The Ultimate African Safari Adventure: Five Countries To Consider When Planning Your Experience

One of the ultimate travel destinations for wildlife fans and adventurers is Africa. With stunning landscapes, larger than life wildlife, and some of the best national parks in the world, going to Africa and specifically taking a safari is the ultimate travel bucket list item. It can be difficult to determine where to go, so we have put together this guide to help you decide which country and location is the best safari destination for you. 

1. Kenya: Experience The Great Migration Up-Close

Kenya is an incredibly popular safari destination, and for good reason. Kenya is often thought to be the birthplace of the safari (after all, safari translates into “journey” in Swahili), making it extremely popular with first time safari visitors or experienced adventurers. It is home to the Masai Mara National Reserve, site of the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River. 

With no shortage of safari tour providers, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for you and your travel companions. To help avoid the crowds and support local communities, visitors can visit private reserves surrounding the Mara and go on a guided bush walk with a Maasai warrior. Highlights of a safari in Masai Mara National Reserve are Lake Nakuru and Amboseli, Samburu, and Tsavo West and East where you will see elephants, rhinos, various large cats, and more. 

The best time to visit Kenya is either July to October or January to February in order to see the Great Migration. Accommodations vary from rustic campgrounds to luxurious lodges and cabins, so there are options for every type of traveler and budget.

2. South Africa: A Great Option For First Time Safari Adventurers

South Africa is an excellent option for first-time visitors, those on a tighter budget, or visitors who want to experience more of what South Africa has to offer. Whether you are looking for beautiful beaches, fine wine, or a unique safari adventure, South Africa has it all. It is one of the easier destinations to travel to with regular international flights into one of the country’s airports. 

There are many safari destinations within South Africa including Kruger National Park and Madikwe Game Reserve. On your safari, you can see all the Big Five (buffalo, lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos) as well as other wildlife such as giraffes, wild dogs, zebras, and cheetahs. Madikwe Game Reserve is also a great option for families since it is a malaria-free area. 

After your safari, you can head to Cape Town to experience the best wines, restaurants, and other activities to cap off your time in the country.

South Africa is a fantastic year-round destination, but May through August is the cool, dry season, making it easier to spot wildlife due to sparse vegetation. Like Kenya, there are accommodation options for every type of traveler and budget. If you prefer to self-cater at your campsite, SANParks, the government’s parks agency, is an excellent option. If you prefer a luxury experience, any member of our team at Avondale Travel will be happy to help.

3. Tanzania: A More Relaxed Safari Experience

Famous for the iconic Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania is a perfect safari destination for visitors looking for an alternative to Kenya. While Tanzania and Kenya share many similarities, Tanzania is generally more relaxed. 

The Serengeti still allows visitors to see the Great Migration and is one of the largest parks in Africa. It also provides the opportunity to see big cat sightings year-round, as well as elephants and black rhinos. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, near the Serengeti, is a giant collapsed volcano (or caldera) which allows visitors to see a dense population of wildlife. After your safari, visit Zanzibar for world-class snorkeling in a protected marine reserve.

There are two good times to visit Tanzania. If you visit between January and March, you will see the wildebeest and their newborns passing through the Ngorongoro region. If you want to witness the Great Migration, visit the Serengeti between July and August. Accommodation options vary from luxury tents and lodges to basic safari cabins.

4. Namibia: Perfect For The “Do-It-Yourself” Traveler

If you prefer to be in the driver’s seat and have more independence, Namibia is a perfect option. Namibia has excellent roads and well-equipped campsites, making it the easiest Southern African country to explore on your own. 

Whether you opt to rent a 4WD campervan or a car designed for off-road terrain, you can explore at your own leisure. Typically, visitors start in Windhoek and circle up to the Namib Desert before heading to the coastline and ending at Etosha National Park. You are bound to see elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife on your custom safari. Or if you prefer to go on a guided and more traditional safari, there are still plenty of options for you to enjoy. Here at Avondale Travel, we can help you design your self-paced safari or connect you with one of the many safari providers. 

The best time of year to visit Namibia is from June to October when it is cooler and wildlife flocks to watering holes. There is no shortage of accommodations with campsites, glamping tents, and eco-lodges to stay at. 

5. Botswana: For Those Wanting A Luxury Safari Experience Away From Crowds

Botswana is a more remote and private safari experience, featuring some of Africa’s premiere wildlife watching. Visit the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site with one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. You can also take a luxury safari experience and take a mokoro (or a dugout canoe) through the wetlands to see unique wildlife you will not see anywhere else. 

Then head to Chobe National Park, home to the world’s largest population of elephants. Here you can surround yourself with these elephants as well as spot some of the big cats, zebras, and giraffes. You can also board a boat and sail down the Chobe River on a game-drive safari. 

Botswana is committed to protecting their ecosystem from mass tourism, so the cost of a safari adventure here is more expensive versus other countries. However, if you truly want a luxury safari experience, look no further. 

The best time to visit Botswana is during the dry season from June to October. Water levels are higher, making it easier to take a boat down the many waterways. Many of the national parks and the areas surrounding have safari lodges to stay at, catering to any budget. 

The beautiful and diverse landscapes and wildlife make Africa the best destination for a safari. Whether you are looking to see the Big Five, see giraffes up-close, or hear a lion roar, there are no shortage of safari adventures in Africa. While we have only just touched on a few countries and experiences, our team at Avondale Travel is here to help you create your dream safari. Get in touch with us today to begin planning your African safari adventure.