Best African safaris: plan an unforgettable wildlife adventure

Cinematic skies, monumental landscapes and awesome wildlife experiences: nothing beats the thrill of an African safari. Taking a walk on the wild side is a privileged experience, and one that should be done right. Whether you’re setting forth with a young family, looking to combine adventure with a luxury and romantic safari experience, or delving deeper into the culture and wildlife of a particular region, our local experts can help. Every member of the team is a passionate local, who for years has been crafting itineraries for the best African safaris to suit diverse travel styles. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some ideas to kick-start your African safari travel plans.

Top African safari destinations: from popular icons to hidden gems

Much like the animals of the savannah, safari vacations come in all shapes and sizes. Here comes a menagerie of African safari trips and travel ideas to suit your style…

Best for budding naturalists: the Serengeti and the Great Migration

For a wildlife experience on a truly grand scale, nothing comes close to the Great Migration. Every year, vast numbers of wildebeest, zebra, and other animals journey across East Africa’s Serengeti and Maasai Mara in search of fresh pastures, prey and water. As they follow the rains, all of life unfolds across these vast plains. There is birth, death and jeopardy as the herds cross rivers, dodge predators, and raise their young. Ask about a hot air balloon ride over the action and pinch yourself as you float silently above the earthly drama into sunset skies, enjoying a truly unique bird’s-eye view of this natural spectacle.

Best for couples: combine South Africa’s Kruger and Winelands

Home to a sheer variety of travel and nature experiences, South Africa is a real crowd-pleaser and a top destination for enjoying the best African safaris for couples. With its high density of wildlife, the Kruger National Park is one of the best places for safaris in South Africa, with almost guaranteed sightings of the Big Five in a short space of time. Those with gourmet tendencies will also be wowed and wooed by the food and wine of South Africa’s celebrated Winelands, along with Garden Route road trips and culture-packed cities.

Read more: Dream vacation in South Africa: tips for the ultimate experience

Best for water babies: Zimbabwe safari cruises on the Chobe and Zambezi rivers

Taking to the water offers a whole new perspective for an African safari. Both the Chobe and the Zambezi rivers attract hordes of water-loving wildlife to their shores and shallows. Hippos wallow, elephants splash, and crocs patrol the depths. Seeing these creatures from water level on a safari boat cruise or canoe expedition is very different to a land-based safari. The watery world will add a new dimension to your adventure.

Best for active adventurers: Ngorongoro Crater, a majestic wonder in Tanzania

Formed millions of years ago by a colossal volcanic eruption, the UNESCO-protected Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s natural wonders. Its towering walls enclose wildlife-rich grasslands, wooded valleys, and an expansive soda lake. The crater is home to a vast array of animal life, including endangered black rhinos, elephants, lions, hippos, and pink flamingos. Trails along the crater rim offer spectacular hiking with far-reaching views.

Read more: The best things to do in Tanzania

Best for birders: the Okavango Delta, Botswana’s jewel

The watery world of the seasonally flooded Okavango Delta is a true haven for wildlife. Birds and mammals come in their thousands to wallow in the waters, drink their fill, and feed. Visiting here feels like exploring untamed Africa, and safaris are often conducted in dugout canoes or on horseback. Both of these modes of quiet, engine-free transport are ideal for birdwatching.

Best for families: Maasai Mara, a classic in the heart of Kenya

Giving your kids the opportunity to experience the incredible wildlife of Kenya’s Masai Mara is nothing short of A-Game parenting. With lions, hippos, elephants and giraffes aplenty, African safari trips don’t get much more mind-blowing than this. Kenyan safaris are a true classic, offering family-friendly lodges and a smooth, stress-free ride for the whole group.

Read more: A family guide to Kenya

Best for variety: unique wildlife safaris in Ghana, from game drives to canopy walks

This friendly West African gem is packed with culture, fun, and a good measure of wildlife-watching opportunities, too. Here, you can track elephants in the Mole National Park or brave the high-flying Kakum Canopy Walk for full rainforest immersion. Ghana also has a fabulous coastline, making it the ideal country to combine culture, community travel, wildlife and a beach break in one.

Best for photographers: experience a desert safari in Namibia

Wild and windswept Namibia boasts a diverse and compelling landscape that will have you reaching for your camera at every subtle change in the light. Snaking canyons, fire-red dunes, rugged mountains, and a desert coastline racked by formidable waves all tempt you to point and shoot. The wildlife of Namibia is different too, and there are some unique desert-adapted creatures to get to know.

Read more: The wildlife of Namibia

When to go on safari in Africa: best months to travel

Wildlife-watching by season

In general, African safari vacation packages work best during the dry season. At this time of year, vegetation is thin, and water is scarce, meaning wildlife gathers in greater numbers at fewer sources of water, making them easier to spot. Across most of Sub-Saharan Africa, the dry season stretches from around June to October.

There are benefits to traveling outside of the dry season though, which is also the busy high season. Visit just after the rainy season to enjoy lush, green surroundings when forests and deltas are teeming with birdlife. There will also be fewer other visitors to encounter as you explore. If you prefer a wilder experience, the low season could be the best time to go on safari.

Climate considerations

Climate change continues to disrupt weather patterns around the world, and this is very much the case in Africa. The seasons are becoming less clear-cut and predictable, making planning safari vacations tricker. Being aware of this and the challenges that communities face will help avoid disappointment.

Enhancing your safari experience

To make the most of your African safari, stay open and inquisitive, ask questions, and connect with your local guides and the communities that you visit and stay amongst. Prioritize experiencing the moment, and connect with your fellow travelers and the incredible places you are passing through.

Safari etiquette: dos and don’ts

African safari trips present a new environment for many travelers, and it can be easy to react without thinking. When caught up in the excitement of glimpsing a wild animal for the first time, you might be tempted to get closer, shout out or jump up with your camera. Remember to stay calm and quiet, keep a respectful distance from the animals, and always listen to the instructions of your safari guide.

Conservation efforts: how you can help make a positive impact on your African safari

We work closely with all our local African safari experts to make sure the trips we organize have sustainability and conservation at their hearts. We hope this goes a long way in helping you to make a positive impact when you travel. Of course, there is always more that you can do. For some ideas, visit our guides to making a difference when you travel and sustainable packing and waste reduction.

Safety tips and health precautions: vaccines and malarial zones

Required vaccines differ from country to country, so always check well in advance which, if any, you need for your specific Africa safari destination. Vaccines will often need to be administered weeks apart, so having plenty of lead time is crucial.

As a general rule, take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, wearing long trousers and long-sleeved tops, sleeping under a mosquito net, and using natural insect repellent.

Essential packing guide for travelers

There is much to consider when penning a packing list for African safari trips, from what color clothing to favor to which items are best left at home. Our guide to what to pack for an African safari will help you hone your case contents to perfection.

Make it happen

Ready to start planning a safari experience you won’t soon forget? Our local experts are ready and excited to help you put together the dream personalized itinerary for your African adventure, so get in touch with them today.