An African safari is something on the bucket list of many people. To see incredible animals in the wild is an experience of a lifetime. Learn more about where to go for the best safaris in Africa with this useful guide.
Africa is undoubtedly one of the most interesting places one could visit. Known for its diverse wildlife and majestic landscapes, it certainly offers visitors an unmatched once-in-a-lifetime experience.
It’s no wonder that more than 30 million tourists travel to Africa each year. It’s the number one tourist destination in the world for safaris. If you have the opportunity to travel to Africa and take part in one of these extraordinary excursions, you’re likely to see for yourself why it’s such a hotspot for adventurists.
Have you been thinking about going on an African safari, but don’t know where you would start?
Never fear. We’re here to help you choose the perfect spot before you set out to travel abroad.
Check out our picks for the best safaris in Africa!
15 of the Best Safaris in Africa
Africa is home to over 1,100 species of animals and over 2,600 species of birds. While you’re there, you’re sure to get a better look at some of the wild and wondrous creatures.
Here are just some of the inhabitants living in Africa that you might not find anywhere else:
- The African Elephant, which is the largest living land mammal
- The Nile Crocodile, the largest African reptile, is known for killing hundreds of people each year
- Four out of five of the fastest land animals live in Africa, including the wildebeest, cheetah, lion, and Thomson’s gazelle
- The gorilla, known for being the largest primate on Earth
- “Goliath” frogs, which can reach a foot in length
Although there are thousands of unique species that are native to the continent of Africa, they aren’t often seen by tourists in many areas.
If you want to cross the best safaris in Africa off your bucket list, we’ve got the places you won’t want to miss.
1. Maasai Mara, Kenya
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is located in the southwest region of Kenya, near the Tanzania border. It’s famous for its spectacular ecosystems and a hearty population of big game animals.
It’s one of the best places on the continent to see the lion in its natural habitat. It’s also one of the few locations where you can view the Great Migration when millions of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope cross the Mara River each year between July and October.
2. The Serengeti, Tanzania
The Serengeti National Park sits adjacent to the Maasai Mara, and it’s the other destination where tourists can watch the annual Great Migration over the Mara River.
Here, zebra and antelope can be found grazing on the grasslands. These animals attract many predators, and tourists can often catch the lion and cheetah in action as they chase their prey.
The Serengeti is much larger than the Maasai Mara, and often less crowded.
3. Chobe National Park, Botswana
The Chobe National Park is one of the few places that boasts four diverse ecosystems.
In addition, the Savuti Marsh inhabits one of the continent’s most diverse population of wildlife throughout the entire year.
Awestruck tourists are likely to sight a few of the thousands of elephants that live here during their visit. And, a large population of exceptional bird species can also be found living here.
You might also have the opportunity to hunt and bird watch as you paddle through the river marsh, an option that attracts many to the region
4. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Uganda offers some of the best safaris in Africa for those adventure-seekers who are on a tight budget. Some of the safaris cost as little as between $1,000 and $2,000 dollars, according to U.S. News.
For such a reasonable price, you might expect to be shortchanged. But, you would be mistaken.
The region is covered by dense rainforests, where over half of the world’s mountain gorillas live.
Sadly, only about 880 of these enormous primates are still alive in the wild.
5. Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of the most popular South African safaris. Due to the wide range of accommodations that are available here, many first-timers choose this as their destination.
Here, visitors can often expect to see the Big 5, as well as the cheetah and many small cats.
The African wild dog can also be found here, although its population is not as great as it is in other places in Africa.
6. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
The Hwange National Park is one of the least crowded safari destinations that are popular amongst tourists.
The park is home to an enormous population of wild elephants and buffalo. Many lions live here as well.
One of the notable things distinguishing this region is its native wild African dog packs. It’s the best place for spotting these animals, as several well-established families live on the land.
7.Okavango Delta, Botswana
When visiting this sprawling delta, tourists often sightsee the islands by way of boat.
Many prefer to visit during the annual flood when the large populations of wildlife are confined to the islands. This gives tourists a greater opportunity for viewing a larger number of animals and birds during their safari adventure.
You might catch glimpses of elephant, antelope, hippos, crocodiles, lions, cheetah, as well as huge populations of native birds.
8. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
This location is favored as a walking safari, which is allowed by the park’s overseers. The walking safari is good for tourists traveling alone or in groups.
While traipsing the land, tourists are likely to spot a large variety of animal and bird species. The list of inhabitants includes elephant, hippo, lions, and antelope.
In addition, there are over 400 species of birds that live here.
9. Addo Elephant National Park
The Addo Elephant National Park is located on the Eastern Cape.
One of the main reasons tourists trek here is because it’s the only place where you might find the Big 7. The Big 7 includes the African elephant, Cape buffalo, African lion, African leopard, African rhino as well as whales and Great White sharks.
10. Etosha National Park, Namibia
This unique location hosts a salt pan that can be spotted from space. Many visitors enjoy touring the area by moonlight when the park’s abundant nocturnal animal population can often be seen milling about.
Elephants, hyenas, and cheetahs live here. But, the most popular animal among tourists is often the black hippo, due to its critically endangered classification.
11. Ngronongo Conservation Area, Tanzania
Not only is this area home to many beautiful and diverse wildlife species, it’s landscape is a sight to see in itself. Its volcanic crater is the largest unflooded, unbroken caldera in the world.
In addition to lovely pink flamingos, black rhino, and elephants, you might also find it interesting that native tribes continue to inhabit the area.
12. iSimangaliso Wetland Park
The iSimangalsio Wetland Park borders St. Lucia Lake, which is the only place in the world where you will find sharks, hippos, and crocodiles living in the same body of water.
Its famous wetlands include an interesting mix of salt and freshwater. And, this is the first location in Africa to earn World Heritage Status.
The park contains most of the remaining swamp lands in the South African region.
13. Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro National Park
This national park is home to the highest mountain peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, which is also the largest free-standing mountain in the world.
Many tourists choose this safari so that they can couple it with a climb up the famous mountain. However, there is a healthy population of interesting wildlife that lives in the park’s area as well. One can find zebra, wildebeest, and many more animals grazing over the parklands.
In addition, the park is well known for its plentiful vegetation, including African wildflowers, and other native plants.
14. Kibale Forest, Uganda
Southern Africa is famous for its large populations of primates. In fact, it hosts many rare species, including the endangered gorilla.
The Kibale Forest in Uganda is known as being the best place to view the continent’s chimpanzee population. In addition, visitors can stroll at a slower pace during the forest’s walking safari.
15. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park features a large area of unspoiled wilderness. It’s located in the northern region of South Africa and consists of mostly desert land.
Here, tourists may be able to see several of the park’s famous animal species, such as the Kalahari black-maned lions, the Gemsbok, or the Oryx.
Ready to Book Your African Safari?
If you’re ready to experience an African safari, Earthlife Expeditions can help you choose an option that’s just right for you. They offer several choices for tourists wishing to get up close and personal with the wildlife in Africa.
Want More Great Advice for Traveling the World?
Of course, the best safaris in Africa are one of the most amazing opportunities for world travelers. But, it’s not the only place where you can spot phenomenal views and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences. There are many more spots in our great big world that deserve your attention, too.
Check out this post about another one of our favorite world-famous locations for travelers who crave adventure!
