The best safaris in Africa
From the waterways of Botswana to the deserts of Namibia, discover our guide to the best safaris in Africa.
The best safaris in Africa
Who better to guide you through Africa’s best safari destinations than two people who know the continent inside out? Safari experts and leading Africa travel writers Ariadne Van Zandbergen and Philip Briggs bring decades of experience and first-hand knowledge to this year’s selection.
From legendary wildlife hotspots that will be familiar to almost every safari traveller, to destinations with a more specific appeal – whether you’re seeking exceptional birdlife, big cats, primates, dramatic landscapes or a safari experience far from the beaten track – there’s something here for everyone.
As with previous years, these destinations are not listed in order of recommendation, and each has its own distinct character. Some are natural choices for a first safari; others will appeal to more experienced travellers looking to explore a particular aspect of Africa’s extraordinary wildlife.
So whether you’re dreaming of your first encounter with the continent’s great animals or looking to discover somewhere new, let Ariadne and Philip guide you through Bradt’s pick of the best safaris in Africa.
The African safari destinations you can’t miss
To help you navigate this guide, here’s a list of the 11 places we’ll cover.
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Get the guides
Before you delve into the list, check out the guidebooks that inspired it…
Tanzania: less is more
Tanzania almost has too much to offer. It delivers the quintessential safari and so much more. Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar…the list of iconic destinations goes on. It’s no surprise that one of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to cram too much in.
On the northern safari circuit, the Serengeti offers abundant big cats and the world-famous wildebeest migration, while the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater is one of Tanzania’s best places to see rhinos. In the dry season, huge elephant herds gather along Tarangire’s rivers, while Lake Manyara showcases the dramatic geography of the Great Rift Valley, with its striking escarpment, diverse habitats and abundant birdlife.
But less is more on safari. Spend a couple of nights in each destination, head deeper into the parks to escape the crowds, and leave time to connect with the people you meet along the way, including the Maasai.
Need more inspiration? Don’t miss our definitive guide to Tanzania’s national parks.
Shah Tours has showcased Tanzania’s finest safari experiences for over 40 years, offering expertly guided private and small-group journeys through the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara.
Featuring experienced local guides, handpicked lodges and authentic Maasai cultural encounters, their popular 9-day Northern Tanzania safari (from £3475 per person) delivers unforgettable wildlife adventures.
When to visit Tanzania
Tanzania offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round, particularly in the south-central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara.
For the Great Migration, key periods are the wildebeest calving season in January and February and the dramatic river crossings, generally from around June to October. April and May are the wettest months, but they are also quieter and more affordable.
Top tip for travelling to Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Crater gets busy by mid-morning. Start your descent at dawn to watch this spectacular wildlife setting come to life with the rising sun – and hardly another vehicle in sight.
For more information, see our Tanzania safari guide.
Kenya: safari with tradition
Kenya is where the African safari was born, and its safari industry has an appealing old-school confidence. Kenyans also have a knack for making you feel genuinely welcome. In safari terms, the country has it all: big landscapes, abundant wildlife, a beautiful coastline and accommodation to suit every traveller.
The Masai Mara is on most people’s bucket list, but consider staying in one of the conservancies bordering the reserve for a more exclusive experience. Amboseli National Park, with its iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, is another highlight. To get off the beaten track, head to Laikipia Plateau, where wildlife viewing combines with a broader wilderness experience.
Further north, the arid landscapes of Samburu offer a completely different side of Kenya, with unusual species such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and the wonderfully odd-looking gerenuk.
Focused solely on this region? Here are our top wildlife picks in East Africa.
Beyond the Plains Safaris is a local Kenya-based safari operator specialising in private, fully customised Kenya safaris.
With expert local knowledge, they create unforgettable wildlife and luxury experiences tailored to your interests, travel style, and schedule. Prices start at £300 per adult per day for a mid-range tour.
When to visit Kenya
The best time for wildlife viewing is the dry season from June to October, when animals increasingly gather around remaining water sources.
The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Masai Mara in July or August, stays through September and starts moving back towards Tanzania’s Serengeti around October. Wildlife viewing is good year-round, however, and the dry spell in January and February is another excellent time to visit.
Top tip for travelling to Kenya
Head to western Kenya for a real off-the-beaten-track adventure. Look for sitatunga in Saiwa Swamp, go birding in Kakamega Forest and enjoy Ruma’s rhinos with barely another visitor around. For an adventurous add-on, spend a few days hiking through the moorlands of Mount Elgon – or even bag one of its lofty peaks.
For more information, see our East Africa wildlife guide.
Botswana: wild at heart
Botswana is the master of low-impact tourism. It isn’t the cheapest safari destination, but this is the place to come for a true wilderness experience – the opposite of what is jokingly called a ‘Ferrari safari.’
Botswana is all about quality sightings and immersive experiences.
Glide through the watery wonderland of the Okavango Delta in a mokoro, learn ancient survival skills from the San in the Central Kalahari, track wild dogs in Moremi Game Reserve or watch more elephants than you can count along the Chobe River. Then there are the vast salt flats of Makgadikgadi, where the night sky can leave you speechless.
Small bush camps strike a magical balance between rustic simplicity and understated luxury, while mobile safaris offer a more adventurous way to get even closer to the wilderness.
Safari.com allows you to experience Botswana’s two icons on their 7-Day Fly-In Chobe & Okavango Delta Luxury Safari.
Spend three nights among Chobe’s vast elephant herds at Muchenje Safari Lodge, then take a bush flight into the Delta for mokoro trips and water safaris at Setari Camp. All-inclusive and tailor-made, with off-season pricing from £2500 per person.
When to visit Botswana
Most visitors come during the dry season, from May to October, but don’t overlook the Emerald Season from November to April. Expect lower rates, fewer visitors, lush green landscapes and superb birding.
Top tip for travelling to Botswana
For an exclusive safari away from the crowds, head to the little-known Tuli Block. Explore dry riverbeds where elephants dig for water, enjoy off-road game drives and track leopards in one of Botswana’s best places to see these elusive cats.
For more information, see our Botswana travel guide.
Zambia: take a slow safari
Although less well known, Zambia’s safari offerings are exceptional. South Luangwa, Kafue and Lower Zambezi National Parks protect vast ecosystems with relatively few visitors. Safaris here tend to unfold slowly: rather than rushing between parks, you might spend a week in one, staying in several areas to experience its different landscapes and character.
A typical safari could combine a few nights at a larger lodge with time at a tiny satellite bush camp, where the wilderness feels very close indeed. From your base, you’ll gradually explore the surrounding area by vehicle, boat or canoe – and, perhaps most characteristically, on foot. Zambia is the birthplace of the walking safari, and the quality of guiding is legendary. In the company of an expert guide, even the smallest details of the bush come alive.
And, of course, no trip to Zambia is complete without experiencing Victoria Falls, where scenic flights, river cruises and white-water rafting are just some of the adventures on offer.
When to visit Zambia
Zambia’s dry season, from May to November, is the best time to visit, with superb wildlife viewing from August to October. Even at peak season, small camps and remote wilderness areas keep things feeling uncrowded.
Victoria Falls is at its most spectacular from around February to May, although heavy spray can obscure the views at peak flow. Travel can be challenging during the rains from November to April, when some lodges close.
Top tip for travelling to Zambia
Visiting from October to December? Add a couple of days in Kasanka National Park for the spectacular migration of millions of fruit bats. Watch from a forest platform at dawn or dusk as vast flocks fill the sky.
For more information, see our Zambia safari guide.
Madagascar: a world apart
Madagascar is an extraordinary biodiversity hotspot, with a wealth of unique wildlife found nowhere else on earth. The island is home to around 1,000 endemic vertebrates, including more than 100 species of lemur. There are no lions, elephants or antelopes here. Instead, wildlife ranges from ring-tailed lemurs and the hauntingly vocal indri to bizarre aye-ayes and cat-sized Parson’s chameleons. Even the island’s largest predator, the agile fossa, is found nowhere else.
Most wildlife viewing in Madagascar is done on foot, following forest trails with expert guides who are remarkably good at finding even the most elusive creatures. Along the way, the focus often shifts to the small stuff: leaf-tailed geckos, tiny chameleons, colourful frogs, unusual insects and orchids. Wildlife is often remarkably approachable, making encounters wonderfully intimate.
Madagascar is ecotourism in its truest sense: low-impact, immersive and endlessly surprising. Come for the lemurs, but expect to leave with a renewed sense of wonder at the sheer diversity of nature.
- Recommended reading: reasons to visit Madagascar
Remote River Expeditions – Madagascar is a small, hands-on company that has been creating unique vacations that cater to all ages and interests since 1985.
Their Contrasts of the Great Red Island tour highlights the contrasts between the eastern rainforest and the western deciduous forest, offering insight into the variety of flora and fauna Madagascar has to offer. Prices start at £120 per person, per day.
When to visit Madagascar
The best time to visit Madagascar is from April to November, when conditions are generally drier and travel is easier. For wildlife, September to November is particularly rewarding, with warmer temperatures, active reptiles and birds, and lots of baby lemurs.
January to March is best avoided, when heavy rains and cyclones can make travel difficult. Although given the variety of climate zones found on the world’s fourth largest island, travellers will still find interesting options available throughout the year.
Top tip for travelling to Madagascar
Exploring Madagascar’s forests on foot at night is a real highlight, so be sure to book some after-dark walks. With a good guide, you can spot chameleons, geckos, frogs, nocturnal lemurs and even sleeping birds. While guides will carry torches, it’s also worth bringing a good headtorch of your own.
For more information, see our Madagascar travel guide.
Zimbabwe: the road less travelled
Zimbabwe packs an impressive variety of experiences into a relatively compact country, but part of its appeal is that travel here can still feel like a real adventure. It’s less polished than some of Africa’s better-known safari destinations, with a slightly old-fashioned feel and plenty of places well off the beaten track. For travellers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, that’s all part of the charm.
Victoria Falls is the star attraction, while Hwange is renowned for its elephants and Mana Pools for exceptional walking safaris. Matobo combines dramatic granite landscapes and ancient rock art with rhino tracking, while remote Gonarezhou offers a wonderfully raw wilderness experience.
There’s history too, particularly at Great Zimbabwe, while the cool, green Eastern Highlands offer a complete change of pace with hiking, horse riding and excellent birding.
When to visit Zimbabwe
For the best wildlife viewing, visit from July to October, when huge numbers of elephants gather around Hwange’s waterholes as the dry season progresses. Victoria Falls is generally at its most impressive from February to May, when water levels are high, although heavy spray can obscure the views around peak flow. For a good balance between safari and the Falls, June and July are excellent months.
Top tip for travelling to Zimbabwe
Have a few days to spare? Slow down on a Lake Kariba houseboat – a Zimbabwean holiday classic. Cruise past wild shores, watching elephants and other wildlife come to the water.
For more information, see our Zimbabwe travel guide.
South Africa: a world in one country
Few countries in Africa can match South Africa for sheer variety. Vast open spaces, dramatic mountain ranges, a seemingly endless coastline and a mosaic of wildlife reserves and wilderness areas make this a destination with something for everyone. Better still, it’s remarkably easy to explore. Good infrastructure and excellent value make South Africa particularly well suited to self-drive trips and family safaris.
It’s a big country, though, so don’t expect to see it all in one visit. Many travellers return time and again, discovering something different on every trip. You can take to the road and experience South African life at your own pace, fly between the country’s standout destinations, or join a guided tour and leave the planning to someone else. Whether you’re looking for wildlife, scenery, culture, adventure or relaxation, South Africa makes it easy to combine them all.
Pulse Africa crafts tailor-made South African journeys, built on decades of local expertise.
From wild bush safaris and pristine beaches to dramatic mountains and storied winelands, they blend remarkable diversity with outstanding value. Delivering tours with genuine, intimate local knowledge, they make South Africa a truly rewarding, accessible destination for friends, families, couples and solo travellers. As all journeys are bespoke, prices are quoted upon consultation.
When to visit South Africa
If wildlife viewing is your priority, the dry winter months from May to September offer the best conditions. For general travel, the warmer summer months from October to April can be more appealing. Cape Town, with its winter rainfall, is particularly enjoyable during the warm, dry summer months.
Top tip for travelling to South Africa
Kruger is South Africa’s ultimate safari destination, but it can get busy, especially during school holidays. Start in the wildlife-rich south, then work your way north as the landscapes change and the crowds gradually disappear.
For more information, see our Southern Africa safari guide.
Uganda: small country, big experiences
Uganda packs an astonishing amount into a relatively small country. Most visitors come to track mountain gorillas – one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife encounters – but that’s only the beginning. Lush forests harbour an extraordinary variety of primates, with chimpanzee tracking and guided forest walks among the highlights. You can find out more about the remarkable Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in our list of the best forests in the world.
There’s plenty of classic safari country too. Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, while Murchison Falls offers excellent wildlife viewing and memorable boat trips along the Nile to the thundering falls. Birdwatching is exceptional throughout, supported by impressively knowledgeable local guides.
Just as memorable are encounters with Uganda’s famously welcoming people, including visits to worthwhile community projects. And for something more energetic, add white-water rafting on the Nile, hiking or abseiling to the mix.
Manya Africa Tours offers a fully customisable 14-day Uganda wildlife experience, combining gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, game drives, Nile and Kazinga Channel boat safaris and the spectacular Murchison Falls. Prices start at £3712 per person, not including chimp and gorilla permits.
Women-owned and led by founder Yvonne Hilgendorf, with 16+ years’ regional experience, Manya specialises in authentic, personal FIT and small-group adventures.
When to visit Uganda
The best time to visit Uganda is during the drier seasons, from December to February and June to September. These months are particularly good for gorilla tracking and other forest hikes, when trails tend to be less muddy and easier to negotiate. Wildlife viewing in the savannah parks is also at its best during the dry months, when animals gather around remaining water sources.
Top tip for travelling to Uganda
If shoebill is high on your wish list, try Mabamba Swamp near Entebbe or a boat trip to the Nile Delta in Murchison Falls. For something more adventurous, head to little-visited Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve for your chance at an unforgettable close encounter.
For more information, see our Uganda travel guide.
Namibia: Africa at its most expansive
Namibia is a different kind of safari destination. Here, perhaps more than anywhere else in Africa, the landscapes are as much a part of the experience as the wildlife. It’s a photographer’s dream: towering red dunes, stark shadows, vast open spaces and seemingly endless horizons. This is a place that makes you feel wonderfully small.
Namibia is ideal for self-drive safaris, with good infrastructure and relatively easy travel. But distances are considerable, so if time is limited, a fly-in safari is an excellent alternative – and seeing the desert landscapes from the air is an experience in itself.
For solitude and the raw beauty of the Namib Desert, head to the remote Skeleton Coast. Venture even farther north into Kaokoland for spectacular wilderness and opportunities to encounter traditional Himba communities.
There’s plenty of wildlife too. Etosha National Park is the highlight, where sitting beside a waterhole can bring a seemingly endless procession of thirsty animals. In Damaraland, tracking desert-adapted elephants through the rugged, arid landscape offers a very different and particularly memorable wildlife experience.
For those looking for luxury self-drive and fly-in adventures,TechPro Safari offers bespoke end-to-end itineraries across Namibia and Southern Africa, combining rugged exploration with high-end comfort.
Expert trip designers, travel guides, 24/7 ground support and access to private reserves provide peace of mind, while fully equipped, best-in-class Toyota Land Cruisers and Hiluxes ensure a premium safari experience. Prices for their 14-day tour start from £2840 per person.
When to visit Namibia
The best time to visit Namibia is from May to October, during the dry season. Days are generally sunny and rainfall is minimal, although nights can be very cold from June to August. Wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park is at its best towards the end of the dry season, when animals congregate around the waterholes.
Top tip for travelling to Namibia
Stay at Okaukuejo Rest Camp in Etosha National Park for the chance to watch wildlife at its floodlit waterhole after dark. It’s particularly good for black rhino, while elephants, lions, hyenas and jackals may also make an appearance. The waterhole is accessible throughout the night to guests staying at the camp.
For more information, see our Namibia travel guide.
Rwanda: beyond the gorillas
Rwanda is where Dian Fossey carried out her pioneering work with mountain gorillas, and coming face to face with these gentle giants is undoubtedly one of Africa’s most moving wildlife experiences. But there are plenty of reasons to linger after your gorilla trek.
Known as the ‘land of a thousand hills’, Rwanda is extraordinarily scenic: volcanoes tower above the landscape, Lake Kivu stretches towards the horizon and seemingly endless hills unfold around every corner. In the jungle-clad mountains of Nyungwe, 13 primate species include chimpanzees, while a canopy walkway and thrilling zipline offer a different perspective on the forest.
For a classic safari, head to Akagera National Park, where you can look for the Big Five without the crowds. Along the way, cultural experiences offer rewarding opportunities to meet local people and gain a deeper insight into the country.
- Recommended reading: the most spectacular lakes in the world
Manya Africa Tours offers a fully customisable 6-day luxury Rwanda tour, featuring gorilla and golden monkey trekking, Lake Kivu, Kigali and immersive cultural experiences. Prices start at £4915 per person.
With 16+ years’ regional expertise, Manya will open a Rwanda office by year-end, bringing its strong focus on sustainability and community impact to the forefront.
When to visit Rwanda
The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. These months are particularly good for gorilla tracking, as the forest trails tend to be less muddy and easier to negotiate. For a safari in Akagera National Park, June to September is ideal, when vegetation is thinner, and animals are more likely to gather around water sources. Here is how to prepare for your trip to Rwanda.
Top tip for travelling to Rwanda
Spend a few nights near Volcanoes National Park as there is plenty to do besides gorilla tracking, and it gives you time to acclimatise to the altitude. Activities on offer include golden monkey tracking, hiking to Dian Fossey’s grave and former research centre, and visiting the Gorilla Guardians Village, a cultural initiative run by former poachers.
For more information, see our Rwanda travel guide.
Ethiopia: rare wildlife, spectacular scenery
Ethiopia may be best known for its extraordinary cultural heritage, but its wildlife is equally distinctive. Rather than the familiar safari species, the main attraction is a remarkable collection of endemic animals found nowhere else on earth – and several are surprisingly easy to see in the right places.
The spectacular Simien Mountains are home to endangered walia ibex and large troops of charismatic geladas, often seen grazing on the grassy highlands. In Bale Mountains National Park, the misty Sanetti Plateau offers the best chance of seeing the rare Ethiopian wolf hunting across the Afro-alpine moorlands. Lower down, atmospheric forests shelter two more Ethiopian specialities: mountain nyala and Menelik’s bushbuck.
Wildlife viewing here isn’t about ticking off a long species list. It’s about memorable encounters with unique animals against a backdrop of some of Africa’s most dramatic mountain scenery.
When to visit Ethiopia
The best time to visit Ethiopia is from October to February, when conditions are generally dry and sunny. October and November are particularly beautiful in the highlands, when the countryside is lush and colourful with wildflowers after the rains. This is also a great time for hiking in the Simien and Bale Mountains.
Top tip for travelling to Ethiopia
If you’re travelling in January, try to time your trip to experience Timkat in Gondar. Celebrated around 19th January, Ethiopia’s colourful Epiphany festival is at its most spectacular here, with processions, music and thousands of worshippers gathering around the historic Fasilides’ Bath.
For more information, see our Ethiopia travel guide.
More information
For more on the best safaris in Africa, see our selection of great value, in-depth travel guides: