Top Multi-Country Safari Combinations in Africa

Nothing can compare to the incredible diversity that Africa offers, with several countries combining in a single, seamless itinerary.

In an effort to give the best possible African Safari trip, there should be a combination of varied landscapes from desert to savannah, primates, and turquoise waters.

Combining different Safari destinations makes your trip diverse and more meaningful, as you get to explore and maximize your experiences across different culture diverisity, wildlife species, landscapes, and attractions, completing your itinerary fully.

From our internal safari inquiries, we have received more than 82% inquiries from guests looking to combine two or more countries, while 18% want to just do one country.

This prompted us to do a comprehensive guide on how to combine, plan, and create itineraries for multi-country combination safaris in Africa.

Best Multi-Country Safari Combos in Africa

• Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar – Safari Big Five, Wildebeest Migration and Beach
• Rwanda, Uganda, & Kenya – Primates and Big Five
• Botswana & Zambia – Wildlife, Water, Walking Safaris
• Namibia, Botswana, & Zimbabwe – Deserts, Waterfalls, Big Five, and Walking Safari
• Zambia, Zimbabwe, & Zanzibar – Wildlife, Big Five, Walking Safari, and Beach

Why Book Multi-Country Safaris in Africa?

• Unique Wildlife Variety: Travel to different countries to discover unique worlds of animals, which range from highly concentrated savanna big-game animals to unusual rainforest primates and unique desert wildlife.
• Greatest Exposure of Destinations: See the greatest contrast between different geographies by combining desert dunes with roaring waterfalls and inland deltas.
• Cultural Diversity: Experience unique cultures by starting off at the traditional savanna life of Maasai tribesmen, to the forest culture of the Batwa tribe, and the coastal Swahili culture of Zanzibar.
• Easier Bush-to-Beach Transfers: Get the best balance for your holiday by flying from the exhilarating dusty safari on the mainland directly to your luxurious beachside villa along the aromatic coastline.
• Varied Safari Activities: Broaden your travel experiences by combining activities like volcanic treks, tranquil canoe rides, and advanced walking safaris.
• Best Use of Travel Time: Make the most of your expensive travel time through direct flights from the bush to coastal islands in just one day.

Who is Multi-Country Safaris in Africa suitable for?

• The Bucket List Vacationer: Best for special occasions such as honeymoons or retirement, allowing witnessing Africa’s very best fauna, landscapes, and beaches in one luxurious trip.
• The Select Luxury Guests: Perfect for the more discriminating traveler seeking ultimate privacy, executive flights, and personalized tracking as opposed to group tours.
• Wildlife Photographer Enthusiasts: Great for creative people who can quickly add to their portfolios through various lighting and behaviors of animals in different environments.
• Family Group Travelers: Suitable for family travel where different paces are needed, including adventures for teenagers, cruises for seniors, and beaches for all.

Ultimate East Africa Wildebeest Migration & Beach Luxury Safari Combination

Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar

This East African luxurious itinerary combines the continent’s most famous savanna environments with the romantic charm of a beach island getaway. A Kenya and Tanzania Safari is one of the most common and is known as the perfect combined safari in Africa, as it combines the best destinations in East Africa.

This includes exploring the majestic rolling plains of Kenya, with perfect views of Northern Kenya, combining with the great plains of Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire for wildlife, and finishing with Zanzibar Island.

Best Time to Visit

• Wildebeest Migration Period: Schedule your multiple-destination safari experience between July and October to time it just right with the famous wildebeest river crossings of the Great Wildebeest Migration.
• Perfect Weather: By visiting during these months, you can expect to avoid the rains in the region while experiencing perfect weather conditions in both East African countries.
• Concentration of Wildlife: The dry season forces small watering holes to dry up, thus concentrating huge numbers of game at permanent water sources.
• Perfect Finish with the Beach: End your luxurious experience in Zanzibar during these months by enjoying the cool beach breeze along with low tropical humidity levels.

Best Locations for Combining in East Africa

• The Wildebeest Migration Corridor: Unite the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya with the endless open plains of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
• The Crater Safari: Merge the old-world Ngorongoro Crater for a pure, isolated wilderness setting that boasts the highest concentration of Africa’s apex predators.
• The Swahili White Sandy Coast: Includes the exotic beach havens and historic spice gardens of Zanzibar Island for the ultimate luxury bush to beach vacation experience.
• The land of the Giants: Enjoy better Elephant encounters in Amboseli National Park and Tsavo West and East National Parks.
• Easy Air Transfer Connections: Traveling between distant sites can be effortlessly achieved by private flights and scheduled daily flights between bush airstrips and coastal destinations.

What to See on a Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Combined Safari

• Apex Big Cats: View impressive prides of the black-maned lions, secretive leopards resting atop acacia trees, and hunting cheetahs across the savannah.
• The Great Migration: Experience dangerous river crossings with herds of wildebeest and zebras battling predatory attacks along the Mara and Grumeti rivers.
• The Crater Big Five: Experience the critically endangered black rhinos alongside giant African bull elephants grazing in the volcanic crater’s walls of the Ngorongoro Crater.
• Beach Island Endemics: Watch the rare red colobus monkeys frolicking in the forest canopy within the mahogany forests of Zanzibar’s Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park.

Activities & Experiences for a Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Combined Safari

• Air Safari to the Savannah Sunrise: Fly over the vast landscape teeming with animals on a hot air balloon safari ride, followed by a bush breakfast served with champagne.
• Night Game Drives Experience: Join the team on a privately conducted night game drive with unique red-light torches to witness the apex predators hunting in the wild.
• Exclusive Caldera Tour Experience: Descend into the prehistoric Ngorongoro caldera for a wildlife experience far away from the conventional paths.
• Sunset Luxury Dhow Sailing: Embark on a luxurious wooden dhow sailing cruise in the Indian Ocean along with delicious cocktails and appetizers.

Why Combine This Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar Safari?

• Unmatched Synergy: This combination serves as the gold standard of African travel by effortlessly pairing the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle with a serene island getaway.

• Logistical Simplicity: Highly optimized regional flight paths allow you to fly directly from a morning game drive in the Serengeti straight to a beach resort by afternoon.

• The Ultimate Bush-to-Beach Contrast: Moving from the dusty, high-octane drama of the migration plains to the peaceful rhythms of the Indian Ocean provides the perfect operational balance for a luxury holiday.

Primates & Savannah Epic Adventure in East Africa

Rwanda, Uganda, & Kenya Safari Adventure

A unique adventure combining an incredible encounter among primates in their native environment with sweeping panoramas of classic East African savannas. Combine Gorilla Trekking Safari with The Big Five and Wildebeest Migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.

Ideal Timing to Visit and combine the safari to Rwanda, Uganda, & Kenya

• The Dry Seasons on the Equator: Schedule your special primate tracking and savanna safari trip in the main dry periods between June and September or January to February.
• Safe and Easy Terrain: The drier conditions make it easier to navigate the challenging slopes of the volcanoes because there will be far less mud.
• Sharp Wildlife Photography Opportunities: The dry climate will thin the grass cover in the Masai Mara, allowing you to clearly observe wildlife activities.
• Guaranteed Permit and Flight Schedules: The dry period ensures you won’t face any tropical rain, thus making sure that you will stick to your gorilla permit and bush flight schedule.

Best Combinations of Destinations in Rwanda, Uganda, & Kenya

• Volcano Sides of Rwanda: Go deeply into the mysterious bamboo forest region of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, which is home to the famous mountain gorilla family groups.
• Ancient Rainforest of Uganda: Connect the thick canopy rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and see yet another kind of mountain gorilla environment.
• Legendary Savannah Plains: Connect effortlessly into the grassland region of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and get that typical savannah feel.
• Effective Cross-Border Logistics: This itinerary connects three countries and uses direct air travel from Kigali, Entebbe, and Nairobi, saving your time considerably.
• Better view of Mount Kilimanjaro: Add Amboseli National Park to have different exposures and experiences as part of Kenya Safaris.

Best Wildlife Species in Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya

• Mountain Gorillas: Experience up-close encounters with proud mountain gorillas along with their family units in their natural, wild forests.
• Arboreal Primates: See active and smart primate troops like wild chimps and golden monkeys leaping in the dense forests of the Albertine Rift.
• Tree-Climbing Apex Predators: Spot big cats such as lions that climb trees in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.
• Savannah Wildlife Species: See big game species like giant elephants, tall giraffes, and huge pods of hippos ruling over the river plains of the Mara.

Activities & Experiences to do in Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya Safari

• Transformative Mountain Gorilla Walks: Venture into the lush tropical forests accompanied by knowledgeable rangers on an unparalleled one-hour experience amidst the endangered mountain gorillas.
• Cultural Forest Walks: Join private, indigenous-led tours among the Batwa people to explore the secrets of surviving in the forest and learn about the traditional medicine used.
• Personalized Safari Among Predators: Chase some of the most famous predators within the golden plains of Masai Mara from the comfort of a luxurious, open-top 4×4.
• Primate Protection & Wildlife Interaction: Interact first-hand with professional veterinarians working within the research centers and gain knowledge about how your luxury safari is funding primate protection.

Reasons to Combine a Safari with Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya

• The Top Two on Everyone’s List: This safari will provide luxury tourists the opportunity to tick off two top-of-the-list animal encounters, gorillas and savannah game, in one go.
• Habitat Transition: Travelers will get to see firsthand the impressive change in habitats from dense volcanic mountain rainforest to never-ending grasslands along the rift valley region.
• Primate Encounters Twice Over: Tourists can visit both countries and gain insights into the unique tracking techniques and environments associated with Volcanoes and Bwindi.

Water & Wildlife Wilderness

Botswana & Zambia Safari

Experience the juxtaposition of the gentle water channels of an enormous inland delta against the awesome force of the natural wonder of a magnificent waterfall.

Combine Botswana with Zambia easily to enjoy a beautiful scene of Water and Wildlife sightings.

Fly over the Victoria Falls, and drive through the marsh regions of the Okavango Delta.

Best Time to Visit Botswana and Zambia

• Floodwater reaching maximum in the Okavango: Plan your visit during June to August, while the Okavango Delta floodwaters have reached their maximum point after a journey of months through Angola’s highlands.
• Desert Animals Attraction: This rare opportunity sees peak times when the delta flood coincides with Botswana’s dry season, attracting many desert animals to water sources.
• Comfortable Safaris: Enjoy the cool temperatures of Southern Africa winter days, making walks, safaris, and game drives more pleasant.
• Zambezi River Flow Canoeing: Visit at this time to observe the river flowing in its full flow, producing stunning views of the magnificent waterfall.

Popular Places to Visit Together

• Okavango Delta: Experience the channels, lagoons, and private concession islands in this beautiful delta.
• Elephant Concentration: Discover the Chobe National Park, famous for having the largest number of African elephants in one area.
• Victoria Falls Waterfall Gorge: Visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia, located at the edge of the Victoria Falls gorge.

Things to See While on a Botswana and Zambia Safari

• Swimming Elephants: Witness huge groups of Chobe elephants as they cross entire river channels, swimming across to islands where there is nutritious vegetation.
• Marsh Wildlife Species: Get to see the sitatunga antelopes, together with red lechwes, in their natural habitats as they hide in thick papyrus reeds.
• The Smoke That Thunders: Be awestruck by the geological wonder of Victoria Falls as millions of gallons of water fall into the depths of a gorge.
• Predators in Zambia and Botswana: View unique groups of delta lions and African wild dogs who have developed the skills of surviving through hunting along flooded landscapes.

Experiences & Activities in This Safari Combo

• Silent Mokoro Trips: Float quietly along the delta river channels in the traditional canoe with the use of professional guidance from a local tracker.
• Walking Safaris Trailblazers: Live the exhilarating experience of walking safaris guided by professional guides in the predator-infested wilderness of Zambia.
• The helicopter flights: Embark on the adventurous helicopter ride and witness the awe-inspiring waterfall directly above from your air vantage point.
• River Sunset Cruise Cuisine: Treat yourself to a candle-lit meal aboard the Zambezi River’s privately moored wooden deck, accompanied by hippo calls.

Why Join These Two Safaris?

• An Unmatched Water Safari Story: This unique combination will take you through an enthralling water adventure experience, ranging from the tranquil silence of the floodwaters of an interior oasis to the roaring excitement of a natural marvel.
• Different Approaches to Wildlife Viewing: Visitors can enjoy Botswana’s exciting game drives and boat safaris alongside Zambia’s famous walking safaris.
• Smooth Border Crossing: Proximity of the locations will allow for smooth border crossing, ensuring that all available time is used for exploring different national parks.

Contrasts of Southern Africa

Namibia, Botswana, & Zimbabwe Combined Safari

Perfectly suited for discerning tourists, the itinerary emphasizes significant changes from desert landscapes to lush wetlands and basalt gorges.

Enjoy diverse landscapes and wildlife, packed with different safari activities and amenities.

Visit Etosha National Park, Skeleton Coast, and fly to Chobe National Park in Botswana, and drive to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, adding Hwange National Park to make it a fully packed safari in Southern Africa.

Best Season to Combine this Safari

• Southern African Winter Period: The ideal time for visiting is between May and September, when the winter season provides comfortable temperatures and sunny days.
• Desert Adventure at Its Best: Cold temperatures make walking up the huge dunes in Namibia an unforgettable experience, as one avoids the excessive heat of summer.
• Water Hole Gathering: The total lack of rain during the winter season causes animals inhabiting Etosha and Chobe to concentrate near water holes.
• Best Conditions for Night Photography: The exceptionally dry winter season eliminates any haze, allowing for perfect stargazing and desert night photography conditions.

Best Destinations to Visit Together

• Living Desert: Begin in the awe-inspiring realm of the high, dazzlingly orange dunes of Sossusvlei, along with the old, dry valley of dead trees known as Deadvlei in Namibia.
• Salt Pans and Rivers: Travel across to the white expanse of salt pans in Etosha National Park, and then go on to the riverine area of Chobe Riverfront in Botswana.
• Visit the biggest waterfall Spectacle: End this tour of the entire region with the spectacular waterfalls of Victoria Falls from the exciting Zimbabwe side.
• Hwange with Victoria Falls and Chobe: After the Victoria Falls visit, extend your safari to the famous Hwange National Park, and enjoy sightings of large herds of elephants and big cats.

What to See in this Combined Safari

• Desert Exposure and Experience: Capture the striking imagery of ancient petrified camel thorn trees estimated to be 900 years old, set against the fiery orange dunes.
• Desert Wildlife Species: Encounter endangered desert elephants, black rhino, and gemsbok moving through Namibia’s ancient, dry riverbeds.
• Chobe Riverfront Wildlife Sightings: Observe the exciting action as huge numbers of cape buffaloes, pods of hippo, and lion prides clash on the banks of the Chobe River.
• Geological Grand Canyon: Experience the sight of the constant waterfall rushing down the steep basalt gorges in Zimbabwe’s national park.

Safari Activities to do in This Safari

• Early Sunrise Dune Hike: Experience the dramatic play of light on the huge orange dunes during a climb up the famous Big Daddy dune.
• Private Luxury River Safaris: Take a privately guided boat safari on the Chobe River, where you’ll see elephants drinking and bathing within arm’s reach.
• Dark Sky Stargazing: Relax while enjoying an elegant bush dinner under the incredibly starry night skies.
• Zimbabwe Rainforest Walk: Trek along the misty rainforest trails of Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls gorge.
• Helicopter Rides: Fly over Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, seeing the great natural wonder in Africa.

Why Combine This Safari

• Extremes in Geography: There is no safari trip like this one that takes you from the driest and oldest deserts in the world to some of the most water-abundant wild areas.
• Photo Opportunities Galore: Photographers get to enjoy shooting in an environment rich in subjects, from minimal desert typography to crowded animal life by the rivers and waterfalls.
• Exposure to Diverse Wildlife Regions: Take this three-country circuit and learn about the perfect adaptation of species to extreme conditions in Southern Africa.

Connoisseur’s Bush-to-Beach Tour Combination

Zambia, Zimbabwe, & Zanzibar Combined Safari

This unique and private experience caters to discerning safari enthusiasts looking for an adventure in unspoiled wilderness and serene tropical islands.

Best Time to Visit Zambia, Zimbabwe, & Zanzibar Combined Tour

• Southern Dry Season Window: Arrange this tailor-made tour between June and October when the big cats’ activities are at their best in Southern Africa.
• Walking Safely in Dry Season: The extremely dry season clears off the thick bush, allowing an easier and safer walking safari experience, guided by the most accomplished game rangers.
• Dry Season on the Coast: This time is ideal since it coincides with the dry season in Zanzibar, ensuring pleasant south sea winds and clear Indian Ocean views.
• Unhindered Bush Safaris: Selecting these months avoids the rains that come in November within the region, thus allowing smooth bush flight runway operations.

Best Destinations to Combine in this Safari

• Luangwa Valley: Dive into the remote wilderness of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, which is internationally renowned as the cradle of the walking safari.
• Elephant Paradise: Move on to the untouched and pristine woodlands of the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, known for their mysterious pans and vast herds of elephants.
• The Spice Islands: End off your luxurious circuit with flights over to the tropical beach hideaways and historic architecture of the beautiful island of Zanzibar.
• Exclusivity Ensured: This exclusive combination deliberately excludes any popular destinations, providing travelers with a more personalized and private journey.

Top Attractions in these destinations

• African Wild Dogs: Look for big, thriving packs of African wild dogs hunting in pristine and remote river valleys.
• Leopards at Night: Witness the rare phenomenon of spotting elusive leopards through the use of specialized night drives with infrared technology.
• Elephant Encounters in Hwange: Observe the gathering of hundreds of elephants in a synchronized manner around solar-powered water stations in the Hwange park.
• Green Sea Turtles & Coral Reefs: Explore the underwater world of vibrant green sea turtles, schools of playful dolphins, and colorful coral reefs of Zanzibar.

Activities & Experiences in this Safari

• Elite Multi-Day Walking Safaris: Take part in one of the most prestigious walking safaris run by the best professionals of Africa and go hunting for big game on foot.
• Spooring and Tracking Skills Training: Gain proficiency in spooring and tracking techniques by following the complicated trails of predators and listening out for their warning calls.
• Victoria Falls Excursions: Experience the full tour of the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, both on site and by helicopter flight.
• Swahili Spice Markets Discovery Walks: Wander down the narrow streets of the old Stone Town to uncover secret spice markets and handcrafted wooden doors.
• Luxurious Barefoot Dinner by the Beach: Enjoy a special dining experience on the sandy shore where you will be served a delicious seafood meal.

Reasons to Combine This Safari

• Flee from the Masses: Our special tour does not use highly developed areas, making it perfect for experienced tourists who want the utmost exclusivity and privacy.
• Classical Elite Field Guides: A combined visit to Zambia and Zimbabwe provides the most elite field guiding anywhere in Africa, with great emphasis placed on tracking and walking tours.
• Exotic Conclusion Out of Place: Rather than opting for the usual southern coasts, going to Zanzibar adds an exotic element to the trip to the Southern African countries.

Best Way of Planning Your Multi-Country Safaris

• Get Assistance From a Local Expert: Work with an efficient Destination Management Company such as Cheetah Safaris to efficiently deal with the intricate matters of international safaris.
• Arrange for All Permits in Time: Make sure that all permits for popular game viewing experiences, including mountain gorillas in places such as Rwanda and Uganda, are booked well before your departure.
• Use Private Air Charters: Enjoy customized private transfers using light planes to avoid congested commercial airports and have enough time outdoors.
• Book Early in Advance: Book your multi-country safari 12 – 18 months before your safari.
• Pre-Check-ups: – Ensure to have all details checked, especially when on a Multi-Generational Safari trip. Confirm things like medications, vaccines, and many others.