The most common question I get asked by clients is this – “What is the best place in Africa for a safari?” I imagine you’re reading this post because you too would like an answer to that same question.
I’m Lori Robinson. As an African Safari Specialist combining three decades of traveling and living on the African continent you probably imagine I can give a concise answer.
Well, I can. Sort of.
But my answer to ‘what is the best place in Africa for a safari’, depends on YOU.
What does your dream safari look like? What are your must sees. Gorillas, large herds of elephants, the migration? Are you looking to get personal with the Maasai, Bushmen or Hadza? Do you want to sleep under desert stars, canoe down the Zambezi, or are you a birder looking for lifers? Depending on your dreams, my answer varies.
Stay with me, and you will find out what is the best place for you to go on safari
There are nine (out of 54 total) African countries, that offer what I think are spectacular wildlife experiences. Each of them is unique. For instance, Botswana is known for large herds of elephants, East Africa for the migration of 2.5 wildebeest, while a safari in South Africa practically guarantees you will see leopards. Some countries offer land and water experiences, while other areas ensure spending time with traditional tribal peoples, and other countries specialize in bush walking.
At the bottom of the page I’ve listed nine countries in Africa worth your consideration when deciding where to go on safari. I’ve added general pros and cons for a quick comparison of the different countries. For more information I’ve attached links to posts I’ve written on many of the countries.
If you would rather hear about my favorite countries, you can find me describing some of the country’s pros and cons on my YouTube channel.
Whether you check out the list below, or visit my Youtube channel to listen, I compare countries, describing what I love and sometimes dislike about the top safari destinations. It’s worth your time to understand the differences of each so that you choose the best country for your dream safari vacation.
If you want to skip all of this let’s hop on a phone call where I will answer all of your safari questions. I’ve helped hundreds of people choose the best country for a safari, as well as the best Parks within those countries, at the best time of year to get the experiences they hope for.
And I will do the same for you, saving you hours and hours of time searching through reams of information online.
Set up your one hour, $100, phone consult with me, Lori Robinson here: PayPal.me/LoriRobinsonConsults
The Countries offering the Best Safari experience (in alphabetical order) -with Pros and Cons
Botswana
-water element, large herds of Elephants and other wildlife, animals endemic to the area, Bushman tribes, expensive More on what I like about Botswana
Kenya
-Masai and Samburu tribes, wildebeest migration, vast number of big cat and other wildlife, budget to luxury accommodations, mild temperatures, sanctuary visits, iconic African plains (Masai Mara), depending on area there can be huge crowds of tourists More on what I like about Kenya
Watch my YouTube video comparing East Africa to South Africa.
Namibia
-landscape photography, sand dunes, night skies, desert adapted wildlife, Himba tribes crowds in best Parks, less wildlife, can be extremely hot More on what I like about Namibia
Rwanda
-gorillas, , history, rare to see any other animals except gorillas and monkeys, expensive luxury lodging
South Africa
-leopard sightings practically guaranteed, crowds depending on Park, honeymooners destination, City/Safari combo is great, not as many animals as other countries Watch my video comparing South Africa to East Africa.
Tanzania
-Masai and Hadza tribes, iconic African plains (Serengeti), wildebeest migration, vast number of big cat and other wildlife, budget to luxury accommodations, mild temperatures, depending on area there can be huge crowds of tourists, Mt Kilimanjaro trekking More on What I like about Tanzania
Watch my YouTube video about the differences between East Africa and South Africa
Uganda
-Gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee and monkey trekking and sanctuary, other wildlife is there but limited compared to other countries, less expensive then Rwanda
Zambia
-budget to luxury lodging, water element, lots of wildlife, more wild and laid back feel, known for walking safaris, harder to get to the safari areas
Zimbabwe
-budget to luxury lodging, less expensive options for safari, known for walking safaris, water element, good adventure (Victoria Falls activities)/Safari combination, lots of wildlife
Visit my YouTube Channel here.
Set up a one-hour ($100) phone consult here: PayPal.me/LoriRobinsonConsults