Best African Safari Tours: Our Top 10 Picks

Martin Ngugi
Oct 7
4 min read

Best African Safari Tours:

An African safari is not just a holiday—it’s a profound journey into the wild heart of nature. From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the wetlands of the Okavango Delta and the majestic dunes of Namibia, the continent offers a tapestry of landscapes, wildlife, and cultures waiting to be explored. Whether you seek luxury lodges, immersive camping, or sustainable adventures, Africa’s safaris promise breathtaking encounters and memories that last a lifetime.

Below is a comprehensive guide to the Top 10 African Safari Tours, showcasing the finest destinations, experiences, and travel styles to help you plan your dream safari.

1. The Great Migration Safari – Masai Mara (Kenya) & Serengeti (Tanzania)

The Great Migration is one of the planet’s most spectacular natural events, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle traverse the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of greener pastures.

Highlights: Witness dramatic river crossings, predator hunts, and endless plains dotted with acacia trees.
Ideal Time to Visit: July to October (for the Mara River crossings); December to March (for the calving season in Serengeti).
Experience: Game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, hot-air balloon safaris at dawn, and cultural visits to Maasai villages.
Recommended Lodges: Governor’s Camp, Mara Explorer Camp, and Four Seasons Serengeti Safari Lodge.

2. Okavango Delta Explorer – Botswana

The Okavango Delta is an oasis of life in the middle of the Kalahari Desert—a UNESCO World Heritage Site where land and water merge to form a labyrinth of lagoons, channels, and islands.

Highlights: Explore via traditional mokoro canoes, spot elephants wading through floodplains, and enjoy sundowners overlooking crystal-clear waterways.
Ideal Time to Visit: June to September, during the annual flood when wildlife concentrations peak.
Experience: Fly-in safaris, guided walking tours, and night drives in private concessions.
Recommended Camps: Chief’s Camp, Xigera Safari Lodge, and Little Vumbura.

3. Kruger National Park Safari – South Africa

South Africa’s flagship park offers one of the most accessible and rewarding safari experiences. With excellent infrastructure, Kruger caters to both self-drive explorers and luxury travelers.

Highlights: See the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) and a diverse array of birdlife and landscapes.
Ideal Time to Visit: May to October for drier conditions and better game visibility.
Experience: Morning and evening game drives, walking safaris, and photography tours.
Recommended Lodges: Singita Lebombo Lodge, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, and Lion Sands River Lodge.

4. Chobe National Park Safari – Botswana

Chobe is renowned for its massive elephant herds—estimated to be the largest concentration in Africa. The park’s proximity to Victoria Falls makes it a perfect addition to a Southern African itinerary.

Highlights: Elephant herds along the Chobe River, boat cruises at sunset, and diverse wildlife including lions, leopards, and hippos.
Ideal Time to Visit: May to October (dry season).
Experience: Combination of land and water safaris, birdwatching, and photo safaris.
Recommended Lodges: Chobe Game Lodge, Ngoma Safari Lodge, and Muchenje Safari Lodge.

5. Etosha National Park Safari – Namibia

Etosha offers a strikingly different experience from typical savanna safaris. Its vast salt pan becomes a shimmering oasis that draws herds of animals from miles around.

Highlights: Unique desert-adapted wildlife such as the black rhino and springbok; dramatic landscapes perfect for photography.
Ideal Time to Visit: May to October (dry season).
Experience: Self-drive safaris, night game viewing at floodlit waterholes, and scenic desert landscapes.
Recommended Lodges: Ongava Lodge, Mushara Outpost, and Dolomite Camp.

6. South Luangwa National Park – Zambia

Often described as Africa’s best-kept secret, South Luangwa is the birthplace of the walking safari and offers intimate encounters with wildlife.

Highlights: Leopards, lions, elephants, and abundant birdlife, all set in a pristine wilderness with fewer crowds.
Ideal Time to Visit: July to October for dry season game viewing.
Experience: Walking safaris with expert guides, night drives, and visits to local communities.
Recommended Camps: Chinzombo Camp, Time + Tide Mchenja, and Mfuwe Lodge.

7. Amboseli & Tsavo Safari – Kenya

For those who dream of photographing elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, Amboseli delivers that iconic image. Pairing it with Tsavo creates a beautifully diverse safari.

Highlights: Large elephant herds, red-dusted plains, and stunning views of Kilimanjaro.
Ideal Time to Visit: June to October and January to February.
Experience: Game drives, cultural interactions with Maasai communities, and scenic air safaris.
Recommended Lodges: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Finch Hattons, and Elewana Tortilis Camp.

8. Hwange & Victoria Falls Safari – Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park combines vast wilderness with excellent wildlife, often without the crowds found elsewhere.

Highlights: Over 100 mammal species, including rare wild dogs and large elephant herds; proximity to the spectacular Victoria Falls.
Ideal Time to Visit: June to October.
Experience: Game drives, guided walks, and sunset cruises on the Zambezi River.
Recommended Lodges: Somalisa Camp, The Hide, and Victoria Falls River Lodge.

9. Gorilla Trekking Safari – Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) & Bwindi (Uganda)

For a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience, few things compare to trekking through misty forests to see mountain gorillas.

Highlights: Close encounters with endangered gorillas, scenic volcanic landscapes, and rich local culture.
Ideal Time to Visit: June to September and December to February.
Experience: Guided treks, golden monkey tracking, and cultural village visits.
Recommended Lodges: Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp.

10. Multi-Country Southern Africa Expedition – Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe

This epic journey offers a blend of desert, delta, and waterfall landscapes, delivering a full range of Southern African beauty.

Highlights: Dune climbing in Sossusvlei, mokoro rides in the Okavango, game drives in Chobe, and exploring Victoria Falls.
Ideal Time to Visit: May to September.
Experience: Scenic flights, river cruises, and stays in some of Africa’s most iconic lodges.
Recommended Operators: &Beyond, Wilderness Safaris, and Natural Selection.

Tips for Planning the Perfect Safari

Choose Your Season Carefully:Wildlife viewing is best in the dry season, but the green (wet) season offers lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower rates.
Decide on Your Comfort Level:Africa offers everything from luxury tented camps with private plunge pools to budget camping safaris.
Book Early:Top lodges and national parks fill up fast, especially during migration season.
Travel Responsibly:Support eco-friendly lodges and operators that invest in wildlife conservation and local communities.
Don’t Rush:Focus on one or two regions to fully enjoy the diversity of Africa’s landscapes and animals.

Final Thoughts

An African safari is one of the most transformative journeys you can experience. Each destination—whether it’s Kenya’s golden plains, Botswana’s emerald wetlands, or Namibia’s endless deserts—offers a unique encounter with nature’s raw beauty. These top 10 safari tours represent the best of Africa’s wilderness, blending adventure, culture, and conservation into unforgettable experiences.

No matter where you go, Africa will change how you see the world. It’s not just a trip—it’s a return to the wild, to wonder, and to yourself.