Every wanderluster has daydreamed about getting up close and personal with some of the world’s most exotic, awe-inspiring wildlife, witnessing them in their natural habitat. If this sounds right up your alley, there’s no doubt an African safari is at the top of your bucket list.

Sure, you can get up close and personal with wildlife, but keep an ethical distance.

So where are the best safaris in Africa? That depends on the wildlife you want to see and the kind of safari experience you desire—from walking safaris to game drives, from camping to luxury. The best places for African safari are far and wide between.

Africa is one of the best regions in the world for safari as the continent is home to the iconic “Big Five,” some of the largest and most dangerous wildlife in the world: elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceroses.

While it’s never guaranteed that you’ll see animals while on safari—at least if you’re on an ethical one—the odds are in your favor when in Africa. With some of the most diverse wildlife on the planet and the best national parks and game reserves in the world, Africa is the place to be for safari.

Is it ethical to go on a safari in Africa?

You should always consider ethics when looking for the best place for safari in Africa. Safaris aren’t always ethical—there are plenty out there that disrupt the wildlife and natural habitats, and some that still support hunting and abuse. But with a little research, it’s definitely possible to .

An ethical safari has ethical practices. They respect the animals, allow them to roam freely without disruption, and expect tourists to maintain safe distances so there is no human contact. Not only that, but ethical safaris typically play a role in conservation initiatives and supporting local economies.

Always do your research—after all, the best safaris in Africa are the ethical ones. Consider where your money is going and how the safaris are conducted so you can ensure your safari is protecting the wildlife rather than harming it.

Where are the best African safaris?

The best safaris in Africa let you create memories (and photos!) to last a lifetime while following ethical practices.

1.

• Why it’s the best: When many think of the best places to go on safari in Africa, Tanzania immediately comes to mind. Tanzania is one of the most famous safari destinations, and it’s known as the best country for safari not just in Africa, but in the world. It boasts some of the most world-renowned national parks, especially if you want to see the Big Five.
• Visit Africa’s iconic UNESCO-listed Serengeti National Park in Northern Tanzania to explore one of the world’s oldest ecosystems. Not only will you have the opportunity to see wildlife across the plains and grasslands, but if you visit at the right time of year, you may be able to bear witness to the Great Migration, a 1,000 kilometer journey of over two million wildebeest, zebra, impala, gazelle, and clouds of birds overhead from Tanzania to Kenya. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped foot into the real-life Lion King witnessing one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
• And if you want to knock off another one of the Natural Wonders? Visit Ngorongoro Crater, the largest caldera in the world and one of the best places to go on safari in Africa
• Recommended program:

2.

Animals in their natural habitat make for a memorable adventure.

• Why it’s the best: Another one of the best African safari countries is Kenya. Just as Tanzania is famous for the Great Migration, Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve receives the animals from across the Mara River in July and sees this largest mammal migration make the journey back to Serengeti in October.
• In addition to the Great Migration, Kenya is known for its diverse landscapes, from snowy mountains to hot, dry deserts to rainforest to rugged coastline. Visit the Samburu National Reserve on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River to see some of the most unique wildlife that can only be found in the Samburu ecosystem—reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, Beisa oryx, Somali ostriches, and the gerenuk—along with all the other typical African icons.
• Soak in the rich culture in local villages and be at peace knowing Kenya is home to some of the largest conservation and anti-poaching efforts in East Africa, birthing some of the best African safaris out there.
• Recommended program:

3.

• Why it’s the best: If you’re looking for the best country for safari, South Africa should be at the top of your list. South Africa is home to some of the oldest and most iconic national parks on the continent, making it a top destination on many African bucket lists.
• Visit Kruger National Park to explore two million hectares of land, filled with cheetahs, hoppos, Nile crocodiles, and even the endangered black rhinoceros. Within Kruger National Park, you’ll find the Karongwe Private Game Reserve where you can not only spot wildlife, but also learn about the rich culture and culinary traditions of the Shangaan people.
• But there are also endless parks to discover outside of the iconic Kruger. Visit the Mala Mala Game Reserve on Kruger’s border to find the largest population of lions in their natural habitat or explore the wide-open savannah of Sabi Sand Game Reserve. No matter which parks you want to visit in South Africa, the ideal time to go will be between June and September to spot the best wildlife.
• Recommended program:

4.

• Why it’s the best: Botswana is the best place to safari in Africa if you want to bask in vast wildlife without fences or restrictions. The landscape ranges from beautiful baobabs to sandy desert and is home to some of the highest concentration of big game in Africa.
• From the plains of Chobe National Park to the marshlands of Okavango Delta, you can find both land and water animals, especially if you’re willing to break outside the mold and safari by water. That’s right, you can take canoes through the connected river and lake system to spot kingfishers overhead while buffalo, lions, and leopards linger on the riverbank.
• Not only that, but Botswana is by far the best place for safari in Africa if you want to spot elephants, with a population of over 120,000 wandering in dry season along the Chobe River.
• Recommended program:

5.

Head over to one of the most diverse parks for a chance to see nature like you’ve never seen it before.

• Why it’s the best: Uganda is another one of the best places to go on safari in Africa due to its varied landscapes and species. Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park near Murchison Falls, one of the most diverse parks in the country. There you’ll find beautiful mountains, lush rainforests, open savannah, crater lakes, swampy wetlands, and flowing lakes and streams that are the sources of the Nile, the longest river in the world.
• With such diverse ecosystems, Uganda houses diverse wildlife, from elephants and buffalo to forest hogs and hippos. You’ll also find the unique African skimmer bird in the wetlands, crocodiles lurking in the Nile, and chimpanzees hanging out in the rainforest.
• In addition to the wildlife, Uganda is the . With endless water features, you can take a break from safari to go white water rafting, chase waterfalls, or visit local tea and coffee plantations for a caffeine buzz.
• Recommended program:

6.

• Why it’s the best: If you Google “where are the best African safaris,” Zambia may not be first on your list, but it should definitely make the cut! This safari hotspot is often an overlooked destination, yet it offers some of the most unique experiences.
• Visit South Luangwa National Park to spot high concentrations of Thornicroft’s giraffes and Crawshay’s zebras, in addition to the Big Five. Or, go birdwatching at Lower Zambezi National Park, where they have recovered from poaching and now host ethical safaris. In Zambia you’ll have the option to explore through canoe safaris, walking safaris, and even go on night game drives to spot nocturnal wildlife.
• There are usually plenty of places to stay in the parks in Zambia too, from camping areas to cozy lodges. And if you want to explore outside of the game reserves, you can take a pit spot at Victoria Falls for epic hiking and helicopter rides, or swim to the edge of Devil’s Pool.
• Recommended program:

7.

No time for yawning, get your adventure on with an African safari!

• Why it’s the best: While years of economic and political turmoil have dealt a blow to Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, it’s now making a comeback as one of the best places for African safari. One of the highlights of Zimbabwe is Mana Pools National Park, one of the most picturesque parks in all of Africa.
• Mana Pools is known for its huge elephant population, along with a plethora of leopards, lions, and the occasional African wild dog. Thin vegetation means you can explore the park on a walking safari or canoe down the Zambezi River in the middle of the wilderness.
• There are options to stay in unfenced campsites and even explore without a guide, although it’s not recommended for beginners. With Zimbabwe bordering the other side of Victoria Falls, this is also one of the best places to go on safari in Africa if you also want a taste of hiking, trekking, and water adventures.
• Recommended program:

The right safari in Africa could be life changing!

Where are the best safaris in Africa? Wherever you can spot the wildlife you want to see while sticking to ethical practices.

It’s impossible to pick just one location as the best place for safari in Africa. Each country offers a unique safari experience with diverse landscapes, ecosystems, wildlife, and cultural experiences. No matter which country you choose, there’s no doubt that a safari in Africa will be a you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLvAm6momZRjsLC5jpqpraGTobK0e8CdrZ6mpKq%2FpnnTq5ivnZxirqO%2BzpqbaK%2BYmr%2BmecCrnGasmJp6o7HSrWSsmZaWv6q%2FjKKlZpmWp7akrQ%3D%3D