15 Best safaris in Africa

Africa is home to some of the most magnificent wildlife on the planet. The continent is home to the Big Five - lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo - as well as numerous other animal species. While there are countless ways to experience the magic of Africa's wildlife, one of the most unique and popular is on safari. Whether you prefer a luxury tented camp safari in the Okavango Delta, a mobile camp in the heart of the Serengeti, or a classic bushwalk and camping safari, there's something for everyone and every budget in Africa. In this article, we'll explore the top 15 best safaris in Africa for wildlife encounters of a lifetime.

1. The Serengeti National Park: Safari An African Adventure Like No Other

No safari in Africa comes close to the breathtaking experience of a Serengeti Safari. Home to the iconic Big Five - lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros and leopard – the Serengeti ecosystem spans over 12,000 square miles of grassland savannahs, rolling hills, and forests in Tanzania. The Serengeti is an unforgettable adventure, with its wide and diverse array of wildlife and the sheer sense of being in one of the most vibrant, untamed and celebrated places on Earth. On a Serengeti Safari you can count on spontaneous animal sightings, thunderous bird calls, the distant rumble of thunder over the plains and a captivating intellectual journey as your experienced guide unravels fascinating details about life in the Serengeti.

From the sprawling beaches of Zanzibar to the atmospheric glass land and endless plains of the Serengeti, a safari in Tanzania is an unforgettable experience. Discover the natural wonder that is the Serengeti, and experience the wildebeests' incredible southern migration from the Maasai Mara in Kenya to the Serengeti in Tanzania. Climb up the Ngorongoro Crater for magnificent views and try game drives, hot air balloon rides, and thrilling activities such as rock climbing and horse riding.

2. A Grueling Safari Across Ethiopia's Remote Highlands

Take a rugged, unforgettable and adrenaline-filled journey across Ethiopia's remote highlands and explore untouched savannahs and dramatic mountain vistas. Popular destinations for adventure-seekers include the undulating grasslands of Simien National Park, and Bale Mountains National Parks – home to several endemic species only found in the area, such as the gelada baboon and the Simien fox. Adventurers can enjoy challenging hikes to places never seen before, rugged all-terrain safari vehicles, luxury garrisons and scenic camp sites. Ready for a real African adventure?

3. The Spectacular Game-viewing Safari in Zimbabwe's Mana Pools

Located on the banks of the Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park is a World Heritage site and offers some of the best game-viewing experiences in all of Africa. From elephant, hippo, and buffalo to lions, wild dogs and numerous antelope species, Mana Pools gives visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with a wide range of wildlife in an unparalleled environment. Visitors can also enjoy exciting bird watching and a spectacular landscape of rocky gorges and lush forests which are home to several species of birds.

4. Kalahari's Timeless Desert Safari in Botswana

The vast expanse of sandy Kalahari Desert stretches across western Botswana and has been home to African bushmen for centuries. On a Kalahari Safari, visitors can explore this untamed beauty and experience ancient ways of life which have been unchanged for thousands of years. Your safari can provide a glimpse of the unique wildlife that have adapted and thrive in the arid Kalahari, including the famous meerkats, lions, gemsbok, brown hyena and springbok.

5. Explore Cape Town's Wildlife On A Thrill-Seeking Safari

Cape Town is home to stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife, and there's no better way to experience it than with an exciting safari. From the winelands of the Constantia Valley and the pristine beaches of the Cape Point Nature Reserve to the game parks of the West Coast National Park and the Fishriver Canyon in the Northern Cape, there are plenty of breathtaking wildlife safaris to choose from. It's easy to find a safari to suit your taste and budget – some organised tours include accommodation, guides and adventure activities such as canyoning, mountain climbing, rappelling and more. So chase down the Big Five and explore the wild side of Cape Town.

6. An Unforgettable Safari Experience in Kenya's Maasai Mara

Popularly known as the land of the fearless Masai warrior, the Maasai Mara is an idyllic wilderness sanctuary home to the great herds of the African savannah. It's famous for its Big Five game, plentiful acacia trees, rolling grasslands, bubbling rivers and the mass annual wildebeest migration. On a safari in the Maasai Mara you can cruise down the crocodile-filled Mara River in search of the Big Five, and visit traditional Masai villages to gain insight into the culture and heritage of this remarkable region.

7. Journey Through Uganda's Forested Mountains On An Adventure-Packed Safari

An adventurous safari through the lush and mountainous parklands of Uganda is an unforgettable experience. Journey through the dense forests of Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, explore the rolling savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park for the chance to spot hippo and leopard, and take a cultural tour of the region's vibrant towns and communities. On a Uganda Safari, visitors can expect to encounter surprising wildlife, stunning scenery and an unforgettable journey.

8. Disover the Majestic Animals of South Africa's Kruger National Park

A safari in South Africa's Kruger National Park is a wildlife enthusiast's dream. Home to many of Africa's iconic animals – including the Big Five – and a vast expanse of diverse landscapes, this iconic wildlife haven promises an unforgettable safari experience. Here visitors can enjoy guided walks through the bush, game drives, and a chance to spot some of Africa's rarest and most beautiful wildlife species. Expect breath-taking sunrises in the bush, dramatic sunsets over the savannah, and the roar of a big cat in the night. With plenty of private reserves and accessible lodges, Kruger National Park is a must-visit safari adventure.

9. Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park:

An Unforgettable Big Cat Experience On the Zambezi River in Zambia lies the renowned South Luangva National Park. Home of the Big 5, the South Luangwa National Park is a unique marvel, offering incredible sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and an extraordinary abundance of bird-life. The main draw of the park is its magnificent leopards and lions, with sightings of both cats incredibly likely — if you’re lucky, you might even spot a cub. With experienced guides, fantastic tailored tours, and a wide variety of accommodation options, the South Luangwa National Park Safari tops the list of magical African safari adventures.

10. Amazing Animals and Unforgettable Experiences at Etosha National Park in Namibia

Experience Namibia's wildlife-rich wilderness with a safari to Etosha National Park. This vast national park is Namibia's premier destination for game-viewing, with an abundance of animals including lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, kudu and zebra, as well as more than 340 bird species. A safari here is a unique opportunity to witness some of Africa's most majestic animals, as well as natural wonders such as the salt pan and vast plains. Enjoy game drives, night safaris, and visits to local communities as you explore the immense beauty of Etosha National Park.

11. Congo Safari:

A Journey to the Heart of Africa The Republic of Congo presents a wealth of opportunities to explore the wonders of the African continent. Offering a range of tour options, travelers can experience everything from classic game drives in the Virunga National Park to hikes through the beautiful jungle to observe gorillas in their habitat. Congo Safaris also provide the unique opportunity to experience rare species, such as the okapi, wild chimpanzees, and clawless otters. From stunning landscapes to unforgettable sights, a Congo safari is sure to leave you with long-lasting memories.

12. Savute Marsh Safari: Chobe National Park's Most Unique Feature

The Savute Marsh Safari in Botswana's Chobe National Park is a unique tour that offers safari-goers a mix of both land and river views. Home to a variety of landscapes from riverine eucalyptus forests to acacia mopane woodlands, visitors can expect intimate views of the park's signature species, including Cape buffalo, large prides of lion, and African wild dogs. The Savute Marsh Safari is a remarkable journey to the game-rich waterways of the park, giving visitors the chance to step into the wild and capture its beauty from the comfort of their vehicle.

13. Explore Namibia's Namib Desert on a Skeleton Coast Safari

The Skeleton Coast Safari in Namibia offers an awe-inspiring experience of desert landscapes, dramatic dunes and spectacular wildlife of the Namib Desert. This wild and rugged area, known for its harsh conditions and unique bush trails, rewards travelers with the opportunity to witness everything from the largest seal colony in the world to up close and personal encounters with the desert's Big 5. Lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino are just a few of the creatures that can be spotted on this tour, giving a truly once-in-a-lifetime African safari across Namibian territory.

14. Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Luxury and Wildlife at Its Finest Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is a World Heritage Site, and for good reason. This ancient volcanic caldera is home to one of the highest concentrations of animals in the world, including elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and hyenas. A Ngorongoro safari consists of a half-day game drive and guided tour with an experienced ranger, providing a luxurious yet passionate experience to explore the Africa's wildlife and atmosphere.

15. Beach & Wildlife Safari in Mozambique

The Mozambique beach and wildlife safari is something special. Combining the wild landscapes of safari parks with the beach paradise of Mozambique, this tour offers the perfect balance of adventure and fun. With the chance to see some of Africa's most iconic wildlife, as well as plenty of time to relax in the sun and sand, the Mozambique Safari is a must-do for anyone seeking an unforgettable African experience. Visitors can expect to witness anything from hippos and crocs to flamingos, as well as a range of exotic birds and mammals. From luxurious lodges to unique water activities, a beach and wildlife safari in Mozambique is the perfect adventure for any traveler.