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The true measure of a society's greatness is in how it preserves and protects its wildlife, for a nation that cares for its natural treasures ensures a future where all life can thrive.

S O U T H   A F R I C A and Africa

A  W o r l d  i n  O n e  C o u n t r y

  • Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

  • MalaMala Game Reserve, South Africa

  • Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

  • Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park

  • Katavi National Park

  • Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

  • Okavango Delta, Botswana

  • South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

  • Kruger National Park

  • Laikipia Plateau

  • Ruaha National Park

  • Northern Damaraland

  • Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

  • Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

  • The Sabi Sands Game Reserve

  • Etosha National Park

  • Hluhluwe Game Reserve

  • Central Kalahari Game Reserve

  • Nyerere National Park

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Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Coming in at number one is Serengeti National Park, in northern Tanzania. The Serengeti shares a border with Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve (which we will chat about more when you reach the number 10 spot on this list). Serengeti’s sprawling grasslands make for those classic safari views with flat-topped acacia trees and grazing herds of zebra and antelope. These grazing herds attract large numbers of predators, and the open plains make for a fantastic destination to watch lions and cheetahs in action.

The Serengeti is also home to the annual Great Migration, in which over one million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of other ungulates make their over-600-mile circular trek. The animals travel from their breeding grounds in the south to fresh pastures in the north, all the while with predators hot on their heels. The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural events in the world.

As an exciting and special bonus, black rhinos were reintroduced into the Serengeti, some in 2010 and more in 2019, and earlier this year, a black rhino calf was born to one of the reintroduced females — the first black rhino birth in the park for decades.

Nomad Tanzania has the beautiful Serengeti Safari Camp which is the perfect location to catch the wildebeest migration.

Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Mana Pools National Park is one of the most picturesque safaris in Africa. It’s known for its huge elephant population. This safari is also a great destination for adventurous people who want to spot leopards, wild dogs, and lions.

One of the best appeals of this park is you can stay in unfenced campsites located in the middle of the wilderness.

If you want to stay in this type of accommodation, choose one located near the Zambezi river for the ultimate experience. If you’re up for something unique, go on a canoeing safari. 

Mana Pools is one of the few parks in Africa where you can explore without a guide, although this is not ideal for beginners.

If you’re up for game drives and bush walks, this is an amazing safari. The thin vegetation of this park makes it one of the best destinations for walking safaris because it offers incredible visibility.

For those who want to try self-drive tours, a 4×4 is recommended. What’s great about 4×4 tours is that even the drive is exhilarating!

Next on our list, we have Mana Pools National Park in the far north of Zimbabwe. The Zambezi River’s wide waters form the boundary between Zimbabwe and Zambia. On the southern Zimbabwean side is Mana Pools National Park, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and a park known for fantastic wildlife visibility beside the river and flood plains. (On the northern bank is Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, which we will focus on when we reach number 5 in our countdown).

Mana is the Shona (local language) word for four, and within the park, the river channels have created four large pools, giving the park its name. These pools are surrounded by forests of mahogany, wild fig, ebony, and winter thorns. In the dry season, the shady glades beneath these trees are filled with wildlife — herds of impala, eland, elephant, zebra, buffalo, waterbuck, and kudu. These animals provide a plentiful supply of prey for both predators and scavengers. There are several sizable prides of lion as well as leopards and hyenas. Mana Pools is also a stronghold for wild dogs.

Mana Pools National Park is the perfect place for walking and canoeing safaris. David Attenborough’s wildlife series for the BBC, “Dynasties,” filmed the episode about wild dogs in the park. I have spent hours watching these same wild dogs and I can promise you the park is the perfect place to go to spot this endangered African animal.

African Bush Camps have three fantastic lodges in Mana Pools, each in a different park area.

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MalaMala Game Reserve, South Africa

MalaMala is the oldest and one of the largest private Big Five game reserves in South Africa. It covers 37 000 acres, shares a 12-mile unfenced boundary with the world-renowned Kruger National Park, and is sandwiched in a prime position between the Kruger and the Sabi Sands Reserve, giving it great access to abundant wildlife.

In the local language, Xitsonga, the name Malamala means Kudu, and the area got its name from the abundance of these majestic, spiral-horned antelope within the game reserve. The reserve is also home to the Big Five and is famous for luxury photographic safaris.

MalaMala is the place to start your search for accommodation within the reserve.

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As one of the best safaris in Africa, Mala Mala Game Reserve is one of the best places to see lions in their natural habitat. Mala Mala borders the Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa.

The big five thrive in this private luxury game reserve, together with cheetahs, giraffes, and wild dogs. During the dry season, particularly during May, this is the ultimate spot to see a variety of animals, including:

  • Wildebeests

  • Hippos

  • Hyenas

  • Cheetahs

  • Giraffes

  • Zebras

  • Cape wild dogs

This park is also considered a top destination for photographers. The terrain is different from the Kruger, as it’s flat, making it perfect for game drives.

You can spot the lions during the day while they rest in their dens or at night when they go to the watering holes. Another reason why Mala Mala Game Reserve is one of the best safaris in Africa is that you can also do bushwalks.

Here, you will enjoy seeing the wild dogs and cheetahs up close. Night safaris are also safe and popular at this world-class park.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta covers permanent marshlands, as well as seasonally flooded plains. The delta is a series of connected rivers and lakes, home to diverse wildlife, including:

  • Cheetahs

  • Crocodiles

  • Lions

  • Black and white rhinoceros

It’s one of the major interior delta systems that don’t flow into the ocean, and its wetland system is almost unbroken.

The Okavango Delta is also an excellent destination if you want to do bird sightings. You might get lucky and see some rare birds. If you’re into photography, this safari will blow your mind away with its beauty. 

 

The Okavango Delta is a vast inland river delta in northern Botswana. The area is known for its sprawling grassy plains, which flood seasonally, becoming a lush animal habitat. The delta supports an astonishing variety of wildlife. The best time to visit is during the annual flood, when many of the animals are confined to islands created by the floodwaters, making them easier to spot. Highlights include great herds of elephant and antelope, hippos, crocodiles, lions, and cheetah. Many of the birds spotted here are endemic.

The most exciting way to explore the area is by traditional dugout canoe (mokoro), which I first did in my early twenties, navigating past hippos, elephants, and crocodiles, and spending several nights camping on tiny islands. About 40 percent of the Okavango Delta is in the Moremi Game Reserve, on the eastern edge of the Delta, and we will focus on that when we reach number 6.

Very much the center of Botswana’s safari industry, the Okavango Delta features some of Africa’s premier camps. A good place to start your accommodation search is with Wilderness Safaris who has several beautiful luxury lodges in the Okavango Delta.

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Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

If you follow the Zambezi River about 300 miles downstream of the Victoria Falls, opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools, you will find the pristine wilderness of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park.

An area of abundant wildlife, from herds of elephants to soaring fish eagles and everything in between. A hunting ground for lions, leopards, and wild dogs. A timeless valley of giant towering winter thorns where wildlife finds sanctuary in the dappled shade. The area’s beauty lies in its wildness and the spectacular opportunities to get up close to the game that wanders in and out of the Zambezi’s channels.

The river is home to hippos and crocodiles and is the perfect place for sunset boat trips, trawling for the coveted tiger fish, and one of my favorite activities, canoeing safaris. I have traveled the length of the Lower Zambezi National Park by both road and river, and can highly recommend this beautiful park.

Anabezi has three fantastic lodges along this stretch of the river and is a great place to start planning your trip.

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Another Zambian park you should add to your list is the Lower Zambezi National. It’s one of the best safaris in Africa today, as it has recovered from poaching, although its rhino population was erased. 

The Lower Zambezi is home to various animals and birds, including the big five and several other species. There are also many bird species that you can find here, including:

  • Blacksmith Lapwings

  • Southern ground hornbills

  • African jacanas

Keep in mind that you won’t find any campsites in the area, just mid-range and luxury lodges, as well as tented camps.

Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

If you’re looking for an incredible game reserve in Botswana, then the Moremi Game Reserve is the best destination for you.

This safari is part of the Okavango Delta, known as the world’s 1000th UNESCO World Heritage Site. This game reserve is renowned for four of the big five, and you’ll probably see plenty of them during your safari.

It also houses more than 400 bird species. Game viewing is also popular here. The best time to visit this game reserve is during the dry season, from June to September.

You can also explore the wilderness on a mokoro canoe safari or a walking safari. As you gaze upon the floodplains and baobab trees, you’ll feel the grandeur of nature.

 

Coming in at number six, Moremi Game Reserve is a protected wildlife area in Botswana. It lies on the Okavango Delta’s eastern side and was named after Chief Moremi of the BaTawana tribe. Moremi was designated as a game reserve, rather than a national park, when it was created, which meant that the BaSarwa or Bushmen who lived there were allowed to remain in the reserve. Among other animals, the reserve is home to cheetah, white and black rhinoceros (rarely seen), wild dogs, lions, and over 500 bird species. This ecosystem is amongst the richest in Africa.

Island Safari Lodge is an ideal jumping-off point for a trip into Moremi, and they also offer fantastic mobile safaris into the reserve, which I have done with my family and thoroughly enjoyed. Let this small but diverse area blow you away with its wildlife.

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South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

South Luangwa National Park is one of the ultimate destinations in Zambia if you want to witness the wildlife, which includes endemic species such as Thornicroft’s giraffe and Crawshay’s zebra.

There are also lions, leopards, and elephants in the area. The park houses tons of beautiful tented camps, lodges, and other accommodations, which can get busy during peak season.

If you want to see this park, be sure to plan and book in advance. This park is famous for its walking safaris led by expert guides.

The best time to visit is from July to October during the dry season. This period is when animals come out from the high-temperature bush areas to look for water in the rivers. 

 

In eastern Zambia, South Luangwa National Park plays host to huge concentrations of wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, lion, giraffe, hippo — over 450 species of bird and 60 species of mammal! South Luangwa is also arguably the best place in Africa to see leopards.

South Luangwa is known for incredible walking safaris that give you the chance to get up close to the park’s wildlife. There is something incredibly special about a safari on foot — no noise from vehicles, just the crunch of dry grass underfoot. Your senses are heightened; you see and hear things that you have never noticed before. You become conscious of how loud your breath sounds in your ears as you try hard to walk silently through the bush. For an expertly guided walking safari in South Luangwa, you can’t go wrong with Surefoot Safaris.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Crater formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself two or three million years ago, creating a crater 2,000 feet deep and a 64,000-acre floor. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to an exceptional concentration of fauna; it is estimated that over 25,000 large animals live here (I’m not including birds, insects, or reptiles in this count!), including huge herds of wildebeests and zebras. There is also no shortage of predators, with the crater being home to lion, hyena, cheetah, jackal, caracals, bat-eared foxes, and more. A definite highlight is the healthy population of black rhino and some of the largest tusker elephants on the continent. The lake at the center of the crater hosts huge flocks of rose-colored flamingos, while Maasai tribespeople still live within the conservation area.

Given its size, the Ngorongoro Crater really only needs a day or two of your travel time, and is best as part of a larger East African itinerary, perhaps combining the wildlife wonders of the Crater w with the migration spectacle of the Serengeti or the laid-back beaches of Zanzibar. I often take a day trip to Ngorongoro as a break at the end of a Kilimanjaro climb.

As a taste of luxury, perhaps try Ngorongoro Crater Lodge for a special visit to this fantastic place.

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The Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Sabi Sand Game Reserve is located near the southern Kruger and is a cluster of private reserves. This wide-open savannah is a big attraction for game drives and walks. 

The big five are among the most common animals you’ll see in the reserve. Sabi Sand Game Reserve is also a top spot for those who want to experience close encounters with:

  • White rhinos

  • Lions

  • Cheetahs

Moreover, this reserve is popular because of its amazing night drive experiences, where you’ll see nocturnal animals, such as:

  • Civets

  • Aardvarks

  • Bushbabies

The game reserve is also known for its outstanding birdlife. If you like bird watching, you’ll be in for a treat here. It’s recommended to visit this destination during the winter or low season, from May to September. 

 

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a 160,000-acre reserve pioneered by local landowners in the 1950s and shares a 31-mile-long unfenced border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Known for delivering excellent Big Five game viewing, with some extraordinary close encounters and prolific sightings, particularly of the elusive leopard, this area is considered one of the best safari areas in South Africa.

Sabi Sands offers a variety of accommodation options to suit everyone and every budget. As there are several lodges to choose from in the game reserve, visit Sabi Sands to start planning your trip.

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The Masai forest is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa. Located in the Great Rift Valley, this expansive wilderness hosts the Big Five, as well as a large population of cheetahs and wild dogs. 

The game drives are amazing here because the area is known for its high density of animal population. There are plenty of safari lodges in this national reserve, and people usually book months or even years in advance. 

If you want to see a few of the big five in their natural habitat, then the Masai Mara national reserve is worth considering. Aside from animals, you’ll also love its majestic rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and grasslands. 

Make sure to visit between August and October if you want to witness the wildebeest migration as they cross to Kenya from Tanzania.

 

Last but not least, and located in the extreme southwest of Kenya, on the border with Tanzania, is the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Covering over 580 square miles, this quintessential safari destination is home to the Big Five and is famous for its thriving big cat populations. Special Maasai Mara experiences include hot air balloon safaris, visits to local Maasai villages, and of course, the Great Migration, which is when the Mara is a pit stop for almost two million wildebeest, zebra, and antelope crossing from Tanzania across the mighty Mara River on their death-defying, 1,800-mile circular journey. In fact, these herds are so big they can be observed from space.

The Maasai Mara is a photographer’s paradise, with year-round game viewing, incredible big cat sightings, and large concentrations of elephant, buffalo, and giraffe. Governors’ Camp was the first permanent tented camp in the Masai Mara, and it occupies some of the best wildlife viewing locations in the reserve.

There is nothing quite like the thrill of an African safari. The stillness of the early morning, before the heat of the sun covers the land. The sound of wild creatures calling in the night. The sense of adventure that comes from being surrounded by untamed wilderness. Above all, it’s the excitement of being in the bush, never quite knowing what new sights, sounds, and experiences the day will bring. I’ve given you a tiny taste of 10 of the most popular safari destinations on the continent. Choose one of these for your next African adventure and you won’t be disappointed.

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Kruger National Park

If this is your first-time safari, you don’t want to miss the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat, which is precisely what you’ll find in the Kruger National Park. At over 7,500 square miles, this park is roughly the size of a small country! 

Known as one of the world’s greatest game-viewing areas, the Kruger National Park offers a truly unique experience. 

The big five thrive in this national park, but there are plenty of other animals to see, including:

  • Cheetahs

  • Hippos

  • Nile crocodiles

  • The rare black rhino

The best time to visit this park is from June to September.

Etosha National Park

Namibia may not be on the top list for most travelers in Africa, but once you’ve visited the Etosha National Park, you’ll change your mind. 

It was proclaimed a national park in 1907. It’s named after the Ovambo word that means “the place where no plants grow,” an ode to the Etosha Pan, which is a part of a lake that has dried out. It’s so large that you can see it from space!

One of the best activities for safari-goers in this national park is to stake out in a spring-fed waterhole and wait for animals to arrive. The Etosha National Park boasts a beautiful panorama of the dolomite hills and the arid savannas. 

This park is also renowned for the big five and its rhino conservation, both for the reintroduced white rhino and the indigenous black rhinoceros. At Etosha National Park, you’ll also see cheetahs, caracals, jackals, and hyenas.

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Laikipia Plateau

If you’re the adventurous type, you’ll love the Laikipia Plateau. The Laikipia Plateau is an expansive plain home to plenty of wildlife, including:

  • Grevy’s zebras

  • Wild dogs

  • Giraffes

  • Black rhinos

The best way to explore this expansive piece of land is by riding on a camel, which is a fun way to see the vast plains.

You can also explore the park by riding a horse or during guided walking safaris. During the dry season, there’s plenty of water that fills watering holes for animals to come and drink.

This attraction makes this safari particularly interesting for photography enthusiasts who want to capture the animals in their natural habitat.

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Hluhluwe Game Reserve

The Hluhluwe Game Reserve is

located in South Africa, and it’s one of the oldest reserves in the area. The Hluhluwe Game Reserve is a good safari destination to take in the natural beauty of the flora and fauna.

The game reserve is best known for its amazing plants and wildlife. It is home to the “Big Five,” and dozens of other mammals, reptiles, and birds. A highlight of this safari is the Hluhluwe River, which is a popular spot for game viewing. 

There are plenty of animals in this 96,000-hectare reserve, and you can also visit the nearby Mkhuze Game Reserve. For adventurers, make sure to ride 4x4s along its dusty roads. The park also offers boat safaris.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

The Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in Uganda. It’s one of the most diverse parks in the country and is located near the famous Murchison Falls. 

The park is known for encompassing different landscapes, which are all home to various species of wildlife. These landscapes include: 

  • Mountains

  • Swamps

  • Crater lakes

  • Tropical forests

  • Open savannahs

  • Wetlands

The park is home to elephants, buffalos, giant forest hogs, and the African skimmer, which is a unique bird with a lengthy wingspan.

The park also has boat cruises for those who want to see crocodiles and hippos. If you want to see chimpanzees, you can take a hike in the park’s rainforest. 

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Ruaha National Park

This Tanzanian park was proclaimed a national park in 1964. This off-the-beaten-track destination takes its name from the Hehe word for “river,” which serves as its lifeline. 

This park is home to:

  • Impalas

  • Waterbucks

  • Gazelles

You may even see lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals looking for prey. This safari is a great option to see large predators because it is home to ten percent of Africa’s lions.

It’s also home to many bird species, such as:

  • The crested Barbet

  • The pale-billed Hornbill

  • The Dickinson’s kestrel

  • The racket-tailed roller

All of these incredible features make this park one to add to the travel bucket list.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the most popular game reserves in Botswana. It was established in 1961 as a home for the Bushman tribes.

It covers an area of 52,800 square kilometers, which is over ten percent of the country’s area. This expansive space of land makes it the second-largest game reserve globally. This game reserve is a great option for those who want to see the big five.

You’ll probably see a few wild dogs as well. The reserve is also home to an amazing variety of bird species.

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Nyerere National Park

The Nyerere National Park, formerly called Selous Game Reserve, is found in Tanzania. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 thanks to its diverse wildlife, including:

  • The African bush elephant

  • African Lion

  • Hippopotamus

  • East African wild dog

  • The black rhino

There is no permanent human habitation in the park, and all human entry is controlled by the Tanzanian Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism’s wildlife division. 

When you visit this park, you can expect to see crocodiles and hippos during your boat safari. There are also many species of birds here for avid birdwatchers, so bring your binoculars!

Katavi National Park

If seeing large herds of buffalo ranks high on your list, the Katavi National Park is a must-visit. This huge park is located in northern Tanzania, and the park is known for its large population of buffalo. 

Katavi National Park is one of Tanzania’s largest national parks, and despite being a safari mecca for those who want to see wildlife, it doesn’t get as much traffic as other safaris.

Because of this, the park authorities grant guests freedom, especially those who crave adventure. You can even go on a walking safari with an armed ranger, as well as try self-drive tours. 

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Northern Damaraland

This part of Africa is remote and mostly uninhabited by humans. Northern Damaraland is home to lions, Hartmann’s mountain zebras, black rhinos, and awe-striking rare desert-adapted elephants. 

This variety of animals makes it one of the top safari choices in Africa for people who are craving a unique experience they won’t forget. 

Despite the remoteness of northern Damaraland, you can still find safari lodges that will suit your needs that are perfect for experienced travelers. 

If you visit this safari, make sure not to miss the famous rock art at Twyfelfontein, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Things to Consider

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To ensure your experience in the best safari in Africa is top-notch, there are a few things you need to bear in mind. First, you must consider the animals you want to see, especially if you want to see the famous “Big Five.” 

You should consider the time of year you want to visit. If you don’t like crowds and want a relaxing safari, you should consider going during the off-season. Keep in mind that the weather may not be as good during those times of the year.

It’s also a good idea to get professional tour guides, who will ensure you get the most out of the safari.

Most safaris offer professional guides, but it’s a smart move to double-check before you book. Don’t forget to bring a camera and binoculars so you can snap great pictures and observe wildlife from a distance.

Most importantly, bring plenty of water and snacks, as well as some comfortable clothes. Other things you should not forget to pack include:

  • Sunscreen

  • Flashlight

  • Insect repellent

  • Prescription medications

  • Extra batteries for your camera

  • Comfortable closed shoes

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat

If you’re traveling during winter, you should throw a windbreaker in your suitcase.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Here are some of the most commonly asked questions by travelers who want to experience the best safaris in Africa:

Which African country has the best safari?

There are a lot of safaris in Africa that offer a unique experience. The best safari in Africa is usually based on the animal you want to see. However, many people think that Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa have the best safaris on the continent.

What safari is best for families?

Many families enjoy traveling to the Kruger National Park, but most safaris are very family-friendly. Whether you want to go for a family vacation or want a romantic getaway, safaris offer a wide variety of activities for everyone.

Which is the best month to go on an African safari?

It depends on what you are looking for during your getaway. Different safaris could offer different experiences. Generally, the dry season is recommended. The dry season is from June to October and is perfect if you want to see animals looking for water sources.

What is the average cost of an African safari trip?

It depends on what your budget is. Many safaris offer per person pricing of $150 to $1,500 per day. Mid-range safaris usually fall between $250 to $350.

Is Kenya or Tanzania better for safari?

Kenya is a more popular and affordable safari destination, although both countries offer a great safari experience. However, there are a lot of luxury safaris in Tanzania if you prefer a vacation that feels more glamorous.

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