African Safari Destinations

Major African safari destinations are mainly located in East and Southern Africa, with the most prominent locations being the Serengeti, located in Tanzania; the Maasai Mara, located in Kenya; the Okavango Delta, located in Botswana; the Kruger National Park, located in South Africa; and the Victoria Falls, located in Zimbabwe and Zambia.

The Savannas of Kenya and Tanzania

East Africa is the quintessential safari destination, and the defining feature of the area is the vast expanse of the Great Rift Valley plains. The Tanzanian part of the region boasts the famous Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife sanctuary like no other, being a volcanic crater filled with wildlife.

Kenya makes up the rest of the region, which boasts the Maasai Mara, famous for the Great Migration and the density of predators. This is the quintessential African experience, complete with flat-topped acacia trees and massive herds of wildlife.

Mountainous Primate Sanctuaries of Uganda and Rwanda

Leaving the open savannas behind, we visit the very different, green wilderness of Uganda and Rwanda, with its focus on primate sanctuaries. The Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda are the best places in the world for tracking endangered mountain gorillas.

These destinations offer the immersive wilderness experience of the thick rainforests of the mountains. Although the trekking can be strenuous, the chance of viewing gorillas and the golden monkey in the wild is the ultimate African wildlife experience.

The Pristine Wilderness of Botswana

Botswana has become a world leader in low-density tourism, providing a high-quality, exclusive tourism experience. The Okavango Delta is renowned for a water-based safari, where you can paddle through the delta in traditional canoes, surrounded by palms. Chobe National Park is equally renowned for the vast herds of elephant found here.

Botswana has a strong commitment to low-density tourism, ensuring the vast wilderness areas remain untouched. Botswana is the ultimate destination for the nature lover, from the lush wetland environment of the delta to the ancient dunes of the Kalahari Desert.

Wildlife and City Fusion in South Africa

South Africa has a highly advanced combination of wildlife experience and urban culture. Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves, still offers a premier experience for those seeking to see Africa’s Big Five. However, there are also luxury game lodges in private game reserves adjacent to Kruger, such as Sabi Sands, for those seeking a close-up experience with Africa’s most elusive predator, the leopard. But South Africa has much more to offer, including the stunning coastline of Cape Town and the picturesque Garden Route.

Zimbabwe and Zambia: The Zambezi Heartlands

Zimbabwe and Zambia are home to the mighty Victoria Falls and the meandering Zambezi River, providing a true and authentic safari experience. Zimbabwe is famous for its massive Hwange National Park and Mana Pools, providing a true walking and boat-based safari experience.

Zambia, on the other hand, is famous for its walking safaris, with South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks providing a raw and untamed wilderness experience. These two countries focus on providing a high standard of guiding and a sense of adventure, making them ideal for those who want to experience nature.

The Dramatic Desert Landscapes of Namibia

Namibia is defined by its striking, otherworldly geology and desert-adapted wildlife. The country is home to the towering red dunes of the Namib Desert and the rugged, shipwrecked coastline of the Skeleton Coast. In the north, Etosha National Park offers exceptional game viewing as animals congregate around a vast, white salt pan.

Namibia’s landscapes provide a dramatic backdrop for photography and exploration, offering a sense of solitude and scale that is truly unique among the world’s most famous safari destinations.