10 Best Countries for Safari

These 10 Best Countries for Safari include the top safari destination, animals you will encounter & things to do in the area, so you can get planning!

When you are looking for outdoor holidays you need to consider going on a safari. Safari holidays can provide you with a lot more fun and adventure than a regular wildlife holiday.

Many people today choose safari holidays to break from their routine and focus on exploring nature, wildlife, geography and even local cultures and traditions. Africa remains among the best continents for nature and wildlife lovers to explore, with many of the best places to visit in Africa being featured on this list.

Let’s take a quick look at the 10 best countries for safari.

Best Countries for Safari

South Africa

Over the years, South Africa has remained one of the popular destinations for safari and wildlife holidays. You can always look for how you can make the most of the holidays with your family and loved ones.

With better connectivity and infrastructure, South Africa has quickly become a haven for safari enthusiasts who visit the Kruger National Park. This national park attracts more than a million annual visitors and is a part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere.

South Africa also has ample biodiversity which attracts more wildlife lovers to the country. While you are here you can see the African Big 5 along with African wild dogs and cheetahs.

As the southernmost county on the continent, South Africa offers fantastic diversity. From safaris to scenic deserts, beautiful beaches to charming towns, South Africa has it all. 

Head to cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg but also take trips out the beautiful nature spots as well as the fantastic Kruger National Park. 

Locals are super friendly here, so make sure to say hello in South Africa, chat to locals in your hostel or restaurants and try to eat as many local spots as you can.

Botswana

With ample national parks and game reserves, Botswana remains one of the top players when it comes to safari holidays. If you are interested in luxury safari holidays, Botswana can provide you with the best facilities and amenities that you can get.

Explore the vastness of the Okavango Delta and all the animals and predators that are a part of this ecosystem.

You could also try a horseback safari, which allows you to explore the terrain differently. Enjoy watching herds of elephants in the Chobe National Park. This national park is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Other popular activities here include game-watching at the Moremi Game Reserve and other popular game reserves.

Kenya

No safari list can be complete without mentioning Kenya.

For many decades, Kenya has remained among the top countries that offer the most premium safari experiences. Kenya has spectacular natural landscapes that only add to the safari experience. This is also the perfect destinations for a Kenya family safari, for those first time family trips.

With 25 national parks, Kenya is a country that has something for everyone but many people visit Kenya to watch The Great Migration

You can make the most of your African safari trip as you visit Kenya and also explore the bird life here. If you are into bird watching you can bring in the best binoculars for bird watching to help you explore resident and migratory birds.

Trek up Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa then see the flocks of pink flamingos at Lake Nakuru. 

Spend time in the capital city of Nairobi, home to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the Giraffe Centre and the Karen Blixen Museum.

You could also visit Kenya during the African celebrations of the Mombasa Carnival; a lively, unique experience for those looking for a glimpse into local culture at its best.

For one of the most unique hotels in the world, you could stay at the Giraffe Manor located in Kenya too. 

Tanzania

Located just south of Kenya on the Africa map, Tanzania is not far behind in the competition to be among the top safari destinations in the world.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area remains one of the most popular places here attracting millions from all over the world. Tanzania is also a popular choice for luxury safari enthusiasts. If you are interested in luxury safari lodges and resorts for your safari honeymoon trip you can find them in Tanzania.

The Serengeti National Park remains the hub for those who are interested in the Great Migration but is also a fascinating place to explore too.

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak, attracting climbers and trekkers from across the world. For those that want to see the impressive mountain without the climb, you could take a Kilimanjaro helicopter tour and witness the spectacular views from above. 

Just off Tanzania’s coast is the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. Often overlooked, this beautiful destination not only offers breathtaking beaches and stunning sunsets but you can also spend time visiting the old part of Zanzibar City, known as Stone Town.

You can then learn about the incredible cultures in Tanzania, like the Maasai Culture and their distinctive attire and traditional way of life. 

You can also take a day trip to Arusha National Park for an interesting, exciting day out.

Namibia

On the southwestern coast, Namibia remains one of the top choices for those looking for a safari trip to Africa. The area is dominated by the Kalahari and Namib Deserts, but this is where you can experience desert safari which is quite different from the regular African safari experiences.

The Etosha National Park is home to Africa’s Big 4 and you can also find many mammals and reptiles here that live in this environment.

You can also explore the Khaudum National Park where you can find herds of elephants, pride of lions, cheetahs and hyenas in the remote wilderness.

Zambia

Voted as one of the safest countries in Africa, Zambia is a great place for those looking to enjoy some safari time in Africa. With more than 20 national parks, Zambia has become one of the emerging destinations for safari enthusiasts.

This is where you can find herds of elephants, Cape buffaloes, crocodiles, hippos, sable antelopes, Angolan giraffes and much more.

The Lower Zambezi National Park and South Luangwa National Park are among the top national parks in Zambia that offer you excellent game-watching experiences. 

Uganda

Neighbouring Kenya, Uganda might not be as popular as Kenya when it comes to safari destinations, but it has certainly emerged as one of the choices for those who are looking for something different. In recent years, many safari enthusiasts have chosen Uganda for their trips.

The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest remains one of the most visited places in Uganda and is home to the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. Wildlife lovers can also visit and explore the Queen Elizabeth National Park where they can track chimpanzees.

The Murchison Falls National Park is also one of the places in Uganda where one can enjoy wildlife activities.

Zimbabwe

While Zimbabwe has got a lot of bad reputation because of its politics the country has quickly turned itself into a safari destination. Today, Zimbabwe has become one of the top spots for those looking for wildlife experiences in Africa.

The Victoria Falls remains the most popular place in the country. Located between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is a breathtaking UNESCO world Heritage site. Plan a visit in April or May to see the falls at their best, with Devil’s Pool, knife-edge Bridge and Livingstone Island offering the best vantage points.

After seeing the falls from above, don’t forget to go whitewater rafting in the Zambezi river for a different angle of the famous falls.

However, if you are looking for mammals and predators you can head to the iconic Zambezi National Park where you can find herds of elephants, a pride of lions and many other mammals in their natural habitat.

The Hwangwe National Park remains one of the largest national parks in Zimbabwe which also is home to more than 400 species of birds.

Rwanda

Over the years, the infrastructure investments in Rwanda have paid off and made it one of the choices for safari enthusiasts. This is where you can find plenty of eco-tourism options.

Also, Rwanda is known for its mountain gorillas and that brings more people to this landlocked country. You can head to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to explore these gentle giants.

The city of Kigali is a clean, thriving city with low crime rate. Here you can find plenty of restaurants, cafes, galleries, sport events and nightlife options.

Rwanda is known as the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’, so, of course, you can expect plenty of stunning landscapes to explore and appreciate. 

Nyungwe Forest national Park is a dense rainforest full of chimpanzees and colobus monkeys that you can appreciate along the canopy walks.

If you are looking for Africa’s Big 5 you can head to Akagera National Park on the east coast.

Malawi

Sandwiched between Tanzania and Zambia, Malawi is probably the most underrated safari destination in Africa. However, if you love ecotourism and want to explore animals and birds you can explore Malawi.

The Lake Malawi National Park is one of the most popular choices for those who want to watch big cats, monkeys, and hippos along with other mammals. The country is also home to more than 600 species of birds making it a great destination for bird lovers. 

Best places to go on Safari