A life lived closer to nature: Q&A with a local expert in Namibia
May 19, 2025
The seven best safari adventures in Africa
|There’s something deeply nostalgic about the iconic animals that roam wild across Africa. Giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and gorillas, creatures you may have only seen in wildlife documentaries, roam freely here, and with a local guide, a 4×4, and a solid pair of binoculars, spotting them is easier than you’d think. It’s true what everyone says: seeing these magnificent animals up close in their natural habitat is an experience like no other, especially when a safari in Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many. If you’re getting ready for one of your own, we’ve put together a guide to the best safari adventures in Africa to help you make the most of every moment, and spot every animal on your list.
The best safari adventures in Africa
1. Kenya – The Masai Mara, land of the Lion King
The sweeping grasslands of Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve, dotted with acacia trees and shimmering herds of zebras and wildebeest, are instantly recognizable, even to first-time visitors to Africa. Home to the legendary Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo), this iconic reserve also helped inspire the landscapes in Disney’s The Lion King, along with Tanzania’s famed Serengeti.
One of the region’s biggest draws is the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration, an annual natural phenomenon that attracts wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. Each year, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest travel from Tanzania to Kenya, braving crocodile-filled rivers, predators, and extreme conditions in search of fresh water and grazing land. The migration takes place during the dry season, from July through October, making this the best time to visit for peak wildlife viewing.
Considered a gateway to safari adventures in Africa, the Masai Mara is ideal for first-time safari travelers thanks to its storybook scenery and high concentration of wildlife. Expert local guides lead unforgettable game drives designed to maximize your chances of spotting animals in the wild. You can also combine a visit to the Masai Mara with stops at Amboseli National Park, famous for its views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the hippo-filled waters of Lake Naivasha.
Read more: Discover Kenya’s lesser-known wildlife
2. Botswana – Boat down the Okavango Delta
In Botswana, Southern Africa, the Okavango Delta is a biodiversity marvel and one of the largest inland deltas in the world. Made up of floodplains, swamps, riverine forests, and grasslands, it’s no surprise that a rich variety of wild and fascinating animals call this place home. Sure, the famous Big Five (leopards, elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, and lions) roam the Delta, and that’s a huge draw. But you’ll also have the chance to spot endangered African wild dogs, Nile crocodiles sunning themselves on riverbanks, hippos dozing in the water, and more than 400 bird species, including the African fish eagle, wattled crane, and saddle-billed stork.
One of the most popular and atmospheric ways to explore the Delta is by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe guided by a skilled poler. Gliding quietly through the waterways lets you get close to wildlife without disturbing them. You can also explore on foot or take part in thrilling game drives, just be sure to bring a good camera. The indigenous communities in the Delta are deeply committed to protecting and honoring the land. If you’re planning a safari tour in Botswana, don’t miss the opportunity to learn how local people live in harmony with the natural world around them.
3. Uganda – Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
When it comes to once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, trekking with gorillas ranks near the top. Around 340 endangered mountain gorillas roam the misty, elevated forests of Uganda, with others living in neighboring Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Seeing them up close in their natural, densely forested habitat is as moving for its conservation success as it is for the experience itself.
Only a limited number of tourists are permitted to visit each year, and securing a permit in advance is essential. Once you reach Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, expect a set of important guidelines designed to protect the gorillas. But trust us, it’s worth every step. Coming face-to-face with a gorilla family in the wild is humbling, powerful, and unforgettable. For those seeking meaningful and immersive safari adventures in Africa, a gorilla trek is a truly magical addition that connects you deeply with nature and conservation efforts.
Read more: The best reasons to visit Uganda
4. Rwanda – Gorillas and chimps in Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda is also a top destination for gorilla encounters, in fact, these gentle giants are often the biggest reason travelers visit Rwanda and Uganda. If you’re heading to Rwanda for gorilla trekking, you’ll likely venture into Volcanoes National Park, a breathtaking landscape of lush, steep forests with five of the eight Virunga volcanoes rising through the mist in the distance. As in Uganda, permits must be secured in advance to minimize disturbance to the gorillas. Revenue from gorilla tourism helps fund conservation efforts, support local communities, and protect these incredible animals for future generations.
Meeting one of our closest evolutionary relatives is an unforgettable experience on its own, but the forest has even more to offer. Stick around and you might spot playful chimpanzees in the treetops, rare golden monkeys, buffalo, the Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, or even the elusive forest elephant.
5. Namibia – Waterhole wildlife at Etosha National Park
Namibia is one of the top destinations for safari adventures in Africa, offering some of the continent’s most dramatic scenery, from towering sand dunes and sun-scorched deserts to eerie, tree-studded wastelands. While much of the landscape may appear remote and rugged, it hides a wealth of wildlife, most notably concentrated within the vast borders of Etosha National Park.
Covering over 20,000 square kilometers, Etosha is one of the best places in the world to view African wildlife. Rather than tracking animals across long distances, visitors can park or stay overnight near one of many watering holes, where the animals come right to you. The heart of the park is the Etosha Pan, a massive salt flat that transforms during the dry season into a wildlife hotspot. Expect to see rhinos, elephants, lions, springbok, and cheetahs roaming the dusty terrain in search of water or prey. Our local travel experts in Namibia can help you design an unforgettable self-drive safari through the Kalahari Desert and Etosha National Park. You might even make a stop in Swakopmund, a coastal town known for its chance sightings of flamingos, pelicans, and even dolphins.
Read more: Why you should visit Namibia’s Skeleton Coast
6. South Africa – A safari adventure in Kruger National Park
A trip to South Africa wouldn’t be complete without a game drive in Kruger National Park, one of the most accessible and wildlife-rich destinations on the continent. Spanning nearly 19,500 square kilometers, Kruger offers a breathtaking mix of granite hills, tropical forests, and sweeping landscapes bordered by the distant Lebombo Mountains.
The iconic Big Five all call Kruger home, so keep your binoculars ready for unforgettable sightings of giraffes, elephant herds, grazing rhinos, and lounging lions and leopards. You’ll also spot buffalo, wildebeest, and zebras roaming the plains, hippos and crocodiles in the rivers and wetlands, and monkeys, baboons, and colorful birds scattered throughout the treetops. Because of its incredible biodiversity, Kruger does attract attention, but if you’re looking for a more intimate experience, ask your local South Africa expert about private reserves that partner with guest lodges for exclusive wildlife viewing.
7. Zimbabwe – Throngs of elephants at Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s top wildlife destination and one of the largest game reserves in all of Africa. Bursting with animal life both big and small, Hwange is especially famous for its massive elephant population, over 40,000 of them roam the park. You’ll also find giraffes, lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, wildebeest, impalas, and large herds of zebras. And if you’re into birdwatching, you’re in for a treat, Hwange is home to more than 400 bird species, including marabou storks, gray-crowned cranes, and greater flamingos.
With more than 60 waterholes scattered throughout the park, your chances of spotting wildlife on a game drive are high. It’s not uncommon to see a variety of species gathered together for a drink, offering incredible photo ops and unforgettable moments. While in Zimbabwe, don’t miss a visit to Matobo National Park. Known for its dramatic granite formations and ancient rock art, the landscape is as fascinating as the wildlife. Some of the balancing boulders seem to defy gravity, creating surreal views. The park is also home to a rare population of white rhinos, an especially memorable encounter given how endangered they’ve become.
Make it happen
Ready to turn your wildlife dreams into reality? Our local experts across Africa are here to help you plan unforgettable safari adventures in Africa, tailored to your travel style and interests. Get in touch today and start crafting the journey of a lifetime.
