Choosing the Best African Safari: A Guide to the Options
An African safari is a dream trip for many, offering the chance to witness majestic wildlife, stunning landscapes, and an unforgettable sense of adventure. With so many incredible destinations to choose from – Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, and beyond – it can be difficult to know where to begin. Each country offers a unique safari experience, from the iconic "Big Five" sightings to remote, off-the-beaten-track landscapes. In this blog, we’ll compare some of the best African safari options to help you decide which one is right for you.
We’ve put together five safari itineraries, each showcasing a unique adventure in the countries in this blog..
Kenya Safari
Best Time to Go:
The best time to visit Kenya is from June to October when the weather is dry, and the wildlife viewing is at its peak. If you’re keen to witness the famous Wildebeest Migration, plan your visit during the great migration in the months of July to September.
Wildlife:
Kenya is world-renowned for its wildlife, and you can expect to see the iconic Big Five – lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. The Maasai Mara is particularly famous for its wildebeest migration, where millions of animals move from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara. There’s also an abundance of cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and various bird species.
Ideal Duration:
A safari in Kenya typically lasts 5 to 7 days, depending on whether you plan to visit multiple parks or focus on a specific area like the Maasai Mara or Amboseli National Park.
Accommodation:
Kenya offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury lodges and tented camps to more rustic, eco-friendly options. Many of the parks have permanent camps and lodges, which offer comfortable stays with excellent access to game drives and other safari activities.
Why Visit:
Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Amboseli National Park offer some of the best wildlife sightings in the world, and the country’s strong conservation efforts ensure the protection of its incredible biodiversity. Kenya is a great option if you’re looking for a classic safari experience, with excellent game viewing and the opportunity to see the migration in action.
Explore our Kenya and Tanzania itinerary to make this a longer trip with a visit to Tanzania as well.
Tanzania Safari
Best Time to Go:
Like Kenya, the best time to visit Tanzania is from June to October, particularly for wildlife viewing. If you want to witness the Great Migration, consider visiting Serengeti during the months of July to September.
Wildlife:
Tanzania is home to two of the most famous safari destinations: the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. The Serengeti is known for its Great Migration and offers some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing in the world, including the Big Five, cheetahs, hippos, and crocodiles. The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its high concentration of wildlife, including rare species like the black rhino.
Ideal Duration:
A safari in Tanzania typically lasts around 5 to 7 days to fully explore both the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, though it can be shortened if you focus on one area.
Accommodation:
Tanzania offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious lodges to mobile tented camps that follow the migration route. Many of the lodges and camps are situated within the parks, giving you direct access to wildlife sightings.
Why Visit:
Tanzania is perfect if you want to see the Great Migration up close and explore the Serengeti’s vast savannahs. It’s also great for those interested in visiting other iconic locations like the Ngorongoro Crater for a more diverse safari experience.
Namibia Safari
Best Time to Go:
The best time to visit Namibia is during the dry season, from May to October. This is when the wildlife is most active, especially in Etosha National Park, as animals congregate around waterholes.
Wildlife:
Namibia offers a different safari experience, focusing more on desert wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Etosha National Park is the main destination, where you’ll see a variety of species including elephants, lions, giraffes, and rhinos, often congregating around the park’s waterholes. You may also visit the Namib Desert, home to the world’s tallest sand dunes and unique desert-adapted wildlife.
Ideal Duration:
A safari in Namibia typically lasts 5 to 7 days. If you’re interested in combining a desert adventure with a safari, you could extend your trip to 10 days.
Accommodation:
Namibia offers a range of accommodations, including luxury lodges, mid-range options, and camping. Many of the lodges in Etosha are located close to waterholes, giving you the chance to watch wildlife from the comfort of your lodge.
Why Visit:
Namibia’s desert landscapes and Etosha’s waterholes offer a truly unique safari experience. It’s ideal for those who are looking for something a little different, with a combination of stunning scenery and fascinating wildlife.
Explore our Southern Africa itinerary if you’d like to consider making this a longer trip.
South Africa Safari
Best Time to Go:
The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September during the dry season, when game viewing is at its peak in areas like Kruger National Park.
Wildlife:
South Africa is home to the Big Five, and its Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations. You’ll also have the chance to see cheetahs, wild dogs, and a wide variety of birdlife. South Africa offers both large, established national parks and smaller, more intimate private reserves such as Sabi Sands and Kariega, which are known for their excellent game viewing and luxurious accommodations.
Ideal Duration:
A safari in South Africa typically lasts 5 to 7 days, though it can be extended if you plan to visit other areas like the Garden Route or the Western Cape. Have a look at our South Africa and Southern Africa itineraries to see how you can make this into a longer trip.
Accommodation:
South Africa offers a broad range of accommodation options, from luxurious private lodges to more budget-friendly camps. Many of the private game reserves offer exclusive, intimate experiences, with highly personalised services and excellent game drives.
Why Visit:
South Africa’s well-established infrastructure makes it a great choice for first-time safari-goers. It combines world-class wildlife viewing with the convenience of modern facilities, and offers the option to combine your safari with other activities, such as wine tasting in the Cape Winelands or visiting Cape Town.
Botswana Safari
Best Time to Go:
The best time to visit Botswana is from May to October. During this period, the Okavango Delta experiences its annual flooding, making it an ideal time for wildlife viewing.
Wildlife:
Botswana is famous for its pristine wilderness areas, particularly the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. The Okavango Delta offers water-based safaris, where you can see elephants, lions, leopards, and hippos. Chobe National Park is known for its huge elephant herds, while the Makgadikgadi Pans offers an otherworldly landscape and seasonal wildlife.
Ideal Duration:
A safari in Botswana typically lasts 5 to 7 days, as there’s much to see and explore, including both land and water-based safari options, but as with the other options, you can turn this into a longer trip - explore our Southern Africa itinerary for some suggestions.
Accommodation:
Botswana’s safari lodges are often exclusive and luxurious, with many small, intimate camps offering guided experiences. Expect a high level of service and an emphasis on eco-friendly practices.
Why Visit:
Botswana is perfect for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path safari with a focus on luxury, exclusivity, and unspoiled wilderness. It’s ideal for travellers who want a more private and immersive experience in one of Africa’s most remote and pristine environments.
Conclusion
There is no right answer to what is the best African safari. Each destination offers something unique, depending on what you're looking for in your adventure. Whether it’s the iconic wildlife of Kenya and Tanzania, the desert beauty of Namibia, the luxury and wildlife diversity of South Africa, or the exclusive wilderness of Botswana, there’s no wrong choice. Consider factors like the time of year, the type of wildlife you want to see, your preferred level of comfort, and the kind of experience you seek to find the perfect safari for you. No matter which destination you choose, an African safari promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience you'll never forget.
