African Safari Destinations: The Best Places to Go on Safari
African Safari Destinations: The Best Places to Go on Safari. Because there are so many amazing safari locations to pick from, most people base their final decision on their bucket lists and the experiences they most want to have. South Africa is ideal if seeing the Big Five is your number one priority, while Tanzania or Zambia might be more suited if you’re looking for a more remote, genuine safari. Walking safaris, wildlife drives, hot air balloon rides, and boat safaris are just a few of the things that can be arranged from that point on.
Timing is everything when it comes to deciding where in Africa to go on a safari. During Africa’s Green Season, you can enjoy less crowds, fantastic birding, and the chance to see newborn animals. On the other hand, the verdant scenery can make it more difficult to observe wildlife. Optimal sightings—and the greatest crowds—occur between May and November due to the hot and dry weather.
Check out our best picks for safaris to help you choose the perfect African destination:
Kenya
If you’re looking for a top-notch safari in Africa, Kenya is a safe bet. Kenya safaris are second to none, whether you’re looking for an intimate retreat for two or a memorable family vacation packed with kid-friendly activities. Exquisite, colonial-style lodges, modern boutique hotels, and genuine tented camps are just a few examples of the high-end African safari lodging options available at Kenya’s most popular places.
Kenya and Masai Mara
Our Picks:
Masai Mara
Elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, and the Mara’s renowned big cats—lions, leopards, and cheetahs—find refuge in the Masai Mara’s undulating grasslands. Because of the reserve’s temperate climate and expansive plains, animals are never too hidden from view, and the reserve’s incredible abundance of wildlife makes for a wonderful safari experience year-round. Our recommendation is to stay in one of the private conservancies that border the national reserve. While staying at some of the finest luxury safari lodges in Kenya, visitors to these exclusive reserve zones can enjoy uncrowded wildlife viewing, walking safaris, and night game drives.
Laikipia Plateau
One of Kenya’s best-kept secrets is the high plains of Laikipia, which are northeast of the Great Rift Valley. Located in the Laikipia region—which is nearly the size of Wales—are some of Kenya’s most inspiring conservation success stories. For example, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy provides a safe haven for black and white rhinos and Grevy’s zebras. This little-known treasure has great safari lodges and camps that are perfect for families and gets very few visitors. In Laikipia, an African safari, you will not have to worry about avoiding crowds.
Kenya Safari Tours: Our Top Picks
Kenya is an amazing place to go on safari because it has stunning natural scenery, heart-wrenching culture experiences, amazing wildlife viewing, and, of course, the Wildebeest Migration. It’s easy to see why it’s where adventure travel began. Kenya safaris are a great way to see a lot of different animals. You can see huge groups of cattle in the Masai Mara, famous elephant herds in Amboseli, and local people in Samburu. Also, it’s easy to combine our safaris in Kenya with gorilla climbing trips in Uganda or Rwanda, or even a vacation on a tropical beach with views of the warm Indian Ocean and its turquoise waters and swaying palm trees.
