There’s nothing quite like the magic of an African safari. The wildlife, culture and landscapes in Africa make it undeniably one of the best places on earth. From the roar of a lion to the silence of the Mafinga Hills to the beauty of the Blyde River Canyon.
So which African country is best for safaris?
Let’s find out.
Here at Wild Insights we organise trips to seven African countries on safari and have over 75 years of combined safari experience so we like to think we know a thing or two about where’s best to go.
In this article about which African country is best for safari we’re going to focus on the seven countries we know like the back of our hand:
- South Africa
- Botswana
- Namibia
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Kenya
- Tanzania
South Africa
On safari in South African observe the Big 5 roaming freely in the wild, watch the sun rise and set over some of the largest areas of biodiversity in Africa and gather around the boma (campfire) to hear stories from the bush close to the banks of the Olifants river. In South Africa, we can explore from our private safari lodge, Mpfuvu Manor and Bush Camp, Tsakane and you’ll be sure to feel at one with nature.
From the peaceful Pridelands to bush walks in Umfula Game Reserve and unforgettable trips to Greater Kruger and Kruger Park, we visit some truly magnificent areas on safari in South Africa. Thriving with wildlife and stunning safari camps, our private guides will take you on a journey of discovery with experiences that will last a lifetime.
Read more about our South African Safaris here.
Botswana
A safari in Botswana offers a true experience of the wild. It’s a great place to visit if you want to see hippos, crocodiles, big cats and elephants in their natural environment. It’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise thanks to permanent rivers and rambling floodplains.
From the vast Okavango Delta to the wilderness of the Tuli Block and the beauty of the Moremi Game Reserve, we visit some incredible places on Botswana Safaris. Thriving with wildlife and stunning safari camps, our private guides will take you on a journey of discovery with experiences that will last a lifetime.
Read more about our Botswana Safaris here.
Namibia
Namibia is a great safari location, and a beautiful coastline creates varied holidays perfect for honeymoon hideaways or action-packed family adventures. Bordering safari heavyweights South Africa, Zambia and Botswana, Namibia is often left out of safari conversations, but this westerly African country has a lot to offer.
Namibia we marvel at the Sossusvlei Dunes, hear stories of shipwrecks on the Skeleton Coast and visit a salt pan that’s so vast it can be seen from space. Larger than France, long distances separate key destinations in this beautiful land, after many years of visiting Namibia, we have created a shortlist for the must visit destinations and know exactly which way to take you.
Read more about our Namibian Safaris here.
Zambia
Woodlands, large lakes, vast floodplains, breathtaking waterfalls and winding rivers create a stunning landscape that makes a safari in Zambia truly unforgettable. Largely considered one of the last true wilderness areas in Africa, there’s an abundance of wildlife and beautiful landscapes waiting to be witnessed.
When on safari in Zambia we explore established parks such as the South Luangwa and Zambezi. Home to one of Africa’s largest wetlands, permanent water sources pull in the animals, especially in May and provide a viewing theatre that’s thriving with wildlife.
Read more about our Zambian Safaris here.
Zimbabwe
Known for dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife, Zimbabwe is also the home to Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Water flows through the veins of Zimbabwe and on safari with us the Mana Pools and Lake Kariba are also a must visit.
Mana Pools lie in the northern tip of Zimbabwe. They are a unique collection of islands, channels, sandbanks and oxbow lakes. A UNESCO Heritage Site, the special Mana Pools spread over 2,500 km of undisturbed nature. And of course there’s Victoria Falls. The sounds, sights and smells of the Zambezi River will hit you as you watch the water launch over the cliff and make its way down through a series of stunning gorges.
Read more about our Zimbabwe Safaris here.
Kenya
An article about which African country is best for safaris would not be complete without mentioning Kenya and of course, the Maasai Mara. An area of preserved savannah wilderness in southwestern Kenya, the Massai Mara is famous for being one of the best wildlife viewing destinations in East Africa. It is one of only a few places on earth to have a premier conservation status, meaning wildlife and their ecosystem are highly protected here. At 1,510 square kms, it is home to around 600 species of bird and over 95 species of mammal. The Massai tribe are the nomadic inhabitants of the area and ‘Mara’ is their word for spotted, the area has this name thanks to the shrubs, bushes and flat topped acacia trees that dot the landscape.
Lakes and national parks we can also visit include Nakuru, Amboseli, Naivasha, Baringo and Bogoria. Naivasha National Park.
Read more about our Kenyan Safaris here.
Tanzania
Moving over to another East African gem, Tanzania. With a number of must-visit locations, one of our favourites is the Ngorongoro Crater which sits in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It is the largest, intact volcanic caldera on earth thought to be over two million years old. The crater has become a natural sanctuary for many large mammals in Africa and The Big Five can be found here.
Then of course there’s the Serengeti. Known for the Great Migration of zebra, wildebeest and antelope it’s an area we insist of visiting especially if it’s the right time of year to witness movement of these great herds. This legendary land is a vast mass of untouched African wilderness that will take your breath away and stop you in your tracks.
Read more about our Tanzanian Safaris here.
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