The 10 Best Countries for an African Safari

If you might be dreaming of a visit to Africa but don’t know where to begin, I’m blissful to assist pave the best way for you! You see, after living in South Africa for a while, visiting most of the countries in Africa and embarking on my justifiable share of safaris, I believe I’m qualified to share the very best countries to go on safari. And because these safari adventures have been a few of the most meaningful trips for me, I encourage everyone and anyone to journey to Africa a minimum of once of their lifetime and experience an African safari.

1. South Africa

We’ll start with the most well-liked country to go on a safari and that’s for good reason. South Africa is usually the primary selection for visitors to Africa due to its sheer amount of safari lodges, national parks and wildlife viewing opportunities. This country is vast and stuffed with great national parks to experience the Big 5 up close, so it’s little wonder that is probably the most visited country in Africa for a safari.

But you is perhaps wondering, is it the perfect?

For first time safari-goers, yes. South Africa offers the perfect introductory safari experience and is an awesome start line to explore Africa. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to benefit from a city stopover in Johannesburg and in the event you fancy, add a visit to Cape Town onto the tip of your journey.

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2. Botswana

Botswana is personally my favourite country to go on a safari. With a powerful concentrate on ecotourism and certainly one of Africa’s hardest anti-poaching units, Botswana is committed to conservation of the land, animals and other people who call Botswana home. And after all, it’s stunning! For top-of-the-line safari experiences with loads of wildlife viewing opportunities and the unique experience of a water safari, visit the Okavango Delta in the course of the wet season. It is here where I even have encountered huge herds of elephants, large prides of lions (and their cubs), plus met some meerkats up close within the Kalahari Desert.

3. Tanzania

Over in East Africa you’ll encounter a few of the most iconic National Parks to experience an African safari. And my top pick for a safari in East Africa is to go to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Particularly in the event you can time your visit in the course of the Great Migration, an annual wildlife event where animals cross from the Maasai Mara in Kenya to the neighbouring Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Early within the 12 months can be an awesome opportunity to see newborns, with baby giraffes and baby elephants being particularly enjoyable to observe experiencing the world for the primary time.

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4. Kenya

Coming in closely alongside with Tanzania is neighbouring Kenya. This is certainly one of Africa’s most visited countries for a safari experience, but in the event you plan on visiting popular decisions just like the Maasai Mara National Park, you need to prepare to share this experience with many other travellers from all over the world. However, there are some great ways to avoid the crowds equivalent to visiting the Greater Mara area (like my visit to Cottar’s Safari Camp) or heading North in Kenya to experience the vast landscapes on offer.

Related: What to expect while you stay at Giraffe Manor, Kenya

5. Namibia

As far as desert safaris go, Namibia offer the perfect experience without query. This country is a mecca for dry deserts, sand dunes, and the desert creatures that come together with it. So, where must you go on a safari in Namibia? If you would like a very unique experience within the desert dunes, head over to Sossusvlei. This is where you will see Namibia’s iconic red sand dunes, vast open landscapes and dry heat. For a more traditional safari, head straight to Etosha National Park where you’ll encounter rather more wildlife than a visit to the desert.

6. Zambia

As certainly one of the safest countries (by vote) in Africa to go to, Zambia is usually a top selection for travelers seeking to transcend the beaten path of nations like South Africa and Kenya, and as an alternative enterprise into somewhere you may not know anyone who has visited. And with that risk of the unknown comes great reward! Zambia is home to the Victoria Falls, an incredible waterfall on the Zambezi River with a powerful width of 1708 metres. There are also many great parks to experience a safari and an abundance of wildlife surrounding the falls.

7. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe may not be your first thought for occurring safari, but for travelers who’re on the lookout for something out of the bizarre and surprisingly spectacular, Zimbabwe (or “Zim” because it is affectionately known) is an awesome selection. Landlocked and positioned on the Victoria Falls, remember to add Devil’s Pool – the world’s most scenic natural rockpool – to your list. And as for safari, you may remember to have an incredible experience with loads of wildlife viewing in each of the National Parks, with Hwange National Park being our top pick.

8. Malawi

There’s a reason Malawi is emerging as certainly one of Africa’s most celebrated ecotourism destinations on the continent. With a powerful concentrate on preserving the land and communities who call the country home, Malawi is fast becoming certainly one of Africa’s most talked about destinations. Safari goers who’re on a budget will love this destination for offering a more cost-effective option, plus the persons are incredibly welcoming and proud to welcome visitors.

9. Rwanda

If you’re on the lookout for a life-changing experience like no other, then you definitely can’t go past a safari into the wild landscapes of Rwanda. And make no mistake, a visit to Rwanda is not any bizarre safari experience. Here you may encounter the elusive mountain gorillas, hiding deep within the forests. Expert tracking guides will take you on an adventurous walk to search out them and admire them from close range. It is an experience like no other.

10. Uganda

And in the event you’re on the lookout for an alternative choice when embarking on a mountain gorilla safari, you might also decide to visit Uganda. This country offers a more authentic experience, neighbouring popular Rwanda. There are some surprising lodges tucked away deep within the mountains like Bwindi Lodge, so remember to consider Uganda as a more cost-effective and authentic alternative to its neighbour.