6 Best African Countries to Go on Safaris
It’s very easy to get overwhelmed when choosing the best country to visit for safari holidays especially if you are travelling on your first trip to Africa. This is understandable because you do not know what each country offers and the best experiences to undertake during your trip.
If you’re planning a safari to Africa, the best country to visit depends on your safari interests, and by this I mean; is it wildlife safaris, honeymoon safaris, gorilla trekking safaris, wildebeest migration safaris, mountain climbing safaris, or is it wildlife photographic tours?
Understanding your personal interests is the first step when planning on which African countries to visit for safari. This will give you an idea of all that is possible and what’s not possible during your African holiday. A good example is families on safari with kids, thy have to look up things like malaria free safari destinations, countries with family friendly accommodations, and the list goes on and on.
That said, we have compiled below our top list of best safari countries to visit in Africa.
Family Safari
1. Kenya
Visit Kenya, the birthplace of the safaris, and a world-class wildlife destination, recommended both for experienced safari-goers and for those booking a first-time African safari tour. The unrivaled Masai Mara offers excellent big cat safari encounters and is the location for the yearly wildebeest migration safaris. Visit the palm-lined Kenya beaches which offer a perfect place to relax after a safari.
Reasons to Visit Kenya
Kenya is the historical home of East African safaris, a land of sweeping savannah grasslands inhabited by charming encounters, including big cats, the Big Five (elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino) and just about everything in between. Elsewhere, Kenya’s parks and reserves are perfect for guided game drives. Boat safaris are also possible in Lake Nakuru National Park. Walking safaris, night drives, community visits and horseback riding can be enjoyed in the private or community conservancies. Kenya also has an unbelievable coastline lined with exotic beaches where you can relax, whale watch, dive or snorkel and historic ruins, while Mombasa is an exciting city to explore, all against some of the most beautiful backdrops in Africa.
2. Tanzania
Tanzania with its three safari circuits, also boasts as one of Africa’s top wildlife safari destinations. There is the popular Northern circuit which feature bucket-list destinations such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Mt Kilimanjaro. Elsewhere, repeat visitors might prefer the remote wilderness destinations of the Southern or Western Tanzania circuits. For some travelers, Zanzibar beaches, and the ‘Spice Island’ of Zanzibar is only a short flight away.
Reasons to Visit Tanzania
Tanzania is a top safari destination. Game drives are possible in most national parks – some also offer walking safaris. Boat safaris are available in Nyerere National Park, and you can track chimps in Mahale Mountains or Gombe. For hikers, the multiday trekking up Kilimanjaro stands out, but other possibilities include Mt Meru and the Usambara Mountains. Swimming, snorkeling, diving and water sports can be enjoyed on a stunning Indian Ocean coastline that includes Zanzibar.
3. Uganda
Featuring a rich variety of forest, savannah and wetland environments, Uganda is another diverse wildlife destination. There are jungles occupied by gorillas and chimps, waterways alive with hippos and crocodiles, and open plains roamed by the Big Five wildlife.
Reasons to Visit Uganda
Uganda is one of only places in the world that offers mountain gorilla trekking. It also has several parks and forest reserves where you can track chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Many other safari activities available in Uganda’s parks and reserves include guided game drives, boat safaris, bird watching, mountain climbs, rhino tracking and walking safaris.
4. Rwanda
When you think of Rwanda, all that comes to your mind is a picture of you looking into the eyes of a mountain gorilla – a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but there is plenty more on offer when it comes to safaris in Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park is the place to be for silverback gorilla trekking tours. Chimpanzees and 12 other Rwanda primates can be found in Nyungwe National Park, while Akagera National Park is home to the Big Five safaris. For water-based Rwanda activities, spend another day at Lake Kivu.
Reasons to Visit Rwanda
The recommended best thing to do in Rwanda is gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, where you can also track golden monkeys, hike to Dian Fossey’s grave or the volcanic Mt Bisoke. The safari activities in Nyungwe include chimp trekking, bird watching, an exciting canopy walk and zipline. Game drives, night drives and boat trips are possible in the Big Five terrain of Akagera. Those who wish to learn more about Rwanda’s ancient traditions, visit Rukari King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza.
5. South Africa
A safari trip to South Africa is a superb all-round year round. The Big Five safaris can be enjoyed in and around the Kruger National Park, while countless smaller reserves support a shockingly diverse flora and birdlife endemics. The imposing uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park offers wonderful hiking, Cape Town displays the country’s rich cultural diversity, and the long coastline is lined with beautiful beaches.
Reasons to Visit South Africa
In South Africa you can do game drives in Big Five spaces, explore on countless walking trails, and taste word-class wines at historic mountain-ringed estates. Best Cape Town’s city attractions include museum-hopping, nightclubbing, fine dining or simply watching the city unfold from the summit of Table Mountain. Add on activities along the coastal Garden Route and in KwaZulu-Natal province range from swimming and surfing to snorkeling and whale watching.
6. Botswana
Visit Botswana, Africa’s most expensive safari destination. Botswana is a top-rated safari destination and a leader in low-tourism footprints in one of Africa’s last wilderness areas. The beauty of Okavango Delta can be discovered on an unforgettable game drive or mokoro trip. Elsewhere in Botswana, Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve combine stunning landscapes with exceptional wildlife.
Reasons to Visit Botswana
Guided game drives to wildlife viewing and bird watching are the main safari activities in Botswana. Game drives aren’t permitted in the private concessions of the Okavango Delta, but walking safaris, night drives and cruising through the Delta’s waterways in a mokoro are allowed. Elsewhere in Botswana, you can visit craft projects around Maun and Kasane, discover a craft-brewery-and-conservation initiative in Maun, and take excursions with the San people in the Kalahari Desert.
Photo Tour
Ready to Plan Your Holiday to Kenya?
Not yet close to finding your best time to travel to Kenya? Worry not, chat with someone who’s been there. Get in touch with one of our African safari experts to help tailor-make a trip that’s right for you.
Best Kenya Safari & Beach Tours
Browse our favorite Kenyan beach holiday packages or simply get in touch with one of our Africa safari experts to help custom-make a Kenyan beach holiday that matches your travel wishes. You can enjoy safaris in Kenya national parks on the mainland, then follow it up with a relaxed beach holiday at Malindi or Diani. Get to know the coastal Kenya, and what’s possible on your trip to these Indian Ocean beaches, discover some of the best-loved experiences and safari routes that we’ve found working particularly well with our travelers.
