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12 Top African Safari Tours

Cross this must-do activity off your bucket list.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 .

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This AWF Tanzania Family Safari offers the perfect blend of activities, sights and experiences to keep travelers of any age inspired, amazed and engaged. The design of this trip is intended to bring your family together while giving you room to experience the wonders of Africa together. See lions, giraffes, ostriches, elephants, warthogs, zebras, crocodiles, and more wildebeest than you can count as you explore Tanzania’s best wildlife viewing areas. And learn about important conservation issues as you witness AWF’s impact when visiting pivotal projects in the Serengeti and Manyara Ranch.

Tanzania Safari dates: July 1 - 10, 2023 Maximum participants: 10

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Craig R. Sholley

Craig R. Sholley's experiences with wildlife and conservation began in 1973 as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa. He has worked and traveled extensively since that time providing conservation expertise in a variety of world arenas. As an L.S.B. Leakey grant researcher in the late 1970s, Craig studied mountain gorillas at Rwanda’s celebrated Karisoke Research Centre with Dian Fossey. Returning to the U.S., he redirected his interests designing natural history educational programs and wildlife tours for the Baltimore Zoological Society. Concurrently, Craig led nature expeditions and photographed throughout Africa, South America, and Asia.

In late 1987, Craig returned to Africa full time to direct Rwanda's internationally known Mountain Gorilla Project. Turning the project over to the Rwandan government in early 1990, Craig continued in Rwanda acting as Scientific Advisor for the award-winning IMAX film, "Mountain Gorilla." Craig has served as a Senior Associate of the African Wildlife Foundation and on AWF’s Board of Trustees. He has also served on the Board of the Ecotourism Society. Throughout much of the ‘90s, Craig was Director of Conservation and Education for International Expeditions, an organization widely recognized for its ecotourism initiatives.

Craig returned to Rwanda in 1995 on assignment with the National Geographic Society surveying the conservation status of mountain gorillas in Rwanda, DRC, and Uganda in the aftermath of Rwanda's civil war. The findings of that trip are the basis of a 1995 article in the National Geographic Magazine on mountain gorilla conservation. Craig has worked full time with AWF for the last 18 years and presently serves as Senior Vice-President.

Carter Smith

Carter Smith moved to Kenya in 1994 to pursue her dream of a life in wildlife conservation in Africa, and she never looked back. Her early years in East Africa were spent living in the bush rehabilitating birds of prey while completing her graduate degree in Ecology on the Martial eagle. Following her graduate study, affiliated with Kenya Wildlife Service, National Museums of Kenya, and the University of Leicester, she went from eagles to elephants. She joined Save the Elephants and worked closely with Sir Iain Douglas-Hamilton as Donor Relations Officer. During this time, Carter became one of the first female licensed safari guides with the Kenya Safari Guide Association.

In 2005 Carter started her own safari venture and led private safaris throughout East Africa for 15 years. “I always feel privileged when someone asks me to create a safari for them. I have discovered that the real sense of success I receive is when guests return from their safari. I know that they will be profoundly affected. My favorite comment from a client was that it was not just a trip of a lifetime — it was a trip that changed her life. She had traveled the world, but said there was nothing like her safari experience.”

Carter joined African Wildlife Foundation in January 2019 to manage AWF Safaris and help the program reach and inspire a greater audience. She is thrilled to be continuing on her steadfast path of furthering African wildlife conservation.

Carter is the author of the children’s book "African Tea," which she wrote while living in the bush in Kenya.

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What people love about African Safaris

A bit late with the review... The trip was November 2019 and it was the best trip ever!!! Simon best guide, stunning places, welcoming locals and amazing experiences! the flight over the Okavango Delta is highly recommended.

My 6 day safari with Bon Voyage Safaris to Maasai Mara and Serengeti was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The professionalism, expertise, and passion displayed by the staff, coupled with the breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, made it an experience beyond compare. I highly recommend Bon Voyage Safaris to anyone seeking an unforgettable safari experience in East Africa.

Safari was a great time with Serengeti African Tours, The safari was wonderful, we slept in cabins and tent. Food was very delicious and our guide Kelvin was amazing he had alot of knowledge of wild animals and general knowledge... Highly recommend Serengeti African Tours

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"Such an amazing trip! We had a great time and enjoy the safari very much! Love our guide Chis, he is very knowable and well organized.

INTRO Travel is an expert in:

"The tour is a very complete experience. in both Soain and Portugal you cover the essentials of each city with the tour guides but also have time to explore on your own. In Morocco, the itinerary covered all the must dos (Marrakech, Fez and the dessert) with lots of other interesting destinations in between. The tour is very high paced, with sometimes late nights and early mornings, which allows you to make the most of each day and cover a lot. You also get to meet people from all around the world, with around 50 people in each group you’re part of and travel with. All in all, I considered it a wonderful experience

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• In-depth Cultural

"This tour exceeded our expectations. We were met and greeted at every point of the journey, everything run to clock work and there was no delays in pick ups. We covered an amazing amount of ground and the tour guides were extremely knowledgeable. Nothing was impossible, all requests were met and in fact on many occasions the tour guides / operations people on the ground went the extra mile without being asked. In regard to safety there was never an occasion we were in doubt, and in fact went out shopping on our own. We found the local people in hotels and in the public extremely friendly and respectful. Local vendors when told "No Thank you" they left you alone. the tour guides were a lot of fun and explained subject matter, culture and history brilliantly. They all are considered personal friends and would be all welcome in our home back in Melbourne Australia. We developed a wonderful relationship with truly caring and kind people.

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Wildlife safaris

Find the best wildlife safari in Africa for you

Whether you want to witness the Serengeti’s Great Migration, track rhino on foot or gently approach some of the world’s last mountain gorillas, use our expertise to find the best wildlife safari in Africa for you. However, there is such a variety of options – about 90% of our trips are wildlife focused – that making blanket recommendations for what we think are “the best wildlife safaris in Africa" would be impossible. Spotting a magnificent black-maned lion on a Kalahari dune, relaxing to watch elephants mud-bathing in the midday sun, or following a pack of wild dogs at high speed as they hunt – all have figured amongst our travellers’ best wildlife experiences in Africa. Choosing the wildlife safari which is best for your trip to Africa depends enormously on you – what you want to see, how you like to travel and what kind of experiences you want. If there's a specific species you really want to see, check out the interactive map on our Wildlife page . This summarises the tens of thousands of species sighting reports sent to us by hundreds of our travellers to give some very precise ideas about the best areas and camps to see wildlife across Africa, or get in contact to speak to a member of our team. Meanwhile we hope that the ideas below will offer inspiration. We’ve tried to highlight the strengths of the various countries so click below for our recommendations on some of the best camps and lodges for great wildlife experiences. These lists are far from exhaustive; many excellent camps aren’t included here – but you will find the crème de la crème of places which offer outstanding wildlife experiences, as well as some which excel for very specific species or activities.

Our top wildlife safaris

The thunder of a million wildebeest hoves crossing the Serengeti, meeting a mountain gorilla and walking with rhino. Get inspired for your safari to Africa.

Duiker Safari

10 days • 3 locations LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

US$8,060 - US$10,020 per person

Chongwe River Camp

Chongwe’s location near the foothills of the Zambezi escarpment allows sightings of species that you may not see elsewhere on your wildlife safari in Zambia. Such species include the Samango monkey ( Corcophithecus mitis ), and the crested guineafowl ( Guttera pucheroni ).

Kakuli Bushcamp

On a bend of the Luangwa River at the confluence of the Luwi River, where elephants regularly congregate, Kakuli Bushcamp is in an area with a high density of game and bird life. Combine this with great guiding, and the result a superb wildlife safari experience.

Mchenja Bushcamp

Zambia’s South Luangwa is one of Africa's top safari destinations, with high densities of wildlife; Sightings of lion and leopard are particularly common on night drives. On one of our drives from Mchenja Bushcamp during the dry season, we saw many antelope – including impala and puku – a slender mongoose, a genet and a bushbaby, before an exciting hour or more following a pride of three lion out hunting.

Bat-eared Fox Fly-in Safari

3 days • 1 location DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

US$2,470 - US$3,090 per person

Lake Manze Camp

A stay at Lake Manze allows you to feel close to the wildlife - a wide variety of game including elephant, impala, hippos and buffalos can be seen from your own tent, or you can go on a game drive or boat safari from here.

Dwarf Mongoose Fly-in Safari

6 days • 2 locations DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

US$4,450 - US$5,320 per person

Mdonya Old River Camp

You'll find all of the usual big game species in Ruaha, including elephant, large herds of buffalo, wildebeest, lion, leopard, cheetah and even wild dog. Ruaha also has a few species associated with the parks further north, including Grant's gazelle and lesser kudu.

Jackal Fly-in Safari

8 days • 2 locations DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

US$9,060 - US$12,080 per person

The wildlife in this area of Nyerere National Park is usually good, but can be a little elusive at times. There is a permanent population of lions and frequent sightings of more transient wild dogs. Among much other game, there’s usually an abundance of giraffe, wildebeest and the odd buffalo.

Ikuka Safari Camp

Ikuka is located in one of the best game-viewing areas in Ruaha, making it a great choice for wildlife safaris in Tanzania. The park is known for its particularly good numbers of lion and elephant and guests staying for several nights can expect some excellent wildlife sightings.

Topi Fly-in Safari

7 days • 2 locations DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

US$6,540 - US$6,870 per person

Nyerere National Park has a good population of wildlife throughout the year. There is always an abundance of giraffe and impala as well as a number of lion. The fortunate might see leopard, as well as wild dogs that occasionally move through the area around Siwandu.

Jongomero Camp

You'll find all of the usual big game species in Ruaha, including elephant, large herds of buffalo, wildebeest, lion, leopard, occasional cheetah and wild dog. Ruaha also has a few species associated with the parks further north, including Grant's gazelle and lesser kudu.

Boehm's Zebra Safari

7 days • 2 locations LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

US$7,130 - US$9,410 per person

Kaingo Camp

Kaingo is in an area of South Luangwa National Park with high densities of more common species, as well as endemics such as Crawshay’s zebra, Cookson’s wildebeest and Thornicroft giraffe, making this an excellent spot for wildlife safaris in Zambia.

Mwamba Bushcamp

The game hides at Mwamba camp are one of its main attractions, and they allow you to see some fantastic wildlife. The game-rich area and high-quality guides make this a great camp for wildlife safaris in Zambia.

Robin Pope Walking Safari

7 days • 3 locations LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

US$6,500 - US$7,870 per person

Nkwali camp has first-rate guides, most fully-qualified to lead walking safaris as well as 4WD safaris, and South Luangwa allows night drives, and some off-read driving. These factors make for a superb wildlife safari experience in one of Africa's best game areas.

On a wide bend of the Luangwa River, where elephants regularly cross, Nsefu is in an area with a high density of game and birdlife – but relatively few visitors. This, along with top-notch guides, results in excellent Zambian wildlife safaris.

Robin Pope mobile

Immersed in nature, this temporary mobile walking camp offers the ultimate in a truly remote safari – a time to connect with the bush and the wildlife in one of Africa’s top safari areas, by simply walking around with an expert guide and naturalist.

Azura Beach Holiday

6 days • 1 location VILANCULOS AIRPORT TO VILANCULOS AIRPORT

US$5,250 - US$6,880 per person

Azura Benguerra

Azura Benguerra offers some of the best marine wildlife encounters in Mozambique, be it diving and snorkelling with a multitude of fish, finding Dugong in the mainland's mangroves or getting up close with the largest fish in the sea, the whale shark.

Greater Bushbaby Safari

8 days • 2 locations LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

US$9,400 - US$12,260 per person

Chongwe River House

Chongwe River House comes with a private expert safari guide who is fully qualified to lead walking safaris, boat trips and 4WD safaris. Hence you can expect a first-class wildlife safari experience in one of the best areas of the Lower Zambezi Valley.

Luangwa Safari House

Luangwa Safari House comes with a private 4WD safari vehicle and an expert guide. With night drives and some off-road driving also allowed in the park, Luangwa Safari House offers a really superb wildlife safari experience in one of the best areas of the South Luangwa.

Kwandwe Self-drive Safari

3 days • 1 location PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT

US$2,750 - US$4,280 per person

From the family-friendly Ecca Lodge you can go on 4WD wildlife safaris and guided walks in the Kwandwe Game Reserve. You have a good chance of seeing rhino, as well as lion and cheetah. Even small children can participate in spoor tracking or drives to see hazard-free wildlife.

Best camps & lodges for Wildlife safaris in Africa

Okaukuejo Camp

Okaukuejo Camp's large permanent waterhole can attract vast numbers of animals coming to quench their thirst. Black rhinos, zebras, lions and herds of elephant are frequent visitors in the evenings, and guests have stunning opportunities to observe them at close range.

Okonjima Plains Camp

Visitors at Okonjima can usually view big cats at much closer quarters than is possible in most national parks. With most animals on the reserve habituated to humans, this is a good place to end a wildlife safari in Namibia.

Tafika’s excellent guides lead numerous activities, allowing multiple perspectives during a wildlife safari in Zambia. The camp is in the Nsefu Sector of South Luangwa National Park, which is an excellent area for big game including elephant, buffalo, leopard and occasionally wild dog.

Impala Camp

Nyerere National Park is an excellent game reserve with great populations of big game from elephants and buffalo to lion, leopard and a good population of wild dogs.

Lagoon Camp

Lagoon Camp excels at sightings of the large predators, particularly wild dog, lion and cheetah, making it a good addition to a wildlife safari in Botswana. The best time for dogs is in June/July, the denning season, or within two or three months of that, when the pups are too young to move far.

Okonjima Bush Camp

Visitors at Okonjima can usually have the chance to view big cats at much closer quarters than is possible in most national parks. With most of the animals habituated to humans, this is a good place to end a wildlife safari in Namibia..

If you’re looking for a wildlife safari in Botswana that focuses on predators, look no further. Kwara’s game and environments are varied, with plenty of tsessebe, impala, zebra, red lechwe, reedbuck, kudu, giraffe, buffalo and elephant – as well as the big cats and wild dogs.

Ongava Lodge

Ongava Lodge offers excellent game-viewing opportunities, both within the Ongava Reserve and the neighbouring Etosha National Park. Added bonuses include possibly tracking white rhino on foot and night drives in the reserve, neither of which is allowed in Etosha.

Ongava Tented Camp

Within the Ongava Reserve, and with Etosha National Park on the doorstep, Ongava Tented Camp offers wonderful wildlife viewing including the opportunity to see black and white rhino, along with elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard and a plethora of plains game.

Mowani Mountain Camp

Mowani Mountain Camp offers guided nature drives into the dry river beds in this area. The game isn’t dense here, but you’ll probably see a good sprinkling of antelope and birds – and have a fairly good chance of spotting the area’s desert-adapted elephants.

Little Vumbura

Little Vumbura offers some of the best wildlife safaris in Botswana. It's in one of the Okavango's prime game areas, with a real depth and range to the wildlife. In our last few visits here, we have had good sightings of lion, leopard, and wild dog – as well as sable antelope.

Mwagusi Safari Camp

Ruaha has all the usual big game – and the team at Mwagusi take a very enthusiastic approach to finding it for you. There's a tremendous depth of experience at this small, owner-run camp, making it a great choice for wildlife safaris in Tanzania if you're passionate about game-viewing!

The Emakoko

Anton Childs, co-owner of The Emakoko is one of Kenya’s most experienced herpetologists and will happily take guests on escorted reptile and amphibian walks around the lodge. We saw a young python inching across the earth road one evening, just outside the lodge.

Desert Rhino Camp

Desert Rhino Camp is one of the best places in Africa to see black rhino roaming free, and to track them on foot, so it's a great place for a wildlife safari in Namibia if your particular focus is on rhino.

The desert-adapted elephant, found only in the north-west of Namibia, can be spotted on game drives from Camp Kipwe, although sometimes the distances can be quite long.

Kwihala Camp

Ruaha is an excellent reserve with a rather wild feel to it, which makes Kwihala a great option for wildlife safaris in Tanzania. You can find all the usual big game, including large herds of elephant and buffalo. Ruaha also has unusually high numbers of lion and several endemic species, including the Ruaha hornbill.

Onguma Tented Camp

With its location on the private Onguma Reserve, and Etosha National Park on its doorstep, Onguma Tented Camp is a fantastic base from which to explore these wildlife-rich areas on any safari in Namibia.

Chiawa Camp

The Lower Zambezi is one of the best parks for wildlife safaris in Zambia, and Chiawa is one of very few camps inside the park. Top-notch guides add to the understanding and enjoyment of a safari, and red-filtered spotlights on night drives create less disruption to the wildlife.

Camp Hwange

All the guides at Camp Hwange are all experienced walking guides with an exciting mix of adventurous spirit and respect for animals and the bush. It's an excellent camp for approaching large animals on foot, and for more general walking safaris in Zimbabwe.

Namutoni Camp

Overlooks the flood-lit King Nehale waterhole, Namutoni gives visitors the opportunity to observe animals and birds at close range. The camp's main attracting are self-drive forays around the park. The Fisher's Pan nearby is often used as the breeding site for flamingoes.

Chitabe Lediba

The Chitabe area is renowned for its wild dog population, which has formed the subject of a book by the camp’s owners. Also worth noting are regular sightings of lion, leopard and even the odd cheetah, along with tsessebe, blue wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, reedbuck and steenbok.

Onguma Bush Camp

Onguma Bush Camp is in a superb location for venturing into the wildlife rich Etosha National Park and is especially good for those travelling with children who are well catered for here.

Mundulea Reserve

Mundulea’s wildlife diversity includes large herds of eland as well as roan, tsessebe, zebra, giraffe and black-faced impala, though its walking-only policy gives a new dimension to a Namibian safari. It's also a centre for research into Namibia's endemic subspecies.

Sand Rivers Camp

Nyerere National Park and the area around Sand Rivers has an abundance of game, especially during the dryer months when game is drawn to the river for water. However throughout the year you can expect to see good numbers of giraffe, elephant and maybe even lions and wild dog.

Kapani Lodge

Kapani is close to the centre of South Luangwa – around Mfuwe Lagoon – which means very relaxed big game indeed, and usually some excellent sightings. 4WD safaris are organised both day and night, but walking safaris can also be requested. The guiding here is of a high standard.

Sandibe Safari Lodge

Sandibe is situated in an excellent area for consistent big-game viewing. A variety of predators are regularly seen, alongside a good number of plains game. This is definitely a camp to consider for those wanting good year-round game viewing.

Luangwa River Camp

South Luangwa is one of Africa’s top big-game destinations, and high densities of wildlife make Luangwa River Camp a good option for wildlife safaris in Zambia. Night drives make sightings of lion and leopard particularly common.

Olakira Camp

Olakira Camp is a semi-permanent tented camp that moves twice a year, in order to optimise its location for the Serengeti’s wildebeest migration. With careful planning (talk to us about this), it can be the perfect base from which to witness one of nature's greatest spectacles.

Chitabe Camp

The Chitabe concession has regular lion and leopard sightings but reasonably constant wild dog sightings over the last few years have really been the highlight. There are also good levels of plains game here.

Kicheche Valley

This is a very game-rich area, with excellent big-cat viewing (resident leopards near camp), a major elephant corridor in the northwest of the conservancy and the biggest giraffe population in the Mara. Moreover, there are very few other tourist vehicles using the conservancy.

Camp Kalahari

For a wildlife safari in Botswana, Camp Kalahari is pretty unusual. Visiting one of the families of habituated meerkats is an exceptional experience. Lion, brown hyena and other predators frequent this area, and during the rainy season, zebra can sometimes be seen here in their thousands, along with many wildebeest.

Nomad Serengeti Camp

Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp is a mobile camp that moves several times a year to follow Tanzania’s wildebeest migration. Though the movements of the migration can be unpredictable, the camp tries hard to predict where the main herds will be.

Greystoke Mahale

Simply the best place for watching chimps and other primates in the forests of central Africa.

Mana Pools is one of Africa's top wildlife destinations. Vundu Camp has some of the best guides in the park so come here on your Zimbabwe safari for one of the best wildlife experiences going!

Namiri Plains Camp

Namiri Plains is in a remote part of the central-eastern Serengeti, and is an excellent camp from which to see great numbers of big cats, specifically cheetah and lion.

Sausage Tree Camp

Sausage Tree Camp is located in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park itself – in an area considered to be one of the most productive in the park for wildlife viewing. The location is complemented by superb guides, making this one of the best camps for a Zambian wildlife safari.

Onguma Camp Kala

Within easy access of Etosha National Park, the small, intimate Onguma Camp Kala is a lovely place to stay for a good safari experience.

Onguma The Fort

Onguma The Fort is blessed with a prime location on the Onguma Private Reserve overlooking Fischer’s Pan, and is adjacent to the wildlife rich Etosha National Park, so game viewing from here is of the highest order.

Hoanib Skeleton Camp

Guided drives along the Hoanib riverbed and the floodplains beyond offer an intriguing prospect for a wildlife safari in Namibia. Visitors to Hoanib Camp have a pretty decent chance of spotting the area’s desert-adapted elephants, as well as Cape fur seals by the coast.

Amalinda Lodge

The Matobo Hills is an excellent and relatively easy place to track white rhino on foot, making it very appealing for a wildlife safari in Zimbabwe. The open terrain and experienced guides give guests at Amalinda a good chance to find and then approach these giants.

Lamai Serengeti

Lamai Serengeti is in a great location for the wildebeest migration, which is typically from around July to October in this area. Outside of these months, it still offers great game viewing, with the bonus of very few people!

Tubu Tree Camp

Tubu Tree Camp has access to both land- and water-based activities, so offers the biggest diversity of game viewing within the Jao concession. There are good numbers of elephant and other plains game on the island, plus hippo in the deeper channels nearby.

Twee Rivieren

The Kgalagadi gets relatively few visitors, making it perfect for those who want to avoid the masses. Springbok, gemsbok, blue wildebeest, eland and red hartebeest can be found here, whilst meerkats, giraffe, leopards, and black-maned lions are also regularly seen.

Lemala Ngorongoro

As Lemala Ngorongoro is inside the park gate to the Ngorongoro Crater, you can be among the first visitors of the day on the crater floor – one of Africa's greatest wildlife sanctuaries and a superb location for a wildlife safari in Tanzania.

Somalisa Camp

Somalisa is in an area rich in wildlife, with healthy populations of elephant, buffalo and lion. These and other animals can be seen on walks and drives, as well as at the waterholes in front of camp, making for a varied wildlife safari in Zimbabwe.

Palmwag Lodge

Palmwag is one of the last wilderness areas in the world outside of a national park. You can see a variety of game including, with a bit of luck, free-roaming black rhino, desert-adapted elephant and lion, all in the most spectacular landscape far off the normal tourist routes.

Elephant Bedroom

Elephant Bedroom is located in the heart of Samburu National Reserve, which is famed for interesting northern and desert species that include the gerenuk, oryx and Grevy’s zebra.

Savute Safari Lodge

Savute Safari Lodge enjoys a prime location directly on the Savute Channel, which is absolutely pumping with elephant, giraffe, hyena and other game during the dry season – ideal for a wildlife safari in Botswana. Wildlife also concentrates at the camp’s two pumped waterholes.

Ocean Eleven

Hermanus is one of the best places in the world to watch whales, either from the shore or by boat. The southern right whale can usually be seen between June and November. Humpback whales, African penguins, dolphins, great white sharks and Cape fur seals can also be viewed here.

Laikipia Wilderness

Laikipia Wilderness and its owner-manager Steve Carey are closely associated with wild dog tracking, using radio-tracking equipment. Two dog packs den in this area and sightings of cubs and hunts are not uncommon. The area has a very dense dik-dik population, that supports not only the wild dogs but some of the higherst densities of leopards anywhere in Africa. The camp's local black leopards have become a famous draw.

Chada camp is a very serious safari camp in one of Africa's most remote national parks. It's particularly noted for its sense of wilderness, and for large herds of buffalo hunted by big prides of lion!

Beho Beho Tree-house

Fly-camping always gets you closer to the wildlife, and you won't find better guides with whom to explore it than at Beho Beho.

Khwai Lediba

With access to both the Khwai Community Concession and Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai Tented Camp is arguably in one of Botswana's greatest wildlife areas (though it can get busy). Sightings are good year round, with lion, leopard and wild dog seen regularly, as well as elephant and many other species.

Xakanaxa Camp is right in the middle of the Xakanaxa area of the Moremi Game Reserve, one of the best areas for wildlife safaris in Botswana. With excellent densities of game and birdlife, the only drawback is that you will often have to share game sightings with other vehicles.

Hwange Bush Camp

With a scattering of loop roads, plenty of wildlife, top guiding and few visitors, Hwange Bush Camp has much to offer on a wildlife safari in Zimbabwe, both from a 4WD vehicle and on foot.

Sabyinyo Silverback

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is just outside the Volcanoes National Park and makes a great base for trekking to see the world-famous gorillas in Rwanda, without sacrificing creature comforts.

Rekero was the camp where Jackson Looseyia (of Big Cat Diary fame) first earned his spurs as a spotter and outstanding guide. More recently its first-class lion, leopard and cheetah viewing made it ideal as a base for much of the filming of Disney's African Cats documentary.

Great Fish River Lodge

Great Fish River Lodge is a comfortable, elegant base from where to explore the Kwandwe Reserve, which hosts a good range of large mammals including the famous ‘big five’. Guiding standards are very high in Kwandwe, partly thanks to the reserve’s own training programmes.

The Majete Reserve now boasts the Big Five, with lion, leopard and buffalo as well as elephant, zebra, sable, waterbuck and eland. Currently they have around 11 black rhino and cheetah are also occasionally seen.

Jack's Camp

Although wildlife densities at Jack's Camp are generally low, visitors can get exceptionally close to habituated meerkats – which for many is one of the best safari experiences in Botswana. This, along with the zebra and wildebeest migration and glimpses of black-maned lion, brown hyena and other desert species, makes the wildlife here pretty special.

Little Ongava

Within the Ongava Reserve, and with Etosha National Park on the doorstep, Ongava Tented Camp offers wonderful wildlife viewing including the opportunity to see black and white rhino, elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard and a plethora of plains game.

Ichingo Chobe Lodge

Ichingo's motor-boat trips along the Chobe and Zambezi rivers are excellent for birdlife and general river-based wildlife – and relaxed big game is also often seen from the waterfront of Chobe National Park.

Little Makalolo Camp

The waterhole in front of Little Makalolo is a real focus for game, including elephants for much of the day and night. Makalolo's private area within Hwange has strong populations of big game, too, with lion and leopard seen regularly, and cheetah – although scarce – also present.

Ubuntu Camp

Ubuntu moves throughout the year roughly following the movements of the wildebeest migration, therefore at most time of year this should be an excellent base to catch site of this phenomenon.

Chobe Under Canvas

During the dry season, increasingly high densities of wildlife are drawn to the Chobe River's permanent waters, making Chobe Under Canvas a good choice for wildlife safaris in Botswana. By September/October the numbers of elephant are astounding.

Lewa Safari Camp

Lewa Conservancy stands out for having 10% of Kenya’s black rhino population, plus a healthy number of white rhinos, and a very high population of the finely marked Grevy’s zebra – and a scattering of other big game.

Nyungwe House

The major attraction in Nyungwe Forest National Park are the primates. Here you can see chimpanzees, L'Hoest's monkey, grey managabe, amongst others. There are also over 275 different species of birds and 75 different species of mammals in these lush surroundings.

During the dry season, the Mopane Tongue area of the Moremi Game Reserve has some of the densest game viewing in Botswana that we have seen. Big cats, such as leopard and lion, are common, and elephant, hippo and giraffe are prolific.

Mapula Lodge

As part of a wildlife safari in Botswana, Mapula Lodge offers plenty of plains game, including zebra, buffalo, lechwe and giraffe, as well as elephant, and predators such as lion, leopard and wild dogs.

Busanga Bushcamp

The small Busanga Bushcamp stands beside the amazing Busanga Plains and is one of the only area in Zambia where cheetah are regularly seen. The wildlife here includes unusual species such as serval, oribi, Lichtenstein's hartebeest and Defassa waterbuck.

Potato Bush Camp

Potato Bush is one of the few camps in the game-rich Lower Zambezi National Park itself. This location, combined with excellent guides and a variety of activities, makes Potato Bush one of the best camps for a wildlife safari in Zambia.

Duba Plains Camp

Duba Plains is famous for its lion and buffalo interaction, which can be very exciting to say the least! Staying a few nights here will give you the best chance of seeing this spectacle, but note that it can never be guaranteed. General game viewing here is also good.

Azura at Quilalea

Home to a spectacular array of marine wildlife the waters around Azure Quilalea offer some of the best diving in Mozambique. Furthermore, humpback's visit these warm, sheltered waters to raise their young, providing superb whale watching (Jul-Nov).

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is well placed to experience the diversity of animals within Lake Manyara National Park, and the possibility of night drives here makes it one of our top tips for an extensive and relatively exclusive wildlife safari in Tanzania.

Okonjima Villa

The exclusive Okonjima Villa has the added bonus of a location within the main reserve. For a great end to a safari in Namibia, keep watch at the waterhole, and expect to be able to view big cats at close quarters.

Mata Mata Rest Camp

These days the number of visitors to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is increasing, especially from South Africa. However, they are still relatively low, especially in comparison to places like Kruger – making it a fantastic place for game viewing without the crowds.

Duba Explorers Camp

Intimate and elegant, Duba Explorers Camp promises a firm safari focus in a remote corner of the Okavango, led by a team who value the highest guiding and hosting standards.

Ta Shebube Rooiputs

Ta Shebube Rooiputs' proximity to the Nossob’s dry riverbed offers arguably some of the best wildlife safaris in South Africa. Expect dry-country antelope and predators like black-maned Kalahari lion, leopard, wildcat and cheetah – for which the park is particularly well known.

Chobe Game Lodge

The Chobe River is a magnet for elephant and buffalo during the dry season. From its location within Chobe National Park, Chobe Game Lodge offers the opportunity to steal a march on the crowds and to explore quiet sections of the river during a wildlife safari in Botswana.

Ndutu Safari Lodge

Ndutu Safari Lodge is a great base for wildlife safaris in Tanzania. It is ideally located for the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti, especially during the wildebeest migration and the northern side of the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area.

Garden Lodge

Though not the most obvious place for a wildlife safari in South Africa, in season Grootbos is a superb base for observing southern right whales from the shore as well as from boats. You may also spot dolphins, great white sharks, Cape fur seals and African penguins.

Shumba Camp

Shumba stands in the middle of the vast Busanga Plains, which is one of the only area in Zambia where cheetah are regularly seen. The wildlife here includes unusual species such as serval, oribi, Lichtenstein's hartebeest and Defassa waterbuck.

Anabezi Luxury Camp

Anabezi is in an area with one of the highest densities of game and birdlife in the Lower Zambezi, making it a great spot for wildlife safaris in Zambia. Wildlife viewing during activities and from camp are both excellent.

Sand Rivers fly-camp

Nyerere National Park is an excellent game reserve, and these walks offer a great chance to explore - and covering the ground on foot, and fly-camping out, is a superb way to really experience Nyerere National Park.

Tangulia Mara

Being owned and managed by the former BBC Big Cat Diary presenter, Jackson Looseiya, gives Tangulia extra cachet to add to a very good location which seems to dominate this wildlife-rich corner of the Mara ecosystem.

At the heart of a vast protected area, Mombo is one of the very best areas for wildlife safaris in the Okavango Delta, and indeed in Africa. Its animal densities are high and its landscapes are very open, which provides for some world-class game viewing.

Ruaha River Lodge

You'll find most of the East African megafauna in Ruaha, including elephant, large herds of buffalo, wildebeest, lion, leopard, cheetah and even wild dog. Ruaha also has a few species associated with the parks further north, including Grant's gazelle and lesser kudu.

Klein's Camp

It is possible to go on night game-drives and day bush walks from Klein's. The lodge is also on the route for the Serengeti's great migration and the best time to see this in the Klein's area is generally between mid-October and end-November.

Robin's House

Robin's House comes with a private 4WD and an expert guide, fully-qualified to lead walking safaris as well as 4WD safaris – and the park rules allow night drives and some off-read driving. Hence Robin's House offers a really superb wildlife safari experience.

Ta Shebube Polentswa

The over 60 mammal species reported in the KTP include good populations of predators and antelope. Spotlit night game drives to the private concession’s waterhole might allow you to see elusive nocturnal species like leopard or aardvark.

Shoebill Island Camp

The Bangweulu area has not only super birdlife, but some excellent plains game - including over 50,000 beautiful and endemic black lechwe, often seen in herds of thousands, oribi, tsessebe and sitatunga. Buffalo herds can be seen grazing, side striped jackal and hyena roam the plains, and in 2020, cheetah were reintroduced to the region after a 100 year absence, and tracking these fast cats is now a terrific activity for visitors.

Grumeti River Camp

A short drive from Grumeti River Camp, is a patch of riverine woodland where a few troops of the shy and beautiful black-and-white colobus monkeys reside. Not only are they striking but they are interesting in that, unlike other monkeys, they do not have thumbs.

Edo's Camp is one of the only places in Botswana where you can see rhino at an economical price. The conservancy is home to 6 white rhino and the population is growing. The rhino can be seen whilst on a 4WD safari drive or tracked on foot during a guided walk.

Chief's Camp

Renowned as one of Botswana's premier game-viewing destinations, Chief's Island boasts a wide variety of wildlife – including the country's few rhino (although these are rarely seen).

Porini Lion Camp

Open-sided 4x4 safari vehicles and well-qualified guides are the standout features of game drives at Porini Lion Camp, and you rarely see other vehicles. Night drives are also popular and they use a red light to avoid causing stress to the wildlife.

Forest Lodge

Grootbos has its own water-based ‘Big 5’ which can be observed either by boat or from the shore. You may see African penguins, dolphins, Cape fur seals, right southern whales and even great white sharks.

Kuthengo Camp

Kuthengo Camp is located on the banks of the wide Shire River in the Liwonde National Park and is home numerous elephant, hippo and crcodiles. On land see waterbuck, reedbuck and sable. Recent translocations means that lion and cheetah are also present.

Perched on the cliff top overlooking Walker Bay in Hermanus, where southern right whales come to breed between July and October, The Marine is the perfect base for whale watching in South Africa.

Okonjima Bush Suite

Visitors on a Namibia wildlife safari at Okonjima Bush Suite have the opportunity to find out about the work of AfriCat, and will have a private guide to see at close quarters the big cats they fight to protect.

Overlooking a waterhole in a private reserve, Skybeds is a superb place for a wildlife safari in Botswana. Watching wildlife from on high – even from your bed – or at eye-level from a sunken hide for a wholly different perspective makes this a special place to stay.

Little Mombo

The Mombo area of Moremi is probably the best place for wildlife safaris in Botswana. It has excellent populations of the big predators, herds of buffalo and elephant, both white and black rhino, plenty of spotted hyena, and a very wide range of plains game.

Karoo Lodge

Samara doesn’t have the highest game densities for a wildlife safari in South Africa. However, Samara does have a high density of aardvarks – giving this reserve an enviable record for sightings of these very elusive, nocturnal mammals.

River Bend Lodge

At River Bend you can choose between wildlife safaris in the lodge’s private concession, tailored to guests’ interests and schedules, and self-drives in South Africa’s Addo Park. This has a high density of elephants and many kudu, warthog, Burchell’s zebra and eland.

Offbeat Ndoto

At Offbeat Ndoto in the Mara North Conservancy, wildlife safaris in Kenya are exceptionally personal. Discover the famed big cats of the Mara on day and night drives and safari walks, with no more than four people to a vehicle.

Sala's Camp

Sala’s Camp is one of the most southerly camps in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, making it the first to see the migrating herds heading north from the Serengeti. The surrounding open plains make this an ideal spot from which to view this great spectacle.

Kaza Safari Lodge

The motor-boat trips along the Chobe and Zambezi rivers are excellent for seeing wildlife. On our last visit here, when we took a boat trip along the Chobe Riverfront, we spotted lion, sable, buffalo, elephant, puku, giraffe, elephant and warthog!

Cascade Island Lodge

Cascade's motor-boat trips along the Chobe and Zambezi rivers are excellent for birdlife, and spotting hippos and crocodiles. Relaxed big game from herds of elephants to massive congregations of buffalo are also often seen – especially during Botswana's dry season .

Somalisa Acacia

Somalisa Acacia is in a wildlife rich area, with healthy populations of elephant, buffalo and lion. These and other species can be seen on walks and drives, as well as at the waterhole in front of camp, making for a varied wildlife safari in Zimbabwe.

Gorah Elephant Camp

The luxurious tented Gorah Camp in South Africa’s Eastern Cape is ideally located for watching elephants: directly opposite a waterhole. In the adjacent Addo National Park you can go on guided 4WD wildlife safaris or self-drive through the wildlife area.

Addo Main Camp

Addo Main Camp offers both guided 4WD safaris and a self-drive base. Its biggest attraction are the park’s very relaxed elephants, whilst other game includes endless zebra, kudu and warthog. It’s good, but don’t expect the most game-rich wildlife safari in South Africa.

Mbalageti Lodge

Mbalageti is great place to stay between May and July, when the great wildebeest and zebra migration is passing through this area of the Serengeti. It's then a short drive to see the game crossing the often-dry Mbalagati and Grumeti rivers.

Migration Camp

Serengeti Migration Camp is tucked into a rocky outcrop in the northern Serengeti near to the Lobo area. The immediate landscape is really interesting surrounded by kopjes and the Grumeti River.

Singita Mara River

Singita Mara River Tented Camp is perfectly located to view wildebeest crossing the Mara River in July, August and September. Often guests won’t even need to leave camp to see some of the action!

Chelinda Lodge

Chelinda Lodge, on the remote Nyika Plateau, is a lovely spot to view plains game such as eland, roan, zebra, reedbuck and bushbuck. You may also see warthog, spotted hyena and side striped jackal and the occasional leopard. Nyika is also home to around 400 different bird species.

Molopo Lodge

The Kgalagadi NP is inhabited by a large variety of antelope including hartebeest, gemsbok and eland. Wildebeest, lion and African wild cat can be found and if you are lucky leopard, brown and spotted hyena. This is also a good place to see the endearing meerkat.

Faru Faru Lodge

Wildlife around Faru Faru is good throughout the year, with plenty of resident game. The lodge is also on the migratory route for the thousands of animals that make their way north across the Serenegti during June – August. The water hole also attracts game in view of the lodge.

Abu Camp is renowned for its Abu elephant herd, which used to be an habituated herd but now mingles with other wild elephants.

Sabora Tented Camp

Sabora Tented Camp sits within Singita Grumeti Reserve, a private concession to the west of the Serengeti. This safari area is quiet and remote so you won't see many other vehicles here, even from July to August – when it throngs with wildebeest as the migration passes through.

Okavango Explorers

Located in a good game area that’s exceedingly wild, with wild dogs and other large predators known to hunt in the area and elephants congregating in large numbers during the dry season.

Camp Fig Tree

At Camp Fig Tree in South Africa, choose between self-driving into Addo, guided 4WD wildlife safaris to the park, or walks on the camp’s private concession. The wildlife on the concession is limited, but the vegetation is lovely.

Uplands Homestead

South Africa’s Kwandwe Reserve has good wildlife densities and excellent guiding. Here the historic Uplands Homestead is a private home which now includes modern amenities. A private 4WD and safari guide enables wildlife safaris to be tailored to your wishes.

Leylandsdrift Camp

The Hoarusib River valley, in which Leylandsdrift Camp is situated, is a great place to track desert-adapted elephant. The vegetation and natural springs in the area act as magnets for these wonderful animals, as well as other desert dwelling species.

Located in the northern Serengeti, Mara Mara is in one of Tanzania’s best wildlife areas. You’ll see plenty of big cats and antelope throughout the year, and between July and October the camp is ideally located for the wildebeest migration.

Kwitonda Lodge

Located on the border of Volcanoes National Park, Kwitonda is a great base for trekking on a wildlife safari to see Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.

Kirawira Camp

Between May and July, the Western Corridor teems with the great wildebeest migration that is heading north across the Serengeti plains and the Grumeti River; Kirawira Camp is then a good base for exploring. At other times of year, there is some resident game in the area.

Melton Manor

At the private villa Melton Manor in South Africa you can tailor your wildlife safaris completely around your interests, as it comes fully staffed, including a private guide, and with a 4WD vehicle. Kwandwe Game Reserve is notable for high-quality guiding and large mammals.

Chelinda Camp

Chelinda Camp, on the remote Nyika Plateau, is a lovely spot to view plains game such as eland, roan, zebra, reedbuck and bushbuck. You may also see warthog, spotted hyena and side striped jackal and the occasional leopard. Nyika is also home to around 400 different bird species.

Qorokwe Camp

Situated in a reliably good concession on the south-eastern side of the Okavango Delta, Qorokwe is in one of Botswana’s great wildlife-viewing destinations, particularly in the dry season between July and October when the grasses are lower.

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17 unforgettable African safaris

Set off into the wild and see the world like never before with this guide to the best experiences in 11 countries.

Chobe National Park in Botswana holds one of Africa’s largest elephant populations.

What images come to mind when you hear the words “African safari”? Sitting in the bush on a moonlit night, so close to a lion that you can feel the rumble of its roar in your chest?

Many travelers might conjure up visions of tented camps, gourmet meals under a baobab tree, game drives through golden savanna, and sundowners at the end of the day. But safaris can also involve self-guided rental cars , game walks, and fly-fishing. Safaris can be as varied as the continent of Africa itself.

One recent trend: expeditions that enlist travelers in the fight to save endangered wildlife. Tourists make a difference by joining rhino or lion conservationists at work in South Africa or accompanying researchers working on a chimpanzee habituation project in Kibale National Park in Uganda . ( Read about the dark truth behind wildlife tourism. )

Three zebras line a waterhole in South Africa's Kruger National Park.

No matter where you go and what type of safari you choose, timing is key. Once you’ve narrowed your options, look into the best time to visit. South Africa’s summer (December through February), for example, is prime safari season in that region. You’ll still see wildlife if you go during South Africa’s winter (June through August), but pack a jacket, as temperatures can be chilly, especially before the sun rises.

Set off into the wild and see the world like never before with our guide to top safari experiences in 11 African countries.

Spot animals in these natural wonders.

South Africa

Kruger National Park: South Africa ’s largest game reserve, Kruger National Park makes a perfect home base for self-guided and first-time safaris. Stay in one of the park’s fenced camps, such as the Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp on the northern bank of the Crocodile River. Head into the bush early to explore the Southern Circle, famous for its competing lion prides and their varied hunting practices. Don’t miss the nearby hippo pool, but be sure to stay in your car outside of the camp. ( Take a solo safari through South Africa’s wild grasslands. )

Hazyview: Not far from Kruger’s southwestern Phabeni Gate, Hazyview is a family-friendly hub for horseback safaris, zip-lining, safari golf, and trout fishing. Check in to one of the lodges, such as Hippo Hollow Country Estate , and then head out into the Kruger before sunrise on a self-guided game drive to scout lions and white rhinos. Break for lunch in the town of Skukuza.

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve: The rugged Timbavati is one of the private nature reserves that make up the greater Kruger area. Guests can choose from eight lodges there. An upscale chalet at fence-free Simbavati Safari Lodges , for example, is perfect for families. Wake up early for game drives, perhaps to search for African wild dogs . Mid-morning, kids head into the bush for a scavenger hunt with a guide.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve: Animals aren’t the only sights to track on safari. In South Africa’s Western Cape region, wildflowers provide the dazzle. The two lodges at Grootbos , part of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World , sit amid the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms, home to some 800 plant species. Watch for sharks and southern right whales from your suite’s deck. ( See the world’s best places for flowers. )

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, located in South Africa’s Western Cape, offers a "flower safari" to guests.

Hlane Royal National Park: Head to Swaziland , a country landlocked between South Africa and Mozambique , to see Hlane ’s fiercely protected rhinos and marabou storks. Stay in one of the park’s two lodges, Ndlovu Camp or Bhubesi, and enjoy self-guided drives on the safe game-viewing roads that crisscross the park’s flat terrain. Spot lions, hyenas, giraffes, and vulturess, then picnic at the Mahlindza water hole.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve: Black-maned Kalahari lions roam this reserve in central Botswana . Stay just north of the reserve at Deception Valley Lodge , where you can watch magical sunsets dip into the horizon from the deck of your chalet.

Chobe National Park: To the north of Central Kalahari, Chobe National Park is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations. And Chobe Game Lodge boasts the only all-female safari guide team in Africa. ( Meet the all-female anti-poaching unit saving rhinos and other wildlife. )

Elephants enjoy a sunny day in Botswana’s Chobe National Park.

Hwange National Park: All aboard the Elephant Express to tour the Ngamo Forest Area and Hwange National Park, known for its pachyderms and 400-plus species of birds. The two-hour safari rail trip is easily accessible to Imvelo Safari Lodges’ Bomani Tented Lodge or Camelthorn Lodge . Check out the game-viewing underground hide at nearby Stoffie’s Pan. North from Hwange, a four-hour drive or a one-hour flight gets you to regal Victoria Falls, a thundering natural wonder you can hear long before you first catch sight of it.

Mana Pools National Park: Try a river-based safari in a kayak at this remote park. The best time to go may be in April, when large herds of elephants, buffalo, kudu, and the elusive eland return to the four (or mana in the local language) large permanent pools along the south bank of the Zambezi River after the rainy season. Accommodations in the park include lodges, thatched chalets, and campsites.

Namib Desert: A safari here means brilliant stargazing, silky sand, age-old views, and resilient desert animals such as oryx, bat-eared foxes, Burchell’s zebras, and loads of lizards. Stay at & Beyond’s Sossusvlei Desert Lodge , located at the desert’s eastern edge. Explore the Namib dunes on a quad bike, and hike a craggy slope to see ancient rock paintings in a nearby cave, making sure to pack water, a hat, and sunscreen. ( See eerie photos of a Namibian ghost town. )

Gorongosa National Park: Located in central Mozambique , Gorongosa has been brought back to life after suffering the devastations of many years of civil conflict. Today, when you visit, you become a part of one of Africa’s most successful wildlife restoration stories. Home to floodplains and preserved palm forests, Gorongosa has an amazing diversity of wildlife, from antelope to primates and huge Nile crocodiles, as well as lions, elephants, and hippos.

A female crocodile guards her nest of eggs beside the Mussicadzi River in Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park.

Selous Game Reserve: Visit this off-the-beaten-track and tranquil reserve in southern Tanzania for walking safaris and traditional game drives. Then cruise the Rufiji River to watch for elephants, hippos, lions, leopards, and brindled gnu. Stay at Beho Beho , a hilltop lodge that also has secluded tree-house accommodations for the extra adventurous.

Serengeti National Park: At Asilia’s Namiri Plains camp in northern Tanzania, visitors become part of the migration as they travel in a luxury mobile camp alongside herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. Walking safaris get you closer to the action, with veteran Serengeti safari guides giving the play-by-play. The animals—often stalked by big predators, such as lions and cheetahs—follow one of Earth’s most ancient routes. And if you come too close to an animal, never run. Move away quietly.

Olare Motorogi Conservancy: Cross the border from Tanzania into southern Kenya for an iconic East African lodge experience at the Mara Plains Camp. About a 2.5-hour drive from the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, the eco-friendly camp was built by National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert with their partners at Great Plains Conservation . From camp, you’ll head out on safari to watch migrating zebras and wildebeests make exciting and risky river crossings. You may even see a few big cats. ( Experience an air safari through Kenya. )

A lioness takes in the view of Kenya's Olare Motorogi Conservancy.

Ragati Conservancy: Kenya may be a great place to see the migrations, but it’s also a surprisingly fantastic spot for fly-fishing. On the southern slopes of Mount Kenya (Africa’s second highest peak), the Ragati Conservancy has mountain streams stocked with glistening rainbow trout. What makes the Ragati worth the trip? Nat Geo photographer and fly fisherman Pete Muller says that while Idaho fishing is amazing, “anglers won’t encounter an elephant along the Lochsa!” Fishing in Kenya, he says, also gives fishing enthusiasts the chance to visit locations such as Aberdare National Park.

Rwanda/Uganda

Volcanoes National Park/kalinzu Forest Reserve: Rwanda ’s Volcanoes National Park allows a limited number of visitors per day to hike into the jungle to view endangered mountain gorillas up close, as they groom each other, play, and eat bamboo shoots and fruits. Keep your eyes open for golden monkeys too. Nat Geo Expeditions offers an itinerary that includes a gorilla trek, then heads north into Uganda for a chimpanzee trek through the lush Kalinzu Forest Reserve near Queen Elizabeth National Park. ( Here’s how to visit the endangered mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda. )

Zakouma National Park: Intense wildlife experiences await at this park known for the number of animals that make it their home. A herd of more than 500 elephants and flocks of birds, such as the black-crowned crane, in the tens of thousands, congregate here. Zakouma had a tremendous comeback after enduring civil unrest in the region. Visit between December and April, and stay at traditional Camp Nomade, its tents decorated with local carpets and brass bells.

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The 25 Best National Parks in Africa for Wildlife Safaris

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial policies .

Named after the Swahili word for journey, African safari tours date back nearly 200 years to the 1830s.

That’s when famed explorer William Cornwallis Harris ventured into South Africa on a year-long hunting expedition, keeping track of his adventures through writings and paintings of the animals he encountered.

Later popularized by works like Five Weeks in a Balloon by Jules Verne and “ The Snows of Kilimanjaro ” by Ernest Hemingway, safaris have since made their way onto many people’s world travel bucket lists.

With Africa’s breathtaking natural beauty and diverse array of wildlife, the continent has become one of the world’s most popular places for travelers seeking unforgettable animal encounters.

From the vast open plains of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park to the lush wetlands of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, here’s our staff picks for the 25 best National Parks in Africa for wildlife safaris .

READ MORE: The 20 Safest African Countries to Visit

Best National Parks in Africa for Wildlife Safaris Guide

• South Africa

BOTSWANA  

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

One of the best safari parks for those seeking remote destinations, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the largest reserve in Botswana. It’s also the second largest in the world, covering over 50,000 km² of pristine wilderness.

Located in the middle of the Kalahari Desert, the park’s harsh desert habitat doesn’t offer the large variety of African animals found in other reserves. But the sightings you do get here are extraordinary.

Remarkable animals like Black-maned Lions, Springboks, Rhinos , Hyenas, Cheetahs, and desert-adapted Elephants roam the terrain. They often gather in groups around the water-filled pans in Deception Valley.

Because of the sheer size of the reserve, knowledge of the park and region is important here. So it is recommended to never travel the Kalahari alone.

Guided safaris (or guided self-drive safaris) offer the safest option, as well as allowing you to cover the most ground in this extensive game reserve.

READ MORE:   25 Biggest Deserts in the World

Chobe National Park

With the sparkling waters of the Chobe River (which flows through the park), vast grassland, thick shrubland, and striking savannah, Chobe National Park is home to some of the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa.

Giving the park its name and offering water for the animals to drink and cool off in, the Chobe River virtually guarantees an unparalleled safari experience.

Whether you take a riverboat cruise or a drive along the riverfront, you can spot Hippos, Crocodiles, Buffalo, Baboons, Giraffes, Impalas, and more. Just don’t forget to look up to see some of the park’s 450+ species of beautiful birds !

But the main attraction of this Botswana safari park for many visitors is the immense Elephant population that lives there. It’s estimated that some 120,000 pachyderms call Chobe National Park home, and can often be seen crossing the lush riverbanks in herds of 100+!

READ MORE: 20 Best Small Ship Cruises (World Travel Bucket List)

Okavango Delta

Formed as the Okavango River flows into the Kalahari Desert from the Angolan Highlands, the Okavango Delta is an oasis of lush wetlands and diverse wildlife.

Listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, the Okavango Delta is made up of a vast array of fertile islands , islets, and lagoons surrounded by the tranquil channels of the Okavango River.

Each year during the dry season (July to September), the remarkable “the river that never finds the sea” floods, dramatically reshaping and fertilizing the land.

The delta supports a wide variety of wildlife, including African Bush Elephants, Hippos, Blue Wildebeests, Giraffes, Nile Crocodiles, Lions, and Buffalos, along with a whopping 500 species of birds.

To explore the natural beauty and heavenly views the Okavango Delta provides, you can take seasonal motorized boat cruises, travel on foot, or embark on a game drive. But the best way to see it is gliding along the channels by mokoro , a traditional African canoe.

READ MORE:  The 10 Best Canoe Trips (World Travel Bucket List)

Amboseli National Park

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro , Africa’s highest peak, Amboseli National Park is an undisturbed utopia of swamps, open plains, and stunning natural beauty.

Home to some of the best wildlife safaris in Kenya, the park is located near the Tanzanian border. It’s a great option for first-timers because of its compact size and guaranteed sightings.

Amboseli National Park offers one of the best safaris in Kenya, with year-round sightings of Africa’s “Big 5” mammals, Wildebeests, and Zebras. There’s also an impressive population of Elephants, which gave the park its nickname, “the Land of Giants.”

Observation Hill is a popular spot for visitors as it offers an extensive overview of the park, including the swamps where Elephants, Buffalos, Hippos, and waterfowl splash about.

READ MORE:  Animals in Kenya: 40 Species of Kenyan Wildlife

Masai Mara National Reserve

In our opinion, Kenya is arguably the best African country for safaris. Kenya’s national parks are the stuff of legend, and their wildlife conservatories are equally impressive.

Situated in the Great Rift Valley and dominated by open grassland and acacia woodland, the Masai Mara National Reserve ranks among the best places to go in Africa for wildlife safaris.

People travel there from all over the world to experience East Africa’s Great Migration . Every year millions of Wildebeest, Gazelles, Cape Buffalo, and Zebras make their way more than 500 miles from the Serengeti in nTanzania to the Masai Mara.

The famed crossing at the Mara River is an astonishing sight, and a main reason many people consider this best safari park in the world. For a bird’s-eye view over the vast migrating herds, take one of the breathtaking balloon safaris that are offered by almost all of the lodges.

The reserve is also known for having healthy populations of all three big cats (Lion, Leopard, and Cheetah), as well as over 450 species of birds soaring across the terrain.

READ MORE:  Maasai Mara Conservancies: A Model for Community-Based Conservation in Kenya

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Located in the Laikipia region, in the foothills of the Aberdares and Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers 400 km² of vast open plains, wooded grassland, acacia woodland, and evergreen thickets.

The world-famous conservancy hosts a variety of safari animals, including the Big 5, Spotted Hyenas, Cheetahs, Black-backed Jackals, and Bat-eared Foxes.

It’s home to the largest population of the critically endangered Black Rhinos , as well as the last two Northern White Rhinos on the planet. It’s also one of the few places in Africa to see Chimpanzees up close, at Jane Goodall ‘s Sweetwater Chimp Sanctuary

For Ol Pejeta safaris, there are lots of options. You can explore the conservancy by safari vehicle or game walks, but you can also take safari night drives, horse rides , and even camel rides !

READ MORE:  Meru National Park (From Joy Adamson to Elsa’s Kopje) 

Lake Malawi National Park

Found on the southern end of one of the deepest lakes in the world, Lake Malawi National Park is a remarkable wildlife and safari park comprised of sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, wooded hillsides, swamps, and lagoons.

The world’s first-ever freshwater national park, Lake Malawi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and is one of the most biodiverse lake regions on the planet.

Home to an especially large fish population (an estimated 1000 different species), the national park boasts a diverse array of African safari animals, including Elephants, Hippos, Baboons, Antelopes, African Pythons, and Black Eagles.

A popular destination for hiking , the park also offers snorkeling , kayaking , and scuba diving . Try taking one of the exhilarating night drives, where you can see cool nocturnal animals and the surreal sight of lights from fishermen’s boats reflecting off the lake.

READ MORE:  20 Largest Lakes in the World by Continent 

Bwabwata National Park

Established as a safe haven to rehabilitate wildlife, Bwabwata National Park is a hidden gem in Namibia . It’s commonly known as “the people’s park,” due to the government’s promise that local communities will benefit from the tourism the park brings.

This criminally underrated animal safari park is bordered by the Okavango and Kwando Rivers. The park’s main habitat is deciduous woodland and marshes, which makes it an ideal place to see Elephants .

You may also see large concentrations of Buffalo, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Hyenas, and even some packs of  wild dogs in the park.

The best time to visit the park is during the drier months, which occur from May to October. This is when animals are more likely to congregate around the main water sources.

To catch the enviable sights, you can hop on a game drive or a boat cruise that offers fantastic bird-watching opportunities, with over 400 species of birds found in the park.

READ MORE:  Top 15 Wildlife Conservationists & Animals Rights Activists

Cape Cross Seal Reserve

One of Namibia’s most visited attractions and one of the most unique African safari parks, Cape Cross Seal Reserve is located 80 miles north of Swakopmud along the Skeleton Coast.

The reserve is a sanctuary for the largest breeding colony of Cape Fur Seals in the world. An estimated 500,000 Seals live in the area, where they feed off the large fish populations found in the Benguela Current.

Just imagine the sight– hundreds of thousands of Seals basking in the sunlight on sandy beaches and diving into the surf!

The Reserve is also home to other African wildlife animals, such as Brown Hyenas, Black-backed Jackals, Caspian and Damara Terns, and the African Black Oystercatcher.

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Etosha National Park

The third largest game reserve in Africa and one of the best places in Namibia for game viewing, Etosha National Park promises surreal views and unforgettable adventure.

The word Etosha means “great white area,” and refers to a large salt pan that is 130 kilometers long and up to 50 kilomters wide (covering almost a quarter of the park’s total area). This is the biggest salt pan in Africa, and can even be seen from space!

The park is filled with an abundance of animals that crowd around its many waterholes, making wildlife safaris here a highly rewarding experience.

Four of Africa’s Big 5 species (excluding Cape Buffalo) call the park home, along with the endangered Black Rhino and Black-faced Impala. There’s also a broad spectrum of birds, including the world’s largest (Ostrich) and the heaviest flying bird (Kori Bustard).

If you happen to be at the park after a good rain when the salt pan fills with water, you could even be treated to a flock of Flamingos!

READ MORE: Exploring the Salar de Uyini (Bolivian Salt Flats)

Akagera National Park

After the 1994 Rwandan Genocide , Akagera National Park suffered greatly. Large areas were changed into farmland for refugees, and much of the wildlife was hunted for bush meat. 

But with the creation of park boundaries, increased law enforcement, and ongoing efforts to protect and restore animal populations, Akagera has flourished.

Located on the border with Tanzania, the park is known for offering one of the top safaris in Africa due to an almost complete lack of crowds. 

Akagera is Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and has breathtaking plains, rolling highlands, and glistening lakes that support a variety of species. These include the Big 5 (which were recently reintroduced), Giraffes, Zebras, Impalas, and over 480 species of birds.

One of the park’s top attractions is taking a boat trip on Lake Ihema, where you can see many Hippos, Nile Crocodiles, and water birds on the island in the middle of the lake.

READ MORE:  50 Fascinating Facts about Giraffes

Volcanoes National Park

Though it’s under the radar for mosts travelers, Rwanda is arguably the best country in Africa to go on safari if you want to avoid crowds .

Located in northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains. It’s best known for being one of just three places in the world where you can see critically endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat.

With a small population of around 1000 left in the wild, half of these gorillas reside within Volcanoes National Park. There are 10 habituated Mountain Gorilla families that can be visited by a total of 80 trekkers for an hour each day.

Along with hiking to see these beautiful creatures, you can also visit the tomb of primatologist Dian Fossey, tour the various lakes and caves , go canoeing and mountain biking.

During your visit you should definitely take a cultural tour of the nearby Gorilla Guardians Village, which employs many former poachers.

READ MORE: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda (w/Dian Fossey’s Porter)

SOUTH AFRICA

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

With its rolling red sand dunes, expansive scenic views, and undisturbed natural splendor, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is one of the best game parks in South Africa .

Between the dry beds of the Auob and Nossob Rivers and the sparse vegetation, the park offers incredible mammal viewing.

It is particularly known for top-tier predator sightings, with Leopards, Cheetahs, Spotted and Brown Hyenas, and stunning Black-maned Lions common in the area.

Bird watchers will also have their share of adventure, as the Nossob Riverbed is one of the best places in South Africa to see raptors up close. Especially in the summer, when various migratory Eagles, Falcons, and Kites fly into the park.

READ MORE:  The Walking with Lions & Canned Lion Hunting Connection

Kruger National Park

One of the largest and best national parks in Africa, Kruger offers a gorgeous display of diverse wildlife, fantastic archaeological sites , and stunning terrain. 

Spanning over 7,000 square miles across the northeastern Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, Kruger National Park is home to myriad animals, including over 500 bird species, 100 reptiles, and almost 150 mammals.

The park is world-renowned for being one of the best African safari destinations for self-drive safaris.

So you’re practically guaranteed to spot the Big 5 and other beautiful game, including Giraffes, Cheetahs, Hippos, and the rare African Wild Dogs.

The only downside to the park is that it can become overcrowded due to mass tourism . Fortunately it’s surrounded by many of the best game parks in South A frica, including world-renowned  private reserves like Sabi Sand.

READ MORE:  How to Get the Most for Your Kruger National Park Entrance Fee

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park is one of Africa’s most gorgeous natural wetlands and one of the finest game reserves in South A frica .

Located in KwaZulu Natal along the beautiful Elephant Coast, the park is incredibly geographically diverse. It offers an array of undisturbed marine, wetland, estuarine, and terrestrial environments.

While you are exploring the coral reefs, sandy beaches, and coastal dunes, you can spot Whales , Sea Turtles, Dolphins , and waterfowl such as Storks, Herons, and Pelicans.

Other cool activities in this South African national park include admiring over 500 species of birds and visiting the St. Lucia Estuary, the largest estuarine system in Africa. There’s also hiking, deep-sea or estuary fishing, horseback riding, wildlife viewing and Scuba diving.

READ MORE: Ladysmith Black Mambazo on Nelson Mandela & South Africa

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Second only to Kenya, Tanzania would be our pick for the best country for safari adventures.

Home to the largest intact, inactive volcanic crater in the world, Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most incredible places for an African wildlife safari . 

The crater itself is 2,000 feet deep and 100 square miles wide, providing a home for over 25,000 animals as well as having the highest density of mammalian predators in Africa.  

The area is home to the densest population of Lions in Africa and healthy numbers of Hippos, Gazelles, Wildebeest, Buffalo, and more. It’s even home to a few of the endangered species in Africa, like the Black Rhino and Golden Cat.

Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ngorongoro is of global importance when it comes to biodiversity conservation due to the density of wildlife that live in the area. It also boasts serious archaeological importance, with evidence of human evolution often found in the area.

READ MORE:  Exploring Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Serengeti National Park 

Serengeti National Park is known by many people to be one of the absolute best national parks in Africa. In our experience, it’s one of the most rewarding places you can go for an African wildlife safari.

Spanning 1.5 million hectares, the park proves true to its name (which, in the local Masai language, means “endless plains”).

Its fantastic fauna is one of the most diverse in the world, with over 1.3 million Wildebeest, over half a million Zebras and Gazelles, and healthy populations of Elephants, Hippos, Giraffes, Warthogs, Hyenas, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, and wild dogs calling the Serengeti home.

Many come to this truly wild safari park to witness one of the most jaw-dropping natural phenomena on earth, the Great Migration. This is where millions of herbivores start their incredible annual northbound journey to Kenya’s Masai Mara.

Whether you’re spending time on unforgettable game drives, visiting a local Maasai cultural village, or just taking in the incredible scenery, this is one of the best safari parks in A frica !

READ MORE:  Embracing the Culture of the Maasai People in Tanzania

Tarangire National Park

Though it wasn’t originally on our bucket list of where to go on safari in A frica,  Tarangire National Park has more than its fair share of exhilarating sights and amazing wildlife.

Located in Tanzania’s Manyara Region, between the meadows of Masai Steppe and the lakes of the Great Rift Valley, the park is dominated by savannah pains and marshy swamps.

The Tarangire River runs through the northern part of the park, and provides a vital water source for the wildlife that live there.

The best time to visit Tarangire is during the dry season, in the months of June to October. This is when the safari wildlife stays close to the river and swamps, virtually guaranteeing some amazing animal encounters.

Over 500 bird species can be spotted here throughout the year, along with Leopards, Lions, Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeests, and Tanzania’s highest population of elephants .

READ MORE:  Top 10 Tanzania National Parks & Reserves

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its immense biological diversity, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is renowned as one of the best places for safaris in A frica .

Situated on the edge of the Rift Valley in Uganda , the park’s dense flora (including bamboo and 100+ species of ferns) can often make travel on foot difficult. This is where the name “Impenetrable Forest” came from.

Although it may be a bit tricky to trek through, venturing into the forest is an incredibly rewarding experience. Nestled within its lush terrain, you’ll find animals such as Baboons, Chimpanzees, Elephants, and hundreds of gorgeous endemic Butterflies.

The forest is also home to almost half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorillas . They can be seen via daily gorilla treks, which are available at about half the price of similar tours in neighboring Rwanda.

Other cool activities in the national park include Chimpanzee trekking, mountain trekking, and even whitewater rafting .

READ MORE: The 20 Biggest Forests in the World

Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda’s oldest and largest safari park, Murchison Falls National Park gets its name from the magnificent waterfall that cascades through the land .

The water flows from the Victoria Nile River and surges through a gorge known as “the devil’s cauldron” before plummeting over a hundred feet. Once hitting the ground, the water transforms into a peaceful stream that glides across the Rift Valley floor into Lake Albert.

There are two main ways to view this breathtaking scene. You can take a 45-minute hike to the top , where you can actually see the water rushing through the gorge, or you can opt for a boat tour.

Although the falls are clearly the main attraction here, the national park is also home to an abundance of African wildlife . Its 70+ mammal species include Giraffes, Elephants , Buffalo, and Chimpanzees.

If you stay near the river, you’re almost guaranteed to spot a Nile Crocodile up close!

READ MORE:   20 of the World’s Biggest Waterfalls (by Continent)

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Set against the magnificent background of the Rwenzori Mountains , Queen Elizabeth National Park is unique for its incredible variety of habitats including grassland savannah, forests, lakes, and wetlands.

Some of our blogger friends who have visited this national park consider it home to one of the best safaris in Africa.

These diverse habitats harbor a multitude of African wildlife, including four of the Big 5 (excluding Rhino), 12 different primate species, and the unique tree-climbing Lions of the Ishasha sector.

In the savannah areas of the park you may come across large herds of Buffalo and Elephants. And if you take a boat trip along the Kazingo Channel, you’re sure to spot some Hippos!

READ MORE: The 20 Best Mountains in the World (Bucket List)

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

Although it may be small (stretching roughly 9 square miles), Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park would be considered one of the best places to visit in Africa just for its gorgeous views.

Due to the park’s size and location along the upper Zambezi River, it allows for incredible safari drives. You can explore it in your own vehicle or on an organized open vehicle game drive along the river, where wildlife encounters are often up close and personal.

The drive can be completed in a couple of hours. And since no predators reside in the park, the animals are usually quite calm, offering some awesome photo opportunities.

African elephants, Angolan Giraffes, Burchell’s Zebras, and Cape buffalos are some of the most popular animals in the park. But you can also see plenty of Crocodiles around the river, along with Hippos and Sable Antelopes.

READ MORE:  10 Simple Wildlife Photography Tips

Lower Zambezi National Park

Covering a stretch of undisturbed wilderness along the Zambezi River, Lower Zambezi National Park boasts authentic natural beauty and offers some unforgettable wildlife safari experiences.

Although the diversity of animals in this park may not be as large as other parks on this list, the opportunity to get up close to animals like Leopards, Lions, Impala, Waterbuck, and herds of Elephants (some up to 100 members!) makes it worth the trip.

The Zambezi River is the star of the park for both the animals and visitors. If you have time, check out their multi-day canoe safaris, which are sure to have you marveling in wonder as you experience African wildlife in its most raw natural element.

Boat safaris are also available, as well as safari walks and drives. Avid anglers won’t want to pass up the opportunity to go fishing for the river’s stout Tiger Fish.

READ MORE:  20 Longest Rivers in the World by Continent

Hwange National Park

Zimbabwe’s largest natural reserve, Hwange National Park boasts a beautiful mixture of savannah grasslands and woodlands. They provide a home for some of the greatest biodiversity found in all of Africa’s national parks.

African animals including all of the Big 5, Cheetahs, and the endangered Cape Wild Dog are commonly sighted in the park.

The best time to visit if you’re interested in spotting some of these amazing animals is in the dry winter months from July to October, when they gather around the man-made waterholes.

Getting a good view of the wondrous assortment of wildlife is usually a breeze, because the park is easily accessible and generally offers a lack of crowds.

Self-driving and guided game drives are available in Hwangwe, along with walking safaris and even horseback safaris that can range from short rides to multi-day excursions.

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Mana Pools National Park

Found on the southern banks of the Zimbabezi River, Mana Pools National Park has a surreal landscape. It’s scattered with acacia and baobab trees along floodplains and remote forests.

This relatively undisturbed area is one of the best places to go on African animal safaris , whether on foot or in a vehicle, due to thin vegetation that allows for clear views and the chance to have close encounters with big game.

It’s not uncommon to come upon large herds of Elephants, considering the park is home to some 12,000 pachyderms during the dry season. But Hippos, Crocodiles, Zebras, Impalas, Hyenas, Buffalos, and aquatic birds are virtually always around.

One of the park’s top attractions is canoeing safaris in the Mana Pools, where you can paddle along the Zambezi right next to Hippos and other animals gathered along the banks.

If you’re looking for a thrill, you can also go camping in one of the unfenced sites along the river, where you’ll feel like you’re a million miles out in the wilderness. But be prepared: Camping here might mean wild animals wandering right near your tents !   -by Christina Maggitas

About the Author

Growing up in rural south Georgia, Christina Maggitas developed a love for nature at a young age and spent the majority of her formative years outdoors. Since first visiting the Great Smoky Mountains with her family as a child, she has always admired the beauty of the Blue Ridge region and spends as much time as she can hiking north Georgia. She has a passion for writing and storytelling with the hopes of inspiring others to enjoy the great outdoors. Christina is a recent graduate at Kennesaw State University, where she is studying Journalism and Emerging Media.

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Quagga Topy Safaris and Tours

7-Day Luxury Safari Exploring Tanzania Wildlife

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Embark on a 7-day luxury safari through Tanzania's premier wildlife destinations. Experience unparalleled comfort and personalized service as you explore iconic parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. Encounter diverse wildlife, including the Big Five, in their natural habitats. Enjoy exquisite accommodations, gourmet dining, and exclusive game drives. This safari promises an unforgettable blend of adventure and indulgence amidst Tanzania's breathtaking landscapes.

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African Wildlife Plains

Luxury safari experiences, about the company.

African Wildlife Plains is a leading safari company that specializes in providing exclusive luxury safari experiences while prioritizing eco-friendliness, wildlife conservation, and personalized itineraries. With a deep commitment to responsible tourism, they offer a unique blend of opulence and environmental stewardship. Established in 2023, African Wildlife Plains epitomizes founder Phillip’s enduring dedication to wildlife and nature. With a decade-long immersion in the natural realm, Phillip’s deep appreciation for the safari industry fuels this venture. Guided by his unwavering passion for both people and the environment, Phillip’s journey commenced years ago, leading to the creation of African Wildlife Plains. 

Beyond a mere enterprise, it’s a labor of love, fusing Phillip’s enthusiasm for wildlife with respect for the safari legacy. The company is dedicated to offering an unparalleled experience, evident in thoughtfully designed safaris and immersive wildlife encounters. Phillip’s commitment to responsible tourism and conservation resonates throughout. African Wildlife Plains fosters a community drawn by a shared reverence for nature’s wonders, where guests contribute to Africa’s preservation. Against sweeping landscapes, this company embodies passion, conservation, and love for the wild, inviting the adventurous and compassionate to delve into nature’s extraordinary tapestry.

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Tailormade Travel, Bespoke in Every Way. Whether you are looking for an African safari experience, seaside holiday, an exclusive escape, our team of well travel experts has acquired destination-specific knowledge worldwide to help you plan the holiday you desire. We provide: Itinerary Creation, Accommodation Bookings, Travel Consultation, Tailored Holidays, Domestic & Private Charter Flights, Comprehensive Trip Planning, Airport Assistance & Transfers, Guided Day Tours.

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Our trip was unforgetable because we found a wonderful service with Phillip. He was so kind that when we arrived in the airport he surprised us with some gifts that made us feel like home. On this trip my fiance proposed and Phillip helped with all the details. I recommend Phillip's services with all my my heart.

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Passing Thru Travel

A Guide to the 10 Best Safari Experiences in Africa

Posted: February 20, 2024 | Last updated: February 20, 2024

Embarking on an African safari is an experience like no other. The continent’s vast and diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and unique cultural heritage make it a dream destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts. From the savannas of the Serengeti to the deltas of Botswana, each safari destination offers a unique glimpse into the wild heart of Africa. This guide will take you through ten of the best safari experiences in Africa, providing insider tips to help you make the most of your adventure.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

In the Serengeti National Park, you’ll witness the quintessence of the African savanna. The vast open plains are home to the Great Migration, an awe-inspiring natural spectacle where millions of wildebeest and zebras journey in search of greener pastures. The park’s diverse habitats, including riverine forests and swamps, are teeming with wildlife, from lions and leopards to giraffes and elephants. For a unique experience, plan an early morning hot air balloon ride, providing a stunning aerial view of the plains at sunrise.

Insider’s Tip: Book a hot air balloon safari for an unforgettable aerial view of the migration.

When To Travel: June to October for the migration; January and February for the calving season.

How To Get There: Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport, then a local flight to the Serengeti.

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

In the Maasai Mara, you’ll experience one of Africa’s most abundant wildlife reserves. It is best known for the migration period when massive herds cross the Mara River. However, it’s also home to the Big Five and an excellent location for spotting predators in action. The Mara’s landscape of rolling grasslands and acacia woodlands adds to its charm. Consider visiting a local Maasai village for a cultural insight into the lives of the indigenous community.

Insider’s Tip: Visit a Maasai village for a cultural experience.

When To Travel: July to October for the migration.

How To Get There: Fly to Nairobi, followed by a local flight or drive to the reserve.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park offers a more accessible safari experience without skimping on wildlife diversity. It’s one of the best places to self-drive, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. The park is home to a vast array of animals, including the Big Five, and has a well-developed infrastructure, making it ideal for first-time safari-goers. Stay in one of the park’s private lodges for a more secluded experience and expert-led game drives.

Insider’s Tip: Stay in one of the park’s private lodges for exclusive game drives.

When To Travel: May to September for dry season game viewing.

How To Get There: Fly to Johannesburg, drive to Kruger, or take a local flight to nearby airports.

Chobe National Park, Botswana

Chobe National Park is renowned for its large elephant population and river safaris on the Chobe River. These unique water-based safaris offer a different perspective and the opportunity to see a variety of aquatic wildlife and birds. The park’s proximity to Victoria Falls makes it easy to combine your safari with one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. The dry season brings large concentrations of wildlife to the riverbanks, making for exceptional game viewing.

Insider’s Tip: Combine your visit with a trip to Victoria Falls.

When To Travel: May to October for the dry season.

How To Get There: Fly to Kasane Airport or drive from Victoria Falls or Livingstone.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta is a unique wetland within a desert, offering an unparalleled safari experience. The annual flooding of the delta creates a lush habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. Exploring the delta by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe, is a serene and intimate way to experience this unique ecosystem. Staying in a bush camp on one of the delta’s islands provides an immersive wilderness experience.

Insider’s Tip: Book a bush camp on one of the delta’s islands.

When To Travel: July to October for the flood season.

How To Get There: Fly to Maun Airport, then take a charter flight to the delta.

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Etosha National Park is centered around the vast Etosha Salt Pan, providing a unique backdrop for wildlife viewing. The park’s numerous waterholes attract a variety of animals, particularly during the dry season, making it an excellent location for photographers. Night-time game viewing at the waterholes offers a chance to see nocturnal species and unique animal behaviors not typically observed during the day.

Insider’s Tip: Stay inside the park for night-time waterhole viewing.

How To Get There: Fly to Windhoek, then drive or take a local flight to Etosha.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Crater offers a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. As you descend into the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera, you’ll find an abundance of wildlife in this natural amphitheater. The crater floor is home to over 25,000 animals, including the endangered black rhino. Early morning visits allow for fewer crowds and more active wildlife.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the crater early in the morning to avoid crowds.

When To Travel: June to September for cooler weather and optimal wildlife viewing.

How To Get There: Fly to Kilimanjaro Airport, then drive or take a local flight.

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

South Luangwa National Park is a haven for those seeking a more adventurous safari. Known as the birthplace of the walking safari, it offers an intimate and immersive experience. The park is renowned for its high-quality guides and exceptional leopard sightings. Night drives here are especially rewarding, with chances to see nocturnal animals like genets, civets, and bush babies.

Insider’s Tip: Try a night drive for a chance to see nocturnal animals.

When To Travel: July to October for the dry season.

How To Get There: Fly to Lusaka, then take a local flight to Mfuwe Airport.

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park, the largest in Zimbabwe, is known for its vast elephant herds and diverse landscapes ranging from desert sands to forests. It’s also one of the best places to see African wild dogs. The park’s numerous waterholes are magnets for wildlife, especially during the dry season, offering superb game viewing opportunities.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the park’s waterholes for excellent game viewing.

How To Get There: Fly to Victoria Falls, then drive to Hwange.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a diverse safari experience, with landscapes including savannas, wetlands, and forests. It’s an excellent location for seeing tree-climbing lions and various primates, including chimpanzees. A boat trip on the Kazinga Channel is a must, providing close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds.

Insider’s Tip: Take a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos and crocodiles.

When To Travel: January to February and June to July for dry weather.

How To Get There: Fly to Entebbe, then drive to the park or take a local flight.

The Bottom Line

Your African safari adventure awaits, with each destination offering a unique window into the continent’s incredible wildlife and landscapes. Whether you’re floating down the Okavango Delta, witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti, or walking among the wildlife in South Luangwa, these experiences will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Choose your destination based on the wildlife you want to see and the type of safari experience you’re after. Get ready for an adventure that will bring you face-to-face with the wonders of the African wild.

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The post A Guide to the 10 Best Safari Experiences in Africa republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Thomas Retterath.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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Discover the best safaris and luxury accommodation in Tanzania

Tanzania is world-famous for its jaw-dropping scenery, density of wildlife and fascinating tribal peoples. The country’s northern safari areas are the most visited, with sweeping, game-covered plains set against soaring escarpments and towering volcanic mountains. Here the Great Rift Valley forms a magnificent backdrop to wildlife reserves like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area . Snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro , Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895m, is a mecca for avid trekkers and mountaineers.  

Tanzania ’s national parks are a haven for huge concentrations of animals and birdlife. The Serengeti National Park alone has nearly 2 million wildebeest and zebra which migrate along age-old pathways, followed by opportunistic lion , cheetah , leopard , hyena and jackal. The famous Ngorongoro Crater is a massive volcanic caldera where 25,000 animals live in a setting of unparalleled grandeur. Maasai tribal people have inhabited this region for hundreds of years, and to this day still herd their cattle amongst the native wildlife. A visit to a local village to learn about their culture and way of life is an eye-opening experience.  

Other major wildlife areas include beautiful Lake Manyara and Tarangire national parks – both very different environments. Lake Manyara is surrounded by grassy floodplains and groundwater forest; it is home to many hippo, tree-climbing lions and is a haven for birdlife. Tarangire National Park is renowned for its large elephant herds, strange baobab trees and bright red soils. On the western border, between the Mahale Mountains and Lake Tanganyika, lives one of Africa’s largest populations of wild chimpanzees. A safari here is a remarkable experience.  

Just off Tanzania’s east coast on the Indian Ocean lies the ‘spice island’ of Zanzibar . The old Stone Town is a UNESCO Heritage listed site and a tour of the town reveals its complex history. The island also boasts white sand beaches, clear, turquoise water, and beach hotels offering barefoot luxury; a relaxing conclusion to any East African safari.

Our selection of stunning tented camps and lodges in the world-renowned Serengeti have been chosen to ensure the finest gameviewing experiences

A mosaic of diverse ecosystems, the Ngorongoro Crater is home to some 25,000 large animals including all of the “Big 5". We offer accommodation

Ngorongoro Crater

Scenic Lake Manyara National Park lies in the shadow of a 600m-high escarpment and is famous for flamingos as well as tree-climbing lions.

Lake Manyara

Situated in the Great Rift Valley, Tarangire National Park features very different scenery to the Serengeti and other northern parks. Explore its

Mt Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain and one of the world’s highest free standing massifs. It is a mecca for trekkers and a number of

Mt Kilimanjaro

Lying 25km off the east coast of Tanzania, the Zanzibar archipelago comprises of Unguja, Pemba and an array of small, tropical islands. Discover

Greystoke Mahale at the foot of Mahale Mountains overlooking Lake Tanganyika offers exclusive chimpanzee encounters while visitors to Chada

Mahale Mountains and Katavi

Best tanzania safaris.

Explore some of the experiences that we can custom-design for you. All of our safaris and tours are tailor-made to suit your interests, budget and timeframe.

African Safari Extravaganza

This epic itinerary encompasses an epic five-country train journey aboard the Rovos Rail, a safari in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti as well as a beach getaway on the Indian Ocean coast.

Antiquities & Wildlife

Explore the antiquities of Africa on this 16 day tour to Tanzania and Egypt. Explore the Pyramids of Giza and Marvel at the mighty Shypnx

Best of Kenya and Tanzania

This safari combines the best wildlife experiences of Kenya and Tanzania, including the Samburu, Lake Nakuru, the Masai Mara and Serengeti.

Gorillas, Serengeti Safari & Zanzibar

Encounter Rwanda's rare Mountain Gorillas and explore Tanzania's finest safari destinations before relaxing on the white sand beaches of exotic Zanzibar.

Icons of East Africa

Go on safari in Tanzania's finest national parks from Tarangire to the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti, then trek for Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.

Katavi & Mahale

Visit two exceptional wilderness destinations: remote Katavi National Park and exotic Greystoke Mahale which offers chimpanzee encounters.

Tanzania Bush and Beach

Marvel at the incredible diversity of Tanzania combining the exotic island of Zanzibar, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, both abundant in wildlife.

Tanzania Lodge Safari

Discover the world-famous parks of northern Tanzania, including beautiful Tarangire, the celebrated Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Tanzania’s Northern Treasures

Experience three of Tanzania’s best known national parks and the country’s epic wildlife in Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and the celebrated Serengeti.

Best accommodation in Tanzania

There is no place that does safari luxury better than Africa, and Tanzania is no exception. From rustic bush camps to elegant lodges and luxury tented camps, we offer a carefully curated portfolio of safari accommodation. Most are small, intimate properties that accommodate between 14 and 30 guests. What they all have in common are outstanding locations, including their proximity to good game areas. Many are located along rivers or on hilltops, making the most of the awe-inspiring scenery. Guests can expect first-class service, good food, premium amenities and the luxury of an intimate and exclusive location away from public areas.

Chem Chem Lodge

Set on a private wildlife concession between Tarangire and Lake Manyara national parks, Chem Chem Lodge comprises eight exquisite tented suites.

Greystoke Mahale

In the rarely visited west of Tanzania, Greystoke Mahale offers 6 simple tented suites on a white sand beach lapped by Lake Tanganyika, with the looming Mahale Mountains as a backdrop. Trek for

Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp

Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp is set in the peaceful Seronera Valley in the game-rich Central Serengeti. It offers 12 beautiful guest tents and amazing big cat viewing opportunities.

Matemwe Lodge and Matemwe Retreat

To the north of Zanzibar Island lies Matemwe Lodge, a peaceful ocean-facing boutique resort and Matemwe Retreat, an adults-only hideaway.

Mila Tented Camp

Offering perfect seclusion, this intimate tented camp is perched on a ridgeline of granite kopjes in Tanzania’s southwest Serengeti.

Mwiba Lodge

Stunningly situated in a private 129,500-acre wildlife reserve bordering the southern Serengeti.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Clinging to the edge of the rim, the exquisite Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is like something out of a fantasy. The property is renowned for its unique design and high standards of service.

Sanctuary Swala Camp

Set in a very secluded corner of Tarangire National Park, Sanctuary Swala offers twelve canvas pavilions that epitomise luxury and an exclusive safari experience of this picturesque reserve.

Sayari Camp

Sayari Camp offers 15 stunning tented guest suites, exceptional gameviewing on the plains of the northern Serengeti and easy access to the Mara River and its infamous croc-filled crossing points.

Singita Faru Faru Lodge

Singita Faru Faru Lodge sits on a riverbank in a private reserve adjoining Tanzania's northern Serengeti. This sensational property has 9 premium suites, a fleet of Land Rovers for game drives

Singita Sasakwa Lodge

Singita Sasakwa Lodge is located in the unspoilt Grumeti Reserves in the northern Serengeti. It offers 10 private guest cottages with personal infinity pools, walking safaris and guided game drives.

Find out more about our tailor made African safaris. Get in touch with one of our Destination Specialists.

Subscribe below to keep up to date, find out more about our tailor made african safaris, talk to one of our africa experts, michael fitzgerald.

Senior Destination Specialist

Taleen Gaidzkar

When is the best time to visit tanzania.

Tanzania is a true year-round safari destination. Choosing where to go will depend on the season and what sort of wildlife you wish to see – whether it’s the wildebeest migration, chimpanzees or just good all-round game viewing.

The annual wildebeest migration in the Serengeti ecosystem is always a big attraction and usually means more safari visitors. The herds of wildebeest and zebra move with the rains in search of fresh green grass so the time of year dictates which lodges and camps to visit.

The dry season (June to October) is the best time to visit Tarangire National Park, as many grazing animals are attracted to the permanent waters of the Tarangire River. This is also the best time to visit the chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountain National Park.

June - October

December - may.

Considered by many as the peak time to travel. The Great Migration is heading north through the Western Corridor towards Kenya’s Masai Mara and there are plenty of chances to see river crossings. Due to the lower rainfall, animals are also congregating around the remaining water sources making game-viewing excellent. This is also the best time to see the chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains National Park, in the country’s west, when conditions are at their driest.

River crossings can be seen in Northern Tanzania as the wildebeest begin to travel down from Kenya towards the southern and eastern Serengeti. The rains start to pick up at this time of year.

An excellent time to visit Tanzania when the migration is in the south-eastern Serengeti. Though it is the Green Season, many travellers take advantage of the lower prices and the fact that there are fewer travellers. These are the months when the wildebeest, zebra and gazelles mass on the rich volcanic plains and can be seen in huge numbers. This is also the time to see predators like lions, cheetah and hyena which follow the herds. February is when the herds are calving, and visitors may get to see some animals taking their very first steps.

Tanzania FAQ

Can i see the big 5 in tanzania.

Tanzania is home to all members of the legendary ‘Big 5’: lion , leopard , elephant , rhino and buffalo .  All apart from rhino , plus many other species, can be seen in Tanzania’s best game areas. The Ngorongoro Crater is the best place for seeing endangered black rhino, as they can’t move from the crater floor. Please note that the seasons, rainfall and drought can affect game movements. Our knowledgeable Destination Specialists know the best time of year to visit and where to see particular game species.

When is the best time to see the Great Migration?

The great wildebeest and zebra migration is a natural event and therefore their exact location can never be 100% predicted. The wildebeest mass in certain areas of the Serengeti Ecosystem (made up of the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation area and Kenya’s Masai Mara ) at different times of the year. The below map shows historically, where the wildebeest and zebra will be, based on the time of year. If you are interested in learning more, or in seeing the Great Migration please contact one of our staff who are always happy to chat.

Where can I see chimpanzees in Africa?

Chimpanzees can be seen in several countries within Africa, including Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania. There are a number of groups that have become habituated to humans, and one of the best places to see chimpanzees is at the unique  Greystoke Mahale  lodge, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania’s Mahale Mountain National Park.

What can I combine Tanzania with?

Tanzania is often combined with other countries including neighbouring Kenya or either Uganda or Rwanda for a trek to see the gorillas. A few days on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar is a very popular way to end a Tanzanian safari.

What is the best thing to do in Tanzania?

A wildlife safaris is an absolute must as Tanzania is one of Africa’s great wildlife destinations. Witnessing tens of thousands of wildebeest and zebra in the Serengeti is an unquestionable highlight, whilst the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the natural wonders of the world. A trek to the top of Africa’s highest peak – Mount Kilimanjaro – is a bucket-list experience for any adventure enthusiast.

How do I get to Tanzania?

There are only two European airlines – KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Turkish Airlines – that fly directly into the country. Otherwise, flying via the Kenyan capital of Nairobi (where far more major airlines fly to including British Airways and Air France) is another option. From here travellers can then fly to numerous airports in Tanzania.

For travellers coming from the United States at least one stop is required. The easiest airlines for connections are either with KLM or Qatar Airways via Doha. From Doha there are also direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

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The Unique Burial of a Child of Early Scythian Time at the Cemetery of Saryg-Bulun (Tuva)

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Pages:  379-406

In 1988, the Tuvan Archaeological Expedition (led by M. E. Kilunovskaya and V. A. Semenov) discovered a unique burial of the early Iron Age at Saryg-Bulun in Central Tuva. There are two burial mounds of the Aldy-Bel culture dated by 7th century BC. Within the barrows, which adjoined one another, forming a figure-of-eight, there were discovered 7 burials, from which a representative collection of artifacts was recovered. Burial 5 was the most unique, it was found in a coffin made of a larch trunk, with a tightly closed lid. Due to the preservative properties of larch and lack of air access, the coffin contained a well-preserved mummy of a child with an accompanying set of grave goods. The interred individual retained the skin on his face and had a leather headdress painted with red pigment and a coat, sewn from jerboa fur. The coat was belted with a leather belt with bronze ornaments and buckles. Besides that, a leather quiver with arrows with the shafts decorated with painted ornaments, fully preserved battle pick and a bow were buried in the coffin. Unexpectedly, the full-genomic analysis, showed that the individual was female. This fact opens a new aspect in the study of the social history of the Scythian society and perhaps brings us back to the myth of the Amazons, discussed by Herodotus. Of course, this discovery is unique in its preservation for the Scythian culture of Tuva and requires careful study and conservation.

Keywords: Tuva, Early Iron Age, early Scythian period, Aldy-Bel culture, barrow, burial in the coffin, mummy, full genome sequencing, aDNA

Information about authors: Marina Kilunovskaya (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Vladimir Semenov (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Varvara Busova  (Moscow, Russian Federation).  (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences.  Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Kharis Mustafin  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Technical Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Irina Alborova  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Biological Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Alina Matzvai  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected]

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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