Best Wildlife Safaris Africa: Wilderness Safaris Destinations
The Best Wildlife Safaris Africa and Wilderness Safaris Destinations. We’ve listed the best African Wildlife safaris to suit every traveler. Africa’s open plains boast some of the world’s most majestic animals.
Truthfully, few places on earth can provide a wildlife spectacle quite like the one found on this continent. It’s the best place for discovering beasts in their natural habitat. Learn more about what you’ll see on an African wildlife safari. We’ve listed the African Wildlife safaris to suit every traveler, whether it’s your first or third time in Africa, or whether you’re traveling on a Luxury or Midrange.
No experience rivals the serene crackling of expectancy as a pride of lions awakens at dawn, or the exhilarating thrill of pursuing wild dogs in full flight. A wildlife safari in Africa immerses you in the natural world, whether observing elephants bathing in a sunlit river, silently sitting with mountain gorillas in the Rwandan cloud forest, or witnessing the dramatic migration of thousands of wildebeest and zebras across the Serengeti.
The vast diversity of landscapes, habitats, and species ensures that no two safaris are identical. You may find yourself walking in Zambia’s secluded valleys, navigating a mokoro through Botswana’s Okavango Delta, or sitting alongside a Namibian waterhole, as rhinos emerge from the dust. It transcends mere enumeration of sightings; it encompasses the narratives, the tranquilly, and the profound awe of proximity to wildlife in their natural habitat.
Selecting the appropriate wildlife trip is contingent upon your desired observations and preferred mode of travel, ranging from exhilarating predator tracking to leisurely, contemplative viewing. The quality of your guide is as crucial as the destination, as their understanding, instincts, and narrative can elevate a good safari to an extraordinary one. We can assist you in crafting a journey according to your interests, whether it involves family participating in an inspirational experience in nature.
Our crew possesses decades of experience around the continent, and we have personally visited each camp we endorse. If you have a specific species or environment in mind, our Wildlife website features an interactive sightings map based on actual traveler data to assist in your search.
We have assembled a handpicked selection of Wildlife Safari itineraries, each crafted to highlight remarkable animal encounters across the continent. Whether you are an experienced safari enthusiast or embarking on your inaugural expedition, these experiences are designed to inspire and connect you with the essence of Africa’s wilderness.
Best Wildlife Safaris Africa
In Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and the Seychelles, you can find a variety of camps and resorts owned by Wilderness Safaris. In honour of their “30 years of wilderness” since its modest beginnings in 1983, this award-winning eco-tourism firm recently held a celebration. From their eco-friendly camps and lodges to their African safari operations, Wilderness Safaris currently offers the finest standards of service. Preserving unspoiled wilderness regions while distributing the economic benefits of tourists to nearby towns is their ultimate objective. Furthermore, by allowing visitors access to these untamed regions
tourists from around the globe, with the goal of preserving Africa’s rich animal and plant diversity for generations to come. For a long time, Wilderness Safaris has been a major role in the delicate environmental management of this unspoiled wildlife area, and the name Wilderness Safaris has come to mean high-end safari camps in the middle of Botswana. Premier Camps like Mombo and Vumbura Plains are at the top of the price and exclusivity scale, followed by Classic Camps like Chitabe and Kulala, and finally, Adventure Camps like Davisons’ and Linyanti Tented Camp are at the bottom. Additionally, Rwanda is home to two brand new and interesting camps: Bisate Lodge and Magashi. We have access to great rates since we are proud partners of Wilderness Safaris’ Botswana camps and hotels.
Best Wilderness Safaris Africa
Discover the most exhilarating wildlife tours in Africa, tailored to get you up close to nature at its wildest. Watch in awe as thousands of wildebeest brave the crocodile-infested waters of Kenya’s Mara River, descend into Tanzania’s awesome Ngorongoro Crater for an impressive density of predators and flamingo-fringed waters, or observe leopards in Zambia’s South Luangwa, home to one of the highest densities of these gorgeous big cats in Africa.
From the glittering rivers of Botswana’s Okavango Delta to the stark beauty of Namibia’s Damaraland, where desert-adapted elephants wander across stony plains, every safari delivers remarkable moments. Track wild dogs on the hunt, marvel at large herds of elephant, or even dive alongside whale sharks at Mafia Island’s marine park
Whether you’re a first-time tourist or seasoned safari-goer, each of the adventures in our Wildlife Safaris Collection can be tailor-made to suit your individual wildlife interests, travel style and sense of adventure.
Best African Wildlife Encounters
Enquire of anyone who has experienced a safari, and they will affirm that Africa’s most remarkable wildlife encounters are frequently the most unforeseen. It could be a group of banded mongooses scavenging for bugs near your tent, observing a hidden chameleon in a tree or a tranquil hour spent watching a juvenile elephant practise using its diminutive trunk at a waterhole. Animals, regardless of size, possess an inherent ability to astonish, ensuring that no two safaris are identical.
Certain events regularly astonish travelers—spectacles so extraordinary and memorable that they have attained legendary status. From resounding migrations to tranquil interactions with big apes, here are five exceptional animal experiences in Africa:
1. The Serengeti’s Great Migration
Over one million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and antelopes, pursue the rains in an extensive, perpetual cycle over the plains. The magnitude is not just astonishing; the accompanying cacophony and spectacle are also remarkable: river crossings swarming with crocodiles, lion ambushes amidst the grass, and the overwhelming sounds of grunting animals and hooves striking the ground. Experiencing it from a safari vehicle or a hot-air balloon at dawn is profoundly memorable, with each season presenting distinct highlights, ranging from calving in the south to crossings in the north. Consult our Migration map for the schedule of events.
2. Botswana’s Zebra Migration
Botswana’s zebra migration is a long, annual trek of thousands of zebras between the Okavango Delta/Chobe River and the Makgadikgadi Pans in search of food and water. The animals move from the nutrient-poor but lush Okavango Delta to the nutrient-rich grasses of the Makgadikgadi Pans during the rainy season (November-December) and return in the dry season (March-May). This is the longest land migration in Africa, covering up to 500 km round-trip.
The second-largest migration in Africa is more subdued, untamed, and significantly less recognised, yet equally remarkable. Tens of thousands of Burchell’s zebra traverse the arid pans of the Kalahari, driven by primordial instincts and the prospect of water. The scene is striking and otherworldly: zebras on salt flats, stirring up dust as they traverse a stark white horizon. This migration, characterised by a diminished number of tourists and a beautifully secluded environment, epitomises Africa in its most pristine form.
3. The Meerkats of Makgadikgadi Pans
The meerkats of the Makgadikgadi Pans are wild, habituated meerkats in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert that are accustomed to human presence. Visitors can have unique encounters where meerkats may climb on them, use their heads as a vantage point, or curl up in their laps, but they are not tame. These experiences are typically arranged through local camps like Jack’s Camp, San Camp, or Camp Kalahari, and are best during the dry season.
Although little, meerkats evoke some of the most significant smiles throughout a safari. In the Makgadikgadi salt pans, accustomed meerkat families do their daily activities undisturbed by human presence, engaging in foraging, play-fighting, and occasionally utilising human visitors as lookout perches. Remain stationary as the sun ascends and these inquisitive beings surface from their burrows to bask and commence their daily foraging: a serene, playful, and peculiarly dynamic interaction in one of Africa’s most surreal environments.
4. Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas
Rwanda’s mountain gorillas are a conservation success story, with the population increasing to over 1,000 individuals due to anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, and sustainable tourism. Located in the Virunga Mountains’ Volcanoes National Park, these endangered primates can be viewed through regulated gorilla trekking, a popular tourist activity that funds conservation efforts and community development. Visitors can expect to trek through forests, with permits, rules, and health restrictions in place to protect the gorillas.
Few, if any, wildlife experiences compare to the instant you lock eyes with a mountain gorilla. Trekking through Rwanda’s lush volcanic slopes is a delight in itself, but coming face-to-face with a silverback the size of a fridge, or witnessing a baby crash through the ferns, is simply awe-inspiring. You’ll only spend an hour with them—but the intimacy, intelligence and gentleness of these big apes leaves a lifelong effect. It is completely enchanting and humbling.
6. The Wild Dogs in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools
Mana Pools is known for its unique opportunities to see wild dogs, including the possibility of walking with them, although the population has faced recent declines. Conservation efforts, like the relocation of the Mpindo pack from Hwange, are underway to boost the numbers and secure the species’ future in the park. Other conservation challenges for wild dogs in the area and globally include habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and disease.
Mana Pools is among the premier locations on the continent to view African wild dogs, a species that is both endangered and remarkably thrilling to witness. This experience is distinguished not only by the opportunity to track them on foot but also by the profound expertise of the guides, who are familiar with each individual dog, their lineage, temperament, and narrative. David Attenborough selected this crew and area for the filming of wild dogs for a specific reason. However, for anyone, witnessing a pack enthusiastically rally for the hunt, pups engaging in playful combat on the sand, or a successful chase transpiring is an exhilarating, heart-racing experience.
7. A Walk on the Wildside in Hwange National Park
“A Walk on the Wildside in Hwange National Park” refers to an immersive, guided walking safari experience in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, which allows for a deeper connection with the environment than traditional game drives. This type of safari involves expert guides who lead guests on foot to observe wildlife, identify tracks, and learn about the intricate details of the ecosystem. It’s a way to experience the park’s raw nature, connecting with the landscape and its inhabitants on a ground level.
Walking through the bush, accompanied by some of Africa’s premier professional walking guides, evokes a distinctly primitive experience. In Hwange, the focus is not on pursuing grand sightings, but on mastering the interpretation of the bush: a tail flick, a footprint in the dust, the alert call of a bird. Encountering wildlife, whether a buffalo herd, a bull elephant, or a drowsy lion, evokes a sense of connection and vulnerability that is unparalleled when experienced from a vehicle. These are unequivocally among the most informed, interesting, and experienced walking guides in the safari industry.
8. Tracking Big Cats in the Okavango
Tracking big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs in the Okavango Delta is best done during the dry season, from July to early November, as the receding floodwaters concentrate prey and cats in smaller, accessible areas. Alternatively, the documentary series Big Cats 24/7 provides viewers with an immersive, real-time experience of following these cats, using cutting-edge technology like drones and low-light cameras to capture their lives day and night through different seasons and challenges.
In northern Botswana, safaris at Lebala Camp include both a guide and a specialised tracker positioned in the front of the vehicle. This duo establishes an alternative safari tempo—measured, intentional, and exceptionally proficient—demonstrating an engaging and efficient collaboration centred on interpreting cues in the sand and auditory signals in the wilderness. Monitoring lions, cheetahs, or wild dogs in this manner enhances the anticipation and exhilaration of each excursion, and the many successes evoke a sense of collective achievement.
9. The Leopards of Zambia’s South Luangwa
South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is renowned as the “Valley of the Leopard” due to its exceptionally high leopard population, making it one of Africa’s premier locations for viewing these elusive cats. The park’s abundant wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and the best viewing conditions during the dry season contribute to frequent and memorable sightings, with options like vehicle-based and, for the more adventurous, walking safaris.
South Luangwa is renowned for its leopards, and Kaingo Camp serves as an excellent site for observing them. The area boasts a substantial population of cats, knowledgeable guides, and stunning ebony groves ideal for photography, significantly increasing the likelihood of several leopard sightings. Observe their descent from treetops at twilight, their nocturnal prowling along riverbanks, or their repose with cubs in the golden morning light – it is the essence of safari aspirations!
10. The Elephant Herds on the Chobe River
The Chobe River in Botswana is famous for its massive elephant herds, especially during the dry season (May–October), when thousands gather to drink, swim, and play in the mud. This concentration is part of a larger migratory population estimated to exceed 120,000 elephants that move between Botswana and neighboring areas, and it’s considered one of the best places in the world to see large numbers of elephants. Boat safaris and river cruises are popular ways to witness this spectacle.
Drifting gently by boat while herds of elephants congregate at the water’s edge—drinking, bathing, playing, and socializing—exudes a sense of enchantment. Along Botswana’s Chobe River, one is frequently within earshot of them. Integrate this with groups of hippos, sunbathing crocodiles, and a golden sunset, and you have one of the most tranquil and picturesque methods to observe Africa’s wildlife.
African Wildlife Safari Destinations
An African safari is among the most exhilarating and fulfilling vacations one could possibly do. Experience the true essence of Africa with our customised safaris and excursions, featuring intimate interactions with the continent’s renowned wildlife and genuine cultural engagements.
The vast multitude of creatures will astonish you, together with the diversity of species and the accessibility of observing them. Alongside renowned game viewing destinations like the Masai Mara in Kenya, the Serengeti in Tanzania, Kruger National Park in South Africa, and the Okavango in Botswana, we possess extensive knowledge of some lesser-known sites where exceptional animal observation can be attained.
The continent simultaneously has a plethora of offerings: striking scenery, vibrant tribes, intriguing cultures, and an extensive array of outdoor adventures. We provide an array of exceptional African safaris, tours, and beach holidays from Morocco to Madagascar and Cairo to Cape Town.
A diverse array of hotel alternatives is available. Whether you seek an adventure in basic bush camps and lodges or desire to indulge in opulence at exclusive premium tented camps situated in great game viewing areas, we possess the expertise to curate the safari experience you desire.
We recognise that each traveler is unique, hence we customise our Africa safaris and vacations to meet your specifications. You select the destination and timing of your travel, as well as your accommodation preferences, and our knowledgeable experts in Africa will tailor an itinerary to align with your unique style, interests, and budget. We provide one or two guided set-departures annually for travellers that choose group travel.
1. Kenya Wildlife Safari
A Kenya wildlife safari offers opportunities to see the “Big Five” and other animals in famous parks like the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli. Safari packages vary in length and style, from budget-friendly trips to luxury tours, often including activities like game drives, cultural visits to Maasai and Samburu villages, and educational components on conservation. The dry season from June to October is ideal for wildlife viewing, especially for the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara.
Wildlife in Kenya: What Animals Will You See on Safari? Frequently recognised as the origin of safari, Kenya provides extraordinary experiences for both novice travellers and seasoned safari enthusiasts. As one of Africa’s premier places, a wildlife safari in Kenya offers abundant adrenaline and exceptional game viewing opportunities. What wildlife may one anticipate encountering in Kenya? Where can one observe lions in Kenya? This comprehensive resource addresses these enquiries and more regarding the wildlife in Kenya.
2. Tanzania Wildlife Safaris
A Tanzania wildlife safari offers incredible wildlife viewing, including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), in parks like the Serengeti, known for the annual wildebeest migration, and the Ngorongoro Crater, which has a very high concentration of animals. Other popular locations include Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and baobab trees, and Lake Manyara National Park, home to tree-climbing lions and flamingos.
Explore three of Tanzania’s renowned national parks and its remarkable wildlife, journeying from the picturesque Tarangire through the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater to the expansive plains of the Serengeti. Embark on game drives through golden grasslands and the largest preserved caldera in the world, with opportunity to explore Maasai culture and the country’s intriguing colonial history.
Tanzania is ideal for customised safaris, and we can create an itinerary that meets your specifications utilising road and/or air transfers, along with your selection of lodges, camps, or full-service camping. Tours may commence with a minimum of two participants on any day of the week.
This sample itinerary can be readily modified to align with your preferences. The expense of your safari will be contingent upon the duration of stay and the quality of lodging selected. Our customised safaris utilise exclusive vehicle access, making them perfect for private family excursions and small group travel.
3. Rwanda Wildlife Safari
A Rwanda wildlife safari combines primate tracking, especially for mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, with classic game viewing in Akagera National Park and cultural experiences. Key destinations are Volcanoes National Park for gorillas and golden monkeys, Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzees and other primates, and Akagera National Park for lions, elephants, and giraffes. Safaris can range from a few days to over a week, often including Kigali city tours and relaxation at Lake Kivu.
After walking since dawn, you are fatigued yet your senses remain heightened. You hear the grunts before visually locating a group of mountain gorillas dispersed throughout the thick foliage. The imposing silverback is nearby. You meet his gaze—he stares back, wide-eyed; it is the penetrating look of an intelligent, contemplative creature.
An encounter with wild mountain gorillas undoubtedly constitutes the premier wildlife tour in Rwanda. Approximately fifty percent of the global population of mountain gorillas resides at Volcanoes National Park, where the wildlife safaris are arguably the premier gorilla safaris in Africa.
The park, renowned due to Dian Fossey’s research and the film Gorillas in the Mist, provides meticulously organised gorilla safaris in small groups, conducted by knowledgeable, English-speaking guides. Observing such uncommon animals, which are among humanity’s closest cousins, is an unforgettable experience. Explore further information regarding gorilla trekking safaris and the many gorilla groups.
Two additional national parks also vie to provide travellers with the premier wildlife safaris in Rwanda. Nyungwe National Park’s vast tropical woods host numerous endangered species, including 13 primate species, such as silver and golden monkeys and chimpanzees, and we can arrange guided walking safaris in this area. Akagera National Park is also excellent for birdwatching and more conventional savannah species.
4. Uganda Wildlife Safaris
Uganda wildlife safaris have some of the most distinctive eco-adventures in Africa, providing more exclusive encounters than renowned safari sites such as Kenya and Tanzania. This lesser-known East African destination offers immersive adventures, discovery, and indelible memories with its distinctive combination of rare wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and sustainable experiences.
Uganda is a haven for environment enthusiasts, characterised by its unique and captivating ecosystems. The diversity, ranging from verdant rainforests to vast savannahs and glistening lakes, is sure to captivate you. These distinctive habitats offer uncommon safari experiences featuring endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions, an impressive array of endemic birds, and other species seldom observed in alternative locations. Essential destinations for your safari itinerary are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, renowned for its gorilla trekking; Queen Elizabeth National Park, celebrated for its traditional game drives and serene boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel; and Kibale Forest National Park, known for its unparalleled chimpanzee trekking experience.
