7 Best Places To Go On Safari In Africa

If you're trying to figure out the best places to go on safari in Africa, I’ve got your back. I’ve been lucky enough to explore some of the most iconic reserves and parks on the continent, and over the years, I’ve learned a few things I wish I had known before my first trip. Whether you're dreaming of the wide-open African savannas, hoping to see the wild cats of Africa, or just trying to plan an unforgettable adventure, this guide walks you through everything you need to know in plain, honest terms.

Safaris can feel overwhelming at first—so many parks, countries, seasons, and costs to weigh. But once you break it down, it's not as complicated as it seems. My goal here is to help you plan something special, something that suits your travel style, budget, and dream wildlife sightings.

Key Points Before You Book Your Safari

• Choose the right region based on what you want to see — Some parks are best for big cats, others for elephant herds or birdlife.
• Time your visit carefully — The best time for wildlife viewing isn’t always the most obvious or the most expensive.
• Don't overlook smaller parks — While big-name reserves get the attention, places like Lake Manyara in tanzania offer incredible diversity and fewer crowds.

Best Places to Go on Safari in Africa

Here’s where I’d start if I was helping a friend plan their first or fifth safari. These are the places that consistently blow people away.

1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The Serengeti really does live up to the hype. If you’ve seen photos of massive herds of wildebeest crossing rivers or lions lounging under acacia trees, chances are it was taken here. This is one of the most iconic African safari destinations for a reason. The Great Migration happens here, and it’s jaw-dropping—millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle on the move, with predators close behind. Even outside of migration season, the wildlife density is unreal, with lions, elephants, giraffes, and cheetahs easily spotted across the open plains.

The Serengeti also offers a range of lodging options—from budget-friendly tented camps to high-end luxury lodges, with prices typically ranging from $350 to over $1,500 per night depending on the experience you want. Flights into Kilimanjaro or Arusha are the usual gateways, and from there you can drive or take a short bush flight.

Pair it with a stop at Lake Manyara or Ngorongoro Crater for a more complete experience. These add variety to your trip, from lush forest habitats to dramatic volcanic landscapes packed with wildlife.

2. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger is massive and incredibly well-run. It’s great for first-timers because of the accessibility, paved roads, and the wide range of African safari hotels and campsites. You can do a self-drive safari here, which is rare in most parks and ideal if you’re trying to keep costs down. Budget-conscious travelers can spend as little as $100–$200 a day if self-driving and staying in rest camps, while guided private lodge experiences generally start at around $350 per day and go well beyond $1,000 at luxury properties.

If you’re flying into the Cape region, consider combining it with safaris from Cape Town for a full South African trip. It’s an easy add-on and offers a nice balance of wildlife, culture, and scenery.

3. Okavango Delta, Botswana

This one feels wild in the best way. You’re often exploring by mokoro (dugout canoe), gliding through reeds while hippos surface nearby. The Delta floods seasonally, creating a surreal landscape full of wildlife and birdlife. It’s perfect if you want a safari that feels immersive and far from roads and crowds.

It’s not cheap—expect to spend anywhere from $600 to $2,000+ per person per night for the full experience. But if you’re considering all-inclusive African safari vacations, this is one of the most unique and memorable options available.

4. Maasai Mara, Kenya

The Mara is the northern extension of the Serengeti, so you get similar wildlife and migration activity, including dramatic river crossings. What I love about it is how accessible it is—you can get there by a short flight from Nairobi—and how much cultural depth you get from the Maasai communities nearby. It’s an excellent choice for a first safari, especially if you want to combine wildlife with meaningful cultural experiences.

Lodges in the Mara vary in price but generally range from $300 to $1,200 per night, depending on location and comfort level.

5. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Etosha feels different. It’s arid, open, and strikingly beautiful. The waterholes are the heart of the park—just find a good one and wait. Animals come to you. It’s ideal for spotting rare species like black rhino and oryx, and you can also see elephants, lions, and giraffes in a very different landscape compared to the grassy savannas.

Etosha is very accessible for self-drivers, with camps and lodges ranging from budget-friendly ($150–$300 per day) to higher-end luxury options ($500+). It’s a good choice if you’re traveling independently and want to avoid tourist-heavy areas.

6. South Luangwa, Zambia

This park doesn’t get as much attention, but it’s one of my favorites. It’s especially known for walking safaris and leopard sightings. You’ll feel closer to the bush here—there’s something unforgettable about tracking wildlife on foot. Game drives are excellent too, with a good chance of seeing elephants, hippos, and big cats.

Lodging and experiences here lean toward mid-range and luxury, with most camps ranging from $400 to $1,200 per night. It’s more remote, so you’ll want to factor in internal flights and transfers, but the payoff is a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience.

7. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange is one of the most underrated safari destinations in Southern Africa. It’s the largest national park in Zimbabwe and home to some of the biggest elephant herds on the continent. If you want a chance to see huge gatherings of elephants, this is the place. But it’s not just about elephants—Hwange also has excellent predator sightings, including lions, leopards, and African wild dogs, which are rare elsewhere.

The park has a good mix of lodges and camps that cater to both budget and high-end travelers. Prices typically range from $250 to $800 per night. It also pairs well with a trip to Victoria Falls, which is just a few hours’ drive away, making it a convenient and scenic combination for a broader Zimbabwe adventure.

Planning Around Safety and Logistics

Safety is something I take seriously when traveling, and it’s a fair concern when planning a safari. Generally, safari areas are very safe because they’re so remote and tourism is a key part of the economy. That said, it’s worth researching the safest country in Africa to visit and choosing lodges or tour operators with a solid track record.

If you want to compare risks and read about what situations to be aware of, here’s a deeper dive into the most dangerous safaris in Africa.

What It Costs (And How to Budget Realistically)

A safari isn’t a budget backpacking trip, but it’s not just for the rich either. Costs can vary dramatically depending on the country, time of year, and how you want to travel.

On the lower end, self-drive safaris or overland group tours might cost around $150–$300 per day per person. Mid-range lodge-based safaris often range from $350–$600 per day, while luxury or fly-in safari camps can easily run $800–$2,000 per day or more.

I’ve written a full breakdown on how much safaris cost if you want a clearer picture of how to budget realistically based on your goals and travel style.

Other Safari Experiences Worth Exploring

If you’re looking for something a little different, there are a couple of unique safari experiences I’d definitely recommend checking out. If you're planning a romantic trip or celebrating a big life event, African safari honeymoons can be unforgettable. These trips often include private lodges, personalized game drives, and luxury touches that make the experience feel extra special.

Also, before you choose your safari destination, it’s helpful to browse through a comprehensive African safari animals list. It’ll give you a good idea of what animals are found where and help you tailor your trip to your specific wildlife interests. For example, if you’ve always dreamed of seeing African wild dogs or elusive leopards, certain parks are much better bets than others. Taking a few minutes to research what you really want to see can make a big difference in how you plan your route and where you stay.