily in the shallows. The park’s buffalo and elephant herds are also particularly well sized.

5. Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda

5. uganda

Offering up some of the most varied landscapes in the country, Uganda ’s Kidepo Valley National Park can be reached by road. But it’s all the more impressive arriving by air, when it’s possible to observe the mosaic of grasses and Borassus palms – a favorite of elephant and Karamojong herders alike.

The park is best just after the rains when the valley is lush and Kidepo’s 70-plus mammal species don’t have to scatter far and wide in search of water. They include jackals, eland, cheetah, leopard and elegant oryx.

4. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

4. zimbabwe

Though comparatively small at 2200 square kilometers, Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe makes it to number 4 of our list of the best safari parks in Africa for several reasons.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is well known as a place to photograph lion, cheetah, leopard and wild dogs. But if you’re brave enough, it’s also one of the only parks in Africa that allows you out on foot – without an armed ranger by your side.

3. Chobe National Park, Botswana

3. botswana-2

Northern Botswana’s Chobe National Park has been the preserve of its incredible elephant herds for close to a hundred years. The Chobe Riverfront zone has the greatest concentrations of wildlife in the park – and the largest number of tourists.

For a more personal experience, consider the Linyanti Marshes zone, which has only become accessible in more recent years, or the Savuti zone. Animals may not be as dense, but the experience is all the more rewarding.

2. Serengeti National Park/ Maasai Mara National Reserve, Tanzania/Kenya

2. tanzania

Sharing an unfenced border between Tanzania to the south and Kenya to the north, the Serengeti is often talked about as a separate entity to the Maasai Mara.

However, they are both part of the same east African ecosystem. And both are home to one of the most magical wildlife spectacles on the planet – the Great Wildebeest Migration. It’s a 1000 kilometer route followed by an estimated million wildebeest alongside hundreds of thousand of zebra and antelope dodging lions, crocs and cheetah in their search for fresh pasture.

1. Kruger National Park, South Africa

1. south africa

Bigger than some countries, South Africa’s Kruger National Park takes a lot of beating. It’s long list of recorded animal species includes the Big Five as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo and over 500 bird species.

It’s northern fringes, beyond the Oliphants River, are best for elephant. But wherever you end up you’re sure to encounter the continent’s iconic species, whether on a game drive or ranger-led walk. For those reasons, Kruger National Park is our pick of the best safari parks in Africa.

The Best Safari Parks in Africa

There is nothing quite like going on safari. A must for all ages, what will have you returning to Africa again and again is the incredible diversity of experiences that can be had on safari, alongside the ever-changing action of life on the plains!

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Top 10 best National Parks for a safari in Africa

Monday  newsletters  always feature  top 10 travel lists  to inspire.

Today: Top 10 best National Parks for a safari in Africa.

An African safari simply has to be on every traveler’s bucket list. Catching a glimpse of some of the world’s most captivating animals in their natural habitat is one of the best travel experiences one can have. Encountering the ‘Big Five’ (lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) is sometimes vital, sometimes a bonus, but always rather wonderful and totally memorable. To assist you in finding your ideal safari destination, I have compiled a top 10 list of the best National Parks & Reserves in Africa for a safari adventure.

What is your favorite  safari destination in Africa? Leave a comment or take my poll below.

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10. KGALAGADI TRANSFRONTIER PARK, SOUTH AFRICA & BOTSWANA

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a large wildlife preserve and conservation area in southern Africa. The little visited park straddles the border between South Africa and Botswana and comprises two adjoining national parks: Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and Gemsbok National Park in Botswana. Kgalagadi – which translates as “the place of thirst – is located largely within the southern Kalahari Desert and its terrain consists of red sand dunes, sparse vegetation, occasional trees, and dry riverbeds. The magnificent park hosts abundant, varied wildlife, including large mammalian predators such as cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and huge black-mane lions.

KGALAGADI TRANSFRONTIER PARK, SOUTH AFRICA & BOTSWANA

9. HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE

Bordering Botswana, Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest game park with a hugely varying scenery, ranging from the semi desert scrub on the edge of the Kalahari in the south, to forests, granite hills and valleys of mopane woodlands in the north. The national park is home to over 100 mammal species, including lion, leopard and rhino, and is known for its large population of elephant. This game park is very accessible and all the safari camps here offer day and night game drives and most also offer walking safaris. The highest numbers of animals are spotted in the dry season (August to October) when the wildlife congregates around the shrunken water holes.

  • Recommended lodge : Linkwasha by Wilderness Safaris

HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE

8. KIDEPO NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA

Launched as a national park in 1962, Kidepo lies in the rugged, semi-arid valleys between Uganda’s borders with Sudan and Kenya. It’s Uganda’s most isolated national park, but the few who make the long journey to Kedipo would agree that it is also the most magnificent, ranking among Africa’s finest wildernesses. From Apoka, in the heart of the park, a savannah landscape extends far beyond the gazetted area, towards horizons outlined by distant mountain ranges. The voracious Kidepo lions prey on roving herds of more than 4,000 buffalo (the total population in the park is said to be about 13,000) and you will often see herds of elephants moving majestically along the valleys.

KIDEPO NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA

7. MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA

Situated in south-west Kenya, Maasai Mara (Masai Mara) is possibly the continent’s most popular safari destination. It’s not a National Park, but rather a National Reserve belonging to the Maasai people and administered by the local county councils. Together with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania (cf below) it forms Africa’s most diverse, incredible and most spectacular eco-systems, hosting over 95 species of mammals and over 570 recorded species of birds. The reserve is especially famous for the high amount of predators, such as lions and cheetah, and the 1.5 million wildebeest which migrate through the Mara and cross the crocodile infested Mara river (from July to October).

  • Recommended lodge : &Beyond Bateleur Camp

MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA

6. ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK, NAMIBIA

Etosha National Park is unique in Africa. The park’s main characteristic is a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes, giving travelers almost guaranteed game sightings. Lion, elephant, leopard, giraffe, cheetah, hyena, springbok, two kinds of zebra, eland and many more species of wildlife are found here. At the same time Etosha National Park is one of the most accessible game reserves in Africa. The park is malaria free in the dry season, accessible for regular cars, and the rest camps provide a range of accommodation as well as restaurants, viewing decks, shops and petrol stations.

  • Recommended lodge : Onguma The Fort

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK, NAMIBIA

5. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA

The enormous Kruger National Park (about the same size as Israel or Wales) offers a safari experience that ranks among the best in Africa. Considered the flagship park of South Africa, it is divided in 14 different ecozones, each supporting different wildlife. The park was established in 1898 by South African President Paul Kruger as a protected area for wildlife and it opened its gates to the general public in 1927 for the first time. Kruger National Park has an excellent road network and it’s one of the few game reserves where you can travel around in your own car, although spotting the Big Five on a self-drive safari involves a lot of luck.

  • Recommended lodge : Lions Sands (read my review here )

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA

4. VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, RWANDA

Spotting a wild gorilla in Rwanda is on the bucket list of many travelers, especially those overwhelmed by emotions after seeing the movie Gorillas In The Mist: The Story of Dian Fossey . Mountain gorillas are the most majestic, and sadly, rarest apes of all non-human primates. Only 1000 of these magnificent creatures remain in the world, all of them found in the border area between Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A guided gorilla tracking takes anywhere from 2 to 10 hours, and allows you to spend one hour with the apes once you found them. Read a review of my own gorilla encounter in Rwanda here .

  • Recommended lodge : Bisate Lodge by Wilderness Safaris (read my review here )

3. SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK, ZAMBIA

Experts have dubbed South Luangwa to be one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa, and not without reason as the park offers uncrowded wilderness combined with a spectacular concentration of wildlife, guaranteeing a spectacular safari adventure. With its western and northwestern edge bounded by the Muchinga Escarpment, and the southern border lined by the meandering Luangwa River, there’s no shortage of dramatic topography in this stunning park. Concentrations of game along the river and on the wide-open plains are amongst the most intense in Africa. The park is especially known for its sightings of the elusive leopard and packs of wild dogs.

  • Recommended lodge : Time + Tide Chinzombo

2. SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA

Tanzania’s oldest and most popular national park, the Serengeti is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was recently proclaimed a 7th world-wide wonder. The park is famed for its annual Great Migration, an epic odyssey of 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras, all of them chasing the rains in a race for life, while being purchased by ferocious predators. Your chances of watching a kill are pretty high when you visit the area in the right season, either when 40km (25 mile) long columns of animals plunge through crocodile-infested waters on the annual exodus north (June) or when they replenish their species in a brief population explosion that produces more than 8,000 calves daily (February).

  • Recommended lodge : &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA

1. OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA

This delta in north-west Botswana is one of the very few major interior delta systems that do not flow into a sea or ocean, with a wetland system that is almost intact. The delta is affected by seasonal flooding with flood water from Angola reaching the Delta between March and June, peaking in July. This peak coincides with Botswana’s dry season resulting in great migrations of game from the dry hinterland. A UNESCO’s World Heritage Site since 2014, the delta is an oasis in an otherwise dry environment the Okavango Delta. Protected by the Moremi Game Reserve on its eastern edge, the delta is known for its superb wildlife sightings and also houses some of Africa’s most exclusive safari lodges .

  • Recommended lodge : Mombo Camp by Wilderness Safaris

OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA

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11 Comments

When travelling to Africa, consider the private conservancies bordering the national parks where there are no fences between them and the parks. Major benefits in staying in the conservancies are fewer vehicle numbers and the ability to go off-road to a sighting. Generally you need to stay on the roads in the national parks. Very good accommodation is available in the conservancies. We now try not to stay or go on safari in the parks themselves.

Phenomenal, ingenious and beautiful : because it is done with the soul ! Our dear Expert ! Here is not only a very useful and interesting overview of unique places on the planet, but invaluable recommendations and a very moving description of these corners of our planet ! Your help is invaluable because of its importance and significance ! I’m immensely grateful for Your unique Mission ! Sincerely Yours , Vlado.

Can’t wait to check them all out. I like your list! I have experienced three different safari parks in South Africa and must say that I like Hluhluwe Imfolozi better than Kruger when it comes to the landscapes. It is also less crowded as Kruger can get a bit packed with tourists. Have you been to Hluhluwe? Thanks though for this inspiring list! Marcella

My visit to Masai Mara National Reserve will remain etched in my memory, an amazing time, meeting the people and talking about their lives, seeing their homes and enjoying their dancing and laughing with the children dressed in school uniforms.

maasai Mara is and should be at the top

Such an amazing review of the Mara. I couldn’t agree more. Having a Maasai Mara travel guide truly makes the experience much more worthwhile.

Chobe in Botswana gets my vote!

LOVE Kruger. Very special memories made there 💕

Thanks for Sharing this Informative post

My favorite is the Volcanoes National park, and i guess since you guys have voted for the masai mara national reserve, you havent traveled to uganda’s bwindi and volcanoes and kibale forest for the primate safari. visit: Kibaleforestnationalparkug.com for more. thanks for the info post admin

i must say my top national reserve is masai mara national reserve, everything in is in plenty the serenenity is bewildering

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The Top 8 Wildlife Safari Parks In Africa

An African safari trip is an experience of a lifetime as you get to satisfy your wanderlust in the wild and marvel at nature at her absolute finest. Each destination is as diverse as the culture and people so visitors always have a wealth of options for their adventure.

Some travelers come in for the amazing scenery, while others flock to get some outdoor action like hiking and hot air balloon rides. As such, it pays to have an idea of which locations offer what experiences you seek. If the highlight of your safari is to witness majestic wildlife in their natural habitat, however, then consider these top eight wildlife safari parks on the continent:

1. Kruger National park

Wildlife Safari Parks In Africa

This is one of the largest wildlife reserves in Africa and is located in the northeastern parts of South Africa in the province of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The park occupies a 19,485 km square and is regarded as a world heritage site by UNESCO. The Kruger National Park is a beautiful wilderness that is home to the ‘Big Five’, as well as hundreds of mammals, including antelope, wild dog, jackal, giraffe, and Blue wildebeest.

2. Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is located in Tanzania, stretching all the way to the East Masai Mara regions in Kenya. It is a world famous safari park spanning over the 30,000km square with an unparalleled panorama of vast rolling plains. The Serengeti boasts a variety of wildlife including the famous ‘Big five’ – Lions, African leopard, African bush elephant, eastern black rhinoceros and African buffalo. There are over 500 species of birds and carnivores like cheetah, hyena, honey badger, and African wild dogs.

best safari parks africa

One unique feature and a must-see for every tourist is the annual migration of wildebeest. Over 2.5 million wildebeest, zebras, Thomson’s gazelle, and antelopes migrate here between June and November to find better grazing. This phenomenon has been categorized as a world wonder.

3. Hwange National Park

Formerly known as Wankie game reserve, Hwange National Park is the largest wildlife reserve in Zimbabwe today. The park spans an impressive 14,651 km square and was named after a local Nhanzwa chief. It became a national park in 1961 and is located in the northwestern part of Zimbabwe between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. Hwange offers an amazing variety of wildlife, such as impalas, African buffaloes, lions, as well as one of the largest population of elephants on the planet, and more than 400 bird species.

4. Masai Mara National Reserve

Recently ranked as the number one Safari Park on the planet by World Travel Award(WTA), the Masai Mara Game Reserve is indeed a wonder to behold. It is located in the southwest of Kenya, running along the Tanzanian border and occupying a 1,510 km square area. The park is named in honor of the famous Masai tribe and is famous for its exceptional variety of wildlife including the ‘big five’ and the Great Wildebeest Migration.

5. Chobe National Park

This breathtaking wildlife park is located in the northern parts of Botswana. It is the first national park in the country and third largest park after Kalahari and Gemsbok national parks. Covering up to 12,000km square of land, Chobe National Park plays host to concentrations of diverse wildlife including lions, giraffes, antelopes, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest and over 450 species of bird. The Park is divided into four areas: The Serondela area, the Savuti march, the Linyanti March, and Hinterland.

best safari parks africa

6. Kibale National Forest Park

Kibale forest national park is located in western Uganda and spans across 776 km square. It is regarded as having the highest concentration of primates in all of Africa because of its impressive array of chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys, as well as other endangered species. Visitors here will also be amazed by the lush rainforest and scenic landscapes.

7. Etosha National Park

Located in the northwest region of Namibia, Etosha National Park covers more than 20,000km square and is famous for its ease in spotting varieties of wildlife. Unlike other African safaris where you have to drive round to see the animals, the animals at Etosha national park usually come to you. Simply park your vehicle near one of the many water holes and enjoy viewing animals in their hundreds — lions, elephants, gemsbok, springbok and various bird species.

8. Luangwa National Park

best safari parks africa

Several wildlife enthusiasts have dubbed Luangwa National Park as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. This is because the concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and oxbow lagoons is among the most intense in Africa. The park is situated in the eastern part of Zambia and covers 9,050 km square area. The river is filled with hippos and crocodiles, while the land supports over 60 species of mammal, including Thornicroft giraffe, cape buffaloes, elephants, and leopards. It also supports a large population of bird species.

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Into The Heart Of The Wild: Get Up Close With Wildlife At Africa's National Parks

Our roundup of some of the best national parks in africa will guide you towards an unforgettable african wildlife safari experience..

By: Pyusha Chatterjee Published: Nov 23, 2023 01:00 PM UTC

Into The Heart Of The Wild: Get Up Close With Wildlife At Africa's National Parks

Prepare to don your hats and grab your binoculars for an unforgettable African wildlife safari experience as we delve into the heart of the wilderness, exploring the best national parks in Africa for a thrilling dose of adventure.

An exciting wildlife safari in Africa is the ultimate bucket list adventure for many. The thrill of watching animals in their natural habitat is a dream experience, and Africa, with its diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife, offers an unparalleled safari experience.

Africa is renowned for being home to the ‘big five’ — lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo. Beyond these iconic species, the continent shelters various endangered animals like the African wild dogs. One of the most spectacular natural phenomena, the Great Migration of wildebeest from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, further enhances the allure of African safaris.

Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or a first-time safari-goer, our roundup of some of the best national parks and reserves in Africa will guide you towards an unforgettable journey.

Embark on an epic wildlife safari with Africa’s finest national parks

Chobe national park, botswana.

Wildlife Safari in Africa

Named after the Chobe River, Botswana’s first national park has a stunning landscape covered in dense forests of cathedral mopane trees. While the rhino population may be on the decline, the park offers abundant sightings of buffaloes and elephants. Cheetahs, wild dogs, lions, leopards and hyenas contribute to the diverse wildlife thriving in this natural sanctuary. With a bird species count reaching 560, birdwatchers will find the park a haven for avian wonders. Also, a visit to the Chobe Riverfront promises a breathtaking wilderness experience.

Best time to visit: April to May and November

How to reach: Kasane International Airport in Botswana is approximately 5 km away

Where to stay: Chobe Game Lodge, Savute Safari Lodge and Ngoma Safari Lodge

Book your stay at Chobe Marina Lodge on Booking.com

Book your stay at Chobe Marina Lodge on Agoda

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Wildlife Safari in Africa

The defining feature of Etosha National Park is its massive salt pan, spanning nearly 4800 sq km and visible from space. What makes it unique are the waterholes that attract wildlife, making it one of the best locations for game sightings. Etosha’s diverse wildlife comprises zebras, oryx, springbok, lions, elephants, and an impressive 114 species of mammals. The drive from the nearest airport in Windhoek is something all wildlife enthusiasts should look forward to.

Best time to visit: May to October

How to reach: Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek is approximately 412 km away

Where to stay: Halali Camp, Namutoni Camp and Okaukuejo Camp

Book your stay at Mokuti Etosha on Booking.com

Book your stay at Mokuti Etosha on Agoda

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Wildlife Safari in Africa

Spread across 14,650 sq km in northwestern Zimbabwe , Hwange National Park stands as the country’s largest national park. Notably, Hwange is home to Africa’s largest population of endangered wild dogs, along with the formidable quartet of the big five — elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo. With around 100 species of mammals and 400 species of birds, the park attracts lovers of wildlife from across the world. Its allure extends beyond the typical savanna grasslands found in Africa, featuring teak and mopane woodlands.

Best time to visit: July to October

How to reach: Hwange National Park Airport (Hwange Aerodrome) is approximately 88 km away

Where to stay: Sinamatella, Robin’s Camp and Main Camp

Book your stay at Gwango Heritage Resort on Booking.com

Book your stay at Gwango Heritage Resort on Agoda

Kalahari Desert, Botswana

Wildlife Safari in Africa

Comprising three main game reserves — Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP), The Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) and Khutse Game Reserve — Kalahari Desert covers a vast part of southern Africa. Despite massive rainfall, it is often called the ‘thirstland’ due to rapid evaporation. Kalahari offers an interesting combination of flora and fauna, including meerkats, gemsbok (antelope family), and edible plants such as Hoodia cactus and tsamma melons. You can also spot reptiles like Cape cobras, puff adders and rock monitors in this enormous stretch of sand.

Best time to visit: December to March

How to reach: Hosea Kutako International Airport in Namibia is approximately 200 km away

Where to stay: Shinde, Okuti and Mopiri Camp

Book your stay at Urban Camp on Booking.com

Book your stay at Urban Camp on Agoda

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Kidepo valley national park, uganda.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley is regarded as one of the most isolated national parks in Uganda, making it an offbeat destination for a stunning wildlife safari experience in Africa. Other than its rich wildlife, Kidepo Park has a beautiful cultural side owing to the presence of tribes such as Karamojongs and Acholis. Additionally, activities like nature walks, hikes and birdwatching also add to its intrigue. Kidepo Valley’s wildlife offerings include lions, cheetahs, leopards, mane-less zebras, elephants, hyenas, jackals, Nile crocodiles and Uganda kobs.

Best time to visit: All year round except June to September (rainy season)

How to reach: Kidepo Airport is approximately 3 km away

Where to stay: Nga Moru Wilderness Camp and Apoka Safari Camp

Book your stay at Mara Safari Lodge Kidepo on Booking.com

Book your stay at Mara Safari Lodge Kidepo on Agoda

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park

If the adventurer in you is craving enriching hikes in the wild, Kruger National Park offers numerous wilderness trails, including Bushmans, Mathikithi, Napi, Nyalaland, Olifants, Sweni and Wolhuter. The rest camps here also have restaurants and retail facilities to savour delicacies and go for quick pick-ups if required. Other than the big five and wild dogs, you can also encounter ground hornbills and fish eagles here. Early mornings and evenings are the best for game viewing.

Best time to visit: All year round

How to reach: Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is approximately 42 km away

Where to stay: Mockford Cottage and English House

Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa on Booking.com

Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa on Agoda

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

 Masai Mara National Reserve

As one of the largest game reserves in Africa, Masai Mara National Reserve is a crowd-favourite of wildlife safari enthusiasts. Located in the southwest region of Kenya , alongside Narok County’s Great Rift Valley and neighbouring Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, it offers a distinctive landscape with acacia trees and seasonal rivulets. Beyond being home to the big five, it has the largest number of black rhinos in Africa. Don’t miss out on the hot air balloon safaris, game drives and nature walks.

How to reach: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is approximately 247 km away

Where to stay: Malaika Camp, Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge and La Maison Royale Masai Mara Camp

Book your stay at Fairmont Mara Safari Club on Booking.com

Book your stay at Fairmont Mara Safari Club on Agoda

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The Great Migration

Formally established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, Serengeti National Park owes its popularity to the Great Migration, involving the movement of two million wildebeest (antelope family). This spectacular journey, beginning with the birth of nearly half a million calves between January and March, sees the herds migrate to Masai Mara in May, only to return by December. Facing challenges like crocodiles in the rivers and lions in the plains, this migration is a unique natural phenomenon that captivates wildlife enthusiasts.

Best time to visit: June to October

How to reach: Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania is approximately 295 km away

Where to stay: Namiri Plains, Four Seasons and Dunia Camp

(Hero and feature image: Vaganundo Che/ Shutterstock)

Book your stay at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti on Booking.com

Book your stay at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti on Agoda

Related: The 15 Best National Parks In Canada — Including The World’s ‘Polar Bear Capital’

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I go for an African wildlife safari? Africa offers numerous wildlife safari options. Some of the popular national parks and reserves include Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, and Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Which animals can I expect to see on an African wildlife safari? Other than the big five — lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo — you can also see giraffes, zebras and wild dogs.

When is the best time for an African wildlife safari? Usually, the dry months (June to October) in various African countries are best for wildlife safaris.

What travel documents and vaccinations are required for an African safari? Besides the usual travel documents needed to visit a foreign country based on its visa guidelines, you should be aware of vaccinations and health certifications required to visit Africa.

How long does an African wildlife safari typically last? An African wildlife safari typically lasts for around seven to 10 days depending on your itinerary.

Is it safe to go on an African wildlife safari? Yes, it is safe to go on an African wildlife safari provided you follow the rules and are accompanied by designated guides.

What types of accommodations are available on an African safari? From luxury camps to budget accommodations, you can find a variety of stay options while on a wildlife safari in Africa.

Can I go on a self-drive safari, or do I need a professional guide? Yes, you can go on a self-drive safari, but it needs a lot of planning and preparation as well as experience.

How do I select the best safari operator for my trip? It is always best to gather information about safari operators from the official websites of these parks. Additionally, consider private operators based on reviews available online.

What should I pack for an African wildlife safari? Besides travel essentials, pack comfortable clothes as safaris last for hours, and most parts of Africa are quite hot throughout the year.

  • African Safari
  • African Wildlife
  • National Parks
  • wildlife safaris

Pyusha Chatterjee

Pyusha Chatterjee

A journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express and Hindustan Times. A solo traveller by choice, she loves exploring life more than anything else, after food of course. When she isn't gardening, writing, reading, cooking or singing out loud, you can spot her watching films and series, debating with .. Read More friends or organising things unnecessarily. Read Less

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Where to go on your first safari in Africa

Melanie van Zyl

Feb 20, 2024 • 17 min read

Tourist watching an elephant crossing a river in the Chobe National Park in Botswana, Africa; Concept for travel safari and travel in Africa

Botswana is an excellent choice for a well-rounded, first-time safari – though it can be a pricey one © Getty Images

So you want to see a lion in the wild? Terrific. Now comes the tricky part: choosing where to go on your first safari.

Which countries offer the easiest introduction to the continent for first-time travelers? Which countries are best for wildlife?

Let us help you cut through the overwhelming options and plan your first safari to Africa for blockbuster wildlife watching – without feeling overwhelmed.

Meerkats stand to attention as humans walk by

Planning a safari in Botswana

Why botswana.

Water-based safaris, exclusivity, privacy and high-quality camps in captivating areas: Botswana is one of Africa’s premier wildlife-watching destinations. Its prolific wildlife inhabits extraordinary landscapes, including the Chobe River, the Okavango Delta  and the salt pans of Makgadikgadi .

The easiest choice for your trip,  Chobe National Park is home to the world’s largest concentration of elephants, as well as a host of easy-to-spot big cats, buffaloes, giraffes and zebras, making it perfect for first-timers. The best way to see Africa’s elephant capital is to board a boat and cruise the Chobe River’s wildlife-rich shores. From here, you can travel into the Okavango Delta, where you can splurge on a luxury safari and take a mokoro  (dugout canoe) through the wetlands, before forging on into the Makgadikgadi salt pans to mingle with meerkats.

Botswana’s appeal and ease, however, come with a (big) caveat: the cost. To avoid the pitfalls of mass tourism, most luxury lodges and camps lie in concession areas rented out by the government to enforce a high-value, low-volume responsible-tourism strategy. The best reserves sit in the swamps of the Okavango Delta, and visitors fly in on small bush planes from Maun or Kasane. Mobile safaris – group trips that take you from site to site, often involving camping along the way – are a more cost-effective alternative: you can combine time in  Moremi Game Reserve  with Chobe National Park.

Best time to visit for a safari in Botswana

The high and dry season from June to October is the best wildlife-watching time , and also when water levels are generally at their highest in the Okavango Delta, allowing you to glide along the channels in a mokoro .

Where to stay on safari in Botswana

In and around Chobe National Park, we recommend  Chobe Game Lodge , Chobe Safari Lodge  and Chobe Bakwena , with Chobe Game Lodge being the only one inside the park. For photographers, Pangolin Chobe Hotel has specialist boats with swivel seats and gimbal mounts to snap that Attenborough moment on the Chobe River.

You can combine Chobe with the Okavango Delta through scheduled group mobile safaris with Bush Ways or Letaka . If you’re after a luxury experience in an exceptionally wild, isolated area, Mombo Camp is probably the Okavango’s most exclusive and legendary lodge, with predators galore (and a pretty price tag). Mma Dinare Camp (which offers affordable road transfers), 4 Rivers Camp , Shinde Camp and Camp Moremi are well situated for spotting excellent big game. Xugana Island Lodge , Setari Camp and Mopiri Camp are wonderful for experiencing the waterways, and offer fishing and birding opportunities by boat. Mogotlho Safari Lodge is also accessible for self-drivers, and occupies a lovely position on the Khwai River near Mababe. Want a more adventurous, budget-friendly option? Try a fully catered, accommodated mokoro campout excursion that departs from Sitatunga Camp , south of Maun.

Trips to meet the cute meerkats of the Makgadikgadi salt pans can be arranged through San Camp, Jack’s Camp or Camp Kalahari, with Planet Baobab as the best budget-friendly option with self-drive access.

Budgeting and costs for a safari in Botswana

Stays at isolated camps in the Okavango Delta start at roughly $650 per person, per night and can go up to an eye-watering $4000 a night. At approximately $300, Chobe National Park lodges are more affordable – so stretch out your days here to keep costs down. For better pricing on accommodations, travel during the shoulder season (April to May and October to November). Finally, check the distance between your luxury lodge and Maun to reduce the return-ticket cost. Some camps offer road transfers or boating access between camps to minimize travel costs.

Animals crossing the Mara River during the Great Migration between Tanzania and Kenya

Planning a safari in Kenya

Kenya ’s wildlife offering is outstanding, with the Great Migration in particular at the top of many bucket lists – so it’s no surprise that safaris have been a thing in Kenya since the very concept was invented (indeed, safari translates to “journey” in Swahili). Do keep in mind, though, that this track record does make Kenya one of the busiest, most popular wildlife destinations on the continent.

A renowned annual phenomenon, the Great Migration sees millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River from the Serengeti in southern Tanzania into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve . The country’s semi-nomadic Maasai communities and their time-honored warrior traditions are another source of fascination. Visitors can support community-powered tourism by visiting the private reserves surrounding the Mara, which are leased to different safari companies. A guided bush walk with a Maasai warrior will let you experience this culture’s deep connection with the land.

The main safari circuit couples Lake Nakuru with the Masai Mara and Amboseli (where Mt Kilimanjaro provides a staggering backdrop). Tsavo West , Tsavo East and Samburu are popular add-ons, if you have extra time. Any combination of these parks should ensure ample sightings of big cats, plenty of elephants, a few rhinos and all of the plains animals, such as buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and all manner of gazelle and antelope species. Want even more? Extend your stay by another week and scale Mt Kenya , Africa’s second-highest peak (after Kilimanjaro).

Most travelers just pass through Nairobi , staying long enough to visit Nairobi National Park . An extraordinarily well-stocked park on the cusp of one of Africa’s largest cities and easily accessible, Kenya’s original game reserve has wildlife in abundance, from lions, leopards, and buffaloes to the endangered black rhino and around 400 species of birdlife.

Generally, Kenya is viewed as a better choice for family safaris, those on a budget and those on a tight timeline.

Best time to visit for a safari in Kenya

July to October and January to February are the best times to see the Great Migration, when a million-plus wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, cross the crocodile-infested Mara River to graze on the lush grasses of the Masai Mara. With unrestricted visitor numbers, some areas can get crowded.

Where to stay on safari in Kenya

Kenya has hundreds of excellent lodges and tented camps, standards of service from local staff are generally high, and tour operators are experts at the logistics of moving between national parks for each leg of your safari itinerary.

Cottar’s 1920s Camp has entertained guests in high style for over 100 years, while “gentle on the earth” takes on a whole new meaning at Emboo River Camp , whose team will have you floating through the grasslands of the Masai Mara in the region’s first electric game drive vehicles.

Good value but still luxurious, Ol Tukai Lodge sits within Amboseli Park, with views of Kilimanjaro from the bar; nearby Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge is a comfortable family-friendly option. In Nairobi,  Giraffe Manor  provides a memorable breakfast spread before a visit to the city’s park; all accommodations in the upmarket Karen and Langata areas are close to the main entrance.

Budgeting and costs for a safari in Kenya

Masai Mara National Reserve is the most wallet-friendly location for seeing the wildebeest migration. Despite having a shorter migration season, Kenya has more flights, more tourists, stiffer competition and a greater variety of affordable accommodations than next-door Tanzania. Expect to pay anything from $150 to $1000 per person, per night.

For a cheaper safari, book between the short and long rains (January to March), when prices are usually lower than during the peak season. Nairobi National Park charges $40 to non-residents for entry, while admission to Masai Mara is $80 for 24 hours if you stay outside the reserve, and $70 if you stay inside.

A family of five wild giraffes standing in a dry savannah landscape near Okaukuejo waterhole in Etosha National Park in Namibia, Africa.

Planning a safari in Namibia

Why namibia.

Two reasons: self-driving independence and dramatic desert scenery. While a 4WD African safari is always an ambitious undertaking, Namibia has good roads, well-equipped campsites and reasonably priced rental vehicles. This is one of the easiest Southern African countries to explore from the driver’s seat.

The classic circuit starts in Windhoek , where you’ll rent a fully equipped 4WD camper van or a decent gravel-road car. From there, you’ll head to Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert for incredible vistas, circle up to Swakopmund for coastal adventures and end at Etosha National Park , where elephants, rhinos and giraffes strut their stuff.

Etosha is Namibia’s version of South Africa’s Kruger National Park, with roads and facilities suitable for a self-driving budget safari. Each public camp overlooks a busy water hole, where game moves in and out to drink during the dry season. The camp is floodlit by night, which means you won’t need to leave once you settle in.

Best time to visit for a safari in Namibia

Etosha is well-known for its productive water holes, and peak game viewing is from June to October, when wildlife flocks to these oases dotted throughout the park. This is also a cooler time of year to climb the dramatic dunes such as  Dune 45 at Sossusvlei.

Where to stay on safari in Namibia

Arranging everything through the  Gondwana Collection is hands-down the easiest and best way to organize a self-driving safari. This group has a portfolio of accommodations in all the key tourist spots, ranging from well-serviced campsites to glamping tents and swank lodges filled with character. Favorites include the quirky Desert Grace and Namib Dune Star Camp (with its alfresco beds) near Sossusvlei, and The Delight in Swakopmund. A sister company,  Namibia2Go , offers car rentals with comprehensive insurance.

As an alternative, you can book campsites and chalets inside the parks with the government-run Namibia Wildlife Resorts . Okaukuejo Rest Camp lies inside the perimeter of Etosha and is the place to watch at the water hole.

Budgeting and costs for a safari in Namibia

At about $800, a full week’s vehicle rental is cheaper than a single night’s stay at a luxury lodge in the Okavango Delta. Due to the vast distances between destinations in Namibia, however, fuel expenses can add up fast. National parks and private campsites offer affordable camping fees, though luxury accommodations will (understandably) be more expensive. For camping, expect to pay $20 to $50 per person, per night for camping; for lodges, $100 to $300.

Visitors watch a lion walk in front of their open safari vehicle at Madikwe Game Reserve at the border with Botswana

Planning a safari in South Africa

Why south africa.

Expect bush, beach and fine wine. From iconic Kruger National Park to the picturesque landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa offers a safari experience that caters to all levels of adventurers. 

Kruger is the easiest and most rewarding safari destination for first-timers and budget travelers. You can see the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes), as well as cheetahs, giraffes, African wild dogs and hundreds of bird species. Drive the park’s paved roads yourself if you’re on a budget, or visit private reserves like Sabi Sands or Thornybush for exclusive guided experiences, plus a better chance to see the Big Five in a short period.

Lesser-known reserves in KwaZulu-Natal are equally impressive. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is just as accessible as Kruger from the city of Durban , and has excellent facilities for travelers on all budgets; expect to spot rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes and wildebeest. (The big cats are a little more challenging to see here.) Nearby Phinda Private Game Reserve offers stunning high-end stays – plus the possibility of a beach day or scuba diving at Sodwana Bay .

Madikwe Game Reserve in North West Province is close to the Botswana border and a four-hour drive from Johannesburg , making it popular for South Africans looking for a safari. It’s also a malaria-free option for families with young children.

Combine any of these safari parks with a flight south to Cape Town , and you’ll add fine wine, world-class restaurants and a seaside safari – visiting the  African penguins of Boulders Beach – to your itinerary.

Best time to visit for a safari in South Africa

While South Africa is a year-round destination , most visitors love the cooler, dry season between May and August. During these months, wildlife is easier to spot as vegetation is more sparse and animals gather around water holes.

Where to stay on safari in South Africa

There are plenty of affordable self-catering rest camps in Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi run by SANParks , the government parks agency. Kruger’s southern zone is prime game-viewing territory, with Skukuza , Lower Sabie and Letaba rest camps all favorites. Hilltop Camp in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi has terrific views, while Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is a superb, privately run option that supports the local community.

Plush camps and lodges in the private reserves come with highly trained guides who can take you out on foot or by vehicle. You can’t go wrong at Saseka in Thornybush, Dulini in Sabi Sands, Tanda Tula in  Timbavati , Jaci’s Safari Lodge in Madikwe or any of the &Beyond accommodations in Phinda.

Budgeting and costs for a safari in South Africa

Rates range from $100 to $200 per person, per night in government-run camps. Mid-range prices start at $300 to $700 per person, per night, with a corresponding bump in accommodation and guiding quality.

Hippos in the Seronera area of the Serengeti N P, Tanzania

Planning a safari in Tanzania

Why tanzania.

Limitless plains, the epic migration and relaxing dips in the Indian Ocean. Tanzania ’s northern safari circuit includes the amazing  Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater . Exploring these places for 10 days to two weeks is a sure way to fall in love with Africa. You should consider adding a few days on the island of Zanzibar  (officially called Unguja) to make your dream trip even more memorable.

Tanzania and Kenya share similarities, both having plentiful wildlife parks and excellent safari operators. Tanzania’s vibe, though, is generally less stressful – perhaps due to the fact that the Serengeti is nearly 10 times bigger than Kenya’s Masai Mara, offering endless horizons and greater habitat variety.

In the heart of the Serengeti, the Seronera River provides big-cat and herbivore sightings year round, making it popular with visitors. Kogatende and Lamai, on the Mara River, are ideal for observing river crossings – with fewer tourists. Private reserves such as  Grumeti allow viewings of the migration without the crowds (and for a price).

The Ngorongoro Crater is only a short drive to the east from the Serengeti. In this giant collapsed volcano (or caldera), animals like lions, elephants and black rhinos are enclosed as they prowl a complete ecosystem of pretty plains and dramatic forests. Note that such assets do draw the crowds in peak season.

Best time to visit for a safari in Tanzania

Plan a visit between January and March to witness the migration of wildebeest – and their newborns – passing through the Ngorongoro and Ndutu regions. (Get as early a start as possible to avoid day-trippers.) The best time to witness the famous wildebeest river crossings in the Serengeti is during the peak season, from July to August.

Where to stay on safari in Tanzania

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is an upmarket accommodation inspired by traditional Tanzanian architecture; its popular mobile-safari offering is Kiota Camp. Run entirely by women,  Dunia Camp is a luxury tented property situated in prime lion territory. Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a great value-for-money permanent lodge conveniently located near the entrance to the Ngorongoro Crater. For an even more budget-friendly option, consider  Bougainvillea Safari Lodge . For a different kind of stay, book a stay  Gibb’s Farm , which is situated on a working coffee farm and offers campfire storytelling and other fun extras.

On the coast, Chumbe Island in Zanzibar/Unguja is a highly rated, ecofriendly property that offers sensational snorkeling in a protected marine reserve. In the historic heart of  Stone Town , the best-value stay is Zanzibar Coffee House , dating from the 19th century.

Budgeting and costs for a safari in Tanzania

Expect to pay anything from $250 to $950 per room, per night, during your stay in Tanzania. Entry fees at Serengeti National Park for foreign tourists are $70 (peak season) and $60 (low season). To visit the Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll pay $250 for a vehicle, in addition to the same entry fee. These fees are typically included in organized safari packages.

Several southern carmine bee-eaters perching on an ochre-coloured rock in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Planning a safari in Zambia

Why zambia.

Track rhinos, witness an awe-inspiring cascade and join a walking safari to experience nature up close. Indeed,  Zambia is celebrated worldwide as the birthplace of the safari on foot, during which, under the guidance of two armed rangers, rhino tracking in nearby Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park will bring you close to these magnificent animals – only a taste of what’s to come at South Luangwa.

Livingstone , the tourist capital of Zambia, lets you gaze at another (non-living) marvel: mighty Mosi-oa-Tunya, better known as  Victoria Falls . If the 935 cu meters (33,000 cu ft) of water that pours over the falls each second is not heart-pumping enough, there are plenty of other thrilling activities to enjoy , such as white-water rafting on the Zambezi River and bungee jumping (also available on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls). During July and August, you can even take a refreshing dip in the natural infinity pool at the edge of the falls.

Several small and rustic camps in the Luangwa Valley cater just to walking safaris – a thrilling alternative to traditional game drives. These camps are mainly located in South Luangwa National Park .

Best time to visit for a safari in Zambia

Peak game viewing is from June to October, and Victoria Falls is at its best on the Zambia side from March to May.

Where to stay on safari in Zambia

Flatdogs Camp in South Luangwa National Park offers family-friendly luxury. In Livingstone, Jollyboys Backpackers provides a vibey base from which to explore town. The Victoria Falls Waterfront provides a free shuttle to the main event – but if you want to stay at the falls with unlimited access, the swish Royal Livingstone Resort is top-notch; the three-star Avani Victoria Falls Resort is next door.

Green Safaris operates a great circuit of camps in Zambia if you want to combine Victoria Falls with South Luangwa. Live the Robinson Crusoe life at Sindabezi Island Lodge on the Zambezi, and then head into the bush at Shawa Luangwa Camp . You can’t go wrong with walking-safari operators Time + Tide (its  Kakuli is a classic camp that’s been open since 1950), or Robin Pope .

Budgeting and costs for a safari in Zambia

Consider getting the KAZA UniVisa , a special $50 pass that allows for unlimited crossings between Zambia and Zimbabwe, plus a one-day trip to Botswana (via the Kazungula border crossing), within 30 days. Budget $250 to $700 per person, per night for lodging.

Young woman sitting at the edge of Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Zambia

Planning a safari in Zimbabwe

Why zimbabwe.

The adventurous choice for a first-time safari, Zimbabwe has arguably the best guides in Africa. The easiest way to experience it all? Spend three days in Victoria Falls. Since it’s one of the country’s most popular tourist towns, you’ll find plenty to see, do and eat.

The meandering rainforest walkway in Zimbabwe is where the majority of Victoria Falls viewpoints lie. This is a better option for experiencing the falls during during the dry season (May to October), when water levels on the Zambian side lessen. On some evenings and during the full moon,  Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe remains open at night for dazzling stargazing.

After a day of adrenaline-fueled bungee jumping, white-water rafting, zip-lining or hovering in a helicopter above Batoka Gorge, afternoon tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel , served every day between 3pm and 6pm, offers some refined relaxation, as you share a tiered stand of pretty sandwiches and delicate pastries beside the manicured lawns. If this lies beyond your budget, enjoy a simple gin-and-tonic sundowner – or head to the Wild Horizons Lookout Café .

The wildlife around here is less prolific than nearby Chobe National Park in Botswana (which you can visit on a day trip or easily combine with Victoria Falls). Yet a boat cruise allows for spottings of hippos, crocodiles and the occasional elephant. A 45-minute flight or two-hour drive away,  Hwange National Park is where you’ll find bigger game.

Best time to visit for a safari in Zimbabwe

There is fantastic wildlife viewing during the dry months, from May to October. Victoria Falls is at its peak from March to May.

Where to stay on safari in Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge sits on a ridge and overlooks a water hole frequented by buffaloes and other beasts. Nkosi Guest Lodge is a pretty, upmarket inn, while Ilala Lodge Hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls Hotel, the iconic grande dame, offers perhaps the best views. Further afield, you can ensconce yourself in the bush at  Mpala Jena , about 40km (25 miles) upstream. In Hwange, The Hide , Camp Hwange  and Somalisa are all visitor favorites.

Budgeting and costs for a safari in Zimbabwe

Entry to Victoria Falls is $50. With the wide range of accommodation options, you can spend $150 to $700 per person, per night.

This article was first published October 2019 and updated February 2024

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Animals Around the Globe

Top 10 Safari Parks in Africa

C an't decide where do you want to start your next (or first) safari in Africa? We collected the top 10 safari parks in Africa places to see wild African animals in their natural habitat. If you want to know what to be on the lookout for, read our article on the top 10 safari animals you can spot on your travels!

There's always more to explore so feel free to check out our article on the top 10 countires for safaris! For some Safari fun you can check our blog post on how a Family Safari completely errupted into chaos!

Read ahead or jump to any section that interests you:

Introduction

A safari (Swahili: journey) in one of Africa's national parks is an exciting thing: many people can observe a larger number of wild animals and even have the oppurtunity to see the famous Big 5 of africa. 

The focus is on the savannah and bush landscapes, where savannah elephants , lions , buffalos , and other well-known wild animals feel at home. 

Whether it's Africa for the first time or safari connoisseurs, there should be something for everyone. And it attracts attention: There is no best destination in Africa, but there are the best destinations. 

So, where should the next safari lead?

10th place: Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Where else can wild animals be observed in front of one of the most famous mountains on earth? The Amboseli National Park at the foot of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania serves both as a postcard motif for Africa and as a photographic object. Giraffes, elephants and all sorts of other wild animals strut in front of the snow-covered summit of the "Kili" and give great photo motives.

Ancient elephants still live in the park. This allows visitors to observe the almost intact social behavior of the pachyderms in their herds.

The Kilimanjaro usually wraps itself in thick clouds during the day. The chances of seeing it are best in the morning and evening.

9th place: Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa

Number 9 on the top 10 safari parks in Africa is Addo. Known for, as the name suggests, its elephants, the Addo is more than a convenient destination near South Africa's Garden Route. The park is home to lions again after a resettlement program; black rhinos and leopards are also found here. Due to the extension to the south, the coast with its sharks and whales is also part of the park, which now advertises with the "Big 7".

In conclusion, the park is ideal for exploring with your own (rental) car. Please make sure to ask in advance what you have to consider for the self-drive safari.

In addition, holidaymakers in their cars should ensure they do not run over pill turners (African dung beetles), hundreds of which run across the roads depending on the weather.

8th Place: Etosha National Park, Namibia

Namibia's most important park is home to countless wildlife, including the white and black rhino who are critically endangered, something you can read more about in one of our other articles about these ancient and disappearing creatures. There are also several predatory cat species and many antelopes. "Etosha" means "big white square," which describes the landscape well. The vegetation is extremely sparse; in the dry season, many animals gather at artificial waterholes.

In the dry season, many animals can easily be observed at the park water holes and camps. 114 different species of mammals live in the park.

Every coin has two sides: The park is completely fenced in and cuts the animals off their original routes in search of water in the Kuene region. The waterholes are not comparable to the actual environment and natural migration behavior for true lovers.

7th place: Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

The Tarangire National Park is one of the most underestimated parts of the continent. Many visitors only make a short stop at the Serengeti or do not ebaobabven include the national park in their travel plans. But the park is home to large herds of elephants and many other species in a remarkable landscape of boabab trees.

The park is known for its elephant herds, which run through a prehistoric landscape along the Tarangire River.

The park is home to the tsetse fly, which transmits sleeping sickness. Visitors should urgently pay attention to consistent protection.

6th place: Chobe National Park, Botswana

"Land of the Giants" is written on the sign at the park entrance and already announces the park's main attraction: Elephants, one of the savannah's most social creatures . Between 80,000 and 100,000 pachyderms are estimated to live in the park and adjacent areas, where they migrate depending on the season.

Botswana pursues an exemplary animal and species conservation policy and no longer kills elephants if they become too numerous for the ecosystem. Instead, fences were dismantled to create more space for the animals. Kaffir buffalos and warthogs are also common. As a result, always check the weather forecast before you go.

A safari with the boat on the Chobe river belongs to the experiences, which holiday-makers surely do not forget so fast.

During the high season the Chobe River can be very narrow.

5th place: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

On the Luangwa River, the wilderness awaits: no fences, no radios to communicate with the rangers. Those who travel to the South Luangwa National Park will experience the bush unadorned, without much traffic and wild. It is not uncommon for your own jeep to be the only one at a spectacular sighting, giving visitors more time and peace to enjoy the encounter with the animals. Night safaris and bushwalks, i.e. safaris on foot, are allowed in the national park.

Pure wilderness. The park is known for its hippos and leopards . Many camps are not fenced and often wild animals run through the lodges. The park is also home to numerous endemic species and subspecies, i.e. animals that can only be found here. Sometimes you can even see the endangered Pangolins and the even more threatened Rhinos . Two species of Animals we explore in more detail in another article.

These include the Cookson gnu, the Crawshay zebra and the Thorneycroft giraffe.

The season plays an important role in the South Luangwa National Park. While in the dry season many large wild animals gather at the water and are so easy to discover, during the rainy season bird lovers get their money's worth.

4th place: Kruger National Park, South Africa

For most vacationers the Kruger National Park is the first safari experience in the African bush . It is one of the largest national parks on the continent and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. In contrast to the open savannahs in East Africa, the landscape is bushy and the animals are harder to spot.

This may be described as the best South African Safari.

In the Kruger National Park live some very rare animal species like wild dogs. Another animal worth further exploration in another one of our articles.

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The good infrastructure, the developed roads and the fences around the national park make it clear that the park is used and marketed commercially.

This partly causes a lot of traffic in the park and has at some corners only little to do with the real wilderness feeling.

3rd place: Ngorongoro Nature Reserve, Tanzania

While driving over the edge of the burglary crater into the nature reserve, visitors can rarely suppress the "wow" that involuntarily comes over their lips. The view can take your breath away. The safari through the crater, which has the highest predator density in Africa, becomes the photographic highlight of many Africa journeys.

The wildlife hike through Masai Mara and Serengeti also touches on the protection of the wildlife.

Overall, the high density of animals naturally attracts many visitors and some have the feeling of driving through an open-air zoo.

Some of the jeeps obstruct the way of the animals or hinder cats of prey during the hunt. Tell your driver that you don't approve of such behaviour.

2nd place: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Hardly any other national park in Africa is as famous as the Serengeti. This is of course due to the diverse fauna and one of the largest animal migrations in the world .

On the other hand, the Serengeti is almost always threatened: Many people have an interest in the place and in the fertile savannah, on which millions of wild animals cavort and planned large-scale projects would probably mean the end of the national park. The battle for the Serengeti has been fought for decades and culminated in the documentary "Serengeti must not die" by Michael Grzimek and his father Bernhard in the 1950s.

Really one of the Top 10 Safari Parks in Africa.

The migration of wild animals, where millions of wildebeests, zebras and antelopes travel in a large circle through the Serengeti and the adjoining Masai Mara in Kenya during the course of the year. This is known also as one of the great wilderbeast migration , a topic you can do further reading on with another one of our articles .

The Serengeti is exposed to constant threats. The plans to build a highway through the area are not over yet. There are also frequent conflicts between wildlife and humans.

In addition, organizations are now warning that too many tourists are coming to the park. It is best to drive in the low season and avoid facilities that require a lot of water (swimming pools etc.).

1st Place: Masai Mara Nature reserve, Kenya

Number one on the top 10 safari parks in africa list! When tears shoot into the eyes of the viewers of a lion documentary because the pictures are so overwhelming, the reportage is mostly shot in the Masai Mara (or Maasai Mara).

Wide landscape with green hills as far as the eye can see. The view is interrupted only by Wildebeest , zebras, giraffes, Elephants ,, antelopes , lions , hyenas… The Masai Mara could pass for an African cliché if it were not real.

Word has got around of course that the Masai Mara is a paradise on earth. It is therefore frequently overcrowded and the many cars already have influence on the behavior of the wild animals. Some cars leave the tracks in search of the best view. If this happens to you, it's best to tell the driver that you don't want them to.

The park also serves as a Rhino sanctuary and is home to some 60 white and black rhinos, who are guarded around the clock by armed rangers. An absolute must for rhino fans, who are almost guaranteed to meet some of the animals here.

The impressive Murchison waterfall, where the Victoria Nile plunges over 43 metres into the depths, is also a must see. The park is home to the endangered Rothschild Giraffes (also Uganda giraffe or Nubian giraffe). To the south of the park is the Budongo chimpanzee forest.

The park is in some places tsetse fly high area. Be sure to take care to protect yourself against insects.

When to go on a Safari

The best time is always present, but if you are looking for the most enjoyment from your trip, the best time to go is from July through October, when the animals are easy to find and in substantial numbers. However, deciding when to go on a safari depends on  what  country you want to visit and when you can plan your trip. As well as the type of wildlife you hope to encounter.

The best months for an African safari are therefore varied.

What to pack/ best luggage for African safari

Some of the most recommended basics:Here's the "must-haves" to  pack  for your  safari :

  • T-shirt, shirt or blouse – long sleeves and collars help to protect from the sun and mosquitoes
  • Fleece or warm jacket.
  • A pair of  safari  trousers – those that zip off at the knees are very handy, too.
  • Comfortable walking shoes (or boots) and socks.

Above and beyond the comfortable basics, there are niche items which could enhance your experience on safari. We've researched the best of these items to take with you.

Best insect repellent for African safari: Natrapel 8  Hour insect repthatellent: this is a CDC recommended product based on 20% Picaridin formula and is  DEET  FREE. It is safe to spray on your skin and clothing.

Best binoculars for African safari : Celestron 71347 Outland x | 10×25 |  Best compact Binoculars  for Travel.

Best camera for African safari : Best -buy cameras for  safari  in Africa: At Canon, it would be the Canon EOS Rebel series. Often you can get a kit ( camera  + lenses + accessories). Best for travelling and easy shots.

Best shoes for African safari :  light trail  shoes  and hybrid  shoe /sandals (Keen, Teva, Merrel, North Face, HiTec, Garmont, Salomon etc) are adequate for regular travel and normal  safari  conditions. Even fly-camping trips and walking trails on fairly rough terrain don't warrant hiking boots when conditions are dry.

It is important to find out what you need for specific areas as well as administrative documents and permits.

Summary on Top 10 Safari Parks in Africa

The landscape is very bushy and visitors often only see the animals when they are standing directly in front of or next to the car. Slow driving is therefore all the more important.

How did you like the article on the top 10 safari parks in africa? In conclusion, we hope to give you some ideas and inspirations on the best african safari tours, animal encounters and holiday trips.

  • Masai Mara Nature Reserve, Kenya – Overcrowded but abundant wildlife, including rhinos.
  • Serengeti National Park, Tanzania – Famous for the great wildebeest migration.
  • Ngorongoro Nature Reserve, Tanzania – High predator density, popular tourist destination.
  • Kruger National Park, South Africa – Large park with diverse wildlife, commercialized.
  • South Luangwa National Park, Zambia – Unspoiled wilderness, known for hippos and leopards.
  • Chobe National Park, Botswana – Land of the Giants, home to a large elephant population.
  • Tarangire National Park, Tanzania – Underrated park with large elephant herds and baobab trees.
  • Etosha National Park, Namibia – Sparse vegetation, artificial waterholes attract many animals.
  • Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa – Known for elephants, self-drive safari recommended.
  • Amboseli National Park, Kenya – Elephants near Mount Kilimanjaro, observe intact social behavior.

Tips for Safari:

  • Best time to go is from July to October for high animal sightings.
  • Pack essentials like long-sleeved shirts, hat, fleece, comfortable shoes, insect repellent.
  • Recommended binoculars: Celestron 71347 Outland x | 10×25.
  • Canon EOS Rebel series for safari photography.
  • Check specific requirements, permits, and administrative documents for each park.

Be advised that those are subjective ideas and of course every safari park, whether big or small can be beautiful and present you with awesome wildlife.

There's always more to explore so feel free to check out our article on the top 10 countires for safaris!

Frequently Asked Queastions (FAQs)

Safari experiences are generally safe, but it's important to follow guidelines and instructions provided by your guides or tour operators. Wildlife should be observed from a safe distance and never approached or provoked. It's also recommended to stay within designated areas and camps, especially during night hours. Adhering to these precautions ensures a safe and enjoyable safari experience.

Many safari operators and lodges prioritize sustainability and conservation efforts. They work to minimize the ecological impact by implementing responsible practices such as supporting local communities, conserving natural resources, and participating in wildlife conservation initiatives. When choosing a safari operator, it's advisable to opt for those with strong environmental ethics and credentials.

Interacting with or touching wildlife is strongly discouraged and, in most cases, prohibited during safaris. The well-being of the animals and the safety of visitors are of utmost importance. Safaris promote responsible wildlife viewing, which involves observing animals from a safe distance and respecting their natural behaviors. Touching or disturbing the wildlife can cause stress or potentially dangerous situations for both humans and animals.

Several ways to contribute to conservation efforts during a safari include supporting eco-friendly lodges or tour operators that actively participate in conservation initiatives. Additionally, you can choose to visit parks and reserves that allocate a portion of the entrance fees to conservation projects. It's also encouraged to learn about and respect local customs, traditions, and wildlife protection regulations while engaging in responsible tourism practic

The post Top 10 Safari Parks in Africa appeared first on Animals Around The Globe .

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Top 10 Safari Parks in Africa

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Do & Explore

Explore The Heart Of Wilderness: The Best African Safari Parks

— Grab your binoculars.

by Molly Wolfe

If an African safari isn’t yet on your bucket list, grab a pen—you’re about to make some big revisions.

Immerse yourself in the raw beauty of this enigmatic continent, and come up close and personal with some of the most exotic species on Earth. Enter the inspiration behind countless nature documentaries, adventure movies, and picture-postcard travel photography.

Yes, the mystique of Africa lures curious globetrotters from all four corners of the world—and the biggest appeal? The chance to see some (or all, if you’re lucky) of the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos. These majestic creatures fight for their survival across savannah, wetlands, and valleys—and, with the rhino being the rarest and most endangered of all, spotting one in the wild is an experience second-to-none.

Committed to green travel? No problem: many African safari parks now offer sustainable holidays and environmentally-friendly approaches to their tours. Sure, the 4x4s still run amok, but you can also take walking safari tours, canoe adventures, and green travel alternatives.

After all, with the African wilderness being one of the few bastions of untouched nature, we must do everything we can to preserve it. So, we’ve crafted the ultimate guide to the best African safari parks for solo travellers, couples, and families alike.

The 8 best African safari parks

Masai mara, kenya.

best african safari Masai Mara Luxa Terra

‘Safari’, for many of us, conjures up imagery of the Masai Mara Nature Reserve—whether we realise it or not. Indeed, its swathes of savannah, full-house of the Big Five, and galloping herds of wildebeest are the epitome of African beauty. Covering 370,000 acres of Kenya, the Masai Mara is similar in size to Los Angeles—however, the similarities end here (aside from the scorching rays, of course).

To explore this untamed landscape would take a lifetime, but even a scratch of the surface is sure to evoke unmatchable awe. There are countless African safari tours in the Masai Mara, allowing you to explore the harmonious atmosphere of this wild wonderland. 

Not only will the experience enrich your life exponentially, but, choose your safari well , and your dollar will enrich the national park, too. Our tip: book your safari between July and November for the best chance of catching those wildebeests.

Etosha, Namibia

best african safari Etosha Luxa Terra

Can scarcity of water ever be a good thing? In the unique case of Etosha, Namibia, the lack of l’eau works in your favour, dear adventurer.

This dry, barren landscape is dotted with watering holes, where thirsty animals congregate to quench their thirst. Thus, local tour guides know exactly where to head for the best chance of spotting big cats, leggy antelopes, and towering giraffes (presumably not all at once—as far as we know, there’s no predator-prey treaty as yet).

If the only crowds you seek are that of exotic animals, Etosha is a must-visit. With a small smattering of accommodation and few visitors, you’ll feel like you have the park to yourself. However, it’s not just the fauna that’s mesmerising: translating to ‘great white place’ Etosha is home to a vast salt plain, making the landscape truly otherworldly.

Chobe, Botswana

best african safari Chobe Luxa Terra

Botswana’s first established national park and its most ecologically varied, Chobe needs quite the shelf for all its trophies. If the majesty of lions tickles your fancy, this is the African safari for you.

Home to a concentrated population of the kings of the jungle, Chobe is your best chance of glimpsing a lion pride. However, head north the Chobe river, and you might just spot a herd of elephants bathing, drinking, and playing in its rushing waters. Truly, wherever you look, there’ll be a source of fascination.

Tilt your eyes skyward, and you may see some of the 450 bird species who frolic in the region, while the Chobe savannahs are home to the (categorically metaphorical) jewel in Africa’s crown: the rhinoceros—black and white.

And the logistics? Specked with all-inclusive African safari options and eco-lodges alike, you’re sure to find an experience that ticks your boxes.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

best african safari Kruger National Park Luxa Terra

Sure, Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the most-visited African safari spots on the continent—however, this means there are a plethora of tour options available.

From luxury African safari tours to eco-chic adventures, Kruger offers something for everyone. Big Five on your bucket list? Kruger is a one-stop-shop: spot lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalos (there are 27,000 residents in the park!), and leopards in this vast expanse of wilderness.

However, if you seek fantastic flora, Kruger is The One: feast your eyes on unique African flowers, from Impala Lilies to the extraordinary Leopard Orchid. And, when you’re all safari’d out, stay and watch an ethereal African sunset for a picture-postcard memory you’ll never forget.

So, take a trip to Kruger and witness these glorious animals and plant life in their natural habitat—we promise: they’ll steal your heart like nothing else.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

best african safari Serengeti National Park Luxa Terra

Translating to ‘the land which runs on forever’—the endless savannah of the Serengeti National Park (1.5 million hectares, to be exact) stretches as far as the eye can see. But, it’s not all grass and sky.

Protected in 1940, the Serengeti enjoys strict governmental protection (that’s not to say it doesn’t have its problems, but the sentiment is there). Thus, visitors can absorb untouched natural beauty, inhabited only by endemic species and the Masai people themselves.

The Serengeti Plains are the true show-stealer of this national park: a seemingly infinite stretch of treeless landscape, save for the occasional Acacia silhouetted on the horizon. You can catch the emblematic wildebeest migration here, too, from May to July. Watch (from afar, please ) as hordes of these magnificent beasts undertake their perilous journey across the Grumeti and Mbalageti Rivers, dodging the Nile crocodiles in their wake. Just don’t forget your binoculars!

Luangwa, Zambia

best african safari Luangwa Luxa Terra

Take one step into Luangwa National Park, Zambia , and you’re sure to leave your worldly troubles behind. Yes, this diverse national park swarms with prolific wildlife whose primary aim is survival— indeed, if anything’s going to put your office feud into perspective, it’s Luangwa.

From deep, emerald valleys to sparkling watering holes, the topography of Luangwa is a source of endless inspiration. Take your pick from eco-lodges to rustic bush camps; you can select the level of luxury you desire:

Appreciate the finer things? No fear: Luangwa boasts plenty of high-end accommodation to satiate your love of luxe. Naturally, we advise going as eco-chic as possible, and thanks to the treasure chest of responsible travel options, there’s simply no excuse.

But hey, you’re here for safari, right? Thankfully, Luangwa takes the gold for one of the best African safaris, with the (essentially) untouched land providing a tantalising taste of the unpredictable, exquisite, and exhilarating.

Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

best african safari Mana Pools National Park Luxa Terra

Leave the 4×4 at the hotel, and set off on foot or by canoe to explore this watery region of Zimbabwe. An African safari for the more industrious traveller, Mana Pools National Park offers a jigsaw puzzle of teeming pools, islands, and gloriously muddy sandbanks—be sure to bring your wellies.

Did we mention it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Yep, Mana Pools is (thankfully) deemed worthy of global protection, such is the unmatchable beauty of its landscape and ecology. 

And, for all things aquatic, this is the best safari in Africa: encounter hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and other water-loving species. However, look to dry land, and you might spot a herd of zebras, a pride of lions, or a solitary cheetah on the lookout for her next meal.

If getting down and dirty (quite literally) with unadulterated nature sounds up your street, the remoteness and raw beauty of Mana Pools will occupy a special corner of your heart.

Kalahari Desert, Botswana

best african safari Kalahari Desert Luxa Terra

It doesn’t get more Lion King than the Kalahari Desert, stretching across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Peppered with various national parks and protected reserves, the Kalahari Desert provides a haven for a multitude of exotic species. 

Find the whole cast of the Disney classic in the Kalahari, from lions (naturally) to cackling hyenas to elegant antelopes, and even the elusive cheetah. And it’s not just the wildlife that’ll get your wanderlust racing: from #Insta-worthy rolling dunes to fossilised river valleys and luscious grasslands, the diverse landscape is microcosmic of the great continent itself.

Of course, the region is immense and cannot be squeezed into one safari. So, we advise visiting the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and jumping on one of the many African safari packages there. Or, head to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park for a scenic slice of this unique land. From honeymoon tours to barefoot luxury trips, you’re sure to find the perfect safari for you. 

Frequently asked questions about African safari

It depends on your chosen safari, but the general rule is to book for the dry season, spanning from June to October. Since water is harder to come by, animals will gather at watering holes, making them easier to seek out.

Botswana is fantastic for safaris; we’re impressed by the country’s commitment to conservation, pioneering sustainable tourism, and green travel opportunities. With countless national parks and nature reserves, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Kenya is one of Africa’s most well-known safari destinations. However, South Africa is more user-friendly than Kenya, largely thanks to the Kruger National Park’s enormous variety of safari tours. Opt for a budget safari, a luxury adventure, or a languorous slow-travel trip (to name a few). 

Take a trip to one of these national parks to up your chances of spotting the Big Five: 1. Kruger, South Africa 2. Chobe, Botswana 3. Etosha, Namibia 4. Serengeti, Tanzania 5. Masai Mara, Kenya.

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Four South African Parks in the Top 10 Best Safari Parks of Africa

Four South African Parks in the Top 10 Best Safari Parks of Africa

Jeroen is co-owner of SafariBookings.com. His desire to feel connected powers his love of travel. He has traveled all over the world with his wife and two children.

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No less than 4 South African parks have been awarded a top 10 position in the definitive list of Africa's best safari parks . MalaMala, Sabi Sands, Phinda and Kgalagadi all received a top 10 ranking. No other safari country has so many parks in the top 10. An excellent result for South Africa.

SafariBookings.com has published the list of Africa's best safari parks. The list was based on 3,008 park reviews that were collected via the SafariBookings website. Of this total, 2,234 reviews were contributed by safari tourists from more than 60 nationalities. To complement these user reviews, reputable guidebook authors (working for Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Frommer’s, Bradt and Footprint) teamed up in the SafariBookings Expert Panel and wrote another 774 expert reviews.

With a rating of 4.81 stars out of 5, MalaMala Game Reserve ranked second of all parks, topped only by Serengeti National Park. Sabi Sands was awarded the 6 th position, Phinda Game Reseve ranked 7 th , and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park 9 th . Kruger ranked 20 th , which came as a surprise to the SafariBookings team. They expected this top-class park to rank higher.

Why are these 4 parks such great safari destinations?

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Demographics of the reviewers (all parks)

  • MalaMala, Sabi Sands and Phinda are all top-class private game reserves. Besides excellent accommodation, food and guiding, these reserves offer superb wildlife viewing with almost guaranteed sightings of the Big Five .
  • Kgalagadi is one of the most rewarding destinations for self-drive visitors; it is off-the-beaten-track with great wilderness appeal and excellent wildlife viewing.
  • Kgalagadi's scenery is stunning; the red sand dunes in the inhospitable desert form a magnificent backdrop for wildlife viewing and photography.
  • The three private reserves offer night drives, walking safaris, and the off-road driving allows close wildlife encounters.
  • Phinda is arguably the best place in Africa to see Cheetahs.
  • MalaMala and Sabi Sands share an unfenced border with Kruger National Park and are part of this enormous eco-system.
  • MalaMala doesn't offer traversing rights to guests from other properties, making it very exclusive and not crowded.

best safari parks africa

What do experts say about these 4 parks

best safari parks africa

What do safari tourists say about these 4 parks

best safari parks africa

User reviews: 2,234 Expert reviews: 774 Nationalities: 63

Percentage of reviews by country All user reviews. Move your cursor over a country to get the number

Age and gender (Percentage) All people who wrote user reviews. Move your cursor over the chart for more details

Safari Experience Level (Percentage) All people who wrote user reviews. Move your cursor over the chart for more details

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The best safaris in South Africa

An expert guide to the best south africa safaris.

Anthony Ham

Anthony Ham

Stuart Butler

Stuart Butler

  • In this guide

Kruger National Park

Sabi sands game reserve, kwazulu-natal.

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I fell in love with South Africa the very first time I laid eyes on it. Like so many safari-goers before me, the love affair began in Kruger: big cats, rhinos, elephants and just about every species of charismatic mega-fauna weren’t just present. They were everywhere.

In the years since, as my knowledge of South Africa's safari parks deepened, each visit has only confirmed that my first impressions were, if anything, an understatement. I've been travelling to Africa for two decades and some of my happiest safari experiences have been in South Africa.

For me, it's the sheer breadth and depth of safari opportunities that defines South Africa. It ticks every significant safari box: abundant wildlife, varied habitats and landscapes, a well developed safari industry, and a wonderful mix of the accessible and the remote. And every time I come back, I’m surprised by how much there still is to discover and how much there still is to see.

It’s why I keep returning, and I'm sure you will too.

My best South Africa safari tip? There's a whole world beyond Kruger and the other blockbuster parks. Those in the know seek out Timbavati, Madikwe, Kgalagadi and all the other places that the mainstream South African safari industry doesn't want to tell you about. But that's what this guide is for: we'll explore my top recommended South Africa safari parks and reserves in the following pages.

Get the digested read

Where to begin? When to go? How to plan? So many questions, so little time. That's why we've asked leading South Africa safari expert Stuart Butler to answer your most frequently asked questions in this handy four-part email series.

Tourists observing a female leopard South Africa

Close encounters with a leopard in South Africa

The best safaris in South Africa: Where to go

South africa's best, and some lesser-known, safari highlights.

Every South Africa safari region has its own charms: I find it reassuring that there are still places like Kruger or Sabi Sands, where wild Africa still reigns supreme, or that there’s still so much wildlife to be seen in big, boisterous and human-dominated Kwazulu-Natal. Safaris in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape come with so many possible add-ons for experiencing the best in modern South Africa. But above all, I love the remote, anything-can-happen experience of the Kalahari & Karoo or North West Province.

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Kruger National Park

Best for: iconic safaris & exclusive reserves

Kruger is South Africa’s most celebrated safari park, and deservedly so. Kruger and the surrounding private reserves are home to all of southern Africa’s iconic mammal species, including the endangered African wild dog, its varied habitats support more than 500 bird species and many of the private reserves offer top quality specialised photo safaris.

A park as good and easy to visit as Kruger attracts a lot of visitors and in high season main routes can be busy. The park’s highly-developed infrastructure also means that it doesn’t always feel all that wild. If this sounds off-putting, fear not: head to northern Kruger for wild beauty, smaller crowds and a palpable sense of adventure. You may have to work a little harder for your sightings up here, but that’s because the animals are a little more wary of vehicles than they are elsewhere. In other words, it feels like a safari of yesteryear. Oh, and the birdlife is exceptional in the north, with species you just don’t find elsewhere in the park.

The park is surrounded by a number of superb private reserves with limited numbers and no self-drives allowed, which means that wild Africa comes growling right up to you. Taking all this into account, whatever sort of safari you’re looking for, Kruger usually comes out on top.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Best for: absolute luxury safaris

If I had to make a choice, for me it’s all about the big cats. And there’s nowhere better than Sabi Sands. The leopard sightings in particular here are almost always something special, thanks to the unrivalled quality of the guiding and the intimacy of the whole low-density-tourism experience.

This 65,000 hectare reserve is, in many respects, the finest chunk of wildlife-filled wilderness in southern Africa. The choice safari destination in South Africa for the wealthy, Sabi Sands is actually a grouping of smaller private reserves rather than one single entity. With unfenced reserves adjacent to Kruger, the wildlife slips effortlessly around the ecosystem while world-class wildlife guides ensure that you’re always in the right place at the right time.

The only real downside is the hefty price tag! But if you can afford it, there’s no question that Sabi Sands offers the best safari experience in South Africa. Also, if birdwatching is your thing, as with Kruger, Sabi Sands has great birdlife, although with less habitat diversity the species count is lower.

Kwazulu-Natal

Best for: less crowded safaris

Welcome to South Africa’s cultural heartland, an essential immersion for those seeking to understand this glorious country in all its complexity. Networks of private reserves, plus big-ticket Hluhluwe-iMfolozi range across habitats and landscapes that are quintessentially South African. That these parks even exists gives great hope for the future.

Although there is great wildlife watching in many parts of the region, the largest concentration of protected areas is in the northeastern coastal areas a few hours’ drive north of Durban. Spinning away from the massive Lake St Lucia is a number of interconnecting public and private game reserves which together encompass everything from windblown beaches to Big Five-filled grasslands.

The density of big ticket wildlife is a little lower than in the Kruger area, but thanks to the diversity of habitats the range of animal species is exceptional. All the normal big hitters are here including elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino (both black and white), leopard and wild dogs. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and surrounding conservation areas are the best bet for a classic Big Five safari and many an experienced safari goer actually rates Hluhluwe-iMfolozi over the more famous Kruger.

North West Province

North West Province

Best for: quick & accessible safaris.

If I can’t visit Kruger, I head for the North West and into Limpopo. Some of my happiest safari days have been in Marakele, Mapungubwe and Madikwe; the latter is brilliant for everything. Up here, it’s possible to still feel a sense of adventure, as if the animals outnumber people.

In this often dry and sunburnt region, life can be tough and this is reflected in the fact that compared to greener and better-watered areas such as Kruger National Park, the density of animals can be lower. However, here it’s all about quality and not quantity. Most of the star players are resident on these open savannahs and bushveld, including all the Big Five. This is a prime region for Africa’s most lethal but persecuted predator, the wild dog. Elephants and rhino are also big fans of this part of the country but the cats, though present, tend to be a bit harder to find compared to other South African safari zones. Birdlife is impressive throughout the region.

In short, this part of the country suits two types of safari-goer: those short on time who merely need a quick safari hit with near guaranteed sightings of most big mammals and, by contrast, those with plenty of time and a willingness to forgo large numbers of animals in exchange for the adventure of never knowing quite what might be around the next corner.

The Eastern Cape

Eastern Cape

The eastern cape, best for: easy access from cape town.

Going on safari in the Eastern Cape always feels a little like cheating. But why shouldn’t we see elephants and big cats and other safari specials not far from world-class beaches and the peerless city of Cape Town? Smaller reserves add to the sense of safaris that are custom-made for slotting into an all-round South African holiday.

The reserves here are more compact than elsewhere, but what they lack in scale they make up for in an abundance of wildlife — including all the Big Five.

With easy access from major travel hubs, excellent tourist infrastructure and the possibility of slotting beaches, Cape Town and other attractions into the mix, the Eastern Cape is one of the most rewarding and deservedly popular wildlife destinations in South Africa, with a range of parks to explore.

The Western Cape

Western Cape

The western cape, best for: family-friendly & short safaris.

Other areas of the country have vast wilderness. Western Cape is instead all about making it easy to see amazing safari animals. Like Eastern Cape, it’s all about smaller reserves chockfull of wildlife, and that’s nothing to complain about. Add in the marine mammals, especially the great white sharks, and it’s a magnificent place to go on safari.

All the famed Big Five are present in this region although in most cases they’ve been re-introduced into fairly small, fenced private game reserves. These are not zoos, but they’re also not vast wilderness zones like the ones you might find elsewhere in southern Africa.

Like the Eastern Cape, Western Cape contains many different habitats, and it supports a wide range of wildlife. This includes some massive marine life including some of the world’s biggest (and hungriest!) sharks. On dry land many of the larger native mammals were wiped out over the last couple of hundred years. However, today, thanks to reintroduction programmes in the region’s private game reserves, many of these animals are returning. It’s now possible to see most of the key big mammal species of South Africa here.

The Kalahari

The Kalahari

Big horizons and the feeling of nature in the ascendant is what draws me to the Kalahari in South Africa’s north.

One of my favourite parks in all of Africa, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (which South Africa shares with Botswana) is like a gateway into the rich desert biodiversity of one of the world’s largest sand deserts.

The best South Africa safari parks

The south africa safari experts' top picks.

Trying to pick the "best" safari parks in South Africa is a fool's errand, but if pushed I'd say it's a toss-up between either Phinda Game Reserve or Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. But all the following would be well worth your time and money.

Northern Kruger

Northern Kruger

Phinda Game Reserve

Phinda Game Reserve

Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe Game Reserve

Timbavati Private Game Reserve

Timbavati Private Game Reserve

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Karoo National Park

Karoo National Park

Amakhala Game Reserve

Amakhala Game Reserve

|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

Tswalu Kalahari Private Reserve

Tswalu Kalahari Private Reserve

Kwandwe Game Reserve

Kwandwe Game Reserve

Northern Kruger

Kruger is widely considered South Africa’s best safari park, and deservedly so. But there's no denying that it gets busy in places. Northern Kruger however still has that wild beauty, few crowds and a palpable sense of adventure. You may have to work a little harder for your sightings up here, but that’s because the animals are a little more wary of vehicles than they are elsewhere. In other words, it feels like a safari of yesteryear. Oh, and the birdlife is exceptional in the north, with species you just don’t find elsewhere in the park.

Phinda Game Reserve

Of all the private reserves of KwaZulu-Natal, it’s Phinda that most rivals Sabi Sands and the other world-famous reserves that fringe Kruger. Compact and yet with a strong sense of wilderness, Phinda has all of the big cats, and sightings of elephants and rhinos are outstanding. But Phinda is perhaps the best place in South Africa to see the cheetah, and sightings here are consistently excellent. Fabulous accommodation adds to the appeal, visitor numbers are far fewer than in the Kruger reserves.

Madikwe Game Reserve

I’ve never quite understood why Madikwe isn’t mentioned in the same breath as Kruger and South Africa’s other elite parks. Then again, I like it that way: whenever I visit, it’s never crowded. All of the big cats are here, as are elephants, rhinos, buffalo – I once saw rhino, elephant and buffalo all sharing the same waterhole. I’ve also seen African wild dog, two bull giraffes fighting, and lions on the hunt, all on the same afternoon game drive. The mix of accommodation is just about right, too, with an affordable choice and a handful of perfectly placed luxury options.

Timbavati Private Game Reserve

Sabi Sands and Mala Mala may get all the attention among the private reserves west of Kruger. And make no mistake: both offer world-class wildlife experiences. But for something a little more low-key, I always choose Timbavati, where my wildlife sightings have always been exceptional and intense. There’s no fence between Timbavati and the national park, visiting here is like a concentrated version of the best of Kruger without the hype. A good mix of accommodation also makes it a touch more affordable than the others.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

I love deserts, and have spent a lifetime roaming across Africa in search of the perfect desert safari experience. One that combines South African accessibility (paved roads run right to the park gate) with the best in desert scenery is Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which South Africa shares with Botswana. Having written a book about lions, I’ve always valued as special Kgalagadi’s lion possibilities that never disappoint: watching a pride of lions roaring atop a sand dune at sunset is my definition of safari perfection.

Karoo National Park

Every time I visit Karoo National Park, I’m struck with amazement that this arid wilderness survives in the heart of the country. The rugged terrain, coupled with astonishing birdlife, the lurking presence of lion and black rhino, and the sheer silence at night all combine to lure me back. It’s having a desert transplanted alongside the Johannesburg-Cape Town road. Most visitors drive right on by, but there’s a whole world of wonder to experience if decide to stop.

Amakhala Game Reserve

Of all the private reserves in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Amakhala is my pick. Relatively unheralded and yet filled with animals, it offers the kind of safari experience that will appeal to families as well as to veteran safari visitors. Big cat, elephant and rhino sightings are consistently excellent, and the habitat here enables an unusual range of activities, from standard game drives in an open-sided 4WD to walking safaris and boat trips.

|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

I can never resist a desert experience, one of the least-known is this fine park along the Namibian border. It’s a chance to concentrate less on the animals - though there are some rarities here, such as the caracal, klipspringer, honey badger and the Hautmann’s mountain zebra – and more on the landscape as a whole. Vivid wildflower displays in spring and the extraordinary fissures and landforms of Fish River Canyon (the world’s second-largest), make this one of Africa’s most underrated natural wonders.

Tswalu Kalahari Private Reserve

Claiming to be South Africa’s largest private reserve, Tswalu, in Northern Cape, is a shining example of what can be done when conservation and tourism combines. Built around a model of sustainability, the reserve takes a holistic approach to conservation with deep ties to the local community. And with, at last count, 85 mammal and 264 bird species, the Kalahari wildlife is magnificent, with everything from black-maned Kalahari lions, oryx and meerkats to brown hyenas, African wild dogs and pangolins.

Kwandwe Game Reserve

This 220-sq-km reserve is larger than most in the eastern Cape, and yet has just two small lodges in which to stay: overcrowding at wildlife sightings just doesn’t happen here. I’ve often had big cat and rhino sightings to myself here; the rhinos in particular seem oblivious to vehicles and I’ve been so close, I could have leaned out to touch them. And I just love the night drives: there’s nothing quite like seeing a porcupine waddling along a night road, confusing the hell out of lions.

South Africa

On safari in South Africa

South Africa safari: Need to know

Everything you wish you'd known before you booked.

South Africa is safari heaven. From the world-famous Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands to the lesser-known Karoo and family-friendly experiences in the Western Cape, there’s a wildlife experience to match all needs. First-time visitors will probably want to hit the Big Five highlights of the major parks, but don’t dismiss the more accessible lodges in the North West Province and around Cape Town.

For those looking for a cheaper option, consider self-drive safari routes. A quintessential South African family experience is a self-drive route through Kruger National Park, staying at self-catering campsites, where accommodation can be anything from small huts to guesthouses.

When planning where to go on safari in South Africa, consider what you want to get out of the experience. For luxurious lodges, head to up-market parks like Sabi Sands. If you want to get out into the bush, consider lodges that offer walking safaris. For those less bothered by the big five, consider the birdlife of KwaZulu-Natal or the cheetahs of Karoo.

Safari on your own terms

This may be controversial, but in my opinion you should forget about the "Big Five".

The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) are the five African safari animals deemed the most dangerous to hunt by colonial-era hunters in the late 19th- and early 20th-century. Yes, it’s a useful marketing tool. And yes, many South Africa safari-goers (and companies) are still in their thrall. But in my opinion the obsession over the Big Five has more to do with nostalgia than the excitement and experience of a safari today.

I’ve nothing against seeing the Big Five animals themselves: each one is a thrill, every time. But I think the emphasis on "bagging" all the Big Five like a colonial big game hunter can detract from fully appreciating the true experience. I’ve encountered travellers who rush away from a lion kill because they’re yet to see a buffalo and their time on safari is running out. Safari, and travel more generally, should be about much more than rushed bucket lists and tick boxes.

Personally, I’m just as thrilled to encounter a cheetah – I’d rather see a cheetah on the hunt than a lion sleeping under a tree – or an African wild dog pack streaming across the landscape and on the hunt. Or a serval, or a meerkat, or a brown hyena. Sometimes, I’ll choose to sit beneath a leopard resting in a tree for a whole afternoon, just on the chance that it will soon stretch, climb down the tree, and head off on some exciting leopard mission.

And it just seems so arbitrary. Why not the "Big Six" (I always add the cheetah to the traditional list); adding African wild dogs and fighting giraffes to become a "Big Eight". This is the problem with the Big Five: it puts someone else’s list above your own sense of wonder.

South Africa safari logistics

There are two main classes of safari in South Africa: self-drive and organised safari tours. And within the latter, there’s a whole world of choice: between a group and a private safari; between a fly-in and a 4WD safari; between a walking safari and one where you remain in your vehicle; between a camping safari and one spent sleeping in lodges.

Self-drive means using your own vehicle (typically a rental car) to travel between the game reserves and, where self-drive safaris are permitted, making your own way through the reserves and parks. You’ll need to book ahead at your chosen accommodation in each reserve, and be sure to check that self-drive safaris are permitted. Although you certainly could rent a 4WD, most South African parks and reserves have excellent road networks and a 2WD is, in most cases, sufficient.

Organised safaris are similar to typical packaged multi-stop tours, usually with a number of different reserves or parks in one trip. They include all accommodation, collection and ground transfers from the airports (or, in the case of some luxury lodges, fly-ins to their own private airstrips). You won’t need your own vehicle and all game drives will be with a guide, usually in a small group of guests.

The main pros to self-drive safaris are that they tend to be cheaper, allow you to visit places that aren’t included on mainstream safari packages, and they give you more freedom to change plans at the last moment. There’s nothing worse than being on safari with other travellers who convince the guide to move on, when all you’d like to do is stick around and wait for those lion cubs to wake up: a self-drive safari solves that problem.

There are a number of drawbacks. Firstly, you most likely won’t be in a specialised safari vehicle, typically a large, open-sided 4WD that is purpose made for good visibility. This is usually a deal-breaker for keen wildlife spotters and photographers, as being in a rental saloon car severely limits where you can go and how much you can see. You could, of course, rent a 4WD vehicle, but this increases the cost significantly. Self-drive safari also means that you are your own guide and wildlife spotter. Fun perhaps, but you’ll miss lots of sightings without a proper guide.

But not all organised South African safaris are created equal. In addition to choosing which accommodation you’ll sleep in, whether you fly or drive in, and how much time you spend in your vehicle, you’ll need to choose between your own private a safari and one you share with others. Private safaris mean having the guide and vehicle all to yourself and/or your travelling party; such safaris are easier to customise, but also more expensive. A group safari means sharing both costs and experiences: you’ll pay less and have a cast of safari companions with which to share it all, but you’ll also have less control over everything from your dates of travel to the itinerary.

Such considerations aside, the best South Africa safari tours use customised jeeps and highly-trained guides who will enliven your experience with their vast knowledge and tracking skills. Poor quality safaris can mean an overcrowded minibus hurtling from one sighting to the next with a guide who barely knows his giraffe from his flamingo. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for — aim as high as you can afford, even if that means taking a shorter trip.

Blessed with incredible geographical diversity, South Africa is truly a year-round destination. Each region offers something unique and it is always a good season somewhere in this diverse country.

The overall best time to go on safari in South Africa is between May to September. This is South Africa’s dry season, but also low season as temperatures drop for winter; don’t underestimate how long temperatures can fall overnight, particularly away from the coast. Wildlife is easier to spot in these months, as vegetation is lower and animals gather around waterholes.

When to go on safari in South Africa

When to go on safari in South Africa

Blessed with incredible geographical diversity, South Africa is truly a year-round destination…

SA_savannahsunset

Sunset over the Savannah

Safety on safari

Part of the thrill of going on safari in South Africa is the chance to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most awesome — and dangerous — animals. It’s important to follow safety guidelines and some basic health procedures to ensure your trip is as memorable as possible.

First-time safari-goers are often worried about encounters with dangerous wildlife. The simple truth is that you won’t get eaten by a lion. Safari guides are trained to keep their guests safe and will tell you how to act in any given encounter with wildlife.

If you’re on a self-drive trip: never get out of your car unless specifically told that it’s safe to do so; never attempt to feed or pet the animals; and never walk around in the bush alone at night — if you need to leave your tent at night, call security.

Note that elephants, buffalo and hippo are all far more dangerous than lions. Give elephants a very wide berth especially if you happen to be on foot. Never get between a hippo and water and avoid walking in dense bush where you could meet buffalo.

If you’re on a walking trip, try to stay downwind of the animals. If an animal begins behaving in a hostile manner, back away slowly and quietly. In all scenarios, follow the advice of your guides and rangers.

Staying healthy

The more real health risk comes from drinking tap water or eating something which doesn’t agree with you, both of which can lead to an upset stomach for a day or so. Only drink treated water and be careful with what you eat - although the food prepared at most safari camps is invariably safe - and often world-class.

The heat and strong African sun can easily leave you burnt, dehydrated or, worse, give you heat or sunstroke. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, bring lots of water and slap on plenty of factor 50 sunscreen.

Malaria can be a problem in parts of the northeast (which is where the best-known parks and reserves are) so always wear insect repellent at night, sleep under a net and follow your doctor’s advice on anti-malarials.

Health-wise, South Africa is generally a trouble-free destination, but make sure all of your standard vaccinations are up to date before travelling.

South Africa has an unenviable reputation for violence and robbery and it would be remiss to say that there isn’t a danger from this. However, the threat to most tourists is very low. Most violence occurs in poorer city neighbourhoods and not in tourist areas. More to the point, robberies and violence on a safari is only likely to be an issue if a troop of baboons manages to get into your room.

Responsible safaris

A safari is a wonderful opportunity to experience nature on a grand scale. But although it’s easy to get swept up with the romance of it all, you shouldn’t forget that your presence has a direct impact on the ecosystem, for good and bad.

The upside of your safari is that the money you put into the system pays for conservation and helps keep the land protected and wild. Without wildlife tourism, there’s a very real chance that many of South Africa’s conservation zones would become, or remain, farmland with all the implications that has for a fragile ecosystem.

In addition, there are things you can do to make your impact is as positive as possible. Before booking with any safari company, camp or lodge, or even choosing the parks and reserves you wish to visit, take a look at the conservation and community projects they are involved with. Companies investing back into local communities and conservation projects often like to shout about it on their websites. And when you do book, remember to mention that their community projects were a factor in your decision. This will encourage further investment in such programmes.

Respect the wildlife

On safari, treat the wildlife with the respect it deserves. Getting too close to wildlife, approaching animals head-on or pursuing and encircling them is likely to disturb them and cause distress. Approach wildlife at an angle, which is less threatening than coming at animals head-on. Movements must be steady and predictable.

How close you can get depends on the species but in general, your presence shouldn’t alarm the animals, cause them to flee, or change their normal behaviour. If the animals appear disturbed, you should move away immediately.

Noise, such as the sound of engines, laughter and shouting, should be kept to a minimum. Engines should be switched off when stationary and vehicle horns or fog horns on boats should never be used.

Bright lights and flash photography will startle an animal, possibly costing it a meal or even its life. On night drives, the use of naked searchlights should be replaced with red filtered lamps that do not disturb wild animals.

Avoid causing unnecessary damage to the environment. Litter, including plastic bags, batteries and cigarette butts, can be ingested by wildlife, causing injury or even death. Make sure you don’t drop anything and dispose of your rubbish properly.

Follow your guide

Absolutely no direct contact should be made between wild animals and people, including the guides. This can be highly stressful for the animals concerned, run the risk of transmitting disease, and can potentially, cause injury or even death. If you are observing wildlife from a vehicle, never get out of the car unless instructed to do so by your guide.

All animals have very specific diets and feeding them different foods could make them ill. Feeding wildlife can also change their social and feeding behaviour, encouraging begging, causing conflict between other animals, and increasing the likelihood of aggression towards humans.

If travelling in a group, don’t be shy. If you see or experience unacceptable human behaviour that has a negative impact on wild animals, be sure to speak out. If you cannot change the behaviour at the time by voicing your concerns, contact your tour operator afterwards and register your disapproval.

Conversely, if you have a great experience, thank and reward your guide appropriately and let your tour company or agent know that you appreciate their conscientious approach to what should be a magical experience.

Part of the joy of seeing animals in the wild is that you’re visiting them in their own environments and witnessing their natural behaviour. Inevitably there will be times when the animals are less active or visible, depending on the location, the season, or even just the time of day.

Do your research before you travel and find out the best time of year to view the wildlife you most wish to see. If the animals aren’t active when you visit, don’t be disappointed: this is not a zoo. It’s all part of a respectful approach to the natural world that you’re visiting. It’s important that tourists don’t pressure their guides into manipulating the situation to make viewing the animals easier, or to set up that perfect photo opportunity.

Finally, when you get back home talk to your friends about the environmental issues the parks and reserves of South Africa face, and help spread the important message of conservation to your friends and family.

For more information on ethical wildlife holidays and how to interact with wildlife in a responsible and sustainable way, see our companion guide Compassionate Travel: A guide to animal-friendly holidays .

South Africa safari FAQs

Your questions, our expert answers, how much does a safari in south africa cost.

This is a virtually impossible question to answer as there’s such a huge range! But broadly speaking at the low-cost/budget end it ranges from USD $100 to $300 per person per night. This typically includes basic accommodations, such as tented camps or rest camp lodges.

At the mid-range prices might be USD $300 - $600 per person per night with a corresponding bump in accommodation quality.

At the high end there seems to be no ceiling. In private game reserves visitors can spend from $600 to $2,000 or more per person per night. You’ll be grateful that the sundowner is included in the price and additional activities like bush walks, night drives, or even hot air balloon rides may be included.

What should I expect on a safari in South Africa?

Most safaris start around dawn with a quick breakfast before heading out in the vehicles to begin animal spotting. Most animals choose to hunt in the early morning or dusk when temperatures are cooler. It’s also a good time to spot nocturnal animals returning from a night’s hunting, such as lions.

After a few hours in the field, you’ll break for lunch before heading out again until dusk. In general, expect to spend between 6-8 hours each day searching for animals. Remember that temperatures will regularly reach 30C and the tracks the vehicles drive on can be bumpy and dusty. Dress appropriately, wear lots of suncream and drink plenty of water. Evenings are spent swapping stories — and drinks — around the campfire.

It’s also worth remembering that you’re visiting national parks, not zoos. There is no guarantee that you’ll see any of the Big Five — or any animal at all. Conversely, be aware that you’ll spend eight hours a day searching for wildlife. It is possible for animal ‘fatigue’ to set in if you spend too long in one park or lodge. To counter this, visit different lodges or parks, and mix up your experience by including walking safaris, overnight camping or evening safaris.

Is safari dangerous?

In a word, no. The chances of being attacked by an animal are so minimal it hardly warrants considering. However, you must stick to the general rules imposed by the park and heed the instructions of your guides. If you break those and decide to go for a moonlight walk through the bush on your own, then yes, you might become a midnight snack.

Is safari family friendly?

Kids of all ages enjoy safaris as much as any adult. But a safari tends to mean a lot of time in a vehicle, often on bad roads and in hot weather. If there’s plenty of action taking place, younger children will be as hooked as you. But they can become bored the moment the pace slows down. If travelling with kids, ensure you choose camps or lodges that offer plenty of child-friendly activities. Some lodges and camps don’t accept children under a certain age. And don’t plan on heading out on early game drives every morning.

What is the food like in safari camps?

The standard of food is generally very high — even in the remotest lodges. Most lodges will have qualified chefs on hand and part of the entire safari experience is the cuisine and the emphasis placed on food.

Will I have to carry cash on safari in South Africa?

South Africa’s currency is the Rand, denoted by an R in shops and ZAR in currency trading. A favourable exchange rate with major currencies makes travelling in South Africa cheaper than visiting Europe or the United States. You can use credit cards in many shops, restaurants and lodges; there are many ATMs throughout the country and you can exchange traveller’s cheques at all banks. The best cash currencies to bring are US Dollars, Euros or British Pounds as these notes are accepted at the many Bureaux de Change in bigger cities.

You will be offered currency exchanges by people on the street throughout Africa. It may be tempting to avoid the conversion commissions; however, this is illegal and should be avoided at all costs.

On safari, almost all major expenses (all meals, activities, and, sometimes even, drinks) are covered in the costs of accommodation. Any extras tend to be very limited, and can generally be paid by card.

In urban centers, particularly in South Africa, ATMs are to be found in most shopping malls and banks, and will accept international cards using the Cirrus and Plus systems, as well as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express credit cards (provided your credit account has a cash withdrawal facility).

All airports in south Africa also have ATMs, and you can withdraw money as soon as you land (generally at a better exchange rate than if you were to exchange cash or travellers checks at a bank).

How much should we tip our safari guides?

In some environments such as at lodges, on safari and on treks, tipping is structured in ways that make it clear, fair and less easy to abuse. Tips can be given in local currencies or in USD, GBP or EUR, so be sure to carry small denominations with you. As a general guide:

Guide/tracker: Your guide and tracker are central to the success of your safari. You’ll have plenty of time to connect with them and, by the end of your trip, they might just be your new best friends. With guides, it’s customary to leave a tip on your departure. What you choose to leave is totally up to you, but a general rule of thumb on safari is to tip your guide US$10 and your tracker US$5 per person per day.

Guests that are returning to a lodge that they have visited before, sometimes even bring small, personalised gifts for their guides. Alternatively, the lodges will generally give you a guideline for tipping and gifting if you ask them.

Camp/lodge staff: There is a lot that happens behind the scenes on your safari and it’s important to consider and acknowledge all the wonderful people who look after the lodge. Most safari lodges and camps have a communal tip ‘jar’ and around US$10 to US$20 per day is considered a reasonable tip.

Outside of the lodges/camps, you might want to tip 10% to 15% for good service at restaurants and in bars. Most waiters earn an incredibly basic wage so tips are a much-needed supplement. If you're just buying a beer or a coke, it's fine to leave the change rather than a specific tip. If you're dining with a large group at a nice restaurant, a service charge will usually be automatically added to your bill.

At budget hotels, tips for housekeeping are not expected but are nevertheless always welcome. At luxury safari camps there will often be a general tipping box at the front desk or reception. Tips deposited here will usually be spread evenly between camp staff; so if you want to tip someone specifically, make sure to do so directly.

What should I pack for a South Africa safari?

You don’t need much specialist gear for a South African safari.

Most people will want a photographic record of their adventure and if wildlife images are important to you then you need a good DSLR camera with a long lens, at least 400mm. Anything less and the animals will appear as nothing but hazy dots in a sea of scrub. Bring spare camera batteries and memory cards.

Binoculars are another essential. Get the best pair you can afford and make sure that everyone in your group has a pair or there will be endless bickering over whose turn it is to get a closer look at that distant rhino.

A good field guide to the birds and animals is an excellent addition to your pack. Most guides will have one for guests to use, but it’s still nice to have your own.

Lightweight walking shoes are a good idea (and essential for anyone planning a walking safari). Hiking trousers and shorts are also worth having. They provide protection from the thorn bushes and sun and are comfortable to wear. Don’t forget to bring a fleece as it can be surprisingly cold during a sunrise safari. Sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are three other essentials.

If staying in up-market accommodation, it’s probably worth bringing a set of slightly smarter clothes for evening dinner.

With fluctuating temperatures — hot and sunny during the day, cold at night — layering is your best option. Some things to consider bringing include:

  • T-shirts or shirts — bring some longsleeve ones to combat mosquito and the sun
  • Lightweight fleece/jacket
  • Safari/combat trousers
  • Broken in walking/hiking shoes
  • Sandals/flipflops for use in lodges/camps

How long should I plan for a safari in South Africa?

If you’re just looking for your standard Big 5 safari, fewer nights in one or two really great private reserves trumps more nights in a crowded national park. My standard advice is to get more bang for your buck: aim for fewer nights, but spend more per night for the best reserve/lodge that your budget can stretch to.

What are the differences between private game reserves and national parks in South Africa?

National Parks are government-owned and managed and private reserves are, you guessed it, privately owned and operated.

National parks serve a broader range of budgets, including some fairly low cost safaris and basic accommodation. They’re busier, sometimes feeling crowded, and activities are limited to standard game drives.

Private reserves are a whole other affair, can be very exclusive and upscale and you’ll often have the wildlife all to yourself. Privately operated reserves are free to offer a wider range of activities such as night game drives and horseback rides.

What can we do before or after a safari in South Africa?

Probably my biggest piece of advice would be to make plenty of time to see the rest of the country either before or after your safari. Just a smattering of suggestions:

South Africa’s cities, history and urban culture : There’s Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The Apartheid Museum and Maboneng Precinct in Johannesburg. And of course a visit to Nelson Mandela House Museum in Soweto.

If nature and the outdoors are your bag look into Blyde River Canyon for breathtaking views and hiking trails, the fascinating hominid fossils at Cradle of Humankind just north of Johannesburg, the waterfalls at Augrabies Falls National Park and the scenic trails and views of Plettenberg Bay at Robberg Nature Reserve.

For some beach and coast time there’s Golden Mile and Umhlanga Rocks at Durban, whale watching in Hermanus (best between June and November), and the lagoons and beaches of West Coast National Park.

Finally for some road trips and scenic routes have a look at the Garden Route, famous for its charming towns and beautiful beaches; vineyard driving routes around Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, or Constantia, or, for something totally different, to the glorious tacky Sun City.

Are there any non-touristy tribal experiences in South Africa?

If you're expecting colourfully dressed, exotic-looking tribal peoples that you can visit and for it not to feel commercial, then no that's difficult to find. An experience like that that you’re paying for will, by definition, be somewhat inauthentic, if not exploitative.

However, if you want to meet people of different tribes but not necessarily dressed in an exotic manner and dancing around for you then that's possible everywhere in South Africa on almost every street.

For something more in-between, and I suspect, more what you're after then I'd try heading to the Kalahari regions in the north. It's a stunning semi-desert region (lots of interesting wildlife and a real wilderness feel) and is the home of South Africa's small San Bushmen community. These were some of the original inhabitants of southern Africa and some do live a very traditional lifestyle (but well away from tourists).

How do I find a responsible South Africa safari operator?

Although it’s easy to get swept up with the romance of it all, you shouldn’t forget that your presence has a direct impact on the ecosystem, for good and bad.

The upside of your visit is that the money you put into the system pays for conservation and helps keep the land protected and wild. Without wildlife tourism, there’s a very real chance that many of South Africa’s conservation zones would become farmland.

But there are things you can do to make your impact as positive as possible. Before booking with any safari company, camp or lodge, or even choosing the parks and reserves you wish to visit, take a look at the conservation and community projects they are involved with. And when you do book, remember to mention that their community projects were a factor in your decision. This will encourage further investment in such programmes.

Would you recommend a self-drive safari in South Africa? Is it easy?

Yes, it’s easy to self-drive in South Africa and, generally, fairly safe although car crime can be an issue (don't leave anything in your car in towns). If you're just hopping from national park to park and sticking mainly to rural regions then self-drive in South Africa is simple enough. Just remember that South Africa is a big place so don't try and cover it all in one trip!

In this guide:

An expert guide to safaris in kruger national park, an expert guide to the best safaris in sabi sands, an expert guide to the best safaris in kwazulu-natal, about the authors.

The best safaris in South Africa

Anthony is a renowned travel journalist and guidebook author and is one of the world's leading authorities on Africa safari, wildlife and conservation. He has been travelling to Africa for more than two decades to research Africa safari guidebooks for Lonely Planet. He is widely published in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, The Monthly, Virginia Quarterly Review (VQR), National Geographic Traveler, BBC Wildlife, Lonely Planet Traveller, Africa Geographic, The Independent, Travel Africa, among many others.

The best safaris in South Africa

Stuart is an award-winning travel journalist covering safari, trekking and conservation in Africa for the Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, BBC, Bradt Travel Guides, amongst many others. He is the author of Walking With The Maasai , a journey through some of Kenya's lesser-visited Maasai lands.

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The 9 Best Countries in Africa for a Safari in 2024

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The 9 Best Countries in Africa for a Safari in 2024

Where To Go and What To See on a Safari in Tanzania

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While Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the most popular destinations on the African continent to see the Big 5 — lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo — many other African countries offer incredible safari experiences and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife sightings, assuming you’re willing to think a bit outside the box and get off the beaten path.

These are some of the best places to go on a safari in Africa, from Botswana’s Okavango Delta to fan favorites like the Serengeti and Kruger to a safari you can do just outside of Kenya’s capital at Nairobi National Park.

1. How To Plan a Tanzania Safari

Wildabeest and zebra

Most people planning a safari trip in Tanzania should head to Serengeti National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its massive migrations of zebra and wildebeest . Start by organizing travel to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). From there, you can travel by land to the Serengeti or fly to one of the park’s 7 airstrips and transfer to your desired safari lodge.

Most people take a safari trip to Tanzania to see the wildebeest migration, but you can also expect to spot the Big 5, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards in the Serengeti.

Some of the best lodges in the Serengeti National Park are the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti (which can even arrange a hot air balloon safari) and various tented camps and luxury lodges from Singita , a company focused on sustainable exploration of the region. But start saving up Marriott Bonvoy points, as Marriott announced the opening of JW Marriott Serengeti Lodge in 2026 , an ideal spot to view the Great Migration between the Grumeti and Mbalageti rivers.

Travelers can also head to the Ngorongoro Crater , one of the world’s largest intact volcanic calderas, where you can also view the Big 5, zebras, impalas, hippos, and more. You may also spot flamingos there.

Birders or those who want to avoid larger crowds should consider Tarangire National Park , which has one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, more than 500 bird species, and a wildlife migration that’s not as large as the Serengeti’s but impressive nonetheless.

Besides taking more traditional safaris, visitors can go chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania in Gombe Stream National Park , one of Africa’s smallest national parks (and only accessible by boat).

The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari is June to October, the dry season in the Serengeti . This is when the bush is thin and you can see more wildlife, including the Big 5. However, May through June is when visitors can see the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti. Those who want to view wildebeest calving should visit in January and February . And if you’re looking for a Tanzania safari on a budget, months like April and early May can offer better prices and fewer crowds.

See the most wildlife at Ngorongoro Crater from December to February and June to September, which are the months with the driest weather, when you can spot herds out in search of water. For Tarangire National Park, the best time for migrations is the June to November dry season , where you can spot many different animals grazing around and drinking from the Tarangire River.

When it comes to chimpanzee trekking, it’s best to go between May and October in the dry season, when the forest flora is short and trails are less muddy. Keep in mind these experiences require permits, and most companies require visitors to be over the age of 15 .

2. How To Plan a Kenya Safari

Hot air balloon kenya

Some of the best African safaris in Kenya allow you to see the Great Migration and the Big 5 (just as you can in Tanzania). Masai Mara National Reserve is probably the most popular spot . Start by flying into the main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) in Nairobi , then pop over to the nearby Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL) for shorter, domestic hops to airstrips closer to the park.

Besides the Big 5, you can also expect to see animals like cheetahs, hyenas, gazelles, and wildebeest on a safari. Our top pick for lodging would be the  JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge , one of the few safari accommodations in Africa you can book using points and miles. The all-inclusive property features 20 luxury tents overlooking the Talek River.

Another iconic riverside camp is the Governor’s Camp , a collection of luxury tents overlooking the Mara River, where you can spot hippos and crocodiles. Both hot air balloon safaris and walking safaris are popular in the region, offering unique ways to enjoy the region’s flora and fauna. As the Maasai are one of the largest tribes in Africa, don’t forget to visit local villages and experience some of the tribe’s unique cultural practices.

Amboseli National Park at the base of Kilimanjaro is another Kenyan destination to experience a safari. Here, you can see the Big 5 and more than 600 types of birds. You can also get close-up views of large elephant herds. Samburu National Reserve  is another popular safari destination, known as one of the best Kenyan destinations to spot leopards.

And if you’re extra short on time, remember that Kenya is one of the only countries in Africa where you can spot wildlife just a short drive from a capital city. Nairobi National Park is just a few miles outside of Nairobi, home to animals such as leopards, lions, black rhinos, and giraffes.

If you’re dying to stay at the famous Giraffe Manor (a hotel where the resident giraffes poke their heads into your bedroom window each morning) but it’s too expensive or fully booked, you can visit the Giraffe Center instead.

In most cases, the best time to take a safari in Kenya is between June and October, the dry season . You’ll be able to catch the wildebeest migration in Masai Mara in September . November and December can offer lower prices and fewer crowds. March through May is also a more affordable time to visit, but heavy rain or flooding may disrupt your trip.

There aren’t many opportunities to use your points and miles for safari lodges, but if the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is on your list (or you want to start saving up for the JW Marriott Serengeti for a 2026 safari), building up a stash of Marriott Bonvoy points is a great plan. Consider getting a co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card . Amex Membership Rewards points from a card like The Platinum Card ®  from American Express  and Chase Ultimate Reward points from cards such as the  Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  or the  Chase Sapphire Preferred ®  Card transfer to the Marriott Bonvoy program at a 1:1 ratio.

‌3. How To Plan a Botswana Safari

Those looking for a more remote, intimate safari experience should consider Botswana. The country is a bit more difficult to get to, making it feel far-flung and offering an authentic African safari experience. As tour operators need to adhere to strict conservation requirements, safaris in Botswana are often smaller and more exclusive, which is why safari prices in Botswana can also be more expensive . Anyone in the market for a water safari will likely appreciate Botswana, as some of the best ways to spot wildlife are by boat or even canoe.

If you’re coming from abroad, you may fly into Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE), just outside of Gaborone. Still, many safari camps are much closer to the Maun Airport (MUB) or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI), which you can get to from hubs in South Africa .

Lions Drinking

One of the most unique and popular destinations for a Botswana safari is the Okavango Delta , grassy flood plains home to the Big 5 and more. Here, you can explore the area by water safari on small boats or even canoes, as well as on land — both walking safaris and driving safaris. Make sure to keep an eye out for African wild dogs. There are less than 6,600 left in the wild, and many reside in this area. Stay at Xigera Safari Lodge in Moremi Game Reserve, an intimate lodge with just 12 suites and the stunning 32-foot baobab treehouse suite.

Chobe National Park is another emblematic destination in Botswana for a safari, especially if you’re in the market to support female guides. Guests at the Chobe Game Lodge can book a female guide as part of an all-female safari guide team, the Chobe Angels . Boat up and down the Chobe River, spotting lions, buffalo, elephants, and more along its banks.

For something different, consider a safari in the Kalahari Desert. Here, you can ride horses through salt pans, sand dunes, and savannas, go fishing, ride camels, hike, or even take a cycling safari. Keep an eye out for oryx, giraffes, and meerkats.

Similar to the aforementioned countries, the dry season in many areas of Botswana runs from May to October and is one of the best times to visit, as much of the wildlife comes out in search of watering holes. However, December to April is the rainy season, turning the Kalahari Desert into a green and blossoming paradise , making it the perfect time to visit this unique region.

‌4. How To Plan a Namibia Safari

Namib Desert Antelope

Namibia is a special place for a safari because not only can you see 4 out of the Big 5 in places like Etosha National Park, but you can also see a distinct collection of wildlife in the Namib Desert in Namib-Naukluft National Park. Namibia is more difficult to get to than many other safari spots, especially from Europe and the U.S., so most visitors come from destinations like South Africa first.

The most popular place in Namibia for a more traditional safari is Etosha National Park . One of the largest game reserves in Africa, it’s home to large populations of elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, leopards, black rhinos, and black-faced impalas, among many others. There are several accommodations within the park, but the more luxurious, like Mokuti Etosha and Ongava Lodge (built into a rocky enclave), can be found just outside the park. Ongava Lodge is also home to an airstrip, and you can fly there from Namibia’s capital airport, Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), in Windhoek.

Sossusvlei is where the landscape changes , so don’t expect a traditional experience in this red-dune salt and clay pan. Part of Namib Naukluft National Park and Desert , it’s so vast you may want to explore it by hot air balloon to take it in from above. Hike dunes like Big Daddy, explore the ancient trees at clay pan Deadvlei, or traverse the entire area by 4×4 or quad.

While this desert landscape may seem barren, keep an eye out for wildlife like hyenas, jackals, foxes, ostrich, and geckos. Sossusvlei offers accommodation for all budgets, but luxury travelers should plan to stay at the andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge , home to 10 glass suites from which you can admire the sparkling, starry night sky (the NamibRand Nature Reserve is an International Dark Sky Place ).

And don’t discount Namibia’s barren Skeleton Coast — you may spot desert elephants, cheetahs, black rhinos, ostriches, lions, hyenas, and more. Named for the whale and seal bones once scattered on its beaches but now known for its numerous shipwrecks, it’s also home to Cape fur seals, too. Explore the area on foot, boat, surfboard, or quad.

June through September is the driest and best time to visit Etosha , as animals are crowding around sparse watering holes. The same goes for Sossusvlei when the dry season (May to October) brings crisp, blue skies that juxtapose beautifully against the ochre desert sands. However, those heading to the Skeleton Coast may prefer to travel between May and December . Although November and December bring some showers and fog, the weather also gets warmer at this time of year.

There’s a lot to know when planning a safari. Our safari adventure guide has updated tips on finding accommodation, booking travel, and packing for your upcoming African safari.

‌‌5. How To Plan a Uganda Safari

gorilla Uganda

Although visitors can see animals like elephants, hippos, and lions on a Uganda wildlife safari, the main call of this African country is gorillas in the wild . About 400 mountain gorillas call Uganda home , which is about half of the mountain gorilla population left in the world. Gorilla safaris are different from more traditional safaris. In lieu of driving around in a Jeep-style vehicle, gorilla trekking is all about getting up into the hills to see these giant creatures in their natural habitat .

Chimpanzee trekking is also popular in Uganda, as are birding safaris. Most travelers start their adventure by flying into the Entebbe Airport (EBB) and then taking a quick domestic flight to smaller airports. However, visitors planning to gorilla trek in Uganda may find it faster to fly to Kigali International Airport (KGL), Rwanda’s capital, then drive to the national parks .

The most popular location for a safari in Uganda is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park , known for birding, forest elephants, chimpanzees, and, of course, mountain gorillas. There is some gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park , but your chances of spotting gorillas are higher in Bwindi, as this park has more gorilla groups.

For gorilla trekking in general, many visitors are stuck between Uganda and Rwanda. When it comes to Rwanda versus Uganda for gorilla trekking , budget travelers ready for an adventure should select Uganda , where gorilla trekking permits for either park cost $800 per person per day . (It’s nearly double in Rwanda, as we’ll outline below). You must be at least 15 to get a permit.

However, those heading to Uganda should be ready for an adventure, as the treks can be tougher and longer . Always book permits well in advance .

If you go to Bwindi, stay within the park at cozy lodges like Buhoma or just outside the park at Mahogany Springs , perched along the Munyanga River. Birders may want to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park , home to more than 600 bird species, plus tree-climbing lions .

Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking between June and September and December and February . Since you’ll be hiking along hilly, forested trails, it’s better to go during the dry season, when it’s less muddy and slippery . The same times of year are best for visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park, though March through May are some of the best times for birding.

6. How To Plan a Rwanda Safari

Nyungwe National Park

Rwanda safaris can be on the expensive side , and they’re best for adventure travelers who are also ready to splurge. The country offers some of the most accessible gorilla trekking but also some of the most costly.

Start with a flight into Kigali (KGL), then take the 2.5-hour drive to reach the country’s most renowned destination for viewing mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park . The park itself is stunning, home to 5 volcanoes and a lush, hilly rainforest, home to mountain gorillas, elephants, buffalos, and nearly 200 bird species. Permits start at $1,500 per person per day , and they only issue 96 per day, so it’s important to book in advance. Stay at one of the 6 conical, luxury bird nest villas at Bisate , which overlooks an amphitheater formed by volcanic cones.

And yes, if you’re in the market to see the Big 5 after you’ve spotted the elusive mountain gorillas, head to Akagera National Park . It borders Tanzania and is one of the largest protected wetlands in Africa. Spot elephants, lions, black rhinos, buffalos, hippos, hyenas, zebras, antelopes, and more than 500 different types of birds, including the shoebill stork.

Down south, aid in rainforest conservation by visiting Nyungwe National Park , a UNESCO-listed site that’s home to 13 of Africa’s primates (including chimpanzees) and a stunning canopy bridge where you can walk amid the towering treetops

The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park is during the dry seasons, which run from mid-December to early February and June to mid-September . However, if you find yourself there from March to May, make sure to view the many butterfly species that come along with the heavy rains . The dry periods are also the best times to visit Nyungwe National Park and Akagera National Park.

Some countries on this list require U.S. citizens to obtain a visa. Others, such as South Africa, require 2 full, consecutive blank pages in your passport per entry. Some require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months after your visit. Some require you to have certain vaccines, or you may need to take malaria medication. Check passport, permit, visa , and vaccination requirements before booking travel.

7. How To Plan a South Africa Safari

Giraffe in South Africa

South Africa is the most popular African country for a safari, but that doesn’t necessarily make planning any easier. With so many different game reserves, tour companies, and other options, it can be difficult to decide exactly where to go. The good news is, because there are so many choices, it’s easy to find a safari that fits your budget and travel style. Start by flying into either Cape Town (CPT) or Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo Airport (JNB). From there, many safaris have private airstrips, but you can also fly into smaller airports like Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) or Hoedspruit (HDS) and be on your way to viewing the Big 5.

Start by deciding if you’d like to visit a state-run or private game reserve. Popular state-run game reserves include Kruger National Park and Addo Elephant National Park , which is actually home to the Big 7 (the Big 5 plus the great white shark and the southern right whale, found within the park’s marine section). Pilanesberg National Park also features the Big 5, while Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is known for its big cats . These larger parks often offer more budget-friendly safaris, though they can get crowded during peak season.

Luxury travelers may prefer a more exclusive safari experience, where a lodge or tented camp on a private game reserve includes all the safari excursions. Some of the best private game reserves for a luxury African safari experience include Sabi Sand, Phinda, Timbavati, Kwande, MalaMala, Amakhala, and Phinda, among many others. Choosing a game reserve and safari lodge may come down to where you want to base your trip: You can start in Johannesburg or Cape Town. While Johannesburg is the most convenient hub for visiting Kruger, Cape Town is known for its immense beauty and unique cultural offerings and is a favorite among seasoned travelers.

‌Go on a South African safari during the dry season, where less vegetation makes it easier to spot animals, which you can often find gathering near rivers and watering holes. Most of the country’s wildlife parks see their dry season between May and September. However, this is when the Western Cape sees rain , so if you’re heading to that area of the country, it may be best to go to this region in the other months.

‌8. How To Plan a Zambia Safari

Hippos in river

If you’re in the market for something a bit more off the beaten path, consider a safari in Zambia. Start by flying into the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in the nation’s capital, Lusaka. Then, catch a short flight to Mfuwe Airport (MFU), which is the hub for South Luangwa National Park , the most popular area in the country for a Zambia safari, where you can spot wildlife such as leopards, hippos, and rare Thornicroft giraffes. Or, fly to the Royal or Jeki airstrips to visit Lower Zambezi National Park .

‌South Luangwa National Park is the ideal destination for walking and driving safaris, as the Luangwa River can be unpredictable, so boat safaris aren’t common. Those who want to see wildlife by boat should visit Lower Zambezi National Park, where you can paddle through the Zambezi River via canoe with expert guides who can help you spot all kinds of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and birds.

The nice part about a safari in Zambia is that it’s appropriate for any budget . Stay at cozy river lodges, in luxury tents, or open-air villas. The Old Monodoro camp in Lower Zambezi has 5 chalets — and don’t be surprised if you find an elephant sipping water out of your outdoor tub in the morning. Elephants also regularly walk through the open-air lobby at Mfuwe Lodge in South Luangwa.

Most lodges in South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park are only open during the dry season between March and October. To have the full Zambia safari experience, booking your trip during this period is best.

‌9. How To Plan a Zimbabwe Safari

Elephant mom and baby

Most travelers combine a visit to Victoria Falls with a Zimbabwe safari . The best way to do this is to fly to Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), which is about a 20-minute drive to the falls .

Just a short drive from Victoria Falls, you’ll find Zambezi National Park (a completely different park than the aforementioned Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia ). This park features the Big 4 (everything but rhinos). You can also cross the border into Zambia via a quick drive to visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park , where you can spot elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and white rhinos.

If you’re hoping to spot the Big 5, Hwange National Park is just over an hour’s drive away , though you’ll have to look hard to find rhinos, as they’re few and far between. You can even do horseback safaris through this park, getting up close and personal with wildlife on your horse. Plan to stay at Davidson’s Camp , where the en suite tents look out over a watering hole for prime wildlife-watching from your room.

Victoria Falls is also just an hour’s drive from Chobe National Park in Botswana , home to one of the world’s largest elephant populations.

June to September is the best time for a safari in Zimbabwe , and June is an especially beautiful time to see Victoria Falls , as you may catch the tail end of the rainy season, bringing powerful sprays and cascades. However, those visiting Hwange to birdwatch should visit from November to April , when the migratory birds return from the north.

When planning a safari, you have endless possibilities to consider. But knowing you can visit other countries besides just Tanzania or South Africa may make it easier to create a safari trip that fits your timing, budget, and travel style. Whether gorilla trekking, birdwatching, or a traditional safari searching for the Big 5, these African countries have got you covered.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Which african country has the most wildlife.

Tanzania has an estimated 4 million animals, but countries like South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya are also excellent places to view wildlife or take a safari vacation.

Which African country is the safest for safaris?

Botswana is considered one of the safest African countries. It’s politically stable and has low crime rates. Rwanda is also safe for tourists, and Namibia is also a safe country for a safari.

What country in Africa has the most safaris?

South Africa has numerous public and private game reserves, making it an easy place to find a safari, no matter what part of the country you’d like to visit. The top safari destination in South Africa is Kruger National Park.

Is Tanzania or Kenya better for safaris?

Both Tanzania and Kenya are excellent destinations for a safari. Tanzania is often considered better because it has so many animals, but Tanzania safaris can often be very expensive. However, seeing the Masai Mara villages and embracing Kenyan culture is a wonderful addition to seeing wildlife in Kenya. You can’t go wrong with a safari in either destination!

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About Lori Zaino

Lori is an intrepid traveler who loves creating itineraries that exude “luxe on a budget.” She’s written for CNN, NBC, The Infatuation, and more, and loves to muse about points-fueled trips to Sri Lanka, Sicily, and Myanmar.

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  • Destinations

Wild Junket

Best Safari Parks in Africa

Best Safari Parks in Africa

Last Updated on October 4, 2021

As a huge fan of wildlife watching, I’ve spied on a leopard up close in the Serengeti National Park, observed black rhinos in the savannas outside Nairobi, and floated alongside hippos in the lush eden of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Being able to observe wildlife in a natural setting is a rare, unique and one-in-a-million experience.

Out of the numerous wildlife destinations in the world , African countries dominate the list with their awe-inspiring savannahs and untouched surroundings. If you’re looking for guaranteed sightings of wild animals, you definitely have to check out this list of best safari parks in Africa.

Table of Contents

1. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

2. kruger national park, south africa, 3. serengeti national park, tanzania, 4. chobe national park, botswana, 5. bwindi impenetrable forest, uganda, 6. etosha national park, namibia, 7. ngorongoro national reserve, tanzania, 8. okavango delta, botswana.

Maasai Mara is always at the top of any list of best safari destinations in Africa. Bordering the Tanzanian border, Maasai Mara National Reserve is an area of preserved savannah wilderness in southwestern Kenya.

This is one of the best places for safari in Africa as you get the highest chances of seeing the Big Five (lion, Cape buffalo, leopard, rhinoceros, and elephant). The premier national reserve is home to over 570 species of birds and 95 species of mammals.

While this amazing reserve is open year-round, the best time to visit is either between July and October when the stunning wildebeest migration is happening or between December and February when the chance of spotting more of the big cats is higher.

Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in Africa, spanning across a diverse array of terrains, from mountains to tropical forests and savannas. It’s home to over 507 birds, 336 trees, 147 mammals, 114 reptiles, 49 fish, and 34 amphibians. Chances of seeing the Big Five are also, but you’ll also see more rare animals like the fish eagle, hornbill and honey badger.

For those traveling with families, Kruger is also lauded as the #1 best place to go on an African safari with kids as it’s home to lots of family-friendly lodges that are also malaria-free. Kruger has an edge over the other safari destinations in the list — it’s so near Johannesburg you can easily incorporate other activities into your South Africa itinerary : including visits to world-class museums, wineries and other cultural sites.

rhino in kruger - best safari parks in africa

A country bursting with unspoiled beauty, Tanzania is one of the best wildlife destinations in the world . Amongst them, my personal favorite is the Serengeti. At daybreak, as the mist dissipates, you’ll see silhouettes of elephants, rhinoceros, lions and buffalos appearing before you. The long drive through Serengeti National Park is an epic one, as you get to witness the massive wildebeest migration. 

This migration also puts it at the top of the list of best safaris in Africa. Every October and November over one million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras come south for the rain before heading northwest about six months later. It’s also a great place to catch cheetahs and lions in action as they prey on the 

annual migration at serengeti - best safari destinations africa

Botswana stands out for its diverse ecosystems: on a wildlife safari in Botswana, you’re never limited to just one transport mode. Besides game-tracking by 4WD, you’ll be exploring Botswana’s mixture of salt pans and savannahs by mokoro (dugout canoe, Botswana specialty) and riverboat. 

Amongst them, Chobe National Park stands out for having the world’s largest herds of elephants. With an estimated population of 120,000 elephants, Chobe is also nicknamed the “Land of the Giants”.

Because of the Chobe River, there’s also an unmatched amount of wildlife and birdlife – including hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and countless bird species. The absolute best way to experience Chobe National Park is on a boat trip. It provides a unique perspective, amazing views, and stunning photographs.

top african countries for wildlife

Mountain gorillas are some of the world’s most endangered animals in the world, with just over 1000 left on Earth. Being in their presence is an absolute privilege, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There is something humbling and moving about coming so close to an animal of this size and stature in the wild — with no fence or cage between you. 

Mountain gorillas can only be found in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Uganda . According to the 2019 gorilla census , there are 1063 mountain gorillas left in the world. Uganda holds 60% of the total mountain gorillas left in the world, with Bwindi Impenetrable Forest being the most popular choice for a gorilla trekking tour.  

Gorilla trekking is an expensive experience — with permits costing upwards of $500. But once you lock eyes with a gorilla, you’ll know it’s well worth the money. Yes you only spend one hour with the gorillas, but it’s an intense, exhilarating and deeply soul-stirring hour.

best place for safari in africa - bwindi gorilla trekking

What’s unique about Namibia is its expansive deserts, red sand dunes and a kaleidoscope of different environments. Straddling two great deserts: the Namib, the oldest desert in the world, and the red sand dunes along the Atlantic Coastline. 

Named the Etosha pan, Etosha National Park is home to hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, and mammals, but it’s most known for the endangered black rhinoceros. One of the most unique things about Etosha National Park is that they have floodlit waterholes, giving you perfect lighting to admire nocturnal wildlife.

top african countries for wildlife

Because of the pure concentration of wildlife, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best safari parks in Africa. This majestic natural wonder is the largest unflooded and unbroken caldera in the world, and it measures about 20 kilometers across, 600 meters deep, and 300 square kilometers in area.

Now classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater was formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed around 3 million years ago. The cone of the volcanic caldera collapsed inwards and created what we know today as one of the most unique safari parks in Africa, and indeed the world.    

The area houses over 25,000 large animals, not including the almost two million that pass through during the migration. Within the crater there are thousands of wildebeest, eland, gazelles, and zebras, and up in the rainforest of the crater rim there are animals like elephants, reedbuck, and jackals. In the lake within the crater are beautiful flamingos, ostriches, and pelicans.

annual migration tanzania - best safari parks africa

Known as “Africa’s Last Eden”, this inland river delta is one of the best safari destinations in Africa. I absolutely loved my time floating on the mokoro (wooden dug out canoes) and observing hippos and crocodiles from a close distance. Seeing these animals from the water is a complete different experience.

The best time to visit is between June and August. This is when the annual flood happens and animals are confined to the islands, making them easier to see. Typically, 200,000 large mammals have their seasonal home in the Okavango Delta, and it’s a regular home to many fish and plant species. It’s also one of the best African safaris to view from both land and water.

mokoro on okavango delta - best safari destinations

Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 140 countries across 7 continents. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Her work has appeared in many major publications including BBC Travel, CNN and LonelyPlanet.com. Read more about her here and get more life updates from her on her Facebook and Instagram .

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The Comments

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Those meerkats are so cute!

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For as long as I can remember it has been one of my biggest dreams to one day go to Africa and see/meet the wildlife there! I've never yet gotten around to it. Reading this post makes me feel that it is definitely time I did so soon! Beautiful post!

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Thanks Aurora, I’ve got a soft spot for Africa, need to head back there soon!

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brendanvanson

Good list… Hopefully I can get over there and see some of it soon!

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Excellent post…

This may sound a bit biased (im from Botswana :-) ) but if i had to choose one safari destination i would choose Botswana; Prmarily because of the diversity in ecosystems that it has to offer.

The makgadikgadi salt pans, the chobe national park, the mashatu game reserve, the Moremi game reserve and the Central Kalahari Game reserve….All are different ecosystems with different game viewing experiences, different vegetation, and even different cultural experiences…

I'm surprised you didn't include Kenya. How come?….

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The 10 Best Safari Lodges in Africa

The best safari lodges, according to Travel + Leisure readers, go beyond the traditional game drive with a wide range of cultural experiences.

best safari parks africa

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite safari lodges in Africa.

For Travel + Leisure readers, the best safari lodges in Africa aren't necessarily traditional safari properties — though plenty of those did make this list. Take, for example, Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge — a luxurious base for tracking mountain gorillas in the cloud forest of Rwanda. It seems that this once-in-a-lifetime experience elevated guests' memories beyond those of Big Five safaris: the word amazing appears repeatedly in Bisate reviews.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city hotel, resort, or safari lodge based on their locations and amenities.

This year's World's Best list reveals a growing interest in nontraditional safaris. In addition to Bisate at the top spot, there's another Rwandan lodge, One&Only Nyungwe House (No. 3), where the highlights are tracking chimpanzees, bird-watching, and visiting a tea plantation. "A gorgeous property in an incredible location," said one voter. And there's a second gorilla-tracking property on the list: Bwindi Lodge (No. 10), in Uganda. "How special to stay at Bwindi Lodge," wrote one guest, "and be so well cared for when setting out to see the magnificent gorillas."

At No. 2, Gibb's Farm is "the most unique lodge of any kind in East Africa," claimed one reader. Overlooking Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater, a protected area known for its incredible density of wildlife, the 17-cottage property offers activities around its coffee plantation and gardens, as well as bush walks from the property and wildlife drives in the crater. One guest loved that it was "fun for adults and kids." It's "an incredibly beautiful hotel," said another. "The food was amazing, and I loved the farm-to-table philosophy."

Classic safaris are still well represented, with guests favoring wildlife-rich areas such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, the Masai Mara reserve in Kenya, and the South African Kruger National Park. As well as wildlife sightings and luxurious rooms, it was the people who made an impact on T+L readers. Of andBeyond Bateleur Camp (No. 6), in Kenya's Masai Mara, one reader said that "the guides are truly spectacular," while another described "warm, welcoming service."

1. Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

On the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Bisate Lodge has six stylish and cozy villas, each overlooking the surrounding villages, forests, and misty mountain peaks. The main activity there is trekking into the national park to spend some time watching the mountain gorillas, but there are also opportunities to see golden monkeys, go hiking in the mountains, or visit the grave of renowned primatologist Dian Fossey. The staff are "amazing," said one reader, who added the food was "delicious," especially the homegrown vegetables. Another fan said staying at Bisate was "the absolute best...experience we have ever had. The food, service, and rooms were beyond amazing."

Score: 98.29

More information: wilderness-safaris.com

2 Gibb's Farm, Karatu, Tanzania

Score: 96.63

More information: gibbsfarm.com

3. One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda

Score: 96.36

More information: oneandonlyresorts.com

4. andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Score: 95.80

More information: andbeyond.com

5. Angama Mara, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Score: 94.95

More information: angama.com

6. andBeyond Bateleur Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Score: 94.88

7. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Score: 94.00

More information: fourseasons.com

8. andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park Area, South Africa

Score: 93.09

9. Lion Sands Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

Score: 92.47

More information: more.co.za

10. Bwindi Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Score: 89.68

More information: volcanoessafaris.com

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COMMENTS

  1. 8 of the best safari destinations in Africa

    Africa's best national parks: From Tanzania's protected Serengeti National Park, to Botswana's brutally wild Kalahari Desert, here's our pick of eight of the finest national parks Africa has to offer.

  2. Top 10 Best African Safari Parks and Destinations of 2024

    Top 11 to 50 African Safari Parks and Destinations. #11 Kidepo Valley National Park Uganda. 4.52 /5. Classic safaris, giraffe, cheetah, antelope species, four of the Big Five (no rhino) #12 Chobe National Park Botswana. 4.51 /5.

  3. The 19 Best Safaris in Africa in 2024

    7. Mala Mala Game Reserve. Peter Beesley/Shutterstock. As one of the best safaris in Africa, Mala Mala Game Reserve is one of the best places to see lions in their natural habitat. Mala Mala borders the Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa.

  4. The 7 Best Safari Parks In The World (Outside Africa!) ️

    Longleat Safari & Adventure Park, Wiltshire, UK. Whilst Africa will always be the home of the safari drive, the first drive-through safari park outside of Africa opened in 1966 at Longleat as a 100-acre reserve for 50 lions. Set within the grounds of the Longleat House stately home, the safari park has grown and is now home to dozens of African ...

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    7. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. In eastern Zambia, South Luangwa National Park plays host to huge concentrations of wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, lion, giraffe, hippo — over 450 species of bird and 60 species of mammal! South Luangwa is also arguably the best place in Africa to see leopards.

  7. The Top 10 Best African Safari Wildlife Parks To Visit in 2024

    2. The Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. The Serengeti is a rugged savanna full of rhinoceros and elephants, like many of the parks on this list. But what sets it apart is the sheer volume of animals that you will see. This park has been voted as the best African safari wildlife park in 2018.

  8. 13 of the best safaris in Africa

    6. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. South Luangwa's wildlife viewing is among the best in Africa, particularly for big cats and elephants. You can spot rare subspecies unique to the area ...

  9. Best Safari Destinations in Africa for 2024

    Tanzania. ©Hendrik Cornelissen/Unsplash. For African safari tours, Tanzania is always at the top when one thinks of best safari destinations in Africa. With sites such as Ngorongoro Crater, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tarangire National Park, and Serengeti National Park it isn't not hard to see why.

  10. The 10 Best African Safari Countries! (Top-Rated List)

    The definitive list of top-rated African safari countries. Based on more than 2000 reviews from industry experts and safari travelers! Includes best time to visit and climate info. ... Best Time March to May (Dry parks), June to September (Okavango, Chobe) High Season July to October; More About Botswana 316 Botswana Tours

  11. 10 Best Safari Parks in Africa You Must Visit

    7. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park isn't just one of the best safari parks in Africa when it comes to size - a massive 14,600 square kilometers. It's also one of the most diverse when it comes to wildlife encounters. There are 400 different species of bird alone, plus over 100 mammals.

  12. Top 10 best National Parks for a safari in Africa

    9. HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE. Bordering Botswana, Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest game park with a hugely varying scenery, ranging from the semi desert scrub on the edge of the Kalahari in the south, to forests, granite hills and valleys of mopane woodlands in the north. The national park is home to over 100 mammal species ...

  13. The Top 8 Wildlife Safari Parks In Africa

    1. Kruger National park. This is one of the largest wildlife reserves in Africa and is located in the northeastern parts of South Africa in the province of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The park occupies a 19,485 km square and is regarded as a world heritage site by UNESCO. The Kruger National Park is a beautiful wilderness that is home to the 'Big ...

  14. 8 Best National Parks In Africa For Wildlife Safaris: An ...

    Image credit: Paula French/ Shutterstock. Spread across 14,650 sq km in northwestern Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park stands as the country's largest national park.Notably, Hwange is home to Africa's largest population of endangered wild dogs, along with the formidable quartet of the big five — elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo.

  15. Where to go for your first safari in Africa

    Budgeting and costs for a safari in Botswana. Stays at isolated camps in the Okavango Delta start at roughly $650 per person, per night and can go up to an eye-watering $4000 a night. At approximately $300, Chobe National Park lodges are more affordable - so stretch out your days here to keep costs down.

  16. Top 10 Safari Parks in Africa

    Number 9 on the top 10 safari parks in Africa is Addo. Known for, as the name suggests, its elephants, the Addo is more than a convenient destination near South Africa's Garden Route.

  17. Luxury African Safari: Best Bucket List Safari Parks

    Take a trip to one of these national parks to up your chances of spotting the Big Five: 1. Kruger, South Africa 2. Chobe, Botswana 3. Etosha, Namibia 4. Serengeti, Tanzania 5. Masai Mara, Kenya. Do & Explore Explore The Heart Of Wilderness: The Best African Safari Parks.

  18. Four South African Parks in the Top 10 Best Safari Parks of Africa

    Lower Zambezi National Park Zambia. 4.40 /5. Canoe and classic safari, 4 of the Big 5 (no rhino), no giraffe. Ranks #21 of Africa's top 50 safari parks. Katavi National Park Tanzania. 4.35 /5. Classic safari, 4 of the Big 5 (no rhino), abundant wildlife in the dry season. Ranks #22 of Africa's top 50 safari parks.

  19. 12 Places to Go for the Best Safari in Africa

    Uganda is green mountains, gorgeous lakes and streams, and the source of the Nile, the world's longest river. This lush landscape creates a multitude of different habitats for wildlife, making Uganda easily one of the best safari destinations in Africa. Take a Nile cruise with the crocodiles, visit local tea and coffee plantations, chase ...

  20. The Best Safari In South Africa: An Expert Guide

    Best for: iconic safaris & exclusive reserves. Kruger is South Africa's most celebrated safari park, and deservedly so. Kruger and the surrounding private reserves are home to all of southern Africa's iconic mammal species, including the endangered African wild dog, its varied habitats support more than 500 bird species and many of the private reserves offer top quality specialised photo ...

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    Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia. For many city dwellers, the greatest luxury is a few days of complete silence, wide open landscapes, and dark night skies. You can find all that and more in ...

  22. The 9 Best Countries in Africa for a Safari in 2024

    While Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the most popular destinations on the African continent to see the Big 5 — lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo — many other African countries offer incredible safari experiences and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife sightings, assuming you're willing to think a bit outside the box and get off the beaten path.

  23. Best Safari Parks in Africa

    Here's a look at the best safari parks in Africa. Planning an African safari but don't know where to start? Here's a look at the best safari parks in Africa. ...

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    Crookes And Jackson/Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris. This year's World's Best list reveals a growing interest in nontraditional safaris. In addition to Bisate at the top spot, there's another ...

  25. 10+ Best Safari Parks in Kenya

    Tsavo West. One of the best safari destinations in Kenya is Tsavo West National Park. It can easily be combined with a trip to Tsavo East, which is just across the road. Both parks are located around a 3 hour drive from Mombasa, which could be a good option for a base if you plan on exploring Tsavo National Park.

  26. Shadows of Africa Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar on ...

    88 likes, 1 comments - shadowsofafrica on February 25, 2024: "The safari 漣煉 Embark on the ultimate African safari experience in Tanzania, where the ..." Shadows of Africa 🦁Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar on Instagram: "The safari 🐘🦒🦓 Embark on the ultimate African safari experience in Tanzania, where the wild is still truly wild.