Best Safaris in Africa - Packages, Cost & Travel Guide
At Kenyaluxurysafari.co.uk, we plan our best safaris in Africa to bring you up close to the big 5, the big cats, and the natural wonders of Africa. Our trips are perfectly orchestrated to give you insider access to the culture of the people you meet and the history of the destinations you visit.
We tailor-make each of our African safari itineraries to take you to the best countries for a safari in Africa. These include Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana Zambia, Egypt, Uganda, and more.
But which are the best safari destinations in Africa? Should you book a Kenya safari in October or should you rather go to northern Tanzania or Southern Africa? What is the peak season for tourism in Africa?
In this article, James Gatheru, our senior safari consultant, shares the information you need to plan the best safaris in Africa. He will share the best destinations for a safari in Africa, the best time to visit Africa, and the cost of a safari in Africa and so much more. But before then, let us share our contact details and our most booked African Safari packages.
Contact us to Start Planning or to Book Your African Safari Package
At Kenyaluxurysafari.co.uk, we plan the best safaris in Africa. We invite you to contact us via phone or WhatsApp at +254-704-532-105.
You can also reach us via email at at safarioffers@kenyaluxurysafari.co.uk or james@ajkenyasafaris.com or even fill out our “Book a Safari Form.” We shall respond within 24 hours.
Explore Our Diverse Collection of the Best Safaris in Africa
The Best Safaris in Africa - The Best Destinations to Explore
Next, we look at the best destinations for safaris in Africa. These are wildlife rich areas with lots of fun adventure for safari goers.
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park is among Zimbabwe’s most popular safari destinations. It is characterized by savanna grasslands and forests dotted with a vast variety of wild animals. Some African safari animals you can expect to see in Hwange National Park include lion, the wild dog, the leopard, and cheetah. Hwange is known for its large elephant population, which is one of the biggest in the world.
In addition to game drives and walking safaris, Hwange National Park also offers a variety of other activities for visitors to enjoy. These include guided walks, birdwatching, and cultural tours. The park is also home to several lodges and campsites, which provide accommodation for visitors.These include Nehimba Lodge, Ivory Safari Lodge & Khulu Lodge, and Elephant’s Eye, Hwange National Park..
Hwange National Park is easily accessible from the nearby town of Victoria Falls, which is just a three-hour drive away. Victoria Falls is a popular tourist destination known for its breathtaking waterfall, which is one of the largest in the world. The falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
Laikipia, Kenya
The Laikipia plateau is a beautiful and diverse region of Kenya that is home to a wide variety of wildlife. It is located in the southeastern part of the country, and offers visitors the opportunity to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) as well as other species such as wild dogs and rare subspecies of giraffe and zebra.
The region is known for its open and rolling countryside, which provides stunning views of Mount Kenya’s jagged peaks. There are several reserves in the Laikipia plateau that offer safari experiences to visitors, including Ol Pejeta Sweetwaters Serena Camp, which is a mid-size option that offers comfortable accommodation without breaking the bank.
Overall, the Laikipia plateau is a great destination for those interested in experiencing the beauty and diversity of Kenya’s wildlife.
Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
Madikwe Game Reserve is located in the North West Province of South Africa, on the border with Botswana. It is a large, malaria-free reserve that covers an area of approximately 750,000 hectares and is home to incredible wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo) and other charismatic animals such as wild dogs.
The reserve is known for its picturesque landscape, with green hills and orange-rust-colored sand, making it a popular destination for tourists.
The best place to stay in Madikwe Game Reserve (according to James Gatheru- our senior safari consultant), is the Madikwe safari lodge.
It is a luxurious accommodation option within the reserve, offering 20 rooms, including family-sized suites with bunk beds, making it a great choice for families. The lodge also has a focus on children, with special offers and activities designed for them. It is located about a 3.5-hour drive from Johannesburg.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is indeed a very popular safari destination located in the northeastern part of South Africa. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, white rhinoceros, African elephant, and buffalo) as well as many other species such as zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and a variety of birds.
The park has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, with a range of accommodation options available to suit different budgets, including self-catering establishments and luxury lodges. In addition to self-guided safaris, there are also guided safari tours available, which can be a good option for those who want to learn more about the park and its wildlife from an experienced guide.
The park can get busy during peak tourist season, so it may be worth considering a visit during the shoulder season or exploring the less-visited areas of the park, such as the north, which offers wonderful walking trails and a big baboon and pine forest.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Namibia is indeed a beautiful country with a diverse landscape that ranges from desert to savannah to mountains. Etosha National Park is a popular destination for wildlife viewing, and it is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, zebras, and giraffes. The best time to visit Etosha National Park is during the dry season, when the animals are more likely to gather at the waterholes. This is also the best time for birdwatching, as many species of birds migrate to the park during the dry season.
Windhoek is the capital city of Namibia and is a good base for exploring the country. From Windhoek, you can take a short flight to many of Namibia’s top attractions, including Etosha National Park, the Namib Desert, and the Skeleton Coast. The wide, open landscape of Namibia is one of its most striking features, and it is a great destination for those who love nature and adventure.
Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater is a large, volcanic crater located in Tanzania. It is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo) as well as many other species such as zebras, giraffes, hippopotamuses, and flamingos. The crater is also home to the Maasai people, who have lived in the area for centuries and coexist with the wildlife.
The best time to visit Ngorongoro depends on what you want to see and do. If you’re interested in seeing a large number of animals, the dry season (June to October) is the best time to visit. During this time, the animals are more likely to be concentrated around the watering holes, making them easier to spot. If you’re interested in observing the Maasai people, the rainy season (November to May) is the best time to visit, as this is when the Maasai perform many of their traditional ceremonies.
To get to Ngorongoro Crater, you can fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport and then take a transfer to the crater. Alternatively, you can drive from Arusha or other nearby towns.
Serengeti National Park Tanzania
Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is a vast and dramatic area known for its stunning landscape, including the Olduvai Gorge and the Serengeti crater, as well as its diverse wildlife population. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including the critically endangered black rhino, lions, flamingos, and leopards, as well as wildebeests, zebras, and other species.
Serengeti National Park is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the African wilderness and see a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can participate in guided safari tours, go on game drives, or go on guided walks to see the animals and learn about the park’s ecosystem. The park is also known for the Great Migration, a massive movement of grazing animals, including wildebeest and zebras, that takes place between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara region in Kenya.
Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique and diverse natural and cultural resources. It can get busy during the peak tourist season, particularly between June and September, when the weather is generally dry and favorable for travel. However, the park can also be visited during the low season, when there are fewer crowds and lower prices, although the weather may not be as favorable.
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Mana Pools National Park is a wildlife reserve located in Zimbabwe, along the banks of the Mana River. It is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants and wild dogs, as well as its beautiful landscape and opportunities for canoeing and bushwalking.
Ruckomechi Camp is a top camping ground located within the park, offering comfortable accommodation in the form of ten apartments within an exclusive reserve. Visitors to Mana Pools National Park can enjoy a range of activities, including game drives, canoeing, and guided walks, all of which offer the chance to see a variety of wildlife and experience the natural beauty of the area.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best-protected parks in east Africa. It is home to over a hundred different types of mammals and hundreds of bird species. It is one of the best safari parks in Uganda where you can see lions, elephants, leopards, hippos, Chimpanzees, and different species of Antelopes. The common antelopes you can expect to see here include Uganda kob, waterbuck, bushbuck, and duiker.
The park is also well developed with good roads and lodges, making it a great choice for seasoned travelers. The best things to do at Queen Elizabeth National Park include game drives and guided walks.
For the best safaris in Africa while at Queen Elizabeth, plan to stay at Enganzi Game lodge, Mweya Hostel, Ishasha Wilderness Camp and Kyambura Gorge Lodge.
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
The Maasai Mara is Kenya’s most famous safari destination. This expansive landscape hosts the Great Migration, an annual event that sees massive herds of wildebeests, zebras, and buffalo pass through the region in search of food and water. The best time for an African safari to Masai Mara to see the great migration is July to October.
The reserve has plenty of other animals, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and elephants. Some of the animals you will see during safari holidays to Masai mara include African wild dogs, cheetahs, cape buffalos, white rhinos as well as back rhinos. You will also see hippos, zebras, giraffes, crocodiles, and other animals. The Mara is home to over 450 bird species.
Some of the best things to do while on a safari in Masai Mara include visiting local communities for cultural tours, bush walk, walking safari, hot air balloon safari, wildlife viewing, and more. The Maasai Mara is one of the best African safari destinations for first-time trips to Africa.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is a unique wetland ecosystem that is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo). It is a popular destination for safari tours and is known for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly during the flood season when the delta is filled with water.
Visitors can explore the delta by mokoro, a traditional canoe, or by taking game drives through the reserves. The Okavango Delta is also known for its birding opportunities, with over 500 species of birds found in the region. The delta is located in northern Botswana and is fed by floodwaters from neighboring Angola between May and October.
Tourism in the Okavango Delta is controlled to ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem, and as a result, it can be one of the more expensive places to go on safari in Africa. However, the exceptional wildlife viewing and unique experience of exploring the delta by mokoro make it a popular destination for many travelers.
Etosha National Park, Tanzania
Etosha National Park is one of the best safari destinations in Africa for wildlife viewing. The park boasts an impressive array of wildlife, including the Big Five and over 340 bird species. It is also home to a large number of endangered species, including black rhinos, cheetahs, and giraffes.
One of the best things to do at Etosha National Park is to go on game drives through different sections of the park to see as many animals as possible. You can also take guided walks within the park or visit local communities for cultural tours, which will give you a chance to better understand the traditions and way of life of people living in this region.
The best place to stay in Etosha National Park includes Etosha village, Okaukuejo Resort, Olifantsrus Camp, and Onguma the Fort.
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Another one of the best places for African safaris is South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Famous for its large population of elephants and walking safaris, the park is a great destination for travelers looking to explore the beauty of Africa on foot.
Some of the top things to do in South Luangwa National Park include guided walks through various sections of the park, game drives, canoeing along the river, and visiting local communities to learn about their culture and ways of life. You can also stop by some of the many watering holes that are scattered throughout the park to see wildlife gathering at these natural water sources.
To get the most out of your safari in South Luangwa National Park, you should stay in one of the park’s camps or lodges. These include the Nyamatusi Safaris Camp, Chundu Island Safaris Lodge, and Nkwali Safaris Lodge.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a protected area located in southwestern Uganda. It is home to a dense and diverse forest ecosystem, as well as a significant population of mountain gorillas. The park is located in the Kigezi highlands, on the edge of the Albertine Rift, which is a section of the Great Rift Valley that runs through East Africa.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park covers an area of approximately 321 square kilometers and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including over 1,000 species of plants and more than 120 species of mammals. It is also home to a number of endangered species, such as the mountain gorilla, which is found only in the forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The best activities to do while here include Gorilla Trekking and game viewing.
Katavi National Park
Located in the western portion of the African country of Tanzania, Katavi National Park is a great destination for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. The park is best known for its large population of African elephants and lions, and it also has high concentrations of antelopes and hippos.
Some of the top things to do at Katavi National Park include guided game drives, bush walks, and walking safaris to see as many animals as possible.
The Mighty Victoria Falls
Another amazing destination for African safaris is the Mighty Victoria Falls, which lies on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. At nearly 100 meters high and over a kilometer wide, the falls are considered to be one of the largest waterfalls in the world.
Visitors can take guided tours of this awe-inspiring natural wonder and explore its many attractions, such as Devil’s Pool, Livingstone Island, and Chobe National Park in Botswana. There are also a number of exciting activities offered at the falls, including bungee jumping, white water rafting, abseiling, zip lining, helicopter rides, and more.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Located in the African country of Botswana, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the largest protected areas in the world. It covers an area of 52,800 square kilometers and is known for its diverse landscape that includes grassy plains, salt pans, forests, riverbeds, and sand dunes.
A visit to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve offers a great opportunity to experience everything that this incredible region has to offer. Whether you’re hoping to see large animals like lions and cheetahs or smaller creatures like hyenas and jackals, there’s something for everyone at this fantastic destination.
The best lodges in Central Kalahari include Evolve Back Kalahari, the Lodge at Felini fields, and the Kalahari Desert Camp.
Nyerere National Park, Tanzania
Nyerere National Park, also known as the Selous Game Reserve, is a protected area located in southern Tanzania. It is the largest wildlife reserve in Africa and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including many species that are endangered or threatened.
Nyerere National Park is known for its diverse ecosystem, which includes a variety of habitats such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The park is home to a large population of elephants, as well as other large mammals such as lions, leopards, hyenas, and buffalo. It is also home to a number of bird species, including various species of vultures, eagles, and pelicans.
Best Safaris in Africa - FAQ
Next, we look at the most common questions we get about planning African Safari tours.
Which African country is best for safaris?
There are countless amazing safari destinations across Africa, each offering its own unique experiences and wildlife sightings. Some of the most popular national parks and game reserves in Africa:
- Kenya’s Masai Mara National Park
- South Luangwa National Park
- Zambezi National Park
- Lower Zambezi National Park
- Central Kalahari Game reserve
- Okavango Delta
- Etosha National Park
- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.
- Kruger National Park, South Africa.
- The Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania
Other destinations we include in our best safaris in Africa include
- Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda.
- Kibale National Park
- Volcanoes National Park
- The Legendary Victoria Falls, Zambia
- Hluhluwe Game Reserve
- Zambezi River.
- Chobe National Park
What is the best month to go on an African safari?
The best time to go on a safari depends on your specific interests and travel preferences. Some travelers choose to visit Africa during the dry season (typically June-October) when game viewing conditions are optimal and you’ll likely have uninterrupted views of iconic animal species like elephants, lions, and zebras.
This is also the best time to see the annual Wildebeest migration in Serengeti and Masai Mara National Reserve. Ultimately, the best way to find the right time for your safari is to do some research about what each destination has to offer at different times of the year and then plan accordingly. Please contact us via safarioffers@kenyaluxurysafari.co.uk and we shall happily on the best time for an African safari trip.
Is Kenya or Tanzania better for safari?
While both Kenya and Tanzania are top-notch destinations for safaris, there are certain factors that might make one country more appealing than the other. For example, if you’re looking to see the famous wildebeest migration, which is a truly incredible sight, then Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is likely your best bet between November and June.
However, if you want the highest chance of spotting the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes), Kenya may be a better choice because it has some of the most diverse wildlife populations in Africa. The Mara is also the best place to see the Mara river crossing and the great migration between July and October.
Which safari is better: Tanzania or South Africa?
Both Tanzania and South Africa are excellent options that offer unique and unforgettable safari experiences. Some travelers prefer the wide open spaces of the Serengeti National Park or the Masai Mara in Tanzania. Others may prefer the dense jungles and lush forests of Kruger National Park or KwaZulu Natal in South Africa. The plan is to figure out what you wish to do and see during your safari, and decide weather a safari in Tanzania or South Africa will work well for you.
Is October a good time for an African safari?
October can be a great time for an African safari, as the weather is generally mild and wildlife viewing conditions are ideal. This month typically offers excellent visibility and plenty of sunny days, although it is important to keep in mind that the exact timing of the wildebeest migration will depend on many different factors, such as rainfall patterns. The best safaris in Africa to see the Masai Mara migration are planned between July and October.
Is October a good month to visit South Africa?
Yes, October is a great time to visit South Africa for a variety of reasons. In addition to the mild weather and favorable wildlife viewing conditions that make October an excellent month for an African safari to South Africa, this month is also one of the most popular times for visitors to travel to South Africa for cultural tours. You will enjoy lots of festivals, cultural events, and other exciting activities taking place throughout the country. There is always something new to explore when traveling in South Africa during October.
Where can I go on a safari in Africa in October?
There are many great destinations for a safari in Africa in October, including the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Kruger National Park in South Africa. If you’re looking to see the famous wildebeest migration, the Masai Mara is a top choice, with its diverse wildlife and ideal viewing conditions in October. Other great options for the best safaris in Africa during the month of October include the Okavango Delta or the Ngorongoro Crater. You might also enjoy visiting the Mana pools, National Park, Murchison falls National Park, Selous Game Reserve, and Nxai Pan National Park.
Is October a good time to visit Kenya?
October is generally considered a good time to visit Kenya as it is during the dry season in many parts of the country. The dry season in Kenya typically runs from July to October, and it is a popular time for tourists to visit as the weather is generally sunny and dry, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (20s to 30s Celsius).
During October, many of the country’s national parks and wildlife reserves are at their best, with an abundance of wildlife and clear views of the landscape. The dry season is also a good time to visit the beaches along the Indian Ocean, as the water is generally calm and the weather is warm and sunny. The best African safari holiday destinations include private reserves such as Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Lewa Wilderness. YOu might also enjoy visiting Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park, Mount Kenya National Park, and Samburu Game Reserve.