East Africa vs South Africa Safari, Differences, Which is Best?

East Africa vs South Africa Safari, 6 Key Differences To Know Before You Visit, Which is best?

Would you recommend South Africa or Tanzania for my safari? Instead, how about a safari pitting South Africa against Kenya, or perhaps Uganda against Kenya? These are some of the most common inquiries we get from tourists who are trying to decide between a safari in Southern or East Africa.

We have been creating unforgettable African safaris for thousands of clients since 2018. Experience is the foundation of our knowledge; we cover every inch of the places we suggest, so our clients can rest assured that their itineraries are based on solid ground.

So, a safari in Southern or East Africa? Which one is more enjoyable? That, I guess, is really up to you and your desires. To assist you in making a decision based on your trip desires, we have outlined the main distinctions between the two areas.

East vs. South Africa – Where Should You Go on Safari

Quick Overview: East vs Southern Africa Safari

East vs Southern Africa: Location, Landscape and Climate

East Africa

East Africa and its Amazing Geography

The safari meccas of East Africa—Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda—and the Seychelles and Zanzibar, two islands in the Indian Ocean, make up the eastern portion of the African continent.

Huge herds of wild animals and breathtaking landscapes have made this area famous. East Africa is home to some of the world’s most recognizable landscape features, such as the Great East African Rift and its two highest peaks, Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. There are two of the world’s deepest lakes—Lake Tanganyika and the second-largest freshwater lake, Lake Victoria—both located in East Africa.

Despite being located in an equatorial location, the weather in East Africa is unusually cold and arid. The combination of East Africa’s plentiful resident wildlife and its mild climate makes the region a popular choice for safaris any time of year. Regardless of the season, you will almost certainly be able to spot wildlife in its expansive plains.

Southern Africa

Southern Africa

Some of the countries that make up Southern Africa are Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia.

From lush meadows and forests to arid deserts, the landscape of southern Africa is remarkably varied. Along with low-lying coastal areas and mountains, the region is home to several different ecoregions, including as grassland, bushveld, semi-desert, savannah, and riparian zones.

The region’s varied climates are the cause of its varied landscapes and terrain. The climate varies from mild and subtropical in the south and west to arid and temperate in the north. Days are warm and sunny while nights are cold across most of the area.

The Best Safari Destinations in East and Southern Africa

East Africa

Kenya

Masai Mara National Reserve: Elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, and the Mara’s renowned big cats—lions, leopards, and cheetahs—find refuge in the expansive grasslands of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Megaherds of wildebeests return to the Serengeti after a journey that begins in July and lasts until November. During migration season, when the national reserve becomes quite crowded, it is best to stay in one of the private conservancies that border the Masai Mara. You’ll be in close proximity to all the migration hotspots, which is convenient, but you can still escape to quiet if you need to. Also, unlike in the national reserve, you can partake in unique pursuits like bush walks, nocturnal game drives, and off-road game viewing.

Visiting the Masai Mara National Reserve

Amboseli National Park: For the best chance of seeing large herds of elephant in East Africa, head to Amboseli National Park, where perennial wetlands thrive under the shadow of majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Here you can capture the perfect shot of wildlife against the Kili backdrop, that classic postcard image. Not only that, but Amboseli is famous for horseback safaris and other unique activities, as well as for excellent wildlife sightings like cheetah, lion, buffalo, leopard, hyena, and giraffe.

Samburu National Reserve: As a precursor to the enormous deserts in northern Kenya, the rocky scenery of Samburu National Reserve is breathtaking. The Samburu people have long called this area their home, and it is also home to five rare and endangered species: the Beisa oryx, the reticulated giraffe, the Grevy’s zebra, the long-neck gerenuk, and the Somali ostrich. Luxurious tented camps and hotels are available on a Samburu safari, along with unusual activities like wildlife viewing on camelback.

Laikipia: More and more, people are recognizing the high plains of Laikipia as one of the top safari destinations in all of Kenya. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, which protects black and white rhinos and Grevy’s zebras, is one of the most inspiring conservation success stories in the nation. Fantastic safari lodges and camps that welcome families make this hidden treasure a popular destination despite its low visitor numbers.

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Tanzania

Serengeti National Park: Approximately one-third of the world’s wildebeests make their way through Serengeti National Park from December to October, making it one of the most wildlife-rich places on Earth. For both new and seasoned safari enthusiasts, a visit to Tanzania’s premier conservation area is an absolute must. An incredible safari adventure awaits you at any time of year in the Serengeti, a haven for an incredible density of animals.

Unforgettable Tanzania :Game drive for Big 5 in Serengeti National Park แทนซาเนีย เซเรนเกติ

Ngorongoro Crater: About three million years ago, a volcano erupted and collapsed, creating the Ngorongoro Crater. With a habitat for more than 25,000 species, it is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Africa and the biggest preserved volcanic crater on the planet. The crater is well-known for its extraordinary cliff-top lodging, diverse environment of savannah, lakes, and woodland, and for providing the most dependable Big 5 game watching in East Africa. It is also famous for its geological beauty.

Lake Manyara National Park: Considering its size in comparison to other African parks, Lake Manyara National Park is surprisingly rich in avian variety despite its relative modest size. The evergreen forests are just as fruitful as the aquatic bird species that its namesake attracts. Additionally, it is a prime location to observe the elusive tree-climbing lions. A stunning park, Lake Manyara is in a prime location along the world-famous northern safari route in Tanzania.

Ruaha National Park: In the less well-known safari region of Southern Tanzania, you’ll find Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park, which were formerly known as Selous Game Reserve. Stunningly unspoiled, vast, and teeming with wildlife, these regions provide unforgettable safari adventures away from the madding throngs.

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Rwanda and Uganda

Sitting among endangered gorillas in their own environment and watching the intriguing family dynamics of our ancient ancestors is an experience unlike any other wildlife encounter. You may go gorilla trekking in the verdant rainforests of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda, two of the best places in Africa to see these animals up close.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – What Happens…

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Southern Africa

Botswana

Okavango Delta: The Okavango Delta is the beating heart of Botswana’s safari attractions and the country’s verdant crown jewel. Mokoros, traditional dug-out canoes and the “vehicle” of the Delta for wildlife drives, are the ideal means of exploring the winding rivers of this enormous interior river delta. The Okavango Delta is a haven for a dizzying variety of birds and large animals, including predators, and is often referred to as Africa’s Eden.

Botswana’s Okavango Delta – Heaven on Earth

Chobe National Park: Elephants rule over Chobe National Park in Africa. During Botswana’s dry season (May to October), visitors may have some of the best and closest encounters with these majestic creatures in Chobe, which is home to an estimated 120,000 animals in the world’s largest herd. ‘Predator City,’ the park’s secluded Savuti section, is notable for the well-documented clashes between formidable hyena clans and lion prides.

Kalahari: Quad bike (ATV) safaris and genuine cultural contacts with the San, Africa’s earliest people, are two of the unique experiences offered by the Kalahari scrubland. From January through March (or later, depending on the season), it is the site of Botswana’s spectacular zebra migration.

Kruger National Park: Located on private game reserves within Kruger National Park, this park is home to the most diverse animal population in South Africa and features luxurious safari hotels. It is one of the first protected regions in Africa and is famous for its abundant wildlife, including the rare and desirable cheetah and wild dog. Seeing the safari circuit’s A-listers—Africa’s famous Big Five—elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard—is practically a guarantee at the Kruger.

Cape Town: While Cape Town isn’t exactly a safari location, it is an essential stop on any trip to South Africa. Cape Town, which has been named one of the top cities in the world year after year, is home to stunning beaches and mountains as well as historical sites and the verdant valleys of the world-famous Cape Winelands.

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Namibia

Sossusvlei: The hypnotic sand dunes of Sossusvlei are commonly thought of be the tallest dunes on Earth. One of Namibia’s most breathtaking attractions, Sossusvlei offers excellent photo ops and is located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the largest conservation area in Africa. Deadvlei, meaning “dead marsh,” is a hauntingly gorgeous place that you shouldn’t miss. If you want to see a sunset like no other, climb Big Daddy or Dune 45, which are both approximately 350 meters (1,150 feet) high.

Namib Desert: Sand Dunes at Namib Naukluft National Park incl. Dead vlei, Sossus vlei

Etosha National Park: Many safari enthusiasts rank Etosha National Park among the top wildlife reserves in Africa. It is a haven for plains game, giraffe, cheetah, and four of the Big Five (elephant, rhino, lion, and leopard)—not to mention a self-driver’s dream, thanks to its fantastic roads. During the dry season in Namibia, which lasts from May to October, a biblical number of animals congregate around the temporary water holes near Etosha Pan, a mineral pan four times larger than Los Angeles.

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Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park: Elephant numbers between 40,000 and 60,000 call Hwange National Park, which is about ten times larger than London, home. During the dry winter months (May to October), animals gather around the park’s shallow pans and man-made waterholes, giving Hwange its nickname “the land of giants.” This makes for some of the greatest big game safari experiences in Africa.

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Mana Pools: The picturesque and wild Mana Pools is home to verdant floodplains, woods, and a riverine forest. “Painted Wolves”—an episode of the highly regarded Dynasties series on BBC Earth—was set in the park. Safari staples like game drives and nature hikes coexist with river-based pursuits like canoeing, kayaking, and fishing for guests to enjoy.

Victoria Falls: There is no need to introduce Victoria Falls. Any safari traveler to Southern Africa should make time to see the world’s largest waterfall. During the months of March through July, the Zambezi River reaches its maximum level of flooding, causing the waterfall to roar with the force of a waterfall. Between the months of September and December, when the water levels are at their lowest, white-water rafting and swimming in Devil’s Pool, a waterfall eddy, are popular activities.

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Zambia

South Luangwa National Park: For a great opportunity to see large animals in Zambia, South Luangwa National Park is a great choice. Elephants, hippos, buffalo, and well-fed lions congregate around South Luangwa’s rivers and lakes in an unprecedented concentration, unmatched by any other African park. South Luangwa, the original site of the walking safari, is the perfect place to relive the magic of walking across Africa like the early explorers did.

South Luangwa National Park – A wildlife photographer’s guide

Lower Zambezi National Park: With its vast floodplains and rugged mountain backdrop, Lower Zambezi National Park is an idyllic and tranquil reserve. It offers top-notch water safari activities and excellent game watching in Africa. One of the best ways to experience the thrill of a canoe safari is to paddle alongside majestic creatures like hippo, buffalo, and elephant up close.

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What is the Difference Between an East vs Southern Africa Safari

The level of closeness you can achieve to animals on an East African safari is significantly lower than on a Southern African safari. Although off-road game watching is permitted in private conservancies and reserves in East Africa, it is not permitted in most East African parks. This is in contrast to countries like Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Kruger. Plus, road safaris in East Africa are a breeze, so you can pack more parks into one trip.

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Best Time to Go on an East vs Southern Africa Safari

East Africa

Even while you can enjoy great game viewing in East Africa at any time of year, you should know that there are two separate rainy seasons:

• April to May (the ‘long rains’)
• November to December (the ‘short rains’)

Some lodges and campgrounds may close for general maintenance and renovations during the lengthy rains, which are more stronger than the short ones. There is rarely a sunny window for game viewing since the rivers overflow their banks, dirt roads become sticky muck, and the nearly constant rain.

Midway through the year, the dry winter is broken by brief rainfall. Clouds gather in the mornings, which can be hot and muggy, and then shower spectacularly, though usually briefly, in the late afternoons. These offer multiple advantages:

• They wash the air of dust.
• They cool everyone and everything down.
• They trigger the growth of fresh grazing.
• They help to fill near-moribund rivers, attracting animals to drink.

Migratory birds make their way back to the area and thousands of newborn antelopes give birth during the verdant Green Season. In addition to the greatest light of the year, photographers will typically have vast areas of land and wildlife sightings to themselves during this time, making it an ideal season for photography. The Green Season is a fantastic time to go on safari since you can still see a lot of wildlife, there aren’t as many tourists, and the prices are much more reasonable.

Southern Africa

Southern Africa’s dry season, which lasts from May to October, is ideal for safaris. Animals are easier to see because the vegetation is low and sparse. As the season progresses, locating animals becomes less of a priority because they tend to stay close to water sources. During this time of year, there is also a minimal danger of malaria.

Another fantastic time for a safari is during the wetter months of November through April. Daytime temperatures are quite nice, and the rain usually falls during brief thunderstorms in the afternoons. The sky is blue and the bush is verdant and lush, making it an ideal time for photography and birdwatching as all the migratory return from the north hemisphere. The time spent pursuing wildlife during game drives may seem excessive, but the payoff is worth it. Not to mention, you’re likely to have the encounter to yourself!

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Which Traveller Types Are Best Suited For an East vs Southern Africa Safari

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