African safaris/African safari tours offer the best wilderness. If you are planning to visit Africa, undertake dream a safari in Africa or vacation trips and see amazing wildlife including the Big5 & primates, beautiful scenery, unique communities, and rich history.
“Safari” means “a long journey away from home” in the “Swahili” language.
Africa is the backbone of wildlife safaris found in national parks and both government-managed and private reserves.
Major highlights are viewing the big five in Southern Africa, the Wildebeest migration between Tanzania and Kenya, and trekking Mountain Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda found in East Africa.
Experience close encounters with cultures and local communities and have beach vacations in coastal countries, especially those near the Indian Ocean.
No matter the destination that you choose to go to, you will always have something in store for you. The wildlife in their natural habitat, cultures, history, and challenging adventures all beckon to an experience worth taking on your African safari.
Take a walk on the wild side on an African safari
Explore fascinating natural wonders for example the Ngorongoro Crater and marvel at the great migration between Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Safari destinations like South Africa and Botswana also offer the best wildlife experiences as you can easily spot a variety of animal species, especially the big five.
Travelers seeking endangered primates can best have their experience in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
For breathtaking scenery, the Namib Desert dunes of Namibia will grant you the best adventures. Then kick off to explore the amazing wonders of the world like the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia and the historical Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
Africa Safari Highlights
Below, we highlight the popular African safari destinations to visit during your African tour.
Tanzania
Tanzania in East Africa is the famous destination for the great Wildebeest migration between Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
Also, discover the big five while for a game drive in one of the most alluring national parks. Get to see other wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater and watch birds in Lake Manyara.
Kenya
Discover the African richness in Kenya’s rich wildlife safaris in Maasai Mara National Reserve in East Africa. Likewise, discover other national parks, plus the beauty of the coastal beaches next to the Indian Ocean.
Botswana
This is the best African destination to experience and see a variety of animals in big numbers in Southern Africa.
Discover the various wildlife at Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta through a canoe ride, meet the San people during your cultural tours, and also explore the Kalahari region.
You can also get to see the White Rhinos in Khama Rhino Sanctuary during your tours.
South Africa
This nation rich in wildlife is a wonder as you go through the amazing Garden Route, Kruger National Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, or Cape Town.
End your trip with an amazing adventure in the wine-producing areas.
Zambia And Zimbabwe
These two countries in Southern Africa holding shares of the magnificent Victoria Falls provide amazing scenic tours, wildlife, and cultural safaris to tourists.
A canoe ride on the Zambezi River will give you more experiences as you watch the aquatic animals like Hippos and Crocodiles.
Also, get an adventurous view of the other animals like Elephants while on a tour in Hwange National Park or the White Rhinos of Matobo National Park.
Uganda
Uganda is one of the best primate destinations in East Africa, with about half of the world’s Mountain Gorillas, mostly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Also, explore the Chimpanzees of Kibale National Park and the animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.
Rwanda
This is the second most famous destination in East Africa for trekking Mountain Gorillas after Uganda.
Rwanda Gorilla treks occur in Volcanoes National Park, but you can also go for other wild Rwanda safaris in Akagera National Park and Nyungwe National Park.
Namibia
The ideal place for a desert tour is the Namib Desert. The northern desert provides great views of the Boab trees and the dunes themselves are great for close encounters with scenery.
Likewise, discover the wildlife in Etosha National Park or the amazing scenic coastal beauty of Swakopmund.
Popular Safari Destinations For African Safaris
Apart from the major safari countries to do your tours, we also discuss the various popular safari destinations to visit in these countries for memorable experiences.
Serengeti National Park In Tanzania
Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site also referred to by many as the number one African destination. The protected area is famous for the captivating Wildebeest migration that occurs between the park and the Masai Mara National Reserve.
You will also see thousands of Zebras, Antelopes, and other wild animals in the park.
In February, there are newborn Wildebeests in the southern sector of the park and they can join in the migration soon after they have been born.
Ruaha National Park In Tanzania
This amazing wildlife destination in Tanzania gets its name from the Hehe word which means “river”. Various animals are protected in this park including Gazelles, Impalas, Waterbucks, Jackals, Cheetahs, Lions, and Hyenas among others.
The various birds to also see in this place include the Pale-Billed Hornbill, Racket-Tailed Roller, Crested Barbet, and the Dickson’s Kestrel, among many others.
Nyerere National Park In Tanzania
Formerly called Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere National Park was established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 because of its diverse animal species namely, African Lion, African Bush Elephants, the East African Wild Dog, Black Rhino, Hippopotamus and Crocodiles among others.
More so, the park is an amazing bird watching destination with birders watching various bird species.
Katavi National Park In Tanzania
This is one of the largest national parks in northern Tanzania with a very high number of Cape Buffalo species.
You can enjoy a walking safari, guided by an armed ranger or local guides and you can also do your amazing self-drives in the park.
Masai Mara National Reserve In Kenya
The Maasai Mara National Reserve connects with Serengeti NP to facilitate the great Wildebeest migration.
Masai Mara Reserve at the rift valley is among the most famous African safari places where you can see the Wildebeests, the big five, Cheetahs, and Wild Dogs.
Explore this Masai Mara reserve through amazing game drives and scenic views of the grasslands, woodlands, and rolling hills.
You can best see the Wildebeest migration between Tanzania and Kenya between August and October.
Laikipia Plateau In Kenya
Laikipia Plateau protects a large number of wildlife animals including Giraffes, Grevy’s Zebras, Black Rhinos, and Wild Dogs.
This plateau plain is great to explore while on a Camel, a Horse, or on a walking safari.
It is also an amazing destination for photographic tours and experiences.
Chobe National Park In Botswana
Chobe National Park in Botswana is an amazing place game-viewing destination in Southern Africa.
The park in Northern Botswana is famous to spot Lions for their high population that mostly prey on the Elephant calves.
There is also a large number of the Cape Buffalo in this protected area and various bird species for bird watchers.
Okavango Delta In Botswana
This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of various lakes and rivers that are connected, making it have permanent marshlands and plains that flood seasonally.
You can also see various animals around the delta including the White and Black Rhinos, Crocodiles, Lions, and Cheetahs.
It is also an ideal bird watching destination for bird enthusiasts.
Moremi Game Reserve In Botswana
An African safari to Moremi Game Reserve usually occurs as part of the Okavango Delta tour, and it is known as the world’s 1000th UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This reserve is an easy spot to view four of the big five that you can see during your African safari. These are the Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, and Rhino.
There are also over 400 bird species to see in the reserve and amazing scenic adventures during a Mokoro canoe ride or a walking safari.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve In Botswana
One of the popular game reserves in Botswana was designated in 1961 as a home for the Bushmen tribes.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve occupies about 10% of the country’s land, which is an area of 52,800 square kilometers.
It is thus the second largest reserve in the world and you can see other wild animals like Wild Dogs and various bird species.
Kruger National Park In South Africa
Kruger National Park is recognized to be one of the best game viewing destinations in the African continent, especially if you want to easily spot the big five which are the Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Rhinos, and Buffaloes. Birders will also awe at the over 500 bird species in the park.
June to September is the best time to visit the park.
Sabi Sand Game Reserve In South Africa
The reserve sits next to Kruger Park and is favorable for game drives and African safari walks.
Sabi Sand is great for viewing the big five and other animals including Lions, White Rhinos, and Cheetahs.
The reserve is also one of the best for night game drives to see nocturnal animals such as Aadvarks, Civets, and Bushbabies.
To have a great experience, it is best to visit this destination in the low winter season from May to September.
Hluhluwe Game Reserve In South Africa
This is among the oldest game reserves in South Africa rich in both amazing plants and animals.
It is rich in various wildlife species including mammals, reptiles, and birds, some of which you can spot at the Hluhluwe River.
You can also explore the big five animals in the park, or connect to have a more extensive wildlife safari in Mkhuze Game Reserve.
Mala Mala Game Reserve In South Africa
This is the biggest reserve in South Africa and home to the big five. It borders Kruger Park, thus favoring an easier connection to the park.
At the reserve, you will be able to see and explore animals such as Wild Dogs, Zebras, Wildebeests, Hippos, Hyenas, and Giraffes among others.
Mana Pools National Park In Zimbabwe
Mana Pools in Southern Africa is famous for the vast Elephant population, although you can also spot Lions, Wild Dogs, and Elephants.
It is a great place to experience the wild through its camping adventures, especially next to the Zambezi River where you can also do canoeing and walking safaris.
Game drives are also a magnificent experience in this place.
Victoria Falls In Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, a unique natural beauty is one of the must not miss destinations while you are on an African tour.
This beautiful Victoria Falls is among the seven natural wonders of the world, proving amazing views, natural habitat for animals, and nourishing the vegetation around it throughout the year.
South Luangwa National Park In Zambia
The Zambian South Luangwa National Park is also a rich place to experience Africa’s wildlife including endemic species like the Crawshay’s Zebra and the Thornicroft’s Giraffe.
Get to also experience the great sight of some of the big five like the Lions, Elephants, and Leopards.
You can visit this destination in the dry season between July and October as many of the animals will gather around the water halls to drink.
Lower Zambezi National Park In Zambia
The Zambian Lower Zambezi National Park is another destination to experience the unique African wildlife.
Even though there are no Rhinos due to poaching, you can still explore various wildlife including the big five and various bird species for example the Southern Ground Hornbills, Blacksmith Lapwings, and African Jacanas.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in East Africa is the most famous destination for Mountain Gorilla trekking in Uganda, protecting almost half of the global total population.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has boundless ecosystems from the unique Albertine Rift endemic birds, to peculiar plants and other wild animals.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most famous park in Uganda for its abundant wildlife alongside the legendary Murchison Falls National Park.
The varied landscape of the park including sweeping savannahs, crater lakes, wetlands, forests, swamps, and Mountains makes it home to a variety of wildlife species.
Kibale Forest National Park In Uganda
Referred to as the “primate capital of the world”, Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda is not just the easiest place in East Africa to spot Chimpanzees, but also 12 other species of primates.
The Kibale Forest National Park is likewise a paradise for various forest birds that enthusiastic birders will be delighted to see.
Etosha National Park In Namibia
This Namibia desert park is famous for its pan that is so large that you see from space.
However, you will also get to see the various animals living in Etosha National Park, including the Black Rhino species and White Rhinos that were just reintroduced.
The big five are also present and you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the arid sweeping savannahs and the dolomite hills.
Northern Damaraland In Namibia
This is one of the most remote less populated areas of the African continent where you can see various animals such as the Black Rhino species, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebras, Lions, and the rare Desert-adapted Elephants.
At Damaraland, you can also explore the rock art at Twyfelfontein, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why Is African Safari So Expensive?
African safaris are expensive majorly because of the great experiences that they give travelers. However, various aspects make an African safari expensive and this determines their cost.
Some of these aspects include majorly remote destinations, the size of the country, park entrance fees, the level of one’s luxury, and using a tour operator or not.
Let us look at these aspects below.
Remote Destinations
Most tour destinations in Africa are so remote that getting there is difficult by road. Therefore, many tourists are bound to pay a higher rate for internal flights, thus making their African safari expensive.
Size of the Country
Large countries like Tanzania are sometimes expensive because of their big size, thus making both road and air transport quite costly.
Park Entrance Fees
Park entrance fees are one of the reasons for expensive African safaris, especially for a tourist who has many days to spend on their tour. This is because the park entrance is paid for every 24 hours.
Luxury Level
One’s level of luxury likewise either makes their tour expensive or cheap. A tourist who travels on a budget African safari will spend lesser than a traveler who goes on a midrange or luxury tour.
Self-Travel Or Using A Tour Operator
Self-travels are provably cheaper than using a tour operator. However, tour operators will provide inequitable value for money during your travels by taking care of the smallest details.
What Is The Average Cost Of An African Safari? | What Is The Average Cost Of An African Safari Trip | How Much Does It Cost To Do A Safari In Africa? | How Much Does A Tour Of Africa Cost? | How Much Would A Tour Of Africa Cost?
Depending on whether you have come for a budget, midrange, or luxury safari, your African safari will averagely cost about $ 150 and $ 1,500 per person every day.
How Much Does A 7 Day African Safari Cost?
A 7-day African safari will cost about $ 600 to about $10,000 per person, depending on whether they use a budget, midrange, or luxury services.
How Much Does A 10 Day Safari Cost? | How Much Does A 10 Day African Safari Cost?
A 10-day African safari will cost about $ 1,800 for a budget tour and luxury holidays begin from around $ 5000 per person.
What Time Of Year Is Best To Tour Africa? | What Is The Best Month To Go On An African Safari?
The best time to visit Africa depends on where you are going or the experiences that you would like to have. However, the dry season of June, July, August, September to October, and December, January, February, and March are usually the best in most regions.
March to May and the month of November are usually heavy rainy months.
Even though the rainy season also offers good safaris, the dry season is the best because various animals gather around water sources to drink. Also, the vegetation usually becomes thinner thus making game viewing easier.
However, it is also the peak season with most safaris where the costs of accommodation and other services go higher.
Vaccination And Visa Requirements For African Countries
Many countries in Africa require that you acquire vaccinations against certain diseases when entering its borders. Most will require that you get vaccinated against Yellow Fever and Covid before you depart from your country.
Some countries will require that you are immunized from certain illnesses, so be sure to check with the embassy before you depart and always carry your vaccination cards as proof.
Since Malaria is a threat to many African countries, you can also get anti Malaria medication, but it is better to first consult with your doctor.
For a visa, most countries also require that you purchase one for your travels depending on your nationality. Your passport needs to have a validity of at least six months before you depart for your tour.
Below are the vaccination and visa requirements for popular African safari countries in Africa.
Tanzania vaccination and visa requirements
Tourists should be vaccinated against covid-19 or have a negative PCR test both with QR codes.
You must also be vaccinated against Yellow Fever, especially if you are coming from a Yellow Fever endemic country.
Kenya vaccination and visa requirements
Likewise, travelers to Kenya must be vaccinated against covid-19 with the last shot at least 14 days before entering the country.
Alternatively, you can have a negative PCR test, not more than 72 hours before entering the country. Tourists will have to upload their Covid-19 test proofs on Panabios, an online system. Also, you have to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever.
Botswana vaccination and visa requirements
Tourists to Botswana will need to get vaccinated against Yellow Fever, especially if they are from a Yellow Fever endemic nation.
South Africa vaccination and visa requirements
You do not require a visa if you are staying in the country for less than 90 days, but you will require a Yellow Fever vaccination if you are from a highly risky place.
Zambia vaccination and visa requirements
You need to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to enter the country but if you are not, then you will require a negative PCR test, 72 hours before you enter the country. Likewise, if you came from a Yellow Fever threatened country, then you will need vaccination against the disease.
Uganda vaccination and visa requirements
Covid-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test not more than 72 hours before departure is also mandatory in Uganda. You also need to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever since it is a threat in the country.
Plus, some countries will need a visa to travel to Uganda, so you can either apply for it online or get it on arrival.
Rwanda vaccination and visa requirements
You need to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever if you are coming from a Yellow Fever endemic country.
Citizens from the United States can get a 30-day visitor visa on arrival or get one at the Rwandan Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Namibia vaccination and visa requirements
You do not need a visa to enter Namibia if you are staying for less than 90 days, but you require to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever if you are traveling from a Yellow Fever endemic country.
Zimbabwe vaccination and visa requirements
Tourists to Zimbabwe need to be vaccinated against covid-19 or have a negative PCR test not more than 48 hours before entering the country. Likewise, visitors from Yellow Fever endemic countries will need a Yellow Fever vaccination card.
Citizens from the U. S can get a 30-day single-entry visa at USD 30 or a double-entry visa at USD 45.
Best Tour Company For Your Africa Safari
We recommend the best tour company and the following are trustworthy and professional tour operators to choose for your African tours.
We Only Work With the Best African Safari Travel Agents
We are affiliated with trustworthy and professional travel agents from all over the African continent to help you with your tours to different African destinations. Thus we can help with guiding your trips and tours to these various destinations.
Best African Safari Tours & Vacations 2023-2024 | Best African Safari Tours Based On 3,972 Reviews
According to various trip ratings, below we chose the most appropriate African safari tours and African safari packages to use for your Africa safari. However, they can be tailor made just for you to suit your needs and lifestyle.
a) 6 Days Family tour and Wildlife in Northern Tanzania Safari
– Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Materuni Waterfall.
b) 10 Days Northern Circuit, Tanzania Safari
– Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Nairobi, and Maasai Mara National Reserve.
c) 11 Days Family Safari
– Great African Adventure in South Africa (Kruger, Cape Town) Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park), and Botswana.
d) 12 Days Family Safari –
Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Arusha, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara Reserve, and Nairobi.
e) 14 Days Adventure, Family, and Wildlife Tour –
in South Africa (Kruger, Cape Town), Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park), and Botswana.
f) 16 Days Wildlife and Adventure of a Magical Uganda
– Entebbe, Jinja, Nothern Uganda, Kidpo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
g) 20 Days Adventure, Camping, Wildlife, Local Communities –
Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambian country, Serengeti in Tanzania, and Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya.
h) 41 Days Group Tour of Adventure and Wildlife
–South Africa (Kruger, Cape Town)Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe (Hwange NP, Victoria Falls), Zambian destinations, Malawi and Tanzania Safari.
Travel Advisory/Tips For Your African Safaris
Here are the travel tips and information that you may require during your African Safari.
- Keep the required distance when with the animals to be safe.
- In the national parks and reserves, avoid strong smells that attract animals for example when you smoke or wear a strong perfume.
- Pack only what you need when going for your African safari. Depending on the destination that you are going to, carry clothes that suit the season, whether it be the dry or wet season.
Also, make sure that you have your,
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
- Sturdy shoes for trekking adventures
- Flashlight
- Sunglasses
- Wide hat or cape for the sun
- Jacket or windbreaker if you are traveling in the winter season or a rain jacket/poncho if you are traveling in the wet season.
- Try to avoid your phone as much as you can, especially when you are for an experience so you can fully enjoy a moment.
- In case you have any allergies, make sure that you consult your doctor before traveling so he can give you the emergency medications that you will need to travel with.
- Silence is key to experiencing a lot on an Africa safari.
Where We Stay On Safari
There are various safari lodges and hotels in tourist destinations in different countries ranging in budget, mid-range, and luxury.
Where ever you are, we shall help you find accommodation that suits your tailor made package for the best experience of your taste and lifestyle be it with all-inclusive services, air conditioning, African architecture, and many others.
African Safari FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) –
Which African Country Has The Best Safaris? | Which African Country Has Best Safari? | Where Is It Best To Go On A Safari In Africa? | Which African Country Has The Best Safari? | Which Is Best Safari In Africa?
Various African countries will give you unique experiences on your tour, as you will get to go for game viewing, bird watching, viewing spectacular scenery, or cultural tours.
However, various tourists and operators approve of Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, South Africa, and Uganda to be having the best safaris on the African continent.
Where Is The Safest Safari In Africa? | Which African Safari Is The Safest? | Which Is The Safest African Safari Tour?
Almost every African country is safe to travel to. However, the safest countries to travel to in the African continent include Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia, Seychelles, and Mauritius.
What Safari Is Best For Family Tours? | What Safari Is Best For Families
Kruger National Park is the most family-friendly park in the African continent. Both a family safari and romantic getaway African safari packages offer the best itineraries for families.
Is Kenya Or Tanzania Better For Safari
Kenya is better for safaris compared to Tanzania. Unlike Tanzania being better in enormous wild game views, luxury safaris, and the unique Baobab trees, Kenya is suitable because of the developed infrastructure, and the more accessible safari lodges from budget, midrange, and luxury.
African tours will give you the thrill of wilderness safaris in peaceful remote places while enjoying authentic game viewing and ancient cultures.
Whether you are a solo or group traveler and you are ready to plan your African trip, contact and book with us today for authentic experiences.
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