west african safaris

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Safari in West Africa

From Ghana to Morocco, your West Africa safari adventure will be unforgettable. Spot wildlife in Mole or Kakum National Parks in Ghana, and visit the Tiwai Wildlife Sanctuary in Sierra Leone. Find your perfect safari tour of this beautiful region with TourRadar! The most popular month to depart is May.

34 West African safari tours with 293 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Morocco Dune Buggy Adventure - Off Road & Wild Camps

We had a great dune buggy adventure during our stay in Morocco. Mohamed was an expert desert tour guide. The wild camps were our highlight. I highly recommend it

The Year Of Return Ghana 2024 (Panafest Festival)

This was by far my best trip ever, everything was perfect from the day we got there to the day we left!!! Prince Hart Adams really did an excellent job and I will be booking more trips in the near future.

Cape Verde Discovery 6 Days /5 Nights

6 Days Tour from Tangier to Casablanca (Private)

My 6-day tour with Morocco Magic Trip Company from Tangier to Casablanca was an absolute delight. The guide sabir was knowledgeable, the itinerary well-balanced between iconic sites and hidden gems, and the accommodations comfortable and charming. The local interactions and cultural experiences made it truly special. I highly recommend their services for an unforgettable Moroccan adventure.

Discovering SeneGambia’s Hidden Gems 11 Days/ 10 Nights

• In-depth Cultural

Morocco 7 Days Tour From Casablanca

Good tour to see the diversity of Morocco in short time. Of course this means a lot of driving, but you know that in advance and the views are amazing. The guide gives you advice on what's safe or not to do in the different places. Overall it was a positive experience for me and i loved discovering Morocco and its culture.

5 Days Tour from Tangier to Marrakesh (Private)

9 Days Morocco Tours From Casablanca

This is the best tour I have taken. Karim and Aissa (driver) were the best. They both went above and beyond their duties making sure that everyone was having a great time. Thank you!! Highly recommended!!

7 Day Northern Ghana Tour

Explore Benin, Togo & Ghana 14-days

• €149 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Marrakech Desert Trip Chigaga Dunes Riding Camel Sandboarding

The Best of Ghana - 12 Days

I have just returned from a 12 day Best of Ghana Cultural Tour by Continent Tours. I have travelled around the world to over 40 countries and this was far the best trip I’ve taken. It was cultural, educational, historical, inspirational, and overwhelming with much joy which touched my mind, heart & spirit in such a sacred way. It was truly a trip of a lifetime and all due to the expertise of Tina Ross, Continent Tour Manager, the thoroughness of Matina Kuma, our tour guide, and safety of Samwell, our driver. From the moment I contacted Continent Tours, Tina made me feel very at ease that she understood exactly what I wanted in a customized tour. She always exercised professionalism, thoughtfulness, compassion, understanding and a sweet demeanor throughout the 9 month process before our departure. She never gave any hesitation or negativity towards the changes, additions, questions and concerns that I had. Her actions certainly provided me with a comfort and assurance that I was going to have the type of tour that I desired. As the tour date became closer & closer I became more & more excited which was all due to Tina. My tour was all of what I planned and even more than my expectations and was blessed immensely with extra surprises that were included by Continent Tours. To add to this, our tour guide was Matina Kuma, who had an effervescent and loving personality with her heartfelt hugs and sweet radiant smiles from our airport pickup throughout our journey until our airport drop off. She embraced my 3 companions and myself with much care, protection, respect & love as senior women and affectionately referred to us as “Mama”, which gave rise to us truly adopting her as our Ghanian daughter and genuine blessings of being family. She was very kind and generous to ensure our needs where met at all times. She had an amazing and thorough knowledge of all the regions of Ghana, its different languages and cultures which provided us with much education, history and to experience the different people of Ghana in every aspect of life. There was never a concern or fear or doubt that we were truly in safe hands. Samwell, our soft spoken, warmhearted and expert driver was very meticulous in maneuvering some of the undesirable roads to give us the best comfort. I would sincerely and strongly recommend Continent Tours to anyone wishing to visit Ghana and especially for those that desire to learn their ancestry. Do your research, document what you wish to see and experience, number of days first so that Continent Tours can give you the experience of a lifetime that you will greatly appreciate with no regrets and be enthused to share with others as I do. Be sure to request Tina Ross, Matina and Samwell.

3 Day Guided Tour to Mole National Park Ghana Africa

We had an excellent guide, David. We saw many animals including elephants and enjoyed a wide range of activities from a canoe ride and visit to the eco village to visiting the oldest Mosque in Ghana and a very modern art complex. Everything was well organised and both David and the safari guide, Abdul, were extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. The lodge is basic but comfortable with great views and food.

Senegal and The Gambia

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Ghana History and Wildlife Safari

What people love about safari tours in west africa.

The five-day desert buggy journey was an incredible enjoyable! The exhilaration was never-ending as we drove across sand dunes and rocky terrain. Each day provided fresh scenery and activities, and the nights spent beneath the starry desert sky were magnificent. Expert guidance ensured that everything went well, making for a wonderful experience. If you're seeking for an exhilarating desert trip, this tour is a must!

Wow I had an amazing experience in Ghana. The tour was simply awesome. From Accra to the Safari , to the village. The locals was sooo welcoming and super friendly .. The FOOD WAS OH MY GOODNESS SOOOOOOO GOOD.. The beaches was absolutely breathtaking. I had the best time ever and can’t wait to visit Ghana again .. My tour guide Prince Hart was awesome. I felt completely safe and he was so accommodating .He made sure I was well taken care of, anything I wanted or needed he made sure to get it accomplished.. Wow best vacation of my life ..I’ll never forget this experience.. Ghana was the best ..

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Why safari lovers should head to West Africa

By Heather Richardson

When it comes to safari star power, the great national parks and reserves of southern and eastern Africa – Kruger, Serengeti , Maasai Mara – tend to hog the headlines. But Pendjari National Park is building a compelling case to head west. It’s located in Benin, a tiny, club-shaped nation sandwiched between Togo and Nigeria that’s famed as the birthplace of voodoo . Although less than half the size of the UK , the country has stilted villages and sacred forests, a growing contemporary art scene and deserted Atlantic shores for in-the-know surfers, as well as a fascinating history – its southern region was once the Kingdom of Dahomey, which reigned from the 1600s to the early 20th century.

The kingdom’s legendary all- female military unit was the basis for the play featured in Bernardine Evaristo’s Girl, Woman, Other . However, tucked in the north-western corner and surrounded by the Atakora Mountains, Pendjari is emerging as a new point of interest for intrepid travellers. Its shrub-covered landscape, dotted with hippo-filled lakes, is home to a quarter of the remaining critically endangered West African lions and the largest elephant population in the region, plus buffaloes, leopards and more than 460 bird species. After years of neglect, poaching and illegal tree felling, it was taken over by conservation vanguard African Parks in 2017.

The non-profit has been working with the Benin government, charitable foundations and the local community to protect the area’s ecosystem, bring trade in and, after the kidnapping of two French tourists in 2019, firm up security along the northern border with Burkina Faso. Pendjari is a ‘conservation stronghold’, says Dave Wilson, the organisation’s head of commercial development, and the aim is ‘to realise its potential as an exceptional West African wildlife destination’. Now big brands are paying attention too – Banyan Tree is planning its first safari property in the park, as well as a beachfront hotel on the coast. One to watch.

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Pendjari National Park: West Africa’s Premier Wildlife Destination

Last modified on January 3rd, 2021 at 17:45

Pendjari National Park is one of West Africa’s premier safari destinations. A wildlife-rich swath of land that lies along Benin’s border with Burkina Faso and Niger, the park is both one of the top places to visit in Benin and a highlight of travel to West Africa.

Pendjari spans an area of 4,800 square kilometers and is a primary component of the transnational W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) complex. The WAP complex consists of Arli Park in Burkina Faso, W National Park in Niger and Pendjari in Benin. It is the largest remaining intact ecosystem in West Africa. 

The sprawling game park is famous for its diverse array of birdlife and large concentration of endangered mammals. It is houses four of Africa’s big five—including buffalo, elephants, lions and leopards. 

Table of Contents

PENDJARI NATIONAL PARK IN BENIN

Pendjari isn’t like the game reserves in southern or eastern Africa.  Nor should it be treated as such. Travelers expecting to see the Big 5 with little effort, may be better served by visiting places like the Serengeti or Etosha –where vast open spaces facilitate effortless animal sightings.

The shrub-covered landscape of Pendjari makes animal spotting more difficult.

But for bird enthusiasts, conservationists and lovers of ‘I Spy’, Pendjari’s one-of-a-kind wildlife encounters are all the more rewarding.

PENDJARI PARK TRAVEL LOGISTICS

I traveled to Pendjari National Park as part of an overland tour through Ghana, Togo and Benin with Dragoman. The tour consisted of twenty adventure-minded travelers, two group leaders and our large orange truck, Sura.

We visited the area in early February, during the dry season. Benin’s dry months–from December to May–are the best time to visit Pendjari due to lack of rainfall, reduced malaria risk and sparser vegetation. Even during high season, there are virtually no crowds in the park.

Entrance to the national park costs 10,000CFA for 24 hours. For three days in Pendjari, discounted tickets will set foreign travelers back by 25,000CFA.

There are limited places to spend the night in Pendjari. Most travelers stay in the Hotel Pendjari or the Pendjari Lodge .

We chose to camp—a decision that was at once thrilling and, perhaps, a bit risky.

OUR PENDJARI SAFARI EXPERIENCE

We traveled to Pendjari National Park after a memorable visit to the Tata Somba region of Northern Togo and Benin. I was looking forward to two days of animal-spotting and wild camping in West Africa’s best safari destination. 

Our trip to Pendjari National Park began without a hitch. We got our camping permits, paid the entrance fee and rumbled down the dirt roads in our large orange overloading truck. One of the advantages of traveling in an overland truck, is that we were much higher off the ground than we would have been in a standard safari vehicle. The truck had roof seats, too, which allowed us to scan the surrounding landscape in search of animals.

On our first evening in Pendjari, we set out toward our campsite along the park’s dusty unpaved roads. While the grasses may have been high and the shrubbery dense, I was pleasantly surprised by the large number of animals we spotted.

Along the way, we came across elephant herds, antelope and a diverse array of colorful African birds .

After an evening game drive, we set up camp along one of the hippo-filled lakes in Pendjari. Unlike Etosha , Kruger or Hlane , the camping areas in Pendjari are completely in the wild. With nothing but pit toilets and a small clearing for tents, the campsites have little in the way of facilities. There are no fences to act as barriers between campers and the animals.

As we lay in our tents at night, we could hear rustling in the leaves and the loud groans of the hippos in a nearby lake. The experience was thrilling, immersive and raw.

The following morning, we set out on a game drive through the desolate roads of Pendjari National Park. We had two scheduled game drives on our second day in Pendjari—one in the morning and one in the late afternoon. On our morning drive, we spotted more elephant herds, buffalo, birds and antelope. In the evening, after lunch and a short siesta, we continued along the park’s dusty roads in search of lions. 

And we got lucky. About halfway through our evening drive, we spotted a lioness slinking through the tall grasses. She looked at our truck, walked toward us, and then continued onward–allowing us to follow her down the road for about five minutes.

It was a special moment and the highlight of our visit to Pendjari.

Enroute to our campsite, we passed another vehicle. The passengers in the vehicle introduced themselves as the owners of the Pendjari Lodge and warned us against camping in the park. ‘The campsite you wish to stay at tonight is currently closed,’ they told us.

We didn’t think much of the encounter. The passengers in the vehicle—a group of French-speaking foreigners in plain clothes and without identification—didn’t seem to have much authority over the rules and regulations of the park. Plus, we had hired a local park-sponsored guide and we had already gotten the okay to camp at our second location from the staff at the park entrance. 

We ignored the remarks of the French-speaking travelers and opted to camp by the watering hole regardless.

By the next morning, as we made our way toward the park exit, we nearly forgot about the encounter.

Until a safari truck rolled up to us and an irate French-Canadian told us to pay nearly 2,000 euros for camping illegally in Pendjari. 

In the beginning, we thought it was all a misunderstanding. Why would a French-Canadian owner of a lodge get on our case about camping illegally? What authority did he have? He then proclaimed himself the park manager, but had no documentation. Nor did he allow us to explain ourselves. We agreed to follow him to the park entrance, where we would clear up the misunderstanding.

At the park ticket office, however, reinforcements were already waiting for us. The French-Canadian had called in a dozen or so armed men. The men stood in a line, demanding we pay the hefty fine. They blocked our truck from leaving the park and threatened violence if we didn’t hand over cash.

In the end, in order to ensure the safety of its passengers, Dragoman had no choice but to fork over the money.

We left the park feeling defeated. In one of West Africa’s most beautiful wildlife parks, bureaucracy, corruption and extortion got the best of us.

By the very people who were in charge of promoting tourism in the park, no less.

IS PENDJARI SAFE TO VISIT? 

Our Pendjari National Park safari experience was one I’m unlikely to forget–both because of the incredible wildlife I witnessed and because of the unfortunate way our visit ended. After two incredible days of seeing lions, buffalo, elephants and countless beautiful birds, we found ourselves essentially held hostage at gun point by a dozen park rangers. 

Is this experience typical? Is Pendjari safe to visit for tourists?

Unfortunately, I don’t think there is an easy answer to these questions. Pendjari receives far fewer travelers than similar wildlife parks in southern and eastern Africa. As a result, there is little information on visiting Pendjari and the risks associated with traveling to the region.

Benin is relatively safe compared to some of the other countries in West Africa. Yet, the northern reaches of the country (including Pendjari National Park) have felt the spillover effect of increased extremist activity across the border in Burkina Faso. The increased tension has caused the US State Department to elevate the security risk in Pendjari from a Level 1 to a Level 3.

And there is good reason for their concern. In May of 2019, merely three months after our visit, a group of French tourists were kidnapped in the area. Their local guide was found dead.

While the incident was completely unrelated to our run-in with the French-Canadian and his gun-toting reinforcements, it does speak to the unpredictability of travel in the area. Thus, while I don’t necessarily recommend reconsidering travel to Pendjari, I do think that it is important to remain vigilant and up-to-date on the security situation.

ALL IS WELL THAT ENDS WELL

Despite ending on a disappointing note, our safari in Pendjari National Park was one of the highlights of my trip to West Africa. The quality of our animal sightings was comparable to those in Sri Lanka’s Udawalawe National Park , and even rivaled those from my travels throughout southern Africa. 

After the incident in Pendjari, our group was feeling demoralized and frustrated. We had spent the better part of an afternoon arguing and being taken advantage of by an expat who was on a clear power trip. With little negotiating power and nobody to defend our cause, we lost.

Along the road between Pendjari and the next stop on our Benin itinerary, however, our luck changed. It was getting late, and we needed to find a place to camp for the night. Our encounter with the park staff had set us half a day behind schedule.

Near Natitingou, we stumbled upon a lovely campsite at the Chutes de Kota and decided to call it an early night. We set up our tents, cooked dinner and explored the area. Near the campsite, we made our way down a steep set of stairs to a swimming hole at the base of the Kota Waterfall.

Under the starry night sky, we jumped into the natural pool and let the cool water rush over our bodies. It was refreshing. Exhilarating. Rejuvenating.

After a stressful travel day in Pendjari, our midnight swim left us ready for the remainder of our trip through Benin.

It was a reminder that–while travel in West Africa is often wrought with complications, frustrations and bureaucracy–the region is also surprising, unexpected and full of magic. 

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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 .

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South Africa

• Democratic Rep. of the Congo
• Republic of Congo
• Central African Republic
• NEED HELP? LIVE CHAT
• for tour operators

7 Days West African Safari Discovery Tour

• Safarisource /
• Countries /

$1,979 (Per Adult)

$205 (Per Child)

$283 (Per Adult) / Day

$29 (Per Child) / Day

• Accomodation
• Sightseeing

Duration 7 day(s)

Location Benin

Start Point Cotonou

End Point Cotonou

Availability Sep 01 , 2017 to Dec 31 , 2027

No Add-ons for this package

• Description

This tour gives you a one-stop safari experience of West Africa. We'll visit two of the most vibrant wildlife locations in West Africa: Pendjari National Park and the W National Park, both located in northern Benin. Pendjari National park is surrounded by the beautiful Atakora Mountains and accompanying waterfall. The park is home to lions, elephants, cheetahs, baboons and plenty more. From Pendjari, the tour continues to the W National park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park spans the countries of Niger, Benin, and Burkina Faso. It is known for its large mammals, and provides a home for some of West Africa's last wild African elephants. From W National park, we'll descend into Natitingou, where we stopover for the night and enjoy a bit of cultural exposure in the Tata Somba villages, before proceeding back to Cotonou to end the trip. This tour can be modified with the inclusion of return flight from Cotonou to Natitingou, so that you may start the tour from there to Pendjari National Park. The tour may be undertaken in a group, a budget-friendly option for friends or family. The cost of the tour package is subject to change, as hotel rates and gasoline prices fluctuate regularly. However, the tour is also flexible enough to suit your personal budget and travel wishes. While the tour is in session, visitors may be lucky enough to bear witness to any number of significant cultural events in Logba Tota - a naming ceremony, a local festival, drumming and dancing, or a church service.

• Bird Photography
• Landscape photography
• Scenic Drive
• Wildlife Photography
• Bird Watching
• Photo-safari

Physical Condition

• Normal Physical Condition

Connectivity

• WiFi and phone coverage at most lodges

Day-by-day Description

Day 1 arrival in cotonou.

Bienvenu! Our friendly company driver will meet you at Cotonou International Airport to transfer you to your hotel for a trip briefing and a few hours of relaxation after your journey.

Other Benefits (On Arrival)

Aeroporto Internacional de Cotonou-Cadjehoun, Rue 2100, Cotonou, Benin

Travel Time: 1 hrs

See all Available accomodations

Day 2 Cotonou to Natitingou

Activities included.

After breakfast at the hotel, the driver will meet you to start your journey to Natitingou in the northern part of Benin. The long and leisurely drive from the south gives you the chance to kick back and enjoy the picturesque countryside passing you by. Once you've arrived in Natitingou, check into your hotel for dinner and some rest and relaxation.

Natitingou, Atakora, Benin

Travel Time: 9 hrs

Day 3 Natitingou to Pendjari National Park

Depart Natitingou early in the morning after breakfast and head straight to Pendjari National Park. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and embark on an afternoon safari trip through the park. Once you've had your fill of all the natural wonder that the park has to offer, head back to your hotel for dinner and unwind for another luxurious night under African stars.

Pendjari National Park, Tanguiéta, Atakora, Benin

Travel Time: 4 hrs

Day 4 Full Day at Pendjari National Park

Spend the entire day in the park to fully immerse yourself in this once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. If you'd like to venture outside of the park, you might want to visit the nearby waterfalls for a refreshing swim, or go hiking in the Atakora mountains to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the scenery below.

Travel Time: 2 hrs

Day 5 Pendjari National Park to W National Park to Natitingou

Today, we'll move on from Pendjari to visit the famous W National Park, so named for its location at an unusual W-shaped river bend. When we've arrived in the park, we'll begin our safari. Keep an eye out for elephants! They are deceptively quiet and sometimes hard to spot for such enormous creatures. After a day in the park, we'll return to Natitingou, where you'll spend the night. Guests may wish to visit one of the Tata Somba villages in town for an experience of local architecture, or pay a visit to the town Museum.

W National Park, Benin

Travel Time: 6 hrs

Day 6 Natitingou to Cotonou

Today, we'll head back south into Cotonou. Once we've arrived, check into your hotel for a relaxing dinner and a few hours of deserved rest.

Cotonou, Benin

Day 7 Departure

Stop in the city to do some souvenir shopping before our driver drops you off at the airport in time for your departure. Thank you for choosing your adventure with us - travel safe, and enjoy the ride!

Offical Visa Regulations and Health Requirements

For personalized details on health and visa requirements please check the IATA travel centre here

https://visacentral.com/ghana-visa

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$1,979 - $205 Duration: 7 day(s)

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West Africa's wonders: a safari along Senegal's wildlife-rich coast

​ Africa’s vibrant west coast offers unique wildlife wonders, from sea turtles and coral reefs to encounters with Senegal’s brilliant birds.

I’ve seen plenty of vultures on safari, but I’ve never seen a pair of hooded vultures squabbling over a find on a beach. The prize at stake is a puffer fish, delivered by the tide. Bloated and covered with spines, it’s gruesome, even by vultures’ bloody tastes. But the twosome are so engrossed, they barely register me as I approach. I settle down to watch, while gulls and terns swoop and dive over the surf in the background. “Pretty impressive, don’t you think?” says a passing boat-builder, heading for the spot where fishing pirogues are crafted and painted, further down the sands. “They’re our clean-up squad. We often see them here. Turtles and dolphins get washed up from time to time. Sometimes even whales, too.” Had I been scouring an East African savannah in a four-wheel-drive, I probably wouldn’t have stopped for such a sight. I’d have urged my guide on in search of wise-eyed elephants, or stiff-tailed warthogs, or a leopard kill draped over a branch in a tree. But I’m in West Africa — and because gulls, terns and these pink-faced, chestnut-backed scavengers are as emblematic of Senegal’s wild and beautiful Atlantic coastline as   The Jungle Book’s   lugubrious vultures are of their skeleton trees, this little scene has me hooked. It was only in 2021 that the first scientific paper describing beach-feeding Senegalese vultures was published. Finding these ones all by myself has made my day. I’m on a do-it-yourself nature walk in Casamance, wandering along the beach before heading into the swathe of wetlands and gardens slightly inland. Ethnically and geologically a single region, Casamance and southern Gambia are rightly famous among birdwatchers in the know. They’re bounded by the mighty West African Gambia and the Casamance rivers that create a rich web of tidal and freshwater habitats, supporting hundreds of local species and reviving migrants after their long, perilous journey across North Africa and the Sahel. But while in   The Gambia it’s easy to hire a bird guide, here in Casamance, they’re thin on the ground, and the official bird sanctuary, Kalissaye Avifaunal Reserve, is barely visited at all. With the separatist troubles that have been simmering in the background since the 1980s never quite resolved, the Casamance safari industry, once promising, never really stood a chance. But with hope in the air that the troubles may soon be over, southern Senegal’s prospects as an ecotourism destination are finally looking bright. In the meantime, an independent trip is the way to go. Invaluable though specialist guides and lodges can be, it’s perfectly possible to make do without: I’ve simply booked a room at a quiet, rustic guesthouse on the blissfully sunny coast, and set   out with eyes and ears peeled. I’d hesitate to call myself a bird nerd; much less, a twitcher. At home in England, I have less patience with the whole thing — our birds are too familiar, perhaps, or too elusive, or too drab, and we don’t always have the best weather. But in Africa, birdwatching has delivered some   of my happiest moments. And in Senegal, so many birds are large, colourful, musical or just cute, the rewards seem that much greater; and with the country home to 691 species of bird there’s a great chance of spotting plenty, too. When you’re exploring a habitat that’s ultra-biodiverse, it’s easy to get hung up on identification. But instead of obsessing over whether one fabulous creature is called a beautiful or splendid sunbird, and whether the call I’m hearing is a yellow-throated leaflove or a yellow-billed shrike, I try to enjoy each sight and sound as it comes. I’ve learned enough about birdwatching to know that it’s when you put the ticklist away that the fun stuff really starts.

How to do it

The Gambia Experience offers seven-night stays at Esperanto Lodge in Casamance in Senegal, from £899, including B & B, flights from Gatwick to Banjul in The Gambia and onward road transfers. Visit in Senegal’s rainy season, June to September, and between thunderstorms, you’ll see hear birds singing their loudest, resplendent in their breeding plumage.

Published in the Jul/Aug 2022 issue of   National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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West Africa's Premier Travel Company

Building schools, protecting rainforests, having a sustainable positive impact locally., ghana wildlife & safari tours, our wildlife tours can be customized to include culture, history, and beach relaxation.

Ghana Population – 31,038,800 Language – English Currency – Ghanaian cedi Time Zone – GMT Capital – Accra

Learn more about Ghana

Ghana is an ideal destination for a wildlife safari holiday. with its 16 national parks, resource reserves and protected areas, it is home to a dazzling array of wildlife..

If you are a lover of all wildlife and would like to mix nature and culture or if you are on a journey to see the worlds mammal species and have specific targets that occur here in West Africa, our expert team of tour planners and local guides are excited to plan that perfect trip for you. Our Upper Guinea rainforests in southern Ghana protect Black-bellied and White-bellied Pangolin, Forest Elephant, Bongo, Chimpanzee, Olive and Black and White Colobus, Lowes Mona and Spot-nosed Monkeys, Lord Derby and Pel’s Anomalure, Potto, several species of Galago, Duiker, Civet, Leopard and many more species. As we move northwards through the broad-leaved guinea woodlands of central Ghana to the savanna habitat, we find Mole National Park which alone has over 93 mammal species. These include African Elephant, Leopard, Lion, Spotted Hyena, Hartebeest, African Buffalo and several primate specie that include Olive Baboon, Patas and Callithrix Monkey, Bushbuck, Kob, Waterbuck and further north we can enjoy river safaris to see Hippopotamus. Passing through remote locations seldom visited by tourists gives you a sense of isolation from the developed world enhancing your overall experience during your time in one of the finest wildlife regions of the world.

Our Price Promise

If you receive cheaper quotes from other legitimate companies, we will try to match or improve the price for the exact same tour package offered., ghana wildlife tours.

Expert Local Guides

Our expert local guides have grown up in and around the rainforests and wildlife areas of ghana and have always had a love of nature..

Several previously worked with the Ghana Wildlife Division and have undertaken extensive training perfecting their leading skills to maximise our participants enjoyment. Often described as the best local guides our participants and international companies that use us have experienced, they are passionate, personable, friendly, professional, and ready to produce a productive and enjoyable trip for all our tour participants. Having 12 full time local expert wildlife tour guides ensures we never compromise on quality. In addition, due to the remote locations we visit, all our guides have advanced first aid training.

For more information on our local Expert Wildlife Tour Leaders

Ghana Wildlife Safari Tours

Ghana Wildlife Photography Tours

In our opinion the only shooting that should be allowed at wildlife should be done with a camera and not a gun..

There is nothing better than having quality photographs to enjoy looking through on a rainy day when sitting at home after an epic holiday. Reliving those wonderful memories is so much better with nice photos to remind you of the awesome experience. Our Ghana Wildlife Photography tours ensure you have a great holiday and overall experience but also focus on getting you in the best position at the best time of day to have the opportunity of a good photo. Our team are experienced in leading amateur and professional photographers in finding and photographing some of the rarest and most sought-after wildlife here in West Africa.

For more information, itineraries and prices for our Ghana Wildlife Photography Tours

Ghana Safari

Ghana Mammal Tours

Our ghana mammal tours are designed for the serious wildlife enthusiast wanting to see the more difficult rare species that are found in our rainforests and wildlife zones here in ghana..

Customized tailor-made itineraries focused on target species or just to see as much of the varied wildlife that occurs here. The most important aspect of a successful mammal tour is the local guide and we have the best expert guides in West Africa. Early starts and night walks looking for the more secretive nocturnal species is the norm on these tours and with 3 species of Pangolin, 7 species of Monkey and the many species of Anomalure, Duikers and other specialities our Ghana mammal tours will not disappoint. Contact us and allow our experienced tour planners and local expert guides to design that perfect trip of a lifetime.

For more information, itineraries and prices for our Ghana Mammal Tours

Ghana Wildlife and Culture Tours

Primary focus on our ghana wildlife and culture tours is enjoying the amazing wildlife that occurs here in ghana at a comfortable and relaxed pace..

In addition to taking in the exceptionally diverse nature we also take quality time to experience the colourful, vibrant culture and history of Ghana. Immersing ourselves into the local traditions and embracing the warm, friendly hospitality of the locals in each location we visit adds so much more to our overall experience. Venturing through the many regions, visiting the key wildlife areas in addition to the cultural and historical sites of interest gives us a deeper understanding of this part of Africa.

For more information, itineraries and prices for our Ghana Wildlife and Culture Tours

Ghana Mammals, Birds and Butterflies Tours

Do you love birds and possibly butterflies as much as mammals why not allow our experienced team to design a customized tailor-made tour maximising your chance of seeing as many of the speciality mammal, bird and butterfly species that occur here..

Our impressive record of finding Pangolins, Potto, Anomalures, Olive Colobus and many other rare mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and birds ensures you are guaranteed a productive, enjoyable trip with us. Our company are based in the heart of the Upper Guinea rainforest zone here in Ghana and our guides are constantly in the field researching and finding new locations for species to enhance our participants overall experience.

For more information, itineraries and prices for our Ghana Mammals, Birds and Butterflies Tours

Ghana Safari Tours

Customized Tailor-made Ghana Wildlife Tours

Ashanti’s strength is the ability to design tailor-made tours focusing on the exact area of interest for our participants..

If you have a specific target species list our experienced team can maximise your chance of seeing as many of these species by designing that perfect itinerary. Having so many local guides experts in such a wide range of areas from birds, mammals, butterflies, flora, culture, and history working with us on a full-time basis ensures we can offer you that perfect trip. If you are a solo traveller, couple, family, small or large group allow us to design your trip, your way.

For more information, itineraries and prices for our Customized Tailor-made Ghana Wildlife Tours

West African Wildlife Tours

Ghana, Togo, and Benin Wildlife Tours

Our ghana, togo, and benin wildlife tours take us to the best locations in all three of these countries for an exceptional wildlife experience..

In addition to the Upper Guinea Rainforests of southern Ghana we venture to the north of Benin along the border of Burkina Faso and Niger as we visit West Africa’s premier wildlife park Pendjari. A stunning location that protects the largest population of the endangered West African Lion which will be our focus during our time on safari here. Mixing the rainforest species with savanna ensures we experience the full diversity of West African wildlife. Tours can be customized to incorporate other areas of interest like culture, history, and beach relaxation.

For more information, itineraries and prices for our Ghana, Togo, and Benin Wildlife Tours

Destination Management Company

Many international travel agents and tour operators use our services for their tours here in ghana, togo, and benin..

Our client confidentiality policy means we do not discuss any of our clients with third parties. Our company hold all the required licenses and insurance policies to accept international tourists here which is not the case for many companies operating from Ghana. Each company that use our services, guides and vehicles have their own unique way of conducting their tours, our strength is the ability to adapt to each companies way in addition to designing customized tour itineraries ensuring they offer something different to their competitors. Our clients tour participants are always happy to learn that the company they travel with care about the location they are visiting by using a local DMC whose profits go towards building schools and helping locals. Contact us to see the many benefits of having us as your preferred West African DMC.

For more information on the benefits of using Ashanti as your local DMC

Our small group all-inclusive scheduled tours operate year-round, alternatively we can design private customized tours for individuals, couples, families, small or large groups

Our Profits Protect Wildlife and Habitat

Ashanti would like to think most travellers care about the locations they visit and about having a positive impact during their time in each destination..

Booking with a responsible travel company goes a long way to achieving this. Many companies state they benefit locals and conservation when they do extraordinarily little and are more focused on their profit margins. Ashanti are West Africa’s leading nature tour company putting their profits back into protecting wildlife, rainforest, biodiversity and connecting communities to the conservation of their environment through community development initiatives connected to eco-tourism. Click to learn more about where our profits go.

For more information on how our profits help protect wildlife and rainforest

We Offset Your Trips Carbon Footprint

We plant 3 indigenous forest tree species for every guest that travels with us..

The main aim for this project is carbon offsetting – guests choosing to travel with us would offset their flights to/from Ghana by more than 15 times if the trees live to their expected lifespan. This is based on projected carbon dioxide generated on a return flight for the average guest (approximately 900kg/1980 lbs). The average tropical tree can absorb approximately 48lbs of carbon per year (when mature) and in Ghana it takes 30-50 years for a tropical tree species to grow to maturity, with an average life expectancy of 200-300 years. If the trees we plant for each guest are continued to be protected, then we are confident that we will be making a big difference in carbon offsetting: 3 trees planted would each absorb approximately 10,080 lbs of carbon, totalling 30,240 lbs/13,745 kg for all 3 trees (per guest).

For more information on sustainability and environmental stewardship

Booking a tour with us makes you an important part of our positive impact conservation projects, having the option to visit the rainforests and communities your trip helps protect is a special moment for many of our participants

Booking enquiry form, for more information, detailed itineraries and prices relating to your preferred tour choice please fill in the below information request form..

If you see a * symbol it means this information is required before submitting the form.

If you are having problems submitting the information request form please email us directly at – in**@as*****************.com

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To enable us to direct you to the perfect vehicle that meets your requirements or to book a saloon, 4x4, minibus, bus or coach please fill out the below form.

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The Top 10 African Safari Tours in 2021

Scott Bay is a magazine editor specializing in travel, architecture, and gear. He was previously an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure . His work has also appeared in Wired , Architectural Digest , Wallpaper , Robb Report , Saveur , Daily Beast , and more.

This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

A safari tops most of Travel + Leisure readers' bucket lists — a trip that many spend a lifetime daydreaming about , saving for, and eventually splurging on. On this type of adventure, travelers pull out all of the stops and have high expectations. One of the best ways to have that dream trip live up to expectations is to hire one of the best safari outfitters, as voted by the discerning readers of T+L.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey , T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated tour operators and safari outfitters based on their staff and guides, itineraries and destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and overall value.

The safari companies favored by T+L readers owe much of their success to the talented advisors, who get to know their clients so they can create truly customized trips. "We couldn't have worked with a better group of people," one reader said of No. 5 winner Travel Beyond. "They were friendly, efficient, informative, and made sure our entire trip went smoothly. We never had a care."

Each safari outfitter also displays a deep connection to the national world and conservation efforts . Readers felt that No. 10 andBeyond particularly excelled in this area: "They have an excellent commitment to local communities, protecting wildlife and the environment." Another reader said of No. 9 Wilderness Safaris, "Their commitment to local communities and protecting wildlife is outstanding."

Read on to see the full list of T+L readers' picks for the best safari outfitters — all of which not only make spotting the Big Five easy but also arrange unparalleled perks and accommodations.

1. Micato Safaris

This company has been voted onto T+L's list of the world's best safari outfitters every year since the awards' inception — and for good reason. The family-run business has deep roots in Kenya, and its owners' love for the country (and continent) is evident in the way they operate. Each itinerary, whether private or with a group, is tailored to be the most luxurious, comfortable, and exciting adventure possible. Readers couldn't say enough kind words about their recent trips. "Never met tour guides or staff that were so friendly and knowledgeable about the animals and the locations and the culture," wrote one reader. "They seemed to have a sixth sense for anticipating our needs. It was really something." A few more touted Micato's reputation, with one saying, "Simply the best safari outfitter in Africa. Bar none."

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 98.88 More information: micato.com

2. Extraordinary Journeys

Score: 98.21 More information: extraordinaryjourneys.com

3. Dazzle Africa

Score: 98.08 More information: dazzleafrica.org

4. Thomson Safaris

Score: 97.73 More information: thomsonsafaris.com

5. Travel Beyond

Score: 96.82 More information: travelbeyond.com

6. Volcanoes Safaris

Score: 95.78 More information: volcanoessafaris.com

7. Alluring Africa

Score: 93.26 More information: alluringafrica.com

8. Rothschild Safaris

Score: 92.81 More information: rothschildsafaris.com

9. Wilderness Safaris

Score: 92.80 More information: wilderness-safaris.com

10. andBeyond

Score: 90.20 More information: andbeyond.com

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021 .

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The Royalland Tours Difference

Uniquely embodying the essence of Royalland Tours, our approach seamlessly merges local expertise with international standards, crafting immersive journeys that leave a lasting impact. With a commitment to personalized service and a fervor for unveiling West Africa’s concealed treasures, we guarantee each West African Tour experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

Tailor-made travels

Our speciality, offering a bespoke travel experience designed entirely around your preferences. Every detail is personalized to create a unique adventure, from selecting destinations to choosing activities. Our expert team collaborates with you, leveraging local knowledge and global expertise to curate an itinerary that suits your interests, pace, and budget.

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Top 10 Best African Safari Parks and Destinations of 2024

Anita is a data researcher and content manager at SafariBookings with a background in editing and translation.

Africa has some incredible places to go looking for animals, but which safari park do travelers rate the highest? After an exhaustive analysis of 2,494 reviews written by safari travelers and experts, we are pleased to announce that, for the fourth consecutive time, Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park has won top spot in our list of the Top 10 Best African Safari Parks and Destinations of 2024.

Its overall rating of 4.87 out of 5 put this world-renowned wildlife park out in front of 199 other parks and reserves across East and southern Africa, as well as Ethiopia and Madagascar. Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve in South Africa continued its rise through the rankings this year, reaching second place, with Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park coming in third.

Top 10 African Safari Parks and Destinations

Top 11 to 50 african safari parks and destinations, how we created this list, interesting insights, demographics of the reviewers (all parks).

4.52 /5 Classic safaris, giraffe, cheetah, antelope species, four of the Big Five (no rhino)

4.51 /5 Boat and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), abundant elephant

4.50 /5 Classic dry-country safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), adjoins Buffalo Springs National Reserve

4.50 /5 Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present

4.49 /5 Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present, chimpanzee refuge, stunning scenery

4.48 /5 Canoe, boat, walking and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino)

4.47 /5 Classic safaris, great abundance of all major safari animals including the Big Five

4.45 /5 Walking and classic safaris, Victoria Falls and small wildlife park, white rhino, elephant and giraffe, no big cats

4.44 /5 Walking, boat and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), healthy population of wild dog

4.43 /5 Boat safaris, sublime scenery, wonderful birding, rhino tracking

4.37 /5 Classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no buffalo), abundant wildlife during the Dry season

4.36 /5 Boat and classic safaris, waterfall, abundant wildlife, four of the Big Five (no rhino)

4.36 /5 Classic safaris, great elephant viewing, famous for its views of Mt Kilimanjaro

4.32 /5 Classic safaris, zebra migration in the Wet season, all big cats present

4.29 /5 Classic safaris, adjoins Tsavo West National Park, good for elephants and big cats

4.28 /5 Boat and classic safaris, abundant wildlife, four of the Big Five (no rhino)

4.27 /5 Walking, canoe and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino) and wild dog present

4.23 /5 Walking and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), lots of elephants in the Dry season

4.22 /5 Classic safaris, adjoins Tsavo East National Park, Big Five present, low wildlife density, varied scenery

4.17 /5 Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present

4.15 /5 Exceptional granite landscapes, prehistoric rock art, limited wildlife includes rhino

4.12 /5 Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present

4.05 /5 Big Five, lovely scenery, top birding, night drives and boat trips

4.05 /5 Classic safaris, black and white rhino, lion and leopard, no elephant, family-friendly

3.98 /5 Classic safaris, zebra migration in the Wet season, all big cats present

3.96 /5 Hiking, small antelope species and primates, birding hot spot

3.96 /5 Classic safaris, Big Five present

3.88 /5 Walking safaris, forest elephants and tree hotels

3.88 /5 Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present

3.87 /5 Cycling, walking and climbing, with mainly buffalo and antelope species

3.81 /5 Boat, walking and classic safaris, mainly antelope species, lion present but rare

3.79 /5 Classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no elephant), city skyscrapers as backdrop

3.72 /5 Classic, walking and canoe safaris, treetop walkway, four of the Big Five (no rhino)

3.70 /5 Classic safaris, hiking, mainly antelope species, buffalo, giraffe and Kilimanjaro colobus

3.65 /5 Walking and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino)

3.56 /5 Classic safaris, Cape mountain zebra, cheetah, lion, black rhino and antelope

3.45 /5 Classic safaris, Big Five present, but only elephant are regularly seen

3.44 /5 Classic safaris, Big Five present, famous for its rhino population

2.84 /5 Scenery, hiking, animals scarce, mainly antelope species, none of the Big Five

1.95 /5 Classic safaris, wildlife scarce except after summer rains, all big cats present

• We analyzed 2,494 park reviews on the SafariBookings.com website, which included 1,380 contributions by safari tourists from 107 countries, as well as 1,114 reviews written by our international team of safari experts.
• In total 200 parks from 15 countries, consisting of Botswana, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, were included in the study.
• Only parks recognized for classic wildlife-viewing safaris were considered. Parks mostly known for scenery or gorilla/chimp tracking (and not other wildlife) were not included.
• Parks with less than 10 reviews were excluded from the Top 50.
• Serengeti National Park in Tanzania was the clear winner with a 4.87 overall rating. This was the fourth time running that the Serengeti has come out on top, after placing first in 2015, 2018 and 2019. Driving the Serengeti’s popularity is the park’s spectacular wildlife (including the abundance of predators and the wildebeest migration), for which it was ranked highly by travelers and experts alike.
• South Africa’s Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve came in second with an overall rating of 4.71 out of 5. Ranked ninth in 2019, it jumped all the way to second place this year, roaring into the top three. Confirmation that Sabi Sands belongs in such elite company comes from the fact that both travelers and experts gave it 5 out of 5 for wildlife, and a higher overall ranking than they did in the previous survey.
• Coming in third was South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, rising from a respectable seventh last time around. It may receive fewer visitors than other, better-known parks, but it gets top marks from both travelers and safari experts.
• Tanzania had the highest number of entries in the Top 10, with three parks: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Ruaha National Park. Botswana was close behind with two and a half parks: Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (which Botswana shares with South Africa).
• Kenya may have only one entry, Masai Mara National Reserve, in the Top 10, but it had more parks and reserves in the Top 50 (12) than any other country. South Africa had the second most entries with 11, down from 14 in the last survey. Tanzania (eight), Botswana (six) and Uganda (four) were next. For the first time in 2024, Malawi had an entry in the Top 50 with Liwonde National Park at number 20.
• Birders have clearly taken a liking to Kenya’s Kakamega Forest National Reserve: both safari travelers and experts ranked Kakamega in first place for bird watching.
• One of the biggest surprises was Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. Ranked second in 2019, it fell dramatically to 27th. But safari travelers have remained loyal to the park, giving it the maximum score of 5 out of 5 in the categories of wildlife, bush vibe and birding.
• Travelers aged between 20 and 35 decided that their favorite park was Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, followed closely by Tanzania’s Serengeti. For more mature age groups, the top ranking went to Namibia’s Etosha National Park (ages 35 to 50) and South Africa’s Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve (ages 50 to 65).
• Botswana’s Chobe National Park and Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park ranked highly for safari travelers who have been on more than one safari. And when it comes to wilderness, Botswana’s Okavango Delta deservedly came out on top in the bush vibe category for those who have been on five or more safaris.

User reviews: 1,380 Expert reviews: 1,114 Nationalities: 107

Percentage of Reviews by Country All user reviews. Move your cursor over a country to get the number.

Age and Gender (Percentage) All people who wrote user reviews. Move your cursor over the chart for more details.

Safari Experience Level (Percentage) All people who wrote user reviews. Move your cursor over the chart for more details.

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African safari tours.

4-Day Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru Luxury Safari

$1,276 to $2,134 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

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

Kenya Tulia Safari Holiday Arcade

5.0 /5  –  48 Reviews

5-Day Living Among Lions - Luxury

$2,590 to $3,510 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

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

Unlimited Expeditions: The Soul of Tanzania

4.9 /5  –  438 Reviews

11-Day Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari

$3,905 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro, Tarangire NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti NP, Zanzibar (End)

Safari Soles

5.0 /5  –  246 Reviews

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Go on Safari!

Immerse yourself in Africa’s essence at Safari West! Climb aboard a safari vehicle and adventure among herds of giraffes, wildebeest, cape buffalo, zebras, and other African hoofstock. Along the drive, guests will have the opportunity to stop and observe the majestic rhinos. During the tour, encounter cheetahs, primates including lemurs, and birds from different regions of the world.

Join us in our mission to promote conservation and impart knowledge that enables every person to make well-informed choices for the environment and wildlife. Join us – you’re the vital element in this extraordinary journey!

Immerse in Nature. Educate and Engage. Advocate for Conservation! Advanced Reservations Required Book Now

• Good to Know
• Pricing & Times
• Wild Manners
• Accessibility

Age Requirement

For the safety and comfort of all our guests, children must be at least 4 years old to participate in the Classic Safari Adventure. Many of our Private Adventures are exempt from age restrictions.

Top Seat Height Requirement

For the safety of our guests, children 4 and up wishing to take a turn on the top seat must be at least  45 inches tall .

Gratuity and Tipping Policy

If you enjoyed your safari, feel free to tip your guide. They work hard and appreciate the recognition. Please Note : If you reserved a private vehicle or made a group reservation for 10 or more, a 10% service charge is included.

Cancellation Policy

We are more than happy to help you reschedule your exploration or provide you a gift card for the amount that was charged so that you can reschedule at your leisure. Please note that your gift card is entirely transferable, should you choose to gift it to a loved one or donate it to a charity or other organization instead.

Pets are not allowed at Safari West. If you have a pet that is not a service animal, we ask that you respect the important work of service animals by not claiming that your pet is a service animal. Please see the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) description of a service dog noted below. This is for your safety, as well as that of your pet, fellow guests and the animals of the Safari West collection. Please do not leave your pet locked in a parked car!

Service Animal Policy

We welcome guests with special needs who bring their service animal to enjoy our facility and the wonderful creatures making their homes here. Our policy is to assist all guests in making their time at Safari West enjoyable. A service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. “Companion” and “comfort” dogs are not “service animals” protected by the ADA.

• Service animals are permitted to visit Safari West. However, service animals are prohibited from all areas where our exotic collection is not separated from guests by a physical barrier.
• Service animals may also be restricted in certain areas due to the sensitivity of our animal collection.
• If you are spending the night, your service animal is allowed in one of our accessible tents.
• Your service animals are restricted from accompanying guests while on tour.
• Service animals must be housebroken.
• Service animals may not display vicious or aggressive behavior toward other people or animals. This includes barking and/or growling. If your service animal is disruptive at any time, you will be asked to remove your service dog from the park.

If you need to bring your service animal, call (707) 579-2551 at least 72 hours in advance to make arrangements.

Safari Adventures are always in season!

Adults (18 – 61), Seniors (62+), Teens (13 – 17) and Children (4 – 12)

Please be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your safari is scheduled to begin!

Please Note: Weekend rates apply for Holidays. These include – President’s Day • Memorial Day • Spring Break (March 18 – April 19) • Labor Day • Columbus Day •  Martin Luther King, Jr.  Day • Thanksgiving Week • Christmas Eve – New Year’s Day (closed Christmas Day)

Rules, Safety, and Etiquette

Safari West is the home of more than 800 wild animals, with all their natural behaviors and instincts. They are not trained pets, so we must act in accordance with their world rather than expecting them to understand ours. We are pleased to offer you a truly enjoyable and memorable adventure on the Sonoma Serengeti, so to get the most from your visit, please keep these few common-sense safety rules in mind and practice your wild manners.

Respect our Wild Friends

• Please stay at least three feet back from the animal enclosures.
• These animals are not to be touched . Be especially aware of children who may not understand that these animals are not like your pets at home. They may bite, kick or otherwise defend themselves if startled.
• If you see anyone harassing the animals, throwing objects or poking sticks into the animal enclosures, or teasing them in any way, please alert a staff member immediately.
• Never feed the animals. They eat special diets in the wild, and the Safari West animal staff sees that they enjoy the same appropriate foods here. Snacks that you love can be harmful to them.
• No running! The animals interpret running as a sign of danger and are likely to panic and hurt themselves.

Safari Truck Etiquette

We recycle! Throughout the lower area of the preserve are recycling bins. Please save your plastic water bottles, soft drink cans, and other recyclables until you can dispose of them in a bin. Children who wish to sit on the top of our double-decker truck must be at least 45 inches tall. Our guides stop occasionally along the drive to allow seat changes so that everyone who wants a top-tier ride will get a turn.

Lost and Found

Safari West is not responsible for lost items. Please keep a close eye on your belongings during the course of your stay as you will be exploring a large, mostly undeveloped preserve. Should you misplace an item, Safari West maintains a Lost and Found Location at the front office. Please check with us there if you should lose (or find) anything of value.

Welcome to Safari West!

We go to great lengths to ensure that our safari adventures are accessible to everyone and in compliance with all ADA requirements. If you or a member of your family have special needs due to mobility or sensory issues, please contact us and we’ll work with you to plan your safari excursion. Safari West is indeed a special place and we will do everything possible to provide our guests with equal enjoyment of the wonderful experience offered by our park.

Our classic safari vehicles are customized Dodge Power Wagons and are not ADA accessible and unfortunately are not equipped to handle wheelchairs or other mobility assisting devices. If a guest utilizing a wheelchair can safely transfer themselves unaided or with the assistance of a family member, friend, or personal assistant, the Classic Safari Tour remains a viable option.

For guests unable to transition into the Power Wagons, we are able to provide one customized vehicle capable of accommodating most wheelchairs. It requires advanced planning and has some restrictions on seating capacity. Please contact our reservations team at 707-566-3667 to discuss options.

We currently have two fully accessible tents on the property. Both rooms are fully wheelchair accessible and include appropriately equipped showers and bathroom fixtures. These rooms also feature designated parking spaces at the foot of the ramps for easy loading and unloading. They also benefit from close proximity to the restaurant, offices, and gift shop.

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at Safari West; however, due to concerns about guest safety as well as the safety of the animal collection, service animals are restricted from all safari tours and anywhere where there isn’t a barrier between the collection and our guests. While service animals are welcome to join you in our overnight accommodations, they cannot join you on tour unless you have reserved a Service Animal Serengeti Trek. This variant on the paratransit Serengeti Trek foregoes the walking portion of the tour. Instead, it accesses as much of the lower grounds as possible from within the paratransit vehicle.

Hearing Impaired:

Because of the cost of live, on-demand certified interpreters, Safari West no longer pays for live, on-demand, in-person ASL interpreters.  However, guests with hearing impairments are welcome to bring their own live ASL interpreter and Safari West will waive the admission charge for the guest-provided interpreter.  Similarly, as a further reasonable accommodation, Safari West will provide a complimentary safari tour to a non-professional ASL signer for a hearing-impaired guest, e.g., friends or family members who sign for the guest.

Vision Impaired:

With advance notice, a tactile tour can be provided for a visually impaired guest. A sighted companion will almost always accompany a visually impaired visitor. Should this not be the case, the guest will be accompanied by one of our guest service personnel.

Safari West offers free parking to our guests. Our parking lot has several accessible parking spaces for disabled persons supplying a valid disability-parking placard. Additional reserved parking spaces for placarded vehicles may also be available upon arrival. If you or a member of your party has any special needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us at  707 566-3667

Let us help you plan the safari adventure of a lifetime at Safari West!

400 Acres of Exploration

From cheetahs to lemurs, giraffes to wildebeest, there’s always something amazing waiting just around the bend. Alongside one of our highly-trained safari guides, head out on a 3-hour excursion to get up close and personal with nearly a thousand animals. With over ninety species making their homes here, Safari West truly is Sonoma county’s very own slice of the Serengeti.

Hit the Road

Climb aboard one of our custom safari vehicles and roll out to explore the Sonoma Serengeti. From the canvas-covered shade of the truck, go in search of the marvelous megafauna of Africa. Your expert guide will track down graceful giraffes, nimble impala, imposing cape buffalo and maybe even a few hulking rhinoceros. You never know what you’re going to find!

Take a Stroll

While the view from the safari truck guarantees a great look at the herds, some animals need a more subtle approach. On the safari walk, saunter through the Amani Oasis Aviary where demoiselle cranes preen along the path and scarlet ibis soar overhead. Come face-to-face with a black-and-white colobus monkey, search out a cleverly camouflaged cheetah and watch the courtly parade of flamingos around their lagoon home.

Cape Buffalo by John Burgess

Giraffes and Roan Antelope on the Sonoma Serengeti by Nancy Albury

Kudu by Katie Desmond

Safari with Giraffes by Mark Pressler

Ring-tailed Lemur by Marilyn Wyett

Amari Oasis Aviary by John Burgess

Zebras by Nancy Goodenough

Bontebok and Roan Antelope

Destinations

Some great writers found magic and happiness in Africa. Others, a sense of where they belong. For Wilderness, Africa is and forever will be our home. 

The Motherland

The original Wilderness

From Wilderness’ birthplace in diverse Botswana, home of the phenomenal Okavango Delta, to the dense forests and great apes of Rwanda, or the ancient, intriguing desert landscapes of Namibia, let’s explore Africa’s wild spaces, together.

The Wilderness footprint spans eight countries across 6 million acres (2.3 million hectares) in Africa. However, it's always been our aim to tread lightly, acting with the purpose of conserving each of these magnificent wild areas and the life found there. From ancient cultures to historic rock art sites, vibrant communities, and iconic wildlife, Africa is exciting, exceptional, and certainly worth protecting.

At the heart of the wild

The African safari experience is one you’ll only understand once you’ve had its dust on your toes and seen its magnificent sunsets for yourself. Once you’ve watched elephants silently pad along the desert, lions leap over waterways, leopards emerge from thick grass, giraffe sway over the savannah, or listened to the whoop of a hyena as it echoes into the night.

PLAN YOUR NEXT JOURNEY

Ready to take a life-changing African safari?

Start planning the African safari of your dreams with Wilderness... whether the thundering Victoria Falls and the teeming plains of Zambia are calling your name, or you’d like to spend misty mornings in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools. Our African experts are on hand to take you wherever you want to go safely, with 24/7 on-the-ground support and an interconnected team of camps, vehicles, and aircraft.

Let’s plan your next journey

When we say we’re there every step of the way, we mean it, literally. From planning the perfect circuit, to private inter-camp transfers on Wilderness Air, and easing you through Customs. We’re with you on the ground, at your side, 24-7, from start to finish. Ready to take the road less travelled? Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey.

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Animals Around the Globe

10 Best African Countries for Safari

Posted: December 19, 2023 | Last updated: December 19, 2023

#1 Botswana

Recommended Tours:

Thus, poachers are seen as enemies of the people. As a result, Botswana has come into view as Africa's most sought-after ecotourism destination. Starting from the Chobe National Park to the Moremi Nature Reserve, you'll be able to witness numerous gems all around the country.

Back in 2014, Botswana widely banned the hunting of wild animals and implemented strict laws which are still in practice. The country resumes its zero-tolerance for poaching and their very own environmental minister, Tshekedi Khama, has even launched a shoot-to-kill policy for poachers.

Botswana, with its wildlife conservation and natural parks, is a haven for nature lovers. It is currently in the top 5, as its approach to the protection and conservation of wildlife is worth the praise. As a country, it is very forward-thinking, some may even call it aggressively forward-thinking when it comes to its preservation and anti-poaching laws.

Its fertile land provides a safe and comforting home to around 200 mammal species. This includes elephants, hippos, monkeys and so much more. Along with 650 bird species and 5,500 plants. Even though the country is still underdeveloped and most of the population live in rural households, its national parks, and sight-seeing destinations are on the top 10 of our lists.

Even though many would face some difficulties in locating Malawi on a map, given how tiny it is, the country is home to the world-renowned Lake Malawi National Park. This is practically one-third of the country and is the most biodiverse lake in the world.

Most of the land in Namibia is occupied by the Kalahari and Namib Deserts. Along with that, the country also has 12 national parks and many other areas which are protected. So, if you go there for a safari, you'll have many rich areas to see and explore.

When it comes to countries with the least amount of population, Namibia is one of them. Which proves to be a good thing for nature. This is because most of the land in Namibia is still unspoiled by human filth or any sort of development, giving nature a chance to breathe.

In the country's Volcanoes National Park, you'll find 10 habituated gorilla families. Groups of 8 trekkers can visit them for one hour per day. But that's enough to get the best African safari experience. And as a nature lover, you'll enjoy the experience to the max.

If you've been around for some time, you'll be familiar with Rwanda's mountain gorillas. They were famously broadcasted and their fight for survival was shown on  National Geographic . This was all thanks to the late  Dian Fossey  back in the 1970s who advocated for the rights of these mountain gorillas throughout her life.

Considering the tragic history surrounding the mass genocide of the people of Rwanda back in 1994, it's truly a blessing what the country has achieved in the past 25 years. There have been countless investments in infrastructure. This has resulted in the country being a very fast-growing destination for ecotourism.

#6 South Africa

But given all the advantages, it's safe to conclude that South Africa also suffers from over-tourism. I mean, if you have so many great attractions, people will flock towards it. Chances are that you'll find yourself in the middle of dozens of unruly visitors who are not too keen on obeying the rules. This occurs mostly during the peak seasons.

Annually, the country has one million visitors. Its biggest attraction is the Kruger National Park with its enrichment in biodiversity. Visitors there also have the liberty to self-drive, thus, getting a first-person private but superb experience. 

For some time now, South Africa has been climbing the charts to become one of the most popular destinations for African safaris. Given its location, South Africa is a very convenient and cheap destination for people from the United States. Besides that, the country also boasts a well-developed infrastructure which makes it perfect for luxury travelers as well.

#7 Tanzania

One of the most popular locations would be the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The country is also a haven for 1100 different bird species. It's no wonder that Tanzania gets this much rep. Especially when the country boasts so many wonders.

We talked about Kenya being the top destination for Safari. Now Tanzania here takes second place in being the continent's most popular safari destination. And why shouldn't it? The country has 16 national parks and an extraordinary amount of wealth and wildlife wonders for the people to witness.

Some of its natural attractions include housing the highest mountain range in Africa. It also has the world's largest free-standing volcano and the second-largest freshwater lake. With its 30 national parks and other wildlife reserves, Uganda boasts many more sanctuaries which are worth the visit. Especially if you're a lover of nature and wildlife.

Often called "The Pearl of Africa", Uganda is certainly a great pick for an African safari. Its reputation as being one of the best ecotourism destinations comes from the country's natural attractions and wildlife.

Out of its 20 national parks, the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is home to many wildlife animals such as African elephants, Angolan giraffes, Cape buffalo, etc. Other than that, there are many private ownerships of National parks, notably the Kasanka National Park which is near the basin of Lake Bangweulu. It's a safe place where visitors can see 400 different avian species.

Zambia may be a bit far down the list of popular destinations for your African safari, but many consider it to be a destination for diversified and immersive safari experiences, and making a notable feature on our 10 Best African Countries for Safari guide. The country is steadily focusing on conservation as their president has shown a keen interest and is working on building the nation's economy as well as the infrastructure.

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