Africa, a continent renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, offers some of the most unforgettable safari experiences in the world. For those seeking adventure, luxury, and an opportunity to witness nature’s wonders up close, it can be challenging to choose the perfect destination.
Here’s our pick of the five African countries that arguably boast the best safari holidays, delving into their unique offerings, luxurious accommodations, and the incredible animals that call these places home.
Kenya
Ideal for spotting the famous Big Five…
When it comes to safari holidays, Kenya is often the first country that comes to mind. With its diverse landscapes, ranging from the vast savannahs of the Maasai Mara to the dramatic Great Rift Valley, Kenya provides an iconic backdrop for an unforgettable adventure.
Luxury accommodation options are plentiful in Kenya, with lodges such as Angama Mara, Sirikoi, and Giraffe Manor offering unparalleled comfort and service amidst the wilderness. These lodges provide an excellent base for exploring the Maasai Mara National Reserve, where visitors can spot the famous Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos – as well as witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras.
In addition to the Maasai Mara, Kenya is home to other unique wildlife destinations, such as Amboseli National Park, known for its large elephant population and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and Samburu National Reserve, where guests can encounter rare species like the Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe.
Little Governors’ Camp is a hidden gem in Kenya’s Maasai Mara Reserve, offering an intimate and opulent safari experience. Its luxury lies in its 17 tastefully furnished, en-suite tents, each with private verandahs overlooking the wildlife-rich marsh. Come evening, you’ll be served a sophisticated three-course dinner menu, served under candlelight. The buffet lunch, although a little less sophisticated, is still delicious and you may just get some elephants joining you for a good feed.
If you’re after another luxury Kenya safari experience, then witnessing the county’s vast savannah from a hot air balloon is a must. Rising with the dawn, you’ll witness wildlife awakening beneath you – a unique perspective on the natural spectacle. This unforgettable safari adventure unveils the raw beauty of Kenya’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. A quintessential African experience.
South Africa
Ideal for a a luxury safari in the Rainbow Nation…
If you’re planning a safari, then South Africa offers a rich and diverse safari experience, combining world-class wildlife encounters with luxurious accommodations and fine dining. The country’s flagship safari destination, Kruger National Park, is home to an incredible array of animals, including the Big Five, cheetahs, and wild dogs.
Visitors seeking a truly indulgent experience can stay at one of the many luxury lodges within the private game reserves bordering Kruger National Park, such as Singita, Royal Malewane, or Londolozi. These exclusive properties offer personalised service, opulent accommodations, and expert-led game drives in their own pristine wilderness areas, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience. We’re fans of the Sabi Sabi Earth lodges situated in the Sabie Game Reserve in the South-Western section of the Greater Kruger National Park
South Africa also boasts unique wildlife destinations beyond Kruger, such as the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, which is home to the rare African wild dog, and the scenic Garden Route, where guests can combine game drives with whale watching and wine tasting.
Botswana
Ideal for an intimate and exclusive safari experience…
For those seeking an intimate and exclusive safari experience, Botswana is an ideal destination. The country’s strict conservation policies and low-impact tourism model ensure that its pristine wilderness areas remain unspoiled, offering visitors a truly authentic encounter with nature.
The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the crown jewel of Botswana’s safari offerings. This vast inland delta is home to a plethora of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and the elusive African wild dog. Luxury lodges like Mombo Camp, Vumbura Plains, and Abu Camp provide guests with a front-row seat to the Delta’s incredible wildlife, while also offering indulgent amenities and impeccable service.
Beyond the Okavango Delta, Botswana’s Chobe National Park is renowned for its massive elephant population, while the remote and otherworldly Makgadikgadi Pans offer a unique safari experience, complete with habituated meerkats and ancient baobab trees.
Tanzania
Ideal for the witnessing the annual Great Migration…
Home to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro CraterTanzania is one of the best places in Africa for a classic safari experience. The vast plains of the Serengeti National Park are home to some of the largest herds of wildebeest and zebras on the planet, as well as the Big Five and other predators like cheetahs and hyenas. Visitors can witness the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras travel in search of fresh grazing.
The nearby Ngorongoro Conservation Area, incidentally another UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to the Ngorongoro Crater, a massive caldera that serves as a natural enclosure for a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and black rhinos. Visitors can stay at lodges on the crater rim, offering stunning views and easy access to game drives in the crater floor.
Tanzania also offers other unique wildlife experiences beyond the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, such as the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara National Park and the chimpanzees of Gombe Stream National Park, made famous by the pioneering research of Jane Goodall.
Morocco
Ideal for a unique North African safari destination…
While not typically thought of as a safari destination, Morocco offers a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience. The country’s southern region is home to the vast Sahara Desert, where visitors can witness desert-adapted wildlife like ostriches, gazelles, and even the elusive sand cat.
In addition, the Atlas Mountains are home to the endangered Barbary macaque, the only species of monkey found in Africa outside of the tropics. Visitors can hike through the scenic mountains and encounter these playful primates in their natural habitat.
Morocco also boasts several national parks, such as Toubkal National Park and Souss-Massa National Park, which offer a chance to see rare bird species like the bald ibis and the northern bald ibis.
Beyond wildlife, Morocco’s rich culture and history make it an ideal destination for a well-rounded North African adventure. Visitors can explore ancient cities like Marrakech and Fes, sample delicious Moroccan cuisine, and shop for traditional handicrafts in colourful souks.
The Bottom Line
While each of these African countries offers its own unique safari experiences and luxurious accommodations, they all share a commitment to preserving their natural heritage and showcasing the incredible wildlife that calls their lands home. Whether it’s the classic appeal of Kenya, the diverse offerings of South Africa, or the exclusivity of Botswana, a safari holiday in any of these destinations promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Or, if you’re looking for something a little different from your wildlife watching experience, then check out our guide on the world’s best safari experiences outside of Africa. You won’t regret it!
