Best Place to Go on Safari in Africa: Unique Destinations + Expert Tips!

With so many unique African safari destinations to choose from, choosing the best place to go on safari is no easy feat. That’s why we’ve put together this detailed list, filled with expert tips, to help you plan your dream safari trip. 

Written by guest author: Ella McKendrick

Blessed with majestic landscapes, a wonderful climate, and packed with some of the planet’s most diverse and dense wildlife populations, Africa is undoubtedly one of—if not the—best place to go on safari. 

However, with so many countries and parks to choose from, deciding where to go on safari can be daunting for anyone, especially first-timers – I know it was for me! 

To complicate matters further, every safari destination offers something unique.

That’s where I come in! I traveled to Africa for the first time over twelve years ago and since my first expedition through Zambia have now visited 10+ countries across Africa and been on more safaris than I can count.

In this article, we’ll break down my absolute favorite safari destinations in Africa, from the best places to see ‘the Big Five’ to more unique safari experiences for those of you looking for something different.

African Safari Destinations Guide

Here’s what we cover in this guide. Click on any of the links below to jump down to that section, or keep scrolling to get all the details.

• Why trust me?
• My experience
• Top recommendation
• Best safari destinations in Africa
• FAQs

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Why trust me?

Quite frankly, I’m a safari-addict! 

When I was growing up I’d often find myself glued to my TV screen, watching nature documentaries. 

Africa particularly fascinated me, partly down to the fact that my dad spent years living in the bush and would tell me wild tales of his expeditions in South Africa and Botswana. I knew that one day I wanted to have similar experiences.

I first visited Africa when I was 17 years old. It was my first big trip without my family but I wasn’t afraid. I was finally going to be in Africa! 

I spent the week traversing the Zambezi which straddles the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, dodging hippos with my canoe, embarking on game drives and meeting some wonderful people. 

I fell in love with the continent and when the trip was over vowed to come back as soon as I could.

The following year, after finishing my schooling, I spent my summer volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary in Namibia. Then, each year after, I visited the continent as much as I could, visiting more than 10 African countries to date, including all the best safari destinations.

My experience on safari in Africa

I must have spent several hundred hours on safari at this point – perhaps even getting on for thousands! Many people ask me if I ever get bored of going on safari, rolling my eyes at yet another elephant or lion. I simply tell them they’re bonkers – no two days on safari are ever the same!

My African safari adventures have taken me from the rolling grasslands of the Serengeti to the beautiful waterways of the Okavango Delta, the desolate vastness of Etosha to the shadow of Kilimanjaro where elephants can be found by the hundreds. 

Each location is completely different and has its own perks and personality.

Without further ado, let’s hop into some of my favorites!

Top recommendation: Best place to go on safari in Africa

The best place to go on safari in my opinion is Serengeti National Park. If you could visit only one game park in your life, the Serengeti would be my top recommendation!

If seeing the Big Five is your top priority: 

• South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park
• Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
• Kenya’s famed Maasai Mara Reserve
• Botswana’s Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta in Moremi Game Reserve 

These all rate among the best safari destinations in the world. Kruger and Serengeti, in particular, are ideal for first-timers.

Meanwhile, if you want to see the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration:

• Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania
• Kenya’s Maasai Mara Park

Witnessing over two million wildebeest, zebras, and various antelope thundering across the plains for months in search of greener pastures is a spectacle. The Mara River crossings in particular are something no one can ever forget. 

And, for a unique safari experience:

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking in Uganda
• Volcanoes National Park to see the gorillas and golden monkeys in Rawanda

But, don’t just take my word for it… 

I’ve rounded up the top safari destinations in Africa so you can decide for yourself where you want to go on your next big adventure! 

1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

• Highlights: The Great Migration is one of the world’s best natural spectacles. Large concentrations of big cats and the Big Five throughout the park.
• When to go: June – September for the Great Migration Mara River crossing and January and February in the south
• Who is it best for: Everyone. If you could visit only one game park in your life, the Serengeti would be my recommendation!

Serengeti is massive with a multi-ecosystem landscape in east Africa that you could spend an entire week exploring. All the Big Five are here. Lions, elephants, buffalos, cheetahs, zebras, hippos, crocs, giraffes, primates, eland, kudu, impala, and other gazelles are almost guaranteed to be seen on most game drives.

Throughout much of the year, you can witness the Great Migration here. This is when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and antelope set off from the southern plains towards the greener pastures of the north, crossing several rivers including the world-renowned Mara River.

The best time to visit the Serengeti from June through September for the Great Migration Mara River crossing and January and February in the south to witness loads of new-born animals as this is when the wildebeest give birth, big cat activity, and abundant birdlife.

Lodges in Serengeti National Park

When it comes to lodging options you are spoilt for choice in Serengeti National Park. Basing yourself within the vast park is a must, placing you close to the prime game viewing spots.

2. Kruger National Park, South Africa

• Highlights: The Big Five – you could see them several times on one game drive. Loads of leopards and rhinos. Easily accessible by road or air. Good roads make it ideal for self-drive safaris and no special 4×4 vehicles are required.
• When to go: Best in the dry season (May – September) when the grasses are short and animals easier to spot.
  • Avoid the July school holidays as it gets pretty busy.
• Who is it best for: Families, first-timers and budget-conscious travelers

For a one-stop safari park where you can see basically every bucket list species in Africa and still be close to decent infrastructure, South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park is hard to beat. And if you want to combine your safari with a quick trip to one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town is a mere 2.5-hour flight.

Kruger is vast, with varied landscapes attracting a wide range of animals including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalos, rhinos, hippos, crocs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and millions of springbok—South Africa’s national animal. 

Leopards can be seen more regularly here than in most parks. In fact, the Sabi Sands Reserve is said to have the world’s highest concentration of leopards.

Another unique attraction of Kruger is its white lions found in the andBeyond Ngala Reserve a little to the north. With nearly 3,000 white and black rhinos, Kruger also has the highest rhino population in the world.

The accessible infrastructure is perfect for families or first-timers. The favorable exchange rate also makes South Africa one of the best countries for a safari for budget-conscious travelers. 

Greater Kruger Area

Kruger is actually made up of several parts, the main Kruger National Park and neighboring concessions. These together make up the Greater Kruger Area. 

There are no fences between parks so animals can move freely from one area to another. The only difference is that the main national park is run by the government whereas the concessions such as Sabi Sands are privately owned. 

You will get a quieter experience within one of the concessions as only lodge guests can embark on game drives here.

Lodges in Kruger National Park & Greater Kruger Area

Kruger has many lodging options, ranging from luxury to basic self-catering camps. Some government-run (SANparks) camps may not be well-run so be sure to check recent guest reviews before booking. 

3. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

• Highlights: The Big Five, plus a high concentration of big cats and smaller predators. The Great Migration and especially the Mara River crossing is one of the world’s greatest spectacles. The vast flat and gentle-sloping grasslands make spotting wildlife easy.
• When to go: June – October is dry season and the Great Migration
  • Avoid the long wet season (March to May)!
• Who is it best for: Wildlife photographers and first-time safari-goers

For anyone wondering where to go on safari to see the great Wildebeest Migration, the Maasai Mara National Reserve should be high on your list. This is when huge migrating herds make their way across the crocodile-infested Mara River and can be found between July and October each year.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve has one of the densest populations of animals in the world, including the Big Five. It is especially renowned for its large concentration of big predators, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. 

You can also see hyenas, hippos, crocs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, eland, impala, and 500 species of birds. 

The best time to visit the Maasai Mara is during the long dry season between June and October, when the weather is great and the grasses are short, making spotting animals easy. It is also when the Great Migration is in full swing; the herds start arriving at the Mara River around July, August, and September. 

January and February are also a good time to go as the weather is good and the vegetation is lush and green from the previous rains, creating beautiful backdrops for photographers. It is also the bird courting and nesting season when they’re in the brightest plumage and many migratory birds from the northern hemisphere are present. 

The compact terrain makes Maasai Mara an excellent place for first-timers wishing to see a diverse range and huge concentrations of animals. Wildlife photographers after action shots of predators on the hunt or dramatic river crossings. Also, it’s an excellent park to embark on a hot air balloon ride.

Lodges in Masai Mara National Reserve

This prime wildlife safari destination has countless lodges, hotels, and camps scattered within and on the outskirts of the Maasai Mara National Reserve that suit all tastes and budgets. A visit to a Maasai cultural village is a must-do when visiting this park.

4. Okavango Delta – Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana 

• Highlights: Incredible density of wildlife. It’s one of the best places to see wild dogs. A wide range of activities is available, including boating, fishing, birding, photography, walking safaris, and game drives.
• When to go: All year round. The sun shines all the time here.
• Who is it best for: Experienced safari enthusiasts with a healthy budget

Fed by the Okavango River which comes from the highlands of Angola, Moremi Game Reserve is a maze of river tributaries, lagoons, and wetlands on what’s known as the Okavango Delta.  

The delta provides the lifeline for virtually thousands of animal, bird, reptile, fish, and plant species found in this 1,900 square mile oasis in southern Africa. 

Around these life-giving waters, you can find lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, elephants, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocs, and tons of buck and bird species. 

Whilst white and black rhinos have been reintroduced after being poached to near extinction, they can only be found on a remote island (to ensure their protection) so unless you specifically visit this sanctuary, you won’t encounter any on your safari.

Botswana is one of the most expensive countries to go on safari as the country has adopted the model of low-impact high-value tourism. This means that there are much fewer people on safari here than other countries. It also means that it isn’t a very budget-friendly destination. 

The Okavango Delta is also quite remote. I’d recommend Moremi Game Reserve for slightly more experienced safari enthusiasts who have a reasonable budget.

Lodges in Moremi Game Reserve

Unfortunately, the remote area makes accommodation fairly expensive, so don’t expect budget-friendly options here.

5. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

• Highlights: Dense population of lions and the rest of the Big Five gang. A good chance of seeing black rhinos. Magadi Lake attracts a vast number of birds including huge colonies of flamingos. Breathtaking scenery and the flat terrain also allows easy spotting of wildlife.
• When to go: Best during the dry season (June – September) but as no migration takes place, all animals can be viewed all year round.
• Who is it best for: Safari-goers on Tanzania’s Northern Circuit 

We can’t talk about the best place to go on safari in Africa without mentioning the epic Ngorongoro Crater. With a completely unique landscape and extremely high density of wildlife, including the highest concentration of lions in the world, it’s no surprise that many Tanzanian safari itineraries include this ‘Garden of Eden.’

Just picture this: A steep circular crater wall some 2,000 feet in height and 12 miles in diameter, surrounding a vast landscape of grasslands, wooded areas, and a lake, packed with 25,000 animals and 550 species of birds. 

Among the 100 or so animal species found in the crater, you’re almost certain to see lions, elephants, buffalos, hippos, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras, and tons of antelope in large numbers. Leopards are also abundant, but their secretive nature does not always guarantee a sighting. 

Safari goers will fall in love with this picturesque park. Being small in size, it’s possible to spot the Big Five and almost all other species on a single game drive, so it’s also ideal for visitors on short itineraries. 

It’s also part of the Northern Tanzania safari circuit, which includes includes the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Arusha National Park, Olduvai Gorge, and Mkomazi National Park.

This region is a great destination for safari-goers who are comfortable moving around and want to see a lot of different parks in one trip. 

Lodges in Ngorongoro Crater

While there are no lodges within the crater itself, a number of lodges that cater to all tastes and budgets are scattered around the rim.

6. Chobe National Park, Botswana

• Highlights: Tons of elephants. Big concentration of lions and buffalos. Boating, fishing, and birding safaris here are epic. 
• When to go: All year round with peak wildlife viewing from May – October
• Who is it best for: Nature enthusiasts (especially elephant lovers!) looking for a unique experience

Situated in northern Botswana, Chobe National Park is a gem that every serious wildlife enthusiast should visit at least once.

The landscape of Chobe, consisting of grasslands and densely wooded forests, is dominated and nourished by its many waterways and marshes. Meanwhile, dry open savannahs and dense bushlands attract a different variety of wildlife.

Chobe’s greatest asset is its elephants, with some 150,000 individuals passing through here every year. Seeing lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, crocs, kudu, impala, plus over 400 species of birds are common too.

For a unique experience, several cruise boats, similar to the Nile cruisers in Egypt, offer a once-in-a-lifetime boating safari. The boats navigate along the Chobe River, offering a special perspective of the animals here. 

The Chobe Riverfront area is extremely accessible so is great for first-timers and self-drivers, plus its close proximity to Kasane town means it’s much more budget-friendly than the Okavango Delta. For more adventurous travelers, Savuti in the heart of the park is fantastic as it has a healthy population of lions who have been known to take down elephants!

Chobe is also a good choice as a safari destination due to its proximity to Victoria Falls and many of the lodges here offer packages or day trips to see the great falls on the Zambia/Zimbabwe border. 

Lodges in Chobe National Park

There are many lodges and camps in Chobe, mostly around the Chobe River.

7. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

• Highlights: The gorilla trek is the highlight of most visitors’ trips!
• When to go: June – August
• Who is it best for: Relatively fit adrenaline-seeking safarists, conservationists, photographers, and nature lovers. 

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of Africa’s most unique safari destinations. No matter how many times you have seen lions at a close range, nothing gets the adrenaline pumping faster than being on the ground standing a few feet from a 500 pound silverback gorilla. And that’s exactly what Bwindi is all about.

Within the forests and misty hills, you can find small herds of forest elephants, several primate species like baboons and chimpanzees, some buck, and a few hundred exotic bird species. 

But the real stars are its 100 or so mountain gorillas which make up half of the world’s total gorilla population. Watching these endangered animals interacting with their families in their natural habitat is a truly magical experience. 

Birders and botanists will also love exploring the forest and seeing exotic plants and birds, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Hiking expeditions to see the gorillas demands a certain level of fitness, as the forests are already at an elevation of 3,800-8,500 feet above sea level. Steep treks can be single-day tours or multi-day hikes with hikers sleeping in the forest along the route.  

Gorilla trekking requires a permit and can be pricey, usually costing well over $1,000 per person, but the experience is unforgettable.

Visiting Bwindi is best during the dry months between June and August, when the forest is relatively dry, although it can get pretty chilly up on the slopes during that period. January and February are OK as there is less rain and fewer tourists. March, April, and May receive a lot of rain, making the treks very unpleasant.

Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

8. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

• Highlights: The Big Five, although rhino sightings are rare. The sparse vegetation makes it an excellent park to self-drive as animals are easier to spot. 
• When to go: All year-round, but wildlife viewing is best in the dry season (June – October) 
• Who is it best for: Combining with a trip to Victoria Falls

The 5,637 square mile Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest and is home to one of the biggest elephant populations in Africa. 

The landscape consists of semi-arid desert, grasslands, sparse woodlands, and rocky outcrops which supports a wide array of animals including lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalos, elephants, giraffes, warthogs, and tons of antelope species.

After poachers wiped out rhinos here, two white rhinos were reintroduced recently. So, theoretically, it holds the Big Five. It is also home to some of the largest populations of African wild dogs and over 400 species of birds.

Being so huge and less visited than other famous parks, Hwange National Park is great for people who prefer viewing wildlife without feeling crowded. It’s also a good choice for those wanting to see the magnificent Victoria Falls nearby.

Lodges in Hwange National Park

There are tons of lodges, chalets, and campsites to choose from. 

9. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

• Highlights: Four of the Big Five are common including huge herds of elephants. Fantastic for leopard sightings. The park is less crowded so it’s possible to get close to animals.
• When to go: Best during the dry season (April – October)
  • Wet season (November – March) is also great for seeing loads of birds, baby animals, and cat activity, but roads are often inaccessible. It is also extremely hot and humid during the wet season.
• Who is it best for: Nature lovers who prefer fewer tourists. Photographers will love the lush greenery as a backdrop during the wet months; it’s known as the emerald season.

This 3,500 square mile pristine wilderness has some of the densest wildlife in Africa, including huge herds of elephants. Four of the Big Five live here in large numbers, with the only exception being rhinos. It’s one of the best places in the world to view leopards.

Other animals you can expect to see in South Luangwa National Park are hippos, regal-looking kudu, hartebeest, bushbuck, roan, and sable antelope, plus the rare and distinctly striped Crawshay’s zebra and packs of African wild dogs. Giraffes, wildebeest, and large herds of dainty impala and their fuzzier cousins, the puku, are almost everywhere, plus 400 bird species including nearly 40 birds of prey.

The best place to view animals is at Luangwa River, which meanders through its entire eastern boundary. During the dry season, most animals hang around the river and are easy to find. It’s also the time with fewer mosquitos and less risk of malaria. 

Getting there is quite difficult by road and requires a 4×4 vehicle. Most visitors arrive by air, with daily flights from various towns in Zambia served by airstrips at Mfuwe in the central-eastern region of the park and Kapamba to the south.

Lodges in South Luangwa National Park

There are a number of lodges in and around the park, mainly along the Luangwa River.

10. Etosha National Park, Namibia

• Highlights: Unusual and unearthly landscape. Lit-up watering holes around numerous camps allow excellent game viewing after dark. Nearby attractions include the Skeleton Coast and the Seal Colony at Cape Cross. If you have time to spare, Sossusvlei and the Fish River Canyon further to the south are worth a visit. Tour operators offer combined safaris to some of these attractions.
• When to go: All year round, although temperatures are best May – September
• Who is it best for: Safari-goers looking for something unique and different

Etosha is a vast nature park covering 8,598 square miles. During the springtime, the park transforms into a lush grassy savannah, attracting animals and birds in huge numbers, including the Big Five. During the wet period, it becomes home to over a million flamingos. 

Over 700 black and white rhinos roam freely here, and you’ll also see lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, ostriches, springbok, and gemsbok.

The beauty of Etosha is unparalleled, while the mostly flat terrain makes spotting the wildlife so much easier than many other hilly and densely vegetated parks in Africa. Etosha is also home stunning and distinctive Etosha Pan, which is Africa’s largest salt pan!

The flat terrain makes it ideal for self-drive safaris. The ruggedly beautiful landscape is perfect for anyone who enjoys unique scenery, including photographers.

Lodges in Etosha National Park

Etosha has several accommodation options scattered within and outside the park.

11. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

• Highlights: Gorilla and golden monkey trekking. The grave site of renowned conservationist Dian Fossey, although it’s a pretty rigorous hike. Great hiking to Mount Bisoke and other volcanoes and forest surrounds.
• When to go: Dry season between June and October.
• Who is best for: Anyone interested in primates and birds, fairly fit hikers, and nature lovers who want to experience something completely different.

Set in the volcanic mountains in north-western Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park may not have had the exposure as other famous wildlife sanctuaries in Africa had but is home to several hundred endangered mountain gorillas and the less-known golden monkeys. 

Other animals that reside in the lush green rainforests are buffalos, bushbuck, a few elephants, and over 200 species of exotic birds.

Lodges in Volcanoes National Park

12. Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya

• Highlights: The abundance of rhinos. The Big Five and the high density and visibility of other animals. The last two northern white rhinos in the world. Close proximity to Nairobi. 
• When to go: Definitely during the dry months, between June and October, to truly appreciate the natural beauty of this region.
• Who is it best for: Rhino and other rare animal enthusiasts and conservationists.  Many additional activities are offered at the conservancy as well such as night game drives, walking safaris, horse riding safaris and the opportunity to track lions. 

If your dream is to see endangered black and white rhinos, look no further than Ol Pejeta Conservancy. 

Situated below the western foothills of Mount Kenya, 200 black and white rhinos make their home here, including the Big Five. Furthermore, this conservancy also houses the last two remaining northern white rhinos in the world.

Other rare species here include the Grevy’s zebra, oryx, and packs of endangered African wild dogs.

During your stay, head 40 miles North to the Laikipia region on a walking safari to see other rare species, including the gerenuk, Günther’s dik-dik, Grevy’s zebras, and a strange but very colorful vulturine guineafowl.  

Another fascinating area to visit is the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy to the east, which apart from seeing an abundance of rhinos and other wildlife, is also a sanctuary for Grevy’s zebras.

Lodges in Ol Pejeta Conservancy

There are only nine lodges and tented camps located within the conservancy.

FAQs about African safari destinations

I get it — there’s a lot to think about when it comes to choosing the best place to go on safari. 

Let’s go over some common questions and see if we can get them answered!

Where should I go on my first safari?

Kruger National Park in South Africa is a great location for first time safari-goers. It’s extremely accessible, either by organized tour or self-drive, the roads are easy to navigate and there’s a wealth of accommodation available. 

Kruger is about a day’s drive from Johannesburg which houses the country’s largest international airport with flights arriving from all over the world. There are also a handful of smaller airports/airstrips within the Greater Kruger region that you can fly into from all over South Africa. 

What are ‘The Big 5’ to see on safari?

The term ‘Big Five’ refers to the most dangerous animals to see in Africa: elephants, lions, rhinoceros, leopards and African buffalos.

How many days on safari is enough?

Whilst it’s certainly possible to enjoy as little as a 2 or 3 day safari, depending on your location, I’d recommend 5 days as a minimum. 

You’ll want to allow yourself enough time to see all the animals on your wish list which can take a few days. I also think spending a little more time on safari allows you to switch off and immerse yourself in nature.

What is the best country to go on safari?

Tanzania is perhaps the best all-rounder safari destination. It’s got a very good safari circuit which combines some of the country’s best parks and reserves and the infrastructure means it’s easy to get from one to another. 

You stand a good chance of seeing the Big Five on your safari here as well as the famous wildebeest migration.

Which African country is the safest for safari?

I’ve felt safe on all my safaris to date. Africa gets an unfair reputation for being unsafe but the reality is that the news only tends to report on the worst and fills our minds with fear. The reality is that you’ll have a very pleasant experience throughout much of Africa.

Botswana is perhaps the safest country to go on safari as the country is extremely stable and as the safari locations are remote, you don’t encounter many people. Therefore petty thefts are a lot less common than places like South Africa, for example. I also didn’t experience any hassle in the towns.

Which country has the best Big 5 safari?

Many African countries house the Big Five and so you have a chance to encounter them no matter which country you choose to go on safari to.

However, I’d probably say that South Africa is the most reliable place to see the Big Five as Kruger National Park has healthy numbers of them all.

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We want to hear from you!

We hope this article helped you narrow down the best place to go on safari for your travel style and preferences! Are you planning a a trip to one of these safari destinations and still have questions? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!