Best Places in Africa for Safari

What is the Best Place in Africa for a Safari? I get asked this question more than any other.  If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for the same answer.

I’m Lori Robinson, an African Safari Specialist with three decades of traveling and living on the African continent. You might expect a concise answer—and I can give one. Sort of.

The truth is: the best place in Africa for a safari  depends on YOU.

  • Do you dream of gorillas, elephants, or the Great Migration?

  • Are you hoping to connect with Maasai, Hadza, or Bushmen communities?

  • Would you like to sleep under desert stars, canoe down the Zambezi, or spot rare birds?

Your dreams of what you want to do and see on your African safari will determine the best safari destination for you. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through my top safari destinations in Africa, complete with pros, cons, and tips to help you choose the right country.

Top Safari Countries in Africa (Alphabetical)

Here are nine African countries I recommend for safari experiences. Each offers something unique.

Botswana

  • Highlights: Water-based safaris, huge herds of elephants, endemic wildlife, Bushman tribes

  • Considerations: Expensive

Kenya

  • Highlights: Maasai and Samburu tribes, wildebeest migration, abundant big cats, iconic Masai Mara plains, budget to luxury accommodations

  • Considerations: Can be crowded in top parks

  • Top Reasons I Love Kenya

Watch my YouTube video comparing East Africa to South Africa.

Namibia

  • Highlights: Dramatic landscapes, dunes, night skies, desert-adapted wildlife, Himba tribes

  • Considerations: Wildlife is less abundant; it can be extremely hot

  • More: Why Namibia is So Popular

Rwanda

  • Highlights: Gorilla trekking, luxury lodges, rich history

  • Considerations: Rare to see other wildlife besides gorillas and monkeys; expensive

South Africa

Tanzania

  • Highlights: Serengeti plains, Masai and Hadza tribes, wildebeest migration, vast wildlife, Kilimanjaro trekking

  • Considerations: Crowded in popular parks; luxury to budget accommodations available

  • More: Top Things to Do in Tanzania

Uganda

  • Highlights: Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee sanctuary

  • Considerations: Other wildlife is limited compared to neighboring countries; less expensive than Rwanda

Zambia

  • Highlights: Walking safaris, water-based experiences, abundant wildlife, wild and laid-back feel

  • Considerations: Harder to reach safari areas; range of accommodations from budget to luxury

Zimbabwe

  • Highlights: Walking safaris, water-based experiences, Victoria Falls adventures, abundant wildlife

  • Considerations: Fewer luxury options compared to other destinations

Get Personalized Safari Advice

If you want to save hours of research and ensure your safari matches your dreams, I offer one-hour phone consultations $100. I’ll help you choose:

  • The best country for your safari

  • The best parks to visit

  • The optimal time of year

Set up your consultation with me here:  PayPal.me/LoriRobinsonConsults