There is nowhere else on earth quite like Africa. The continent feels alive in a way that cannot be explained, only experienced. Sunrises here paint the sky with colors you didn’t know existed, and nights are filled with the calls of animals you may have only seen in books.
For many travellers, a safari is a dream that lingers for years, waiting for the right moment.
Going on safari means stepping into nature’s story. It is where lions roam with quiet confidence, elephants move in gentle herds, and zebras stretch across the horizon in neat stripes of black and white.
Some safaris are wild and untamed, others blend luxury with adventure, but each one offers a window into a world that still beats to an ancient rhythm.
With so many choices, deciding where to go can be overwhelming. From the plains of East Africa to the deserts of Namibia, from gorilla treks in Rwanda to boat safaris on the Zambezi, each destination has its own magic.
This guide takes you through 50 of the very best African safaris, so you can find the one that speaks to your spirit and start planning a journey you will never forget.
East Africa: Best African Safaris
East Africa is where the best African safaris begin. From the golden plains of the Serengeti to the misty forests of Uganda and Rwanda, this region is a living canvas of wildlife and landscapes.
It’s here that travellers come to witness the Great Migration, trek through mountain jungles for gorillas, and marvel at elephants framed by Mount Kilimanjaro.
For many, East Africa holds the essence of the best African safaris, which are wild, timeless, and unforgettable.
1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti is one of the best African safaris for witnessing the Great Migration. Each year, millions of wildebeest and zebras surge across the plains in one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Watching the endless herds thunder across the land feels like witnessing the heartbeat of nature itself.
But the Serengeti is more than just the migration. Lions laze on kopjes, giraffes stretch their necks to feed on acacia leaves, and leopards lounge in tree branches. From golden savannahs to dramatic sunsets, every day brings a sense of wonder that lingers long after you leave.
2. Masai Mara National Reserve , Kenya
The Masai Mara is Kenya’s premier safari destination and the northern extension of the Serengeti ecosystem. Between July and October, the Mara hosts the most dramatic part of the Great Migration, as wildebeest risk their lives crossing the Mara River while crocodiles lie in wait. It’s raw, thrilling, and unforgettable.
Outside of the migration, the Mara teems with wildlife year-round. Elephants, big cats, and countless antelope roam the plains. Meeting Maasai guides adds cultural depth to the safari, blending wildlife with the traditions of people who have lived alongside it for centuries.
3. Ngorongoro Crater , Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater is often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Formed from a collapsed volcano, it shelters an astonishing concentration of wildlife in a natural amphitheater. Lions stalk zebras across the grass, elephants graze along the swamp edges, and flamingos turn the soda lakes pink.
Driving down into the crater at sunrise is a surreal experience, the walls tower around you while the floor unfolds like a living mosaic. It’s a safari that feels both intimate and grand, a microcosm of Africa’s diversity.
The Ngorongoro Crater stands out among the best African safaris for its sheer density of wildlife in a single, breathtaking space.
4. Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Amboseli is famous for its postcard-perfect view of elephants crossing the plains with Mount Kilimanjaro rising behind them. This combination of scenery and wildlife makes it one of the best African safaris for photography and quiet, unforgettable moments.
The open plains also support lions, cheetahs, and wildebeest, while the marshes attract a wealth of birdlife. On a clear morning, when Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak glows in the sunlight, Amboseli feels like the quintessential African safari dream.
5. Tsavo East & West, Kenya
Together, Tsavo East and Tsavo West form one of the largest wildlife areas in Kenya. Tsavo East is known for its vast plains and “red elephants,” dusted in the park’s rich soil, while Tsavo West offers dramatic landscapes of volcanic hills, lava flows, and springs.
Here you’ll find lions, leopards, and giraffes roaming a land that feels wild and raw. Few tourists make it this far compared to the Mara, so safaris in Tsavo carry a sense of solitude and discovery.
6. Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
Lake Nakuru once dazzled visitors with huge flocks of flamingos, and though their numbers have fluctuated, the lake remains a haven for birdlife. Beyond the lake, Nakuru is also one of Kenya’s best places to see rhinos, both black and white.
The park’s compact size means game drives often feel full of action. Lions and leopards stalk the acacia woodlands, while buffalo and giraffes graze the rolling hills. Lake Nakuru is a jewel of the Rift Valley safari circuit.
7. Selous/Nyerere National Park , Tanzania
Vast and wild, Selous, recently renamed Nyerere National Park, is Africa’s largest protected area. Unlike the Serengeti, it sees far fewer visitors, which means its landscapes of rivers, lakes, and miombo woodlands feel wonderfully untouched.
Here you can enjoy boat safaris on the Rufiji River, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the banks. With wild dogs, lions, and an extraordinary bird population, Selous offers a safari experience for those who want exclusivity and adventure.
8. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
Ruaha is Tanzania’s hidden giant. Remote and less crowded than the Serengeti, it rewards travelers with a sense of solitude and raw wilderness. Lions are especially plentiful here, sometimes seen in prides of 20 or more, along with elusive wild dogs.
The park’s landscapes are striking, dotted with ancient baobabs and cut by rivers that draw herds of elephants. It is a safari for those who crave authenticity, where encounters feel personal and untamed.
9. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Bwindi is one of the few places in the world where you can trek to see mountain gorillas. The journey isn’t easy, the forest is dense and the terrain steep but the reward is beyond words. Sitting quietly a few meters from a gorilla family, watching their human-like interactions, is one of life’s greatest privileges.
Bwindi is also incredibly biodiverse, with hundreds of bird species and rare plants. Its misty valleys and towering trees create an atmosphere of mystery and magic.
For travelers seeking gorilla trekking, Bwindi is one of the best African safaris because it offers both adventure and emotional connection.
10. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
This park offers a mix of savannah, wetlands, and crater lakes, making it one of Uganda’s most diverse safari destinations. In the Ishasha sector, lions are known for climbing fig trees, a behavior rarely seen elsewhere.
Boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel bring you close to elephants, buffalo, and hippos cooling in the water. With over 600 bird species, Queen Elizabeth is a paradise for both wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
11. Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania
Lake Manyara may be small, but it packs a punch. Its tree-climbing lions are the star attraction, while its alkaline lake attracts flamingos and pelicans. The surrounding forests shelter elephants and monkeys, creating a safari full of variety.
The Rift Valley escarpment provides a dramatic backdrop, making game drives here especially scenic. Manyara is often visited en route to the Serengeti, but it’s a destination that deserves time in its own right.
12. Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Tarangire is a land of baobabs and elephants. During the dry season, herds numbering in the hundreds gather along the Tarangire River, joined by wildebeest, zebras, and predators on the hunt.
The park feels intimate compared to larger reserves, with landscapes that glow golden at sunset. Watching elephants silhouetted against ancient baobabs is one of Tanzania’s most unforgettable safari scenes.
13. Mount Elgon National Park, Uganda/Kenya
Mount Elgon straddles the Uganda, Kenya border, offering both wildlife encounters and mountain adventure. Forest elephants, buffalo, and monkeys inhabit the lower slopes, while caves and waterfalls add intrigue.
Hikers are rewarded with sweeping views and unique alpine vegetation as they ascend. Mount Elgon blends safari with trekking, offering an experience that feels adventurous and refreshing.
14. Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania
Mahale, set on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, is one of the most remote parks in Africa. Its star residents are wild chimpanzees, and trekking to find them through thick rainforest is an emotional, life-changing experience.
The setting itself is magical—golden beaches along the lake, backed by lush green mountains. When you’re not tracking chimps, you can swim or kayak in the clear waters, adding a sense of balance and calm to the adventure.
15. Katavi National Park, Tanzania
Katavi is a park for safari purists. Remote and rarely visited, it feels like stepping back in time. During the dry season, waterholes shrink and concentrate animals, creating intense interactions between predators and prey.
Hippos pack into muddy pools in astonishing numbers, while crocodiles wait patiently for opportunity. Katavi’s remoteness means every sighting feels deeply personal and untamed.
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16. Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
Samburu’s rugged landscape is home to rare species found only in northern Kenya, including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk. Alongside these, elephants and lions thrive, making every game drive rewarding.
The Ewaso Ng’iro River is the reserve’s lifeline, attracting wildlife throughout the year. With the added cultural presence of the Samburu people, the reserve offers both natural beauty and cultural richness.
17. Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya
Ol Pejeta is one of Africa’s most important conservation sites. It’s home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth, as well as a large population of black rhinos. The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary also provides a safe haven for rescued chimps.
Game drives here bring sightings of lions, elephants, and wild dogs. What makes Ol Pejeta stand out is the chance to see conservation in action, where every visit directly supports wildlife protection.
18. Aberdare National Park, Kenya
Aberdare is a land of misty forests, waterfalls, and cool mountain air. Elephants and buffalo roam the dense woodlands, while leopards and elusive bongo antelope hide in the shadows.
Unique lodges near waterholes let guests watch wildlife at night, adding a magical twist to the safari. Aberdare feels mysterious, a world apart from Kenya’s open plains.
19. Mount Kenya National Park, Kenya
Mount Kenya’s slopes shelter elephants, monkeys, and buffalo, while higher altitudes reveal glaciers and unique alpine flora. For adventurers, it offers both wildlife and climbing opportunities.
The combination of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural significance makes Mount Kenya unforgettable. It is less visited than Kilimanjaro, but no less inspiring.
20. Meru National Park, Kenya
Meru is untamed and raw, a landscape of rivers, swamps, and savannah. It’s home to lions, rhinos, and elephants, as well as a rich bird population.
It’s also the park where Elsa the lioness from Born Free was released into the wild, adding a layer of history. Meru remains wild and authentic, ideal for those seeking a less commercial safari.
21. Shaba National Reserve, Kenya
Shaba lies beside Samburu and offers a rugged, volcanic landscape where wildlife thrives. It was once home to conservationist Joy Adamson, and the spirit of her work lingers here.
Lions, leopards, and elephants are common, alongside the “Samburu Special Five.” Shaba feels quiet and unspoiled, perfect for those who want solitude with their safari.
22. Laikipia Plateau Conservancies, Kenya
Laikipia is a collection of private conservancies where conservation and community come together. Black rhinos and wild dogs roam free, while lodges offer walking safaris, horseback riding, and even camel treks.
Because these are private reserves, visitors enjoy flexibility not possible in national parks. Night drives and cultural exchanges add richness to the safari experience.
23. Lake Baringo, Kenya
Lake Baringo is a freshwater gem in the Rift Valley, alive with hippos, crocodiles, and over 450 bird species. Fish eagles swoop dramatically to catch prey from the water, thrilling birdwatchers and photographers alike.
Boat safaris here are serene, balancing the intensity of savannah safaris with peaceful water scenes. The volcanic hills surrounding the lake complete the picture.
24. Lake Bogoria, Kenya
Lake Bogoria is famous for its hot springs and geysers, but it’s also one of the best places to see flamingos. Thousands gather here, turning the shoreline into a sea of pink.
The stark, arid landscape contrasts beautifully with the colorful birdlife. It’s a short stop, but one that leaves a vivid impression.
25. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes is Rwanda’s crown jewel, best known for gorilla trekking. Climbing through bamboo forests until you find a gorilla family is an experience that changes you forever. The silverbacks inspire awe, while the playful youngsters bring joy.
The park also shelters golden monkeys and lies against the dramatic backdrop of volcanic peaks. It’s one of Africa’s most unforgettable safari adventures.
26. Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Akagera is Rwanda’s Big Five savannah park, reborn after years of conservation work. Lions, rhinos, elephants, and leopards roam freely again, while hippos and crocodiles fill the lakes.
Boat safaris on Lake Ihema reveal abundant birdlife, and the park’s success story adds meaning to every visit. Akagera shows Rwanda’s wild side, balancing perfectly with its gorilla forests.
27. Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda
Nyungwe is a lush rainforest alive with primates, birds, and butterflies. Chimpanzee trekking is the highlight, offering glimpses of their energetic social lives.
Walking the canopy bridge above the forest feels surreal, with views stretching over treetops alive with movement and sound. Nyungwe is a sanctuary of green wonder.
28. Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Rwanda
Gishwati-Mukura is Rwanda’s newest national park and a powerful story of reforestation. Chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys live in its restored forests.
Visiting here supports both wildlife and local communities. It’s small, intimate, and deeply meaningful, perfect for travelers seeking impact as well as adventure.
29. Lake Kivu, Rwanda
Lake Kivu is a place of serenity, with blue waters framed by green hills. It’s not about lions or elephants here, but about slowing down. Fishing boats glide across the water, and birdlife thrives along its shores.
After gorilla trekking, Lake Kivu offers peace, reflection, and gentle beauty.
30. Kigali City Excursions, Rwanda
Even Rwanda’s capital has a taste of nature and culture that enriches the safari journey. From urban wetlands full of birds to visits to cultural centers, Kigali offers a gentle introduction or finale to Rwanda’s wild parks.
It reminds travelers that safaris are not just about wilderness, but also about people, heritage, and daily life.
31. Kibale National Park, Uganda
Kibale is the primate capital of East Africa, with 13 species including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys. Chimp trekking is thrilling, as the forest fills with calls and movement when you find them.
Birdwatchers also treasure Kibale, with species like the great blue turaco. It’s a forest safari that feels alive with sound and energy.
32. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda
Ziwa is where rhinos are making a comeback in Uganda. Tracking them on foot with guides is both safe and exhilarating—you creep through the grass until you find these giants grazing.
The sanctuary also supports antelope and abundant birds. It’s a place of hope, showing how conservation can restore what was lost.
33. Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Murchison is where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge and explodes in a thunderous waterfall. It’s a dramatic centerpiece for a park that also offers lions, giraffes, elephants, and hippos.
Boat trips to the base of the falls bring you close to crocodiles and birdlife, while game drives across the savannah round out the experience. Murchison is both powerful and peaceful, one of Uganda’s great safari treasures.
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Southern Africa: Best African Safaris
Southern Africa is where the wild stretches wide and varied, from Namibia’s deserts to South Africa’s legendary Kruger. Here you’ll find some of the best African safaris, combining luxury, culture, and wildlife encounters that stay with you for a lifetime.
34. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger is vast, wild, and endlessly diverse. With the Big Five, self-drive freedom, and luxury lodges, it’s no wonder Kruger is counted among the best African safaris. Every visit feels like a new adventure waiting to unfold.
It’s home to wild dogs on the move, giraffes silhouetted against the horizon, and hyenas calling at night. Game drives here are a masterclass in biodiversity, with each turn of the road offering something new.
What makes Kruger special is the choice it offers. You can self-drive and create your own adventure, or stay in luxury lodges where expert guides track elusive leopards for you. Whether it’s your first safari or your tenth, Kruger’s size and variety make it endlessly rewarding.
35. Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
Sabi Sands borders Kruger, but it feels more intimate and exclusive. The game reserve is counted among the best African safaris for leopard sightings, offering encounters that are intimate and unforgettable. With off-road driving and night safaris allowed, every experience feels personal and thrilling.
The lodges here are among the best in Africa, where evenings are spent dining under starlight with the sounds of the bush around you. It’s a safari that combines luxury with authenticity, giving you both heart-pounding wildlife encounters and moments of deep, quiet connection to the land.
36. Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
Madikwe is a reserve with a story, it was transformed from farmland into a thriving wilderness, proving that conservation can change everything. Today it’s home to the Big Five, along with rarities like wild dogs and cheetahs. The landscape is a mix of open plains and rocky hills, making game drives both scenic and rewarding.
Because it’s malaria-free, Madikwe is perfect for families and first-timers who want peace of mind. Add in the fact that it’s uncrowded compared to bigger parks, and you get a safari that feels both safe and wild.
37. Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Phinda is often called the “Seven Worlds of Wonder” because of its diverse habitats. From lush wetlands to dry savannah, every corner reveals something different, cheetahs sprinting across the grasslands, rhinos grazing quietly, or elephants moving through the forest.
The reserve is also a leader in conservation, particularly in rhino protection and cheetah reintroduction. Staying at Phinda means more than just seeing wildlife, you’re contributing to a bigger story of hope and renewal.
38. Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa
Addo was originally created to protect just eleven elephants, and today it shelters over 600. Watching them gather at waterholes, from tiny calves to towering bulls, is the park’s greatest joy. But Addo is also about lions, buffalo, and even whales and great white sharks just off the coast.
It’s one of the only places in the world where you can see the “Big Seven” such as lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, plus whales and sharks. Addo proves that a safari can surprise you in ways you never expected.
39. Marakele National Park, South Africa
Nestled in the Waterberg Mountains, Marakele is a park of contrasts, lush valleys give way to rocky peaks, and savannahs roll into deep gorges. It’s home to the Big Five, but its most famous residents are the Cape vultures that circle above in vast numbers.
Marakele feels untamed but also serene. Driving its winding mountain roads and then descending into plains alive with elephants and giraffes makes it feel like two safaris in one.
40. Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is one of the most unique ecosystems in the world, a vast inland delta that floods seasonally, turning dry plains into shimmering channels and islands. Exploring by mokoro canoe is one of the most intimate ways to connect with wildlife, and it easily ranks as one of the best African safaris for variety and atmosphere.
When the floodwaters arrive, the Delta becomes a magnet for life. Lions patrol the edges, hippos wallow in lagoons, and leopards move gracefully through the woodlands. It’s a safari that feels both gentle and dramatic, as if the land itself is alive and breathing.
41. Chobe National Park, Botswana
Chobe is synonymous with elephants. Nowhere else in Africa will you see such large herds, sometimes hundreds at a time, gathering along the Chobe River. Watching them cross the water at sunset is one of Africa’s most iconic scenes.
The park is also rich with buffalo, lions, and birdlife. Boat safaris on the river bring you close to hippos and crocodiles, giving you a new perspective on the wildlife. Chobe is both easy to reach and endlessly rewarding, often combined with a visit to Victoria Falls.
42. Moremi Game Reserve , Botswana
Moremi lies at the heart of the Okavango Delta and is known for its rich diversity of landscapes and animals. One day you might spot lions on the floodplains, the next leopards in riverine forests, and the next wild dogs chasing impala through open grasslands.
Because of its location, Moremi offers both land and water-based safaris, making it one of the most complete safari experiences in Africa. It’s a place where every day feels like a new story unfolding.
43. Tuli Block, Botswana
The Tuli Block is a hidden treasure along the Limpopo River, where rocky outcrops and giant baobabs dominate the landscape. Elephants, lions, and leopards roam freely, but what makes Tuli special is its sense of solitude.
With fewer lodges and visitors, safaris here feel private and personal. It’s a place for travelers who want wilderness without the crowds, and landscapes that feel both dramatic and ancient.
44. Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana
The Kalahari is a place of subtle beauty, you will see rolling dunes, endless skies, and surprising bursts of life here. In the dry months, gemsbok, springbok, and lions dominate the plains, while after rains the desert blooms with flowers and green grass.
This is also one of the best places to see black-maned Kalahari lions, their presence both powerful and haunting. The Kalahari is about resilience, and the way life thrives against all odds.
45. Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana
Nxai Pan is where open salt pans meet acacia woodland, creating dramatic contrasts. Wildlife concentrates here during the rainy season, when zebra herds migrate across the pans in one of Africa’s lesser-known spectacles.
The park’s landscapes are as memorable as its animals. The Baines’ Baobabs, which are ancient, giant trees captured in Victorian paintings, stand as sentinels over the vast white pans, giving Nxai Pan a sense of timelessness.
46. Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
The Makgadikgadi Pans are otherworldly, stretching in shimmering white emptiness to the horizon. Yet during the rains, they come alive with flamingos and migrating zebra, creating a surreal transformation.
It’s also one of the best places to spend time with meerkats, watching them stand alert as the sun rises over the pans. The sheer contrast between desolation and life makes Makgadikgadi unforgettable.
47. Etosha National Park, Namibia
Etosha is dominated by its vast salt pan, a shimmering expanse that seems to stretch forever. Waterholes scattered around the park act like magnets, drawing animals in turn such as elephants, rhinos, lions, giraffes, all gathering as if on stage.
Etosha’s salt pan and waterholes create some of the best African safaris for dramatic wildlife photography.
For travelers, this means game viewing is both easy and dramatic. Sitting quietly at a waterhole as herds approach feels timeless, as if you’re watching scenes that have unfolded for centuries.
48. Skeleton Coast, Namibia
The Skeleton Coast is wild, stark, and mesmerizing. Here, desert sands meet the cold Atlantic Ocean, creating a land of shipwrecks, fog, and haunting beauty.
Despite the harsh conditions, life thrives, the desert-adapted lions hunt along the shore, the seals crowd the beaches, and the jackals scavenge among the dunes. It’s a safari like no other, where landscapes are as compelling as the animals.
49. Damaraland, Namibia
Damaraland is defined by its rugged mountains, wide valleys, and desert-adapted wildlife. Elephants and rhinos survive in this arid environment, moving gracefully across the stark terrain.
The area is also rich in culture and history, with ancient rock engravings at Twyfelfontein offering a glimpse into Africa’s deep past. A safari here blends nature with heritage, creating an experience that is both grounding and inspiring.
50. Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
This is the home of Sossusvlei, where towering red dunes rise above white salt pans in one of Africa’s most photographed landscapes. Climbing the dunes at dawn, as the sun casts shifting shadows, is a moment of pure magic.
While the wildlife is subtle, you will see oryx and springbok moving across the sands, and the landscapes alone make it worth the journey. The Namib reminds you that safaris aren’t just about animals, but also about the beauty of the land itself.
51. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa is one of Africa’s finest wildlife havens, famous for its walking safaris. Here, guides lead you on foot, teaching you to read tracks, listen to bird calls, and sense the bush in a deeper way. It’s about intimacy, not speed.
The park is also known for its high concentration of leopards, often seen on evening drives. With the Luangwa River as its lifeline, the park feels wild and unspoiled, a place where safari goes back to its roots.
52. Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
Lower Zambezi sits opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools, and together they form one of the most spectacular wilderness areas in Africa. The river is the star here, you can go canoeing past elephants drinking at the banks or enjoy watching hippos yawn in the shallows is unforgettable.
The escarpment forms a dramatic backdrop, while the floodplains teem with life. It’s a safari that balances peace with excitement, perfect for those who want to feel immersed in the rhythms of nature.
53. Kafue National Park, Zambia
Kafue is vast and relatively undiscovered, making it a paradise for those who value solitude. Its landscapes range from thick woodlands to the wide-open Busanga Plains, where herds of antelope stretch to the horizon.
Cheetahs, wild dogs, and lions all roam here, but it’s the sense of space that stays with you. Kafue feels like Africa before the crowds—wild, free, and endless.
54. Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia
Remote and hauntingly beautiful, Liuwa Plain is known for Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration. Thousands of animals move across its grasslands, followed by hyenas and lions.
The park is also tied to the story of Lady Liuwa, a lone lioness who became a symbol of resilience. Today, lions thrive here again, making Liuwa both a wildlife spectacle and a conservation triumph.
55. Kasanka National Park, Zambia
Kasanka is small but extraordinary. Every November, it hosts the world’s largest mammal migration, not wildebeest, but fruit bats. Millions fill the skies at dusk, a natural wonder few have ever seen.
Beyond the bats, Kasanka is home to sitatunga antelope, elephants, and rich birdlife. It’s a park of surprises, where quiet moments turn into something unforgettable.
56. Bangweulu Wetlands, Zambia
Bangweulu means “where the water meets the sky,” and the wetlands live up to the name. Shoebill storks, with their prehistoric look, are the stars here, while black lechwe antelope gather in great herds.
This is a community-run conservation area, so your visit directly supports local people as well as wildlife. Bangweulu is about connection to land, water, and culture.
57. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest park, famous for its enormous elephant herds. In the dry season, waterholes become stages where elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffalo all gather, sometimes in astonishing numbers.
It’s a park of patience and reward, you just need to sit quietly, and let the wildlife will come to you. Hwange offers some of the most authentic safari moments anywhere in Africa.
58. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Mana Pools is wild and free, a place where you can walk or canoe among the animals. Elephants famously stand on their hind legs to reach high branches, while lions and wild dogs prowl the floodplains.
The Zambezi River sets the rhythm here, and its broad channels glisten at sunset. Mana Pools is a safari for those who want to feel completely immersed, body and soul, in the wilderness.
59. Victoria Falls & Zambezi National Park, Zimbabwe/Zambia
Victoria Falls is one of the world’s great natural wonders, where the Zambezi River plunges into a thunderous gorge. But the surrounding parks such as Mosi-oa-Tunya and Zambezi National Park, offer their own safari magic. Elephants, giraffes, and buffalo roam against the backdrop of the falls’ mist.
Boat cruises on the Zambezi, especially at sunset, combine wildlife viewing with awe-inspiring scenery. It’s a safari that balances adrenaline and serenity, much like the falls themselves.
60. Lake Malawi National Park, Malawi
Lake Malawi is a world of colorful fish, sandy beaches, and forested shores. Snorkeling or diving here reveals dazzling cichlids, while on land baboons and antelope move through the trees.
It’s a safari of water and land combined, where you can watch fish eagles swoop from the sky by day and relax on a quiet beach by evening. Lake Malawi is Africa’s softer, gentler side.
61. Liwonde National Park, Malawi
Liwonde is one of Malawi’s brightest conservation success stories. Elephants and hippos dominate the Shire River, while lions and cheetahs patrol the savannah. Boat safaris bring you close to crocodiles, while game drives reveal antelope and predators.
The park feels alive with growth and promise. Once in decline, it now thrives again, offering visitors both wildlife and hope.
62. Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi
Majete is a symbol of rebirth. Once devoid of wildlife, it has been restored into a flourishing Big Five reserve. Lions, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo now roam where none were seen a generation ago.
Its quiet atmosphere makes every sighting meaningful. Visiting Majete feels like witnessing history being rewritten, where conservation and community create a future as wild as the past once was.
Best African Safaris in Central Africa
Central Africa is home to rainforests and hidden treasures that redefine the best African safaris. Here, safaris take you deep into untouched wilderness where gorillas, forest elephants, and chimpanzees thrive under dense canopies.
It’s an adventure that feels raw and intimate, perfect for travelers who want to step away from the beaten path and experience nature at its most untamed.
64. Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo
Odzala-Kokoua is a rainforest jewel, a place where adventure feels pure and primal. Known for its western lowland gorillas, the park offers treks into dense forests where you’ll watch these gentle giants feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat. The feeling of walking among towering trees with sunlight piercing through the canopy is unforgettable.
But Odzala is more than gorillas. Forest elephants gather in natural clearings called bais, flocks of parrots fill the air with sound, and rare antelopes like the bongo step quietly out of the shadows. It’s a safari that shifts from suspense to serenity, revealing a side of Africa that few ever experience.
65. Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, Republic of Congo
Nouabalé-Ndoki is one of Africa’s last truly untouched rainforests. Here, you won’t find roads or large-scale human settlements, just endless greenery alive with gorillas, chimpanzees, and forest elephants. The park is often described as a “Noah’s Ark” of biodiversity, where ancient life continues largely undisturbed.
Walking beneath its massive trees feels humbling, as if you’ve stepped into a living cathedral. Researchers and conservationists work alongside local communities to protect this wonder, making your visit both a journey into nature and a contribution to its survival.
66. Dzanga-Sangha Reserve, Central African Republic
Dzanga-Sangha is famous for Dzanga Bai, a natural forest clearing where hundreds of elephants gather daily. Watching them interact, young calves splashing, adults trumpeting, tuskers showing dominance, is one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles on earth.
The reserve is also home to western lowland gorillas and a wealth of birdlife. What makes it even more meaningful is the chance to meet the Ba’Aka people, expert forest trackers who share their knowledge of the land. Dzanga-Sangha is not just a safari, it’s an immersion into both wilderness and culture.
Dzanga Bai makes this one of the best African safaris for elephant encounters, a spectacle few places on earth can match.
67. Loango National Park, Gabon
Loango is where rainforest meets ocean in spectacular fashion. It’s one of the few places on earth where you might see elephants and buffalo walking along pristine beaches, leaving tracks in the sand beside the waves.
The park is also home to chimpanzees, hippos, and even surfing hippos that wade into the Atlantic shallows. Whale watching adds yet another layer of wonder. Loango shows how Africa’s safaris can be both surprising and endlessly diverse.
68. Lopé National Park, Gabon
Lopé is a fascinating blend of rainforest and savannah, offering both lush jungle treks and open landscapes filled with wildlife. It is particularly known for its mandrill populations, the world’s largest gatherings of these colorful primates take place here.
Exploring Lopé means experiencing dramatic variety in a single day, forest elephants in the morning, antelope on the savannah in the afternoon, and a chorus of frogs and insects as evening falls. It’s a park that captures Africa’s ability to astonish at every turn.
69. Pongara National Park, Gabon
Pongara combines mangroves, rainforest, and beaches, making it a place where biodiversity thrives. It’s particularly special for its marine life, sea turtles come ashore here to nest, while dolphins play in the nearby waters.
Inland, monkeys leap through the trees and forest buffalo roam. The closeness to Gabon’s capital, Libreville, makes Pongara a rare combination of accessibility and natural richness. It’s a reminder that wilderness can sometimes be closer than you think.
70. Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
Virunga is Africa’s oldest park, filled with gorillas, chimpanzees, and even active volcanoes. Trekking here feels both wild and purposeful, cementing its place among the best African safaris for adventurous travellers.
The park is also home to chimpanzees, rare okapi, and hippos in Lake Edward. Virunga’s story is one of resilience, despite challenges, conservation efforts continue to protect its incredible biodiversity. Visiting Virunga is an act of both discovery and support.
71. Taï National Park, Ivory Coast
Taï is one of the last major remnants of West Africa’s primary rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site rich with rare and endangered species. It is particularly known for its chimpanzees, who use tools in remarkable ways, cracking nuts with stones.
The forest itself is enchanting, giant trees rise like pillars, and the air hums with the calls of monkeys and birds. Taï offers a safari unlike any savannah experience, one rooted in the mysteries of the forest.
72. Abokouamékro Reserve, Ivory Coast
This small but significant reserve was created to reintroduce wildlife to Ivory Coast. Here, you’ll find giraffes, buffalo, and antelope moving across rolling savannah. It may not have the scale of Africa’s bigger parks, but it represents hope and restoration.
Abokouamékro is also a peaceful place for birdwatching and learning about conservation in West Africa. It’s a reminder that every effort to restore nature adds to the greater mosaic of Africa’s wild spaces.
73. Waza National Park, Cameroon
Waza is Cameroon’s most famous safari destination, a park of wide-open savannah where elephants, lions, giraffes, and antelope thrive. Its wetlands attract migratory birds, creating a colorful spectacle alongside the larger mammals.
The park’s remoteness gives it an authentic feel, as though you’ve stepped into a safari world that hasn’t changed for generations. Waza combines the raw beauty of the Sahel with the richness of classic African wildlife.
West Africa’s Top Safaris
West Africa may be less known, but it offers some of the best African safaris for cultural depth and off-the-radar experiences.
From Nigeria’s Yankari elephants to Ghana’s Mole National Park and Benin’s Pendjari lions, the region surprises with diversity. Add in bird sanctuaries, wetlands, and marine adventures, and you’ll see why the best African safaris aren’t only found in East or Southern Africa.
74. Yankari Game Reserve, Nigeria
Yankari is Nigeria’s flagship safari destination, a vast reserve where elephants, baboons, and antelope roam freely. The Wikki Warm Springs are a highlight, their clear, warm waters inviting you to relax after a day of wildlife viewing.
The park offers a mix of savannah, woodland, and river valleys, creating habitats for everything from buffalo to roan antelope. Visiting Yankari is as much about the rhythm of the land as it is about the animals, you feel Africa’s wild heartbeat in every corner.
75. Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria
Nigeria’s largest national park, Gashaka-Gumti, stretches from lowland rainforest to montane grasslands in the Mambilla Plateau. It’s a park of extraordinary beauty, where mists cling to the hills and forests echo with the calls of chimpanzees.
Wildlife here is diverse and plentiful, you will see baboons, antelope, buffalo, and countless bird species. Its rugged, untouched landscapes make it perfect for adventurous travelers who want to explore a wilder, less commercial side of Africa.
76. Cross River National Park, Nigeria
Cross River is a sanctuary for some of Africa’s rarest primates, including the endangered Cross River gorilla. Trekking through its dense rainforest feels like stepping into another world, alive with butterflies, hornbills, and rustling monkeys.
The park is also rich in cultural encounters, as nearby communities hold traditions that are deeply tied to the forest. Cross River is both a conservation treasure and a place of discovery for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
77. Okomu National Park, Nigeria
Tucked within southern Nigeria’s rainforest belt, Okomu is a refuge for forest elephants and unique birdlife. Towering trees and quiet trails create an atmosphere of mystery, broken only by the sound of monkeys leaping through the canopy.
It’s a park that rewards patience. Whether you’re watching hornbills soar or catching a glimpse of buffalo in the shadows, Okomu reveals its secrets slowly, leaving you with memories of a rainforest alive with hidden wonders.
78. Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria
This park blends savannah and water, with Kainji Lake stretching into the horizon while hippos, crocodiles, and fish eagles thrive along its shores. Inland, herds of antelope and buffalo graze, watched by lions and leopards.
The variety of ecosystems makes Kainji a unique safari spot in West Africa. It’s a place where water and wilderness combine to create scenes both serene and dramatic.
79. Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands, Nigeria
A Ramsar-listed site, these wetlands are a haven for birdwatchers. Thousands of migratory birds such as pelicans, storks, and ducks, descend on the floodplains, filling the skies with movement and sound.
The wetlands also support local fishing communities, giving visitors a glimpse of life harmonized with water and wildlife. It’s a safari that’s softer and quieter, yet profoundly moving.
80. Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Nigeria
Afi Mountain is best known for its work protecting drills, a rare primate species found only in this region. Trekking here takes you through steep ridges and thick forest alive with butterflies, birds, and the rustle of monkeys.
It’s also a center for conservation and education, with local communities deeply involved in protecting their natural heritage. Visiting Afi Mountain connects you with both wildlife and the people safeguarding it.
81. Kamuku National Park, Nigeria
Kamuku offers classic West African savannah landscapes such as rolling grasslands, scattered granite outcrops, and groves of trees. Roan antelope, hartebeest, and baboons roam the land, while birdwatchers will find a wealth of species to enjoy.
Because it is relatively little known, Kamuku feels untouched. Safaris here are about solitude and immersion, where every sighting feels like your own discovery.
82. Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria
Old Oyo combines history with wilderness. Among its savannah and forest habitats lie ruins of the ancient Oyo Empire, giving the park a sense of depth and heritage. Buffalo, antelope, and monkeys roam freely, while eagles circle the skies.
It’s a place where culture and nature meet, reminding visitors that Africa’s safaris are not just about animals but also about stories and legacies.
83. Lekki Conservation Centre, Nigeria
Set in bustling Lagos, Lekki Conservation Centre is a pocket of wilderness where monkeys, crocodiles, and birds live side by side with city life. Its famous canopy walkway, one of the longest in Africa, offers sweeping views over the treetops.
It’s proof that even in urban Africa, there are sanctuaries of calm where wildlife and people coexist. A walk here is refreshing, inspiring, and a reminder of the value of conservation everywhere.
84. Zakouma National Park, Chad
Zakouma has become a symbol of conservation success in Africa. Once devastated by poaching, it now thrives again with elephants, buffalo, lions, and giraffes. Watching thousands of red-billed quelea birds darken the sky at dusk is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles.
Zakouma has risen from crisis to become a conservation success story. The park’s recovery story is as inspiring as its wildlife. A visit here is about more than sightings, it’s about witnessing resilience and the power of protection.
With elephants, buffalo, lions, and astonishing birdlife, it has rightfully earned recognition as one of the best African safaris for resilience and renewal.
85. Ennedi Plateau, Chad
The Ennedi Plateau is less about traditional safaris and more about landscapes that leave you speechless. Towering sandstone arches, deep gorges, and ancient rock art make this a cultural and natural treasure.
While camels and desert-adapted wildlife roam the sands, it’s the sense of timelessness that stays with you. Ennedi feels like a step back into prehistory, where the land tells stories older than memory.
86. Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal
Niokolo-Koba is a UNESCO World Heritage site, alive with lions, chimpanzees, hippos, and antelope. Its rivers and savannahs support one of West Africa’s richest ecosystems, making it a must-see for travelers seeking wild authenticity.
The park’s remoteness adds to its charm, this is a safari that feels raw and unfiltered, far removed from the well-trodden routes of East or Southern Africa.
87. Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, Senegal
Located on the Senegal River, Djoudj is a paradise for birdwatchers. Pelicans, flamingos, and herons gather in enormous flocks, turning the wetlands into a sea of wings.
The sanctuary is vital for migratory birds escaping Europe’s winters, and the sheer abundance is overwhelming. It’s a reminder that Africa’s safaris aren’t only about big mammals, sometimes, it’s the sky itself that tells the story.
88. Pendjari National Park, Republic of Benin
Pendjari is part of the vast W-Arly-Pendjari complex, one of West Africa’s last strongholds for elephants and lions. Its rolling hills and savannahs are wild and beautiful, alive with buffalo, hippos, and birdlife.
The park has been at the heart of conservation efforts, making every sighting feel like a victory. Pendjari shows that West Africa, too, has safaris of scale and grandeur.
89. Mole National Park, Ghana
Mole is Ghana’s largest national park and one of West Africa’s most accessible safari spots. Elephants are the stars here, often seen bathing in waterholes just a short walk from eco-lodges.
What makes Mole unique is the chance to do walking safaris, stepping quietly through the bush with guides as antelope leap away and warthogs trot across the path. It’s an intimate, welcoming safari experience.
90. Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau
The Bijagós islands are unlike any other safari destination. Here, marine life takes center stage, you will see manatees, dolphins, turtles, and even saltwater hippos inhabit the mangroves and estuaries.
The islands are also rich in cultural heritage, with the Bijagós people maintaining traditions closely tied to the sea. It’s a safari of water, culture, and wildlife, offering a fresh perspective on Africa’s diversity.
Best African Safaris in North Africa
In North Africa, the best African safaris look different. Instead of lions chasing wildebeest, you’ll find camels crossing the Sahara, Barbary macaques in the Atlas Mountains, and flamingos in Mauritania’s wetlands.
It’s a region where history and wilderness meet, proving that the best African safaris aren’t only about animals, but also about landscapes and timeless human stories.
91. Sahara Desert (Erg Chebbi & Erg Chigaga), Morocco
The Sahara is the very definition of vastness. At Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, towering golden dunes roll endlessly into the horizon, changing color with the light, burnished orange at dawn, glowing gold at sunset, and cool silver under the moon. Riding a camel across the dunes feels timeless, as though you’ve stepped into an ancient rhythm. This is is a unique twist on the best African safaris, reminding us that wilderness takes many forms.
Nights in the desert are just as magical. Beneath a canopy of stars, you’ll hear nothing but the wind shifting sand. It’s not about spotting animals here, it’s about feeling the immensity of space, the silence, and the serenity that only the Sahara can offer.
92. Atlas Mountains, Morocco
The Atlas Mountains rise dramatically from the plains, offering landscapes of snowcapped peaks, deep valleys, and cedar forests. Here, Barbary macaques swing through the trees, while eagles circle overhead. It’s a safari of a different kind, more about hiking trails, hidden waterfalls, and the charm of Berber villages that cling to the slopes.
For those seeking mountain trekking alongside wildlife, the Atlas belongs on the list of the best African safaris with a twist.
In spring, the valleys bloom with wildflowers, while in winter, snow dusts the peaks, giving the mountains a rare versatility. The Atlas is both adventure and tranquility, where culture and nature intertwine beautifully.
93. Souss-Massa National Park, Morocco
Souss-Massa is a coastal gem, home to the rare northern bald ibis. Watching these endangered birds take flight over cliffs and beaches is unforgettable. Beyond birdlife, the park’s wetlands and dunes provide sanctuary for antelope, wild boar, and a variety of smaller wildlife.
The park lies close to Agadir, making it accessible yet wild. It’s the perfect place to pair with Morocco’s cultural journeys, adding a touch of wilderness to coastal exploration.
94. Banc d’Arguin National Park, Mauritania
Banc d’Arguin is where desert meets ocean, creating one of the richest wetlands in the world. It’s a vital stop for migratory birds, with flamingos, pelicans, and ospreys filling the skies. The sight of countless birds feeding in shallow lagoons is breathtaking.
Traditional Imraguen fishermen still use sailboats here, maintaining practices that date back centuries. Banc d’Arguin offers a safari not of lions and elephants, but of birds, culture, and harmony between people and nature.
95. Tassili n’Ajjer, Algeria
Tassili n’Ajjer is a landscape of surreal rock formations, canyons, and prehistoric art. It’s a place where towering sandstone pillars rise from the desert like sculptures, and caves hold paintings that tell stories thousands of years old.
While wildlife is sparse, you may encounter Barbary sheep or desert foxes among the rocks. What Tassili offers most is awe, an overwhelming sense of standing where humans and nature have left their mark across millennia.
96. Aïr and Ténéré Reserves, Niger
The Aïr Mountains and Ténéré Desert together form one of the largest protected areas in Africa. It’s a land of contrasts: rugged mountains sheltering rare wildlife, and open desert stretching endlessly outward. Addax antelope and dama gazelle, critically endangered, find refuge here.
The cultural layer is just as rich, the Tuareg people, known as the “blue men of the desert,” live and travel across these landscapes. A safari here is about resilience of both people and animals and the stark, haunting beauty of the Sahara’s edge.
Best African Coastal & Marine Safaris
Africa’s coastline reveals another side to the best African safaris. From Mozambique’s coral reefs and dugongs to Botswana’s sacred Tsodilo Hills, these safaris combine culture, sea life, and landscapes that stir the soul.
They show that the best African safaris don’t always happen on land, they also unfold in turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and places where wilderness touches the sea.
97. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
The Bazaruto Archipelago is a paradise of turquoise waters, white sand dunes, and islands dotted with palm trees. Beneath the surface lies a world of coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, dolphins, and manta rays. This is also one of the last strongholds of the dugong, a rare marine mammal that drifts gracefully through the seagrass beds.
Life here moves at the pace of the tides. Days are spent sailing in traditional dhows, snorkeling in clear lagoons, or simply walking along deserted beaches where the only footprints are your own. Bazaruto is a safari of the sea, where wonder comes not from lions or elephants, but from the secrets of the ocean.
With dugongs, dolphins, and coral reefs, the Bazaruto Archipelago shows how the sea can also hold some of the best African safaris. Here, the safari shifts from savannah to ocean, and the magic remains just as powerful.
98. Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
Stretching along northern Mozambique, the Quirimbas Archipelago is a string of islands where history and wilderness meet. Ancient Swahili trading towns sit alongside mangroves, coral reefs, and beaches alive with crabs and seabirds.
Marine safaris here reveal turtles nesting on the sand, dolphins racing through the waves, and whale migrations in season. On land, you’ll find baobabs and traditional fishing villages that keep the islands’ timeless spirit alive.
The Quirimbas prove that the ocean holds some of the best African safaris, where marine life replaces savannah giants. It feels like a place where the modern world has barely arrived.
99. Gorongosa Highlands, Mozambique
The Gorongosa Highlands are a story of rebirth. Once ravaged by conflict, the area is now a model of conservation success, where waterfalls tumble through misty forests and rare birds call through the canopy. The park below, Gorongosa National Park, has become a symbol of resilience, but the highlands add another layer of magic.
Hiking through green hills and hidden valleys brings you close to monkeys, antelope, and a dazzling array of butterflies. It’s a safari that blends mountain adventure with the hope of restoration, showing how nature can heal when given the chance.
100. Tsodilo Hills, Botswana (Cultural Safari Highlight)
Known as the “Louvre of the Desert,” Tsodilo Hills is both a natural wonder and a cultural treasure. Rising suddenly from the Kalahari sands, these rocky outcrops are covered with thousands of ancient San rock paintings, some dating back more than 20,000 years.
Wildlife roams here too: kudu, duiker, and the occasional leopard among the hills. But it’s the spiritual atmosphere that lingers most. To walk among the paintings, with their depictions of animals and rituals, is to step into humanity’s oldest stories. Tsodilo is where culture and wilderness meet in the most profound way.
Final Thoughts
Africa has a way of changing those who journey across her lands. It is in the quiet gaze of an elephant, the sudden rush of hooves during a migration, the laughter of guides sharing stories around a campfire.
Safaris remind us that the world is larger, older, and more beautiful than we sometimes remember.
From gorilla trekking in Uganda to desert elephants in Namibia, the 100 best African safaris prove that Africa’s magic lies in its diversity. Each destination tells a different story, and together they create the greatest travel adventure on earth.
For those who dream of Africa, the time to go is now. The wilderness is waiting, and every sunrise promises a story that only you can carry home.
