Where to go on safari

Last updated May 30th, 2023.

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While you can now go on safari in India and South America, safaris began in Africa. The word itself comes from Kiswahili, spoken widely on the eastern side of the continent. Initially meaning a journey, it now specifically refers to wildlife encounters.

The word’s Kiswahili origins also hint at the beginnings of wildlife safaris – among the colonial classes of Kenya and Tanzania. However, now it’s possible to experience the joy of a safari across much of the continent.

Below are my thoughts on the best destinations in Africa for safaris. I take into account the realistic possibility of seeing the African icons you’ve come for. But I also consider the ease of organising such an adventure, and the cost too.

Where to go for animal diversity

It’s difficult to argue against the home of the safari – Kenya and Tanzania – as remaining the top safari destinations. They offer perhaps the best chance of seeing those quintessential African species.

Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti national parks comprise one large unfenced ecosystem. One of the most important savannah habitats in Africa, it’s an excellent place to tick off the Big Five. Understandably then, it is also one of my top national parks in Africa. Visit the right part at the right time of year, and you’ll also be treated to the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Further south, Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park has one of Africa’s largest concentrations of game species. As a result, it is one of the best places in Africa to see big cats. Attracted by the waters of the Luangwa River, there are more than 60 mammal species and 400 colourful birds here.

Meanwhile, Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the most famous national parks in the world. No mere idle boast, it has been a protected area since 1926.

Almost one hundred years as a reserve has ensured a huge population of animals, from aardvarks to zebras. At the same time, its mighty 7,500 square miles means there are ample camps and lodges to base yourself in.

Elsewhere, Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park is a favourite of many hardened safari goers. Within touching distance of Victoria Falls (should you fancy a two centre break), Hwange’s geography is much more wooded than the big reserves of east Africa.

However, safaris are no less good, with around 100 mammal and 400 bird species to tick off. Lions are particularly common around its waterholes (artificially maintained during the dry season) and vleis (natural pools). The park also has one of the largest populations of highly-endangered Cape wild dogs of any African reserve.

Best safari destinations for planning and organisation

Put simply, the longer a country has been operating as an international safari destination, and the more visittors it receives, the easier it’s going to be to plan and organise such a trip. These destinations are also well-served when it comes to specialist safari outfits.

These operators work out of UK, European and North American headquarters for the most part. However, they almost always use subcontractors on the ground in the country.

This means there is the chance to do away with the middleman and organise everything for yourself. That said, this is a timely process which is unlikely to save you a great deal of money. It will, though, create the perfect bespoke safari for you.

The biggest and best-known national parks have the bulk of beds, and lean towards the luxury end of the market. Their fame also means they can get booked up months ahead of time. I wouldn’t recommend pitching up out of the blue and hoping for the best. Several close down during the off season too.

If you need to make use of every day you have, use a well-regarded safari operator. You can then organise everything before you leave home. If you’re more flexible and easy going, head to smaller national parks, or those in less obvious safari destinations.

Kenya’s Tsavo East, Tanzania’s Serengeti, and South Africa’s Kruger are all great bets for easy organization and planning. So to is Botswana’s Chobe National Park. That said, I’ve had great experiences in Gabon and Ghana without pre-booking a thing.

Safaris on a budget

Ghana is a great example of a country where you can have an amazing safari experience at a reduced cost. Part of this is the fact that wildlife appearances are by no means guaranteed, and may not include rarer species.

If you’re happy with this risk-reward balance, consider Mole (pronounced Molé) National Park in Ghana’s north. A short distance away from Larabanga, it is Ghana’s largest reserve.

Offering excellently-priced accommodation, its elephants are probably its main attraction. Game drives also offer the chance to catch sight of hippo, leopard and lion, as well as antelope and monkey.

A similar species list has been recorded in Cameroon’s Bénoué National Park. It sits in the north of the country close to the border with the Central African Republic.

Where to go on safari

Almost all Africa’s 54 countries have national parks protecting important landscapes and wildlife species. The world focusses on a small number of parks in the east and south of the country. But even visitors to west and central Africa can find safari destinations worth discovering.