Our 12 recommended safari destinations in Africa

Ideal for: First-time safari-goers, big cat enthusiasts, the Great Migration seekers

The Masai Mara is one of Africa’s most iconic safari areas. Its open grasslands (inspired by “The Lion King”) are home to impressive numbers of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and large herds, often seen hunting in the open plains.

Highlights:

Seeing the Great Migration (July–October) where massive herds of wildebeest and zebra tackle the Mara River from Tanzania, and visiting nearby Maasai villages to see a completely different side of life on the plains.

Best time to visit:

July to October for the migration; December to March for quieter, predator-heavy trips.

Best for: Classic savannah scenery, the Great Migration, and sunrise balloon safaris

The Serengeti is massive. It’s the kind of place where you can drive for hours and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface of its grasslands and rocky outcrops.

Highlights:

• Year-round wildlife: Wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, antelope, and large predators are present throughout the year.
• Calving season (late January–March) in the southern Serengeti: Thousands of wildebeest give birth within a short period, attracting predators like lions, hyenas, and cheetahs.
• Hot-air balloon safaris: For a different perspective, you can drift silently above the plains at sunrise, watching herds below and enjoying panoramic views.

Best time to visit:

This depends on the migration, but June to October is generally best for river crossings in the north.

Best for: Self-drive safaris, a mix of budget and luxury, family trips

Why it stands out:

• Self-drive freedom: Well-maintained roads and clear signage make it simple to explore the park in your own vehicle.
• Big Five territory: Lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo are all regularly seen.
• Wide range of accommodation: From affordable rest camps inside the park to exclusive private lodges bordering it, there’s something for nearly every budget.

Best time to visit:

May to October (the dry season): The bush is thinner, making it much easier to spot animals hiding in the shade and congregating around water sources.

Ideal for: Water-based safaris, secluded camps, photographers and honeymooners

The Okavango Delta is a one-of-a-kind inland delta that transforms seasonal floodwaters into a maze of channels, lagoons, and islands.

Highlights:

• Mokoro (canoe) trips: Glide quietly through reed-fringed waterways in traditional dugout canoes, spotting birds, frogs, and large mammals along the banks.
• High-quality, low-impact tourism: Most camps are small, remote, and accessible only by light aircraft, offering privacy and a strong focus on conservation.
• Diverse wildlife: Elephants, hippos, buffalo, lions, and many antelope species thrive in this rich habitat. It’s one of the best places to see the rare African wild dog.

Best time to visit:

June–October, when floodwaters are at their highest and game viewing is excellent.

Ideal for: Huge elephant herds and river safaris

Chobe is all about the water. It’s famous for having one of the highest concentrations of elephants on the planet, often seen swimming or drinking right at the river’s edge. Because of its convenient location to Victoria Falls, it’s perfect for shorter safaris or add-on trips.

Why it’s worth the trip:

• Chobe River safaris: Sunset boat cruises reveal elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and constant birdlife.
• Flexible safari options: From day trips to multi-night stays, and from mid-range lodges to upscale properties, Chobe works for different budgets and schedules.

Best time to visit:

May to October (the dry season) when animals crowd the riverbanks.

Best for: Striking desert scenery, self-drive trips, waterhole viewing

Etosha is centred around a massive, shimmering salt pan that gives the landscape a stark, otherworldly character.

What to expect:

• Waterhole watching: Natural and artificial waterholes become magnets for wildlife during the dry season, allowing you to simply park, switch off the engine, and let the animals come to you.
• Distinctive landscapes: Open salt pans, acacia savannah, and scrub plains provide great contrast for photography.

Best time to visit:

June–October, when animals congregate at waterholes and vegetation is sparse.

Best for: Walking safaris, authentic wilderness, leopard sightings

It’s less crowded than the big parks in Kenya or South Africa, giving it a much more rugged, authentic feel. It’s known for its intense wildlife experiences and guiding standards.

Top draws:

• Walking safaris: Guided walks focus on tracks, plants, birds, and animal behaviour, offering a deeper understanding of the ecosystem.
• Leopards: The park is one of Africa’s most reliable places to see these elusive cats, particularly on night drives.
• Wild atmosphere: Fewer vehicles and remote camps give a strong sense of being in true wilderness.

Best time to visit:

July–October for prime game viewing, when the Luangwa River sustains dense concentrations of animals.

Ideal for: Massive elephant herds, varied habitats, pairing with Victoria Falls

Zimbabwe’s biggest park offers a mix of desert-edge sands and teak forests. It feels wild and expansive, especially in the remote southern sections.

Highlights:

• Seeing hundreds of elephants congregate around the “pump-fed” pans during the height of the dry season.
• Easy connection to Victoria Falls: Hwange is often combined with a visit to one of the world’s most famous waterfalls.

Best time to visit:

July–October for high densities of animals around water.

Best for: High-density wildlife in a compact area, short safaris, families

The Ngorongoro Crater is a large volcanic caldera with steep walls and a floor rich in grasslands, swamps, and a soda lake.

The experience:

• Wildlife packed into a small area: The crater floor supports many animals, including lions, buffalo, and zebras, making full-day game drives very productive. It’s one of the few places where you have a very high chance of seeing a black rhino.
• Spectacular scenery: The view from the rim, looking down into the crater, is among East Africa’s most impressive panoramas.
• Easy to combine: Often visited as part of a northern Tanzania circuit with the Serengeti and nearby conservation areas.

Best time to visit:

All year, though June–October is drier and usually clearer; early mornings are key to avoiding the line of vehicles at the gate.

Best for: Malaria-free safaris, families, Garden Route Road trips

Located in the Eastern Cape, Addo is a stress-free option. There’s no need for malaria meds, and the roads are great for a self-drive family holiday.

What to expect:

• Elephants everywhere: The park was initially created to save a small population of elephants and now shelters hundreds of them.
• Self-drive ease: Good roads and clear loops allow you to explore at your own pace.
• Malaria-free: Ideal for families with young children or anyone who doesn’t want to take anti-malarial medication.

Best time to visit:

It’s a great year-round destination, though May to September is the driest.

Ideal for: Luxury safaris, close-up Big Five sightings, especially leopards

Sabi Sands is a private reserve that shares an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park. It’s famous for high-quality lodges, expert guiding, and consistent big cat encounters.

The experience:

• Exceptional leopard viewing: Sabi Sands is widely regarded as one of the best places in Africa to see leopards, often at close range.
• Off-road game drives: Because it’s a private reserve, guides can leave the roads (within set rules) to follow animals, leading to more intimate sightings.
• Small, upscale lodges: Most camps are intimate, with personalised service, gourmet dining, and included activities such as game drives and bush walks.
• Night drives: Spotlight drives after dark give you a chance to see nocturnal species like civets, genets, and hunting predators.

Best time to visit:

Year-round. Winter (May–Oct) has the best visibility, but summer (Nov-Mar) brings beautiful greenery and migratory birds.

Best for: More affordable Okavango-style experience, night drives, flexible activities

The Khwai Concession lies between Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. It offers the same incredible wildlife as the national parks but with fewer restrictions, and a wider range of price points.

Highlights:

• Mixed habitats: Floodplains, woodlands, mopane forest, and river channels support elephants, buffalo, hippos, lions, leopards, and wild dogs.
• Night drives and walking: Unlike the neighbouring national parks, Khwai often allow night drives and guided walks, giving a richer, more varied safari experience.
• Community-run camps: Several campsites and lodges are run by the local Khwai community, meaning your visit directly supports the local people.
• Great add-on to Moremi/Chobe: Khwai works well in itineraries that connect Maun, Moremi, the Delta, and Chobe.

Best time to visit:

June–October (dry season) for concentrated game around water and easier driving conditions. The green season (November–March) is beautiful, with good birding and fewer vehicles.