Top 5 Safari Ideas in Africa

Safaris have become a tourism mainstay and are critical to the economy of Africa. Originally, the journeys were used as hunts, but now, a safari is an opportunity for people to see wildlife first hand in the natural habitat and take great souvenir photographs. These days safaris can get quite expensive, costing upwards of around $1,000 per night. There are more cost-effective ways to explore Africa, including self-drive tours, travel offseason, or stay at independent lodges. There are many permanent lodges and tented camps for visitors to travel between on their journey. But, the best way to go on safari for a real, authentic experience where you can see wildlife but not be as disruptive is to go on a Mobile Safari. Travel with a knowledgeable and experienced guide from location to location with only the necessary equipment. Here is a guide to the top safaris by country:

1. South Africa

South Africa is the top safari destination for tourists, particularly in the off-season from May to July. Kruger National Park in the northeast is the main attraction. Located just a few hours away from the main cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg, it is an easy drive to get to Kruger. The nearby Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve offers lodging and conservancies on site. Many companies offer luxury tours, including Singita Private Game Reserve and &Beyond. For a marine wildlife adventure, go to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve to see whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, and penguins. There is more to do in South Africa than just safaris. The Cape Winelands region offers vineyard and art tours. The Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO world heritage site, is a great place to see fossils. For a historical journey, go to Fugitives’ Drift Lodge for a tour of the 1879 Anglo-Zulu war battlefields.

2. Botswana

Botswana is quickly becoming one of the most popular safari destinations. The parks are a little more remote than in South Africa and the terrain is rougher, but the park fees are low and the government lodges are of fine quality, making self-drive tours doable. The Okavango Delta is the top park and still offers a luxury stay at Mombo Camp or Abu Camp, which is known for its elephant-back tours. The Kalahari Desert is huge. You can take a horseback safari in its Makgadikgadi Pans, or see the Bushmen in the Western Kalahari. Camp Kalahari is a family friendly lodge. To see large elephant herds, go to Chobe National Park in the northeast.

3. Namibia

Namibia is very spread out with great distances between its parks, It is known for its unique desert landscapes, rolling savanna, and coastal plains. The Namib-Naukluft National Park is the largest reserve in Africa. The Skeleton Coast National Park and Damaraland in the northwest are great places to see fossilized trees. Visit Fish River Canyon and Windhoek, and see black rhinos and cheetahs in Etosha National Park. Take a balloon tour over the Sossusvlei dunes. Many people fly between the parks, but there are also cheaper group tours available.

4. Zambia

Zambia is most famous as the pioneer of walking safaris. It has many reasonably priced accommodations. South Luangwa National Park is the country’s main attraction. On the north bank of the Zambezi River, there is Lower Zambezi National Park. You can take a canoe trip across the river. Some lodges can only be accessed by boat and offer river and fishing expeditions as well as game drives. Spot hippos and buffalo on your way to Victoria Falls.

5. Tanzania

The Serengeti, the site of the Great Migration, is one of the most well-traveled and overcrowded parks in Africa. But Tanzania is beginning to build up its less famous areas. In the remote territory south of the Serengeti, there is Lake Eyasi. In the jungle of the Mahale chimp habitat, you can stay in a hut by Lake Tanganyika. In the south, there is the mostly untamed Selous Game Reserve, where you can see a wildebeest migration and lions. The Ngorongoro Crater, with its volcanic, game-rich basin, Tarangire, and Arusha are top quality reserves. Visit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, or Stone Town on Zanzibar Island.

Tour Price

Our private tours typically range from $500 - $1000 per person/per night depending on chosen hotels and room categories, vehicles used, types of tours, flight cost, time of year and other factors. Make an inquiry for a customized trip quote.

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