.png)
If you're dreaming of an African safari, you're not alone. Safari travel is one of the most unforgettable experiences on Earth—where wild animals roam free, landscapes stretch endlessly, and every sunrise feels like a new adventure.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these are the best safari destinations in Africa to add to your bucket list—each offering spectacular wildlife, stunning scenery, and options for every travel style, including luxury safaris.
Stay until the end to learn about my own African Safari Experience!
1. Masai Mara, Kenya
Best for: The Great Migration & Classic Game Drives
The Masai Mara is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. It’s home to the world-famous Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebra make their annual journey across the plains (best seen between July and October). Even outside of migration season, you’ll find incredible wildlife viewing—lions, elephants, leopards, and more.
Luxury Safari Tip: Stay at Angama Mara, perched above the Great Rift Valley, offering sweeping views and top-tier service.
2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Best for: Vast Landscapes & Balloon Safaris
The Serengeti is what safari dreams are made of—endless plains, roaming predators, and sunsets that light up the sky. It’s the ideal place to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo), especially during the migration season. A sunrise hot air balloon safari adds a magical touch to the experience.
Luxury Safari Tip: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti delivers 5-star comfort in the heart of the action.
3. Okavango Delta, Botswana
Best for: Water-Based Safaris & Privacy
The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most unique ecosystems. Seasonal flooding turns this desert region into a lush, animal-filled oasis. Here you can take part in mokoro (dugout canoe) safaris, guided walking tours, and game drives—all in one trip.
Luxury Safari Tip: Vumbura Plains offers eco-luxury, private plunge pools, and a front-row seat to wildlife.
4. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Best for: Big Five Sightings & Accessibility
Kruger National Park is one of the easiest places to go on safari, with excellent infrastructure, private reserves, and some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa. It’s also a great choice for first-timers looking for a mix of adventure and comfort.
Luxury Safari Tip: Royal Malewane offers ultra-luxury, private guides, and gourmet cuisine in the bush.
5. Etosha National Park, Namibia
Best for: Unique Scenery & Self-Drive Safaris
Etosha National Park offers a different kind of safari experience. Its dramatic salt pans and wildlife-filled waterholes make for amazing game viewing—especially in the dry season. It's also one of the best places for a self-drive safari if you're feeling adventurous.
Luxury Safari Tip: Onguma The Fort is a stylish, remote lodge with panoramic desert views.
In 2022, I had the absolute privilege of traveling to Kenya with a group of 10—and it was truly the trip of a lifetime. From a private visit to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to a magical night at Giraffe Manor (yes, giraffes really do join you for breakfast!), every moment felt like stepping into a dream. We stayed at luxury tented camps that combined comfort with incredible wildlife access, and we were lucky enough to spot the Big Five during our game drives.
What made it even more special? I shared it all with my kids—and they still talk about it constantly. Watching their eyes light up at every animal sighting reminded me why I love doing what I do. Africa has a way of staying with you, and I can’t wait to help others experience that same magic.
Ready to Plan Your African Safari?
Each of these top African safari destinations brings something different to the table, from dramatic migrations and luxury tented camps to off-the-beaten-path adventures. Whether you're dreaming of a honeymoon, family trip, or solo journey, there's a safari experience with your name on it.
Want help choosing the right destination, season, and lodge?
Comments