The Best Places to Go on Safari in Africa – Best Safari Destinations in Africa
African Safaris and Adventures plunge you into untamed wilderness, with a sense of tranquility, surprise, and unexpected luxury found at the following seven best places to visit in Africa on safari.
So where are the best places for safaris in Africa? That depends on the wildlife you want to see and the kind of safari experience you desire—from walking safaris to game drives, from camping to luxury. The best places for African safari are far and wide between.
Africa is one of the best regions in the world for safari and wildlife sightings as the continent is home to the iconic “Big Five,” some of the largest and most dangerous wildlife in the world: elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceroses.
Well, it’s never guaranteed that you’ll see animals while on an African safari, it’s all by chance and luck. With some of the most diverse wildlife on the planet and the best national parks and game reserves in the world, Africa is the place to be for safari.
The following information offers you a guide to the best places for an African safari to capture the authentic spirit of culture and celebrate the wonders of the wild.
Explore where to go on safari in Africa for the first time
1. Maasai Mara National Reserve – Kenya
The Masai Mara is Kenya’s top safari destination. It is located in the Southwestern region of Kenya bordering Tanzania’s Serengeti national park. Popular for its alluring savannah landscape, the Mara is home to Africa’s largest concentration of wildlife.
Do you want to see the big cats, large mammals such as elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes, you name it? Maasai Mara National Reserve will treat you to all of it. And oh, the dramatic Wildebeest Migration!
This is the most iconic escapade in the Mara. Every year between July and October, millions of grazers dominated by mostly wildebeest cross the Mara River from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania in search of lush green pastures and water.
The migration is probably the most thrilling sight travelers can experience while on a safari to the reserve. If you are looking for an exquisite safari to Kenya, Masai Mara should be on your bucket list.
Do not miss out on the amazing Maasai cultural experiences, visit a Maasai boma and experience their culture, traditional dances, and maybe food.
The best time to Visit Masai Mara for the best safari experience
Safari game drives in Maasai Mara are optimal between January and March, June and October of every year as there is greater wildlife visibility with less tracking time needed. Additionally, road and trail conditions are adverse to wet weather with the black cotton soil being a welcoming host to vehicles during the rains.
The long cool-dry season from July to October is considered by most to be the best time of year to visit Maasai Mara but also an expensive season as the peak season starts from July to November. The absence of rain means that the vegetation is less dense, so animals are easier to see and spot in the plain savannah grasslands. Additionally, insect levels, including mosquitoes, are lower during the dry season.
Masai Mara Safari: High vs Low Season
High / Peak Season | Low / Green Season | ||
---|---|---|---|
About June to October | About November to March | ||
Highest rates | Lowest rates | ||
Need to book well in advance | No need to book too far in advance | ||
Cool and dry weather | Hot and occasionally wet weather | ||
Not many baby animals around | Lots of baby animals around | ||
Not many migrant birds to see | Fantastic time for birdwatching | ||
Most crowded | Least crowded | ||
Great photography conditions | Greenest, most scenic landscapes with the best light of the year for photography |
Tip: the Masai Mara is also great between January and the end of March. The weather is usually mild and dry, and most of the safari crowds are minimal.
How much is a Masai Mara Safari during the different Seasons of the year?
The cost of a Maasai Mara Safari is dependent on so many factors. This includes things like accommodation, transports and transfers, seasons, number of days, and number of pax. The cost of this safari is dynamic due to factors like these.
A standard Masai Mara safari can cost between USD 1200 per person sharing to USD 1800 per person sharing. A luxury safari, which is the high-end level of safari, can cost between USD 2500 per person to USD 3500 per person. This is for a 3-day Masai Mara safari.
Explore more detailed costs of an African safari.

2. Serengeti National Park – Tanzania
The word Serengeti is derived from the Maasai word Isiringit, which means: ‘Endless Plains’. The park covers an area of approximately 15,000 km² and is one of the famous tourist attractions in Tanzania.
Adorning the Northern part of the country, Serengeti National Park is a major part of Tanzania’s tourism. It is a stunning natural spectacle and also a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its unique ecosystem that comprises extensive grasslands, distinct fauna, and attractions like Grumeti River, Lobo Hills, and Mbalageti Serengeti.
Serengeti is also famous for a massive annual migration of two million wildebeests, and other animals like gazelles, and zebras. They migrate from the South of Serengeti to the North end entry to Maasai Mara then later go back to South Serengeti in a circular manner.
The best time to Visit Serengeti National Park for the best safari experience
Serengeti Safari: High vs Low Season
High / Peak Season | Low / Green Season | ||
---|---|---|---|
About June to October | About November to March | ||
Highest rates | Lowest rates | ||
Need to book well in advance | No need to book too far in advance | ||
Cool and dry weather | Hot and occasionally wet weather | ||
Not many baby animals around | Lots of baby animals around | ||
Not many migrant birds to see | Fantastic time for birdwatching | ||
Most crowded | Least crowded | ||
Great photography conditions | Greenest, most scenic landscapes with the best light of the year for photography |
Tip: the Serengeti is also great between January and the end of March. The weather is usually mild and dry, and most of the safari crowds are minimal.
How much is a Serengeti Safari during the different Seasons of the year?
The cost of a Serengeti Safari is dependent on so many factors just like Masai Mara. This includes things like accommodation, transports and transfers, seasons, number of days, and number of pax. The cost of this safari is dynamic due to factors like these.
A standard Serengeti safari can cost between USD 1400 per person sharing to USD 1900 per person sharing. A luxury safari, which is the high-end level of safari, can cost between USD 3500 per person to USD 4500 per person. This is for a 3-day Serengeti safari.
Explore more detailed costs of an African safari.

3. Amboseli National Park – Kenya
The Home to the gentle giants of Africa, the Elephants! Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s popular safari destinations. Positioned in southern Kenya, the Park is famously known for two particular facts. One, the Park hosts the largest herds of elephants, and two, Amboseli offers the most astonishing views of Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro on the horizon.
Amboseli National Park includes 5 diverse habitats that often thrill tourists while on safari. These include; the drybed of Lake Amboseli, savannah, woodlands, and the wetlands with sulphur springs. The Park also allows tourists to enjoy delightful cultural experiences with the Maasai People who reside on the outskirts of the Park.
The best time to Visit Amboseli National Park for the best safari experience
Amboseli Safari: High vs Low Season
High / Peak Season | Low / Green Season | ||
---|---|---|---|
About June to October | About November to March | ||
Highest rates | Lowest rates | ||
Need to book well in advance | No need to book too far in advance | ||
Cool and dry weather | Hot and occasionally wet weather | ||
Not many baby animals around | Lots of baby animals around | ||
Not many migrant birds to see | Fantastic time for birdwatching | ||
Most crowded | Least crowded | ||
Great photography conditions | Greenest, most scenic landscapes with the best light of the year for photography |
Tip: the Amboseli is also great between January and the end of March. The weather is usually mild and dry, and most of the safari crowds are minimal.
How much is an Amboseli Safari during the different Seasons of the year?
An Amboseli Safari is one that many wish to do and tick off their bucket list. Visiting the Amboseli National Park makes it the best for you to witness the many herds of elephants, be lucky to spot the big cats, and see the white-snowed Mount Kilimanjaro.
So, what’s the cost of an Amboseli Safari? An Amboseli Safari costs between USD 900 per person to USD 1600 per person for a standard safari, and on the other hand, for a luxury Amboseli Safari, it can cost between USD 2000 per person to 3500 per person.
Explore more detailed costs of an African safari.

4. Bwindi National Park – Uganda
Bwindi National Park is one of the most famous and popular parks in Uganda known for trekking Silverback Gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda on the rim of the Rift Valley.
The hillsides which are mist-covered are sheltered by one of the ancient and very biologically varied rainforests in Uganda that dates back to more than 25,000 years, comprising of about 400 varied plant species. More notably, this “impenetrable forest” in addition protects a predictable 320 population of mountain gorillas – approximately half of the population in the world, among which are several habituated groups, that can be tracked by visitors.
Bwindi is habitat to more than half the world’s population of Mountain Gorillas. Over 300 mountain gorillas are living here. Gorilla devotees for Uganda tour from different corners of the world to enjoy this Ultimate Safari in Uganda – Mountain Gorilla tours / tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
The word “Bwindi” means “darkness” and taking a hike in this magnificent forest will certainly unveil to you the reason why the forest was named so. You will as well be in a position to tell why the forest is also regarded as Impenetrable. One is required to be realistically physically fit to take part in this mountain gorilla tracking / trekking adventure because it may involve climbing steep terrain.
The best time to Visit Bwindi National Park for the best safari experience
Bwindi National Park Safari: High vs Low Season
High / Peak Season | Low / Green Season | ||
---|---|---|---|
About June, July & August | About January and February | ||
Highest rates | Lowest rates | ||
Need to book well in advance | No need to book too far in advance | ||
Cool and dry weather | Hot and occasionally wet weather | ||
Not many baby animals around | Lots of baby animals around | ||
Not many migrant birds to see | Fantastic time for birdwatching | ||
Most crowded | Least crowded | ||
Great photography conditions | Greenest, most scenic landscapes with the best light of the year for photography |
Tip: Bwindi National Park is very wet during March, April, and May. It rains a lot during these months. Most challenging during the trek, the slopes are slippery.
How much is a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi during the different Seasons of the year?
A Gorilla Safari cost in Bwindi Uganda will depend on factors like dates, number of days, and the number of pax. To add on the determinant, a Trekking permit of USD 800 per person is required to be purchased in advance due to the limitation of the number of people accessing the park daily.
A Proper Uganda safari for two guests spending 3 days in Bwindi, would cost between USD 1500 per person to USD 3500 during the low season and approximately USD 2800 per person to USD 5500 Per Person during the peak season.

5. Ngorongoro Crater – Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Crater in the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area, in Northern Tanzania, once a gigantic volcano, is the largest intact caldera in the world. Some maintain that before it erupted, it would have been higher than Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.
Today, long since having collapsed and eroded, it is an extensive highland area with the famous 600 m deep Ngorongoro Crater as its focal point. The ancient caldera shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens at nearly three million years old.
Ngorongoro crater safari experiences recently have been given a five-star rating by thousands of visitors. Visitors include expert photographers, business professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, and people from around the globe.
The safari experience is a community of people who want to enjoy the surrounding nature of one of Africa’s seven wonders. Interact with a group of international visitors and experience the crater with them. You get to see their reactions and enjoy the human experience together.
The best time to Visit Ngorongoro Crater for the best safari experience
Ngorongoro Crater Safari: High vs Low Season
High / Peak Season | Low / Green Season | ||
---|---|---|---|
About June to October | About November to March | ||
Highest rates | Lowest rates | ||
Need to book well in advance | No need to book too far in advance | ||
Cool and dry weather | Hot and occasionally wet weather | ||
Not many baby animals around | Lots of baby animals around | ||
Not many migrant birds to see | Fantastic time for birdwatching | ||
Most crowded | Least crowded | ||
Great photography conditions | Greenest, most scenic landscapes with the best light of the year for photography |
Tip: the Ngorongoro Crater is also great between January and the end of March. The weather is usually mild and dry, and most of the safari crowds are minimal.
How much is a Ngorongoro Crater Safari during the different Seasons of the year?
A Ngorongoro Crater Safari is one that every visitor loves to tick off their bucket list. It’s a paradise full of good sightings such as the big cats, lions, and leopards roaming freely. It’s also easy to spot the black rhinos, flamingos, and other wildlife species.
A Ngorongoro Crater safari can cost between USD 1200 to USD 3500, for a 3-day safari for a 2 pax. The safari cost is dependent on so many factors including no. of days, no. of guests, and the level of standard of accommodation you would wish to spend at.

6. Okavango Delta – Botswana
The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana is one of Africa’s last remaining true wilderness areas and provides a refuge for huge concentrations of wildlife.
Deltas are created when rivers carry sediment empty into a slower-moving body of water (such as the sea). Perhaps the most famous examples are the Nile Delta and the Mississippi Delta, both of which are very fertile and provide homes and livelihoods for millions of people.
The Okavango is technically an “alluvial fan” as the rivers that create it never reach the sea. Instead, they lose themselves in the sands of the Kalahari Desert, creating an inland delta. One of the largest Deltas in the world covering a whooping size from 15,000 km2 during drier periods to a staggering 22,000 km2 (larger than Israel) during the annual flood.
It is important to note that the Okavango is composed of several small islands, which form when vegetation takes root on termite mounds. However, you can also find larger islands in the delta. For example, Chief’s Island is the largest in the delta and is significant, since it was formed on a tectonic fault line.
The Okavango Delta is most renowned for its exceptional wildlife experiences. It is protected by both the Moremi Game Reserve and various wildlife concessions within Ngamiland.
The best time to Visit Okavango Delta for the best safari experience
Okavango Delta Safari: High vs Low Season
High / Peak Season / Dry Season | Low / Green Season / Wet Season | ||
---|---|---|---|
About June to October | About – April-June and November | ||
Highest rates | Lowest rates | ||
Need to book well in advance | No need to book too far in advance | ||
Cool and dry weather | Hot and occasionally wet weather | ||
Not many baby animals around | Lots of baby animals around | ||
Not many migrant birds to see | Fantastic time for birdwatching | ||
Most crowded | Least crowded | ||
Great photography conditions | Greenest, most scenic landscapes with the best light of the year for photography |
Tip: the Okavango Delta is also great between January and the end of March. The weather is usually mild and dry, and most of the safari crowds are minimal.
How much is an Okavango Delta Safari during the different Seasons of the year?
The Okavango Delta is one of the most luxurious and high-end destinations in Africa. The destination is way exclusive, making it an amazing place to visit for your first time. To access the Okavango, you will need a flight or charter or a helicopter transfer from Maun.
an Okavango Delta safari can cost between USD 3500 to USD 55,000, for the low season. The safari cost is dependent on so many factors including no. of days, no. of guests, and the level of standard of accommodation you would wish to spend at.

7. South Luangwa National Park – Zambia
Experts have dubbed South Luangwa to be one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world and not without reason. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River, and its oxbow lagoons, is among the most intense in Africa.
South Luangwa National Park is one of the great remaining unspoiled national parks of Africa. Even as Zambia’s reputation as a spectacular safari destination grows, it retains its essence of the true wilderness; South Luangwa National Park is a place that still feels relatively untouched by modern humans, and is therefore uniquely able to provide an unpredictable and exhilarating safari experience.
Because of that protected quality, you must enter this country with a deep respect for the sanctity of the wildlife habitats and an appreciation for the ecology that supports this special environment. The Luangwa River is the most intact in Africa, and its tributaries and lagoons are the lifeblood of this region. And the changing seasons, from the ‘dry’ season in the winter to the ‘emerald’ season in the summer months, make this a vibrant and charismatic part of the world that you don’t want to miss.
The best time to visit South Luangwa National Park for the best safari experience
South Luangwa National Park Safari: High vs Low Season
High / Peak Season / Dry Season | Low / Green Season / Wet Season | ||
---|---|---|---|
About April to October | About – November to March | ||
Highest rates | Lowest rates | ||
Need to book well in advance | No need to book too far in advance | ||
Cool and dry weather | Hot and occasionally wet weather | ||
Not many baby animals around | Lots of baby animals around | ||
Not many migrant birds to see | Fantastic time for birdwatching | ||
Most crowded | Least crowded | ||
Great photography conditions | Greenest, most scenic landscapes with the best light of the year for photography |
Tip: the South Luangwa National Park is also great between January and the end of March. The weather is usually mild and dry, and most of the safari crowds are minimal.
How much is a South Luangwa Safari during the different Seasons of the year?
A South Luangwa Safari is one of the best to do in Zambia. being one of the largest national parks in Zambia, the park offers untouched wild experiences, wildlife encounters, and nature interactions. This is one of the best places to do a safari in Zambia.
A South Luangwa Safari can cost between USD 1500 to USD 4,000, for the low season and USD 2500 per person sharing to USD 9,000 Per person sharing during peak season. The safari cost is dependent on so many factors including no. of days, no. of guests, and the level of standard of accommodation you would wish to spend at.

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