What are the best places to go on safari in Africa?
For most of us going on a safari in Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
So, you want to make sure you go on the best safari, that is, the one that offers what you are looking for.
Apart from of course reading a lot of reviews about the companies you are considering booking with, there are three main experiences that can make it the best safari in Africa.
And which of these three experiences you value the most will help determine where you should go and what time of year, to create your best African safari.
Therefore, I wanted to write an article about these highlights of African safaris, hoping that it will help you decide where and when to go on a safari.
The Best Safari in Africa: 3 Experiences Not to Miss
1. The Great Migration
There’s nothing quite like the Great Migration.
Every year, around 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and other antelope, move across the plains of East Africa in search of fresh grazing.
They follow the rains, traveling between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, creating one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles.
Some of the best African safari opportunities are found here, across a landscape of volcanic grasslands and vast plains interrupted by rocky outcrops, rivers, and forests.
The Great Migration is a continuous cycle, but certain times of the year stand out.
If you want to witness thrilling river crossings, where huge herds battle strong currents and lurking crocodiles, you’ll need to time your safari carefully. These dramatic crossings happen mainly at:
- Grumeti River (Tanzania) – May to June
- Mara River (Kenya) – July to September
Herds gather in their thousands to forge the waters of the Grumeti River and the Mara River. Crocodile kills and hordes of panicked animals mean that the crossings are not for the faint-hearted; however, they undoubtedly offer some of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife encounters.
If you’d rather see the calving season, when thousands of wildebeest give birth and predators lurk nearby, February to March in the Southern Serengeti is the best time to go.
No matter when you visit, following the Great Migration means incredible wildlife encounters—big cats, crocodiles, and hyenas are never far behind.
Where & When to Go to Watch the Great Migration?
The Great Migration generally moves clockwise through the Serengeti and Masai Mara, but the exact timing depends on rainfall.
- December to March → Southern Serengeti (calving season, lots of predators).
- April to June → Central & Western Serengeti (Grumeti River crossings).
- July to September → Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara (Mara River crossings).
- October to November → Herds move south again.
The Great Migration is by far the greatest mass movement of land mammals in the world and has been listed as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience for sure!
Check out this website for a good selection of safaris in Africa to see the Great Migration.
2. The Big Five
Many people who are looking into where to go on safari in Africa, want to know where they can spot the Big 5—a term originally used by hunters to describe the five most difficult and dangerous animals to track on foot.
The Big 5 are a group of mammals that are endemic to Africa:
- Lion
- Leopard
- Elephant
- Rhino (black and white)
- Cape buffalo
While lions and elephants are relatively easy to find, leopards are the hardest to spot—they’re elusive and excellent at blending into their surroundings. Rhinos can also be tricky, as their numbers have sadly declined due to poaching.
That said, don’t just focus on the Big Five! Some of my favorite safari moments have been watching giraffes gracefully wandering the plains or hippos wallowing in the rivers.
If spotting the Big Five is your goal, South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Kenya’s Masai Mara, and Tanzania’s Serengeti are great choices.
This Big 5 Safari in Kenya is a great safari if you’d love to try and spot these 5 incredible animals.
3. The Green Season
Green season is low season, but it has its perks!
It’s Africa’s wet season—a time when dry landscapes transform into lush, green grasslands.
This sudden abundance of food makes it prime time for baby animals! It’s when zebras, antelope, and wildebeest give birth, which also means lions, leopards, and cheetahs are on the hunt.
The best places for a Green Season safari depend on the region:
- East Africa (Kenya & Tanzania): November to May (short rains in Nov-Dec, long rains in March-May).
- Southern Africa (Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe): November to March.
Botswana, in particular, offers some amazing Green Season safaris—especially in the Kalahari and Nxai Pan, where thousands of zebras migrate, and predators follow.
This 8 day safari in Botswana is great value.
Venture around Botswana during the Green Season to see just how much impact a bit of green can have on both the landscape and the life of the animals living there.
Not only is it good for the animals that are on the ground, but the amount of wildlife that appears up in the air increases as well.
Look out for butterflies and birds that start to appear – the birds start to come out of their habitat to hunt for insects that start to fly about due to the fauna that’s appearing. It’s one big circle!
For photographers, the Green Season boasts the best light of the year. The rain-washed air is crisp and clear, making colors pop, and the cloud-stacked sunsets look incredible. There is plenty of wildlife action to capture; from the babies taking their first steps to the dramatic life-and-death scenes of predator and prey interactions.
Best of all, it’s the time of year when you might actually have the wilderness all to yourself! Because it’s low season, there are fewer visitors, even in premium destinations.
Choosing the Right Safari for Your Budget
One of the biggest factors in planning a safari is your budget. Whether you’re looking for an affordable adventure or a luxury getaway, there’s a safari experience for everyone.
Budget Safaris (US$ 1,000 – US$ 3,000 per person)
If you’re looking for a more affordable safari, consider:
- Self-drive safaris – Places like Kruger National Park (South Africa) and Etosha National Park (Namibia) allow you to drive yourself, giving you flexibility and lower costs.
- Overland group tours – Traveling in a group across multiple safari destinations, often using tents or basic lodges. Companies like Nomad Africa and Intrepid Travel offer these trips.
- Public game reserves – National parks usually have budget-friendly accommodations like camping and simple lodges.
Mid-Range Safaris (US$ 3,000 – US$ 7,000 per person)
For a comfortable balance of experience and price:
- Lodge-based safaris – Stay in mid-range lodges with guided game drives in the Masai Mara (Kenya), Serengeti (Tanzania), or Chobe (Botswana).
- Small group tours – More personal than big overland tours, but still affordable compared to private safaris.
Luxury Safaris (US$ 7,000+ per person)
If you’re looking for an exclusive, high-end experience, consider:
- Private game reserves – Locations like Sabi Sand Nature Reserve (South Africa) and Okavango Delta (Botswana) offer luxury lodges, private guides, and open-vehicle game drives.
- Fly-in safaris – Instead of long drives, you can fly between remote camps in places like Serengeti or Zambia’s South Luangwa for a seamless, high-end safari.
- Luxury tented camps – Think spacious tents with king-sized beds, gourmet meals, and outdoor bathtubs with views of elephants drinking nearby.
Choosing the right safari depends on your budget, travel style, and how much adventure (or comfort) you’re looking for!
The Best Safari Destinations by Country
Africa is home to diverse landscapes, wildlife, and safari styles. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best safari destinations by country:
1. Kenya
Top Safari Destinations: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo East & West.
Best For: Big Five, Great Migration, budget to luxury options.
2. Tanzania
Top Safari Destinations: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Selous.
Best For: Great Migration, high wildlife density.
3. South Africa
Top Safari Destinations: Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands, Madikwe.
Best For: Self-drive safaris, luxury lodges, malaria-free options.
4. Botswana
Top Safari Destinations: Okavango Delta, Chobe, Moremi Game Reserve.
Best For: Water safaris, elephant herds, exclusivity.
5. Namibia
Top Safari Destinations: Etosha National Park, Skeleton Coast.
Best For: Desert-adapted wildlife, self-drive safaris.
6. Zambia & Zimbabwe
Top Safari Destinations: South Luangwa, Mana Pools, Hwange.
Best For: Walking safaris, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Final Thoughts & Tips
How Many Days Do You Need for a Safari?
At least 4–5 days is recommended to maximize wildlife sightings. If you want to visit multiple locations, 7–10 days is ideal.
What is the Safest Safari Destination in Africa?
Most safari destinations are very safe as long as you follow park guidelines.
South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia are particularly popular for first-time safari travelers.
Also Read: Things to Know Before Going on Your First Safari in Africa
Enjoy Your African Safari!
I hope this article has given you all the information you need to plan an African safari that is perfect for you.
If you love the idea of spending some time in Africa surrounded by wildlife, also check out my article about volunteering with elephants and hippos in Malawi.
And if you need even more travel inspiration, including unique African destinations, check out my article The ULTIMATE Bucket List: 14 Once in a Lifetime Destinations.
Also Read:
- How to Find Cheap Flights to Anywhere in the World
- Things to Do Before Going on Vacation (Besides Packing)
- Why You Should Use a VPN When Traveling
- A Two-Week Itinerary for South Africa
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very well explained.