safari tourism in africa

Protect Your Trip »

12 Top African Safari Tours

Cross this must-do activity off your bucket list.

Courtesy of Micato Safaris

Spot the big five on your safari adventure.

Safari tours in Africa are just as diverse as the continent itself, though these types of trips typically require a large sum of money. Whether you want to spend a few days gorilla trekking in Uganda or a couple weeks spotting the "big five" – lions, leopards, African elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalos – in South Africa, you'll find an array of tours to best suit your needs. To help you narrow down your options, U.S. News compiled a list of 12 can't-miss African safari tours. Read on to find your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Note: Some of the African countries in this article may require travelers to get an entry visa and certain vaccinations in order to visit. Jump to the list of visa and vaccination requirements by country at the bottom of this page for more information.

&Beyond

Courtesy of &Beyond

Visitors who don't want to sacrifice creature comforts while on safari will appreciate &Beyond's offerings. During the tour operator's 10-day Kings of the Jungle safari – which starts at $11,340 per person – travelers will see breathtaking natural wonders like the Ngorongoro Crater and the Maasai Mara savanna. But the highlight of this journey is its four-night stay at Tanzania's Serengeti National Park . After watching animals like wildebeest and zebras partake in the great migration while also spotting lions, giraffes and more, vacationers retreat to high-end tents and lodges with private bathrooms.

[See more of Serengeti National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Wilderness Safaris

Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris

For some of Africa's most jaw-dropping scenery, opt for the seven-night Namibian Adventure Safari tour offered by Wilderness Safaris. This weeklong trip features visits to the Namib Desert's dune-filled Sossusvlei region (which you may recognize from the film "Mad Max: Fury Road") and the mountainous Palmwag Concession – a protected area with springboks, giraffes, black rhinos and more. The package's per person fee starts at $6,725, which covers most meals, park entrance fees, and transfers from Namibia's capital Windhoek and between the safari destinations. It also covers your stay at properties like the fully solar-powered Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp and the five-star Little Kulala lodge amid the stunning desert.

Wild Rwanda Safaris

Courtesy of Wild Rwanda Safaris)

Adventurous travelers sticking to a more conservative budget should consider Wild Rwanda Safaris' Bwindi Gorilla Safari. The three-day package features a full day in southwestern Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (a haven for silverback gorillas) and an adjacent Batwa Pygmy community. Wild Rwanda Safaris allows guests to choose between midrange, luxury and super luxury accommodation, which can help keep costs down if necessary. The company's packages include the $700 permit required to visit the gorilla park. The round-trip journey by safari vehicle to and from Kigali, Rwanda, and English-speaking guide services are also covered in all rates. The tour can begin from Kampala, Uganda, as well, although you'll spend longer on the road to the park.

Nomad Tanzania

Courtesy of nomad-tanzania.com

Sign up for Nomad Tanzania's Southern Tanzania safari and you're bound to get an up-close look at Tanzania's diverse wildlife. Offering eight days of activities, including game drives and boat trips in Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park, this safari gives you prime opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, leopards and elephants, among other species. What's more, lodging at the company's campsites, select meals, and flights to and from Dar es Salaam are factored into the package's prices. Expect to pay a minimum of $5,700 per person; prices vary depending on the time of year, and the tour isn't offered in April and May.

Micato Safaris

If you want to explore multiple destinations while on safari with plenty of comfort (but a price tag to match), book the 15-day Micato Grand Safari. This outing by Micato Safaris starts with a two-day visit to Nairobi, Kenya, before continuing to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the Amboseli and Serengeti national parks for wildlife-viewing excursions. During your trip, you'll see Mount Kilimanjaro as zebras, gazelles and more roam in the foreground. The package costs at least $22,450 per person (based on double occupancy rates) and includes a hot air balloon ride, a camel tour led by members of the Samburu tribe, and lodging at upscale properties like Serengeti's Four Seasons outpost. The company also offers various extensions allowing you to explore other parts of Africa, from the island paradise of Zanzibar to the deserts of Namibia.

Rothschild Safaris

Courtesy of Rothschild Safaris

If your ideal safari vacation consists of customizing your trip from start to finish, consider an outing with Rothschild Safaris. The company offers itineraries in locales like Zambia and Madagascar , but if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the big five animals, the Essence of Tanzania safari is a good bet. This nine-day experience, which embarks from Arusha and returns there by plane, includes game-viewing drives in Tarangire National Park and accommodations like canvas tents and farmhouse lodges. Elephants, zebras and lions are just some of the animals you may spot during your journey. You'll also have the opportunity to go on a nighttime safari to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Lion World Travel

Courtesy of Lion World Travel

As the trip name implies, Lion World Travel's 10-day Best of Cape Town & Botswana vacation package combines sightseeing in Cape Town, South Africa , with a classic safari in Botswana. During the latter half of the itinerary, visitors will explore Botswana's Okavango Delta (home to cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos and more) and Chobe National Park, which is believed to have Africa's largest elephant population. Prices start at $4,299 per person and cover game drives; many of your meals; and stays at luxury hotels, camps and lodges. You'll need to pay an extra charge for the flights within the tour (Cape Town to Botswana as well as Botswana to Johannesburg ).

[See more of Cape Town: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Bearded Heron Safaris

Neil Heron | Courtesy of Bearded Heron Safaris

Travelers keen on seeing South Africa's Kruger National Park through the eyes of a local naturalist will appreciate the 15-day safari with Bearded Heron Safaris. Led by Neil Heron, a nature guide and wildlife photographer and writer, Bearded Heron Safaris' longest option features small game drives that may include lion, rhino, zebra and leopard sightings throughout all corners of Kruger. Rates are inclusive of in-park cottage accommodations and all breakfasts, dinners, snacks and drinks. Flights and park fees are not included. For a 15-day safari, expect to pay 76,900 South African rand (about $4,500) per person.

[See more of Kruger National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Discover Africa

Getty Images

For an inside-out trip through the natural wonders of Botswana, Discover Africa's nine-day Epic Botswana Adventure is a formidable option. You'll start out at a riverside lodge on the Chobe River – a great location for elephant spotting – before moving onto the marshy Okavango Delta, a wildlife-rich area where you can spot a huge range of animals from leopards to rhinos. The safari ends at the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a good place to admire wildlife like zebras and buffalo on the savanna as well as salt pans from a former lake. You'll stay in upscale lodges and campsites within close reach of the wilderness. All meals and transport along the tour are included in the price tag (which starts at $4,800 per person), but international flights are excluded.

Wild Wings Safaris

If you're looking to have a broader experience that mixes in some history and beach time, consider Wild Wings Safaris' eight-day Battlefields, Bush and Beach Safari. You'll start off visiting some of South Africa's historic sites from the Boer wars, before moving on to the Phinda Private Game Reserve, which doesn't allow day visitors, so you should be able to look out for the big five without too many crowds. The tour wraps up at Thonga Beach Lodge, where you can snorkel or scuba dive near coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. As far as safaris go, this one is an affordable option, starting at about $2,795 per person with all meals included as well as a rental car; for the cheapest price, you will need to drive yourself between the destinations, but it's possible to pay an additional fee for a driver to guide you instead.

Cuckoo Safaris

This tour company kicks off its tours from the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, with a host of safaris that range from two days to nine, across Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana, including some family-friendly choices. For an affordable option, there's the four-day Discover Victoria Falls, Chobe and Hwange Park safari, which will take you on two full-day tours to Chobe National Park (across the border in Botswana) and to Hwange, Zimbabwe's largest national park, where you should keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants and more. This safari also includes a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The price starts at $900 per person, which includes the tours plus breakfast, lunch and lodging in Victoria Falls; travelers will need to pay for entrance fees to the parks and dinner.

Compass Odyssey

Courtesy of Compass Odyssey

Explore the savanna and deserts of southwest Africa with Compass Odyssey's eight-day Namibia Wildlife Safari. You'll visit a community-based conservation area in Damaraland – known for its desert-adapted elephants, oryx, giraffes and other wildlife – while staying in the rustic-chic Doro Nawas Camp. You'll also spend two days in Etosha National Park, seeking wildlife at the park's bustling waterholes by day and embarking on an evening game drive as well. Starting at $3,750 per person, the tour includes most meals and all park entry fees, but not flights; the company does allow the tour to be customized on request.

Vaccination and visa requirements for African countries

Some popular safari destinations may require you to have received certain vaccinations in order to enter the country as a tourist. Inoculation requirements can include vaccination against COVID-19 and yellow fever, and you'll need to get these vaccines before departing on your trip. Be sure to bring proof of vaccinations with you. If you are transiting through another country en route to your safari tour, you must check that you also meet immunization requirements for the stopover location.

Note that, outside of what's required, there are a number of other vaccinations that are recommended, so ensure you're up to date and fully protected before you travel. In addition, many safari locations are prone to malaria; you should consult with your doctor to see if you need to bring anti-malaria medication on your trip.

Safari countries have varying visa requirements for travelers from the U.S. – these are detailed below. Depending on your itinerary, you may need a single- or multiple-entry visa, and some visas require you to apply in advance of traveling and/or have a certain number of blank pages in your passport. Regardless of your destination, your passport should be valid for at least six months before you leave for your trip.

Here are the vaccine and visa requirements for major safari destinations as of November 2022:

Botswana: If you have recently visited a country where yellow fever is common, you will need to be vaccinated against this illness. This does not include the U.S. but does include a number of countries in Africa, Central and South America. Consult the World Health Organization's website for a list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Kenya and Uganda.

U.S. citizens and nationals can stay in Botswana for 90 days without a visa.

Kenya: Travelers to Kenya must have been vaccinated against COVID-19 with the last shot administered more than 14 days before arrival in the country. Unvaccinated visitors can enter with a negative PCR test, conducted no more than 72 hours before departure. Proof of COVID-19 tests or vaccines must be uploaded to an online system called Panabios. Kenya is a country where you'll be at risk of yellow fever transmission; it also requires those traveling from other places with yellow fever or cholera outbreaks to be vaccinated against these illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you protect yourself against yellow fever before your trip here.

Americans need an e-visa to enter Kenya. You should apply online at the eVisa government website no more than eight weeks before your trip, as visas are not available upon arrival in Kenya. See more on the U.S. Department of State's website .

Namibia: Those traveling from a country where yellow fever is common need to be vaccinated against it. No visa is required as long as you're staying for 90 days or less.

Rwanda: If you're coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic, a yellow fever vaccination is required before departure.

U.S. citizens and nationals can be issued a 30-day visitor visa on arrival in Rwanda or through the Rwandan Embassy in Washington, D.C. A single-entry visa costs $50, and it's recommended you bring sufficient cash in U.S. dollars to pay for this (although credit card payment may be accepted at Kigali International Airport). Consult the State Department website for more information.

South Africa: A yellow fever vaccination is required if you're traveling from a country with a risk of transmission. No visa is required for stays of 90 days or less.

Tanzania: Travelers must be able to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination with a QR code to enter Tanzania. Unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure, and the test results should be accessible by QR code. Yellow fever vaccines are mandatory if you're traveling from a location where yellow fever is present – including if you spend more than 12 hours in transit in such a country.

Visas are required for tourism in Tanzania. You can apply for a single-entry, 90-day visa online for $50 – and be sure to print a copy of the approval to bring with you. The processing period takes up to 10 days. You can also obtain a visa on arrival for a $100 fee; it's recommended you bring cash to cover this. Find more Tanzanian visa information on the State Department website .

Uganda: To enter Uganda, you must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or present a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Like Kenya, Uganda is a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. All visitors must show proof of vaccination against yellow fever to enter Uganda, regardless of where you're traveling from.

American visitors to Uganda must apply online for an electronic visa before departure; arriving in Uganda without completing this process could result in your detainment. Visit the State Department website to learn more.

Zambia: Visitors who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must show proof of vaccination but do not need a test to enter Zambia; unvaccinated travelers must undergo a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure. Yellow fever vaccines are only required if you're coming from an area considered at risk.

Visas are required to visit Zambia, but these can be obtained online before your departure or at a port of entry. Check the State Department website for more details.

Zimbabwe: To enter Zimbabwe, travelers must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or must take a negative PCR test no more than 48 hours before your departure. As with other countries on this list, visitors from countries with yellow fever outbreaks also require a vaccine against this illness.

U.S. visitors can obtain a 30-day, single-entry visa upon arrival in Zimbabwe for $30. If you're taking a tour that requires you to leave and reenter Zimbabwe, be sure to get a double-entry visa for $45. You can learn more from the State Department website .

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Wallets (That Also Hold Vaccine Cards)
• The Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options
• The Best International Travel Insurance Plans
• The Best Zoos in the U.S.
• The World's Best Places to Visit

Tags: Travel , Vacation Ideas

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best new york city tours.

John Rodwan and Ann Henson May 9, 2024

The Best Cheap Luggage

Erin Vasta and Amanda Norcross May 9, 2024

Top-Rated St. Augustine Ghost Tours

Holly Johnson May 9, 2024

The Best San Francisco Tours

Lyn Mettler May 8, 2024

The Best Water Parks in the U.S.

May 8, 2024

Top Adults-Only Cruises

Gwen Pratesi May 6, 2024

Top-Rated Newport Mansion Tours

Andrea McHugh May 6, 2024

The 9 New York City Boat Tours

Lyn Mettler May 6, 2024

The 13 Best Key West Tours of 2024

Gwen Pratesi May 3, 2024

Essentials to Pack for a Cruise

Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross May 2, 2024

Compare 9,907 African Safaris

Offered by top rated tour operators.

Top Rated Safari Countries

• #1 Tanzania
• #2 Botswana
• #6 South Africa
• #8 Zimbabwe

Popular Safari Tours

7-Day Seven Days of Wildlife Wonders

$2,706 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Natron, Northern Serengeti NP, Serengeti NP, Arusha (End)

Paradise & Wilderness

4.9 /5  –  132 Reviews

6-Day Luxury Safari Adventure in Tanzania

$2,400 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End)

Quagga Topy Safaris and Tours

5.0 /5  –  135 Reviews

4-Day Masai Mara-Lake Naivasha Hell's Gate Adventure

$880 to $1,199 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Nairobi (End)

Beacon Safaris

4.9 /5  –  266 Reviews

Top Rated Tour Operators

Suricata safaris.

Guide to Visiting Mafia Island (Tanzania) – All You Need To Know

Top 10 Best Luxury Hwange Safari Lodges & Camps

Top 10 Best Tourist Attractions and Places To Visit in Uganda

Deals of the Week   Solo is the new black   Up to 50% OFF

African Safari Packages

Escape the every day with our vacation deals in the dusty African haze, admiring wondrous animals freely roaming in their natural habitat. Our best African safari adventure packages put you centre stage in your own Attenborough documentary.

Best African safari tours based on 7,259 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Big Five Luxury Safari in Tanzania **Sustainable Approach to Travel

This is a great tour offered by World adventure. It covers all the major national parks, especially Ngorongoro & Serengeti. An World Adventures offer great services over the 5 day safari. The meals were great, and hotel in Serengeti was excellent! In my opinion that the Lake Manyara can be omitted because we barely saw many animals around the lake. This is the reason I give a 4-star rather than 5.

Premium Kenya & Southern Africa Highlights

14-day Kruger to the Delta, Chobe & Victoria Falls (Accommodated)

Overall, this was a good tour. Some days we were in the van for endless hours...but I understand that this was necessary. The location in Maun, although good in many ways including the food there, caused a lot of extra driving to the boat depot. Many of us wished that there had been more time to relax ...as the schedule didn't allow for much. I was very impressed with our driver/guide, Simon, who was extremely conscientious and worked long & hard every day . The accommodations ranged from excellent to adequate. The last place in Botswana would be fine in the summertime, but the "open air" rooms were quite chilly when we were there.

• Wildlife Trekking
• Gorilla Trekking

Premium Eastern and Southern Africa

East Africa In-Depth

Masai Mara & Gorilla Adventure

Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire (with Materuni waterfalls, coffee tour) - 6 Days

AMAZING We had a truly AMAZING experience going with Serengeti African Tours and with the guide Aboh. We saw all big 5 animals, and most of them plenty of times. Aboh knew all the best spots to see truly amazing things. We even got to see 4 lion cubs together with the mum and dad. The guide also explained everything about the park, the animals and all other questions we had. Everything felt super safe and great. I can really recommend everyone to do this trip and to have Andrew as your guide, it will be your best trip ever

6 Days Kenya Budget Tours (with FREE NIGHT at Nairobi Hotel)

I was so astonished by watching wildlife on a 6-day budget safari in Masai Mara! The guys from Bon Voyage Kenya Safaris organized the safari perfectly. The driver guide Charles, and Mr. Omondi our safari planner gave us clear instructions before safari begun, told lots of interesting facts about animal's, and let us enjoy game drives. Thanks for this unforgettable life experience!

18-Day Best of East Africa Safari – Visit 4 Countries

10 Days Uganda's Gorillas Encounter, Wildlife & Kigali City Tour ( Private tour)

I had a great time on the safari. I was on my own and was happy to have a female guide (seems to be one of the few companies that employ women). I liked that I had a separate driver too, so he was able to focus on the roads and not worry about the next reservation or lunch spot. The vehicle was well maintained, and it had a pop top so I could stand when we drove to see the animals. We stayed a variety of lodges -- each one having some unique component -- a stunning view of the plains, a lakeside setting, or my favorite, the Bush Lodge, where you had to be accompanied after dark because of the roaming hippos and elephants. Overall, I felt very well taken care of and thoroughly enjoyed my experience.

16 Days of Intensive Adventurous Safari through Magical Uganda and Rwanda ( Private tour)

At the beginning of December 2018 we decided to make an East-Africa-Trip and bought flight tickets to Entebbe via Addis Ababa and Zanzibar. We had the challenge to organize our trip to Ethiopia (7 days), Zanzibar (5 days) and to Uganda (16 days) in only 2 weeks before departure. Fortunately I discovered the website www.safaribookings.com which enabled us to get offers from three tour operators in Uganda whithin 24 hours. Thanks a lot for this really good service. Biggest thanks to Mukisa Safaris with Richard who made all our dreams come true. He fullfilled all our whishes and modificatiins in case of planning the 16-days-route and also to include a five-day-trek to the awesome Rwenzori Mountains. Every requests were answered promptly with good guidance. At the Entebbe-Airport we were really warm welcomed by our two guides Joane and John and all of the Mukisa-Members. Then we started directly our trip with our 4x4 Toyota Van across the country to Kidepo Valley NP, to Murchison Falls NP, to Rwenzori Mountains and finally via Queen Elizabeth NP to the unforgettable Bwindi Impenetrable NP. Thank Joan and John we had a lot of fun, learned a lot about nature, have seen all the great nature and animals and people, we felt very safe and had most of the time a good wlan-collection. :) The accomodations at lodges or tented lodges were clean, nice and comfortable, the meals also were fine and delicious. Uganda is characterized by a very big variety of beautiful landscapes, unbelievable nature and very friendly people. From the awesome Rwenzori Mountains, to the great Bwindi Rainforest, from animals at river Nile to remote Kidepo Valley. We loved it very much. So thank you so much Mukisa Safaris for this unforgettable yourney with deep impressions and long lasting memories. We wish you all the best, Joan, John and Richard.

11 DAY COMBINED KENYA & TANZANIA WILDLIFE SAFARI

It was a great and unforgettable stay. Very well organised

• Great Migration

15 DAYS ESSENTIAL KENYA & TANZANIA EXPEDITION

Great experiences in the National Park We had a super great, well organized two weeks in the Serengeti National Park, as well as in the Ngorogoro Crater. We were picked up on time at the airport in Arusha at the very beginning and had perfect service from then on. We were together with Jerome D. Swai and the driver Cypiars which both can only be recommended. Jerome cooks wonderful food!!! We did a trip in tents, was just great the feeling to be so close to the wild nature. Can only say: Top people, top quality, top food and super much seen. It was just great, thank you again to meet you. Greetings from Switzerland P.S: Since spontaneously write here, only photos of photos from our safari photo book :-), hope that still gives an approximate impression of the experienced.

16 Days Best Of Kenya & Tanzania Luxury Safari

Our 14-day Kenya and Tanzania Migration Lodge Safari was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we arrived in Nairobi to the final farewell, every day was filled with awe-inspiring moments and unforgettable experiences. Our adventure began with a warm welcome in Nairobi,Transfer to hotel Ole Sereni where our knowledgeable guide briefed us on the journey ahead. The luxurious accommodations provided a perfect blend of comfort and immersion in the African wilderness.African Brekafast was great!!! Amboseli National Park in Kenya was our first stop, and the sight of majestic elephants roaming against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro took our breath away. We witnessed thrilling wildlife encounters during our game drives, including close encounters with lions and cheetahs.Sopa lodges so magnificient. Crossing into Tanzania,border abit slow but was well organized with changing guides from Zack the genius to John M. Lake Manyara National Park enchanted us with its diverse landscapes and abundant birdlife. Spotting tree-climbing lions was a highlight, and the boat safari on Lake Manyara offered a serene perspective of the park's beauty. The Serengeti National Park was the epitome of safari magic. Witnessing the Great Migration firsthand was a dream come true as we watched thousands of wildebeests and zebras thunder across the plains. Our lodge perched on the edge of the Serengeti provided uninterrupted views of the vast savannah and unforgettable sunsets.Serena lodges are super ! Descending into the Ngorongoro Crater felt like entering a lost world teeming with wildlife. We marveled at the sheer abundance of animals in this natural amphitheater, from graceful gazelles to mighty rhinos. The grand finale awaited us in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Mara River crossings were the highlight of our safari, as we held our breath watching the dramatic spectacle unfold before our eyes. Our expert guide John , ensured we had front-row seats to nature's greatest show. Each evening, we gathered around the campfire under the starlit sky, sharing stories of the day's adventures and listening to the sounds of the African night. The hospitality of the lodge staff made us feel like family, and the delicious cuisine was a delightful surprise. As we bid farewell to Kenya and Tanzania, we carried with us memories that will last a lifetime. This safari exceeded all expectations, thanks to the impeccable planning and personalized service. It truly was the journey of a lifetime, and I cannot wait to return to Africa's wild embrace.Masai Mara crowned all the taste of an Africa Photo Safari - Sopa Lodges tastifully located at great views of sunset thank you Zack again for picking us from the other border point for this gtreat encounter with wildlife . I would recommend thsi tour to many who really want to see the great diverse landscape and lakes plus plains in Africa - Serenegeti and Mara plains.

Kenya Family Safari

Your staff did an excellent job. We had a great time and I would recommend this trip for my friends.

African Safari Tour Reviews

Alles in allem war die Reise absolut großartig! Die Organisation war top, von Anfang bis Ende. Die Unterkünfte waren ebenfalls hervorragend ausgewählt und haben den Aufenthalt noch angenehmer gemacht. Besonders möchte ich unseren Fahrer loben – Iddi war einfach unglaublich! Seine Kenntnisse über die Region, seine Freundlichkeit und seine Fahrkünste haben die Reise zu einem unvergesslichen Erlebnis gemacht. Dank ihm haben wir alle Tiere gesehen, die wir sehen wollten, und er war immer darauf bedacht, auf unsere Bedürfnisse einzugehen. Wir hätten uns keinen besseren Fahrer vorstellen können. Ich kann diese Rundreise nur empfehlen und bin sicher, dass auch andere Reisende genauso begeistert sein werden wie ich.

A bit late with the review... The trip was November 2019 and it was the best trip ever!!! Simon best guide, stunning places, welcoming locals and amazing experiences! the flight over the Okavango Delta is highly recommended.

The safari to Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area was excellent. The guide, Lewis, was quite knowledgeable, the accommodation better than other camp sites, and the meals very delicious. It also helped that we saw all five of the Big 5! In addition, we saw baby elephants rolling about in the mud, a pack of spotted hyena dealing with a carcass, and a male and female lion attempting to mate. Lake Manyara was a little disappointing because the heavy rains had stirred up the mud in the water and discouraged the birds from feeding there. I also felt that the guide was not as informative as Lewis. The visit to Materuni Falls was good although very muddy because of the wet weather. The food was excellent and the coffee tour very lively and entertaining.

Safari Tours

• Wildlife (1105)
• Big Five (513)
• Great Migration (184)
• Gorilla Trekking (146)
• Elephant (14)
• Flying Safari (13)
• Honeymoon Safari (5)

Travel Styles

• 10 Best Safaris in December 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in August 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in January 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in November 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in October 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in September 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in July 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in June 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in May 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in April 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in March 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in February 2024/2025
• 10 Best Luxury African Safari Tours 2024/2025
• 10 Best African Camping Safari Vacations 2022
• 10 Best Walking Safaris 2024/2025
• 10 Best Beach Safaris: Places & Packages 2022
• Compare Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Africa 2022
• Complete Safari Packing List: Clothes, Medicines, Gear & Essentials
• Wildebeest Migration in Africa 2022 (incl. Migration Map)
• 10 Best African Photographic Safaris 2024/2025: Tour Deals & Tips
• 10 Best Self-Drive Safaris 2024/2025
• 10 Best African Wildlife Safari Deals 2024/2025

4 Great Countries in Africa for Your First Safari

These experiences and operators offer a range of price points and embrace sustainable tourism practices..

• Copy Link copied

If you’ve never been on safari in Africa before, rest assured that no wildlife documentary can capture the awe of experiencing the region’s vastly contrasting landscapes and cultures in person. There are the sweeping savannas of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in East Africa, home to the world’s largest migrating animal herds, while green Central Africa is a habitat for the last remaining mountain gorillas on Earth. Southern Africa is home to such famous natural wonders as the Okavango Delta and the otherworldly Kalahari Desert. And in West Africa, forthcoming infrastructure in destinations like Pendjari National Park in Benin, where West African lions roam, is opening up lesser-explored areas for wildlife viewing.

Africa is composed of 54 countries with varying experiences ranging from thriving urban scenes to sublime landscapes. The continent’s seemingly endless wilderness experiences can be especially hard to navigate for the first-time safarigoer.

With that in mind, AFAR has picked four countries to get them started. Experiences include the fenceless savannas of Kenya, where such groups as the Maasai own and manage private conservancies; South Africa, with its family-friendly, malaria-free reserves and impressive rewilding projects; the wildlife-filled rivers of Zambia, known for family-owned camps and walking safaris; and Tanzania, home to sprawling, fenceless savannas and Mount Kilimanjaro.

These countries are only scratching the surface of nature-based experiences in Africa—and the beginning of a lifetime of return trips to explore. While we won’t cover the vibrant metropolises of these countries this time, you’ll regret skipping them, so ask your outfitter to work an urban experience into your trip. Here are four of the best places to go on safari if you’ve never been before.

Asilia Jabali Ridge

With nearly two dozen national parks , Tanzania contains some of Africa’s largest remaining unfenced wilderness areas. It’s home to wildebeest who roam together in numbers upwards of a million and make dramatic crossings through the country’s river systems. Those who want to see the river crossings should aim for July to September, but the November-to-March green season can be even more appealing—the rains are short, there are fewer crowds, and you can catch the excitement of calf birthing season.

Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem

Tanzania’s most famous park gets the lion’s share of attention for being the site of the seasonal Great Migration of wildebeest. andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge is well situated right in the path of a major river crossing area. A 2022 refurbishment transformed the camp into a design-driven retreat with sustainably sourced local hardwoods and colorful kitenge fabrics inspired by the region’s craft traditions. The camp, which now runs on 80 percent solar energy, offers plenty of ways to get outside of the safari vehicle, whether you’re tracking elephants on foot or visiting fishing communities on nearby Lake Victoria.

Sitting within the greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem on its own 350,000-acre reserve, Singita Grumeti operates five lodges and camps, each with their own approach to the safari experience. There’s the hilltop Sasakwa Lodge, with its chandeliered guest rooms featuring four-poster beds, deep soaking tubs, and plunge pools that overlook the savanna. The lodge doubles as a museum, with rare artifacts from all over Africa and photography by the likes of Peter Beard. The recently renovated Sabora Tented Camp—an AFAR favorite—offers a more intimate connection with nature, thanks to outdoor showers and canvas walls that let all the noises of the bush lull you to sleep (or keep you awake).

Ruaha National Park

Ask a seasoned safari hand what their favorite wilderness area is in Tanzania, and there’s a good chance they’ll tell you it’s Ruaha National Park. Less-visited Ruaha happens to be the country’s second largest national park, and you could spend an entire trip exploring its widely varied landscapes, which range from miombo forests to sprawling wetlands. Asilia Africa’s camps offer a variety of experiences.

Located on a boulder-filled hill near the Mwagusi River, Jabali Ridge is a prime spot for sightings of lion prides and leopards, as well as elephants who dig beneath dry riverbeds in search of water. The design-driven camp itself features eight suites with a soothing palette of grays and natural woods; a massage in the airy spa comes with a soundtrack of birdsong. For those who want a hands-on conservation experience, the new Asilia Usangu Expedition Camp in the remote Usangu Wetlands offers that. It’s located in a former hunting block that the government is now researching and monitoring; Asilia stepped in as a partner to help raise tourism funds to go toward those efforts. Guests can help monitor wildlife by setting up camera traps and studying animal behavior through thermal monocular lenses—and any data they collect supports the research work happening here.

How to book

andBeyond puts together custom trips that include andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge and other andBeyond and non-andBeyond camps. Niarra Travel can create individualized itineraries that include andBeyond, Singita, and Asilia camps.

Safari operators like Micato send guests to community-owned conservancies, which are sustainably operated and limit visitation.

Courtesy of Micato / Giuliana Provenzano

Kenya is a mosaic of contrasting landscapes and home to more than 40 distinct tribes and communities . In the arid hills to the northeast, the Laikipia Plateau is the historical land of the Samburu and Kikuyu among others; to the south, a safari in the Tsavo and Amboseli national parks means large elephant herds, self-drive safaris, and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The iconic savannas of the Maasai Mara National Reserve are where millions of wildebeest known as the Great Migration roam, with hungry predators like lions and cheetahs in tow.

The Maasai Mara

The Mara fills with visitors in the dry period between June and October, when there’s less green foliage to hide wildlife; in July, hundreds of vehicles line the rivers to watch epic wildebeest herd crossings. But a visit outside of high season can be even more rewarding, according to Dennis Pinto, managing director of Nairobi-based Micato Safaris . “The lushness of the landscapes throughout Kenya right after the April rains, during the off-peak green season, makes for a photographer’s paradise,” he said. “Wildebeest, zebra, and multitudes of other plains game being born make April and May such a wonderfully literal time of renewal—along with the predators looking for easy prey.”

Micato frequently sends guests to the private, community-owned conservancies adjacent to the Mara reserve that are sustainably managing wildlife on their lands—and have more restricted visitation, which translates into fewer crowds, benefiting both visitors and nature. One such camp is the well-appointed, 12-tent Mahali Mzuri , a Virgin Limited Edition camp that leases land from the Masai-owned Olare Motorogi Conservancy .

Tourism on conservancies creates jobs and supports the creation of roads, schools, scholarships, hospitals, and enterprises such as basketry, according to Vincent Oluoch, the program officer who oversees tourism for the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association , which represents 174 conservancies across Kenya. Since the height of the pandemic, “most facilities within the conservancies have started experiencing a steady increase in visitor numbers, including domestic visitors, and in turn have started generating necessary revenues,” said Oluoch.

Some conservancies operate their own tourism businesses—often at gentler prices than international lodges. Oluoch recommends a safari in the Nashulai Maasai Conservancy , which owns and manages Oldarpoi Mara Camp , a series of midrange cottages and tents with en suite bathrooms and Maasai design touches. In the Tsavo Conservation Area, he suggests the recently renovated Kivuko Eco Camp , composed of a family house and camp accommodations run by the Taita Wildlife Conservancy.

Nairobi-based luxury outfitter Micato Safaris , owned and run by a Kenyan family, can arrange a custom-designed itinerary in Kenya that takes travelers to such private conservancies as Olare Motorogi and the Tsavo Conservation Area as well as the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Ask it to work in a couple of days in Nairobi, a vibrant city the company knows particularly well. Travelers can also book experiences directly through some conservancies, including Nashulai .

South Africa

The Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, in South Africa, is a popular—and malaria-free—spot.

Courtesy of Your Private Africa

With its winelands, grasslands, ancient forests, and windswept coasts, rural South Africa offers something for nearly everyone. Varying experiences also make it a year-round destination, with the cooler months falling between July and September.

Kruger National Park

In the country’s popular Kruger National Park, dry season falls between April and October. Green season can be a great option for those in search of better prices and fewer people. Showers are often brief, and less dust from the rain makes for beautiful light.

London-based tour operator Byron Thomas founded Niarra Travel in May 2021 to ensure that as much money travelers spend in a destination stays there—especially at smaller camps with few rooms that don’t have a lot of earning power. “Niarra’s goal is to get as much money to the destination as possible, and the best way to do this is booking directly,” said Thomas. “The second best way is to use a tour operator who has a real, vested interest in making sure they provide that service of putting together a trip that’s the right one for you as cheaply as possible for the particular destination.”

The Cape Town region

Niarra takes a 10 percent commission from companies on the ground, much lower than the industry standard, which can reach as high as 35 percent. The company also partners with responsibly run businesses with guidance from such groups as the Long Run , an organization that helps nature-based tourism businesses to drive such sustainability initiatives as community well-being and land and wildlife conservation. The 11-day Family Adventure itinerary starts with whale watching in the De Hoop Nature Reserve near Cape Town while staying at the four-bedroom Morukuru Ocean House. It continues to the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, which has sunny days for much of the year. Game drives lead to lion, leopard, and elephant sightings, and guests sleep at the three-bedroom Morukuru River House .

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

For a safari that’s both ecofriendly and stylish, Nick Bay, founder of Seattle-based tour operator Your Private Africa , recommends Cheetah Plains in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Electric, solar-powered game drive vehicles offer not just a zero-emissions game drive but also quieter encounters with wildlife. The modern-feeling villa accommodations are a sight on their own, with their minimalistic interiors decorated with the work of contemporary African artists.

The Kalahari Desert

Bay also suggests heading north to the Kalahari Desert near the border of Botswana to experience Tswalu Kalahari Reserve , another malaria-free area set on a former cluster of overgrazed farmland that South Africa’s Oppenheimer family purchased and helped to rewild. Today it’s home to brown hyena, meerkats, desert black rhino, and large predators, including cheetah. Tswalu has an on-site researcher, Wendy Panaino, who is dedicated to studying ground pangolins , the world’s most trafficked animal, which can be found on the reserve.

Tswalu’s accommodations include the Tarkuni villa, a large home perfect for families. “The villa is especially family friendly, which is an emerging trend for safaris—bringing children six and under,” said Bay.

U.K.-based Niarra Travel offers several South African itineraries including the 11-day Cape, Wine, Wildlife, and Waterfalls, which goes to Kruger National Park and the country’s famous winelands. The 11-day Family Adventure in South Africa trip visits the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve for glimpses of big cats and elephants and the coastal De Hoop Nature Reserve for whale watching. U.S.-based Your Private Africa arranges customized private safaris for a wide range of travelers and budgets from start to finish, and it can organize hands-on conservation experiences at places like Tswalu.

Consider Chiawa Camp for a family-friendly safari.

Courtesy of Classic Portfolio / TCunniffe

Home to the Zambezi, Kafue, and Luangwa rivers, and sharing roaring Victoria Falls with neighboring Zimbabwe, Zambia offers a wide range of land- and water-based wildlife experiences. Safaris here are characterized by small, family-run camps that put guests especially close to nature through walking safaris, for which the country is famous (yet it’s still one of southern Africa’s less visited destinations). The popular dry season falls between July and November, but the April to June shoulder season, when the landscape turns green in the wake of the rains, is an especially good time to see Victoria Falls.

“Zambia is personally my ultimate safari experience,” said Suzanne Bayly-Coupe, managing director of Classic Portfolio , a collection of 53 independent lodges in 10 African countries. “It is one of the very few countries that has not been dominated by the bigger commercial safari companies.” According to Bayly-Coupe, Zambia’s water-based wildlife experiences rival those of the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

Lower Zambezi National Park

She recommends Chiawa Camp in Lower Zambezi National Park, which offers canoe rides along the crocodile-filled Zambezi River and has a multi-room family tent for parents with kids; about 20 miles to the east at Old Mondoro , five riverside chalets all have outdoor baths. In South Luangwa National Park, also known as valley of the leopard, add on a few nights at one of the half dozen tiny camps run by the Bushcamp Company .

South Luangwa

Niarra will soon add a trip in partnership with Green Safaris , which operates camps with light footprints, including the canvas-tented Shawa Luangwa Camp in South Luangwa. “We’ve been really impressed with the aptly named Green Safaris, which are all off-grid and all electric, including vehicles, bikes, and boats, and they’re doing a lot of good work on the ground,” Thomas said.

Lower Zambezi

According to Bay, some of the newest camps in Zambia focus on energy efficiency, resource conservation, and community capacity building. They include Lolebezi Safari Lodge in the Lower Zambezi, which is powered by solar panels, has its own water treatment plant, and was built with minimal use of concrete.

Livingstone

One of his favorite lodges in Zambia is Royal Chundu Island Lodge in Livingstone, which is easy to reach because of its location near Victoria Falls and an international airport. “Aggie Maseko, one of the owners, is a hospitality maven and makes it hard to ever leave,” said Bay. “The menu is composed of local ingredients elevated to French Relais & Châteaux standards.” Take a boat transfer to Katombora Island on the Zambezi River, where four sprawling villas have their own private river-facing decks that hover 40 feet above the ground. Go on a day tour to nearby Chobe National Park in neighboring Botswana for sightings of lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and giraffes.

Book a tailored trip through southern Africa with these Classic Portfolio properties through such outfitters as Africa travel experts Explore Inc. or Your Private Africa. Niarra Travel offers a 13-day Victoria Falls, Okavango, and Cape Town itinerary that incorporates the Zambezi River and Falls into a three-country itinerary (Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa).

Accessibility Links

13 of the best safaris in Africa

From big-name parks to lesser-known, wilder reserves, these are africa’s top safari destinations.

T here’s a lot to consider when it comes to deciding where to go on safari. If you’re keen to see the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos and rhinos — South Africa is a solid choice, with options for all budgets, good tourism infrastructure and family-friendly properties in malaria-free areas. If you’re more seasoned or just keen to avoid the busier spots, you might be tempted by walking safaris in Zambia or southern Tanzania . Timing is a factor, too — most safari areas are at their driest between June and September, but the wet season can be great for birding, it’s cheaper, and those lush landscapes are ideal for photographers. With all that in mind, read on for the best African safaris.

Main photo: Giraffes in Ngorongoro, Tanzania (Getty Images)

1. Okavango Delta, Botswana

This inland delta is one of the most beautiful and wildlife-rich areas in Africa. Located in northern Botswana, it is fed by floodwaters from neighbouring Angola between May and October. This is the time when visitors can explore the reed-lined waterways by mokoro— a traditional canoe — which is a particularly special experience. There are a number of reserves in the delta and tourism is controlled so it feels wild and remote; it’s also the most expensive place to go on safari. But the wildlife viewing is exceptional — think buffalo-hunting lions, wild dogs sprinting through the bush, hippos cooling off in the water, elephants browsing acacias. And it’s a great birding destination.

Best base camp Vumbura Plains is one of the fanciest camps in the delta and in a really good spot for wildlife sightings, particularly big cats.

go2africa.com/accommodation/vumbura-plains

Advertisement

Best safari camps and lodges in Botswana

Okavango Delta guide: when to go and where to stay

2. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The Masai Mara in southwest Kenya is famous for the beauty of its rolling savanna grasslands, the density of its wildlife populations, and, between July and October, the great wildebeest herds that thunder across the Mara River. Big cats — lions, cheetahs and leopards — are prolific. Wildlife is habituated and easy to find. The key to enjoying your time in the Mara is avoiding the crowds — that means finding a great guide or paying a little extra to stay in one of the private community-run conservancies around the edges of the national park.

Best base camp The high-end Cottar’s 1920s Camp is in a private conservancy – great for uncrowded wildlife sightings – and is one of the most long-established camps in the Mara.

yellowzebrasafaris.com/kenya/accommodation/lodges/cottars-camp

The best time to visit Kenya

3. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

This inactive, ancient caldera is — at 2,000 feet deep and 100 square miles in area — one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes for viewing wildlife. There are elephants, critically endangered black rhinos, lions and flocks of flamingos. It’s not just safaris that you can do in and around the crater, but also hikes and visits to nearby Masai villages. The crater does get crowded, especially at the peak of the dry season from June to September. Wetter weather during the low season means smaller crowds and better rates, though of course conditions are not as favourable.

Best base camp Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge is a smart, comfortable hotel with 20 cottages, a pool and a spa — and it’s just five minutes away from the entrance gate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The best safari camps in Tanzania

4. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

In the southwest of Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is made up of savanna, forests and lakes, and it holds a diverse range of wildlife from elephants to chimpanzees. It’s perhaps best known for its lions that have an unusual penchant for climbing trees, but it’s also a great place for boat trips and birding. Given its proximity to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, it’s an excellent safari partner to mountain gorilla trekking.

Best base camp With beautiful views and only a few minutes from the park entrance, Buffalo Safari Lodge is a great option for Queen Elizabeth visitors.

5. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s best and most popular safari destinations, with a diverse range of wildlife across its savanna and forests. Animals you might spot include lions, wild dogs, leopards and cheetahs; Hwange’s also home to one of Africa’s largest population of elephants. In private concessions, you can take walking safaris in addition to game drives. And the park benefits from Zimbabwe’s famously excellent guides (due a rigorous qualification programme). Hwange is easily combined with Victoria Falls, which is only around three hours away by road.

Best base camp In a private concession, the nine-tent, simple but comfy Davison’s Camp is set by a waterhole often visited by elephants.

6. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

South Luangwa’s wildlife viewing is among the best in Africa, particularly for big cats and elephants. You can spot rare subspecies unique to the area, such as Thornicroft’s giraffes, too. The park — and Zambia generally — is renowned for walking safaris. So, if you’re keen to explore the bush on foot, whether just for the day or on an epic fly-camping adventure, this is the place for you. The Luangwa River attracts large numbers of animals during the dry season, the most popular time to visit. Be aware that many lodges close for the wettest months, between December and March.

Best base camp A popular little spot just outside South Luangwa National Park, Flatdogs Camp used to be a backpackers and it retains a relaxed, friendly vibe.

7. Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), Tanzania

In southern Tanzania, Nyerere is Tanzania’s largest — and newest — national park. It was the northern section of the massive Selous Game Reserve, until 2019 when the area was designated a national park. The best wildlife viewing is around the Rufiji River — leisurely boat safaris are a highlight — and the park has populations of lions, elephants, hippos, critically endangered black rhinos and wild dogs. As an added bonus, Nyerere — and the south of Tanzania generally — receives a mere fraction of the tourists who visit the northern parks.

Best base camp Serena Mivumo River Lodge sits on the banks of the Rufiji River, with just 12 elevated chalets overlooking the water.

8. Kruger National Park, South Africa

In the far northeast of South Africa, the Kruger is the most popular safari destination of them all. In addition to the wildlife viewing being superb — especially for leopards, which tend to be extraordinarily nonchalant around vehicles — it’s got great tourism infrastructure, including good roads for self-driving safaris. There are basic self-catering facilities or super-luxury lodges in the Kruger’s private reserves, so something for most budgets. It can be very busy, but travelling in shoulder or low seasons will help, as might venturing to the less-visited north of the park, where there are great walking trails, big baobabs, and fever tree forests.

Best base camp Amongst the sleekest luxury lodges on the continent, Singita Lebombo is for the stylish safari-goer. 15 suites overlook the bush or river. The food and wine offerings are excellent, too.

Where should I go in South Africa?

Best safaris in South Africa

9. Etosha National Park, Namibia

While the density of its wildlife is much lower than other parts of Africa, Namibia makes up for it with its breathtaking desert landscapes. In the north of the country, Etosha National Park is its most popular safari destination. The best time to visit are the dry months when animals gather at water — there are lots of elephants, plus giraffes, lions — and it’s possible to see black rhinos, too. The Etosha Pan, the focal point of the park, is a salt flat, where mammals and birds such as flamingos gather. You can drive up from the capital Windhoek or take a scenic light aircraft flight — either option reveals some of Namibia’s huge, open landscapes.

Best base camp On the edge of Etosha National Park, Ongava Tented Camp is in a private reserve, where you can go on after-dark game drives and bush walks.

10. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The vast plains of the Serengeti, in northern Tanzania, are featured in dozens of nature documentaries for good reason. Not only is it a striking landscape, but it’s home to incredible wildlife, most of which is extremely habituated to tourists. Watch cheetahs scan for prey from atop a termite mound or park up next to a leopard chowing its kill in a tree. The Great Migration wildebeest herds stop to graze and give birth to their young in the south of the park from November to February; from June, you can see them crossing the river as they move between the Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara on their cyclical migration.

Best base camp In the south of the park, Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp has glorious views across the plains. The 12 tents each have private decks and side panels that can be rolled up to take in the surroundings.

11. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

On the banks of the Zambezi River, Mana Pools feels wilder and quieter than most safari destinations in Southern Africa. The name means “four” in Shona, referring to the four main pools that make up the park. As well as lions and wild dogs, Mana Pools is known for elephants that have learnt to stand on their hindlegs to reach the higher branches. Explore the river by canoe, or take a bush walk during the dry season (in the wettest months, January to March, parts of the park are inaccessible and lots of properties close).

Best base camp With ten tented suites and being in a private reserve, Ruckomechi Camp gives guests a sense of exclusivity and remoteness. Don’t miss the opportunity to sleep under the stars.

yellowzebrasafaris.com/zimbabwe/accommodation/lodges/ruckomechi-camp

12. Laikipia, Kenya

In central Kenya, the Laikipia plateau is a less-visited alternative to the Mara, with a different appeal. The landscape is open and rolling, with views of Mount Kenya’s jagged peaks. The various reserves in this area are home to the Big Five — including many black rhinos and the last two northern white rhinos, which live in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The region also has wild dogs and rare subspecies such as the reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra.

Best base camp A mid-range option in Ol Pejeta, Sweetwaters Serena Camp is a solid choice for travellers looking for comforts but without blowing the bank.

The best Kenyan safaris

13. Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

Close to the border with Botswana, Madikwe is a scenic reserve, with rolling hills and rust-orange sand. It’s home to the Big Five and other charismatic animals, such as wild dogs. Madikwe is a great option for families, as it’s malaria-free and many of the properties are geared to hosting children, with fun activities and private villas. You can also drive from Johannesburg , which cuts down on the expense of light aircraft flights.

Best base camp Madikwe Safari Lodge is a luxury option in the reserve, with 20 rooms including family suites with bunkbeds (and special turndowns for the kids).

When is the best time to go on safari?

In most of southern and eastern Africa, the dry season runs from June to October. The advantage of the dry season is that wildlife tends to congregate around waterholes and the foliage is sparser, making animals easier to see. This is typically considered the best time to travel. But the rainy season can be better for landscape photography and birding (as migratory birds are in the south), as well as it being a quieter and generally cheaper time to travel.

What should I bring with me on safari?

Pack comfortable clothes in relatively neutral shades (very bright colours can frighten animals) and layers — mornings and evenings can be chilly enough for a hat and gloves, but by 10am, it’ll be T-shirt weather. Bring sturdy, closed-toe footwear if you’ll be walking, a hat, sunglasses and suncream. Photographers will want their longest lenses, but plenty of people do fine with their smartphones. Binoculars are very useful, although guides usually have pairs to share.

Do I need a guide on a safari?

A good guide will definitely enhance your safari experience — and in many places, you need them. Places like Kruger are great for self-driving (even without a 4×4) and the wildlife is prolific enough to find without a professional. But for walking or night driving, you will always need a qualified guide.

Take me there

Inspired to go on a safari but yet to book your trip? Here are the best options from Virgin Holidays* and Exodus Travels* . These are the best safari tours from our trusted partners* .

Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here .

Related articles

The Best Safaris in Africa

Ever wanted to look into the eyes of a wild lion? Of course you have. Us too! That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best safaris in Africa.

Almost every traveler has an African safari on their ultimate bucket list, and for good reason. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as staring the king of the jungle in the face and wondering, “Will he walk away or pounce my jeep?” But Africa is massive and features several countries with incredible biodiversity, so how do you know where to find the best safaris in Africa?

Safaris are not only tourist attractions. They are important organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting the animals themselves and the wilderness they call home. African safaris have long been a vacation for the rich and famous, or a once-in-a-lifetime trip requiring years of saving, but in recent years that has changed. While still an expensive endeavor, more elite safaris have opened, increasing competition and dropping the price on some of the original greats. We’ve included a few of the better budget options as well as some ultimate dream trips in a few boutique locations. From large public tours to see “The Big Five,” to more intimate, wilder reserves with private outings, Africa has a safari for every kind of traveler!

Ready for a wild adventure?

In more ways than one, safaris are wild! From the delicious food to the amazing accommodation, and of course, the animals! It’s an adventure from start to finish. While you’re at it, why not consider another kind of outdoor experience? Our world-renowned adventures offer everything from fascinating scavenger hunts to boozy bar crawls and chilling ghost tours . Our experiences let you explore a location in a hilarious and interactive way, as every moment is filled with trivia and challenges to keep you keen. Go wild with the Let’s Roam app today!

Best Safaris in Kenya

When most people think of a safari, Kenya is probably the first place that comes to mind. The most famous and time-tested safari adventures revolve around the Great Migration in which the onset of the dry season and birthing practices cause herds of pack animals to migrate on a continuous loop from Ngorongoro Conservation area in Northern Tanzania, through the Serengeti National Park to Masai Mara in Kenya. This movement of millions of wildebeests and zebra brings predators, and the circle of life, in its simplest form, plays out before your eyes, making Kenya one of Africa’s best safari destinations.

If your idea of safari includes colorful sunsets over vast stretches of the savannah, then Kenya is your place. A Kenyan safari gives you one of the best chances to see The Big Five. You’ll also get likely lay eyes on baboons, giraffes, and flamingos, and the guides are often from the Masai tribe, the ancestral locals of the region.

Pros: The largest animal migration on earth guarantees you’ll see what you came for. Safaris are fairly priced. There are many family-friendly options and opportunities to include other attractions. A wide variety of accommodations and tours ensure that you can build the trip you want.

Cons: You’ll deal with large crowds, and bigger tour groups, and some travelers feel the experience is too touristy and not very authentic.

1. Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara gets packed during the busy season, from June to October, but animals are visible year-round. Traveling during the shoulder season can vastly lower prices and be a more enjoyable experience, with smaller group tours and less clamoring for photos. If you want to travel during the offseason, but still see a plethora of animals, then head for Masai Mara.

Masai Mara National Reserve has one of the best tourist infrastructures on the list. You book a budget 3-day safari for as little as $400 pp with basic accommodations in a camp to luxury, all-inclusive lodge stays with private jeep tours, costing upwards of $2,000 for three days. Safari options include visits to the Maasai Tribal village, hot air balloons, and fly-in safaris, as well as traditional game drives.

For a simple and authentic African safari, consider a stay at Olengoti Eco Safari Camp & Cottages, and if you would like the full lodge experience, try out Keekorok Lodge. While you can join an organized tour through thousands of travel agencies, you can also directly book your stay at one of the lodges above and organize your excursions through the lodge and the national park itself. It’s one of the easiest areas to put together a DIY trip.

2. Kenya Off the Beaten Track

If you would like something a bit more custom, you could plan a longer 10-day trip through Kenya, exploring Sera Rhino Conservancy, The Great Rift Valley, and Samburu land. You can experience guided camel excursions into the wild north, rhino trekking, a visit with the vibrant Samburu tribe, wild camping at Matthew’s Range, and a visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. These all-inclusive trips are more expensive and can run you over $6,000 pp, but you get a customized experience, with a small group, in areas that are slightly less visited than Masai Mara. There are many options out there, but take a look at Kenya: Off the Beaten Track Holiday by Wayfairer for a good idea of what ten days in Northern Kenya have to offer!

Best Safaris in South Africa

South Africa is a premier travel destination for surfers, oenophiles, shark-cage divers, and hikers headed for Table Mountain. Tourists flock to the tropical Cape Town and bustling Johannesburg, but it’s also home to Kruger National Park, one of the most famous safari locations on earth, as well as several amazing game reserves. It’s a well-rounded destination for travelers offering a huge variety of experiences, accommodations, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Pros: Like Kenya, it’s an easy place to arrange a safari and has a plethora of tour options. You’ll see a large selection of wildlife.

Cons: Again, it can feel a bit for the masses, so if you’re looking for a more intimate or eco-friendly tour, then look elsewhere.

3. Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is home to The Big Five, but it also boasts the elusive Black Rhino, cheetahs, hippos, and crocodiles. Central Kruger is one of the best places to see the shy cheetah. All these animals make it one of the most famous safari destinations. Touristy? Yes. Roughing it? Not so much, but if you want to lounge in a luxurious pool, surrounded by lush South African landscapes, and watch elephants roam 50 yards away from your deck lounger, without exorbitant prices, then this is your best bet!

Go all out and book one of the luxury suites at the Royal Malewane, where you can have that pool experience we just spoke of! Kruger National Park has a pretty large collection of safari lodges and family-friendly guesthouses as well. It’s a huge park, and there are options for just about every kind of traveler. As you might imagine, a park as well-renowned and as large as Kruger offers a plethora of different tours as well. You can choose the traditional 3-day relaxing safari, a combination cultural and wildlife viewing trip, walking safari tours, or take their eco-friendly tours! You can even rent a car and drive around Kruger National Park on your own self-drive safari day trip.

4. Mala Mala Game Reserve

For a true luxury stay in the bush, snag a room at one of the three camps at Mala Mala Game Reserve. Mala Mala is one of the largest private reserves, and it lies between the giant Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Reserve. It’s a haven for wildlife photographers, as its landscape is flatter than Kruger but shares miles of unfenced borders. Mala Mala specializes in lions in their natural habitat, but you’ll also see wild dogs, giraffes, and other big cats.

Mala Mala is a nice mix of luxury accommodations with smaller tours like specialized night safaris and even bushwalks. The game reserve sits atop a natural flood plain, drawing animals to the watering holes where you can snap their photos from the comfort of the luxury pool, as well as strap on your boots and go for a wild guided bushwhack.

Best Safaris in Botswana

Botswana is well known for its fierce devotion to animal welfare and truly wild habitat. Free from fences and mostly from paved roads, the game reserves of Botswana are a wilderness that strongly reflects the habitat animals would have had centuries ago. From the crowning Baobab trees to salt pans and the lush tributary of the Okavanga Delta, Botswana is a paradise for wildlife. It’s also home to more than 130,000 elephants, more than anywhere else on earth. While Botswana has many game reserves and is a popular spot for safaris, it feels somehow more elite and wilder at the same time.

Pros: Animals are not corraled for humans and are allowed to live freely. You get a more authentic experience.

Cons: Though you’ll see animals, ecologists here are more concerned about wildlife safety and education than checking off the Big Five for tourists, which might be disappointing for first-time safari goers. Botswana specializes in higher-priced, lower-impact safaris which might be a financial con for some travelers.

5. Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The Kalahari is the ancestral homeland of the San tribal groups, and they know the land and its inhabitants like the back of their hand. In Kalahari, these experts lead small group bushwalks and wilderness camping expeditions that give visitors a true sense of the wildness of Africa. Kalahari is the second largest game reserve on earth, and that makes spotting wildlife much more difficult. There are black-maned lions, ostrich, hippos, zebra, and a large diversity of birds, but they are more spread out and wild. The reserve has no website, but popular accommodations include Deception Valley Lodge and Tau Pan Camp.

6. Linyanti Concession

Located between Chobe National Park and the Moremi Game Reserve of the Okavango Delta, the Linyanti region of Botswana is truly a special destination. African Bush Camps have many locations across Africa and several different accommodation options in Botswana, but for a truly fun experience, check out Linyanti Ebony. This intimate, eco-conscious, 4-tent camp. Here you’ll see lions, wild dogs, and hippos basking in the Linyanti Channel. Have a meal under the starry sky and spend your days in a traditional Mokoro canoe, exploring the aquatic life of this incredible region. From here, you can also visit the larger parks on either side of you!

Best Safaris in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe, in Southern Africa, is a nature lover’s paradise. Its tourism industry took a bit of a hit in the last decade due to some political issues, but now it’s experiencing a resurgence, and there has never been a better time to visit! Its exquisite network of hiking trails and the natural wonder of Victoria Falls make Zimbabwe a must for any outdoor adventurer.

Pros: Zimbabwe offers fewer people, a large population of big game, and incredible pairings with outdoor adventures like ziplining, bungee jumping, and rafting. It also is one of the more economical big game safaris as ecologists are struggling to come back from the lack of tourism and heavy former poaching problem.

Cons: Some economic and political strife still exists, along with police corruption. It’s considered a safe safari destination, but you’ll likely stay within tourist areas and not wander as freely as you would in Botswana.

7. Mana Pools National Park

Mana means four in the Shona language, and this area is special due to four permanent bodies of water, fed by the Zambezi River, that draw big game during the dry season. You can enjoy this park on a self-guided tour or take a guided combination tour of the Lower Zambezi in Zambia. Mana Pools is a sanctuary for wild dogs, sporting one of the biggest populations in Africa.

8. Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is the most popular spot in Zimbabwe due to its excellent wildlife population and the presence of the Big Five. It has a large congregation of African elephants and is a prime place for bird watching, as many flocks migrate to and from Europe through Zimbabwe. If you’re taking a safari with the whole family, take a look at The Private Hide. The Hide offers 360-degree views of a popular watering hole. Their deluxe family tents are large enough for two adults and two children. Children of all ages are welcome and you’ll enjoy private dining, a private vehicle tour with a guide, and a plunge pool that the kiddies will love!

Best Safaris in Namibia

Namibia is a relative newcomer on the safari scene, but there’s no landscape on earth like the Namibian Desert. It’s thought to be the world’s oldest desert, and its famous orange dunes are just mind-blowingly beautiful. With a great road system (The paved roads are great. The non-paved ones are worsening by the day.) and vast empty landscapes, Namibia is a popular destination for self-drive safaris and flying safaris.

Pros: Namibia boasts more wildlife than people, as it’s one of the least populated countries on earth. The area boasts a sense of freedom and space.

Cons: There’s not a lot to do in Namibia besides stare at the gorgeous landscape and animals. There’s a lot of driving through arid nothingness to get to the next big spot. It lacks some of the cultural aspects of other destinations, and there’s some pretty tense racial frustration within the local population that can spill over to the sensitive tourist, though you’ll likely feel welcomed by most locals!

9. Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is famous for endangered black and white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, big cats, and zebras! It really is an otherworldly landscape too. The water pools of the salt pan are filled with photography hides, and during the rare rains, flocks of flamingos show up in the water. The best part of Etosha National Park is that the entrance fee is the equivalent of about $6/day. Etosha has a huge range of accommodation options as well , from $15/night campsites to luxury lodges.

Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the number one place for trekking into the territory of Mountain Gorillas. The world’s largest mammals hand out in the forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda is a mountainous land of wonder, a much smaller country than most on the list, and its capital, Kigali, is one of the safest African cities to land in. While Rwanda has a horrific history of genocide and political strife, it’s now a different nation, excelling in conservation and safe tourism.

Pros: This area is one of the lushest and most beautiful in Africa, and the only place to see Mountain Gorillas in the wild.

Cons: These trekking tours tend to be pretty expensive.

10. National des Volcans- Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda is a beauty, full of rolling mountains and lush jungles. Along with Silverback Gorillas sightings, a visit to Volcanoes National Park takes you through gorgeous mountain landscapes and the homeland of Colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and much more. The troops are located in dense forests and finding them is not guaranteed, but Rwanda is an adventure that any outdoor enthusiast will want to add to your list!

11. Bwindi National Park

The easiest place to join a gorilla trekking tour is Bwindi National Park in Uganda . These tours are limited to 80 people per day and require a permit. Their wonderful website offers a plethora of information on gorilla trekking guides, how to get your permit, the best companies to use, and all the recommended accommodations.

Best Safaris in Tanzania

Tanzania, as discussed earlier, is part of East Africa’s Great Wildebeest Migration across the Serengeti. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to the largest elephant population in East Africa, as well as millions of migrating mammals, flocks of flamingos, big cats, and hyenas. Aside from classic safari experiences, Tanzania is home to the infamous Mount Kilimanjaro and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world in Zanzibar.

Pros: Tanzania has a warm and welcoming culture, bucket list game viewing, and a good mix of safari types for every kind of traveler. The tourist infrastructure outside of safaris offers plenty of interesting things to see and do.

Cons: Serengeti National Park is much bigger than neighboring Masai Mara in Kenya, so if you’re on a short time frame, the density of animals is lower in Tanzania. Tanzania is also slightly harder to do on your own (though very doable) and has slightly higher prices than Kenya.

12. Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve)

If you go on safari in Tanzania, you’ll certainly check out Serengeti National Park , but don’t limit yourself to the big boy alone. Tanzania is home to some amazing lesser-known game reserves. If you’re a safari purist and want a less touristy option, head for Nyerere National Park . This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its wildlife diversity, but there’s no human habitation in the park, and all entry is controlled by the Tanzanian Ministry of Wildlife. Here, you can jump on a boat safari and slither through the hippos and crocodiles while rare birds fly overhead.

You can also visit Northern Tanzania’s Katavi National Park to see one of the largest populations of wild buffalo. This park is huge, but it doesn’t get the human traffic of Serengeti, so there’s more freedom. You can head out for walking safaris with an armed guide, or perform your self-drive tour. If you’re an intrepid traveler or adventurer, you’ll likely enjoy the vibe of Katavi more than Serengeti.

Time to Fly

Outside of these 12 locations, there are fabulous safaris in Malawi, Madagascar, and Zambia. Tours are even popping up in Senegal as well. Everyone’s definition of the perfect safari is different, and it depends on your travel style, the length of time you have, and your views on environmental standards. No matter if you want a basic hut in the bush where you may or may not see a thing, but you get an authentic experience, or you want to stay in some of the most lux accommodations on earth and watch elephants water right from your deck chair, with a champagne in hand, Africa has a safari for you!

There’s no right or wrong way to do it. We would advise that you take a look at the conservation efforts of any camp and safari tour that you decide on. Make sure they are putting in the effort to protect animals and provide them with the space they need to live naturally. Otherwise, pick your poison! All of these African nations have wonderful cultures, gorgeous landscapes, and impeccable wildlife viewing, so you can’t go wrong!

For more wildlife options, check out “The World’s Top 15 Destinations for Wildlife Viewing.”

Take some cues from “How to Travel Africa: Tips From an African Travel Expert” for a few tips on traveling Africa with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Africa is full of fabulous safari destinations . Botswana is famous for more private and lux tours. Kenya and Tanzania are home to The Great Migration, and newcomer Namibia boasts otherworldly landscapes!

For guaranteed game sightings and a wonderful all-around vacation, take a tour of Cape Town , South Africa, and visit Kruger National Park.

While most tourist areas of Africa are fairly safe to visit, Botswana is known for being extraordinarily safe and offers top-notch safari experiences.

Featured Products & Activities

Everything you need to know about going on safari in Africa with renowned expert Marlon du Toit

Embarking on an African safari is undoubtedly one of the most memorable travel experiences to be had.

I've now been on several, and the connection you feel with nature is simply indescribable. Some of my greatest travel experiences ever have come from safaris, and I regularly purchase various pieces of art and other mementos to take home with me after a safari .

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Throughout the last year of border closings and stay-home orders, I realized just how much I love safaris and it made me all the more excited to begin planning one for sooner rather than later, now that borders are opening back up and traveling internationally is becoming less of a hurdle.

I recently had the privilege of sitting down to chat with Marlon du Toit, an expert on all things pertaining to African safaris and a well-known wildlife photographer .

Du Toit grew up in a small town in the middle of Kruger National Park in South Africa and his father owned a small safari company, so animals and living among wildlife are inherent in his DNA. He grew up around wild animals including warthogs, impalas, elephants, hippopotamus, lions and more. In fact, as Marlon explains, it was commonplace for cricket games in his town to be interrupted by lions and elephants, and his neighbors even were woken up at 4 a.m. to a pride of lions congregated right outside their front gate.

We covered a lot in our discussion, from tips for first-time safari-goers to photography tips to the critical impact tourism has on sustainability and animal wellbeing.

If you don't follow du Toit on Instagram already, I highly suggest you do so -- you won't regret it! You can catch our full Instagram Live conversation here , but I'm also going to highlight some of the most important considerations to be mindful of while planning a safari, whether it's your first experience or you return regularly, and how safaris are critical to not only local economies and workers who are employed by the many reserves and camps but also to maintaining the wellbeing of the local animal populations.

Here's what you need to know:

Mythbusting: Safaris are dangerous

For many in the early stages of planning a safari, one of the principal concerns is safety. There's a perception that being so close to animals in their natural habitat is reckless and could lead to bodily harm or even death.

Yes, you'll get very close to the animals, looking many of them directly in the eyes. However, as du Toit explains, these animals have grown accustomed to safari vehicles operating in their territory, and they don't kill or attack humans left and right.

Being up close and personal with the animals is part of the unforgettable experience of a safari, and entering their natural habitat without altering their behavior truly makes it feel like you're living in a National Geographic documentary.

Advice for planning your first safari

When planning your first safari, you'll likely want to travel to a destination that not only offers a wide variety of animals to see, but also an established infrastructure of lodges and reserves which make the logistics of this kind of trip so much easier.

Du Toit notes two countries in particular -- South Africa and Kenya -- that are relatively easy to get to and have well-established national parks and private reserves that offer a first-time safari traveler everything they'd need to have a memorable vacation.

In South Africa, many safari destinations can be reached with one easy flight from Johannesburg, which itself is reachable easily from North America . And the country offers a bit of everything, from Kruger National Park to high-end private reserves like Singita and Sabi Sands that are well-equipped to meet the needs and expectations of someone traveling on a safari for the first time.

Kenya is also relatively easy to reach from most of the world, and its capital of Nairobi is just about an hour away from the world-famous Maasai Mara where you can witness the Great Migration taking place -- typically during the months of July and August. And it's close to other countries like Uganda and Rwanda where you can partake in other unforgettable experiences like trekking with gorillas.

When's the best time to go on a safari?

Generally, it's best to plan a safari for the dry season. In South Africa , this typically means from July through October.

When it's rainy, animals have more land to spread out over, since water's far easier to come by. However, when water isn't as plentiful during the dry season, all sorts of animals are forced to converge around the same water holes, allowing travelers to see a far greater variety of animals.

Are there different kinds of safaris?

Yes, there are a wide range of experiences one can have on a safari vacation.

Besides the traditional game drive, there are night drives, walking safaris, water-based safaris and much more.

As du Toit explained during our conversation, night drives (something I have yet to do) are uniquely special because after the evening sundowner (an incredible experience in and of itself), you can observe animals doing things you'd never see during the day. Lions, for example, don't do a ton during the day. But at night, lions become more active, meaning you can possibly even follow them as they hunt for zebras or giraffes.

Walking safaris, born primarily in Zimbabwe and Zambia and found mostly in private reserves, are a way to connect to nature in a way you never thought was possible before. In some reserves, the entire, multiple-day safari is on foot -- allowing one to focus on their place in nature and find their balance with it.

There are also plenty of aerial safari experiences, like hot air balloon rides or even climbing sand dunes on the Skeleton Coast of Namibia to observe animals in the morning as they cast long shadows on the white sand. Or, you can experience a safari from the water in a place like the Okavango Delta in Botswana, where you see wildlife from a canoe-like boat and where the delta's water lilies are practically at eye-level.

A safari I'm particularly interested in going on is at the Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. These are four large pools, located on the banks of the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls. Here, according to du Toit, about 99% of the safari is on foot. You begin with a drive in the morning and then leave the vehicle behind and follow an animal -- or group of animals -- on foot for the rest of the day.

Should I take photos or live in the moment?

I was really curious for du Toit's take on the question of photography. He's a wildlife photographer after all, but I was curious if he thought first-time safari travelers should focus on the experience rather than concerning themselves with getting the perfect shot.

Du Toit, though, is in favor of photography, even on your first safari. He points out that today's technology makes it so easy to take photos, and if you decided to leave your camera at home, there will certainly be moments where you wish you hadn't.

Even if you're not an experienced photographer, you can rent cameras in many camera shops or even at some (not many) reserves. And some lodges even have their own photo studios where you can work with a member of staff to edit and even print off your photos, so you can travel home with your memories.

If you're going to buy a camera before embarking on a safari, du Toit recommends finding a mirrorless one -- they're the future of photography. They're lightweight and hardly make any noise, and ideal combination for a safari.

No matter what, have your phone with you. The camera technology found in today's smartphones is so strong and they make it incredibly easy to use. One tip from du Toit, though: Don't ever zoom.

The impact of safaris on the local economy and sustainability

Perhaps the most important thing I discussed with du Toit was the impact safaris have on the economies of many African nations as well as the positive effect they have on the sustainability and wellbeing of animals.

He explained that a total shutdown of tourism was quite possibly the worst-case scenario for the many areas in which safaris and reserves operate.

The lack of tourists occupying -- and spending money at -- the numerous safari lodges and reserves creates a situation where the properties are forced to lay off workers, leaving them without a salary and perhaps worse down the line -- without food. And then, many of these hungry former workers are desperate and turn to subsistence poaching to survive, which has disastrous effects on the ecosystem and exacerbates the already acute problems of criminal poaching and animal depopulation.

As this cycle continues, it becomes progressively harder for a given locality to break the chain, and groups dedicated to maintaining the wellbeing of animals are strained further.

All this is to say that these countries need tourists to return. Even if you don't feel it's right for your family right now, consider booking a trip further in the future. For those concerned about traveling amid COVID-19 , du Toit made a great point: Safari vacations are quite possibly the best types of trips to take if you want to remain distant from others. You arrive at the airport, are picked up by staff from the reserve and then driven to your destination where it's entirely possible you won't even encounter other guests.

And if it's the logistics you're concerned about, plenty of airlines -- particularly ones like Qatar Airways -- fly into many safari destinations in Africa regularly, so there's still more than enough opportunities to fly there in comfort and even some style.

Du Toit said it best: "Africa is ready and waiting."

© Saro17/Getty Images

There's nowhere like Africa for wildlife, wild lands and rich traditions that endure - prepare to fall in love.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Jardin Majorelle

Gueliz & Ville Nouvelle

French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé bought Jardin Majorelle in 1980 to preserve the vision of its original owner,…

Djemaa El Fna

Roll up, roll up for the greatest show on earth. Everywhere you look in Djemaa El Fna, Marrakesh’s main square (pronounced "jema" – the "d" is silent),…

Musée Yves Saint Laurent

This captivating museum, opened in 2017, showcases finely selected collections of haute couture clothing and accessories that span 40 years of creative…

Bahia Palace

La Bahia (The Beautiful) is an 8000-sq-metre, floor-to-ceiling extravagance of intricate marquetry, plasterwork and zouak (painted wood), and certainly…

Koutoubia Mosque

Five times a day, one voice rises above the din of Djemaa El Fna as the muezzin calls the faithful to prayer from the Koutoubia Mosque. The mosque's…

Saadian Tombs

Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Ed Dahbi was just as extravagant in death as he was in life. After the "golden king" built Badia Palace in the 16th…

Amun Temple Enclosure

Amun-Ra was the local god of Karnak (Luxor) and during the New Kingdom, when the princes of Thebes ruled Egypt, he became the preeminent state god, with a…

One of the finest Roman sites in existence, the ruins of Timgad stretch almost as far as the eye can see over a plain that in winter is cold and desolate…

Latest stories from Africa

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

National Parks

Apr 25, 2024 • 7 min read

The African elephant is perhaps the most enduring symbol of nature’s grace and fragility. Here’s where to spot one (or many) in the wild.

Apr 16, 2024 • 6 min read

Feb 20, 2024 • 17 min read

Dec 26, 2023 • 5 min read

Sep 29, 2023 • 9 min read

Aug 11, 2023 • 8 min read

Jun 2, 2023 • 8 min read

May 6, 2023 • 9 min read

Jan 12, 2023 • 9 min read

Dec 21, 2022 • 7 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Africa

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Africa with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Africa and beyond

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

This is the future of safaris in Africa

These five trends are transforming traditional safaris—for the better.

One of the last refuges for mountain gorillas is Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park , where nearby Singita Kwitonda Lodge is helping to protect the endangered animals through habitat restoration.

From emerging wildlife havens to women-led expeditions, safaris in Africa are no longer about hunting big game or having a camera-toting adventure led by male guides. The future of African safaris has arrived.

“Community conservancies like Naboisho in Kenya were an important turning point,” says Judy Kepher-Gona, one of Africa ’s top ecotourism experts. “Local villagers went from mostly being porters and cooks to becoming partners and leaders in protecting wildlife.” The results are impressive—conservancies in Kenya now encompass more than 15 million acres and protect some of the world’s rarest species, including the black rhino.

As governments have struggled to effectively manage their national parks, private organizations have also stepped in to help, including African Parks , a nonprofit group founded with the sole purpose of saving Africa’s parks and their wildlife by focusing on economic development and poverty alleviation. Success stories include Zakouma National Park, in Chad , which went from the edge of collapse to becoming a jewel in the crown of wildlife encounters today. “We are in a game-changing moment of innovation where local people and travelers alike are benefiting from a new safari vision,” says Keith Vincent, CEO of Wilderness Safaris, one of the continent’s most celebrated outfitters.

Going on safari may once have been about hunting. The safaris of today are about conservation—a good thing for local communities and the planet.

Female empowerment

From Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf , Africa’s first female president, to Kenyan conservation crusader Wangari Maathai , Africa has had no shortage of dynamic women leaders. And now a new generation of African women are making it known that they have what it takes to challenge gender norms in the safari industry.

“It was typical of men to insist that we did not possess the skills to be good guides,” says Tshepiso Vivian Diphupu, the head of Africa’s first all-female guide team at Botswana’s Chobe Game Lodge. “But in my experience, women are well suited to this work. We tend to be better communicators, are more sensitive to guests’ interests, and are confident and always willing to learn more.” Dubbed “Chobe’s Angels” by some, Diphupu and her colleagues, now 19 strong, are among the first—but not the only—women to break into what was once solely a fraternity.

Meet Zimbabwe’s formidable female rangers.

“My goal as a guide is to make every safari unique, educational, and fun,” says Maggie Duncan Simbeye, founder of Maggie’s Tour Company , one of the few safari companies owned by an African woman. “I have always loved nature, and my knowledge of plants and animals runs deep.” Working as a safari guide in Tanzania inspired Simbeye to establish the Dare Women’s Foundation , a local NGO working to empower women and girls to pursue their professional ambitions.

A southern white rhino is relocated from South Africa, a high poaching area, to Botswana, by Rhinos Without Borders , an organization co-founded by National Geographic explorers Dereck and Beverly Joubert.

Ecolodge Campi ya Kanzi , in southern Kenya’s Chyulu Hills, is part of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and collaborates with local Maasai in all aspects, from building to programming.

Community action

From the Maasai of Kenya to the Himba in Namibia , indigenous people have long lived in balanced coexistence with nature. “We established the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust on our ancestral land, near Mount Kilimanjaro, to protect nature and share our traditional way of life with visitors in a more direct and meaningful way,” says chairman Samson Parashina, a Maasai elder recognized by the United Nations in 2012 as one of six Champions of the Earth .

Guests stay at Campi ya Kanzi , an ecolodge in the heart of the trust’s 300,000 acres of community conservancy land, where lions, eland, and other big game roam between Kenya’s Amboseli and Tsavo national parks. “Conservancies are redefining safaris, both in terms of saving wildlife and in offering innovative guest experiences,” says Ashish Sanghrajka, president of Big Five Tours and Expeditions. Sanghrajka specializes in itineraries that support indigenous communities. “It is about being on the forefront of conservation today and also offering a great wildlife adventure. Conservancies are where the two meet.”

Anti-poaching innovations

By 2030, tourism to Africa is projected to generate more than $260 billion annually; photographic safaris are driving much of that economic growth—a vital source of jobs for locals. With so much at stake, safari companies are now funding some of Africa’s most innovative anti-poaching efforts to protect wildlife.

Take the Anatolian shepherd dog project at Bushmans Kloof , a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, in South Africa’s Cederberg Mountains. “The Cape leopard is one of the world’s most threatened big cats, because livestock farmers kill them trying to defend their flocks. We learned that Anatolian shepherd dogs instinctually protect sheep and goats from predators,” says Brett Tollman, CEO of The Travel Corporation, of which Bushmans Kloof is a part. “So we donated these beautiful canines to local villagers to protect their livestock. And where we have introduced the Anatolian dogs, the result has been a dramatic decrease in poaching of Cape leopards.”

Here’s how to take a solo safari in South Africa’s wild grasslands.

Emerging destinations

Chad may qualify as Africa’s least known safari destination, but Zakouma National Park , one of National Geographic’s Best Trips 2020 , is changing that. “I have spent 30 years as a private guide throughout Africa, and Zakouma is one of the most amazing wildlife spectacles I have witnessed. Nothing prepares you for the sight of millions of red-billed queleas taking flight at sunrise and elephant herds almost too numerous to count,” says Michael Lorentz, owner of Passage to Africa.

More intrepid wildlife lovers are also heading to Madagascar , home to tens of thousands of flora and fauna species. Seventy percent of these, including almost all of the world’s lemurs, are found no place else. The third largest coral reef system in the world thrives here as well.

Explore 17 unforgettable safaris.

Then there is the west coast of Africa, never really considered a viable safari destination, until the likes of National Geographic explorer Michael Fay led an expedition to Gabon and witnessed hippos swimming in the sea, elephants roaming white sand beaches, and large gatherings of gorillas in jungle clearings.

Zakouma National Park is beginning to draw more adventurous safari-goers to Chad. Founded in 1963, the park covers more than 1,100 square miles and hosts nearly 400 bird species, inlcuding black crowned cranes.

Sustainable sightings

The contradiction between celebrating nature and adding more pollution to the planet has not been lost on the growing number of today’s more sustainably minded travelers. In 2020, Xigera Safari Lodge will reopen in the biodiverse bonanza of the Okavango, powered by a 4,000-plus-kilowatt solar farm. A Tesla lithium-ion battery system will sport charging points for electric safari vehicles. It will also be free of single-use plastic. “Our aim is to create the eco-luxury safari lodge of the future,” says managing director Mike Myers.

Read how a journey into the Okavango Delta changed these conservationists.

In Rwanda , one of the last strongholds of the endangered mountain gorilla, Singita Kwitonda Lodge is also taking sustainability to the next level. Natural materials were used to build the walls, and an innovative ventilation system draws in fresh air to cool the rooms, eliminating the need for energy-intensive air-conditioning.

In Namibia , andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is located in the continent’s only dark sky reserve. “Deserts are particularly fragile ecologically. We have not only taken care to cause as little impact as possible during construction, but we also have a full recovery program once the build is complete,” says Joss Kent, CEO of andBeyond.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Related Topics

• SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
• ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION
• WILDLIFE WATCHING

You May Also Like

Looking for a truly remote, off-the-grid adventure? Try Panama.

Meet the safari guide empowering women in East Africa

For hungry minds.

Maasai Mara & beyond: 5 must-see safari parks in Kenya

A guide to organising your second safari in Tanzania

Free roam safari: a self-guided campervanning trip through South Africa & Eswatini

A beginner's budget self-drive safari in the Kruger National Park, South Africa

Urban safari: explore the nature of South Australia and Western Australia’s cities

• Environment

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• History Magazine
• Gory Details
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Paid Content
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

• Client Reviews
• Safari Blog
• Send an Inquiry
• Map of Africa
• Contact Details
• African Safari Cost
• Travel Insurance
• You are here 
• The Budget Safari Blog
• What’s a safari and…

What’s a safari and what is a wildlife safari in Africa like nowadays?

Posted by Landia Davies on May 06 2022 in OLD African Safaris & Tours Enquire Now!

Of course, you've heard about African safaris and seen photos of celebs looking glamorous on safari in Africa. But, what is a safari really? And what is a wildlife safari in Africa like for the regular 21st-century traveller?

Here, we'll tell you all about African safaris and explain what a wildlife safari in Africa is like for most travellers nowadays. By the end of this post, you'll know what to expect on a wildlife safari in Africa today. 

What is a safari?

A safari is a journey.

In the broadest sense, to go on safari is simply  to travel . More specifically, a safari is a journey that involves going into nature to watch wild animals.

The roots of the word safari  are Arabic (and later Swahili), but the modern concept of a safari originated in Africa. Today safari is synonymous with Africa.

Can you only safari in Africa or can you go on safari outside of Africa?

Yes, safari is an African thing. Although you can go on a safari-style trip in places outside of Africa, safaris are essentially African. 

Africa is the home of the safari. This is where the classical idea of the wildlife safari was born and evolved. The safari is firmly rooted in Africa.

That said, you can go on 'safari' in Australia, India, Canada, the United States, and other countries. Of course, there are wilderness areas where you can see wild animals, all over the world. But, none of the wild places outside of Africa are quintessential safari territory. Elsewhere you find wildlife expeditions or wildlife tours (safari-style trips).

You can take trips into the wilderness anywhere, but you can only truly go on safari in Africa. 

What is a safari in Africa, then?

A safari is the most famous and sought-after type of holiday in Africa. Going on safari is widely considered the ultimate 'thing to do' in Africa. Usually, a safari in Africa implies a wildlife safari. 

In essence, an African safari is any journey into the wilderness to observe free-roaming wildlife.

This traditional definition of a safari in Africa has expanded over time, however. Nowadays any trip in Africa where you spend some time in nature looking at free-roaming animals can be called a safari. 

In summary, a safari is a journey (or expedition) to look at wild animals, especially in East Africa and southern Africa. 

A safari in Africa is not...

A wildlife safari in Africa is not a trip reserved for khaki-clad bushwhackers and experienced game rangers or scientists. You don't have to be an outdoorsman like Bear Grylls to love your time on safari. Just about anyone can thoroughly enjoy an African safari in the travel style that suits them best.

A safari is not the same as a tour of a wildlife sanctuary or animal rescue centre. Even in Africa, visits to wildlife havens or shelters are not safaris.

A trip to an African zoo is not a safari. A wine tasting tour in the Cape Winelands is not a safari. A township tour? No. A trip to meet the Omo Valley tribes in Ethiopia? Technically, not a safari. A road trip in Namibia? Also, strictly speaking not a safari - unless you visit a game park with wildlife, like Etosha.

An African safari is still different from a city holiday, beach vacation, historical tour, or cultural trip in Africa.

In Africa, a holiday only becomes a safari when you add an element of wildlife watching in nature. Be it game viewing by 4x4 safari vehicle, boat, canoe, small plane, or on foot, to name a few. Based on this broader definition of safari, boat trips and marine tours are often classed as 'ocean safaris'. 

First, let's take a look at the traditional African safari and how it has evolved...

What does the word safari mean? (the origins of safari)

The word 'safari' originates from the Arabic word 'safara' which means 'a journey'. The Arabic word was later adopted by the Swahili of East Africa and adapted to become the Swahili word 'safariya' which means 'journey' or 'kusafiri' which means 'to travel'.

The English word 'safari' originates from the late 19th century. The word 'safari' was introduced into the English language as a foreign language word in 1858 and later adopted as an English word. It is said that the word 'safari' was introduced into the English language in 1860 by the legendary British explorer, Sir Richard Francis Burton. Then, in 1890 the English word 'safari' was added to dictionaries according to the  Online Etymology Dictionary .

Today, traditional dictionary definitions of 'safari' still often include a component of hunting:

"...an expedition to observe or hunt animals in their natural habitat, especially in East Africa." and "A trip into any undeveloped area to see, photograph or hunt wild animals in their own environment."

Forget the old concept of a wildlife safari as a hunting trip - that outdated usage is history! 

Safari now refers to an adventure or expedition into the wilds of Africa - with no hunting involved. African safari travel typically provides revenue for local conservation projects and game parks, helping to protect habitats and wildlife, rather than taking them out. African safaris also play an important role in creating awareness about wildlife conservation, as well as benefiting local communities. 

A more modern definition of safari is, simply:

A safari (/səˈfɑːri/; from Swahili safari 'journey') is an overland journey to observe wild animals, especially in eastern or southern Africa. (Wikipedia) 

The history of African safaris

The modern concept of the safari can be traced back to the early colonial era in Africa, from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. With the arrival of the first European explorers and colonizers came the first safari-style expeditions. Some of them aimed at exploring new territories, many for the express purpose of hunting animals.

On these early European-led expeditions, big game (large animals) were hunted and arduously lugged overland by a small army of local tribespeople.

Later, US President Teddy Roosevelt popularized the concept in the United States, when he embarked on a safari of enormous proportions , ostensibly with the aim of filling the Smithsonian Institute with African specimens. Some 11,400 Animals fell to the party's rifles, of which 512 were 'big game' - elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, and rhinos, including six white rhinos - rare even at that time.

Fast-forward to today and you will find that hunting is no longer part of most safaris in Africa. Thankfully the primitive pastime of hunting is largely something of the past. It is not the norm anymore and the vast majority of Africa has long moved on from this colonial-era practice.

Note:  African Budget Safaris absolutely does not promote or sell hunting safaris, nor do we endorse hunting for sport. If you are contemplating a hunting safari, please consider opting for a wildlife-viewing safari instead.

The modern wildlife safari, making a difference in Africa

These days, most people have left the negative hunting connotations of safari travel behind. The outdated ideas of African safaris as hunting trips have largely been replaced by more modern concepts of wildlife safaris. The norm for a safari in Africa is now a socially and environmentally responsible form of travel. 

Nowadays going on safari in Africa means taking an adventurous holiday and having a positive impact at the same time. Wildlife safaris now play a key role in sustaining African economies and protecting wildlife populations. So taking a safari holiday helps make a meaningful difference.

African safaris have become holiday trips that actually benefit the wildlife of Africa. As opposed to hunting wild animals, visitors get to encounter them and help protect them. Most safari tour companies and lodges either actively support (or run) conservation projects, or help generate tourism revenue which contributes to managing wildlife projects and game reserves in Africa.

Eco-safaris & eco-friendly safari travel in Africa

As environmental awareness has grown worldwide, African safaris have become more eco-friendly. Many safari lodges and tour companies have become more environmentally friendly in response to the sustainability challenges we face today.

Finding an eco-safari lodge or a low-impact safari in Africa is easier than ever before. Even the camps and safaris that aren't marketed as being 'green' or eco-friendly often are, in at least some important respects. The camps and lodges located in wilderness areas or national parks, for instance, are typically designed to have minimal impact on the environment and be as self-sufficient as possible due to their remote locations, national laws, and park regulations. 

For eco-friendly safaris that reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to environmental sustainability, talk to us.

• More about eco-safaris in Going Green on Safari  and  Spectacular Eco-Conscious Safari Spots

Socially responsible safari travel in Africa

The modern African safari is a socially responsible journey. Not as an exception but as the norm. Not only does safari travel contribute massively to African economies and provide jobs, but it also helps improve social conditions. 

Local communities across Africa benefit from sustainable tourism through social initiatives created and/or supported by safari organizations - from tour companies and lodges to activity providers, and game reserves. Safari travel also helps sustain small businesses and entrepreneurs selling goods (like local food, crafts, and curios) or providing services (such as guiding and entertainment).

Some safari companies directly support social upliftment projects and provide opportunities to interact with the local people. Others support local communities through the lodges, game reserves, and other companies they use.

• More about socially sustainable safaris in  Responsible Safari: how to travel ethically

Safari travel's critical role in social and economic development

Africa's travel and tourism sector (of which the safari industry is an integral part) "employed more than 24 million people in 2019" based on World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reports.

In particular, Africa's wildlife tourism industry, " usually generates $29 billion a year and employs 3.6 million people"  according to Bloomberg (2020).

The safari industry generates some $12.4 billion in annual revenues for South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania Uganda and Zambia - Africa’s top wildlife tourist destinations. (Reuters, 2020)

South Africa (which has the second-largest tourism industry in Africa) "relies on the tourism industry to indirectly contribute up to 9.1% of the country’s total employment – 1.5 million people – and 7% of its GDP" (Investment Monitor, 2021).

It is clear that safari travel plays a critical role in social and economic development in Africa. Not only through social upliftment and outreach programs but by producing substantial revenue and employment.

"During the past two decades, the hospitality industry has become vital to many African economies. In 2019 it accounted for approximately 7% of Africa’s overall GDP and contributed $169bn to its economy... according to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank". (Investment Monitor, 2021)

In short, safari tourism "helps governments justify protecting wildlife habitat,” and “creates revenue for state wildlife authorities, generates foreign-exchange earnings, diversifies and strengthens local economies.” (Bloomberg 2020).

What African Safaris are all about these days

Today African safaris are holiday trips primarily aimed at watching and photographing wildlife in the bush, for fun.

Safari travel in contemporary Africa still implies game viewing and time in wilderness areas (game reserves, wildlife conservancies, and national parks). A traditional African safari is still focused on seeing African wildlife, but safaris are definitely not limited to game viewing.

In addition to game viewing and wildlife tracking, African safaris nowadays are about:

• the experience of being out in the bush (wilderness)
• exploring scenic places and natural wonders
• encountering the local cultures of Africa (old and new)
• visiting historical attractions and sightseeing
• volunteering and supporting good causes
• participating in adventure and outdoor activities ( adventure travel )

Once you're in the wilderness the safari truly begins. You'll spend most of your time enjoying untamed nature at the camps and watching animals in the wild.

Different kinds of safari trips offer a variety of ways to explore the wilderness and look for wildlife and birds. You can choose to explore by riverboat or canoe, on foot or by mountain bike, on horseback (even camelback) or quad-bike. The possibilities are endless with so many specialist safaris to choose from in Africa.

Big 5 Safaris in Africa, explained

The term 'Big Five' was originally coined by big-game hunters to refer to the most dangerous animals to hunt in Africa in the late 1800s.

Today, however, the Big 5 of Africa are the top animals that tourists want to see on wildlife safaris. The iconic African animals of the Big 5 are lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos.

Out of the Big 5 safari animals, only the buffalo is not threatened or endangered. Encountering the Big 5 African animals is now (usually) about the joy of observing them in their natural environment, learning about them, and taking photographs of them. A Big 5 safari is merely a wildlife safari that is focused on seeing and photographing the Big 5 animals of Africa in the wild.

What is a safari now? (in a nutshell)

The African safari has earned a new reputation. By large, the safari has evolved into a socially and environmentally responsible (often beneficial) style of travel in Africa.

Contemporary safaris encompass much more than the unforgettable experience of game viewing and staying in the bush. The 21st-century African safari combines wildlife encounters with a variety of fascinating and exciting travel adventures - from city stays and cultural interactions to beach getaways.

To plan your African safari adventures now, talk to one of our friendly travel experts .

Budget African Safaris to the best travel destinations

Southern africa safari & travel highlights:.

• Botswana Safari  - Chobe Park, Okavango Delta, Moremi, Kalahari & Makgadikgadi
• Namibia Safari  - Etosha Park, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Fish River Canyon & Windhoek
• South Africa Safari  - Kruger Park, Cape Town, Garden Route, Addo Elephant Park & KwaZulu-Natal 
• Zimbabwe Safari  - Hwange Park, Victoria Falls, Matobo National Park & Great Zimbabwe Ruins
• Zambia Safari  - Victoria Falls, South Luangwa Park, Kafue National Park & Livingstone

East African Safari & Travel Highlights:

• Tanzania Safari  - Serengeti Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara, Selous Reserve & Zanzibar Islands
• Kenya Safari  - Masai Mara, Amboseli Park, Lake Nakuru, Samburu Reserve, Tsavo National Park & Lake Naivasha
• Uganda Safari  - Bwindi National Park, Kibale Park, Murchison Falls, Jinja & Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Madagascar Tours  - Nosy Be Island, Andasibe Park, Montagne d'Ambre National Park & Masoala Peninsula
• Malawi Safari  - Lake Malawi, Dzalanyama Forest, Liwonde Park & Nyika National Park

Too many African Safari options? Get in touch with us for up-to-date advice from one of our African safaris experts

“If there were one more thing I could do, it would be to go on safari once again.” - Karen Blixen (Author of “Out of Africa”)

[Article updated in May 2022]

If you liked this post, these trips cover similar ground…

• South Africa Walking Safari to Kruger & Zululand
• 8 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari from Kampala (Lodge Overland Tour)
• 9 Day Budget Masai Mara & Serengeti Safari - Tanzania & Kenya
• 3 Day Kruger Safari & Private Reserves Camping Tour
• Best of South Africa Safari Tour - Johannesburg to Cape Town

About the Author

Landia davies content manager & sculptor.

Similar & Related Blog Posts

Below you’ll find further reading and articles related or similar to this post.

How Much Does an African Safari Cost? Your Budget Africa Safari Guide

Luke Hardiman | August 28 2023

When is the all-round best time for African safari trips?

Ingrid Van Wyk | December 08 2020

What are Africa Overland Tours & Adventures all about?

Landia Davies | August 21 2018

10 Best National Parks in Africa - in the Top African Safari Countries

Landia Davies | March 05 2024

The Best Beaches to visit on African Safaris

Landia Davies | August 01 2012

Best Cape Town Safari: Big 5 game reserves near the city (on a budget)

Landia Davies | April 01 2024

11 Reasons to go on an African Safari

Landia Davies | July 21 2011

Most Endangered Animals in Africa - Where to See them & How to Help

African Safaris for Seniors? Safe & easy budget senior tours

Andrew Hofmeyr | January 16 2019

Size Up Africa Overland Safaris - Small vs Big

Landia Davies | July 30 2013

African safaris with kids made easy: top tips for the best family safari

Katherine Murphy | August 14 2018

Private Tours & Custom Safaris in Africa (on a budget)

Andrew Hofmeyr | July 05 2017

Private Group?

A private, tailor-made safari is within your reach. Experience all of your bucket-list safari related items on a budget now.

Top Destinations

Victoria Falls Chobe National Park Okavango Delta Kruger National Park Cape Town

Southern Africa

Zimbabwe Botswana South Africa Namibia Zambia Mozambique

East Africa

Tanzania Kenya Uganda Rwanda

Indian Oceans

Zanzibar Bararuto Archipelago Quirimbas Archipelago

We Recommend

Kruger national park.

Victoria Falls Chobe National Park Okavango Delta Kruger National Park

Featured Tours & Safari Packages

Okavango Delta & Chobe Okavango Delta & Moremi Victoria Falls Conservation Safari Kruger Ecotourism Safari Chobe, Okavango Delta & Moremi Southern Africa Ecotourism Safari

6 Night Chobe, Okavango Delta & Moremi Safari

Featured experiences.

Victoria Falls Guided Tour Flight Of Angels Zambezi River Cruise Mokoro Experience Local Community Visit Chobe Game Drive

Visit The Victoria Falls

Chobe safari lodge.

[email protected] Monday To Friday: 08:00 - 17:00

Community Support Making A Difference Financial Protection Privacy Policy

We Are Social

Responsibility, ecotourism in africa.

There's an amazing africa to discover out there

When you travel with us, you are endorsing a commitment towards a greener tomorrow. we invite you to join the growing voice of ecotourism in africa..

Destinations

Experiences, life-changing experiences, matriarch brings you closer to africa, its people, their culture and their way of life. when you travel with us, we don't just create life-changing experiences, we change the lives of those that make africa worth exploring..

Matriarch Africa focuses on ecotourism & conservation-conscious safari experiences that promote positive action & raise awareness of wildlife conservation & community empowerment initiatives across Africa. Travelling with us, you are more than just a conscious traveller. You are an active contributor to protecting the natural heritage of some of Africa’s last remaining wilderness areas.

So, where to next?

Explore Africa with us as we create journeys that change lives and inspire positive action.

Making a difference

When you book with us, you are contributing directly towards a better tomorrow for the commmunities and wildlife of africa., tours & safaris, our tours & safaris are intended as low-impact and small scale alternatives to standard commercial mass tourism., where to go, visit must see destinations around africa., supporting ecotourism and conservation efforts around africa., places to stay, we have an excellent network of spectacular eco-friendly hotels, lodges and guesthouses, which are selected according to our high standards., get to know africa on a personal level & meet the people who call it their home..

Matriarch Africa gather trips together so you can spend less time searching and more time dreaming about where you’ll go next. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.

3 Night Victoria Falls Walking Safari Under Canvas

3 Nights | Victoria Falls Spend 3 nights on a mobile walking safari in Victoria Falls. Experience the best that Victoria Falls has to offer as you explore the wildlife rich Zambezi National Park on foot and under canvas.

3 Night Kruger Ecotourism Safari

3 Nights | Kruger National Park Spend 3 nights in the Southern Kruger National Park and see the big five in South Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuary on this Kruger Ecotourism safari.

10 Night Southern Africa Ecotourism Safari

10 Nights | Sabi Sand, Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta, Cape Town Visit the magnificent wildlife destinations of Southern Africa on this Southern African Ecotourism safari. Visit South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana.

3 Night Victoria Falls Conservation Safari

3 Nights | Victoria Falls Spend 3 nights exploring the cultural side of Victoria Falls and lend a hand in wildlife conservation on this Victoria Falls conservation safari.

8 Night Chobe, Okavango Delta & Moremi Safari

8 Nights | Chobe, Okavango, Moremi Enjoy 8 nights exploring Botswana’s most popular Ecotourism safari destinations. Visit the Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta & Moremi Game Reserve.

3 Night Victoria Falls Ecotourism Safari

3 Nights | Victoria Falls Spend 3 nights in Victoria Falls at the famous Victoria Falls Hotel. Get the most out of your stay in Victoria Falls with this all inclusive Eco-friendly safari package that includes all the essential Victoria Falls attractions.

6 Night Okavango Delta & Moremi Safari

6 Nights | Okavango, Moremi Spend 6 nights on safari exploring the Okavango Delta region in Botswana with this Eco-friendly Safari Package. Book Ecotourism with Conscious Traveller.

6 Night Chobe, Okavango Delta & Moremi Safari

6 Nights | Chobe, Okavango, Moremi Enjoy 6 nights exploring some of Botswana’s most popular safari destinations. Visit the Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta & Moremi Game Reserve.

Okavango Delta & Chobe

4 Nights | Okavango, Chobe Spend 4 nights on safari in Botswana with this Eco-friendly Okavango Delta & Chobe Safari Package. Book with Conscious Traveller and support Ecotourism.

Okavango Delta & Moremi

4 Nights | Okavango, Moremi Spend 4 nights on safari in Botswana with this Eco-friendly Okavango Delta & Moremi Safari Package. Book with Conscious Traveller and support Ecotourism.

We will introduce you to the most beautiful places in Africa. And through discovering Africa's iconic destinations, as well as some of the most remote and pristine areas, you will be supporting conservation projects across the continent.

Okavango Delta

Botswana The Okavango Delta. A maze of sparkling lagoons, meandering channels and overgrown islands teeming with wildlife. Explore the Okavango Delta with us.

Victoria Falls

Zimbabwe Visit Victoria Falls, one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Book a Victoria Falls Safari with Conscious Traveller to endorse Ecotourism in Victoria Falls.

South Africa

Tanzania Zanzibar is an island steeped in culture and history – an Ecotourism destination which brought adventurers, seafarers and traders from far and wide.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Uganda An ancient rain forest, the Bwindi Impenetrable Ecotourism Forest extends over a series of steep ridges in the Virunga Volcanoes mountain range.

Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda Situated in the far northwest corner of Rwanda, Volcanoes Ecotourism National Park protects the steep rainforested slopes of the magnificent Virungas mountain range.

Etosha National Park

Namibia Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s great wildlife parks and Namibia’s prime wilderness and Ecotourism conservation area.

Skeleton Coast

Namibia Few attractions are as atmospheric as the haunting Skeleton Coast. Visit the Skeleton Coast in Namibia’s remote western coastline for an Ecotourism safari.

Frequently Asked Questions

About ecotourism in africa.

Ecotourism in Africa is tourism directed towards natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife. Ecotourism is a form of tourism in Africa involving visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively undisturbed natural areas, intended as a low-impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial mass tourism. It means responsible travel to natural areas conserving the environment and improving the well-being of the local people. Ecotourism's purpose may be to educate travellers, provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and rights. Ecotourism has been considered a critical endeavour by environmentalists, so that future generations may experience destinations relatively untouched by human intervention.

Greenwashing is the practice of making an unsubstantiated or misleading claim about the environmental benefits of a product, service, technology or company practice.

Greenwashing can make a company appear to be more environmentally friendly than it really is. It can also be used to differentiate a company's products or services from its competitors by promising more efficient use of power or by being more cost-effective over time.

At Matriarch Africa we ensure that the safari experiences we suggest an genuinely eco-friendly and follow Ecotourism guidelines.

Matriarch Africa is dedicated to conserving and restoring Africa’s wilderness and wildlife. We do this by creating life-changing journeys for our guests in some of the most remote and pristine areas in Africa – and in so doing help conserve Africa’s spectacular biodiversity and share ecotourism’s benefits with the communities that live alongside these areas.

Behind every itinerary there is a purpose. That purpose is aimed at conserving Africa’s wilderness and wildlife and including local communities in this process. All our itineraries are aimed at creating journeys that change lives and inspire positive action.

By just travelling with Matriarch Africa you are already making a difference in the areas that you visit. But if you would like to make additional contributions please contact us to discuss the specific needs of the communities and wildlife in the areas we operate in.

Behind every itinerary there is a purpose. Behind every purpose is an experience, and behind every experience is a story. This is our story. A story of conservation and community and life changing experiences in the wildest placeson earth. When you travel with Matriarch Africa, we dont just create life changing experiences, we change the lives of those that make Africa worth visiting.

Our African Ecotourism Partners

Africa is about who you know and we have partnered with the best in African Ecotourism to ensure your dream trip is in safe hands.

Matriarch Africa

Luxury Africa Ecotourism Safaris

Zimbabwe Botswana South Africa Namibia Zambia Mozambique Tanzania Kenya Uganda Rwanda

Victoria Falls Chobe National Park Okavango Delta Kruger National Park Conference Packages Chobe activities • Chobe game drive • Chobe river cruise

Why book with us?

• Support African Communities • Africa Ecotourism Safaris • Support Wildlife Conservation • Support Environmental Sustainability • Support Community Empowerment • 100% Financial Protection • Easy Payment Options

E: [email protected] OFFICE HOURS Monday to Friday: 08:00 - 17:00

© 2024. All rights reserved. Matriarch Africa | Terms & Conditions | Privacy policy

Search destinations, tours, experiences & accommodation

[email protected], monday to friday: 08:00 - 17:00, enquire now, lets talk about your trip.

• Hidden Enquiry page
• I'm interested in...
• I would like to enquire about something else!
• Hidden Where would you like to visit? Okavango Delta Victoria Falls Chobe National Park Kruger National Park Cape Town Zanzibar Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Volcanoes National Park Etosha National Park Skeleton Coast Sossusvlei Desert Ngorongoro Crater Masai Mara National Park South Luangwa National Park Lower Zambezi National Park Livingstone Vilanculos Bazaruto Archipelago Quirimbas Archipelago Phinda Private Game Reserve Cape Winelands Mana Pools Lake Kariba Hwange National Park Select 1 or more destinations
• Arrival date DD slash MM slash YYYY
• Number of nights Number of nights 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20 +

Who will you be travelling with?

• Number of Adults Number of Adults (12+) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10+
• Number of Children (U12) Number of Children (U12) 0 1 2 3 4 5 5+
• Age of child 1 Age of child 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
• Age of child 2 Age of child 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
• Age of child 3 Age of child 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
• Age of child 4 Age of child 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
• Age of child 5 Age of child 5 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
• Hidden What type of holiday are you looking for? Please select Best of the best Comfortable but good value I am on a budget
• Tell us more about your travel plans

How can we get hold of you?

• Name First Name Last Name
• Nationality Country Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

I visited 5 of the best safari parks in Africa. The trip was filled with surprises, and there are a few things I wish I'd known before leaving.

• I visited five of Kenya's best safari parks to see some of  Africa's most famous animals in the wild.
• There were many aspects of the safari that surprised me despite the research I did before my trip.
• I was surprised by many things, including how long I spent sitting in safari cars. 

Seeing some of Africa's most famous animals in the wild has been on my bucket list for years. With adventure travel on the rise, I decided to take the plunge and make the 20+ hour flight to Africa to visit some of Kenya's best safari parks.

Masai Mara is arguably the most famous for big-cat sightings, but Amboseli National Park , Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, Nairobi National Park, and Hell's Gate National Park are also must-see reserves teeming with wildlife.

I did lots of research beforehand but found I was unprepared for many things I experienced while on safari — and there are things I'll definitely do differently the next time I go.

From what I should have worn to what seeing the animals was really like, here's what surprised me most about going on safari in Kenya.

I sat in the safari vehicle for about 8 hours every day

Between a morning and afternoon game drive, I spent about eight hours in the car daily. It was shocking to see the low number of daily steps on my Oura ring.

I started doing yoga at the end of the night to loosen up my hips. My airplane pillow also helped me stay comfortable, especially during the seven-hour drives to other parks.

My shoes were off for most of the drives

In hindsight, I should have worn sandals on my drives. Most safari vehicles have small windows and a top that lifts up, and you're frequently standing on the chairs to get a better view.

We took off our shoes when we got into the car so we were ready to hop up on the chairs at a moment's notice.

I had lots of early mornings and bedtimes.

The best times for safaris are in the mornings and at dusk, and sometimes, we had 4 a.m. start times. The lack of sleep , paired with the heat, made me eager to get to bed early.

I'm not a morning person, but I preferred the early drives for the animal activity (and incredible sunrises) we saw. We used the less-ideal safari hours during the day to nap, do other activities in the area, or drive to other parks.

Many animals can be difficult to spot due to distance or camouflage

We had our fair share of close-up sightings, but many of the animals we wanted to see were far away and sometimes not immediately obvious to the naked eye.

We ditched our iPhones and used binoculars and someone's camera viewfinder to get a closer look.

A pair of binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens are essential for getting the best view (and pictures) possible.

There were long periods of time with minimal animal sightings

Safari drives can be frustrating because you can't control what animals you'll see, how far away they are, and how long the sighting will last. But being patient can be rewarding.

During one dusk drive, we spent three hours searching for a pride of lions without any luck. Finally, as the sun set in the last half hour, we stumbled upon three female lions napping, a leopard, and giraffes.

Many of the animals are sleeping during the day

I expected to see animals moving around or hunting, but many were resting during the day. It was only when dusk approached that they started to slowly stake out a spot by the grazing herds.

If I go on safari again, I'll book a night drive so I can see how the lions and other animals act during their peak hours of activity.

My view was largely out of my control

Whenever a less common animal like a lion or cheetah is spotted, a traffic jam of safari vehicles speed over and line up, vying for the best view.

What you see — and sometimes, if you see anything at all — can depend on your driver and what vantage point they can get.

Your view can also depend on your position in the car. I spent a lot of time scrambling around to catch a sighting (and a photo, if I was lucky).

Prey is plentiful, but seeing any action is unlikely

Gazelles and impalas were everywhere, so it was surprising to learn that the lions might not eat for days.

Our driver told us the best thing he's seen on safari was a cheetah hunting a gazelle, and then a pride of lions swooping in to steal his meal. However, these kinds of sightings are rare.

Predators need to consider everything from the direction the wind is blowing to the length of the grass when trying to sneak up on their prey. Many hunts are unsuccessful, so seeing one in person is unlikely.

If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow Business Insider on Microsoft Start.

UC Berkeley’s Premier Undergraduate Economics Journal

Tourist Economy: The Impact of Safari in Developing African Countries

FELIX ZHANG – SEPTEMBER 6, 2023 EDITOR: ARYAN SHAFAT

Overview of Safari

From a distance, the cluster of palm trees in the Kenyan plains seems like an oasis. The verdant green colors stand out in the late summer landscape that has faced a particularly dry August. Going closer to the grove, it becomes clear that this is not a natural oasis, but instead a man-made resort that is designed to provide all the comforts of luxury while getting wealthy international tourists up close to Africa’s abundant wildlife. In Kenya, where roughly 8% of total GDP in 2019 came from the safari-driven tourism industry, safari is not just another experience, but an integral part of the national economy. Kenya is not alone when it comes to having a robust safari industry; in countries like Botswana and South Africa , safari is also a crucial stream of income while serving as a tool for public image and government diplomacy. 

Across Kenya’s southern border in Tanzania, a 2014 study found that the safari industry accounted for 345,000 jobs in 2011, including nature guides, service staff working in hotels and resorts, drivers, and conservationists. Like Kenya, Tanzania’s economy is also heavily reliant on its tourism industry. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic impacted international tourism, 10.6% of the country’s total GDP came from the tourism sector, with 2022 revenues nearly recovering to that point. 

Annually, the safari industry has generated over $12 billion in revenues for Africa’s top wildlife destinations. This is not to mention the revenue earned by other service and hospitality industries that benefit as proxies of safari tourism. For many rural Africans, safari is the single most important source of income, with the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrating safari’s net economic impact. The pandemic led to a 93% decrease in tourist arrivals, forcing the majority of safari companies to lay off employees and cancel planned tours and trips. Because each safari job in Africa supports 8 to 10 dependents , a downward trend in safari sales could cause trickle-down effects for families and communities. The safari powerhouse of Kenya saw a loss of over $1 billion in tourism revenues in 2020 alone, and in some parts of safari-reliant Africa, subsistence poaching increased by up to 200% as individuals required food and income to weather the virus-driven downturn. 

Safari is so crucial to rural Africa because of a lack of other reliable jobs. The land is generally not fertile enough to turn a profit on agriculture , and the developing nature of many of Africa’s economies means that rural areas often get left behind when countries consider how to grow and expand. Additionally, in most of these countries, there is a lack of a strong social safety net , meaning that a steady stream of tourists is analogous to a steady stream of income. 

Therefore, it becomes clear that safari is a crucial component to financing community wide projects that can help lift villages out of poverty. Traditionally, tourism funds have led to community development programs, including the construction of schools and health clinics, which could prove crucial in providing economic opportunities for the next generation of rural Africans. As part of a continent wide initiative, the African Continental Free Trade Area has identified tourism as a priority sector to increase intra-regional trade. Continent wide reforms to make travel easier and more affordable for both domestic and international tourists can prove crucial for lower to middle income sub-saharan countries by improving the business environment, generating improved infrastructure, and leading to a more unified continental economy. While safari will be crucial to African economic development, countries must also recognize the volatility of relying on the tourism sector, as exemplified by the pandemic. It is important for safari to be a component of African economic growth, but in conjunction with development in other sectors. Investing safari funds towards community development projects is one way to generate more jobs, higher educational outcomes, and bring economic diversification in currently safari-reliant regions.

Safari and Conservation

Following the decolonization of Africa in the second half of the 20th century, local governments began protecting wildlife , realizing the need to preserve their most valuable assets for future generations. While this forced many local tribes to adapt their customs of hunting game, it also gave rise to a lucrative and environmentally degrading poaching industry.

While the poaching industry has been declining in recent years due to stronger regulations and improved patrolling, experts fear that the lack of economic inflows due to the continuing impacts of the pandemic could reaggravate poaching as a desperate means to make money. The pandemic has exasperated this issue, but poaching has historically been an in demand profession for many of the rural poor in Africa. Rhino horn, for example, has experienced high demand from the east Asian market for perceived medicinal benefits, causing it to sometimes be worth more than diamonds by weight. Therefore, some rural Africans may risk getting into trouble with rules and regulations because of the potential economic implications from selling rhino horn or authentic elephant ivory.

 More recently, safaris have begun to take a more conservationist approach, with a generation of more socially conscious travelers visiting the African continent. However, while many lodges now offer programs such as allotting a certain percentage of revenues towards conservationist efforts, safaris may still have a negative impact on native African wildlife. Some experts fear that safaris may distort natural animal behaviors, as the process of going on a safari involves actively looking to observe and photograph wildlife. While the ethics of safari for animals are not clear cut, the revenues generated from safaris end up incentivizing the  preservation of local African wildlife, due to preservation’s associated economic benefits.

Safari and People

It is impossible to discuss the economic implications of safari without considering its impact on the people of Africa. The first safari tourists who began to visit Africa in the 19th century were rich Victorian-era Europeans, who were most often there to collect rare African animals as trophies . During the early era of safari, it was white Europeans who served as hunting guides, while black Africans were barely paid to serve as porters. Because of its origin from aristocratic and colonial European society, safaris have often been rightfully connected with the brutal European conquest of Africa. 

To this day, the safari industry is still largely dominated by white male Africans while primarily serving white international tourists . In places like South Africa, the majority of ownership of land and private companies in the safari industry is controlled by white Afrikaners. There has also been a long standing dynamic in the safari industry where white Africans achieve more lucrative positions as leading tour guides, receiving better pay and tips. Meanwhile, black Africans, who are often forced to only work on the service side of safari, earn salaries as low as $500 USD a month, potentially less than the cost of a one night stay for a rich international tourist. These service side employees may often be forced to work for up to three consecutive weeks on end, with poor housing conditions and little to no benefits.

Another one of the colonial impacts that still plagues African communities is the concept of “Fortress Conservation” . Fortress conservation is a doctrine in which the separation of land for wildlife and people is strictly enforced. This type of conservation has certain benefits, as it prioritizes the preservation of natural spaces. However, it is important to consider the ways that fortress conservation has been used to exploit and devalue indigenous people who have lived in regions for generations. In the past this took form with exclusionary laws that ensured that white safari tourists could have untamed and unpopulated wilderness to sightsee and hunt. Meanwhile, black Africans who had lived on the land for generations were not allowed to engage in their traditional relationship with the flora and fauna that involved subsistence hunting and harvesting. Fortress conservation can contribute to curate an image of an untamed African wilderness while ignoring the history of the land’s prior human inhabitants and their colonial exploitation. 

As with any tourist industry, safari is not perfect by any means. There are ethical questions that have to be brought up about the way that safaris have treated both animals and people in the past and present. Despite its flaws, safaris are an important driver of economic growth in the African continent, especially for rural areas that might not receive many other opportunities. While not a silver bullet for Africa’s development, safaris can also be a crucial component in Africa’s expanding international reach. Furthermore, safaris should increase their  localization and make sure that benefits remain largely within the local communities that ensure the smooth operation of the industry. As Africa further integrates into the globalizing world economy, the continent will only see an increased number of visitors, and how the safari industry adapts to benefit people and nature will be squarely in the spotlight.

Featured Image Source: Travel and Leisure Disclaimer: The views published in this journal are those of the individual authors or speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of Berkeley Economic Review staff, the Undergraduate Economics Association, the UC Berkeley Economics Department and faculty, or the University of California, Berkeley in general.

Share this article:

Related Articles

Universal Housing Vouchers: The Biden-Harris Plan that Could Cut Poverty Rates in Half

Interview with Dr. Stephen Pratten

Queens Checkmates Amazon

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter!

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Flooding in a Kenyan Natural Reserve Forces Tourist Evacuation

The heavy rains that pounded East Africa for weeks, killing hundreds, have spilled into the Masai Mara, one of Africa’s greatest wildlife national reserves.

By Mohamed Ahmed and Emma Bubola

Mohamed Ahmed reported from Mombasa, Kenya, and Emma Bubola from London.

Devastating floods that have killed hundreds of people and displaced tens of thousands more in East Africa are now inundating parts of the Masai Mara, one of Africa’s greatest wildlife national reserves.

On Wednesday, the Telek River broke its banks and overflowed into parts of the natural reserve, flooding many tourist camps. A spokesman for the Kenyan Red Cross, Munir Ahmed, said that more than 90 people have been evacuated, some by helicopter. Others fled through the water.

“The situation in Masai Mara is so bad,” said Daniel Ikayo, the owner of a safari company that operates there. “There is water everywhere.”

The floods in the reserve have added to the heavy damage to key economic resources in Kenya, including livestock, crops and infrastructure.

“We are seeing a disaster unfold,” said Bryan Adkins, who heads a trust that helps protect the Kijabe forest, which has also been decimated by the floods.

Only part of Masai Mara has been affected, said Mohammed Hersi, director of a safari company and the former chairman of the Kenya tourism federation. But Alfred Mutua, the country’s tourism minister, warned on Wednesday that all hotels and camps near rivers and within national parks and reserves should prepare for potential evacuation in case rivers overflow.

Kenya’s long rainy season, which runs from April until June, is not a prime time for tourism, but those who are there now have found their plans upended. “People don’t want to come here to drive around in a lake,” Mr. Adkins said.

The Telek River lies across the “ Great Migration ” route from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara, and from July to October, over a million wildebeests and zebras cross over — an event that attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world.

On Monday, flash floods sent a deluge of muddy water over an area in the Rift Valley region in southern Kenya, killing at least 45 people, sweeping away houses and damaging roads. In total, 179 people have died in Kenya since the flooding begun, and many more have been killed across the whole of East Africa. The floods were particularly deadly in neighboring Tanzania.

With the rains expected to continue, Kenya’s presidential office on Wednesday issued an evacuation order to people residing in risk areas — near, for instance, rivers, dams and reservoirs — to evacuate within 48 hours. Over 30,000 people have already been displaced.

Mr. Ahmed, of the Red Cross, said that in total, 45 roads and over 370 water sources had been destroyed, and over 600 businesses and 35,000 acres of crops affected. People who lived off small businesses, like avocado farms or tractor businesses, lost their livelihoods, local residents said.

What the final economic impact of this year’s inundations might be is unclear, but according to a recent report by the African Climate Foundation , climate-change-related events like floods and droughts led to losses of 3 to 5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product from 2010 to 2020.

According to the report, the frequency and intensity of such events is likely to increase.

Forecasters with the Kenya meteorological department warned on Wednesday about “a surge in rainfall intensity across multiple regions of the country from Thursday through the weekend.”

Judson Jones contributed reporting from New York.

Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in London, covering news across Europe and around the world. More about Emma Bubola

Explore Our Weather Coverage

Extreme Weather Maps: Track the possibility of extreme weather in the places that are important to you .

Tornado Alerts: A tornado warning demands instant action. Here’s what to do if one comes your wa y.

Flash Flooding: Fast rising water can be deadly. Here’s what to do if you’re caught off guard , and how to prepare for a future flooding event.

Evacuating Pets: When disaster strikes, household pets’ lives are among the most vulnerable. You can avoid the worst by planning ahead .

Climate Change: What’s causing global warming? How can we fix it? Our F.A.Q. tackles your climate questions big and small .

- Global Locations -

Headquarters

Future Market Insights, Inc.

Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, United States

616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States

Future Market Insights

1602-6 Jumeirah Bay X2 Tower, Plot No: JLT-PH2-X2A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

3rd Floor, 207 Regent Street, W1B 3HH London United Kingdom

Asia Pacific

IndiaLand Global Tech Park, Unit UG-1, Behind Grand HighStreet, Phase 1, Hinjawadi, MH, Pune – 411057, India

• Consumer Product
• Food & Beverage
• Chemicals and Materials
• Travel & Tourism
• Process Automation
• Industrial Automation
• Services & Utilities
• Testing Equipment
• Thought Leadership
• Upcoming Reports
• Published Reports
• Contact FMI

Safari Tourism in Africa Market

Safari Tourism Market by Direct Suppliers, Indirect Suppliers, Number of Bookings & Region | Forecast 2023 to 2033

Market Insights on Safari Tourism in Africa covering sales outlook, demand forecast and up-to-date key trends

• Report Preview
• Request Methodology

Safari Tourism in Africa Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

As per the latest findings of Future Market Insights, Safari tourism in Africa market revenue is expected to be US$ 18,014.3 Million by the end of 2023. In the long-term, the tourism is estimated to reach at around US$ 34,564.9 Million in 2033.

Don't pay for what you don't need

Customize your report by selecting specific countries or regions and save 30%!

2018 to 2022 Safari Tourism in Africa Market Outlook Compared to 2023 to 2033.

A safari is an overland travel that is frequently taken by tourists to Africa. Earlier, an excursion of this nature frequently involved a large hunt. Originally, the word "safari" was simply a shortened form of the Swahili word "safari," which means "journey." In a more regal or regale time, the main purpose of a safari was to hunt, shoot, and then drag the kill overland by a group of local tribes’ people.

The idea of safari tourism was popularized in the United States by former US President Teddy Roosevelt. In a nutshell, a safari is a vacation taken by adventurers to view and capture wildlife or engage in hiking in addition to sight-seeing. The main draw for tourists is seeing wildlife in its natural habitat, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, and rhinos.

The COVID-19 outbreaks had a significant detrimental effect on industry expansion. By 2021, a significant fraction of safari travel providers had lost the majority of their reservations. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the number of tourists visiting the top African wildlife tourist attractions, including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Zambia. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many famous wildlife travels experiences have been impacted.

One of most popular and desired kind of vacation in Africa is a safari. Most people agree that doing a safari is the only "thing to do" in Africa. A safari in Africa typically connotes a wildlife safari. People are drawn to witness the wild animals in their native habitats, including lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, giraffes, zebras, leopards, and many others. Travelers today desire a thorough understanding of the local cultures of the destinations they visit. This issue is being taken into account by a number of new industry participants who are giving safari tourists a customized experience and so fueling market expansion.

What are the Driving Factors Boosting the Safari Tourism in Africa Market?

Growth in Per Capita Income at Individual Level is Crucially Determining the Growth of the Market.

Increasing per capita income is primarily driving up demand for safari tourism in Africa and around the world. The demand for safari tourism in Africa is being driven by rising tourism spending, an increase in the number of urban working-class people, and an increase in global GDP. A huge opportunity exists for safari tourism in Africa, where it is still in its infancy. Innovative ideas like ethno-tourism are developing as potential growth areas for safari tourism in the continent's tourism industry.

Principal Consultant

Talk to Analyst

Find your sweet spots for generating winning opportunities in this market.

The Safari Tourism in Africa Market: Restrains

Various Factors such as High Cost, Safety and Infrastructure Issues are a Few Challenges for the Market Growth.

Although there is a sizable demand for safari tourism in Africa on the travel and tourist industry, there are certain problems that are impeding its expansion, such as the very small target demographic and the high cost of these safari packages. Other obstacles include poor infrastructure, safety concerns, worries about the security of aircraft or airspace, and ignorance of luxury safaris among international tourists, as some people prefer comfortable vacations. Additionally, laws prohibiting the shooting of wildlife and the continent's reputation as a dangerous place are inhibiting the expansion of the safari industry in Africa.

What are the Emerging Trends in Safari Tourism in Africa Market?

The Emergence of Luxury Safari is Reflecting Positive Growth Trends.

Luxury safari experiences are becoming more popular among tourists going on safari in Africa. Without sacrificing their standard of living, tourists can see the majesty of African animals and tribal life in their natural setting. Luxury Safari is a combination of a tribal and contemporary vacation destination where guests may enjoy all the comforts of home. Another obvious tendency is the evolution of the safari into a vacation focused mostly on sight-seeing and wildlife photography.

Parts of Africa are prospering owing to the rise in safari-driven tourism, and some of that money is going back into improving the safari experience for visitors. Business tourism is expanding across the continent as a result of the region's strong economic growth, particularly in East Africa, while domestic and intra-African travel is expanding as a result of big5 increasing incomes and urbanization. In Africa, safari travelers frequently hope to see the big five (elephant, rhino, cheetah, lion and zebra). Safaris in Africa are becoming more and more well-liked as a result of chimpanzee and gorilla trekking.

Get the data you need at a Fraction of the cost

Personalize your report by choosing insights you need and save 40%!

Category Wise Insights

What tourist type has contributed most to the safari tourism in africa market.

International Travelers Constitute the Most of this Category.

The number of visitors visiting Africa is rising, and more people are travelling there from the Middle East, Brazil, Russia, India, and China. All of these nations are thought to be at a comparable stage of newly advanced economic development. These tourists are the ones who are keenly interested to learn about the ecosystems and animal kingdoms of indigenous African locations while also enjoying and experiencing wild creatures and diverse geographic landscapes.

Which Group is More Likely to Travel Overseas?

Millennials are Mostly Interested in Adventure Activities Followed Closely by Generation Z

Safari Tourism is becoming all the more popular among all age groups, with millennials accounting for the majority. The age group between 20-30 years old is most likely to possess a major share of the travelers in this market. Majority of these visitors plan their own trips to new, adventurous locations. Thus, making it more popular amongst the middle-aged and young population.

What Type has Contributed Most to the Safari Tourism in Africa Market?

Adventure Safari Dominated the Market in this Category

In 2021, the adventure sector dominated the market and contributed a sizable portion of revenue. Young travelers particularly love adventure travel. By allowing the tourists to step outside of their comfort zone, adventure tourism boosts a significant amount of its enthusiasm. Over the past few years, adventure safari has grown significantly in popularity, with the majority of tourists seeking to participate in one of a variety of safari adventure activities. Further, in the coming years private safari segment is more likely to expand over the time.

Which Booking Channel do Tourist in the Market Prefer?

Online Booking Channels Lead the booking Channel Segmentation

Travelers enjoy their vacations, but for many, it becomes a tedious task due to the planning strategies. Before buying travel tickets, lodging, tours, or any other additional services, it typically takes a lot of time and effort to research and make the accurate selection. But there's no denying that the existence of internet travel agents has surely given customers access to more options while simultaneously reducing the time consumed.

Comparative Landscape

The top safari tourism amenities are what well-known firms in the sector strive to provide its patrons. As a result, these businesses are essential to the growth of commerce everywhere in the world. Market participants are forming mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances to broaden their regional reach. To deliver cutting-edge features and draw clients, major operators are constantly implementing unique technologies like virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and IoT.

If visitors want to explore, they can go to one of the more than 50 safari parks in Africa that draw tourists from all over the world. A few of the well-known ones are Mala Game Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Okavango Delta, Mana Pools National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Phinda Game Reserve, Masai Mara National Reserve, Ruaha National Park, South Luangwa National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Selous Game Reserve, Kidepo Valley National Park, Kgalagadi Transfront, among others.

Scope of Report

Safari tourism in africa market by category, by direct suppliers:.

• Hotel Companies
• Tour Operators
• Government Bodies

By Indirect Suppliers:

• OTA (Online Travel Agency)
• Traditional Travel Agencies
• TMC's (Travel Management Companies)
• Corporate Buyers
• Aggregators

By Demographic:

By nationality:.

• International

By Group Type:

• Youth Groups
• Single Tourists
• Adventure Safari
• Private Safari

By Booking Channel:

• Phone Booking
• Online Booking
• In Person Booking

Frequently Asked Questions

What drives sales of the market.

Growth in per capita income at the individual level drives sales.

What is the Key Trend of the Market?

The emergence of luxury safari is reflecting positive growth trends.

What is the Growth Forecast for the Safari Tourism in Africa Market?

The market is forecast to register a CAGR of 6.7% through 2033.

What is the Current Market Valuation?

The market is estimated to generate a revenue of US$ 18,014.3 million in 2023.

Which Tourist Type Segment has Contributed most to the Market?

International travelers constitute the most of this category.

Table of Content

List of tables, list of charts.

Recommendations

Travel and Tourism

Trends, Growth, and Opportunity Analysis of Outbound Tourism in France

Published : March 2024

Explore Travel and Tourism Insights

Talk To Analyst

Your personal details are safe with us. Privacy Policy*

- Talk To Analyst -

This report can be customized as per your unique requirement

- Get Free Brochure -

Request a free brochure packed with everything you need to know.

- Customize Now -

I need Country Specific Scope ( -30% )

I am searching for Specific Info.

- Download Report Brochure -

You will receive an email from our Business Development Manager. Please be sure to check your SPAM/JUNK folder too.

Whoopi Goldberg Says 'The View' Was Better Before, Suggests It's Now Woke

Guess Which Bravolebrity Shared This NSFW Shellfie!

Teen Rowers Shot at While Racing in Sacramento River, Completely Ignore It

Amanda Holden vs. Teresa Giudice Who'd You Rather?! (Fine N' Fit At Fifty Edition)

KTLA Entertainment Reporter Sam Rubin Dead from Heart Attack at 64

Lions have sex on top of safari truck full of people, wild video, roaring sex lions get busy on top of safari truck ... tourists take it all in.

A couple of lions felt the love so much that they started banging on top of a tourist safari truck ... and the people inside certainly got an eyeful and then some.

A group of tourists partaking in a South African safari were recently left stunned as 2 randy big cats made themselves at home atop their vehicle.

The male lion is seen mounting a resting female lion ... confirming their boinking session with a couple of growls. The jeep noticeably shakes from side to side as they do it ... sparking laughter and gasps from the tourists seated below.

The lions' intimacy didn't last too long ... with the lioness lying tired to the side as the king of the jungle eventually disconnected.

While the encounter may have given some tourists the ick on the spot ... it's significantly less scary than the African elephant attack from earlier this month -- which ended in a death.

No one died here ... just a couple of kitties getting laid!

• Share on Facebook

related articles

Elephant Roams Montana Streets After Escaping Circus

Dolphin That Washed Ashore in Louisiana Was Shot & Killed, Officials Say

Old news is old news be first.

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Tourists evacuated from Kenya’s Maasai Mara reserve amid flooding and heavy rains

As heavy rains continued pounding Kenya’s capital of Nairobi on Tuesday night, residents woke up to more losses in property and heavy infrastructural destruction. Three major highways were closed for the better part of the day Wednesday to due flooding, heavy traffic snarl-ups being experienced.

A lodge is seen in the flooded Maasai Mara National Reserve, that left dozens of tourists stranded in Narok County, Kenya, Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Kenya, along with other parts of East Africa, has been overwhelmed by flooding. (AP Photo/Bobby Neptune)

• Copy Link copied

Aerial view of flooded Maasai Mara National Reserve, that left dozens of tourists stranded in Narok County, Kenya, Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Kenya, along with other parts of East Africa, has been overwhelmed by flooding. (AP Photo/Bobby Neptune)

Flood waters cover a bridge in the flooded Maasai Mara National Reserve, that left dozens of tourists stranded in Narok County, Kenya, Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Kenya, along with other parts of East Africa, has been overwhelmed by flooding. (AP Photo/Bobby Neptune)

A lodge is seen submerged in this aerial view of the flooded Maasai Mara National Reserve, which left dozens of tourists stranded in Narok County, Kenya, Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Kenya, along with other parts of East Africa, has been overwhelmed by flooding. (AP Photo/Bobby Neptune)

A lodge is seen in the flooded Maasai Mara National Reserve, which left dozens of tourists stranded in Narok County, Kenya, Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Kenya, along with other parts of East Africa, has been overwhelmed by flooding. (AP Photo/Bobby Neptune)

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Tourists were evacuated by air from Kenya’s Maasai Mara national reserve Wednesday after more than a dozen hotels, lodges and camps were flooded as heavy rains battered the country.

Tourist accommodation facilities were submerged after a river within the Maasai Mara broke its banks early Wednesday. The reserve, in southwestern Kenya, is a popular tourist destination because it features the annual wildebeest migration from the Serengeti in Tanzania.

The Kenya Red Cross said it rescued more than 90 people. The Narok County government said it deployed two helicopters to carry out evacuations in the expansive conservation area.

More than 170 people have died across Kenya since mid-March when the rainy season started, causing flooding, landslides and destroying infrastructure. The Metrology Department has warned that more rain is expected this week.

On Wednesday, three major roads in the capital, Nairobi were temporarily closed due to flooding. The Kenya Red Cross rescued 11 people from a residential area — Kitengela — in the outskirts of Nairobi after their homes flooded overnight.

On Monday, a river broke through a clogged tunnel in Mai Mahiu area in western Kenya, sweeping houses away and damaging roads. The incident left 48 people dead and more than 80 others missing.

Search and rescue operations across the Mai Mahiu area are ongoing. President William Ruto on Tuesday ordered the military to join in the search.

Locals say rescue efforts have been slow due to lack of equipment to dig through the debris.

The government has urged people living in flood-prone areas to evacuate or be moved forcefully as water level in two major hydroelectric dams rise to a “historic high”.